Seacoast Educational Services

Keynote Presenters

Bell, Mr. Larry - A01(Key), B01, & C01

Larry Bell, has been in the education field for over 25 years. Fifteen of those years were spent as a classroom teacher. During his teaching years Larry was nominated for the National Agnes Mayer Outstanding Teacher Award. One of Larry’s teaching positions was at Gar-Field Senior High School, here Larry taught over 3000 students speaking 36 different languages. The students “nobody else wanted”, the so-called “toughest kids” often ended up in Larry’s classroom in Woodbridge, VA. Defying expectations, these students frequently outscored the other classes on standardized test by the end of the year. Wanting to share strategies for success with all teachers, Larry was selected to fill a curriculum position in the Central Office. For seven years, Larry served as the Supervisor of Multicultural Education for Prince William County where Larry provided hands-on workshops for 67 schools, 3000+ teachers and 50,000 students. In 1996, Larry was given a $550,000 grant by the federal government to pilot his ideas. In 1998, Larry was selected as the Mary Hatwood Futrell Award winner by the Virginia Education Association. Larry is the author of the book 12 Powerful Words That Increase Test Scores and Help Close the Achievement Gap. Larry has been the keynote speaker at many conferences across the country, such as the National ASCD Conference, the National Association of Multicultural Education Conference, and several state NEA affiliates and many local and regional conferences. Today Larry resides in Woodbridge, VA. He is a graduate of Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina. Being in a classroom for 15 years taught him the secret to success: “High expectations overcome everything.” Larry says one of his proudest moments was being written up in Jet Magazine.

Bossio, Mr. Norm - B03 & C03(Key)

For over 26 years, Norm Bossio has spoken in front of over 2 ½ million audience members in venues ranging from an American Indian Village Tribunal to the Hoosier Dome. Norm once spoke to 400 high school students, 50 lingerie salespeople, and 45 nuclear physicists. . .all in the same day! Having keynoted national conferences in virtually every major industry, Norm’s audiences have included clients ranging from Bill Clinton to Stephen King. Prior to founding Norm Bossio Enterprises, he served for 23 years as a teacher, principal, and superintendent of schools. For 8 years, Norm was an adjunct faculty member and consultant to the management certificate program at Stonehill College. He received his B.S. from Springfield College and M.Ed. from Boston State College. In 2006, Norm hosted the national public television special, “Staying Motivated on the Deck of the Titanic with Norm Bossio”. His first book was recently published by DogEar Publishing in Indianapolis, IN. In 1994, Norm was named Speaker of the Year by the Yankee Chapter of Meeting Planners International.

Economos, Dr. Christina - B04 & C04(Key)

Christina Economos, Ph.D. is a member of LLuminari, the parent company of BeWell.com. Dr. Economos is the New Balance Chair in Childhood Nutrition and Assistant professor at the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University. She is the principal investigator of multiple large-scale community-based interventions examining childhood nutrition and physical activity with the goal of improving the health of America's children. These research interventions include The BONES (Beat Osteoporosis: Nourish and Exercise Skeletons) Project funded by NICHD, Shape Up Somerville, EAT SMART, PLAY HARD funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), The CHANGE Project with Save the Children, and Assessing and Preventing Obesity in New Immigrants, funded by the National Institutes for Health (NIH). Results from Shape Up Somerville, published in the May 2007 issue of Obesity, showed that study participants—public schoolchildren in grades 1-3—in Somerville, gained significantly less weight over the course of the 2-year intervention than their peers in two control communities.

November, Mr. Alan - B02(Key) & C02

Alan November is recognized internationally as a leader in education technology. He began his career as an oceanography teacher and dorm counselor at an island reform school for boys in Boston Harbor. He has been a director of an alternative high school, computer coordinator, technology consultant, and university lecturer. As practitioner, designer, and author, Alan has guided schools, government organizations and industry leaders as they plan to improve quality with technology. Alan is well known for applying his humor and wit to inspire us to think about applying technology to improve learning. His areas of expertise include information and communication technology, planning across the curriculum, staff development, long-range planning, building learning communities and leadership development. He has delivered keynote presentations and workshops in all fifty states, in every province in Canada, and throughout the UK, Europe and Asia. Alan was named one of the nation’s fifteen most influential thinkers of the decade by Classroom Computer Learning Magazine. In 2001, he was named one of eight educators to provide leadership into the future by the Eisenhower National Clearinghouse. His writing includes dozens of articles and the best-selling book, Empowering Students with Technology. Alan was co-founder of the Stanford Institute for Educational Leadership Through Technology and is most proud of being selected as one of the original five national Christa McAuliffe Educators.

Breakout Presenters

Adams, Ms. Susan - B05 & C05

Susan Adams, has degrees in both special education and broadcast communications. She was a teacher for 5 years and has worked as a news producer and radio announcer. For the past 11 years she has worked as an educational specialist, first for North Carolina Public Television and currently for New Hampshire Public Television.

