Marilyn Mumaw Anderson, M.A. currently works as the Director of Teaching and Learning for Adult Education Services at the Arizona Department of Education. Before moving to the role as director, Marilyn was the EdTech Blended and Virtual Learning Specialist for ADE supporting muti-modality instruction. Prior to her work at the agency, Marilyn served as a classroom educator for over 15 years. Six of those she served as district content lead and instructional leader supporting effective instruction and professional development. Marilyn holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona and a Master’s from New York University. Marilyn enjoys working and supporting educators with their instructional needs and goals.
Cynthia Bell, M.A. is the Director of Numeracy & Workforce Development Services at the Literacy Assistance Center, where she oversees workforce development projects and initiatives, develops, and facilitates professional development and technical assistance for adult basic education (ABE) and high school equivalency (HSE) instructors on standards-based numeracy and math instruction. When she is not leading and developing trainings, Cynthia is providing customized coaching to instructors on integrated curriculum design, developing digital resiliency, and best practices of teaching and learning mathematics. In 2016, she co-authored the teacher resource book Teaching Adults: A HiSET Exam Resource Book. Cynthia has presented at international, national, state, and regional conferences, and is an active board member of the National Coalition for Literacy (NCL) and the Association of Adult Literacy Professional Developers (AALPD) and was a SME for Proliteracy’s national Teacher Training Project in 2023-2024.
Jennifer Blanchard, M.A. is a Senior Instructional Designer for EDSI. Jennifer's passion for design and development allows her to create rich and meaningful curriculum that encourages connectivity and growth to meet a variety of clients' needs. In this current role, Jennifer, alongside her team, is responsible for providing the professional development for adult education teachers and directors across the state of Michigan. Prior to working with EDSI, she worked many years as an elementary teacher, middle school English Language Arts teacher, reading specialist, and Response to Intervention specialist in public education. Jennifer is well-versed in understanding the needs of educators, including the tools necessary for success in the classroom. She holds a B.A. in Elementary Education (K-8) with a coordinate major in English from Rowan University and a M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Secondary Education (6-12) from Grand Canyon University.
Marie Cora, M.Ed. has worked in the field of adult education since 1984. She has worked for the last 30 years in professional development, and for 20 years delivering PD online. She holds an M.Ed. in TESOL and will complete a PsyM in Industrial/Organizational Psychology in 2024. Her expertise is in ESOL, workplace education, digital literacy, classroom assessment, leadership training, and using data for program improvement. Marie’s experience includes work as a classroom teacher, career advisor, program director, professional developer, and project manager for local and national initiatives. She has worked with the LINCS project since 2004 in various capacities and is currently the Adult Education Professional Development Coordinator for the state of Rhode Island.
Dr. Terri Dunn has served in various capacities within the Alabama Community College System over the last 23 years. In her current role, she works directly with WIOA Title II sub recipient award programs based in the Southern Region of the state to expand partnerships and program offerings that address business and industry needs for the incumbent and emerging workforce.
Dr. Dunn is a “Certified Talent Developer” for the State of Alabama and is part of the Alabama Committee on Credentialing and Career Pathways, a committee of the Alabama Workforce Council tasked with annually identifying regional and statewide in-demand occupations, career pathways, and credentials of value. She has served her community on multiple boards and has served her state as a member and President of the Alabama Adult Education Directors’ Association and President of the Alabama Association for Public and Continuing Adult Education (ALAPCAE). She currently serves on the Professional Development Planning Team for the National Association of State Directors of Adult Education (NASDAE).
Dr. Dunn’s educational background includes bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Business Administration, with a concentration in Accounting, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Law. She is also a proud graduate of the Alabama Community College Leadership Academy offered through the University of Alabama.
