TEAM

Sue Sava, MA

Lauren Amante

Lauren Amante is the Director of Professional Learning Programs and Events. She manages all programmatic events for professional learning locally and nationally. Prior to joining PEBC, Lauren worked in program and event management for an educational non-profit and in office management. 

Lauren earned her bachelor’s of art in history with minors in secondary education and political science in 2021 from Metro State University in Denver. 

When she is not working, Lauren enjoys spending time with her family and cheering on her son at all of his sporting events. 

Favorite children’s book: The Good Egg by Jory John

Dr. Katy Anthes

Krista Bratton

As the Manager of Enrollment, Krista recruits and supports qualified candidates through the selection process for PEBC’s Teacher Residency program.

Prior to her role at PEBC, Krista began her career as an educator because of a strong interest in social justice. She taught high school social studies in the Montbello community for 4 years and then transitioned to a middle school in the 27J school district for another 5 years. In her time as a teacher, she enjoyed supporting her students while also realizing the ever-increasing need to provide support for educators. 

Krista earned her Bachelor of Arts in behavioral science and her teaching license in secondary education from Metropolitan State University of Denver. After experiencing the disparities in education for English language learners, she returned to MSU for additional coursework in linguistically diverse education. 

Krista was born and raised in Colorado. She especially enjoys making memories in the mountains with her husband and their two kids. She also enjoys consuming all types of media, her favorite being fictional audiobooks. 

Favorite Children’s Book: A Wrinkle in Time

Miranda Brenner

Miranda Brenner started with PEBC as a Manager of Resident Development in 2023. She believes all students have the ability to learn and grow with the support of teachers who believe in them. Her role with PEBC allows her to tap into the potential of new educators and residents who will drive inclusivity and passion in the next generations of students. 

Her work with PEBC has been peppered through the years as a Mentor Teacher during her time as an Early Childhood Educator with Denver Public Schools. Miranda is also a 2012 alum of the Stanley British Teacher Preparation Program.

Miranda moved to Colorado from a tiny, rural upstate New York town in 2004, entirely on a whim. Since then she has embraced many incredible adventures including finishing her BA in Therapeutic Recreation and completing her MA in Early Childhood Special Education. 

Miranda spends as much time as possible in the mountains, on the river, hiking, traveling, and exploring with her husband, daughter, and dog. 

Favorite Children’s Book: Something’s Wrong!: A Bear, a Hare, and Some Underwear, by Jory John

Yunuen Cisneros

Yunuen Cisneros is PEBC’s Community Outreach and Engagement Manager, and supports the PEBC Teacher Residency in recruiting diverse and talented individuals to join the teaching profession and supporting the selection process.

Yunuen, was born and raised in Mexico City. When she was a girl, she attended the National School of Ballet, and started helping family members with their political campaigns at age 10. She has always been involved in social justice projects. She enrolled in the “Rescuer Program” at the Mexican Red Cross, where she was able to help injured people around the city in ambulances. Later on, she helped delegates of the International Red Cross, where she discovered her other passion: the study of human rights in armed conflicts. This was her inspiration to study International Relations at the National Autonomous University of Mexico.

Later she worked at the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of International Affairs. She also worked in the Youth Program of a political party and participated in Presidential and Senatorial campaigns.

Yunuen arrived in Colorado when her daughters were 2 and 4 years old. When her daughters began school she also began to learn the school system and saw it had very little inclusion, diversity and equitable education. This advocacy became a career for her, helping other families and students to close the achievement gap.

She is a proud “helicopter” mom of Yunuencita and Nina.

Craig DeLeone

Craig oversees business development efforts related to PEBC’s professional learning and teacher residency program opportunities including: job-embedded coaching, lab classrooms, courses and institutes. He manages both new and current customer inquires, writes and executes contracts, and works with clients on budgets and grant opportunities. Craig loves working with teachers and school leaders to develop professional development plans and bringing those plans to life.