Aichele, Ms. Genevieve - B06 & C06

Genevieve Aichele received her degree in Music & Theatre for Community Programs from the University of NH in 1975. She is Artistic Director of the New Hampshire Theatre Project in Portsmouth, NH, which specializes in placing professional performing artists in educational and community residencies. Genevieve has been designing and teaching Artist-in-Residence programs throughout New England and the east coast for over 30 years, with people of all ages and abilities. She is a juried Roster Artist/Trainer for VSA-Arts International and the NH State Council on the Arts, and an adjunct faculty member of the Plymouth State College Graduate Program. Genevieve currently serves on the programming committee for The Music Hall in Portsmouth and has served as a consultant and trainer for numerous organizations, including the NH Department of Education and Phillips Exeter Academy. In 2001 Genevieve received the prestigious NH Governors Award for Excellence in Education and, in 2002, she received an award for Outstanding Achievement in American Theatre from the New England Theatre Conference. Genevieve also tours with Randy Armstrong in World Tales, combining storytelling, theatre and movement with music from around the world. Their first album has received national and international acclaim, including Outstanding Awards from the National Parents Council, the Parent’s Guide to Children’s Media, and a 2001 Children’s Music Web Award. In March 2004, Genevieve premiered Resurrection, her first original one-woman show.

Appelstein, Mr. Charlie - B07 & C07

Charlie Appelstein, MSW, provides behavior management training and consultation to schools and youth care programs throughout the United States and Canada. He has worked with over 25 school systems in New England, and is the author of three popular youth care books, including, No Such Thing As A Bad Kid: Understanding and Responding to the Challenging Behaviors of Troubled Children and Youth.

Ashley, Ms. Ruth - B08 & C08

Ruth graduated from NHTC-Claremont in 1994 with an Associates Degree in Applied Science as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. She then passed a national board certification test and holds a current state licensure as a COTA here in NH. She has practiced OT in various seacoast and surrounding area school districts for the past 14 years. For both professional interest and personal health, Ruth was introduced to the Kosho Hoho Yooga style through a beginner’s Tai Chi class led by Sensei Christopher Bashaw back in 2003. Having various health concerns and physical limitations, going to the gym, aggressive yoga styles and high-impact exercise was not an option -- with its gentle flow and balance of mind-body-spirit, Ruth found Tai Chi to be the perfect activity! Five years later she continues her Tai Chi study, acquiring skills in up to 4 complete forms so far. She has also achieved Reiki Master-Teacher in the Kokoro Ryu lineage, and started “Reiki Bliss”, with her co-presenter, Dianne Mros. As a member of the healing professions, Ruth has always sought ways to improve her therapy outcomes with new skills or through sharing knowledge with others. As part of her ongoing OT training she has attended workshops including Therapeutic Touch, Craniosacral and Myofascial therapies and Yoga for children, incorporating many techniques into her school-based therapy practice. Working with children who have challenging physical limitations and greatly varying learning abilities, she finds it essential to add "alternative" health applications into more traditional methods of treatment. Ruth has led many recreational Tai Chi classes for adults and students. Her most current achievement is a Tai Chi for Health-Level One Instructorship, earning the title of Shisho (shee-show), allowing her greater opportunities to teach energy work and martial-based exercises at work and in the community.

Bald, Ms. Barbara - B09 & C09

Barbara Bald (M.S., M.Ed., CAGS) has more than 25 years in education as a classroom teacher, supervisor, consultant and workshop facilitator. She has worked with children ages PK-12.

Bath, Ms. Polly - B10 & C10

Polly Bath is an experienced teacher and staff development consultant, known for her practical behavior management techniques, as well as her quick and insightful humor about day to day life in school.

Bell, Mr. Fritz - B11 & C11

Fritz Bell is Founder and Director of Walnut Hill in Raymond, NH and a faculty member at Lesley University. He has taught at all levels and is known for his lively hands-on workshops and classes.

Bellemare, Ms. Bridey - B12 & C12

Bridey Bellemare has been a school administrator for 5 years. She is currently the Principal of Thorntons Ferry Elementary School in Merrimack, NH. She completed her undergraduate work at Keene State College and received her Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction in the Creative Arts from Lesley University at Walnut Hill. She received her Certificate of Administrative Studies from Rivier College.

Berman, Ms. Cheryl - B13

Cheryl has taught French, Spanish, Hebrew, an Italian to children in the NH seacoast for 16 years. She is recognized for her hands-on ingenuity and for bringing native culture into her classrooms. Cheryl has designed the teaching curriculum for FLES programs in New Castle and Newington, NH and, since the summer of 2003, she has held immersion language day camps for children. ASL has been incorporated into her teaching methods for 5 years and has proven to be a wonderful asset. She has been a presenter throughout New England and for the Northeast Conference in NYC for several years. She was a key FLES contributor to the Standards Guidelines K-16, and remains on the NHAWLT Board of Directors.