Nell Eckersley, M.P.A. (she/her) is the Director of Digital Equity Projects at the Literacy Assistance Center. Nell has been working on ways to integrate digital literacy skills into adult education ever since she developed a project on how to teach basic computer skills in a classroom without computers in 2001. Nell’s current work on digital literacy and adult education includes providing professional development workshops for adult education teachers, managing the Adult Education Google Club, being a subject matter expert for the DRAW project, acting as a technology advisor for the CILIA-T project, and updating and creating resources for LINCS. Her particular areas of interest are strengthening digital literacy skills for adult education practitioners and students, integrating technology into the adult education classroom via mobile devices, and digital inclusion for all. Nell has a Certificate in Online Education from the University of Wisconsin, and Google Certified Educator Level 1.
Olga M. Escamilla, Ph.D., has worked in adult education since 1994. She began her career in adult education as a teacher’s aide and progressively moved to GED® instructor, ABE supervisor, and in 2004 she served as the administrator of the South Central GREAT (Getting Results Educating Adults in Texas) Center for professional development. She provided coordination of regional and state-wide professional development in adult education for 10 years and engaged in extensive collaboration with internal and external partners in the development and delivery of research-based professional development activities. As a coordinator of the professional development grant and based on her gained knowledge though prior classroom experience, she knew that assisting individuals with varying backgrounds, experiences, and learning difficulties was particularly important. Since January of 2010, Olga has been serving as a senior lecturer for the Department of Educational Leadership and Counseling at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Dr. Escamilla has also served as professional development specialist at Texas A&M University-College Station since 2016.
From 2004-2005 Olga served as a chairperson on the COABE/TALAE (Texas Association for Literacy and Adult Education) conference committee and again collaborated to coordinate the COABE/TALAE conference in 2015-2016. She served a two-year term on the Alamo Workforce Board from 2013-2014. She is currently serving a two-year term as the Region 4 Representative for COABE. Dr. Escamilla has worked in the field of adult education for over 25 years, demonstrating outstanding leadership qualities at the local, state, and national levels. She has presented various workshops and conference presentations and has been awarded the Texas A&M University System Student Recognition Award for Teaching Excellence.
Kim Glenn is the Managing Director of Innovative Learning Solutions at EDSI. Kim has overseen the creation of statewide training systems, organizational professional development systems, customized training solutions, workforce development training, and apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, as well as curriculum development for adult basic education instruction. Kim’s passion lies in adult education, learning and development, and supporting those who need it most. Kim oversees Michigan’s professional development contract for adult education and presents at countless conferences. She is leading her team in e-learning efforts and pushing the boundaries of development and excellence in instructional design for classroom, hybrid, and distance learning.
Kim holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Dickinson College, certification in Workplace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from the University of South Florida, a certificate in Adult Learning from Texas A & M, a graduate certificate in Instructional Design and Learning Design from the University of Massachusetts, a certificate in Design Strategy from University of Sydney, and is a DiSC certified trainer.
Sarah Goldammer, M.S. is the director of the Southern Illinois Professional Development Center, part of the Illinois Community College Board Professional Development Network. She has a B.S. in special education and an M.S. in higher education. Ms. Goldammer served as part of the professional development team for the Accelerating Opportunity Initiative, the development of a Bridge Development Basics Training, and implementation of Integrated Education and Training (IET) models. She has coached 50+ programs creating Bridge and Integrated Education and Training (IET/ICAPS) programs. She recently co-created the Illinois training, “Designing for Equity and Access for ALL Learners.” She has been involved in adult education for the past 23 years and has been teaching and training for over 30 years. She is proud to have had students from 3 to 83 years old and every age in between.
Nadia Kader (they/them) is currently a Professional Learning Coordinator for Propel, where they manage, design, and develop distance learning projects for New Mexico adult education practitioners. They are the co-creator and host of the Connect with Adult Ed podcast, a podcast made for adult educators by adult educators. They are also the co-creator of Tech Tuesdays, a microlearning digital literacy video series for educators. They have a master’s in cinema/media studies and are currently working on their PhD in organization, information, and learning science.