Originally from Connecticut, Craig came to Colorado in 1996 to pursue his degree at the University of Colorado, Boulder. He currently lives in Denver with his wife, Karen and his 3 dogs. When Craig isn’t in the office, you can find him playing drums in his bands or hiking the Front Range.

Favorite children’s book: The Poky Little Puppy by Janette Sebring Lowrey

Emory Dinner

Emory Dinner supports all three arms at PEBC – Teacher Prep, Teacher Professional Learning, and Policy as the Director of Development. Emory’s fifteen-plus years of social impact experience include roles as the Colorado director for the international nonprofit, Soles4Souls and an Elementary Educator. At Soles4Souls, she developed, led, and oversaw all day-to-day partnership activities while executing strategies aligned with Soles4Souls’ business objectives to deliver maximum value to the organization.

Emory’s prior experience includes ten years as an elementary educator in Denver Public Schools, three of which she also served on the leadership team as a Senior Team Lead. Emory is passionate about developing opportunities that support educators.

Emory earned a certificate in International Development with a concentration on Monitoring & Evaluation from Regis University in conjunction with the Posner Center for International Development, a master’s degree in Elementary Education from UNC, and a bachelor’s degree from KU in Environmental Policy.

Emory is passionate about lifelong learning and learns best through conversation.  She enjoys international travel, the Redwoods, scuba-diving, drinking wine on Colorado’s sunny patios, and supporting her local community.

Emory’s favorite book: Everybody Needs a Rock by Byrd Baylor

Emma Ershow

As the Director of Special Projects, Emma (she/her) plays a key role in the design, coordination and implementation of the PEBC’s professional learning programs for educators and school leaders. With the goal of enacting each client’s mission and vision, she works with partners to develop an intentionally curated action plan that draws upon a system’s existing strengths and builds sustainability for on-going implementation of new structures. Alongside the other members of the Professional Learning Team, Emma supports the development of high-quality, asset-based trainings and coaching plans aligned with research-driven best practices, as well as the PEBC Teaching and Leadership Frameworks.

Prior to working at the PEBC, Emma’s passion for culturally responsive and relevant pedagogy flourished during over a decade of experience as a teacher, instructional coach, curriculum designer and training facilitator in New York City public schools. A strong advocate of data-driven, inquiry-based instruction, she believes that all children are capable of meeting rigorous goals in the classroom, especially when their identities, interests and cultural backgrounds are intentionally integrated and elevated. Her mission is to help spread effective mentoring and instructional practices to other life-long learners in the field, and to help design efficient and replicable structures to make teaching a life-long career for more individuals.

Emma holds an MA in Teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education and a BA in Social & Cultural Analysis from New York University. She loves to bake bread, play volleyball and spend time outdoors with her family.

Favorite Children’s Book: Today I feel silly (& other moods that make my day) by Jamie Lee Curtis

Teresa Goncalves

Teresa Goncalves is the Director of Recruitment and Alumni Engagement for the PEBC Residency Program. She works as a member of the resident team to attract high quality and diverse applicants to the program, facilitates the selection process and supports residents’ transition into full programming once they are accepted. Before joining PEBC’s team, Teresa began her career as an educator in the neighborhood of Montbello and remained there for nine years as an English teacher and an assistant principal. She loves this community deeply and the people there have inspired in her a lifelong pursuit of racial and educational justice. 

Teresa holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs with a minor in Anthropology – a field choice that was initially spurred by her interest in non-profit work. She received her teaching license from Metropolitan State University in Denver and hopes to soon return to school to obtain a Master’s degree in her true love – English and Literary Arts. 

When she is not working, Teresa is likely to be with her dogs whether she is hiking, trying to make plants grow, bopping around Denver or reading. She is aspiring to perfect the art of the boa bun, is completely smitten with being an aunt and loves to travel with her partner. 