Bothmer, Ms. Sandy - B14 & C14

A former third grade teacher with an M.Ed. from Lesley University at Walnut Hill, Sandy now spends her time teaching the use of relaxation strategies to teachers, students, and parents so that they can create an inner climate conducive for more effective teaching, learning, and parenting. She also promotes the telling of personal stories to create community within the classroom as she once did in her own classroom. A private practice in energy medicine helps adults and children, many who have issues such as ADHD, anxiety, autism, and Asperger’s Disorder.

Bowen-Irish, Ms. Tere - B15 & C15

Tere Bowen-Irish OTR/L has practiced Occupational Therapy for 30 years in pediatrics and psychiatry. Primary focus for the past 25 years has been school system delivery of Occupational Therapy services. Ms. Bowen-Irish works part-time for a public school and a private school and has her own private practice, All the Possibilities Inc. operating as Praxis Occupational Therapy Services. Ms. Bowen-Irish has completed her intermediate training through Coaches Training Institute, San Raphael, CA. She is a Certified Yogakids facilitator (CYKF), incorporating yoga, movement and relaxation techniques into her practice with children. She currently provides workshops for parents, therapists and educators. Emphasis is on prevention and wellness for all school age children. She has authored The Drive Thru Menu Series (Therapro Inc. Publications) which are classroom poster systems that promote attention, strength, relaxation and stress reduction. Upcoming publications include the Drive Thru Body Challenge and an interactive children’s book, called Come be a Tree.

Boynton, Ms. Beth - B16 & C16

Beth Boynton, RN, MS is an organizational development consultant specializing in communication, conflict, leadership and team-building. She offers numerous workshops on related material and a 'whole systems' approach to team-building. She has developed an emotional intelligence games camp for kids and piloted the Youth Ambassador Program the York, ME school system. She is an adjunct faculty member for New England College, publishes the bimonthly enewsletter, Confident Voices for Nurses: the Resource for Creating Positive Workplaces, and writes a communication and conflict column for the American Nurse Association-Maine Journal. She can be reached at 207-363-5604 or through her website: www.bethboynton.com.

Brogan, Mr. John - B17 & C17

John Brogan was a highly successful classroom teacher for 30 years. In addition to his teaching, John has presented literacy and writing workshops and institutes to teachers throughout the United States and has taught graduate level courses for The University of Wyoming, St. Joseph’s College, and The College of New Jersey, among others. Since 1977, John has been the Director of the Bath Institute of Writing. The Institute is dedicated to improving student writing and reading by providing support and staff development to teachers. John directs writing projects all across the country. Some of his most recent programs include The South Bend, IA Writers’ Project (2004 – present) and The Memphis Writers’ Project (2000 – present). John’s workshops are extremely popular with teachers who appreciate his outstanding blend of classroom realism, humor, and effective teaching strategies. Participants consistently rank his seminars as transforming, productive, and thought-provoking.

Campbell, Ms. Rhonda - B18 & C18

Rhonda Campbell is in her 10th year of teaching in the New Hampshire public schools as a Special Educator. She is currently working in the middle school setting as a Case Manager and Resource Room Language arts teacher. She is a graduate of Lesley University's Creative Arts and Learning MEd program at Walnut Hill.

Carter, Mr. Les - B12 & C12

Leslie N. Carter is a retired elementary principal after 28 years of administrative service in Merrimack. NH. His undergraduate work was completed at the University of New Hampshire, with a Masters in Teaching from Suffolk University, and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Administration from the University of New Hampshire.

Cohen, Ms. Sue - B61 & C61

M. Ed. School Counseling - Behavior Consultant Strafford Learning Center - John Powers School Assistant Director - NHCEBIS Facilitator - Sue Cohen has worked with students who display challenging behaviors for over 20 years. Sue started her career in a residential setting and has been employed by Strafford Learning Center for the last seventeen years. She consults to school districts in Maine and New Hampshire where she trains staff and develops programs for positive behavior supports for students with challenging behaviors.

Cole, Ms. Joni - B19 & C19

Joni B. Cole is the author of the acclaimed book Toxic Feedback: Helping Writers Survive and Thrive, which was “strongly recommended” by Library Journal to students, teachers, and workshops. American Book Review reported, “I can’t imagine a better guide to [feedback’s] rewards and perils than this fine book.” Joni is also the creator of the popular “This Day” book series, including Water Cooler Diaries: Women across America Share Their Day at Work (“both fascinating and eye-opening…” Publisher’s Weekly, 2008). She has taught writing workshops for fifteen years, and is a frequent speaker at writing conferences around the country. Her human interest essays appear in her monthly newspaper column “Life as I Know It.”

