Team

PRESIDENT & CEO

Sue Sava, MA

Sue Sava joined PEBC in 2015 as the executive director of Stanley Teacher Prep. She then became vice president and chief policy officer and has been instrumental in leading the vision for PEBC’s policy work. She was named president & CEO by the PEBC Board of Directors in July 2019. Sava led the vision and executive level work for Stanley Teacher Prep, which merged with Boettcher Teacher Residency in 2015 to become the most effective residency model in Colorado. Sava has worked in education for more than 27 years in a range of roles including 12 years teaching at Stanley British Primary School. She earned an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from UCD and a Bachelors’ degree in History from Princeton University. Outside of work, Sava enjoys practicing yoga and spending time in the mountains with her family.

STAFF DEVELOPER

Sarah Littman Berger, PhD

Sarah Berger joined the PEBC in 2010. Dr. Berger brings 18 years of teaching experience that includes teaching middle and high school science as well elementary literacy intervention and English as a Second Language. As a Staff Developer, she has worked with elementary, middle, and high school teachers, focused primarily on math and science. Dr. Berger works in Colorado as well as nationally, providing coaching and professional development for teachers, instructional coaches, and administrators. She also co-presents PEBC Minds on Math Institutes locally and nationally.

Dr. Berger earned her doctoral degree from the University of Denver with dual foci in Curriculum and Instruction and Quantitative Research Methodology. She attended the University of Colorado, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Applied Physiology and Master’s degree in Education. She has presented to national audiences at the Learning Forward Summer Conference and Expeditionary Schools National Conference and locally at the Colorado Council for Teachers of Mathematics. Dr. Berger has served as an adjunct professor for the University of Denver, the University of Northern Colorado, and the Colorado Boettcher Teacher Residency. She is also the Instructional Coach at a STEM school in northern Denver. Dr. Berger earned her doctoral degree from the University of Denver with dual foci in Curriculum and Instruction and Quantitative Research Methodology. She attended the University of Colorado, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Applied Physiology and Master’s degree in Education. She has presented to national audiences at the Learning Forward Summer Conference and Expeditionary Schools National Conference. Dr. Berger has served as an adjunct professor for the University of Denver, the University of Northern Colorado, and the Colorado Boettcher Teacher Residency. She is also the Instructional Coach at a STEM school in northern Denver.

Director of Human Resources

Carla Casalino, MS

Carla Casalino manages the day to day operations of the organization’s human resources department. Additionally, she leads the development and implementation of long term initiatives in the area of human resources. Prior to joining PEBC, Carla was a middle and high school teacher on the Western Slope and the Front Range. Carla earned a master’s degree in teaching and learning from Colorado State University Global and a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Arizona State University. Originally hailing from the Windy City, Carla is a devoted Chicago Bears fan. She also loves to travel with Australia, Sweden and Iceland being among her favorite places she’s visited…so far!

Favorite children’s book: The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

Director of Curriculum and Instruction

Kari Colley, PhD

As the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Kari Colley oversees the development and facilitation of curriculum across PEBC’s Teacher Residency program.

Prior to PEBC, Kari worked in public and private elementary schools in Colorado and California as a classroom teacher, EdTech consultant, and a research assistant. She earned a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Denver, and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of San Diego.

Kari finds her balance enjoying the Colorado outdoors with her husband and three young boys- from camping to hiking, she is happiest exploring and living life with her family.

Favorite children’s book: Where the Red Fern Grows, Wilson Rawls

STAFF DEVELOPER

Lori Conrad

As a senior staff developer for PEBC, much of Lori Conrad’s work focuses on supporting teachers and school leaders explore and implement effective literacy practices. This support takes many forms including in-class coaching, demonstration teaching, collaborative planning and leadership team building. Lori also facilitates classroom lab experiences for various PEBC’s Institutes. She connects her years of classroom teaching and professional development experience to her background in Cognitive Coaching and group facilitation to help change instructional practices in classrooms across Colorado and the nation. She’s published numerous articles, contributed to a number literacy texts, and co-authored Put Thinking to the Test (Stenhouse, 2008). Along with numerous certifications, Lori’s educational background includes a Master in Arts degree from the University of Colorado Denver and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Northern Colorado.

