EdTerps Alumni Class Notes

Our alumni live in all corners of the world and do many great things! We invite you to meet some of your stellar EdTerp alumni. And if you have news to share, please let us know by emailing coeadvancement@umd.edu with the subject line "Class Notes".

1951
	Dr. Dwight Coblentz BS ‘51, M.Ed ‘55, He retired in 1992 as Director of Curriculum and Staff Development San Diego County Office of Education. He taught Calculus in the evening division of San Diego Community College District for twenty years, co-authored a high school Geometry Book for Scott Foresman in 1978.

1965
	Betty Ann Ernst Bauer BS '65 has written a book of historical fiction for upper elementary-grade children about Ancestral Puebloan life in the American Southwest. Published by Portamento, is a story of three children whose families migrated from Mesa Verde in the late 1200s. [July 2014]

1967
	Dr. Darla Fishbein Strouse BA '67, Ed.D. '04 wrote and won a grant from Sinai and Synapsis and the Sir John Templeton Fund to have research scientists from Howard County, MD, present five science presentations with religious interpretations and relationships discussed using the Old Testament and other Jewish texts that connect ancient ideas to modern scientific discovery. [July 2023]

1968
	William D. Wargo Ed.D. '68 served as a professor of industrial ��߲��о�� for 35 years before retiring. He then earned a Marine Sea Turtle permit from the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission, serving as the director of the Alligator Point Sea Patrol from 2004 to 2021. [July 2022]

1969
	Judith Lese '69, M.Ed. '74 retired after 53 years of teaching. She was a classroom teacher for five different schools in Montgomery County Public Schools, MD. [July 2022]
	Dr. Bernice R. Sandler Ph.D. '69 has become known as the .
	Carol Scott '69 was awarded the 2024 UMD College of Education Outstanding Exempt Award. [May 2024]
	Dennis D. Urban '69 wrote the book , published by New Academia Publishing. [July 2022]

1970
	Dr. Maurice Dorsey '70, Ph.D. '83 was inducted into the Sigma Chapter, Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Society at the ��߲��о�� in 2022 and is working on a Masters of Fine Arts Degree, in fiction and non-fiction writing, Southern New Hampshire University. He plans to graduate December, 2025.
	Judith Freeman Garey '70 had her book , published by National Council of Teachers of English [July 2023]
	Valerie Stasik BS '70 published her first novel, [July 2014]

1971
	Dr. Jacqueline Brown-Frierson '71 was the first Black female Resident Assistant (R.A.) serving in Denton Hall. [May 2023]

1972
	James Fielder M.Ed. '72 served as the Secretary of Higher Education for the State of Maryland from 2015 to 2023.
	Sharon Allen Glider, ‘72, announces the publication of her third historical romance novel, “”. Her other books include, “The Rose Beyond” & “Beyond the Rose”. [2024]
	Carey Wright '72, M.S. '76, Ed.D. '94 was appointed Interim State Superintendent of Education by Maryland Board of Education [2023] and was named by the Maryland Board of Education as the permanent state superintendent of public schools. [April 2024]

1972

James Fielder M.Ed. '72 served as the Secretary of Higher Education for the State of Maryland from 2015 to 2023.

Sharon Allen Glider, ‘72, announces the publication of her third historical romance novel, “”. Her other books include, “The Rose Beyond” & “Beyond the Rose”. [2024]

Carey Wright '72, M.S. '76, Ed.D. '94 was appointed Interim State Superintendent of Education by Maryland Board of Education [2023] and was named by the Maryland Board of Education as the permanent state superintendent of public schools. [April 2024]

1973
	Heather Hammer M.A. '73 published her first historical fiction book:, the story of her great-great-grandmother who lived in the 1800s in the remote Shetland Islands and raised nine children with many hardships but much resilience. [January 2024]
	Jim Wharton BS '73 retired after forty years of service as a music teacher in schools around Baltimore, most recently Catonsville High, where he has taught since 1988. [July 2014]

1974
	Dr. Michael Casserly M.Ed ’74, Ph.D. ’82, published a new book, with Harvard Education Press drawing on his almost 50 years in urban public ��߲��о��. [November 2024]
	Martha Farkas ‘74, worked 32 years as an aviation cartographer for FAA and NOAA Federal agencies. During that time it was a civil Engineering position where she would manually draw activation maps for civil aviation in the US. After her retirement from the Federal Government, she did full time substitute teaching in Montgomery County up until her retirement. [2024]
	Thomas Grites Ph.D. '74 received a 2024 ACPA Lifetime Achievement Award. [March 2024]
	Lee Havis M.Ed. '74 published the book , based on his decades of work with the International Montessori Society, which he established in 1979. [March 2024]

