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Ruth Vinz
Founding Director
​Endowed Chair, Morse Professor of Teaching Education

Dr. Ruth Vinz taught middle and high school students for twenty-three years before coming to Teachers College. She is a Professor in the English Education Program and the Enid and Lester Morse Endowed Chair in Teacher Education. She directs the Center for the Professional Education of Teachers. Ruth is the co-author of several books, Inside Out, Recasting the Text, Learning the Landscapes and Writing Qualitative Research. Her book, Composing A Teaching Life, received the Richard Meade award for outstanding research published in English education in 1997. She is co-author of the Houghton Mifflin Daybooks, a new 6-12 grade series of reading and writing literature books used in thousands of secondary classrooms, both nationally and internationally. In the most recent book, Becoming (Other)Wise, Dr. Vinz collaborated with other Program faculty in an examination of multicultural literature education and cultural criticism as literacy events. Her research interests include cultural literacies, particularly focused on adolescent readers’ practices, constructed and constructing identities of teachers, and traditions and representations of research-in-practice. At CPET, Dr. Vinz serves as Director and Senior Advisor to all initiatives.

DR. RUTH VINZ
​Founding Director

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Roberta Lenger Kang
Executive Director

Dr. Roberta Lenger Kang is a dedicated educator and leader in teacher professional development, currently serving as Executive Director at the Center for the Professional Education of Teachers at Teachers College, Columbia University. With over 20 years of experience spanning K-12 and higher education, she combines classroom teaching expertise with instructional leadership. Dr. Kang hosts the Teaching Today podcast, publishes extensively on educational topics, and presents at national and international conferences. Her work focuses on curriculum development, assessment strategies, culturally responsive education, and empowering teachers through professional learning communities. She holds an Ed.D in English Education from Teachers College and is passionate about transforming educational systems through innovative teacher support.

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DR. ROBERTA LENGER KANG
Executive Director

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Adele Bruni Ashley
Faculty Contributor

Adele Bruni Ashley is an Assistant Professor of Teaching in the English Education program at Teachers College, Columbia University where she received both her M.A. and Ph.D. in English Education. She is the director of the Literacy Unbound initiative at the Center for the Professional Education of Teachers (CPET) at Teachers College, a professional development program bringing together teachers and students to co-create original performance pieces inspired by literature. A former New York City middle and high school English teacher, she has presented at state, national, and international conferences and works as a school-based consultant both locally and internationally.
She is the co-founder and director of Literacy Unbound at the Center for the Professional Education of Teachers (CPET) at Teachers College, a professional development program bringing together teachers and students to co-create original performance pieces inspired by literature. Adele has worked with Shakespeare & Company (NEH grant), Facing History & Ourselves (Deutsche Bank Immigration Grant), and co-founded and directed Writers on Stage for the New York City Writing Project, a writing and performance program for secondary students. A former New York City middle and high school English and Humanities teacher, Adele has presented at state, national, and international conferences and works as a school-based consultant both locally and internationally.

DR. ADELE ASHLEY
​​​Faculty Contributor

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Jonathan Beltran-Alvarado
Senior Professional Development Coach

Jonathan is a Ph.D. student in International and Comparative Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. He holds a B.A. in Literature, a B.A. in Philosophy, an M.A. in History from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, and an M.A. in Economics and Education from Teachers College. His scholarly work addresses teachers’ education and school change. An experienced educator and school leader, Jonathan worked in a high school setting for six years as a Literature and Research teacher and three years as Head of the Language Department. He believes that teachers' pedagogical knowledge and practice can be enriched and empowered in contexts that encourage building trust and sharing common ideals. ​
​An experienced educator and school leader, Jonathan worked in a high school setting for six years as a Literature and Research teacher and the Head of the Literature Department. He believes that teachers' pedagogical knowledge and practice can be enriched and empowered in contexts that encourage building trust and sharing common ideals. For him, being a coach means engaging with colleagues in an honest discussion and constantly reflecting on what we consider valuable for our students' futures.

JONATHAN BELTRAN-ALVARADO
​Senior Professional Development Coach

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Courtney Brown
Senior Professional Development Advisor

Courtney's work is informed by over 25 years of teaching high school and middle school humanities and facilitating and coaching school leaders and teachers across New York City and globally. Grounded in the philosophies of project-based learning and literacy across the disciplines, Courtney supports school leaders and teachers to develop culturally relevant curriculum and instructional practices to enable students and schools to thrive, find joy and achieve their potential. 