Favorite children’s book: The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson and The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld

San Luis Valley Field Manager

Brian Crowther

Brian Crowther is the San Luis Valley Regional Field Manager, clinical instructor and field coach. Prior to joining PEBC in 2017 Brian worked as a High School Business Teacher, Elementary Principal and Superintendent of Schools. He is also currently an Interim Superintendent part time at Sargent School District in the San Luis Valley. When not working with teachers and schools you can find him riding his motorcycle, gardening, raising animals, or spending time with family and friends.

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

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 Puppyby Janette Sebring Lowrey

STAFF DEVELOPER

Linda Fiorella, MA

As a staff developer, Linda Fiorella focuses on secondary instruction and literacy. Linda works with departments and schools to provide instructional coaching. Linda’s experience as a middle and high school teacher and instructional coach help her to build relationships, provide support, and work successfully with both teachers and coaches. Her past experience beyond the classroom includes Secondary Language Arts Specialist for Adams 12 Five Star Schools, District Literacy Team Member, and Adolescent Literacy Certificate Program Instructor for the University of Colorado at Denver. Linda earned her master’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado and her bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University.

Favorite children’s book: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst

Manager of ECE Initiative

Lynne Forstot

Lynne Forstot is a Field Coach for the Boettcher Teacher Residency. Lynne provides training and professional development to those she supervises, as well as to beginning teachers, regarding best-practice teaching methods. Lynne received her BA in Elementary Education from Queens College. She has worked in elementary education for 37 years, having taught preschool and elementary age children in both the public and private sector. At Stanley British Primary School she served on the Board of Trustees and taught for 19 years in a multiage classroom.

Director of Operations

Rose Hagood, MSEd

Rose Hagood leads day-to-day operations at PEBC. She implements and oversees organizational systems and processes. Rose provides strategic and operational direction as well as project management to PEBC initiatives, services, programs, and program evaluation. Before coming to PEBC, Rose worked as the Program Associate at CulturalDC and has a worked in a variety of education and arts organizations in Denver, Washington, D.C., and New York. 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 is not in the office, Rose enjoys cooking, crafting, traveling and spending time with her husband, two kids, seven chickens and very energetic cattle dog (all while drinking lots of coffee).

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

Manager of Resident Development

Lindsay Hall, MA

As a Clinical Instructor, 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

Senior Director of Content Development & Publications

Wendy Ward Hoffer, MA

Wendy Ward Hoffer, PEBC’s Senior Director of Content Development and Publications, designs and presents professional learning for teachers at all levels and across the curriculum. She is the co-creator of PEBC’s math and science institutes, as well as author of four books on teaching math and science for understanding: Science as Thinking (Heinemann, 2009), Minds on Mathematics (Heinemann, 2012), Developing Literate Mathematicians (NCTM, 2016) and Cultivating STEM Identities (Heinemann 2016). Wendy’s newest book, Phenomenal Teaching, published by Heinemann in 2020, presents PEBC’s cross-curricular pedagogical platform, includes our research basis and provides examples from PEBC lab classrooms, where Wendy loves to spend time learning.

Prior to her work with PEBC, she earned National Board Certification while teaching middle school math and science in Denver. Wendy attended Dartmouth College and earned her MA in Education at Stanford University. When not writing or teaching, she enjoys time with her teen children, walks her dog, plays Scrabble, makes burritos and prays.

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

Senior Director of Professional Development Design

Michelle Morris Jones, MA

Michelle Morris Jones has worked with PEBC since 2002, supporting teachers, coaches, and leaders, both locally and nationally, in the area of instructional practices that cultivate literacy and understanding across grade levels and content areas. She leads, designs, and co-facilitates a variety of literacy, workshop, and leadership institutes, including the Thinking Strategies Institute, the Foundations of Literacy Institute, the Investigating Thinking Strategies Institute, the Making the Workshop Work Institute, Going Deeper with Coaching, and Impact Facilitation. In addition, she teaches PEBC Online Courses, produces and hosts the PEBC Phenomenal Teaching Podcast, and leads her team as the Director of Professional Development Design. 