Carolyn Gratton

Carolyn Gratton manages PEBC’s digital marketing and communication efforts both internally and externally. Her background in communications ranges from helping launch non-profit start-ups and small businesses to working in the public sector with the Colorado Department of Human Services and Colorado PERA. Her passion for educators stems from her own experience teaching children Spanish and working as an assistant elementary teacher in Denver.

Carolyn holds a bachelor’s from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in Spanish. She is a Midwest native but has also lived in New Mexico, Mexico and Spain. When she isn’t working in the digital space, she loves yoga, horseback riding and hiking with her husband, two little boys and their basset mutt to help offset her love of making and eating baked goods!

Favorite children’s book: The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush by Tomie dePaola

Heidi Gugler

Heidi Gugler joined the PEBC team in 2023 as a Manager of Resident Development for the Southern Front Range.  

She started her career in education as a 4/5 combination teacher at a bilingual elementary school in Norwalk, CA prior to moving to Colorado Springs. In Colorado, she served as the K-5 Spanish teacher until entering the world of middle school. During her 13 years in middle school, she taught language arts, math, science, and physical education before becoming an assistant principal. Her passion has been rethinking traditional, accelerated programming, with a focus on seeking out and developing more diverse representation in academically challenging programs as well as gifted and talented identification.

Heidi holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and elementary education as well two master’s degrees in teaching integrated natural sciences and educational leadership.  She is also licensed in teaching linguistically diverse learners.  

When not in school, you will find Heidi in the mountains or on the river with her wife and dogs.  

Her favorite childhood book remains Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls.

Rose Hagood

Rose Hagood leads day-to-day operations at PEBC where she implements and oversees organizational systems, processes and impact data. Rose provides strategic and operational direction as well as project management to PEBC initiatives, services, programs, and program evaluation. Rose has spent her career working for non profit organizations that make impactful social and cultural change. She has worked in a variety of education, cultural and arts organizations in Denver, Washington, D.C., and New York City. Rose has a master’s degree in art education from Indiana University and a bachelor’s degree in women’s studies and art history from Northern Arizona University.

When she’s not working, you can find Rose at the park or in the pool with her husband, two kids and two dogs, on a walk to the coffee shop, volunteering at her kids’ school, browsing a vintage clothing shop, or learning to quilt.

Favorite children’s book: The Paper Dolls by Julia Donaldson

Lindsay Hall

As the Manager of Resident Development, Instructional Lead, Lindsay helps to plan and facilitate the licensure coursework for pre-service teachers in the PEBC Residency program. Prior to joining PEBC, Lindsay worked as a high school social studies teacher. She holds Bachelor’s Degrees in Political Science and Advertising from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology from Colorado State University. When Lindsay is not working with residents, she is often cooking, water skiing and surfing, gardening, or exploring her beautiful home state with her husband, daughter, and two boxer pups.

Favorite children’s book: Corduroy by Don Freeman

Wendy Ward Hoffer

Wendy Ward Hoffer, PEBC’s Senior Director of Content Development and Publications, believes that math education is an important lever for civil rights activism. She designs and presents professional learning for teachers at all levels and across the curriculum focused on creating learning opportunities that honor students’ thinking. Wendy, a proud nerd, is the author of five books on teaching for understanding and the co-creator of PEBC’s math and science institutes, as well as many of our newest online courses. 

Prior to her work with PEBC, Wendy taught middle school math and science at Expeditionary Learning schools, where she earned National Board Certification. Originally from Los Angeles, Wendy is the daughter of an immigrant, attended Dartmouth College, and earned her masters degree in education from Stanford University. 

Wendy loves to swim, sing in Sanskrit, crush the New York Times mini-crossword and, above all, spend time with her teenage children.

Favorite children’s book: One Grain of Rice by Demi

Rachel Hubbard

Rachel Hubbard began her journey with PEBC in 2023 as a Manager of Resident Development with a focus on special education. Her passion to ensure all students have access to a high-quality and rich-resourced classroom environment drives her to advocate for the needs of new and seasoned educators.

