Presenters

2025 NCNC Keynote Speakers

Dr. Emily Mofield 

Dr. Emily Mofield is an Associate Professor at Lipscomb University, teaching courses in the Gifted Education and Advanced Academics Program and the Ph.D. and Ed.D. Programs in Leadership. With over 20 years of experience in gifted education as a teacher, district leader, and researcher, Emily is passionate about developing high-quality resources to equip teachers to identify, serve, and support gifted and high-potential students. Her work focuses on curriculum, differentiation, social emotional development, and collaborative teaching practices for promoting access and equity in gifted education. 

Emily has authored or co-authored a number of books, award-winning gifted curricula (with Vanderbilt PTY), articles, and chapters in the field and has been recognized by NAGC with the Hollingworth Award for excellence in gifted education research (with Dr. Megan Parker Peters). She has co-authored Collaboration, Coteaching, and Coaching in Gifted Education: Strategies to Support Gifted Learners with Dr. Vicki Phelps, recognized as NAGC Book of the Year (2021).  She has also recently co-authored A Teacher’s Guide to Curriculum Design for Gifted and Advanced Learners (2022) (with Dr. Tamra Stambaugh). Her newest books include Vertical Differentiation for Gifted, Advanced, and High-Potential Students: 25 Strategies to Stretch Student Thinking (2023) and Coaching in Gifted Education (with Dr. Vicki Phelps). 

Emily lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her wonderful husband, creative and caring daughter (6th grade), and darling poodle. She loves serving in her church, riding the Peloton (let’s be Peloton friends!), and playing Debussy on the piano.

Dr. Sandra Kaplan

Dr. Sandra Kaplan teaches the methods courses for the Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential. She is a consultant for several state departments and school districts nationwide on the topics of education for gifted students, differentiated curriculum in depth and complexity, and thematic interdisciplinarity.

Her research interests include recognizing and responding to the potential and abilities of young children of diversity through the development of non-traditional methods of curriculum and instructional practices. The application of advanced reading strategies designated for gifted readers to English Learners and Special Education students to affect their reading scores is currently under study. Curriculum appropriate to contemporary issues in teaching and learning in early childhood have been an integral feature in her efforts forward defining and implementing the concept of differentiated curriculum and instruction.

Dr. Kaplan’s most recent publication topically addresses redefining differentiation of curriculum to meet contemporary educational practices, instructional strategies, self-assessment rubrics, motivating advanced readers and giftedness in early childhood.

Sandra has received the Legacy Award from the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC). She was president of NAGC and the California Association of the Gifted (CAG), where she currently serves as chair of the Education and Advisory Committees.

2025 NCNC Breakout Session Speakers

Reginald Johns, Ph.D.

Dr. Reginald Johns is an award winning educational researcher, consultant, author, and gifted director who holds a passion for teaching and gifted education. He currently serves as the director of the Department of Academic Advancement and Enrichment for Hampton City Schools where he develops K-12 gifted programs, curriculum, and teacher training that connect best practices to innovative learning.

Dr. Cynthia Geary

Dr. Cynthia Geary holds a doctorate in Philosophy of Education with a specialization in students with special needs. She served in the United States Peace Corps for two and a half years, working in Maternal and Childhood health in Honduras, Central America. Returning stateside, she taught in a monolingual Spanish K-12 urban, public classroom for eight years before accepting an invitation to China as a Foreign Expert teaching English to students at the Hebei Institute of Technology in Shijiazhuang, China. The international experiences fueled her interest in culture and diversity in American education. Dr. Geary has taught in Southern California Teacher Education programs for 24 years, settling in at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona as an assistant professor. Her research areas include culturally and linguistically diverse population, and gifted youth. She delights in the instructing and researching the intersectionality of these interests. She is dedicated to preparing future teachers to cultivate the curiosity and wonder of gifted and talented K-12 youth.