Conrad, Ms. Kimberly - B62

After teaching for many years, David Williams and Kimberly Conrad became teammates on a successful looping team at Dover Middle School. Throughout their six years of work together, they fine-tuned the practice of interdisciplinary instruction. These experienced teachers share similar interests in high-quality writing, data collection / analysis, and the art of effective integration. Throughout their educational experiences, they have honed their skills in creating challenging and engaging experiences for the middle school student. David is now an administrator in Newmarket, while Kim continues to teach seventh and eighth grade language arts in Dover.

Cook, Ms. Kim - B21 & C21

Kim Cook is the general music and band teacher at Danville Elementary School. She received her Undergraduate degree in Music Education from the University of New Hampshire and her Masters degree in Integrating the Arts from Lesley University at Walnut Hill.

Crockett, Mr. Tim - B22

Tim Crockett has over thirty years experience in education as a teacher, principal, curriculum director, and state department of education content specialist and testing director in Maine. He has also served as an elected school board member in his community. He has held a variety of positions at Measured Progress, formerly Advanced Systems, since 1993, and currently serves as Vice President in charge of all of the company’s state contracts. He routinely presents on assessment related topics at conferences across the country.

Deese, Ms. Susan - B24 & C24

Susan Deese was an elementary classroom teacher in New Hampshire for 16 years. She left the classroom to work with teachers and students in standards-based mathematics. Susan has worked in several school districts as a mathematics coordinator. She currently enjoys her position of K – 12 Math / Science Coordinator in Rochester, NH. Susan has also enjoyed teaching an elementary mathematics course at the University of New Hampshire.

Dolph, Mr. Andrew - B46 & C46

Andrew Dolph is a storyteller who applies a wide range of technical tools and theatrical production techniques to powerful and effective storytelling. He is the Special Events Coordinator for AV Services at the University of New Hampshire. In that role he provides sound, lighting and projections for a wide variety of events that range from the Traditional Jazz Series to Commencement to advancement events and academic symposia. He has mixed for artists such as Clark Terry, Branford Marsalis, Ray Brown and many others as well as Presidents Bill Clinton, George H. Bush and George W. Bush. He is also Technical Director of the Oyster River High School Auditorium, and a freelance designer of sound, projections and lighting for a wide range of productions and events. In his spare (?!?) time, Andy is an educator and show presenter for the Christa McAuliffe Planetarium in Concord, NH where he uses stories about the sky from all over the world to excite people of all ages about astronomy.

Ellwood, Ms. Robin - B26 & C26

Robin Ellwood is the eighth grade Science and Adventure Based Learning teacher at Rye Junior High School in Rye, NH. She has been teaching science for over twelve years, emphasizing an inquiry based approach to science education. In her classes, students become student scientists and conduct investigations that connect to real life issues and often provide data for university studies. Robin has been selected again by the Teachers Experiencing Antarctica and the Arctic to participate in the 2004/2005 field season research. She will be connected with a scientific research team and will spend six-eight weeks in Antarctica. Robin will be a liaison between the research being done in the field and classrooms around the country. She will be posting daily journals and digital images of the work being done and will conduct “live chats” from Antarctica.

Essley, Mr. Roger - B27 & C27

Roger Essley is an award winning author illustrator, whose own early learning struggles inform his visual tools research, now collected in Visual Tools for Differentiated Reading and Writing Instruction (Scholastic ’08). He offers presentations, professional development workshops, and hands-on classroom residences that show how visual strategies can engage and advance all learners.

Ferns, Dr. Theresa - B28 & C28

Theresa Ferns, Ph.D., LCMHC has over 15 years of experience as a Counselor. She specializes in working with adolescents. She has worked with children in a variety of settings including residential facilities, outpatient programs, private practice, hospitals and school systems, and she has provided consultation to individuals who work with children. Currently, she is a counselor at a private boarding school.

Gagnon, Mr. Stephen - B30 & C30

Stephen Gagnon currently teaches third grade at Stratham Memorial School. He has over 15 years of experience teaching grades 3 – 5 and has extensive knowledge of Everyday Mathematics.

Gagnon, Ms. Suzy - B29 & C29

Suzy Gagnon, MS, MED, has been teaching in the seacoast area for over 13 years, including multi-age elementary, middle, high school, and adult classes. While teaching at Mast Way in Lee, Suzy won the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching for the State of New Hampshire. The following year she served as a Distinguished Educator for the NH Department of Education, helping schools in need of improvement to work together to develop growth and development plans. She has also been president of NCTM. Currently, she is teaching both pre-service and in-service teachers at UNH and providing private consulting.

