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Presenters

The Center for Gifted Education at William & Mary is hosting its annual NCNC on March 27 & 28, 2025 at the School of Education in Williamsburg, Virginia. 

NCNC offers sessions on curriculum, instruction, research, strategies, programs, assessment, and advocacy for high-ability and gifted learners. NCNC provides networking opportunities; highlights special materials, practices, and curriculum approaches that are responsive to the needs of advanced students.

  • Research on Curriculum in Gifted Education or Talent Development
  • Curriculum Units or gifted/high ability learners
  • Differentiation for gifted/high ability learners
  • Culturally Responsive Curriculum
  • Talent Development Curriculum
  • Programs for gifted/high ability learners
  • Special Populations
  • Classroom / Instructional Strategies

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 Megan Parker Peters). She has co-authored Collaboration, Coteaching, and Coaching in Gifted Education: Strategies to Support Gifted Learners with 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 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 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 the Gifted (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.

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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. Mihyeon Kim

Mihyeon Kim is the Director of the Precollegiate Learner Programs at the Center for Gifted Education, William and Mary. She develops and implements academic services for K-12 students for various student populations, including Saturday, summer, and residential programs. Under her leadership, K-12 programs at the Center for Gifted Education, William and Mary expanded their educational services to international students. Her passion to serve diverse students led her staunchly committed to providing educational opportunities to disadvantaged students. She is eager to make a difference in the lives of high-ability students that may not have been given out-of-school educational opportunities.

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Dr. Ashley Y. Carpenter

Dr. Ashley Carpenter is the
 coordinator of the National Curriculum Networking Conference, an assistant professor of gifted education, and Director of Professional Development at the Center for Gifted Education at William & Mary. Dr. Carpenter was a middle school science teacher for 14 year, the last 6 in a gifted magnet in Florida. 



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.

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Jennifer Callison

Jennifer V. Callison has been in the field of education for 24 years, including teaching and training on the English Language Arts units developed by William & Mary's Center for Gifted Education. After having taught elementary and middle school students, she currently is the Assistant Director of Curriculum and Professional Development at the Center and trains teachers, coordinates curriculum revision projects, and writes curriculum. She 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.