Sarah Ghandil

My name is Sarah Ghandil and I am currently a Gifted Education Specialist and Adult Education Instructor with Suffolk Public Schools. Prior to this role, I taught seventh grade English and Social Studies, gaining valuable experience in fostering student engagement and academic growth. As a doctoral candidate at the College of William and Mary, my focus is on advancing educational research in the area of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support. I am deeply committed to empowering students for long term success, supporting all learners in reaching their fullest potential, and collaborating with educators and stakeholders to address the diverse needs of all children.

Elizabeth Greenwood, M.Ed.

Elizabeth Greenwood is a 4th Grade Center-Based Gifted Teacher in Chesterfield County Public Schools, where she develops creative, challenging learning experiences for advanced learners. With over 13 years in education, she is dedicated to fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and talent development in gifted students. She holds a B.S. from Virginia Commonwealth University and an M.Ed. from Longwood University and is currently pursuing an Educational Leadership Endorsement to further advocate for gifted students at the school and district levels. As both an educator and a mother of gifted children, she is passionate about advocating for the needs of gifted learners and ensuring they have access to challenging, enriching, and engaging educational experiences.

Dr. Jennifer Roach

Dr. Jennifer Roach earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Virginia Commonwealth University, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Clemson University, a Specialist in Education in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University, and a Doctorate of Education in Professional Leadership from Converse University. Her dissertation, "The Effect of Systematic Grammar Instruction on Academic Writing Ability," received the Dr. Thomas McDaniel Outstanding Dissertation Award for its potential to influence professional leadership in education. With over 17 years of experience as both a teacher and administrator, Dr. Roach currently serves as Principal of Riverside Middle School in Pendleton, South Carolina. Under her leadership, the school’s state report card rating improved from Average to Excellent, and it was recognized as a School to Watch by The National Forum for Advancing Excellence in the Middle Grades. Dr. Roach is also the author of "Getting the Gist of the English Language: Using Systematic Grammar Instruction to Improve the Teaching and Learning of Writing," published by Gifted Unlimited.

Jamie Schefen

Jamie Schefen is the Upper School Coordinator and Teacher Mentor at the Acera School in Winchester, MA. With ten years in education, Jamie has worked as both a teacher and administrator who specializes in serving the needs of gifted children.

 

Dr. Chandra Floyd

Chandra Floyd is a Clinical Assistant Professor and the Director of Curriculum at the Center for Gifted Education. With teaching and administrative experience at the P12 and higher education levels, Dr. Floyd's experience spans over 25 years. Her research centers on equity in gifted education. Under this umbrella, she examines gifted education’s relationships to the broader educational enterprise; leadership that advances equitable access to gifted education; and teacher preparation that results in not only instructional excellence but also robust advocacy for individuals, marginalized groups, and the field at large.

Jennifer Callison

Curriculum specialist Jennifer V. Callison has been in the field of education for 22 years, including teaching and training on the English Language Arts units developed by the College of William and Mary Center for Gifted Education. After having taught elementary and middle school students, she currently trains teachers, writes and edits curriculum, owns and operates a Code Wiz coding and robotics learning center, and lives in St. Petersburg, FL with her husband and two sons.

Dr. Patricia Costis

Patricia Costis leads NORSTAR, a gifted STEM program in Norfolk Public Schools. She received her doctorate at William and Mary in Educational Leadership/Gifted Administration. Her research includes the identification of gifted students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and she developed a team model for meeting the needs of 2e students in NPS. She has presented at state and national gifted conferences on topics including the IEP process for 2e students, 2e identification issues and advocacy. Dr. Costis’ primary focus centers on instructional and collaboration strategies to meet the needs of gifted and twice exceptional learners.

Elizabeth Christie, M.Ed., B.Ed., B.Sc.

