NJPSA/FEA Boards

Principal, Lovell J. Honiss School

Dr. Karen Bennett has been an accomplished New Jersey Educator for more than 30 years, and has spent the last 19 years as Principal of Lovell J. Honiss School in Dumont, New Jersey. She joined the Dumont School District in 2002 serving as the vice-principal of Honiss School before moving into the principalship. Her prior administrative experience was in the Englewood School district where she served as a school facilitator / vice-principal. Prior to becoming an administrator, Karen’s teaching career began in the Teaneck Public Schools where she taught for 10 years at both the elementary (grades 3 and 4) and the middle school level (math and science - grade 6). She is currently the co-chair of the Dumont Administrators and Supervisors Association. Dr. Bennett earned her BA in Elementary Education from the University of Pennsylvania, her MA in Administration and Supervision from Bank Street College of Education, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Organizational Management from the University of Pennsylvania. She is a recent recipient of the Bergen County Excellence in Education Award. Dr. Bennett is passionate about curriculum and instruction, issues of equity and closing the achievement gaps.

Assistant Principal, Cumberland Regional High School

Joseph J. Spoltore is an Assistant Principal at Cumberland Regional High School in Cumberland County, New Jersey. He has held this position for the past 11 years. He previously served in the district as the Dean of Students for two years and prior to that he was a Health and Physical Education Teacher and coach for seven years. Mr. Spoltore is the current president of his local association, an active member of NJPSA serving as a council member and on the legislative committee. He has presented workshops for conferences on the State and National level for NJPSA and NASSP. He holds a bachelor’s degree in health and exercise science from Rowan University and a master’s in school leadership from Wilmington University.

Director of Accountability and Special Projects, Delran Twp. School District

Jennifer Lowe has been in public education for 27 years and currently serves as the Director of Accountability and Special Projects in Delran Township, Burlington County. Previously, Mrs. Lowe served as an elementary school principal in Delran for 14 years and worked in central office positions overseeing curriculum and managing state, federal, and numerous competitive grants for 4 years. Prior to entering administration, she taught at the McKinley Elementary School in Stafford Township, Ocean County. She received her B.A. from Rowan University and her M.A. from Georgian Court University. Mrs. Lowe has been a member of the NJPSA Council, representing Burlington County for many years, is an active member of the legislative committee, and serves as a mentor in the NJL2L program. She is passionate about ensuring that every child receives a quality education that develops the whole child.

Principal, Dr. Ronald E. McNair Academic High School, Jersey City

Thomas Macagnano is beginning his 28th year as an educator for the Jersey City Public Schools District. He has served as an ELA teacher, assistant principal, elementary principal, director, and is currently the proud principal of Dr. Ronald E. McNair Academic High School (his alma mater). Thomas is also the President of the Administrators and Supervisors Association of Jersey City, the coordinator of the Hudson County association, and a field representative for NJPSA.

Director of Research, Planning, and Evaluation, Pinelands Regional Jr. High School

Kimberly Lynn Clark, Ed.D. is a practitioner-researcher, who currently works at Pinelands Regional, a 7-12 public school district in New Jersey, as the Director of Research, Planning, and Evaluation. She previously served the district as assistant principal and supervisor of several departments including English-as-a-second-language, special education, and gifted and talented education. As a researcher, Dr. Clark focuses on the topics of educational leadership, leadership development, feminist theory, gender performance, and nontraditional administrative preparation. In addition to serving on the NJPSA Board, she is also a mentor in the New Jersey Leaders to Leaders program.

Principal, Nicolaus Copernicus School

Diane Pistilli is the Principal of Nicolaus Copernicus School in Jersey City. She has 44 years of educational experience. Her professional experiences include teacher, guidance counselor, Asst. Principal and Principal. Diane Pistilli served as the Past President of the Administrators Supervisors Association of Jersey City and was on the Executive Board of ASA JC for over 10 years.

District Supervisor of Secondary Mathematics and Academic Intervention Support, Franklin Township

Nubeja Allen is beginning her 29th year as a public school educator. She serves as the District Supervisor of Secondary Mathematics & Academic Intervention Support (6-12) and Co-coordinator of Enrichment Programs (K-12) in Franklin Township Public Schools in Somerset County, New Jersey. She has served as a high school mathematics teacher, high school mathematics department supervisor, grades 8-12 supervisor of mathematics and science, high school vice-principal of mathematics and science, an elementary school vice-principal, and an acting elementary school principal in both urban and suburban school districts. She is a doctoral candidate at Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City, New Jersey. Creating equitable opportunities for students and professional learning experiences that support educators in embracing equity, access, and opportunity for their students and families are Ms. Allen’s passions.