Brianna Kerth, M.Ed. holds a Master’s degree in Education, Curriculum, and Teaching from Boston University and began her career as a K–12 ESL educator. She brings a strong foundation in language development and culturally responsive teaching to her current work in adult education. Brianna specializes in designing and facilitating professional development for adult educators, with a focus on curriculum design, e-learning, and interactive training. Her work spans the creation of microlearning modules, animated presentations, and accessible learning tools that support diverse learners. Passionate about equity and engagement, Brianna is committed to helping educators create inclusive, learner-centered environments across adult literacy, workforce, and ESL settings.
Susanna Lee, M.S. is an Associate Director for Adult Education with the Kansas Board of Regents. She has spent approximately 20 years in the field of Adult Education, teaching English, math, and many other subjects; implementing Integrated Education and Training (IET); managing data; and providing training for teachers. She earned an M.S. in Adult, Occupational, and Continuing Education from Kansas State University. Susanna thrives as a learner, educator, creator, and organizer, and she is passionate about continuous improvement for individuals and for systems.
Astrid Liden has been the ABE Professional Development Specialist with the Minnesota Department of Education since 2006. Prior to joining the state ABE office, she worked as an ESL instructor, teacher trainer, and ABE program manager.
Sarina Lirette, M.B.A. serves as the Director of Adult Education at River Parishes Community College (RPCC) and as an Adjunct Business Instructor at Fletcher Technical Community College and RPCC. A lifelong learner and community advocate, she combines her Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management, MBA, and candidacy for a Doctorate in Adult Education with extensive leadership experience across for-profit, nonprofit, and higher education sectors. Her expertise includes leadership, strategy, communication, and marketing.
Sarina's commitment to service is evident in her volunteer work with chambers of commerce, WIOA boards, nonprofit boards, recreation boards, and organizations supporting youth, animals, and individuals with disabilities. She actively contributes to adult education and literacy as a member or board representative for COABE and the Louisiana Association for Public, Community & Adult Education, including participation in COABE's State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship (SAAEF).
A published author of an Open Educational Resource (OER), Sarina’s professional credentials include certifications as an Accredited Small Business Consultant, Mental Health First Aider, and Communication Skills for Business (Certiport 96Dw-sFW6), as well as the National Retail Foundation Customer Service and Sales Certification. These qualifications reflect her dedication to professional growth and her diverse skill set, enabling her to succeed in varied roles and environments.
Daniel Loges, M.A. serves as the Director of Professional Development for Federal Programs for the North Carolina Community College System Office, where he leads statewide training and technical assistance for WIOA Title II and Perkins V adult education instructors and directors. With nearly 30 years of experience in adult education, Daniel brings deep expertise in professional development, NRS assessment, instructional technology, and program management.
He holds a B.A. in English, a Graduate Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language, and an M.A. in Instructional Technology with a concentration in online learning and professional development. Throughout his career, Daniel has designed and implemented innovative training models, managed partnerships with national organizations, and contributed to policy development supporting adult educators and learners across North Carolina.
Daniel has presented at national and state conferences including COABE and TESOL, and is committed to advancing equity, access, and excellence in adult literacy and workforce education. His work reflects a passion for empowering educators and strengthening the systems that support adult learners.
Christine Miller, Ph.D. is the Assistant Project Director at Georgia State University's Adult Literacy Research Center. She has a PhD in Educational Psychology. Her primary research interests include adult reading development, literacy interventions, and curriculum development. She has published and presented her research in peer-reviewed journals and conferences for practitioners, program administrators, and other researchers. Her previous experience teaching reading to adult learners at a community-based program ignited her passion for bridging scientific research to practices in adult education.
Evonne Peters, M.A. is a Project Director at JSI/World Education based in Boston, Massachusetts. Her work centers on supporting adult educators and strengthening education services through professional learning and resource development initiatives. Since 2020, Evonne has led the Massachusetts SABES English Language Arts Curriculum and Instruction Professional Development Center. Evonne’s prior experience includes teaching learners of many ages and levels, as well as program administration. She has presented and consulted on a wide variety of topics throughout her career, including reading and writing instructional strategies, learner assessment, curriculum frameworks, and teacher licensure.
