2026 Academic Support & Student Well-Being Conference | Speakers

Beatrice Moise is a board-certified cognitive specialist, author, writer, national speaker, neurodiversity coach and consultant for both individuals and businesses, a featured expert for NBC News, and the neurodivergent expert for Verizon.

She is also the author of Our Neurodivergent Journey, The Neurodivergent Home, and Neurodiversity and Technology. These books offer guidance, personal insights, and practical advice for parents navigating the challenges and rewards of raising children.

Through her books, workshops, and speaking engagements, Bea aims to promote a greater understanding of neurodiversity and to encourage empathy and support for both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals.

Sandra Nagy has dedicated her career to driving innovation and building effective organizational strategy. With 20+ years of experience, Nagy has designed, developed, and delivered hundreds of learning opportunities to thousands of employees and educators. Nagy leads the Education Practice at Future Design School, building strong academic partnerships with school leaders that help to drive their strategic priorities through consulting support, professional development, and efficacious curriculum resources. Nagy’s educational background includes a Master’s in Education from Harvard University focused on Technology in Education and a Bachelor of Commerce focused on Organizational Behavior and Entrepreneurship from McGill University.

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Sarah Prevette has developed transformational strategy for some of the world’s most renowned brands including Google and Apple. Globally recognized for her work in human-centered design and entrepreneurship, she is proud to work alongside an incredible team on transforming education.

Prevette’s organization, Future Design School, has led strategic work in over 65 countries and is at the forefront of AI adoption. The Founder of popular technology news site, BetaKit, Prevette has an illustrious history of innovation as a serial entrepreneur, high profile investor, and strategic advisor to numerous organizations. She was recently honored with an Inspiring Leader Award for her visionary leadership, and her company was recognized as one Fast Company’s Best Workplaces for Innovators. She has been named by Inc. Magazine as one of the top entrepreneurs in North America and one of the “Top 20 Power Elite” by Canadian Business.

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Dr. Yaa Agyekum is a dedicated educator with nearly two decades of experience supporting students, families, and schools. She holds an Ed.D. in Educational Policy, Planning, and Leadership from William & Mary; an MSW from Virginia Commonwealth University; and a BA in Psychology from the University of Virginia.

She currently serves as director of the Center for the Advancement of Learning and assistant director of the lower school at The Steward School, where she oversees student support, guides faculty, engages families, leads the tutoring program, and supports admissions and testing. Dr. Agyekum is also a community embedded professor and field liaison at VCU’s School of Social Work, mentoring MSW students.

Previously, she worked for over a decade as a school social worker in Henrico County Public Schools. A certified trainer in Youth Mental Health First Aid and Restorative Practices, she remains committed to advancing student well-being, equity, and community engagement.

Amanda Allen is a learning specialist at St. Anne’s-Belfield School in Charlottesville, VA. Over the course of her career, she has taught in both public and independent schools and brings a wide range of classroom experiences to her work with students. She has taught courses spanning fifth-grade math through Pre-Calculus. Alongside her K-12 experience, Amanda serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Virginia, where she currently teaches a course on Curriculum and Instruction and has previously taught Elementary Mathematics Methods, supporting future teachers as they prepare for their own classrooms. She loves teaching math because it allows her to see, in real time, the impact a teacher can have on a student’s confidence and sense of self-efficacy. In her current role, she focuses on equipping students with strategies, support, and encouragement that help them grow as learners and thrive both academically and personally.

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Beth Allison serves as the assistant principal of instructional support at Silverdale Baptist Academy in Chattanooga, TN. She earned her B.S. in Exceptional Education (K-12) from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and her M.Ed. in School Leadership. Beth has dedicated her career to supporting students with disabilities and ensuring they discover a place of belonging in their local community.

Her passion for teaching began early—growing up in a family of educators, she spent countless hours as a child “playing school” with her baby dolls. That love for learning and teaching has only grown, shaping her calling to work alongside students, families, and teachers to create environments where all learners can thrive.

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Gaia Altshuler is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the social emotional learning and wellness counselor at Oaks Christian, where she has supported students in grades 4-8 for the past five years through skill-building and wellness initiatives. Along with colleague Tammy Kuku, she co-hosts the Oaks Christian podcast “In The Middle With You,” which explores the unique challenges and joys of middle school life. With experience in community mental health, she also runs a private practice, The Chrysalis Way, specializing in adolescents and parenting. Passionate about holistic approaches to mental health, Gaia is inspired by the courage of young people and is deeply committed to supporting them through their most transformative years.

Alisa Barnard has worked as a Humanities teacher, dorm parent, and coach, as well as in various administrative roles, at five different boarding schools over 25 years. She brings this experience, as well as patience, thoughtfulness, and a commitment to inclusion and collaboration to the complex work of community and institutional change.