Elizabeth Christie has been the Subject Coordinator for Social Studies, Fine Arts, and Enrichment for the Anglophone West School District in the province of New Brunswick since 2017. Elizabeth presents regularly on topics of civic education including segments on the CBC's provincial radio show - Shift NB. Passionate about meaningful inclusion, Elizabeth presents sessions with her colleague Derrick Grant about the opportunities of inclusion for gifted education. Together they have presented at the National Association for Gifted Children conference, as well as provincial, district, and school-based sessions.

Elizabeth Callan

Liz is the Culinary & Garden Educator with the School Health Initiative Program (SHIP) of the Williamsburg-James City County Schools, a program funded by the Williamsburg Health Foundation. For her, the most impactful aspect of her work is making the connection that "food grows.” She enjoys teaching kids (and adults) to grow vegetables and to cook with their harvest! Liz is an agronomist who was a Hillside Agriculture Peace Corps Volunteer in Honduras (1995-1997), an organic farmer in Troy, NY, and the grant writer for Habitat for Humanity Trinidad & Tobago. Liz serves as the Volunteer Coordinator on the board of the Williamsburg Community Growers, where the Teaching Farm grows for a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) and for donation to local food pantries. Liz also enjoys making soap for her microbusiness, Meadow Mermaids, and Irish dancing!

Kathryn Ann Hamlin-Pacheco, OTR/L

Kathryn Hamlin-Pacheco, OTR/L, is an occupational therapist, former teacher, author, and founder of the Brain Executive Program. She has combined her clinical knowledge with her experience as an educator to create this program, aimed at translating the neuroscience of sensory processing and integration to empower children, families, educators, and other key stakeholders in a way that supports success in everyday life. Her book, "How to Be a Brain Executive: And Get Sensory Sharp!" was a top Amazon release in two categories. Kathryn graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy, where she also worked with the Virginia Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities program to pursue her desire to be an advocate and leader in pediatric healthcare. She has presented her work internationally as well as written for OT Practice Magazine and Autism Parenting Magazine. She enjoys life with her husband, Justin, and their daughter, Mackenzie, wherever the military sends them.

Derrick Grant, BSc, BEd, M.Ed

Derrick Grant has been a Numeracy Subject Coordinator in Anglophone School District West, located in New Brunswick, Canada, since 2017. His role involves leading a team of Math Coaches to help teachers improve and expand their teaching practice in Mathematics from grades 6 through 12. Derrick also partners with his colleague Beth Christie in consulting with schools on developing individual plans for gifted students, and in delivering professional learning to teachers in the area of enrichment. Derrick and Beth have presented on Gifted education within the context of an inclusive system at NAGC, Provincial, District, and School based sessions.

Karla A. Stead, Ed.S

Karla Stead is a dedicated advocate for gifted/advanced academic services for all students and has served as the Senior Coordinator of Gifted Education and Academic Rigor Services at Norfolk Public Schools (NPS) since 2018. NPS is an urban district with approximately 27,000 students, where Ms. Stead has cultivated a diverse career that bridges leadership, communication, and instruction. Prior to her current role, Ms. Stead was the Program Director of the Leadership Center for Sciences and Engineering, a STEM-based high school specialty program. She holds a Master of Business Administration, an Educational Specialist degree in PreK-12 Administration and Supervision, and a Bachelor’s in Speech Communications/Public Relations. A career switcher, Stead transitioned into education after working in marketing and business sales with Sprint/Nextel in Kansas City, KS, and Reston, VA. She is married with two sons in middle and high school, balancing family life with her commitment to education.

Christan Martin

Christan Martin is a Gifted Education Support Specialist in Chesterfield County Public Schools. Christan has been in the field of gifted education for 24 years, previously serving Arlington Public Schools as an elementary classroom teacher and Colonial Heights Public Schools as a middle school gifted resource teacher. For the past nine years, Christan has supported multiple elementary and middle schools, including the county's elementary Center-Based Gifted Academies, as a gifted support specialist. Christan earned her Bachelor of Science in Family and Child Development from Virginia Tech, a Master of Arts in Teaching from American University, and a gifted education endorsement from James Madison University.

