Leila Walsh is a public affairs strategist with experience leading communications for mission-driven organizations. She served as chief communications officer for the Houston Independent School District (HISD) and, earlier in her career, as the district’s senior manager of multimedia communications. With 185,000 students, 27,000 employees, and 274 schools, HISD is the largest school system in […]
Claire Aulicino is a Managing Senior Associate at the national research and evaluation firm Metis Associates. At Metis, Claire oversees a team of research professionals who study a range of topics in the areas of K-12 education and human services. For the past 25 years, Claire has worked with hundreds of clients to evaluate programs […]
Kade Sochor is a leader in educational innovation with more than a decade of impactful work in magnet schools. As a District Administrator, she supports 45 magnet schools in the Clark County School District, bringing her expertise in public relations and a deep understanding of magnet programs together to foster innovation and collaboration. Katherine’s work […]
Theresa Porter is the Executive Director of Innovation for the East Baton Rouge Parish School District, MSAP Project and Immediate Past President of Magnet Schools of the Mid-South, a regional organization supporting the vision of Magnet Schools of America. Dr. Porter began teaching social studies and computer science in the East Baton Rouge Parish School […]
Francesca Ver Ploegh is the Executive Director of Innovation for Albuquerque Public Schools, and has served as the MSAP Director for the past seven years. Ms. Ver Ploegh has led a staff engaged in delivering and fostering innovative practices in APS Magnet Schools. Effective Collaboration is key to develop a strong partnership for a TEAM […]
Dr. Magda R. Castro-Pereira is an accomplished educational leader with a distinguished academic background and extensive experience in the field of educational leadership and exceptional student education. Her commitment to inclusivity and equitable access to quality STEM education for students with disabilities is evident in her doctoral research. She holds a Doctor of Education degree […]
Ramin Taheri joined MSA as CEO in 2023. Prior to his current role, he was chief of staff for the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, where he coordinated activities related to media and communications, congressional affairs, strategic policy development, and organizational management for one of the largest civil rights offices in the […]
Brendan T. Mims is the Community Superintendent of District 16 located in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York. Brendan was the founding principal of MS 358 in Queens, NY which was the first MSA Certified National Demonstration school in New York State and New York City. He’s proud that through STEAM-based education and “passionate speaking, […]
Walter Hall began his career as an elementary STEM educator at Morehead School of Math, Science, and Environmental Studies in Charlotte, North Carolina. He led a successful initiative to transform the PreK-5 elementary school into a K-8 STEM school, ensuring students received a robust and future-focused education in science, technology, engineering, and math. Following his […]
Dr. Kim Morrison is a Senior Project Director for The Innovation Project. Dr. Kim Morrison is the former Superintendent of Mount Airy City Schools (MACS). She is a lifelong educator having served for 31 years with the last eight years of her tenure as Superintendent. Dr. Morrison is known for her work with innovative schools […]
