Dr. María Cioè-Peña, Associate Professor in Educational Linguistics at The University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education, is a bilingual/biliterate education researcher and educator who examines the intersections of disability, language, school–parent partnerships, and education policy. Taking a sociolinguistic approach and stance, she pushes and reimagines the boundaries of inclusive spaces for minoritized children. Stemming from her experiences as a former bilingual special education teacher, Dr. Cioè-Peña’s research focuses on bilingual children with dis/abilities, their families, and their ability to access multilingual and inclusive learning spaces within public schools. Her interests are deeply rooted in political economy, raciolinguistic perspectives and critical dis/ability awareness within schools and families.

Dr. Thea Woodruff currently provides support and professional development to Texas state-level partners, districts, and schools through the Tier Interventions Using Evidence-Based Research (TIER) initiative at UT Austin’s Create your own automated PDFs. Additionally, she collaborates with UT faculty to embed wellness practices in their classrooms and teaches at UT Austin. She was the lead author for the Texas Literacy Achievement Academies for grades K-5. She has created and delivered multiple reading and writing trainings for the state of Texas and several of its statewide initiatives, including Texas Reading First, the Texas Literacy Initiative, and Write for Texas.

Jennifer Hasser, M.Ed., is an internationally recognized speaker, trainer, and educational consultant in the fields of literacy and dyslexia. She is the founder and Executive Director of Kendore Learning, which provides literacy training, curriculum, and materials to educators. Jennifer’s passion for education began in the high school behavior disorder classroom, where she was awarded Special Education Teacher of the Year. Her ongoing interest in the literacy challenges facing schools led to the design, development, and implementation of comprehensive programs for public schools. Her training program and curricula are accredited by the International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council (IMSLEC) and the International Dyslexia Association. Jennifer is also the founder of Syllables Learning Center and the Kendore Cares Foundation, organizations that have helped thousands of struggling readers across the globe.

Nancy (Disterlic) Hannagan, M.Ed., with over 20 years of experience as an educator, speaker, and trainer, is one of the most experienced and successful educators in the field. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Development from the University of Oklahoma and a Master of Arts in Teaching (Multisensory Instructions) from Dallas Baptist University. Nancy is a Certified Academic Language Therapist, Licensed Dyslexia Therapist, and member of the Academic Language Therapy Association. As a person with dyslexia, a parent with children with dyslexia, and a professional dyslexia consultant, Nancy has unique insight and perspective. She offers innovative solutions and inspires creative strategies that help both students and educators build independence and confidence. Nancy is committed to leading through examples and inspiring collaborative efforts toward student academic, social, and emotional success. She is passionate about empowering teachers with the latest research-based, practical strategies so they can assist their students in reaching their full reading potential. Nancy loves to share her expertise in equipping students, parents, and school districts with the skills they need to develop academic and social independence.