Principal, Carl H. Kumpf Middle School, Clark

Rick Delmonaco has worked in the Clark Public Schools for 26 years, currently serving as principal of Carl H. Kumpf Middle School. He has worked at the Elementary, Middle and High School levels as a teacher and administrator. Rick has been an administrator for 19 years and a principal for 18 years at both the High School and Middle School levels. During his teaching time, Mr. Delmonaco taught Fifth Grade, Middle School Science, Math, and Language Arts. He has served as a member of the NJPSA Legislative Council and the Elementary-Middle-Secondary Committee. Rick holds a Bachelor of Accountancy degree from the George Washington University and Masters in Educational Leadership from Kean University.

Principal, Colts Neck High School

Dr. Donahue has worked in the Freehold Regional High School District for 26 years and is entering his seventh year as Principal of Colts Neck High School. Prior to leading Colts Neck High School, Dr. Donahue has served as a Social Studies Teacher, Athletic Director, and Assistant Principal at several high schools within the Freehold Regional High School District. He currently serves as Vice President of the Freehold Regional Principals Association. Dr. Donahue has been active in NJPSA as a member of the representative council, a contributor to Educational Viewpoints and as a presenter at the Fall Conference.

Director of Educational Services Unit, Burlington County Special Services School District

Dr. Bobbie Downs is currently the Director of the Educational Services Unit (ESU) for Burlington County Special Services School District. Dr. Downs decided to pursue a career in education after serving as a teacher and administrator in a school for Sudanese refugees in Cairo, Egypt. Since that time, Dr. Downs served in the role of teacher and administrator at the Burlington County Alternative School before being named Director of the ESU. Dr. Downs received her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Master’s Degree in Teaching from Drew University. Later, Dr. Downs earned her Master’s degree in School Leadership and her Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Rowan University. She recently earned a MS in Restorative Practices from the International Institute for Restorative Practices. Dr. Downs also holds a Graduate Certificate of Autism Education. She is a certified mindfulness instructor for Mindful Schools and an instructor for Youth Mental Health First Aid. Dr. Downs is an active member of the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association and was recently named the 2024 NJPSA Visionary Director of the Year. She currently resides in Toms River, New Jersey.

District Supervisor of Science, Technology & Engineering Education, and K-8 Comprehensive Health & Physical Education, Fair Lawn School Disrict

Ron Durso has been a public-school educator for over 25 years. Since 2008, he has served as the District Supervisor of Science, Technology & Engineering Education, and K-8 Comprehensive Health & Physical Education in the Fair Lawn Public Schools. Mr. Durso has led grass-roots efforts to build strong professional relationships between content supervisors, served as a leader in the Bergen County Principals and Supervisors Association, volunteered on the NJPSA Council, and served on various NJPSA committees including the Legislative Committee. Mr. Durso’s educational career began as a biology teacher at Hackensack High School where he had the opportunity to teach in a unique multilingual language program. He holds an Educational Specialist Degree in Leadership from Seton Hall University, a Masters of Education Degree from Montclair State University, and a Bachelors of Science Degree from The College of New Jersey.

Principal, Hillside Elementary School, Livingston

Carlos M. Gramata, Jr. has served in public education for 22 years. He has spent his career supporting students and staff in becoming the best versions of themselves. He currently serves as the principal of Hillside Elementary School in Livingston, where he has spent half his career as the school's leader. Prior to this, Carlos was principal of Beatrice Gilmore School in Woodland Park, NJ, for two years. He started his career as an elementary school teacher at Livingston Park Elementary School in North Brunswick, NJ, where he spent nine years as classroom teacher, language arts coordinator, and director of elementary instruction. Additionally, Carlos enjoys working to develop current and future leaders. He has served as an NJL2L Mentor since 2017 and has also served as an NJEXCEL site mentor for two of his teachers. In 2023, Carlos was named as NJPSA's Visionary Elementary Principal of the Year and as NJ's NAESP National Distinguished Principal.

Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, Washington Twp. School District

Dr. Steve Gregor has been in the field of education for over 32 years. He began his career as a high school social studies teacher and later as staff technology trainer in the Washington Township Public Schools in Gloucester County. He was appointed as the district’s Social Studies and Gifted and Talented Supervisor in 2004, later serving as middle school principal and Director of Secondary Education. He is currently serving as the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. He earned his BA in Education at the University of Valley Forge, MA in Social Science at Temple University, MA in Educational Leadership at Thomas Edison State University, and his doctoral degree in Instructional Technology and Distance Education from Nova Southeastern University. He continues his research in field of how distance education can close equity gaps for economically challenged and minoritized students and has also published articles in the journal of the United States Distance Learning Association and NJPSA’s Educational Viewpoints.

Principal, Frederic N. Brown Elementary School, Verona

Dr. Anthony Lanzo is an accomplished educational leader with over three decades of experience in school administration and teaching. He holds a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) from Seton Hall University, where he also earned his Master's and Educational Specialist degrees. Currently, Dr. Lanzo serves as the Principal at Frederic N. Brown Elementary School in Verona, New Jersey. Throughout his extensive career, Dr. Lanzo has held various educational roles, including Assistant Principal positions at both the elementary and middle school levels. He has taught as an adjunct professor at multiple institutions, such as Passaic County Community College, Seton Hall University, Caldwell University, and Montclair State University, covering subjects ranging from educational administration to literacy methods. Dr. Lanzo has worked closely with prospective teachers in teacher preparation programs, serves as the First Reader/Chairperson for several doctoral students working on their dissertations at Caldwell University, and volunteers at various local universities to conduct mock interviews for prospective teachers. He mentors principals and assistant principals in their first two years of employment through the New Jersey Leader to Leader (L2L) program. He is also an active member of several professional organizations, including the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association and the National Association of Elementary School Principals. Dr. Lanzo serves on the NJPSA's Mental Health Committee, Elementary-Middle School-High School Committee, and Multilingual Language Committee, providing input on local and state initiatives. He is currently the Co-President of the Verona Administrators Association (VAA). In addition to his administrative and teaching roles, Dr. Lanzo has contributed to the publication of "The FAQs of Peer Mediation" by the New Jersey State Bar Foundation. He is a guest presenter at the New Jersey State Bar Foundation, specializing in elementary peer mediation programs. Dr. Lanzo has extensive experience in urban, suburban, parochial, and public school settings. He always wanted to be a teacher since he was in elementary school. He is married to his wife, Sharon, an elementary teacher, and they have two children, Anthony and Madeline.

Principal, Lawrence Middle School

Dr. Mindy Milavsky, principal of Lawrence Middle School in Mercer County, NJ, has dedicated her career to fostering a school environment that promotes compassion, empathy, and kindness. As an educator for over 30 years, Dr. Milavsky has made great strides in providing students with an educational experience that complements high standards in all academic disciplines with a focus on developing students’ social and emotional competencies. This initiative has led to innovative curricula, community service programs, and peer leadership experiences. Under her leadership, Lawrence Middle School has received 9 Promising Practice Awards from the Character Education Partnership and has been identified as a NJ State School of Character. Beyond the school day, Dr. Milavsky serves as an instructor for the nationally recognized NJEXCEL program, inspiring future administrators to lead with heart. In 2023, Milavsky was honored with the titles of NJPSA Visionary Principal of the Year and NASSP New Jersey Principal of the Year, affirming her commitment to empowering students both academically and emotionally.

Principal, Caroline L. Reutter School, Franklin Twp.

Theodore Peters has been an educator for the past 22 years including the last 15 as the Principal of the Caroline L. Reutter School in Franklin Township, Gloucester County. He earned his BS in Biology and Secondary Education from The College of New Jersey and MA in Educational Leadership, Management, and Policy from Seton Hall University. In his current role, Mr. Peters spearheaded the infusion of the Connected Action Roadmap Framework into the school where he is the Principal as a method of transformational change. Mr. Peters is a founding and executive member of his local Principal and Supervisors Association and executive member of the Gloucester County Association of Elementary and Middle School Administrators where he previously served as President. At the state level, Mr. Peters is a Representative on the Department of Education’s State Professional Learning Committee, is part of the NJ Leadership Academy Steering Committee, and serves on various NJPSA Committees.