Her experience as an educator includes teaching elementary and middle school, as well as serving as a Reading Interventionist, parent liaison, and staff developer. She taught for seven years as an adjunct professor with the Boettcher Teacher Residency, and also provided clinical supervision for Residents. She holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Colorado, Denver, and a Bachelor’s degree from University of Colorado at Boulder. She is a contributing author to the PEBC publication, The Right to Literacy in Secondary Schools and has written a number of blogs for the PEBC. 

Favorite children’s book: Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Director of Recruitment and Alumni Engagement

John Kearney, MA

John Kearney serves as The Director of Recruitment and Alumni Engagement for the PEBC Teacher Residency.  In that capacity, John works to recruit a talented and diverse cohort of pre-service teachers in urban and rural settings throughout Colorado as well as support the vast network of PEBC Alumni.  Prior to joining PEBC, John taught middle and high school social studies in the Aurora Public Schools. During his time as a classroom teacher John served as a mentor teacher in 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.

Senior Consultant, Professional Learning

Ellin Oliver Keene, MA

Ellin Oliver Keene is author of Talk About Understanding: Rethinking Classroom Talk to Enhance Understanding, To Understand: New Horizons in Reading Comprehension, co-author of Comprehension Going Forward and of Mosaic of Thought: The Power of Comprehension Strategy Instruction. Ellin has been a classroom teacher, staff developer, non-profit director and adjunct professor of reading and writing. In addition to her role as Senior Consultant, Professional Learning for PEBC, she works with schools and districts throughout the country and abroad.

Director of Strategic Initiatives & Public Policy

Evan Kennedy

As the Director of Strategic Initiatives and Policy, Evan leads PEBC’s internal and external policy work, representing PEBC on various advisory boards and education coalitions, co-facilitating the monthly PEBC Catalysts meetings of business leaders, and providing expertise on state and federal legislation to ensure that teacher voices are represented in policies that affect teachers, classrooms, and students.

Originally from Middletown, Connecticut, Evan is a proud product of the public school system and holds a bachelor’s degree in English and Political Science from Quinnipiac University. He was an Education Policy Fellow at the School of Public Affairs at UC Denver in 2018. In his spare time, you can find Evan with a cup of coffee and a good book, or enjoying the outdoors by hiking, snowshoeing, playing basketball and frisbee golf. He lives in Denver with his wife, daughter, and a very good doggo.

Favorite children’s book: Drawn Together by Minh Lê

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Brittany Kindgren

As the Administrative Assistant at PEBC, Brittany will assist the President/CEO with administrative tasks and facilitates communication, scheduling, and other miscellaneous tasks or projects. She brings years of experience as a Family Liaison, Educational Consultant, and Kindergarten Assistant and a BS in Elementary Education to the team. Brittany is a Denver native who attended University of Vermont and spent 4 years living in Boston before moving back to the Colorado sunshine. Outside of her work at PEBC, you can find Brittany running, skiing, hiking, or traveling with her husband, son, and loyal yellow lab.

Favorite Childrens’ Book: Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

Senior Director of Professional Learning

Moker Klaus-Quinlan, MA

Moker Klaus-Quinlan joined PEBC in 2003, and works with K-12 educators across the content areas, in Colorado and nationally. She supports teachers, teams, schools, and districts through coaching, facilitation, and leading professional learning. She co-facilitates the Math Institute, Foundations of Numeracy Institute, and Effective Mentoring Institute. She has worked extensively with the teacher residency program as an adjunct professor, clinical supervisor, and coordinator during the expansion to Colorado’s rural San Luis Valley. She brings her experience as an educator teaching elementary and middle school, as well as serving as a reading specialist, ELL coordinator, mentor teacher and instructional coach. She earned 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.

Favorite children’s book: Life by Cynthia Rylant

Senior Program Manager - TEACH Colorado

Annette Konoske-Graf

Annette Konoske-Graf is the Senior Program Manager of TEACH Colorado, of which PEBC is a proud partner. TEACH Colorado is a statewide, cross-sector initiative aimed at improving the quality and diversity of Colorado’s teacher pipeline. Annette has worked in a variety of education and philanthropic organizations in San Diego, New York, and Washington D.C. She spent two years teaching ninth- and tenth-grade English literature in Little Haiti, Miami. Annette was named runner-up as Miami-Dade County’s 2013 Rookie Teacher of the Year. As an education policy analyst at the Center for American Progress, she worked with more than 65 leading education organizations on the TeachStrong initiative, building partnerships to elevate the teaching profession.