A boarding school graduate herself, Alisa has a deep understanding of the way in which the experiences that young people have in their formative years resonate throughout their lives. It is an appreciation for the unique, impactful relationships that develop in independent schools that draws her to the work of prevention, survivor care, and institutional healing.

Alisa is a graduate of Colgate University and Harvard Divinity School and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Divinity with a focus on chaplaincy. She lives in Dublin, NH.

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Kelsey Bechtle is a learning specialist at St. Anne’s-Belfield School, where she works with Kindergarten to grade four students on reading, writing, math, and executive functioning, as well as chairs the Student Support Department. With over 10 of experience in the field, Kelsey specializes in differentiation for students with differing academic and behavioral needs.

Kelsey holds a masters degree in Early Childhood Education from the College of Charleston and is currently in progress to obtain an Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Virginia. Passionate about creative systemic supports for students, she continues to explore pathways for student support to enhance the learning experiences of all students.

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Brandon Boston currently serves as the director of Eagles Landing International, a summer camp that brings together students ages 7-18 from around the world for academic enrichment in language and global leadership, paired with a classic U.S. summer camp experience. He is also the founder of The Boston Group, an educational consulting firm that partners with schools and families to support student growth through faculty workshops, family guidance, and strategic consulting in both K-12 and higher education spaces.

Prior to his work in camp leadership, Brandon was the director of Lighthouse Point Academy at North Broward Preparatory School, a program designed to support students who learn differently. His background in special education and technology integration and his work supporting neurodiverse learners shapes the way he helps educators create inclusive, student-centered classrooms. Brandon is known for his practical, engaging approach and brings warmth, clarity, and insight to every workshop he leads.

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Sean C. Casey, M.Ed., M.A., is a seasoned educator, clinician, and advocate with over 25 years of experience in teaching, counseling, research, and student development. For the past 14 months, he has served as the student life dean at the Trinity Episcopal School, blending his backgrounds in education and clinical psychology to promote student health, well-being, and belonging.

With an undergraduate degree from Harvard University and advanced degrees from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Georgia State University, he brings deep expertise in human behavior, educational equity, and social-emotional development. As an educator, he has developed culturally aware curricula, led student affinity groups, and facilitated national conversations on climate, race, and inclusion. A skilled communicator and coalition builder, he has also worked as a counselor, coach, and researcher, focusing on the needs of diverse youth throughout his career.

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Mrs. Ginna Clute holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Masters Degree in Education specializing in Learning Disabilities from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Mrs. Clute has worked in special education for over 30 years. She has taught in both the public and private school systems, was a pediatric cognitive therapist for brain-injured children, and has worked as an administrator in the independent school setting for the past 22 years, always focusing on children with Learning Differences.

Currently, she is the division head for middle and upper school at the Fletcher School, a college-preparatory independent school in Charlotte, NC. Mrs. Clute has presented at local and regional conferences on strategies to differentiate instruction in the classroom for all types of learners.

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Dr. Crystal Doyle is an educational therapist, diagnostician, and board-certified cognitive coach whose work centers on the intersection of cognition, behavior, and learning. With more than two decades of experience across teaching, school leadership, behavior intervention, and private practice, she is recognized for her ability to translate research in learning science and applied behavior analysis into practical strategies that support diverse learners.

She holds a doctorate in Learning as an Applied Science and a double master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis and Learning and Instruction. Her professional credentials include Board-Certified Cognitive Specialist, Advanced Autism Care Specialist, and Montessori certifications at both the Pre-Primary and Primary levels.

Dr. Doyle has developed a distinctive, whole-child model of support that integrates diagnostic assessment with targeted interventions to address executive functioning, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, language-based learning differences, and other profiles frequently overlooked in traditional models.

Mark Driscoll has taught at Carolina Day School for 18 years, including 15 years as a multisensory math teacher at the Key Middle School, a division of the school focused on serving students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. In this role, he emphasized individualized, hands-on strategies that built both skill and confidence for diverse learners. As technology coordinator for the Key School, he helped faculty and students implement tools to enhance instruction and accessibility, integrating assistive technology that supported reading, writing, organization, and executive function.

For the past two years, Mark has served in the upper school’s Study Skills program, providing one-on-one academic support and helping students strengthen core executive function skills such as planning, self-advocacy, and time management. He is committed to fostering independence, adaptability, and resilience, equipping students with strategies that extend well beyond the classroom.

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Ashtyn Giller, MSW, LCSWA received her Master’s in Social Work from Appalachian State University with a concentration in School Social Work and Child Development. She has served as both a school-based clinical therapist and now the middle school counselor at Trinity Episcopal School, where she is dedicated to supporting the academic, social, and emotional well-being of students.

