2025 FEATURED SPEAKERS

Marina Budhos, M.A.

Young Adult and Middle School Author, Fulbright Scholar

Lauren Catherwood-Ginn, Ph.D.

Project Coordinator
Radford University (T/TAC)

Cathy Collier, M.Ed.

Primary Teacher & Reading Specialist (K-2)

L.M. Elliott, M.A.

Award Winning Author & Journalist

Rebecca Harper, Ph.D.

Professor of Language & Literacy
Augusta University

Gay Ivey, Ph.D.

Professor of Literacy
UNC Greensboro

Jen Malia, Ph.D.

Children's Author, Professor of English & Creative Writing
Norfolk State University

Dana McCaleb, M.Ed.

Coordinator of Instruction
Virginia Tech Training and Technical Assistance Center (T/TAC)

Matthew Newton, M.Sp.Ed.

Coordinator of Assistive & Instructional Technology
Virginia Tech Training and Technical Assistance Center (T/TAC)

Leslie Rob

Teacher & Comedic Motivational Speaker

Lori Sappington, M.Ed.

Podcaster & Author
Scholastic

Kristyn Schmidt, Ed.S.

Project Coordinator & Systems Coach
Radford University (T/TAC)

Wendy Shang, J.D.

Writer
Scholastic

Matt Tavares

New York Times Best Selling Author, Award-winning Artist & Illustrator

Sharon Zuckerwar, M.Ed.

Project Coordinator & Systems Coach
Radford University (T/TAC)