Annette has master’s degrees in journalism and international affairs from Columbia University, and a bachelor’s degree in political science and Spanish from the University of California, Berkeley. When she is not in the office, Annette enjoys live music, writing letters, hiking, and random acts of kindness.

Favorite children’s book: Stellaluna, by Janell Cannon

Director of Amplified Learning

Heather Kuzma, MA

Heather Kuzma consults with K-12 educators, in Colorado and nationally, across the content areas. She supports teachers, teams, instructional coaches, and administrators through coaching, facilitating, and collaborating around professional learning. Heather integrates her training in Advanced Cognitive Coaching to engage learners in advancing the teaching profession.

Prior to consulting, she spent many years teaching in elementary classrooms. Since 2010, she has coached teachers and leadership teams. She has worked as an instructional coach, a Professional Development Coordinator for Douglas County School District, and most recently worked for Denver Public Schools supporting the teacher leadership initiative. She is also an Associate Trainer for Emergenetics. Heather earned her Master’s degree in Reading and Language Arts from Oakland University. She holds a Type D Administration certification, and also earned her Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University.

Favorite children’s book: Thank you, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco

Manager of Resident Development

Katrina Litzau, MA

Katrina Litzau joined PEBC as a clinical instructor for the PEBC Teacher Residency in 2016. During her time with the residency, she has also served as a field coach. Prior to joining PEBC, Katrina served students and teachers in a variety of roles over the last 16 years in public education including elementary teacher, an instructional coach in both elementary and middle schools, clinical professor and professional learning specialist. Katrina has earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts degree in Reading from the University of Northern Colorado. She also holds a certification in Educational Leadership from Regis University and an endorsement in English Language Development from Colorado State University. She is now pursuing an Ed.D. in Leadership for Educational Equity at the University of Colorado – Denver.

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

Senior Director of Residency

Jessamyn Lockhart, MA

In her role as Senior Director of Residency, Jessamyn oversees the PEBC Teacher Residency across the state. This includes working with all of the brilliant urban and rural staff to ensure programmatic excellence and sustainability.

Jessamyn is a Stanley Teacher Prep graduate and 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 is presently a doctoral student in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Denver. Prior to joining PEBC, Jessamyn taught first and second grade at Mountain Phoenix Community School.

Outside of work hours, you’ll find Jessamyn running ultramarathons, attempting to finish her dissertation and playing in the mountains with her husband, their son and their four-legged fur-baby.

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

Southwest Field Manager

Sharon Maxwell

Sharon Maxwell is the southwest regional field manager for the PEBC Residency. Sherri oversees the residency program throughout the southwest region of the state. She coordinates efforts with all nine school districts for the recruitment, placement training, and coaching of the residents throughout the region. Before coming to PEBC, Sherri served as elementary principal in Dolores Colorado, was an elementary ESS teacher and a first grade teacher. Her particular areas of interest are curriculum development, student engagement, and social emotional learning. Sherri graduated from West Virginia University with a BS in Elementary Education with an ESS specialization. She earned her masters from the University of Colorado in early childhood special education with a focus on multicultural education and the family. When not working in her carfice (car office), Sherri can be found camping, reading, and spending time with her family.

Favorite children’s book: What Would you do with a Chance? Kobi Yamada

SENIOR LEADERSHIP COACH

Chrysann McBride

Chrysann McBride’s focus in education has been on developing leaders, both teacher leaders and principals. She is a Leadership Coach and Dynamic Leadership Institute Presenter for PEBC. She is also a training associate for Adaptive Schools and Cognitive CoachingSM.. Among other work are special instructional improvement projects, leadership team development, and staff development. During her thirty-two years of service in public education, Chrysann served as an executive director for curriculum, instruction, and staff development in Jefferson County School District. Previous to this work, she was an elementary principal, opening a new school. Additionally, she began her career as a teacher, teacher leader and staff developer. Chrysann has deep experience working with leaders, schools, and systems change. Her educational background includes an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education with an endorsement in Early Childhood Education from Indiana State University and a Master of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Evansville. She earned her administrative license at the University of Denver.