Rachel holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and a masters in Special Education. She has had the privilege of teaching preschool, kindergarten, elementary and high school both in the U.S. and Central America. Each grade level offered the opportunity for her to implement her skills in special education and dual language instruction. Rachel also spent time in administration as a curriculum and instruction coordinator, and head of special education services. She values coaching and views it as an opportunity to lift individual thinking and reflection. This process leads to transformational practices in the classroom and school environment as a whole.

When she is not working, Rachel spends as much time as possible with her husband and two kiddos. As a family, they enjoy exploring new places, playing outside in the incredible Colorado weather and traveling to see family and friends. Rachel believes smiling and laughing are the best medicine for all ages! 

Favorite Children’s Book: Mother Bruce: Ryan T. Higgins

Amy Irvin

As the Director of Human Resources (HR), Amy Irvin has a deep passion for creating a positive work environment and fostering employee growth. 

Amy has a Journalism degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and is a certified HR professional and Master Certified Coach.  Amy strives to support the PEBC team through a wide range of HR functions, including employee relations, performance management, and compliance management. 

With a customer-centric mindset, Amy focuses on enhancing the employee experience, recognizing that happy and engaged employees lead to a more productive and successful organization. Amy understands that a strong company culture is the foundation for a thriving workplace, and she actively works to foster a positive and engaging work environment where the entire team feels supported and valued.

When she’s not working, Amy loves traveling and spending time with her loved ones, especially her two college-aged sons. 

Favorite Children’s Book:  The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Michelle Morris Jones

Michelle Morris Jones supports teachers, leaders, and systems to create professional learning opportunities that promote agency, ensure equity, and foster understanding for each and every learner.  She believes that learners deserve to experience learning opportunities that provide intellectual bite while being meaningful, asset-based, and culturally sustaining. 

As the Director of Professional Learning Design, Michelle supports action planning, course development, institute design, and publications that lead to learner inspiration and innovation. She co-facilitates the Thinking Strategies Institute, Making the Workshop Work, Impact Facilitation and teaches a handful of online courses related to the PEBC Teaching Framework.  When she’s not working with teammates or clients she is producing PEBC’s Phenomenal Teaching Podcast which strives to share the stories of how teachers, leaders, and authors are teaching for agency, equity and understanding. Michelle is committed to expanding her understanding of culturally sustaining and responsive pedagogy and bringing others into this important conversation.

She received her degree in Communication Disorders & Speech Science along with an Elementary Education Certification from CU Boulder. After teaching in a variety of urban settings Michelle earned a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction: Literacy, Language and Culture from CU Denver which elevated her understanding of the importance of creating equitable systems and structures for students and teachers so that everyone has access to high quality learning opportunities. 

In her spare time Michelle and her husband enjoy spending time with their young adult and teenage children, sports, gardening, and reading great books. 

Favorite children’s book: Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

Sarah Kappel

Sarah Kappel is an alumna of the PEBC Teacher Residency program. She completed the program in 2014 and returned to PEBC in 2022 as a Rural Manager of Resident Development, helping to prepare aspiring teachers in rural southwest Colorado for the classroom. 

Prior to PEBC, Sarah spent her career in education in various capacities. She joined the United States Peace Corps in 2010, where she spent 2 years serving as an English teacher and teacher trainer in a small rural town in Mongolia. Upon returning stateside, Sarah worked as an Early Childhood Educator at New Horizons preschool in Minneapolis. She also worked as a private tutor during this time, working with kids from kindergarten through high school. Sarah moved to Colorado in 2013, where she took part in the PEBC Teacher Residency Program. Sarah spent 8 years as a 4th grade teacher at Ignacio Elementary School before joining the PEBC team. 

Sarah earned her BA in English from Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota and her MA in Education from Adams State University. 

In her spare time, Sarah enjoys being with her family and exploring all the mountains, lakes, and rivers the southwest region has to offer. She is an avid reader, hiker, cook, and a committed life-long learner. 

