Our Team

Ron Anderson is a Framework Specialist at the Danielson Group who has served in Ohio as a classroom music teacher, curriculum director, director of professional development, and director of organizational development. He has taught numerous graduate level courses and is a seasoned workshop presenter. Ron specializes in K-12 fine arts, instructional improvement, mentor and assessor training, and program development. He is a graduate of Kent State University, Wright State University, and Miami University.

Wendy Anderson was introduced to the Danielson Framework in the 1980s when serving as a teacher in Richmond VT. In her current position as Associate Superintendent for the Archdiocese of Washington, she has collaborated with the Danielson Group to bring the Framework to more than 55 schools.  Wendy has been integrally involved in developing strategies to successfully implement the Framework in faith-based  and independent schools. She is an experienced leadership trainer both in person and on line.  Wendy is also an adjunct professor at Notre Dame of Maryland. She holds Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from St. Michael’s College in Vermont and a Master’s degree in Education Administration from Keane University. 

Kathy Andreasen has served in education for over two decades in Milwaukee and Baraboo, Wisconsin. Currently, Kathy serves as an Elementary Principal and District Educator Effectiveness Coordinator with the School District of Baraboo. She supports the Framework for Teaching to advance teacher practice and student learning. She created an alternative pathway for special education and elementary education licenses in partnership with The Danielson Group, Inc through a Department of Workforce Development Fast Forward grant. Kathy earned her Principal and Director of Instruction Certification from St. Mary's University of Minnesota and her Masters of Arts in Education from Viterbo University, Wisconsin. 

Dr. Shelly Arneson is a Framework Specialist whose experience ranges from teaching to counseling to administration to teaching administration courses at the university level. 

Shelly’s first book, entitled Communication and Motivation: The School Leader’s Guide to Effective Communication focuses on effective communication techniques. Her expertise as a school principal has spurred her interests into helping schools and districts build collaborative communities of inquiry and trust. She presents keynotes and workshops on her latest book Building Trust in Teacher Evaluations. Shelly holds her doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction and her dissertation focused on teacher trust in school administrators, specifically determining which factors impact trust in principals. 
 

Darlene H. Axtell is a Framework Specialist and Curriculum Designer for the Danielson Group. As a charter member, she has worked with the Framework for Teaching since 1997. She is co-author of the Action Tool, “Implementing the Framework for Teaching.” She has been a teacher and counselor at all levels. As an administrator she was director of counseling, curriculum coordinator, and middle level principal. Darlene has lived and worked in England and consulted in several European countries, in Japan, and on various Caribbean Islands. Darlene holds an undergraduate degree in education and a master’s degree and advanced certification in counseling. Areas of specialty include elevating educator effectiveness, establishing a school culture for learning, and improving the communication skills for all educators. 

Zhenya is a freelance English as a foreign language teacher from Moscow. After several years of work in state schools he was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to spend a year in the US. Upon his return to Russia Zhenya became Cambridge DELTA certified specialist. He has worked a few years as a team leader and teacher trainer in one of the private schools in Moscow and later on became an internationally-recognized Cambridge CELTA trainer.  Zhenya now works with MA-level students at Moscow State Pedagogical University, runs online workshops for Russian teachers and plays jazz piano. Zhenya has a degree from University of Chichester.

Bridgette is currently an Employee Effectiveness and Evaluation Specialist in the Prince George’s County Public Schools Office of Employee Performance. In this capacity, she serves as the lead for the school-based administrator evaluation process and the teacher evaluation process that is based on the Danielson Framework for Teaching. Bridgette has specialized in K-12 Mathematics Education, mentoring, and supports in facilitating professional learning opportunities on teacher professional growth using Danielson’s Framework for Teaching, calibration, and the administrator and teacher evaluation management system. Bridgette holds a Master of Science degree in Mathematics Education from Towson University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Boston University.

Marlinda Boxley’s career spans from K12 to higher education. In the K12 sector, she has served as a Director of Education, Assistant Principal, Special Education Administrator, Project director, Compliance Specialist, and Classroom Teacher. In the higher education sector she has served as an Assistant Professor, Self-Study Coordinator, and Instructional Designer. Her areas of expertise include leadership coaching, teacher professional development, special education, and curriculum and instruction. Marlinda earned an Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Administration and Higher Education Administration from the George Washington University.