Harrington, Mr. Dennis - B31 & C31

Dennis Harrington has been an elementary principal for over 30 years in three different assignments. He is currently the Principal of Moharimet Elementary School. He is a former Peace Corps volunteer and, prior to becoming a principal, taught for seven years. Dennis assisted in the development of Empowering Young Writers™ with the Center for Constructive Change and many teachers from several districts with varied demographics.

Harvey, Mr. Jim - B32 & C32

Jim Harvey has been teaching and presenting workshops for the past twenty years. Jim's technology program has been recognized for the past three years as one of tops in New Hampshire. Knowing what it is like to work on a shoestring budget Jim has researched and discovered free software to incorporate digital literacy into the classroom.

Hemingway, Ms. Carolyn - B33 & C33

Carolyn Hemingway is a fourth grade teacher at Belmont Elementary School. As the science curriculum coordinator for her school, she has worked on the revision of science standards following the NH Frameworks. Carolyn has been active in Project GLOBE, monitoring daily weather station data with her students. She is also a teacher-trainer for Elementary GLOBE, literary based science storybooks with hands-on activities. She uses a combination of FOSS, STC, and Elementary GLOBE activities to teach science to her students. She is one of the recipients of the 2008 NH Presidential Award for Excellence in Science.

Hemingway, Mr. Kent - B34

Kent serves as Assistant Superintendent in the Rochester public schools. Prior to that he was Principal of Dewey/Kimball Schools in Concord and the Merrimack Valley Middle School. He’s had a keen interest in how technology can be applied in our classrooms and school community since the early 80’s. Kent has taught graduate courses in technology leadership for both Plymouth State University and Notre Dame College. The fully digital Rochester Educational Television station broadcast through Metrocast is one of his current projects.

Joyce, Ms. Helen - B35

Helen Joyce worked for over thirty years in New Hampshire as a Social Studies teacher and high school administrator. She taught in the New York City school system, Lancaster Junior High School, and Littleton High School. She also served as Assistant Principal at Woodsville HS and, most recently, as the Chairperson of the Social Studies Department at Sanborn Regional High School. Since her retirement in 2006, Mrs. Joyce has authored three textbooks designed for high school Social Studies teachers.

Kelley, Ms. Emily - B36 & C36

Emily has taught at the Holderness Central School in Holderness, NH since 1982. In that time, she has taught middle school science, grade 6 & 8 reading, and a few years of America History. Her education includes a B.S. from Northeastern University, and a M.Ed from Plymouth State University. She has been a member of the NHDOE Literacy Task Force and NHEIAP Assessment team, as well as many curriculum committees for Science and Reading for the New England League of Middle Schools (NELMS), and the NH DOE. Most recently, she was honored as the Plymouth area’s Wal-Mart 2008 Teacher of the Year.

King, Dr. Gerri - B38 & C38

Gerri King, Ph.D., social psychologist and organizational consultant, works with educational, healthcare, corporate, industrial, non-profit, and governmental clients throughout the United States, Asia, and Canada. Dr. King’s expertise includes a wide range of topics such as team building, resolving conflicts and effective communication, motivating students and staff, why students avoid success, and the changing role of leadership in the 21st century. Gerri is a founding partner and President of the 29 year old consulting and counseling firm Human Dynamics Associates, Inc. of Concord NH. www.gerriking.com will provide more information.

King, Mr. Ron - B40 & C40

Ron King, Architect, President of the Nation’s oldest and largest Natural Playgrounds design and construction company, has set the standard for the design of safe, beautiful, sustainable, and lower cost Natural Playgrounds. For the past 10 years, King has been fighting for the rights of all children to spend more time in natural play environments as a way of controlling obesity, improving overall well-being, and encouraging more interactive and integrated learning. He and his partner and son, Ethan, work all over the US. BA Cornell University, Masters of Architecture, University of Pennsylvania.

Lincoln, Ms. Deborah - B41 & C41

Debora G. Lincoln is a veteran music teacher with the Timberlane Regional School District. She holds her M.Ed. in Creative Arts through Lesley University at Walnut Hill and is currently the director of the Timberlane Start Up Band Program for beginning band and string students. Throughout the summer, she designs and facilitates the children’s program for Nevers’2nd Regiment Band of Concord, N.H. Deborah has done independent research on “Bands – A Musical Window to NH History.”

Lister, Dr. Robert - B42

Dr. Robert Lister is presently the Superintendent of Schools in Portsmouth, NH. He has been a teacher and administrator in Portsmouth for 33 years and also teaches grant writing courses at The University of New Hampshire. Bob has worked with many non-profit organizations and individuals seeking foundation, state and federal funding for unique, creative and innovative programs. He emphasizes the “personal approach” to grant writing and enjoys teaching individuals and groups how to locate funding sources, write a quality proposal and determine how to develop a good idea into a grant proposal.