Courtney has presented workshops for school districts, the Student Press Initiative, AERA, ATE, the Global Learning Alliance, and the National Council of Teachers of English. She feels privileged to work with educators and to collaborate with her colleagues at CPET.​

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COURTNEY BROWN
​Senior Professional Development Advisor

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Cristina Compton
Director of Program Development

Dr. Cristina Romeo Compton earned her doctorate from Teachers College, Columbia University, with a focus on the teaching of English. A former NYC Teaching Fellow, she began her career in a Title 1 school while completing her Master’s in Childhood Education. She is currently the Director of Program Development at CPET, where she establishes and leads partnerships, manages school-based projects, and oversees the Student Press Initiative. Cristina designs targeted professional development plans in areas such as curriculum design, unit planning, project-based learning, literacy, and leadership. Her work is grounded in a deep commitment to empowering educators and advancing equity in learning.
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DR. CRISTINA COMPTON
​​​Director of Program Development

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Theresa Conley
Professional Development Coach

With 13 years of classroom experience, Theresa is a dedicated educator specializing in middle school English and the humanities. Currently pursuing her doctoral studies at Teachers College, Columbia University, she brings a student-centered approach to professional development, curriculum design, and teacher training. She has taught internationally—four years in South Korea and three in Lebanon, including times of conflict—which shaped her commitment to fostering empathy and critical thinking through global literature. Her classrooms emphasize inquiry, discussion-based learning, and the Harkness philosophy. Her work reflects a passion for poetry, international education, and collaboration.

THERESA CONLEY
Professional Development Coach

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Sophie Friedman
Professional Development Coach

Sophie Friedman is pursuing a master’s degree in English Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. She previously graduated from Bowdoin College with honors, with a degree in English and Education. Prior to her time at Teachers College, she taught English in South Korea for one year on a Fulbright Fellowship before returning to New York to teach students with learning disabilities.

SOPHIE FRIEDMAN
Professional Development Coach

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Jen Gowers
Instructional Specialist

Dr. Jen Gowers has served in New York City education for 20 years. She has expertise in managing leaders and network teams, in facilitation, in curriculum, instruction, and professional development, in building and sustaining schools, and in teaching and learning with young people from PreK through Graduate school. Jen has two Bachelors degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a Masters degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and a Doctoral degree from Teachers College, Columbia University. She is passionate about working in solidarity to positively transform systems, to develop individual leadership capacity, and to make a brighter and better society.​

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DR. JEN GOWERS
​Instructional Specialist

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Stephanie Grasso
Instructional Specialist

As a coach, Stephanie supports teachers and schools with culturally, linguistically and academically diverse learner populations using culturally reflective materials and methodologies that she has learned and developed over her years in education. Her goal is to inspire teachers to use their innate creativity to support all learners.She holds a M.A. from the University of California Los Angeles, a B.A. from Tulane University, and advanced degree certificates from both CUNY Lehman College and Bank Street College of Education.​  Stephanie is also a meditation practitioner and student who recently finished The 3 Doors Presenter’s Path Training Program.  As of November 2024, she is now authorized to present The 3 Doors contemplative practices, which are rooted in the Dzogchen tradition.  

STEPHANIE GRASSO
​Instructional Specialist

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Kelsey Hammond
Lead Professional Development Advisor

Dr. Kelsey Margaret Hammond is an educator, writer, and researcher committed to ethical, inclusive, and inquiry-driven education. She is a Lead Professional Development Advisor at the Center for the Professional Education of Teachers at Teachers College, Columbia University, supporting curriculum design, literacy instruction, and reflective learning communities. She earned her doctorate in English Education at Teachers College, where her research explored writing as a form of discernment in the context of generative AI. Her teaching spans secondary schools, graduate teacher preparation, and undergraduate writing instruction.​

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DR. KELSEY HAMMOND
Lead Professional Development Advisor

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Caitlyn Krueger 
Professional Development Coach 

Caitlyn is currently a graduate student at Teachers College, pursuing her MA in International and Comparative Education. Prior to beginning her studies, Caitlyn was an Elementary Music Teacher in Upstate New York. Caitlyn is a passionate Human Rights educator; she values creating equitable and sustainable education practices rooted in the belief that every student deserves access to high-quality, affirming education, and deeply values teacher development as being paramount to this goal. Caitlyn completed her undergraduate studies at Syracuse University, graduating with her Bachelors of Music in Music Education, a certificate in Flute Performance, and a minor in Atrocity Studies and Practices of Social Justice. She continues to be an active teacher and performer of woodwind instruments. 