Favorite Children’s Book: Sideways Stories from Wayside School

John Kearney

As Senior Director of School Partnerships for PEBC, John Kearney works closely with school and district leaders to bring high-quality professional development and alternative licensure pathways into their systems. His work centers on expanding access to the teaching profession—particularly for individuals historically underrepresented in education—and strengthening educator effectiveness, satisfaction, and retention through PEBC’s renowned professional learning offerings.

Before joining PEBC, John was a middle and high school social studies teacher in Aurora Public Schools where he also served as a mentor teacher for the PEBC Teacher Residency. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Corporate Communications from Elon University and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado Denver.

John enjoys college basketball, golf, and getting up to the mountains with his wife and daughter. 

Favorite children’s book: What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page

Moker Klaus-Quinlan

Moker Klaus-Quinlan partners with teachers, teams, schools, and districts through coaching, facilitation, and professional learning.  Relentlessly asset-focused, she has worked with K-12 educators across all content areas, in Colorado and nationally, since 2003. She leads the Effective Mentoring & Coaching Institute, co-facilitates the Math Institute, and is a designer/instructor for PEBC’s 45-hour CLDE relicensure course. She brings her experience teaching elementary and middle school, serving as a reading specialist, ELL/CLD coordinator, mentor teacher, instructional coach, and adjunct professor. Co-leader of PEBC’s Equitable Practices Initiative, Moker is passionate about engaging educators in the pursuit of student agency and equity and facilitating learning around culturally responsive/sustaining education practices.

Moker achieved National Board Certification in Early Adolescent English/Language Arts. She earned a Master’s degree in K-12 Literacy from California State University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from Brown University.  Moker loves rooting for her daughters at their sporting events and listening to audiobooks while walking her dogs.

Favorite children’s book: Life by Cynthia Rylant

Chessa Kendrick

Chessa Kendrick is PEBC’s Grants Manager. She serves on the development team liaising between PEBC’s finance and program teams. Her work focuses on streamlining grant processes and ensuring grant programs are operating efficiently and are fiscally sound. 

Prior to joining PEBC, Chessa was involved in contract and grant management and implementing quality assurance processes. Her diverse background also includes public health, health education, emergency preparedness and marketing.

Chessa earned a Master’s in Public Health with an emphasis in Health Policy and Administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Bachelor’s of Science in Public Health from Northern Illinois University. 

When Chessa is not working, she enjoys spending her time with her family and going camping.

Favorite children’s book: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr.

Evan Kennedy

Evan Kennedy has spent the past 10 years working with mission-driven nonprofit organizations in the education sector, helping develop the structures, processes, and partnerships that lead to positive outcomes for students and communities. At PEBC, Evan focuses on partnerships and sustainability for the PEBC Teacher Residency. Additionally, Evan represents PEBC on various statewide working groups and advisory boards, and in the policy space, helping to elevate the voice of teachers, business leaders, schools, and systems in support of legislation to strengthen Colorado’s K-12 system. Prior to joining PEBC, Evan served as Program Director for Playworks in Northern California.  

Originally from Middletown, Connecticut, Evan holds a bachelor’s degree in English and Political Science from Quinnipiac University, and was an Education Policy Fellow at the School of Public Affairs at UC Denver in 2018. A voracious reader and avid explorer, you can find Evan playing and relaxing in all corners of the Centennial State, especially if there is a good disc golf course nearby. He lives in Denver with his beautiful wife, their dog, and two increasingly feral children.

Favorite children’s book: Drawn Together by Minh Lê

Brittany Lang

Brittany Lang started in 2022 as PEBC’s Manager of Resident Development, Rural Lead. She believes in individualized instruction for all learners. She coaches and mentors others to take ownership of the learning and to, “learn as much as you can.”