David J. Rosen, Ed.D. was Executive Director of the Adult Literacy Resource Institute at the University of Massachusetts in Boston from 1986 to 2003. As an independent consultant, he has been the moderator of two U.S. Department of Education-sponsored LINCS communities of practice: Integrating Technology, and Program Management. As an Associate of the Ed Tech Center at World Education, he has been the internal evaluator of the English Now! Learning Circles program developed by the World Education Ed Tech Center and funded by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, and he is now an advisor to the English Now! national scale-up, also funded by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. Dr. Rosen is the lead author with Carmine Stewart of Blended Learning for the Adult Education Classroom published by Essential Education and a co-author with Dr. Jenifer B. Vanek of “Technology for Innovation and Change in Adult Basic Skills Education,” a chapter in Turning Points: Recent Trends in Adult Basic Literacy, Numeracy, and Language Education, Jossey-Bass Publisher, Fall 2017. Also with Jen Vanek, he is co-author of a new blended learning guide entitled "The What, Why, Who, and How of Blended Learning for Adult Basic Skills Learners" published online in May, 2020, by New Readers Press. For several years, he was the author of the COABE Journal's technology column, and is now the author of the Technology Solutions column in the Adult Literacy Education Journal published by ProLiteracy.
Sudie Whalen, M.Ed. is a Senior Technical Assistance Consultant at the American Institutes for Research (AIR), where she supports professional development initiatives aimed at strengthening adult education. She currently serves as senior training advisor for the California Adult Literacy Professional Development Project (CALPRO), where she has designed and delivered training programs, such as the PLC Institute, that help educators apply evidence-based strategies and foster learner-centered environments.
Sudie served as Director of Online Learning for the national LINCS Technical Assistance Center that delivers accessible, high-quality online training for adult educators. She also directed the ADVANCE Integrated Education and Training (IET) project, supporting states in scaling effective IET models, and was Project Director of the Professional Learning Communities Implementation Project for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), guiding instructional leaders in building collaborative, data-driven teaching practices. Before working at AIR, Sudie was the lead Career Technical Education teacher at Liberty Adult Education Center in Brentwood, California.
Sudie serves as a subject matter expert and trainer in the following areas: collaborative team-building – professional learning community and community of practice development and sustainability, career technical education (CTE) instruction, integrated education and training (IET), adult learning theory (andragogy), and student motivation and persistence.
Cynthia Bell, M.A. is the Director of Numeracy & Workforce Development Services at the Literacy Assistance Center, where she oversees workforce development projects and initiatives, develops, and facilitates professional development and technical assistance for adult basic education (ABE) and high school equivalency (HSE) instructors on standards-based numeracy and math instruction. When she is not leading and developing trainings, Cynthia is providing customized coaching to instructors on integrated curriculum design, developing digital resiliency, and best practices of teaching and learning mathematics. In 2016, she co-authored the teacher resource book Teaching Adults: A HiSET Exam Resource Book. Cynthia has presented at international, national, state, and regional conferences, and is an active board member of the National Coalition for Literacy (NCL) and the Association of Adult Literacy Professional Developers (AALPD) and was a SME for Proliteracy’s national Teacher Training Project in 2023-2024.
Jennifer Blanchard, M.A. is a Senior Instructional Designer for EDSI. Jennifer's passion for design and development allows her to create rich and meaningful curriculum that encourages connectivity and growth to meet a variety of clients' needs. In this current role, Jennifer, alongside her team, is responsible for providing the professional development for adult education teachers and directors across the state of Michigan. Prior to working with EDSI, she worked many years as an elementary teacher, middle school English Language Arts teacher, reading specialist, and Response to Intervention specialist in public education. Jennifer is well-versed in understanding the needs of educators, including the tools necessary for success in the classroom. She holds a B.A. in Elementary Education (K-8) with a coordinate major in English from Rowan University and a M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Secondary Education (6-12) from Grand Canyon University.