CAITLYN KRUEGER
Professional Development Coach

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G. Faith Little
Initiative Director, 21st Century Learning

Faith innovates processes connecting to mission and vision for the Center and educators in unique contexts. Her dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion drives her educational commitment. She spent a decade with MS/HS students in social emotional learning settings, alternative schools, and facilitating parent retreats, then began her work at Teachers College in 2010. These experiences plus her English Ed background create a foundation for coaching educators beyond traditional classrooms. Faith pursues professional growth in TC's Adult Learning & Leadership program. Her work focuses on identifying barriers and building bridges through creative, compassionate leadership. She manages workshops, conferences, curriculum development, and provides coaching for teachers and leaders.​

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G. FAITH LITTLE
Initiative Director, 21st Century Learning

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Nathalie Martinez
Professional Development Coach

Nathalie “Caro” Martinez is an M.A. student in Philosophy and Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. She holds a B.A. in philosophy from Hamilton College, where she also studied education and Italian. Her interests in philosophy, culturally relevant pedagogy, and personal identity led her to teach in Italy on a Fulbright and in Spain. In her hometown, Miami, she has taught pre-algebra, improv, and English as a Foreign Language in the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. Caro’s combined experiences with multilingual learners and across diverse learning contexts have deepened her curiosity about intercultural education. She is eager to continue her reflective work alongside committed educators to help collectively envision learning spaces imbued with intention and meaning. 

NATHALIE MARTINEZ
​Professional Development Coach

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Shaune Marx
Instructional Specialist

Shaune holds a degree in Cognitive Science in Education from Teachers College, Columbia University and a BA in Creative Writing and Professional Writing from Carnegie Mellon University. Before moving to NYC, she taught in Madrid, Spain and Austin, Texas, equipping her with a lens focused on multilingual learners. She uses writing instruction as a way to help students find their voices, develop their critical thinking skills, and flex their creativity. Shaune passionately advocates for project-based learning, seeking opportunities for students to contextualize their work beyond the classroom. She has led SPI and Lit Unbound projects at schools across the city and believes in empowering educators to craft inviting, challenging learning experiences for their students. 

SHAUNE MARX
Instructional Specialist

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Pamela McGowen
Morse Fellow for New Teachers

Pamela McGowen is a PhD candidate in the English Education program at Teachers College, studying the intersection between English and civics. She resolved to become an educator after tutoring students in prison throughout college, which ignited her passion for education towards social justice and liberation. Pamela graduated from Princeton University in 2020 with a degree in English and a minor in Teacher Preparation. She was a Fulbright teaching fellow in Norway, and she then worked for three years as a 10th grade English and AP Research teacher at a charter school in Baltimore before pursuing her MA in English Education at Teachers College. Pamela's areas of interest include culturally responsive/sustaining pedagogy, joy and literacy, and fostering students' reflection and agency.

PAMELA MCGOWEN
Morse Fellow for New Teachers

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Kaydie Milks
Director of Operations

Kaydie holds an M.A. in Psychological Counseling and an Ed.M. in School Counseling from Teachers College, Columbia University. Her background as a crisis management counselor brought her to CPET with a practiced ability to think clearly under pressure and a belief that clearing the path for others is its own form of care.
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As Director of Operations, Kaydie oversees the internal structures, budget and finance, and promotional and marketing efforts that keep the Center running. She has designed much of the infrastructure that makes the Center's mission possible — building systems and processes that free educators and researchers to direct their full attention toward the students and communities they serve.

KAYDIE MILKS
Director of Operations

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Gisele Nassif
Instructional Specialist

Gisele is in her 27th year in the NYC Public Schools. She has supervised teachers in all disciplines.  She was also a consultant in San Diego and PA. SDSU published videos of her classroom and they are used in education classes at NYU. Gisele loves opportunities that allow her to support teachers. She is an avid believer in student engagement and discussion.  She empowers teachers to engage in critical thinking, reflection, and inquiry. She believes that an educator is a life-long learner. 

Gisele earned her BA and MA in Mathematics Education from NYU. She received her School Administrator and Supervisor Certificate from Baruch College. She has a NYS Permanent Certificate in Administration and Supervision, and a NJ School Supervisor and Principal Certificate. 

GISELE NASSIF
Instructional Specialist

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Lance Ozier
Extended Learning & Literacy Specialist

For over 20 years, Lance has been a classroom teacher and literacy coach in elementary, middle and secondary public schools in Atlanta and NYC. Lance was the Senior Literacy Specialist at the Institute for Student Achievement, a division of the Educational Testing Service. There he led a Carnegie Corporation pilot program to include growth mindset and non-cognitive skills in the academic core. Lance has also been a consultant for Stanford University’s Center for Assessment, Learning and Equity (SCALE). Lance holds a B.A. in Elementary Education from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, a MA in Sociology and Education, as well as his M.Ed and Ed.D in English Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Lance has taught courses at Teachers College and Bank Street College, and is currently on the faculty at the City University of New York.