Dr. Erica Cravalho-Meyers has extensive experience as an educator, administrator, and instructional leader in diverse education systems. Her past work includes designing collaborative environments to support teachers’ development of curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Erika believes in innovation in learning and supports the ongoing process of reflecting and refining practice to create a learning environment centered on the students it serves. Erika holds a BS in Social Studies and a MA in Secondary Education from Chaminade University. She holds an Ed.D. in educational problems of practice from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

James Edler is a Framework Specialist at the Danielson Group. He worked as an elementary and a middle school teacher before taking on a leadership role with the Milwaukee Public Schools. Currently serving as the Educator Effectiveness Coordinator, his work focuses on the implementation of an Educator Effectiveness System aligned to both teaching and leadership practices to positively influence a culture of trust, and adult learning as a critical aspect of improving outcomes for all students. James is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with an emphasis on urban education

Jorie Ellis is a Framework Specialist and Curriculum Designer for the Danielson Group. Jorie taught regular and special education and retired as executive director supervising K-12 principals. She held directorships for special education, curriculum, and school improvement/staff development. She teaches graduate level courses and consults on: leadership, teacher evaluation; the Framework for Teaching; inter-rater reliability; and effective instructional strategies. Jorie holds her PhD in educational policy and leadership at the University of Oregon.

Tatiana Tseu Fox is a Senior Design Specialist in the Instructional Development and Support unit of Kamehameha Schools – Community Education Division. She works with educators statewide in the planning, designing and implementation of programs and services associated with educational improvement and innovation. She began her professional career as a middle school teacher and eventually became a lead teacher of her team. After nine years in the classroom, she was called to be an instructional coach supporting novice through veteran teachers. Tatiana knew early on that coaching and supporting fellow educators meant impacting teaching and learning experiences for more students than she could possibly engage with on her own.  She considers it an honor to learn and grow alongside those who are committed to improving themselves through their practice. Tatiana has earned a B.A. in Hawaiian Studies with a minor in Sociology, an M.Ed. in Curriculum Studies with a focus on Middle Level Education, and a M.Ed. in Educational Foundations with an emphasis on Private School Leadership. She is also a Kumu Hula, a master teacher of hula.

Linnea Garrett currently serves as the Associate Principal of Rich township high School Fine ARts and Communications Campus in the south suburbs of Chicago, IL. She began her career almost 20 years ago and has served as a science teacher, instructional coach, district support personnel, and school director. Her passions focus on adult learning, equity, real-world learning, and project-based learning. Linnea received her Masters of Arts in Teaching from National Louis University and completed various fellowships within her education career including New Leaders for New Schools, Chicago Principals Fellowship, Deeper Learning Equity Fellowship, and the Education Leadership Academy and High Tech High.

Naté Hall is a Framework Specialist and Curriculum Designer for the Danielson Group. Throughout her career she has held several positions such as Biology teacher, Teacher Development Liaison, Science Department Chair, Professional Learning Communities team leader, Secondary Science Resource Teacher, Teacher and Paraprofessional Development Facilitator, and currently serves as a Facilitator in the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the central office level. Nate’ utilizes the Framework to build capacity with all teachers in her district and facilitate conversations around its connection to culturally responsive teaching.  She also serves as an Instructional Mentor where she uses the Framework as a tool for assessing new teacher practice and as a guide for their continued professional growth. Nate’ holds a Bachelor's of Science in Biology from Delaware State University and a Masters of Science in Administration and Supervision from Johns Hopkins University.

Kathleen Hanson is a Framework Specialist at the Danielson Group. She has served as a classroom teacher, administrator and consultant. She led the development of a supervision and evaluation model in three districts as well as developing and implementing a mentoring program in her local district that led to writing a state-wide curriculum for mentoring. Her background includes Administrative Service Human Resources Administrator, Curriculum and Instruction Administrator, principal, and consultant, and supervisor of pre-service teachers. Her work as a building administrator afforded her the opportunity to work closely with the Special Education programs in her district, directly supervising the broad spectrum of classes at the elementary level as well as revamping the program for the Behavior Disorder district program.

Dr. Hassler has served as a superintendent, assistant superintendent, director of curriculum, principal and teacher during his public school tenure. Recently, he’s given up Pennsylvania weather for sunnier Arizona skies, but hasn’t given up his focus on bringing leadership and effectiveness to teachers and classrooms. 

A career launched with thirteen years of classroom experience, Dr. Hassler’s resume includes student- and educator-focused success. He led eight consecutive years of district-wide improvement in math, co-authored the comprehensive school improvement book, Performance is Key: Connecting the Links to Leadership and Excellence, and continues to specialize in leadership and excellence for educators and students. 