Dayna L. Walger

Dayna Walger is a Gifted Education Support Specialist in Chesterfield County Public Schools. Dayna has been an educator for the past 18 years, previously as a middle school teacher in Chesterfield County Public Schools and a gifted resource teacher in Colonial Heights Public Schools. For the past 3 years, Dayna has supported all middle and high schools in Chesterfield County as a gifted support specialist. Dayna earned her Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Secondary Education from West Chester University, a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction, and a gifted endorsement from Regent University. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership at Liberty University.

Heather J. Pinedo-Burns, Ed.D.

Dr. Heather J. Pinedo-Burns, Associate Head of Acera School in Massachusetts, brings over two decades of experience in gifted education and is guided by her dedication to innovative, inquiry-based learning and her passion for fostering the potential of gifted learners. Heather holds an Ed.D. in Curriculum, Teaching, and Educational Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University, where she also earned her M.A. in the Teaching of English. Heather holds a B.A. in English and Secondary Education from the College at Geneseo, State University of New York. Her career began as a middle school classroom teacher and literacy coach in public schools in Rochester, NY. Heather previously served as Head of Lower School at Speyer School, a K-8 institution for gifted children in New York, NY. Earlier in her career, Heather spent eleven years as the director of a lab school at Teachers College, Columbia University. Throughout her tenure at Teachers College, Heather also served as an adjunct professor, teaching graduate courses in gifted education, focusing on differentiated instruction for gifted children. Heather's research focuses on gifted education, nature-based learning, progressive education, and the role of wonder and play in learning.

Dornswalo Wilkins-McCorey, Ed.D.

Dornswalo Wilkins-McCorey, Ed.D. is a supervisor in the Department of Exceptional Learning in the Office of Gifted Education in Chesapeake Public Schools. The programs and services Dr. McCorey coordinates focus on underrepresented populations, leverages innovative technology, and provides extensive professional learning opportunities.

In her 26 years as an educator, Dr. McCorey has worked as a coordinator, gifted specialist, gifted resource teacher, and gifted teacher in Virginia. In 2006, she was selected as a Frasier Scholar for the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) and awarded the NAGC Coordinator of the Year in 2020. Most recently, she has been awarded the 2022 VA Gifted Leader of the Year. She earned her doctorate at Virginia Tech University in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. Currently, she serves as a NAGC At-Large Board Member.

Dr. McCorey serves the larger gifted community in numerous capacities. From 2015-2021, Dr. McCorey was a Region II representative on the Virginia Advisory Committee for the Education of the Gifted and served as the secretary for the committee. In 2021, she co-facilitated the NAGC Convention Task Force alongside Dr. Shelagh Gallagher. In 2022, she became a member of the NAGC Leadership Committee and the NAGC Equity Symposium Planning Committee. Currently, she serves as an officer in several organizations: the Virginia Association for the Gifted (VA Gifted) - Past President, Virginia Consortium Gifted Education Administrator Chairperson, and is on the Project E-Ignite Board, A Javits Grant Project. Additionally, she is a Supporting Emotional Needs for the Gifted Model Parent Gifted facilitator.

Sarah Haywood

Sarah Haywood has worked with gifted students and their families in Virginia for more than 30 years. She has been a classroom teacher, a gifted resource teacher, and a lead gifted resource teacher. She is currently the gifted program coordinator for the York County School Division in Virginia, a position she has held since 2004. Sarah served two three-year terms on the former Virginia Advisory Committee for the Education of the Gifted, and she is a board member of the Virginia Consortium for Gifted Education Administrators as well as the Virginia Association for the Gifted.

Kim Murray

Kim Murray is the Educational Partnerships Manager at Defined Learning, supporting schools in implementing career-connected project-based learning (PBL). A former art teacher and Director of School and Career Counseling from New Jersey, she helps districts align academics and career exploration with strategic goals. As a parent of three gifted children, Kim is passionate about gifted education and providing challenging, real-world learning experiences that prepare students for the future.