Prior to PEBC, Brittany taught in the Cortez School District for ten years. From a 5th grade classroom to an 8th grade science lab, Brittany acquired a wide-range of skills to later be used as a Learning Lab instructional coach and 8th Grade Ambassador program director. She implemented many programs within her school to encourage students to step outside their comfort zone of learning. Ute Mountain Ute Science Night was designed for students to showcase their science knowledge on the Towaoc Reservation; the goal was to help bridge the gap between cultural groups within the Cortez community. She also created a robust Gifted and Talented Program and MakerSpace which produced a podcast and website titled, Water Matters.

Brittany earned her undergraduate degree from Fort Lewis College in interdisciplinary studies: elementary education. She is licensed to teach grades k-6 and is highly qualified in science, grades 7-12. Brittany also earned her graduate degree from Fort Lewis College in educational leadership where her thesis focused on culturally responsive pedagogy and its influence on student attendance.

In her spare time, Brittany enjoys working on her small-scale homestead. She grows most of her own food and raises her own livestock with her husband. They whitewater river raft as much as they can, fly fish the local rivers, and ski the snowy hills in the San Juan National Forest.

Favorite Children’s Book: We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom

Dr. Katrina Litzau

Katrina Litzau is the Director of Curriculum and Instruction with the PEBC Teacher Residency.  With a focus on culturally responsive pedagogy, she brings research based practices into the coaching and instructional spaces.  Katrina is committed to creating space for teacher residents to flourish into outstanding teachers.  

Prior to PEBC, Katrina served staff and students in Adams 12 Schools as a professional learning specialist, instructional coach, and intermediate teacher in Title 1 schools.  

Currently, Katrina is pursuing an Ed.D. in Leadership for Educational Equity at the University of Colorado – Denver.  The focus of her DRP is on the development of mentor identity centered on mentors in the PEBC Teacher Residency.  

Katrina’s reason for working for social justice is found in her daughter as she strives to create an equitable future.  She is the chauffeur for music lessons, theater rehearsals, volleyball practice and anywhere else her daughter needs to go.  In between, she might find a little to be creative, read, and cook for family and friends.

Favorite children’s book: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

Dr. Jessamyn Lockhart

In her role as the Executive Integration Officer, Jessamyn Lockhart oversees Professional Learning , Residency, and Operations for PEBC. This includes working with all of the brilliant urban and rural residency staff to ensure programmatic excellence and sustainability.

Jessamyn is a graduate of Stanley Teacher Prep and prior to joining PEBC in 2015, taught 1st and 2nd grade at Mountain Phoenix Community School, a Waldorf Charter School in Jefferson County. Jessamyn holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Tufts University, a Master of Arts degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Colorado, Denver and recently earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Denver. Jessamyn’s dissertation, entitled “Excerpts from Silence – Radical Critical Feminism and Adolescent Girls’ Social Emotional Development: A Case Study of Red River Middle School”, analyzed the ways in which dominant patriarchal structures in America influence our educational system and how schools can disrupt systems of oppression through intentional curricular choices.

In her free time, you can find Jessamyn and her husband introducing their young sons to all of the natural wonders of the outdoors through trail running, backpacking, and kayaking.

Favorite children’s book: Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson

Rachele McCawley Robertson

Rachele McCawley Robertson is PEBC’s Senior Director of Residency, Operations and Implementation. She collaborates with various residency stakeholders across Colorado to ensure support for PEBC Teacher Residents in their classroom placements through mentorship and coaching. Robertson joined PEBC in 2016 as a field coach in the Denver metro area.

Prior to joining PEBC, Robertson taught high school science at William Smith High School, a project-based Expeditionary Learning high school serving a diverse population of learners, in Aurora, CO. She was also formerly a resident in PEBC’s residency program and has served as a mentor teacher for two teacher residents. She knows firsthand the power of the residency model in preparing new teachers to meet the needs of their students and is extremely grateful that she gets to work to support new teachers entering the profession as her day job.

She earned a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Denver and holds bachelor’s degrees in molecular, cellular and developmental biology and advertising from the University of Colorado-Boulder.