Director of Clinical Experiences

Rachele McCawley Robertson, MA

Rachele McCawley Robertson currently serves as the PEBC Teacher Residency’s Director of Urban Residency. She collaborates with the Directors of Rural Residency and Curriculum and Instruction to ensure a cohesive licensure program for residents state-wide and manages relationships with various urban residency stakeholders. Robertson joined PEBC in 2016 as a field coach providing instructional coaching and support to teaching residents and mentors during the residency year. Prior to joining PEBC, Robertson taught high school science at William Smith High School in Aurora Public Schools. She was also formerly a resident in PEBC’s residency program, has served as a mentor teacher for two teacher residents, and was a national lab classroom host for the PEBC. 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

Director of Communications

Kim McGrigg, MA

As the communications director for PEBC, Kim McGrigg oversees external and internal communications. In addition to advising and collaborating with staff regarding external communication, creating content and collateral, she also provides vision and strategic direction to the organization’s leadership team. Prior to joining PEBC, Kim served as the senior director of communication for Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain. Kim earned her master’s degree in mass communication from Arizona State University, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Since becoming an empty-nester, Kim’s favorite out-of-office activity is hitting the hiking trails with her husband and their four legged friends.

Favorite children’s book: Ish by Peter H. Renyolds

SENIOR STAFF DEVELOPER

Nancy Meredith

Nancy Meredith has been affiliated with PEBC since 2004, first as a teacher under the tutelage of PEBC staff developers then as a staff developer after her retirement in 2008, supporting teachers, both locally and nationally. She co-facilitates the Social Studies Institute and the Investigating Thinking Strategies Institute as well as designs professional development for districts in the area of literacy and instruction across contents at the secondary level. Nancy’s experience has taken her from the elementary self-contained classrooms to the secondary classrooms where she supported special education and at-risk youth as well as provided instructional coaching to Staff. She holds a Master’s degree in Behavioral Disorders from the University of Iowa and a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education with an emphasis in literacy from the University of Northern Iowa. She taught public education for 37 prior to her staff developer/director role at PEBC.

DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Brianna Mestas, MA

As a clinical instructor with the PEBC Teacher Residency, Brianna Mestas supports with the designing, planning and implementation of licensure coursework to pre-service teachers committed to becoming effective culturally responsive educators. Prior to joining PEBC, she taught elementary in Title I schools for five years in the Denver Metro area and spent two years teaching overseas in Panama City. Brianna earned her BA in Ethnic Studies and Sociology from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and her MA in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in Urban Education as a Boettcher Teacher Resident. Brianna is currently a PhD candidate in the Curriculum and Instruction program at the University of Denver. She is also serving as a fellow with the Colorado Education Policy Fellowship Program and the Moonshot edVentures Fellowship. Brianna enjoys supporting local art and music and spending time outside in her querido Colorado.

Favorite children’s book: Si, Se Puede! Yes, We Can! Janitor’s Strike in L.A. by Diana Cohn and Francisco Delgado

DIRECTOR OF LEADERSHIP

Scott Murphy, MS

Scott Murphy is a Director of Leadership who works with district leaders, principals and teacher leaders from across the country on creating engaging environments worthy of our teachers and students. He is the author of the Future Protocol for organizational visioning and facilitates a variety of leadership workshops and labs for PEBC. Scott has 28 years of experience in public education as a teacher, principal and district director. He received his masters degree in technical communication from University of Colorado at Denver and his bachelors in English from San Jose State University. When not in schools or classrooms, Scott can be found rock climbing, skiing, kayaking, biking or some other outdoor activity.

Favorite children’s book: The Essential Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson

Director of Development

Mike Neustedter

Mike Neustedter is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing PEBC’s fundraising including, the major gifts program, annual fund, grant writing and special events. He has filled the full spectrum of executive nonprofit roles over his career, which has included being a marketing director, development director and most recently – the Executive Director of Paradox Sports. Mike received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri. A self-proclaimed expert in economics, Mike has been trading stocks since he was 13 years old and reads anything he can find on money and finance.

Favorite children’s book: Catcher With a Glass Arm by Matt Christopher