Maher, Ms. Lee - B43 & C43

Lee Maher is a death educator and bereavement facilitator who specializes in hospice work. She has worked one-on-one with many terminally ill patients as well as family members both before and after their loved one’s death. She has designed and facilitated many bereavement support groups including a motherless daughter group. Lee has been the Bereavement Coordinator at Rockingham Hospice for over 13 years. She has a graduate degree in Human Services/Social Gerontology from Springfield College. She also earned a certification in Thanatology from the National Institute for Death Education at Mount Ida College and is a certified Bereavement Facilitator through the American Academy of Bereavement.

Marlowe, Mr. John - B37 & C37

John Marlowe has a master's degree in Integrating Arts and Education from Lesley University at Walnut Hill and has led numerous workshops for teachers involving multiple intelligence theory. He taught third grade in Dover and Portsmouth for over twelve years, continuously trying to weave Howard Gardner's theory into a variety of curriculum driven programs. Currently he is teaching Title One at the Kenneth Brett School in Tamworth, NH.

McCormick, Mr. David - B44 & C44

David McCormick is currently a fourth grade teacher at the Mast Way School in Lee, New Hampshire. He has been a classroom teacher for 16 years teaching second through fourth grade. David was recently honored as a 2008 Distinguished Teacher by the National Council for Geographic Education. He is a graduate of the Lesley University Integrated Arts program at Walnut Hill.

Middaugh, Ms. Jennifer - A00

Jennifer Middaugh is the current coordinator of the Seacoast Professional Development Center in Exeter, New Hampshire. Jen started her career 25 years ago in the insurance industry as a licensed property/casualty agent and customer service representative, but after raising her children, felt the need to touch lives in a more meaningful way. While completing a BS in Business Management, Jen worked as an administrative assistant and para-professional. Once she completed her degree, she became a certified computer technology educator and went on to pursue a graduate degree in Educational Leadership. Today, she provides high quality professional development opportunities to teachers and staff throughout New Hampshire in an effort to enhance curriculum, instruction and assessment.

Moss, Mr. Jon - C27

Jon Moss is currently a physics and physical science teacher at Portsmouth High School in New Hampshire. He has also taught English, history, computer programming, and mathematics. Moss brings experience as an electrical engineer in the aerospace, medical, and laboratory arenas, and has been nominated for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST) twice and once was the NH runner up at the national level.

McManus, Ms. Sharon - B31 & C31

Sharon McManus has been a teacher in the Oyster River School District for 35 years. She has taught grades 2, 3, 4, 5, & 7 as well as a multi-age 3-4 classroom. She currently teaches 4th grade at Moharimet School in Madbury, NH. Sharon assisted in the development of “Empowering Young Writers” with the Center for Constructive Change. She has been a consultant with various schools in New Hampshire using this writing approach.

Mros, Ms. Dianne - B08 & C08

Dianne Mros received her BS in Elementary Education at Plymouth State College in 1972 and her Masters of Reading from UNH in 1991. Dianne received her Special Education and Learning and Language Disabilities Certifications from Notre Dame College. Dianne taught physical education as well as grades two and three at Memorial Drive School in Farmington, NH. She has been a reading consultant at the two elementary schools in Somersworth, New Hampshire. She is currently the reading consultant and first grade special education teacher at Hilltop Elementary School in Somersworth. She was first introduced to Tai Chi in the Kosho Hoho Yooga style by Sensei Christopher Bashaw back in 2003, and has been studying ever since her first trial class! Dianne was attuned to Kokoro Ryu Reiki Levels I and II and went on to become a Kokoro Ryu Reiki Master Teacher in June 2007. Dianne and her friend, Ruth Ashley, have started Reiki Bliss. They have co-presented fun and interactive workshops on Tai Chi for NEA-NH paraprofessionals and at the 2008 Summer Learning Conference. Dianne has led tai chi classes at Hilltop School and On the Mat Studio in Berwick, Maine. Her most current achievement is a Tai Chi for Health-Level One Instructorship, earning the title of Shisho (shee-show) comparable to a first degree black belt!

Murray, Mr. Jeffrey - B47 & C47

Jeff Murray’s background is unique. He is a licensed attorney and a retired school principal with 30 years in public education. During his career in public education Jeff was a teacher, assistant principal, principal, union president, contract negotiator, and served on a team that represented 44 dismissed teachers. He has taught education law courses at the masters and CAGS level since 1985. He has also taught education law courses at a local law school. Jeff has a unique perspective, having served in the trenches as an educator and later as a practicing attorney.Jeff is know for his interesting and humorous workshops on very serious issues. His workshops and courses remain grounded in the real world. You’ll hear absolutely no legal babble, just news you can use immediately in your profession. He has a passion for education combined with practical solutions to difficult legal issues. Jeff’s approach is proactive.