Prior to her current role, Ashtyn worked extensively with diverse populations in the adoption and foster care community, experiences that deepened her commitment to advocating for children’s mental health and overall development.

Kyri Harris consistently establishes a supportive, dedicated, and goal-oriented environment through which her clients/students thrive. Kyri is a bold and skilled leader committed to serving as the catalyst for joyful, excellent, and lifelong learning. She has a passion for enriching people’s lives through education, informed guidance, and a commitment to equity.

Kyri earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Hampton University, a Masters in Teaching from Emory University, and a Masters in Community Mental Health from Mercer University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Professional School Counselor.

Kyri empowers individuals to prioritize their well-being, embrace diverse perspectives, and reach their full potential. She believes obtaining and maintaining a healthy balance between your mind, body, and spirit will yield a truly fulfilled life.

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Susan is a dynamic educator with decades of experience in teaching, leadership, and curriculum development. She holds a Master of Education, a Georgia Educator Certificate with a Special Education endorsement and a gifted in-field endorsement.

Passionate about supporting diverse learners, Susan brings expertise in special education, teacher training, and executive function coaching to create practical, impactful solutions that help students thrive. Known for her ability to build strong relationships and inspire growth, she is dedicated to developing lifelong learners and empowering both individuals and organizations to reach their full potential.

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Tammy Kuku brings over 18 years of experience in education, with a career spanning athletics, student life, and school leadership. She began teaching Physical Education to grades 4-8, where she also led as director of athletics, overseeing ten sports programs and cultivating teamwork and growth among student-athletes.

Her passion for whole-student development led her to the high school level, where she spent six years as dean of student life, balancing accountability with genuine care for students’ well-being. Currently, she serves as vice principal at Oaks Christian Middle School, guiding students with a “care first” approach that empowers academic and personal success.

Tammy is also an engaging speaker, delivering the 2025 commencement address and leading parent events. She co-hosts “In the Middle with You,” a podcast that explores the unique challenges of middle school. She is committed to leading with vision, compassion, and integrity.

Dr. Michael Lomuscio is associate head of school for academic affairs at Carolina Day School in Asheville, NC. An experienced school leader, mathematician, and educator, he has spent nearly two decades at the intersection of teaching, leadership, and innovation.

Michael is widely recognized for his expertise in artificial intelligence and its implications for K–12 schools, having developed curricula, led faculty workshops, and advised national organizations on AI strategy and literacy. His work emphasizes both the promise and the risks of emerging technologies, always grounding the conversation in human-centered learning and ethical responsibility.

Beyond AI, Michael has overseen curriculum development across disciplines, supported faculty growth, and guided schools through complex organizational change. He writes the newsletter Fullstack Educator and speaks nationally on AI, leadership, and the future of independent schools.

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Tanya Lynch is the high school principal at North Broward Preparatory School in South Florida and the co-founder of The Boston Group, where she leads professional development for educators and partners with schools to support instructional growth and accessibility. With 22 years of experience as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, and consultant, Tanya specializes in creating inclusive, student-centered learning environments that emphasize high-quality instruction.

Her areas of expertise include Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Standards Based Learning, and cultivating school-wide cultures that support critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. Tanya is known for her clear, thoughtful approach and her ability to help educators turn research-based strategies into real-world practice.

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Anna Claire McKay has been the middle school learning coordinator at the University School of Nashville for over a decade. In this role, she partners with teachers, students, and families to develop evidence-informed learning habits and strategies that last far beyond the middle school years. Prior to this role, Anna Claire taught reading, writing and literature to elementary, middle, and high school students in public and private schools, both in Nashville and Japan.

Anna Claire’s current work is inspired by the intersection of cognitive science and everyday teaching and learning practices. She believes that both teachers and students can better reach their lifetime learning potential when they understand how learning happens in the brain. She sees that when school leaders make programmatic decisions through a “science of learning lens,” it brings clarity to the complex work of schools and allows faculty and families to flourish.

Michael Powell is an educator and school leader currently serving as the high school principal at The Howard School in Atlanta, GA. With over 15 years of experience in independent schools and museums, he has dedicated his career to inspiring students across various educational levels, from fourth grade through graduate school.

Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History from Virginia Union University and a Master’s degree in Liberal Studies from Loyola University Maryland. His diverse professional background includes roles as a museum curator of exhibitions, historian, lead teacher, and history department chair. Additionally, he has contributed to higher education as an adjunct professor and has played a pivotal role as the inaugural director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) for two independent schools.

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Dr. Ashley Pratt is the K-12 director of learning services at Battle Ground Academy (BGA) in Franklin, TN. With 22 years in education, she leads initiatives to strengthen curriculum, instructional practices, and academic support across all grade levels.