Marie Cora, M.Ed. has worked in the field of adult education since 1984. She has worked for the last 30 years in professional development, and for 20 years delivering PD online. She holds an M.Ed. in TESOL and will complete a PsyM in Industrial/Organizational Psychology in 2024. Her expertise is in ESOL, workplace education, digital literacy, classroom assessment, leadership training, and using data for program improvement. Marie’s experience includes work as a classroom teacher, career advisor, program director, professional developer, and project manager for local and national initiatives. She has worked with the LINCS project since 2004 in various capacities and is currently the Adult Education Professional Development Coordinator for the state of Rhode Island.
Dr. Terri Dunn has served in various capacities within the Alabama Community College System over the last 23 years. In her current role, she works directly with WIOA Title II sub recipient award programs based in the Southern Region of the state to expand partnerships and program offerings that address business and industry needs for the incumbent and emerging workforce.
Dr. Dunn is a “Certified Talent Developer” for the State of Alabama and is part of the Alabama Committee on Credentialing and Career Pathways, a committee of the Alabama Workforce Council tasked with annually identifying regional and statewide in-demand occupations, career pathways, and credentials of value. She has served her community on multiple boards and has served her state as a member and President of the Alabama Adult Education Directors’ Association and President of the Alabama Association for Public and Continuing Adult Education (ALAPCAE). She currently serves on the Professional Development Planning Team for the National Association of State Directors of Adult Education (NASDAE).
Dr. Dunn’s educational background includes bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Business Administration, with a concentration in Accounting, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Law. She is also a proud graduate of the Alabama Community College Leadership Academy offered through the University of Alabama.
Nell Eckersley, M.P.A. (she/her) is the Director of Digital Equity Projects at the Literacy Assistance Center. Nell has been working on ways to integrate digital literacy skills into adult education ever since she developed a project on how to teach basic computer skills in a classroom without computers in 2001. Nell’s current work on digital literacy and adult education includes providing professional development workshops for adult education teachers, managing the Adult Education Google Club, being a subject matter expert for the DRAW project, acting as a technology advisor for the CILIA-T project, and updating and creating resources for LINCS. Her particular areas of interest are strengthening digital literacy skills for adult education practitioners and students, integrating technology into the adult education classroom via mobile devices, and digital inclusion for all. Nell has a Certificate in Online Education from the University of Wisconsin, and Google Certified Educator Level 1.
Olga M. Escamilla, Ph.D., has worked in adult education since 1994. She began her career in adult education as a teacher’s aide and progressively moved to GED® instructor, ABE supervisor, and in 2004 she served as the administrator of the South Central GREAT (Getting Results Educating Adults in Texas) Center for professional development. She provided coordination of regional and state-wide professional development in adult education for 10 years and engaged in extensive collaboration with internal and external partners in the development and delivery of research-based professional development activities. As a coordinator of the professional development grant and based on her gained knowledge though prior classroom experience, she knew that assisting individuals with varying backgrounds, experiences, and learning difficulties was particularly important. Since January of 2010, Olga has been serving as a senior lecturer for the Department of Educational Leadership and Counseling at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Dr. Escamilla has also served as professional development specialist at Texas A&M University-College Station since 2016.
From 2004-2005 Olga served as a chairperson on the COABE/TALAE (Texas Association for Literacy and Adult Education) conference committee and again collaborated to coordinate the COABE/TALAE conference in 2015-2016. She served a two-year term on the Alamo Workforce Board from 2013-2014. She is currently serving a two-year term as the Region 4 Representative for COABE. Dr. Escamilla has worked in the field of adult education for over 25 years, demonstrating outstanding leadership qualities at the local, state, and national levels. She has presented various workshops and conference presentations and has been awarded the Texas A&M University System Student Recognition Award for Teaching Excellence.
Kim Glenn is the Managing Director of Innovative Learning Solutions at EDSI. Kim has overseen the creation of statewide training systems, organizational professional development systems, customized training solutions, workforce development training, and apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, as well as curriculum development for adult basic education instruction. Kim’s passion lies in adult education, learning and development, and supporting those who need it most. Kim oversees Michigan’s professional development contract for adult education and presents at countless conferences. She is leading her team in e-learning efforts and pushing the boundaries of development and excellence in instructional design for classroom, hybrid, and distance learning.