1975
	Dexter Chapin, M.Ed ‘75, Ph.D ‘78, Recently released a new book called, , with a foreword by Barry Clemson.
	Rochelle (Shelly) Taberoff- Wender, ‘75 BA was awarded the Marietta Suhart Award, with distinction, from the Georgia Gerontology Society for Excellence in Gerontology Education. [November 2024]

1978
	Cheryl Garnette '78 was named 2023 Prince George's County Nonprofit Leader of the Year by the Greater Washington Community Foundation.
	Janice Jennings ’78: Attended College of Education Alumni of Color and shared they are “Celebrating 45 years in the Education Field” [May 2024]
	Donald Soeken, Ph.d. ‘78, published his latest book, “”. It describes how to blow the whistle at one's place of work. He is America’s most well known counselor to whistleblowers. [2024]

1980
	Rocky Lopes BS '80, was elected to the ��߲��о�� Alumni Association Board of Governors. [July 2023]

1981
	Michael Martirano ‘81, M.Ed. ‘85. M.Ed. ‘92: Received the 2024 Outstanding Educator Award from the Maryland School Psychologists’ Association for the work being done to address the student mental health crisis.

1982
	Kathy Russell ’82 was a finalist for 2024-2025 Maryland Teacher of the Year, representing Prince George's County Public Schools Teacher of the Year

1984
	Jon M. Andes, Ed.D. ‘84, authored the book titled "" published by the International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership, 2021. [2024]

1985
	Barbara Friedlander '85, M.A. '90 was named the Learning Disabilities Associations Sam Kirk Educator of the Year. [February 2024]
	Mary E. McKnight '85 published her memoir [2024]
	Mary (Conrad) Skowronski BA '85, '87 retired after 36 years of teaching English in Maryland serving Anne Arundel, Charles, and Frederick Counties. [May 2023]
	Dr. James H. VanSciver, Ed.D. ’85 has published his 7th book. He co-authored , a 400-page collection of experiences from the 1950s through the 1970s of students attending a military college for four years.

1988
	Agnesanne Danehey Ph.D. '88 was awarded the 2024 UMD College of Education Excellence in Outreach Award. [May 2024]

1990
	Alice Swift '90, Ed.D. '22 started her role as principal of Abington Senior High School. [January 2024]

1991
	MollyBeth Jacobs Rushfield BS '91 was named inaugural recipient of the [February 2023]

1992
	Dr. Gena Glickman Ph.D. '92 was re-elected as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Commission on Higher Education Accreditation in 2023. She was also named president emerita in 2018, of Manchester Community College. [July 2023]
	Steve Koppi M.Ed. '92 serves as the Executive Director of Boston University's outstanding Center for Career Development. [March 2024]
	Katana Riddick ’92 attended College of Education Alumni of Color and shared they are “Retiring this August after 31.5 years of service to public school students of MD.” [May 2024]

1993
	Scott Foster ‘93 was among the 12 game officials chosen to work the NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics & Dallas Mavericks [June 2024]
	Shari Perry ‘93, M.Ed. ‘99 started , an ��߲��о��al consulting business for parents navigating special needs

1994
	Jason Jaffe '94 is in his 29th year at Central Bucks School District in Bucks County, PA, where he serves as the Director of Technology and Innovation. [2023]
	Rose Mince Ph.D. ‘94 has assumed the role of Carroll Community College president after getting a unanimous vote from the college’s Board of Trustees. [2024]
	William "Bill" Phalen Jr. '94 is in his 30th year in ��߲��о�� and first year as Principal of Woodland Park Middle School in Woodland Park, Colorado. Prior to this roll, Bill served as a band and orchestra director for 25 years in Maryland, Texas, and Colorado. [November 2023]

1995
	Brian Walton ‘95, M.Ed. ‘12 recently nominated for 2023-24 Site Administrator of the Year in his school district. In the second year of his tenure as principal within the Franklin McKinley School District (CA) he fostered a positive turnaround of school safety and students and staff feeling an increased sense of belonging and connectedness. [2024]

1996
	Christy Tirrell-Corbin Ph.D. '96 was selected as a Dean Impact Professor at the UMD College of Education. [2023]
	Steven E. Jones Ph.D. '96 is co-author of a recently released bestselling Amazon book on how to build and sustain highly effective teams that get results, . [March 2024].