Principal, Montgomery High School (Somerset)

Heather Pino-Beattie is in her 24th year as a public school educator. She currently serves as the proud Principal of Montgomery High School (Somerset County) and the District-Wide Supervisor for the STARR (Shifting Through Awareness, Regulation, and Relationships) Program, an internal Tier III Mental Health Support Program that provides education, assessment, and intervention to those students who require a higher level of intervention and services. Prior to her current roles, Mrs. Pino-Beattie served Montgomery High School as School Counselor and Vice Principal. Before joining the staff at Montgomery High School in 2009, Mrs. Pino-Beattie worked for the Trenton Public School District as a K-12 Literacy Specialist and at Trenton Central High School as an English teacher. Mrs. Pino-Beattie earned her BA in English/Secondary Education, MA in School Counseling, SAC Certification from The College of New Jersey, and Certificate in School Administration from The University of Scranton. Mrs. Pino-Beattie is an active member of the NJPSA Council and the NJPSA Legislative and LGBTQIA+ Committees. Mrs. Pino-Beattie’s passion lies at the critical intersection of mental health and academic success for students and staff.

Supervisor of Engineering, Computer Science, Business and Consumer Science and Media, East Brunswick Public Schools
Andrew Scanlon has dedicated 27 years to the field of education, serving in various roles including teacher, assistant principal, and supervisor. He is a former president of the East Brunswick Principals and Supervisors Association and now serves as a field representative for the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association (NJPSA). A passionate advocate for the practical arts, Andrew champions the importance of hands-on learning and skills-based education. His extensive experience and leadership have earned him a position on the NJPSA Board of Directors, where he continues to advocate for and support educational leaders across the state

Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Hamilton Township School District

Anthony Scotto has been in the field of education for 30 years. He currently serves as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the Hamilton Township School District (Mercer County). Prior to becoming an administrator 20 years ago, he was a classroom teacher for 10 years. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors, he plays a key role with the NJ Leadership Academy and serves as a mentor for the NJL2L Program (for new administrators). He is also an active member of the Legislative Committee and does professional development for FEA. Mr. Scotto holds a BA degree in Elementary Education/American Studies from St. Peter's College (now University) and an MA degree in Administration/Supervision/Curriculum Planning from Georgian Court College (now University).

Supervisor of Instruction, Vineland Public Schools

Ross Stanger graduated from the Hill School, in Pottstown, PA, before matriculating to Kenyon College in Gambier, OH. While an undergraduate, Mr. Stanger was a three sport athlete and 10 varsity letter winner in cross country and track and field and two time captain of cross country. Mr. Stanger was a history major, admissions tour guide, and coordinated overnight stays for visiting students. He also studied abroad in Kenya and Uganda. After graduating, Mr. Stanger worked as a kindergarten and 1st Grade Assistant and as the 6th Grade Dean's Assistant at Saint Ann's School, in Brooklyn, NY. He later earned a M.A. in American History from Rutgers University-Camden, and a M. Ed. from Wilmington University. Mr. Stanger taught social studies for 10 years at Vineland High School North. Mr. Stanger has served as Vineland Public Schools' Supervisor of Social Studies, Art, and Library/Media Specialists, and has coordinated the A.P. and Gifted & Talented Programs, since 2008. He is a two-time elected school board member in Hopewell Township (Cumberland County) and was elected Vineland Administrator of the Year in Vineland in 2018. Mr. Stanger is actively involved in Holocaust and Genocide Education, serves as the Program Chair of the South Jersey Holocaust & Genocide Coalition, and was awarded the Miles Lerman Holocaust Education Award in 2020. Mr. Stanger also previously served as the President of the Vineland Principals and Supervisors' Association for three years. He is currently a doctoral student at Drexel University in the Education Administration focusing on the impact of character education on public schools.

President
Executive Director of NJPSA
Karen Bingert began her tenure as Executive Director of NJPSA on July 1, 2021. Previously, she had been the principal of Hillsborough High School in Somerset County since 2006. She began her career in education in 1992 as an English teacher at Asbury Park High School, next teaching middle and high school English in the Southern Regional School District. She joined the Hillsborough Township School District in 1999 as a vice principal at the high school before becoming principal. A longstanding Council Member at NJPSA, Ms. Bingert was an active member of the Elementary/Middle/Secondary and Nominations committees. She co-chaired the NJPSA/NJASA Joint Committee on Educator Effectiveness and Graduation Requirements/Assessment. In the past she has served as the president of the Somerset County High School Principals Association and Vice President of the Hillsborough Principals and Supervisors Association. Ms. Bingert earned her BA in English/Secondary Education from Trenton State College and her MA in Administration, Supervision, and Curriculum Planning from Georgian Court University.