Dr. Hassler  holds a BS in Economics and Accounting from Mulhlenberg College; Ed.D. and Masters of Education from Lehigh University.

Virginia R. Hill is a Framework Specialist at the Danielson Group who has 27 years of experience in Pennsylvania as a teacher, school administrator, science supervisor, as well as a curriculum and professional development executive director. She is a seasoned workshop presenter. Virginia specializes in school improvement efforts, student achievement, equity, and diversity. She is a graduate of Geneva College, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Pittsburgh.

I am the Associate Superintendent, Director of Academic Excellence, for the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon.  Prior to this position, I have over twenty years of experience teaching in public and Catholic schools, as well as serving as a vice-principal and principal.  Areas of teaching specialization include mathematics and English for speakers of other languages.  For the Department of Catholic Schools, I manage professional develop, teacher growth, standardized testing, federal funding, and lead the Curriculum Committee.  I hold Oregon state administrative credentials and am currently working on my Doctor of Education degree through Creighton University.

Mel Kingham is currently serving as the reading specialist and instructional coach at Hou Kong Premier School in Macau, SAR, China. She has more than 25 years experience as an elementary school teacher, university lecturer, program director, and supervisor of pre-service teachers. Her work has focused on the induction and mentorship of beginning teachers and on establishing effective professional development school partnerships in international settings. She holds an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Central Washington University.

Margaret M. Leibfried is a Framework Specialist at the Danielson Group. During her career, Margaret served as a high school and middle school teacher and administrator. In her middle school principal role Margaret used the Framework for Teaching, both as an evaluative tool and as an instructional improvement tool with teachers. Margaret’s responsibilities included mentoring Principals and Instructional Leaders, specifically in evidence gathering for teacher evaluation. She is also certified as an International Baccalaureate workshop leader for Heads of Schools. Margaret is a graduate of St. Cloud State University and completed her graduate work for administration at the University of Minnesota.

Melissa Linton is a Framework Specialist at the Danielson Group and spent over 25 years serving as a teacher, school and district level administrator, principal, and instructional coach. She began using the Framework as an administrator in 2000 focusing on mentoring programs, teacher evaluation, observation and school improvement using data driven decision-making processes. Her current focus is using the Framework to support personalized learning and social/emotional initiatives in schools and districts. She teaches graduate level courses for teachers, focusing on strategies that support personalized and blended learning and provides teachers, schools and districts comprehensive school improvement support on the use of the Framework for Teaching for evaluation, observation calibration and effective instructional practices. Melissa is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music and Northwestern University.

Dr. Juliette Longchamp, a  30-year veteran teacher, who spent the last 25 years as a middle school teacher, at Williston Central School, in Vermont.  Juliette left the classroom to serve as Director of Professional Programs at Vermont-NEA, where she works with school districts and educators in Vermont in a variety of ways including conducting classes and workshops, teaching classes through Castleton University, coordinating and working with National Board Candidates, serving on state-level committees, and supporting aspiring educators in both teacher training programs and those who are pursuing alternate routes to certification.  Recent workshops and courses include Differentiation and the Brain, Assessment Practices to Support Student Learning, Mentoring and Coaching, Accomplished Teaching, Project-based Learning, Proficiency-based learning, and Certification through the Peer Review Process. 

Juliette is a National Board Certified Teacher, and holds Vermont Certification in Elementary Education (k-6), Special Education (k-8) and Middle School (5-9) in English Language Arts, Science, Math and Social Studies.  This broad base of expertise allows her to connect with teachers in her courses and workshops.  

She earned her Ed.D. in Education Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Vermont, M.A. in Curriculum and Teaching from Teacher's College, Columbia University, and a B.S. in Elementary and Special Education from the University of Vermont. 
 

Cheryl Lundy Swift is the Chief Academic Officer ofEduPower, an education consulting firm that aims to improve student academic and behavioral outcomes by empowering school leaders, teachers, and parents.  Cheryl has served as a classroom teacher, administrator, executive and consultant. She leverages her expertise to improve instructional practices, transform culture and climate, and strengthen school to home connections. Cheryl earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia. She received a Master of Education in Administration & Supervision from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in Educational Leadership from Kean University. 

Zipporah has served in several roles in the K-21 Education System locally and nationally.  She has served as a classroom teacher, adjunct professor, school administrator and the leader for science in two districts in Maryland. She currently serves as a leader in professional development efforts in a public school system.  Nationally, she led the National Science Teachers Associations efforts in providing professional development and e-learning opportunities to science teachers across the country. Zipporah earned her Bachelor’s degree from Chadron State College in Chadron Nebraska, Master’s degree from Bowie State University in Bowie, Maryland and a Doctorate degree from the University of Maryland College Park in Maryland.