Favorite children’s book: Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty

Andrea Mikulin

Andrea Mikulin is the Literacy Specialist for PEBC’s Residency team. Andrea views literacy as a fundamental human right and a key contributor to the well-being of both individuals and society at large. Literacy is a powerful tool in the fight against poverty, oppression, and disenfranchisement. Prior to joining PEBC, Andrea taught in a primary classroom for 10 years, and later served as a Literacy Instructional Coach and an Early Literacy Coordinator in Aurora Public Schools.

Andrea completed a Master’s of Arts in Reading Science at Mount Saint Joseph University, where she focused on effective early reading instruction for English-language Learners. She is certified through the Center for Effective Reading Instruction as a Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist. When not diving into reading research, she enjoys spending time with her high school- and college-aged sons, playing video games, and traveling internationally.

Favorite children’s book: The Proudest Blue, by Ibtihaj Muhammad.

Laura Morsch-Babu

Laura Morsch-Babu is PEBC’s Senior Director of Communications, and is responsible for the development and execution of PEBC’s marketing and communications strategy.

Prior to joining PEBC, Laura led public and private sector communications teams that supported children and educators at all stages of their lives – from early childhood through retirement.

Laura holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University and a master’s of public policy from the University of California-Berkeley.

Laura lives in Denver with her husband and two young children. These days, when she isn’t working she spends most of her time cooking one-handed or singing/dancing to something from the Encanto soundtrack. Laura also loves to travel, drink wine, take long walks, do karaoke, and practice taekwondo.

Favorite children’s book: Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery.

Annie Patterson

Annie Patterson, Senior Director of Education, leads the PEBC Lab Network and has led extensive work with schools and systems to develop classrooms that bring equity, agency, and understanding to life in K-12 classrooms both locally and nationally. She is a lifelong learner who focuses on designing professional learning that brings learning communities together to create classrooms worthy of students. Through facilitating and coaching, Annie works closely with teachers, instructional coaches, and district leaders to customize professional learning to increase student achievement for each and every learner. A co-facilitator of the Thinking Strategies Institute, Investigating Thinking Strategies, Annie also leads teacher inquiry groups that focus on argument writing. 

Annie joined the PEBC in 2002 and brings over 31 years of experience in education. A former middle school teacher, Annie taught Language Arts, reading, social studies and math. She earned her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, with an emphasis in Reading and Writing, from the University of Colorado. She is the recipient of the 2012 O’Rourke Award from Learning Forward Colorado for distinguished achievement in educator staff development. When she isn’t learning in a classroom, Annie loves spending time hiking with her family and her dog, Henry.

Favorite children’s book: The Three Questions by Jon J. Muth.

Frank Reeves

Frank Reeves is the Manager of Rural Growth and Partnerships for PEBC.  

Frank has been involved in rural public education for 33 years.  Frank grew up in Laramie, Wyoming. He attended the University of Wyoming,  majoring in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Social Studies, and then taught for 14 years in Nebraska, Wyoming and Colorado.  

After he received a Master’s in Educational Administration, he embarked on a career in school administration in rural Colorado, first as a high school principal at Clear Creek High School, followed by Wray High School.  In 2012 Frank became the Superintendent of Genoa-Hugo School District in Hugo, and in summer 2016, Frank became the Superintendent of East Grand School District in Granby, where he retired in 2022.  

Frank has served on numerous governing boards related to public education including the national Superintendents Association (AASA).  He has also been active on local and state-level boards and nonprofits that serve to support our citizens.  

When Frank is not working, he enjoys the outdoors, sports, travel and finding new breweries around the state.  

Favorite children’s book: The Tawny Scrawny Lion by Kathryn Jackson (because it reminds him of growing up much like the Tawny Scrawny Lion).