Kim holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Dickinson College, certification in Workplace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from the University of South Florida, a certificate in Adult Learning from Texas A & M, a graduate certificate in Instructional Design and Learning Design from the University of Massachusetts, a certificate in Design Strategy from University of Sydney, and is a DiSC certified trainer.
Sarah Goldammer, M.S. is the director of the Southern Illinois Professional Development Center, part of the Illinois Community College Board Professional Development Network. She has a B.S. in special education and an M.S. in higher education. Ms. Goldammer served as part of the professional development team for the Accelerating Opportunity Initiative, the development of a Bridge Development Basics Training, and implementation of Integrated Education and Training (IET) models. She has coached 50+ programs creating Bridge and Integrated Education and Training (IET/ICAPS) programs. She recently co-created the Illinois training, “Designing for Equity and Access for ALL Learners.” She has been involved in adult education for the past 23 years and has been teaching and training for over 30 years. She is proud to have had students from 3 to 83 years old and every age in between.
Nadia Kader (they/them) is currently a Professional Learning Coordinator for Propel, where they manage, design, and develop distance learning projects for New Mexico adult education practitioners. They are the co-creator and host of the Connect with Adult Ed podcast, a podcast made for adult educators by adult educators. They are also the co-creator of Tech Tuesdays, a microlearning digital literacy video series for educators. They have a master’s in cinema/media studies and are currently working on their PhD in organization, information, and learning science.
Brianna Kerth, M.Ed. holds a Master’s degree in Education, Curriculum, and Teaching from Boston University and began her career as a K–12 ESL educator. She brings a strong foundation in language development and culturally responsive teaching to her current work in adult education. Brianna specializes in designing and facilitating professional development for adult educators, with a focus on curriculum design, e-learning, and interactive training. Her work spans the creation of microlearning modules, animated presentations, and accessible learning tools that support diverse learners. Passionate about equity and engagement, Brianna is committed to helping educators create inclusive, learner-centered environments across adult literacy, workforce, and ESL settings.
Susanna Lee, M.S. is an Associate Director for Adult Education with the Kansas Board of Regents. She has spent approximately 20 years in the field of Adult Education, teaching English, math, and many other subjects; implementing Integrated Education and Training (IET); managing data; and providing training for teachers. She earned an M.S. in Adult, Occupational, and Continuing Education from Kansas State University. Susanna thrives as a learner, educator, creator, and organizer, and she is passionate about continuous improvement for individuals and for systems.
Astrid Liden has been the ABE Professional Development Specialist with the Minnesota Department of Education since 2006. Prior to joining the state ABE office, she worked as an ESL instructor, teacher trainer, and ABE program manager.
Sarina Lirette, M.B.A. serves as the Director of Adult Education at River Parishes Community College (RPCC) and as an Adjunct Business Instructor at Fletcher Technical Community College and RPCC. A lifelong learner and community advocate, she combines her Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management, MBA, and candidacy for a Doctorate in Adult Education with extensive leadership experience across for-profit, nonprofit, and higher education sectors. Her expertise includes leadership, strategy, communication, and marketing.
Sarina's commitment to service is evident in her volunteer work with chambers of commerce, WIOA boards, nonprofit boards, recreation boards, and organizations supporting youth, animals, and individuals with disabilities. She actively contributes to adult education and literacy as a member or board representative for COABE and the Louisiana Association for Public, Community & Adult Education, including participation in COABE's State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship (SAAEF).
A published author of an Open Educational Resource (OER), Sarina’s professional credentials include certifications as an Accredited Small Business Consultant, Mental Health First Aider, and Communication Skills for Business (Certiport 96Dw-sFW6), as well as the National Retail Foundation Customer Service and Sales Certification. These qualifications reflect her dedication to professional growth and her diverse skill set, enabling her to succeed in varied roles and environments.