Olshansky, Ms. Beth - B49 & C49

Beth Olshansky has spent nearly a decade and a half developing, and then refining, two art-and-literature-based approaches to writing which give students access to visual and kinesthetic as well as verbal modes of thinking at each and every stage of the writing process: Picturing Writing: Fostering Literacy Through Art® and Image-Making Within the Writing Process®. These programs have been the recipient of federal funding through the National Diffusion Network, Comprehensive School Reform Demonstration grants, and Arts in Education Model Development and Dissemination Grants. Beth has trained teachers across the United States as well as within the US Commonwealths and Territories, and worked with thousands of learners of all ages and abilities. Beth believes that it is essential that we offer our diverse student population access to visual and kinesthetic as well as verbal modes of thinking if we are to insure successful literacy learning of at-risk students.

Ott, Dr. Charles - B50

Chuck Ott is a North Star Field Worker. Chuck is a former Superintendent of Schools, School Psychologist, Guidance Counselor, and Second Grade Teacher. He is currently an adjunct faculty member of the Department of Education at UNH. He is affiliated with City Year New Hampshire. Chuck served in the U.S. Peace Corps (1967-69) in Sierra Leone, West Africa.

Pearce, Ms. Kathy - B65 & C65

Kathy Pearce has been a middle school educator for 15 years, first as an English teacher and currently as a school library media specialist. She lives and works in Portsmouth where she enjoys helping friends and colleagues find ways in which technology can enhance their personal and professional lives.

Pennington, Ms. Patricia - B51 & C51

Patricia has focused on helping students develop language skills and cognitive skills as a classroom teacher, a teacher of gifted and talented, and teacher of language arts subjects in private practice. She graduated from Frostburg State College in Maryland in 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. She taught in grades three and four in Maryland and New Hampshire before remaining at home to raise two sons and a daughter. Prior to founding Exeter Speech, Language & Education Associates in 2003, Pat worked as coordinator and teacher of Gifted Education in Portsmouth and Greenland, NH, as a fifth grade teacher at St. Patrick School, Portsmouth, and as a tutor in private practice. Pat has committed herself to trainings which focus on the development of reading skills and written expression skills, critical thinking skills, and cognitive skill development. She is trained in the Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing (LiPS) Program and has received training in Precision Teaching techniques. Pat instructs teachers in the LiPS Program and in techniques of Precision Teaching. Of special interest to Pat has been the development of cognitive skills, and Pt has been trained in Feuerstein’s Instrumental Enrichment, a cognitive skills curriculum and in the Learning Propensity Assessment Devise, a cognitive skills evaluation system. Pat has traveled to Europe to obtain certification as a trainer in Feuerstein’s Instrumental Enrichment Programs, and has conducted trainings in the Seacoast area in these programs.

Rief, Ms. Linda - B27 & C64

Linda Rief is a full time language arts teacher at Oyster River Middle School. She is an instructor in the University of New Hampshire’s Summer Literacy Institute. She is the author of Seeking Diversity: Language Arts with Adolescents (1992), Vision and Voice: Extending the Literacy Spectrum (1999) – a book and companion CD – both published by Heinemann – and 100 Quickwriters (2003), published by Scholastic. She co-founded and co-edited, for five years, Voices for the Middle, a journal for middle school teachers published by the National Council of Teachers of English. Linda is the co-editor with Kylene Beers and Bob Probst of the forthcoming book, Adolescent Literacy: Turning Promise into Practice (Heinemann Spring, 2007).

Ringer, Ms. Judy - A00

Judy Ringer provides conflict and communication skills training and facilitation, team building and coaching throughout the United States and Canada. Her interest in conflict and communication began in the early 1980's. As a successful business owner, she saw a real need to improve the quality of life in the workplace. Since 1984, Judy has studied with Thomas Crum, author and internationally-known teacher of The Magic of Conflict, and in 1993 she became a certified trainer in The Magic of Conflict approach. Judy is a black belt in aikido and founder and chief instructor of Portsmouth Aikido, Portsmouth, NH. In addition, her background includes courses with the Harvard/MIT Program on Negotiation and ongoing work and study in Process Work and World Work, developed by Arnold Mindell. With expertise in several best practice communication models, she brings to life key concepts such as self-management under pressure and appreciation of other viewpoints. Judy is also a professional singer and voice coach. In all aspects of life, she is interested in creating more power with less effort and in studying how individuals and groups give and receive energy to create their environments. These interests, combined with her technical skills in singing and aikido, encouraged her to create workshops in The Powerful Voice and Powerful Presentations. She is a frequently requested trainer in corporate, business, health, and educational circles. Clients include the National Institutes of Health, BAE Systems, Sony Corporation, Honda of America Manufacturing, Frito-Lay, Bose Corporation, TDBanknorth, Maine Medical Center, Maine General Health, The American Red Cross, The National Education Association, and the States of New Hampshire and Vermont.

