Janet Cashman
With over 20 years of experience in Catholic school teaching and leadership, Janet has served as a resource room and classroom teacher, a librarian, a student support director, and a Catholic school administrator. In addition to chairing a New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) reaccreditation self-study and participating on many visiting teams throughout New England, she has worked to identify for the students, families, and staff of the Roman Catholic (arch)dioceses of Hartford and Bridgeport optimal strategies for individuals to reach their full potential. Janet holds a bachelor’s degree from Fairfield University, a master’s degree in education from Xavier University, and a graduate certificate from Creighton University.
Laura Chiara
With over 10 years of experience in special education as a teacher and academic coach serving elementary, secondary, and college students, Laura is currently an adjunct professor of special education at the University of Saint Joseph and the University of Hartford. Having previously held the position of Accommodation Coordinator and Academic Coach at the University of Hartford, Laura has also served as a K-12 special education teacher in both public and private schools. In addition to holding two graduate certificates from the University of Saint Joseph and being a certified teacher with endorsements for regular education (K—6) and special education (K—12), Laura holds a bachelor’s degree from Central Connecticut State University and a master’s degree from the University of Saint Joseph.
Bob Marquis
With over 40 years of experience in educational support and administration, Bob has served as a guidance counselor, school psychologist, director of pupil services, special education director, and assistant superintendent for curriculum instruction. Most recently, he has served as the Superintendent of Schools for the Milford (NH) public schools. Bob holds a bachelor’s degree from Boston State College, a graduate certificate from Northeastern University, and masters’ degrees from Suffolk University and the University of New Hampshire.
Jana McHenry, Ed.D.
A Catholic and public school educator for over 30 years, Jana has served as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, Title I director, assistant superintendent, director of advancement, and adjunct professor. She has developed district-wide English language learner, mentoring, and instructional coaching professional development programs and facilitated literacy and mathematics program adoption/implementation. A published author, Jana holds a bachelor’s degree from Salve Regina University, a master’s degree from Lesley University, and a doctoral degree from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell.
Jeannie Russell
With over 40 years of experience in education, Jeannie has served as a Title I teacher, special education teacher, and professor of education. In her teaching of teachers, her primary areas of interest have been special education and, particularly, differentiation in English language arts. Jeannie holds a bachelor’s degree from Boston State College and a master’s degree from Lesley College.
Brian Scott, Ed.D.
Beginning his career as a sixth-grade public school teacher, Brian has taught fourth, fifth, and sixth grades in a variety of configurations in public schools. Starting his district’s first multi-grade self-contained gifted and talented classroom, Brian has served in public schools as a coach of differentiated instruction, a mathematics coordinator, an assistant principal, and a principal. Also a published author, presenter, and workshop leader, Brian holds a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and a master’s degree, license, and doctoral degree from Ball State University.