Alicia works as a Central Curriculum Service Provider in Tucson Unified School District. She has 16 years of classroom experience in the first through fifth grades. Alicia leads site CSPs in the largest school district in Tucson through professional development, project management, and organizing district initiatives. She has expertise in training, teaching, coaching, and mentoring. Alicia holds a BA in Bilingual Elementary Education from the University of Arizona, and an MA in Educational Leaderships from the University of Northern Arizona. She is Bilingual in English and Spanish fluent.

Peggy Olcott is an internal Curriculum Designer for the Danielson Group. She has over 30 years experience ranging from elementary and middle school teaching to district level coordination of curriculum and instructional programs.  In her role at the central office, she developed successful professional development programs to address the changing needs of staff due to educational reform efforts at the state level, including  developing and implementing teaching standards based on Danielson’s Framework for Teaching. Currently, Peggy presents various seminars including facilitating data-driven dialogue and learning-focused conversations. Peggy holds a B.A. from the University of California, Santa Barbara and M.Ed. from City University. 

Joanie Peterson is a Framework Specialist at the Danielson Group whose 30 year career span includes classroom teacher, counselor, central office Human Resources and Professional Development administrator, Board of Trustee in the K-12 education system and consultant; faculty member, counselor and administrator at the community college and university level. She has specialized in recruitment and the hiring process, mentor and induction programs and teacher evaluation based on the Danielson Framework for Teaching since 2002. Peterson provides support in facilitating professional growth on teacher effectiveness, data-driven decision- making processes, observation, calibration, and teacher evaluation design using the Framework for Teaching at the school, district and state level. Joanie is a graduate of the University of California at Davis and holds advanced degree from College of Idaho.

Rhonda is currently a Principal on Assignment with Prince George’s County Public Schools in Maryland.  This assignment followed her position as director of a pay-for-performance initiative that utilized the Framework for Teaching as the research based model for assisting administrators and teachers in improving their practice in an effort to increase student achievement.  Rhonda has been a teacher, assistant principal, principal and a director during her career.  She currently provides professional development training for teachers, administrators and central office staff.

Rhonda received her B.S. Degree in Elementary Education from Northeastern University in Boston and her M.S. Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Bowie State University in Maryland.
 

I am a Mathematics Teacher Educator and founder of TeachEDX, a professional learning provider for teachers in Jamaica and the Caribbean. My career in education spans the past 15 years. I have served at various levels of the Jamaican education system including classroom teacher, instructional coach, test developer, and training officer. I specialize in Mathematics education and classroom assessment. I hold a BSc in Mathematics and Economics and a Master of Arts degree in Teacher Education and Teacher development from the University of the West Indies. I am currently a PhD candidate in Curriculum Development at the University of the West Indies. My current research interest is the development of pedagogical content knowledge in mathematics teachers.

Lindsay Prendergast’s career spans 16 years and three countries as a Principal, Guidance Counselor and Special Education teacher. Lindsay recently returned to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic where she led an international school. In addition to serving as a Framework Specialist, she is a professional learning consultant for NWEA and also an independent consultant in the areas of grading and assessment. Lindsay delivers professional development in English and Spanish for educators around the world on various topics including growth-focused teacher evaluation programs using the Framework. She holds Master’s degrees in Ed. Administration and School Counseling and is pursuing her Doctorate in Ed. Leadership at Wilkes University.

Lynn Sawyer is a Framework Specialist at the Danielson Group. She has lead school districts in developing comprehensive systems for professional development and teacher evaluation based on the Framework for Teaching. Her publications include: “Revamping a Teacher Evaluation System,” Educational Leadership, Feb 2001 and “Integrating Cognitive Coaching with a Framework for Teaching,” in Cognitive Coaching: Weaving Threads of Learning and Change into the Culture of an Organization, 2003 (Christopher-Gordon).

Crystal Wash began her teaching career in ChicagoPublic Schools teaching elementary and middle grades. Crystal eventually became a demonstration classroom teacher, where she opened her classroom for others to observe her practice. Subsequent roles included district instructional coach, director of instruction and a district calibrator in which Crystal supported a cohort of principals to understand the Framework for Teachingbased Teacher Evaluation System. Crystal specializes in culturally responsive practices and how to best integrate such practices in math and science classrooms Crystal holds a BA in English and Philosophy from Indiana University and a M.Ed. in education from DePaul University and an M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision from National Louis.