Rocci, Ms. Amy Levy - B27 & C27

Amy Levy Rocci has 13 years’ experience as an elementary educator in New Hampshire. She has designed and implemented an enrichment program and serves as a teacher leader / mentor trainer, co-facilitating training seminars for the region and co-presenting Visual Tools nationally.

Savage, Ms. Patricia - B53 & C53

Patricia Savage has been an educator for nearly thirty-five years specializing in experiential learning. She enjoys combining visual and tactile media with written narrative to foster both creative and critical thinking. Though traditionally separated, in her mind, they are linked. She has loved living a life where the subject she hated as a kid - Science - now drives her curriculum development. She has five, grown, knock-your-socks-off kids, a loving and quirky husband of 36 years, and an aging Dalmation. She currently works in the Special Education Department at Coe-Brown Academy.

Schersten, Mr. Tom - B56 & C56

Tom Schersten is a career educator devoted to improving competence in and appreciation for mathematics as an empowering life skill. A college degree in math and twenty years of classroom experience at all grade levels kindergarten through eighth have nurtured Tom’s belief in the use of manipulative and problem-solving approaches to teaching mathematics, a process which facilitates differentiation of instruction for all students from remedial settings to enrichment. Tom has successfully pursued full time consulting for 12 years and in 19 states, promoting curriculum, instruction, and assessment consistent with standards-based education.

Shearer-Chick, Ms. Raina - B20 & C20

Raina Shearer-Chick M.Ed. CAGS works as a School Psychologist for SAU # 64 (Milton and Wakefield). She has worked throughout the North Country and Seacoast regions of NH as a Title 1 director, special education teacher and administrator, educational consultant, and school psychologist. She is currently President of the NH Association of School Psychologists.

Speigel, Mr. Jim - B58 & C58

Jim Speigel, an educator, has been the Theatre and Performing Arts Director at the Derryfield School in Manchester for the past 18 years. He is a resident director of RB Productions and RB Stage Company of Concord, and was the founder and artistic director of SandCastle Productions. Jim lives in Concord with his wife Teresa and their three beautiful children, Zachary, Benjamin, and Rose.

Talley, Mr. Glynn - B61 & C61

M. Ed. School Counseling - Strafford Learning Center - John Powers School Director - Glynn Talley is a certified educator. He holds endorsements in the areas of emotional disturbance and specific learning disabilities. He has served as the Director for the John Powers School for the last several years. The school is a day placement for students in grades 1 – 9 with significant behavioral challenges. Glynn has provided behavior consultation to school districts in Maine and New Hampshire. Prior to that he worked in a residential setting for students with behavioral challenges.

Tancreti-Ruel, Ms. Jamie - B63 & C63

For the last 9 years Jamie Tancreti-Ruel has been a 3rd grade teacher at the D. J. Bakie School in Kingston, NH. An avid scrap booker, she has always looked for ways to use scrap booking with her class to enhance learning and make it fun. Presently a part time stay-at-home mom, part time Title 1 teacher in Salem, NH, Jamie has used her experience of “scrapping” with her students to develop a workshop that helps teachers organize, implement, and manage scrap booking in their writing curriculum (as well as a few other curriculum areas).

Weigler, Ms. Erin - B57 & C57

Erin is a music teacher at Pelham Elementary School in Pelham, NH. She graduated from Keene State College with a degree in Music Education. She holds a Masters Degree in the Creative Arts through teaching which she received from Lesley University at Walnut Hill. Erin has presented many workshops on integrating the arts into the classroom through NEA-NH.

Williams, Mr. David - B62

Wirth, Ms. Michelle - B39 & C39

Michelle Wirth has taught music in the public schools for twenty years. She has a Bachelor of Music from UNH and a Masters of Education from Lesley University. She is currently teaching music in Rye, NH school district K-8, an active piano accompanist in the seacoast area, and a cellist with the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra.

Wyman, Ms. Heidi - B60 & C60

Heidi Howard Wyman, MSW, is the director of the Transition Resource Network (TRN) at Strafford Learning Center, a regional intermediary that provides technical assistance and facilitates networking and collaboration related to youth, including youth with disabilities, making a successful transition to adulthood. Ms. Wyman began working with adults with developmental disabilities in 1993 in the Greater Seacoast as a home care provider, job coach, and group home manager. She received her MSW from UNH in 2000, where she concentrated her studies on community organization and non-profit administration. Ms. Wyman has worked for several respected regional organizations including United Way of the Greater Seacoast, Developmental Services of Strafford County, Seacoast Hospice, and Community Partners. These experiences have helped her build broad understanding of regional, state, and federal resources and systems, and have led to her strong commitment to promote systems change efforts that improve effectiveness and efficiency for people in helping professions.

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