Daniel Loges, M.A. serves as the Director of Professional Development for Federal Programs for the North Carolina Community College System Office, where he leads statewide training and technical assistance for WIOA Title II and Perkins V adult education instructors and directors. With nearly 30 years of experience in adult education, Daniel brings deep expertise in professional development, NRS assessment, instructional technology, and program management.
He holds a B.A. in English, a Graduate Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language, and an M.A. in Instructional Technology with a concentration in online learning and professional development. Throughout his career, Daniel has designed and implemented innovative training models, managed partnerships with national organizations, and contributed to policy development supporting adult educators and learners across North Carolina.
Daniel has presented at national and state conferences including COABE and TESOL, and is committed to advancing equity, access, and excellence in adult literacy and workforce education. His work reflects a passion for empowering educators and strengthening the systems that support adult learners.
Christine Miller, Ph.D. is the Assistant Project Director at Georgia State University's Adult Literacy Research Center. She has a PhD in Educational Psychology. Her primary research interests include adult reading development, literacy interventions, and curriculum development. She has published and presented her research in peer-reviewed journals and conferences for practitioners, program administrators, and other researchers. Her previous experience teaching reading to adult learners at a community-based program ignited her passion for bridging scientific research to practices in adult education.
Evonne Peters, M.A. is a Project Director at JSI/World Education based in Boston, Massachusetts. Her work centers on supporting adult educators and strengthening education services through professional learning and resource development initiatives. Since 2020, Evonne has led the Massachusetts SABES English Language Arts Curriculum and Instruction Professional Development Center. Evonne’s prior experience includes teaching learners of many ages and levels, as well as program administration. She has presented and consulted on a wide variety of topics throughout her career, including reading and writing instructional strategies, learner assessment, curriculum frameworks, and teacher licensure.
David J. Rosen, Ed.D. was Executive Director of the Adult Literacy Resource Institute at the University of Massachusetts in Boston from 1986 to 2003. As an independent consultant, he has been the moderator of two U.S. Department of Education-sponsored LINCS communities of practice: Integrating Technology, and Program Management. As an Associate of the Ed Tech Center at World Education, he has been the internal evaluator of the English Now! Learning Circles program developed by the World Education Ed Tech Center and funded by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, and he is now an advisor to the English Now! national scale-up, also funded by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. Dr. Rosen is the lead author with Carmine Stewart of Blended Learning for the Adult Education Classroom published by Essential Education and a co-author with Dr. Jenifer B. Vanek of “Technology for Innovation and Change in Adult Basic Skills Education,” a chapter in Turning Points: Recent Trends in Adult Basic Literacy, Numeracy, and Language Education, Jossey-Bass Publisher, Fall 2017. Also with Jen Vanek, he is co-author of a new blended learning guide entitled "The What, Why, Who, and How of Blended Learning for Adult Basic Skills Learners" published online in May, 2020, by New Readers Press. For several years, he was the author of the COABE Journal's technology column, and is now the author of the Technology Solutions column in the Adult Literacy Education Journal published by ProLiteracy.
Sudie Whalen, M.Ed. is a Senior Technical Assistance Consultant at the American Institutes for Research (AIR), where she supports professional development initiatives aimed at strengthening adult education. She currently serves as senior training advisor for the California Adult Literacy Professional Development Project (CALPRO), where she has designed and delivered training programs, such as the PLC Institute, that help educators apply evidence-based strategies and foster learner-centered environments.
Sudie served as Director of Online Learning for the national LINCS Technical Assistance Center that delivers accessible, high-quality online training for adult educators. She also directed the ADVANCE Integrated Education and Training (IET) project, supporting states in scaling effective IET models, and was Project Director of the Professional Learning Communities Implementation Project for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), guiding instructional leaders in building collaborative, data-driven teaching practices. Before working at AIR, Sudie was the lead Career Technical Education teacher at Liberty Adult Education Center in Brentwood, California.
Sudie serves as a subject matter expert and trainer in the following areas: collaborative team-building – professional learning community and community of practice development and sustainability, career technical education (CTE) instruction, integrated education and training (IET), adult learning theory (andragogy), and student motivation and persistence.
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