CEO of FEA
Donna McInerney is the Chief Executive Officer of FEA, having previously served for nearly six years as FEA's Director of Program Development and Design. A former high school Social Studies teacher and supervisor, she earned her doctorate from the Graduate School of Education at Rutgers University, specializing in curriculum theory and development. Over the last 15 years she has been an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Graduate Education, Leadership and Counseling at Rider University and in the Educational Administration and Secondary Education Program at The College of New Jersey.  She currently teaches in the NJ EXCEL program. Throughout the course of her career, Dr. McInerney has provided professional learning experiences on a wide variety of topics including tools for professional learning communities, the Connected Action Roadmap (CAR), research-based instructional strategies, classroom management techniques, project-based learning, differentiated instruction, curriculum integration, and cooperative learning strategies.  Her most recent work has focused on the instructional leadership skills and coherent frameworks needed to improve teacher practice, drive student achievement and ensure systemic, sustained, school improvement.

CFO of FEA
Denise Hecht-Berger is presently the Assistant Executive Director for the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association (NJPSA) and Chief Financial Officer for the Foundation for Educational Administration, Inc. (FEA). Prior to this, she was the Founder and President of DenTel Practice Management. Her firm offered professional and staff development in the fields of education, health care, and business. She received her MBA from Wagner College in New York where she has served as an adjunct member of the graduate school business administration faculty. She has also served as an adjunct professor at Farleigh Dickinson University. Ms. Hecht-Berger is a published writer, the author of the CLICK Profile for Educators, and is a certified NLP practitioner. Ms. Hecht-Berger has served as the President of the New Jersey Association of Partners in Education and has been a board member of the David Sarnoff Library and Museum. In partnership with the NJDOE and the New Jersey Association of School Administrators, she has assisted in writing and successfully implemented a $5.1 million grant for training Superintendents and Principals in leadership and technology in the state of New Jersey. She has also presented at several national conferences on leadership in the health, education, and business-related fields. She was past Director of the Institute for Education and Cognitive Psychology, an organization devoted to the personal and professional improvement of teachers and administrators.

Assistant Principal, Halsted Middle School, Newton
Angela D. Dunbar is the Assistant Principal of Halsted Middle School and Director of Curriculum & Professional Development for Newton Public Schools in Newton, New Jersey. Angela has over 19 years of experience in education. Prior to becoming a school leader, Angela was a high school special education teacher for eight years in Newton and five years in the Bronx, New York. Angela believes in providing educators with individualized support in order to build their capacity and increase student achievement. Angela is the founder and leader of the Curriculum Consortium of Sussex County and organizes professional development opportunities for educators in Northwest, New Jersey. Angela’s administration prowess was recognized when she received the 2017 Dale Reinhardt Excellence in Education Award for her work as a leader in the area of curriculum development and her ability to provide professional development opportunities for educators. Additionally, Angela was a recipient of the Newton High School Teacher of the Year Award in 2014. She holds a Master's in School Building Leadership from Columbia University.

Director of Special Services, Jackson Twp.
Dr. Teresa Herrero Taylor is currently the Director of Special Services for Jackson Township School District and previously was the Director of Special Services and a Supervisor of Special Education for the Freehold Regional High School District. Her career in education began as a School Psychologist for the Lawrence Township Public Schools and the Monroe Township Public Schools. Her 24-year career in New Jersey public education has spanned the elementary, middle, high school, and district levels. Teresa is a proud graduate of the NJEXCEL Program and has been Chair of the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association Special Education Committee for more than 7 years. She is a New Jersey Licensed Psychologist, doctoral-level Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, New Jersey Certified School Psychologist, and Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Masters in Psychology Program at Rider University. Teresa holds a Doctorate in School, Community and Clinical Child Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology and a Master of Education in Multicultural Counseling from Teachers College/Columbia University, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Florida. She completed her pre-doctoral internship as a psychologist at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and post-doctoral fellowship through the Prevention of Long-Term Anger and Aggression in Youth (PLAAY) Project at the University of Pennsylvania in the disciplinary schools of Philadelphia.