She began her career as a middle school mathematics teacher before joining BGA, where she has served as lower school teacher, director of innovative learning, academic dean, and assistant head of the lower school. In her current role, she focuses on advancing pedagogical excellence, fostering faculty growth, and ensuring alignment of learning experiences school-wide.

Dr. Pratt holds a bachelor’s degree in Education and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Tennessee, as well as a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Lipscomb University. She is committed to continuous improvement and preparing students to thrive in an evolving educational landscape.

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Emma Reardon is the co-founder of Elevate Solutions Savannah, an educational consulting business she co-founded after years immersed in supporting learners across grade levels from Pre-K through twelfth grade. She holds a Master of Science in Special Education with an emphasis in High-Incidence Disabilities from the University of Kansas and a Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership.

With experience in dyslexia, ADHD, executive functioning, and multi-sensory learning, Emma works with students, adults, businesses, and schools to apply research-based strategies in practical, impactful ways. She consults with organizations to strengthen leadership, build inclusive systems, and create environments where all individuals can thrive.

A lifelong learner, Emma is excited to share her approaches and ideas as a presenter at SAIS, supporting others in elevating learning and growth.

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Michele Rook serves as the middle school director of learning services at Battle Ground Academy, partnering with students, families, and faculty to support academic growth and ensure every learner has the tools to succeed.

With over 30 years of K-12 experience, Michele brings a diverse range of expertise to her work. She has been at BGA for eight years, serving as middle school librarian and remote learner coordinator before moving into her current role and has helped strengthen continuity of learning services across all three divisions. Prior to joining BGA, she was a school librarian, department chair, and textbook coordinator, and helped design a K-12 library curriculum integrating ELA and History standards.

She holds a Master of Library Science from Texas Woman’s University and a Reading Specialist Endorsement from the University of Tennessee–Martin. Michele is passionate about helping students succeed and collaborating with parents and teachers to support each child’s growth.

Kathy Sullivan is the director of professional learning at Hill Learning Center in Durham, NC. Kathy attended the University of North Carolina and North Carolina State University earning degrees in elementary education, special education, and school administration.

In her career, Kathy has had the opportunity to serve as an elementary school teacher, exceptional children teacher, and as a school administrator. At Hill, Kathy focuses on supporting educators in their instruction and professional growth, as well as sharing research-based practices with educators during workshops across the country.

Kathy has a passion for helping striving students realize their potential, particularly in executive functioning. Through many years of direct service, research and collaboration, executive function has become a cornerstone of her work with students, teachers, parents, and caregivers.

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Lindsey P. Whitsett, MS, EdS, is director of the upper school learning center and counselor at Webb School of Knoxville. She provides diagnostic assessments, individualized academic plans, and mental health counseling, supporting students with learning challenges and accommodations. Lindsey has streamlined support services and advanced equitable practices within the school. She also offers psychoeducational evaluations for adolescents, focusing on intervention planning for learning differences.

Lindsey’s experience in higher education includes serving as a learning specialist for the University of Tennessee and University of Kentucky Athletics Departments, where she developed academic programs and coordinated disability services for student-athletes. She has contributed to summer bridge and mentoring programs that help students transition from high school to college. Lindsey holds advanced degrees in Counseling Psychology from the University of Kentucky and is training as a Licensed Professional Counselor-Mental Health Service Provider.

Annie Zeberkiewicz teaches upper school study skills at Carolina Day School, where she helps students strengthen their learning strategies and academic confidence. She is in her 18th year of teaching and is Orton-Gillingham trained, as well as a Certified Academic Language Practitioner through ALTA. Annie has been drawn to supporting students with learning differences, recognizing through her years in the English classroom that there is more to helping struggling learners reach their full potential. Previously, she taught English and served as a language comprehensive teacher at The Key School in Asheville, NC.

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Ashley Zomalt, M.A. PPSC, is a dedicated mental health professional with over a decade of experience supporting at-risk youth and neurodivergent populations. Her work spans early childhood through adolescence, having served in school-based and community settings from preschool to high school. Ashley specializes in trauma-informed care, behavioral interventions, and inclusive counseling practices that empower students with a number of challenging Mental Health diagnoses. Her passion lies in creating safe, supportive environments where all young people can thrive, regardless of background or ability.

Ashley’s approach integrates developmental, cultural, and neurodiversity-affirming perspectives, and she frequently collaborates with educators, families, and multidisciplinary teams to drive lasting impact. She is a sought-after speaker, counselor, and author, known for her practical strategies and heartfelt commitment to equity and access in mental health care. At this year’s conference, Ashley will share insights and tools from her direct work with youth across the full spectrum of educational settings.

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