Allison Guilliams, M.Ed.

Allison Guilliams is a Gifted Education Support Specialist in Chesterfield County Public Schools. After beginning her career in Orange County Public Schools in 2007, she moved to Chesterfield County in 2009 where she has worked both as a general education and gifted education teacher. Allison moved into her current role as a support specialist in 2022 and is passionate about helping provide differentiated curriculum for gifted and high-ability students.

Amanda Nevetral

Amanda Nevetral is the Director for the Office of Advanced Learning at the Virginia Department of Education. The Office of Advanced Learning supports gifted education, Academic Year Governor's Schools, Summer Residential Governor's Schools, Summer Regional Governor's Schools, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Commonwealth. Prior to joining the VDOE, she served as a classroom teacher, gifted resource teacher, and gifted administrator in a school division outside of Richmond. She earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Virginia and achieved National Board Certification in Gifted Education in 2017.

Katie Plum

Katie Plum is a Gifted and Talent Development Resource Teacher in Williamsburg James City County Public Schools. She collaborates with classroom teachers to differentiate for students. Katie is completing her PhD in Curriculum & Instruction at William & Mary. In her co-authored book, Thinking Like a Mathematician, she challenges students to use authentic projects to investigate math concepts. Her research focuses on talent development in STEM fields and experiential learning. Outside of the classroom, Katie can be found learning to sail, adventuring with her 3 children, and seeking out the perfect cup of coffee.

Esther Gencheva

I am a former kindergarten teacher for 9 years with Baltimore City Public Schools where I taught in an inclusion classroom with a special educator where we consistently identified over 10% of my students as Gifted and Advanced Learners, many who were twice exceptional. I am currently an Educational Specialist in Baltimore City Schools Gifted and Advanced Learning office. I am also a mom to three twice exceptional sons.

Jessica Brown, Ed.D.

Dr. Jessica Brown is a Mathematics Specialist at the Virginia Department of Education. Prior to this role, she spent 13 years as an elementary classroom teacher, a mathematics interventionist, and an assistant principal. Her areas of interest include helping teachers incorporate the process goals into their instruction and partnering with families to support their children’s academic development. She is excited about supporting teachers and mathematics educators across Virginia as they implement the 2023 Mathematics Standards of Learning during the 2024-2025 school year.

Dr. George Fohl

George Fohl has served as an educator for over 20 years. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and General Science Secondary Education at Grove City College, earned his master’s degree in Gifted Education Curriculum and Instruction from The College of William and Mary, completed his post-Masters Certificate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Richmond, and graduated from Virginia Tech with his doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. He began teaching in Prince George County, VA as an eighth-grade physical science teacher at N.B. Clements Junior High School and also served as the junior high gifted program coordinator. After moving to Chesterfield County, he continued his career teaching middle school science at Bailey Bridge Middle School. George joined the Office of Gifted Education in 2015 and has served as the division’s coordinator of gifted education since 2017. He currently serves as a board member of the Virginia Association for the Gifted. George’s wife, Katheryn, is a pediatric ICU nurse, and they have four children.

Ann H. Colorado, Ed.D.

“A rising tide lifts all boats.” A believer in promoting high expectations and developing a challenging curriculum for all students to nurture student talent and create optimum engagement, Ann supports well-trained teachers, strong parent partnerships, and highly engaged students to ensure that gifted students, potentially gifted students, and all students thrive in school each day. Ann has been the Coordinator for Gifted Education and Talent Development in a suburban school division in southeastern Virginia since September 2019. Prior to her current position, she dedicated 18 years to instructing gifted students, two years as a high school Improvement Specialist, and four years as a high school and elementary school Assistant Principal. Her research areas of interest include the motivation of gifted learners, talent development, and student engagement. In addition to her K-12 work, she has taught Masters’ level gifted courses as an adjunct professor for the College of William and Mary and for Shenandoah University. She is honored to present some of her current work at her “gifted home” of William & Mary!