​DR. LANCE OZIER
Extended Learning & Literacy Specialist​

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Gregory Petershack
Professional Development Coach

Gregory has always been passionate about storytelling and helping people find their voice. After graduating from Texas A&M University with a B.S. in Psychology and a B.A. in English, he spent a year substitute teaching, as well as being a one-on-one student success/SAT/ACT coach. Spending this time with students motivated him to learn more about how to engage students and their stories more purposefully, leading to his pursuit of an M.A. in Literary Theory and Pedagogy from Boston College, where he continued to teach First Year Writing classes for several years. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in English Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, focusing on games and narrative as a way of engaging students holistically. 
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GREGORY PETERSHACK
​Professional Development Coach​

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Laura Rigolosi
Curriculum & Literacy Specialist

Dr. Laura Rigolosi, a seasoned CPET literacy specialist, has mentored hundreds of teachers in  New York City and nationwide. Laura understands the intricacies of teaching and learning in classroom settings, and has experience teaching middle school through graduate school. Committed to providing practical and research-based support, Laura builds on strengths resulting in teachers shifting their pedagogy, and higher student engagement and student growth.  While earning her doctorate in English Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, Laura researched reading practices and strategies at the secondary level, particularly the challenges and opportunities in heterogeneously-grouped classrooms. 
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DR. LAURA RIGOLOSI
Curriculum & Literacy Specialist

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Michele Saunders
Professional Development Coach

Michele Saunders is a graduate student in the EPSA department at Teachers College, Columbia University, focusing on race, gender, and educational access. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Duke University and a Bachelor of Arts from Hampton University.

As a Mentor Fellow with Duke TeachHouse, Michele coached early-career educators and previously taught English using trauma-informed and culturally responsive pedagogy.

Most recently, she was the Education Coordinator for Girls on the Rise in Washington, DC, advancing educational access, family engagement, and the empowerment of Black girls. Michele’s work centers on education as a personal and communal fight against oppression. She is passionate about coaching and professional development to build equitable and inclusive schools.

MICHELE SAUNDERS
​Professional Development Coach

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Dr. Jacqui Stolzer
Senior Professional Development Coach

Jacqui brings 15 years of experience partnering with teachers and students in schools across New York. Dually certified in ELA and Special Education, she began her career as a teacher in New York City public schools, where she developed a commitment to inclusive and responsive instruction. As a coach, she partners with middle and high school teachers to design rigorous, accessible curriculum and leads school-based PD and workshops on  topics such as co-teaching, student engagement, and literacy. Jacqui holds a B.A. in English  from Barnard College, an M.S in Special Education from Long Island University, and a Ph.D. in English Education from Teachers College, where her research explored how new English teachers conceptualize and enact curriculum.​

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DR. JACQUI STOLZER
Senior Professional Development Coach

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Dr. Maria Luisa Underwood
Lead Professional Development Advisor

María Luisa García Underwood has 30+ years in education as a teacher, coach, and district leader. Former Director of NYC's Multicultural Education Center and Bilingual Education Technical Assistance Center. Currently partners with PreK-12 educators on literacy, second language acquisition, and the instruction of students with special needs. Created Elevating Voices, a culturally responsive K-12 literacy instructional tool. Head Start evaluator across multiple U.S. regions. Presented nationally at NCTE, ASCD, and NABE conferences; served as 2025 AERA Conference Chair. Recent publications in Chief Learning Officer, Urban Perspectives, and a book chapter in NCTE/Routledge. Holds degrees from Fairleigh Dickinson, UPenn, and Teachers College, Columbia. María recently completed her doctoral studies at UPenn with a focus on anti-racist pedagogy and early-career teachers.
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DR. MARIA LUISA UNDERWOOD
Lead Professional Development Advisor

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Marisol Uy
Administrative Coordinator

Marisol, who holds a B.A. in Political Science from Barnard College, is motivated by building connections with students, supporting them as they navigate the world around them. Prior to joining CPET, she volunteered as a College and Career Advisor, providing mentorship to middle school students. With a keen interest in education and politics, Marisol also interned with her hometown councilwoman, deepening her understanding of the intersection between these fields and fostering a passion for creating educational opportunities. She is committed to promoting teacher and student growth and advocating social equity in and through education.

MARISOL UY
Administrative Coordinator