Dr. Ashlee Saddler

Ashlee Saddler is the District Support Chief for the University of Virginia, Partnership for Leaders in Education. Through UVA-PLE, Ashlee supports transformational school and district leaders as they work to strengthen, develop, and refine instructional systems to provide quality learning experiences for all students. Over the past 16 years, Ashlee has proven to be a successful leader and has served as a director, principal, assistant principal in the Aurora Public School district. Ashlee embodies hard work, dedication, and integrity while creating an infectious energy that drives others to be their best.  Ashlee holds herself and others to high expectations, a value held throughout her career.

Ashlee earned Master’s Degrees from Colorado State University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and completed her doctoral studies at Baylor University. The focus of Ashlee’s doctoral research centered on leader development and she continues to be committed to developing others in a way that leverages their strengths and positions them to grow in their own practice.

In support of the larger educational community, Ashlee serves as the Senior Director of Leadership with the Public Education and Business Coalition (PEBC). Additionally, through Ashlee’s consulting business, she facilitates leadership development to leaders in business, educational, and non-profit sectors. Ashlee enjoys public speaking, presenting to educators, growing and developing as a leader, and mentoring upcoming leaders.

Lisa Scott

Jonathan Sisk

Jonathan Sisk is PEBC’s Director of Technology. Jon originally attended school for Chemical Engineering but switched full time to IT when his company IT Jon, Inc. took off in 2001. Jon has maintained PEBC’s technology infrastructure since 2009. He provides technical support for staff, teachers and residents, develops and supports the website, edits and produces videos, and provides technical assistance for marketing and communications.

Favorite children’s book: The Way Things Work by David Macaulay

Dana Sorensen

Sorensen joined PEBC in 2010 and consults both locally and nationally, co-facilitates the Thinking Strategies Institute and supports data collection and evaluation of services. Sorensen has had the privilege of serving in many roles during her 30 years in education resulting in her steadfast belief in students, teachers, and administrators. Sorensen began her career in Houston Texas and spent fifteen years there working in third grade, Reading Recovery and as a literacy specialist. Beginning in 2004, she coached teachers and served as Director of Professional Development in a Denver area school district, and now serves as the Senior Director of Client and System Services.

In addition to her educational roles, Dana takes a particular interest in being a training associate for Cognitive Coaching and works with systems thinking through the Water’s Foundation. She earned a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a Type D Administrative certifications from Regis University.

Favorite children’s book: Marvelous Cornelius by Phil Bildner

Mandy Sisk

Jay Vasconcellos

Jay Vasconcellos is the Executive Assistant to Sue Sava and Board Liaison at PEBC. Jay is passionate about organization and efficiency and strives to bring calm to chaos. Prior to joining PEBC Jay worked as an Executive Assistant and Project Manager in the Telecommunications field. She has also worked as a chef, realtor and a glass blower.

Jay enjoys spending time with her husband and two teenage daughters exploring the western US. She is passionate about roller skating, hiking, cooking, eating, Xeric gardening and travel.

Favorite children’s book: Pickles and Pete by Berkeley Breathed

Tracy Wagers

Tracy Wagers (she/her/hers) supports new teachers as the Manager of Resident Development, Coaching and Mentoring Lead for PEBC’s Residency team.  Her approach as a coach and instructor includes an emphasis on social-emotional learning, inclusion, and creating safe spaces for growth and reflection.

Prior to joining PEBC, Tracy served as principal of an alternative middle and high school for students with learning differences. She also taught secondary language arts in the Denver Metro Area for eleven years and has endorsements in special education and gifted and talented support. 

Tracy earned a Master’s in Humanities from CU-Denver, focusing on creativity and spirituality in education, and a BA in English from CU-Boulder.  

Tracy is the mother of twins, a girl and a boy, and sees her parenting as a crucial opportunity for anti-racist work. She believes that humility is key to being a lifelong learner.  Tracy grew up on a wheat farm in eastern Colorado and is passionate about living in a way which prioritizes people over things.

Favorite children’s book: Anh’s Anger by Gail Silver