Assistant Principal, Cumberland Regional High School
Terence Johnson is the assistant principal at Cumberland Regional High School. He instituted and runs the Freshman Transition into High School program, in which seniors help incoming freshman learn how to adjust to life in high school. An alumnus and former football player at The Citadel, Terence was named the 2019 NJPSA Visionary Assistant Principal of the Year, as well as the New Jersey NASSP Assistant Principal of the Year .

Principal, Brick Township High School

Dr. David Kasyan is the proud principal of Brick Township High School. He began his career in education in the Jackson School District where he was a special education teacher in the elementary and high school grade levels prior to becoming an assistant principal at the elementary level. Dr. Kasyan joined the Brick Township School District in 2017, when he became the principal of Emma Havens Young Elementary School. He accepted his current position as principal of Brick Township High School in July of 2021. Dr. Kasyan completed his undergraduate education at Lebanon Valley College, where he double majored in Elementary Education and Special Education. He received his Masters in Administration and Leadership from Georgian Court University and Doctorate in Education: Educational Leadership from Saint Peter’s University. Dr. Kasyan embraces a shared leadership philosophy, empowering students and staff to contribute and collaborate towards a positive school culture. Dr. Kasyan is an advocate for inclusive education practices, responsive instruction, and equity. He believes it is our responsibility to develop the whole child, while working collaboratively with all stakeholders within a learning community to achieve desired outcomes of success. Dr. Kasyan received the New Jersey State PTA Outstanding Principal of the Year award in 2021. Additionally, Dr. Kasyan works with the New Jersey Leadership Academy (NJLA) to provide professional development to current and aspiring leaders. Moreover, Dr. Kasyan currently serves on the Governing Board for the Regional Education Laboratories (REL) Mid-Atlantic Region.

Principal, Lalor Elementary School, Hamilton
Ms. Jennifer Marinello is an accomplished educator with extensive experience in educational leadership and elementary education. She holds a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from The College of New Jersey (2016) and both a M.Ed. (2000) and B.A. (1999) in Elementary Education from the University of Florida. Ms. Marinello is currently the principal of Lalor Elementary School in Hamilton Township School District, NJ, serving 350 students. Since 2018, she has provided leadership around the school’s mission and vision, leading to its recognition as a New Jersey School of Character in 2022. She has implemented a schoolwide Title I plan and significantly reduced chronic absenteeism and improved student performance. Previously, Ms. Marinello was a curriculum supervisor in the same district, managing budgets and coordinating Math, STEM and Title I programs. With certifications including NJ Principal, NJ Supervisor, and NJ Elementary Teacher, she also has expertise in middle school mathematics. Her dedication to professional growth is evidenced by her involvement in various educational organizations and leadership roles.

District Supervisor of Testing, Roselle Public Schools
Ms. Karen Tanner-Oliphant began her career as a Family and Consumer Science teacher at East Side High School in Paterson, New Jersey. There she served in many roles as a student advocate, mentor, and class advisor. Currently, Ms. Tanner-Oliphant serves as the District Supervisor of Testing for Roselle Public Schools and has been recognized for her leadership in service to the district and the educational community through her participation in various special projects, leading to improved student outcomes such as: High Schools that Work, School Improvement Grants (SIG Program), NJDOE Assessment Panel (next generation statewide assessment), Connected Action Roadmap (CAR-District-wide Implementation), and a developer of the Broad Field Family and Consumer Sciences Assessment for AAFCS-CTSO Certification. She also served as the State President of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. Karen earned her B.S. from Hampton University, an M.A. from Kean University – School Administration and MA in Secondary Reading and Curriculum from Grand Canyon University. Through her leadership as President of the Morris County (NJ) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated, her focus is to provide transformational programs and services to the community that are designed to lead to improved outcomes for children and families.

Director of Equity and Access, South Orange/Maplewood School District
Kerri Waibel has recently begun serving as the Director of Equity and Access for the South Orange Maplewood School District. Prior to this appointment, she served in several leadership roles in both curriculum and building leadership. She spent four years in Prospect Park School District as the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, Evaluations and Assessment as well as Principal in Florham Park and Apple Montessori Elementary School. Kerri began her career as a high school teacher in Clifton, NJ and taught for 9 years before becoming an administrator. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology as well as her teaching certificate from Montclair State University. She also holds a Master of Arts in Social Sciences as well as a Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership from Montclair University. Kerri Waibel is currently pursuing a doctoral degree from Centenary University. She has been part of both the steering and development teams for NJLA as well as the Equity Leadership Academy.