1997
	John Heneghan '97 has been recognized as the 2024 Wash100 Award winner by Executive Mosaic, an international leadership organization and media company. [2024]
	Dr. Alice Mitchell Ph.D.'97 published the book . [November 2022]

1997

John Heneghan '97 has been recognized as the 2024 Wash100 Award winner by Executive Mosaic, an international leadership organization and media company. [2024]

Dr. Alice Mitchell Ph.D.'97 published the book . [November 2022]

1998
	Dr. Jaime Bowers and Dr. Elizabeth Stuart ‘98 are the first ever co-defense in UMD history.
	Alison Jovanovic '98 was awarded the 2024 UMD College of Education Excellence in Service Award [May 2024]
	Mitra De Souza M.Ed. '98 has published her first ever book,
	Alana Murray ‘98, Ph.D. ‘12 received the Harry J. Carman Award from the Middle States Council for Social Studies. [February 2023] and was appointed to serve as the Director of the Office of School Support and Well-Being for Montgomery County Public Schools. [May 2024]
	Lisa Stuart Whitehead BS '98 received the Gilbert A. Clark & Enid Zimmerman Leadership and Advocacy Award during the 2023 National Art Education Association (NAEA) National Convention [April 2023]

1999
	Bryan Palma M.Ed. '99 was appointed to the Board of Directors for CloudBees, Inc. [May 2024]

2000
	Jean Grieser '00, an adapted PE teacher at Harford Academy in Harford County Public Schools, received the Simon McNeely Award from the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) Maryland. Simon A. McNeely Award nominees demonstrate outstanding teaching, service and innovation in health, physical ��߲��о��, recreation or dance.

2001
	James "Jim" Berry Ph.D. '01 serves as a member of the initial cohort of MSDE's Expert Review Team, supporting implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. [2023]
	Dr. Carolyn McNamra Barry Ph.D. '01 received the Professional Achievement Alumni Award from her undergraduate alma mater, Ursinus College. Thus award recognizes an individual who has reached significant professional achievements through exemplary leadership.[July 2023] She was also appointed as dean of the University of Scranton's College of Arts and Sciences. [April 2024]
	Dr. Chris Conzen M.Ed. '01 is Executive Director of the College's new Secaucus Center at the Frank J. Gargiulo Campus of Hudson County Schools of Technology. [2024]
	Cara Grant B.S. '01 co-authored the book with Troy Boddy. [January 2024]
	Kimberly Griffin M.A. '01, co-authored "" with W. Brad Johnson. The book on mentorship was published in October.
	Angela Grooms ’01 attended College of Education Alumni of Color and shared they are a “National Board Certified Teacher” [May 2024]
	Cherise Hunter ’01, M.Ed. ’02 served as the Center for Educational Innovation and Improvement at ��߲��о�� College Park Fellow and was elected to the ��߲��о�� Senate.
	Jessica Nichols ’01: Finalist for 2024-2025 Maryland Teacher of the Year, representing Howard County Public Schools
	Dr. Heather Ruetschlin Schugar '01, M.S. '05, Ph.D. '08 was named one of the 150 Most Influential Women at West Chester University of Pennsylvania where she is a professor of Educational Leadership and Literacy and is the director of the doctoral programs in Educational Leadership and Higher Education Administration. [August 2023]

2002
	Sara Goodman Confino ’02, M.Ed. ’03 released her newest bestselling book, .
	Ming Tomayko M.Ed. ’02 Ph.D. ’07 was named Associate Dean for Teaching and Student Success for the Jess & Mildred Fisher College of Science and Mathematics at Towson University

2003
	Tess Barker '03 serves as the Executive Director at the Association for Student Conduct Administration (ASCA). [2023]
	Eve Case '03 was named the 2023 winner of the by the National Social Studies Supervisors Association, a part of the National Council for the Social Studies.
	Leslie Edwards ’03 recently published their first book on Leadership Development [Fall 2023]
	Kim Johnson M.Ed. '03 is an award-winning author who published her newest book . [February 2024]
	Irma Najarro '03 was named as a finalist for Teacher of the Year for Montgomery County Public Schools [August 2022]
	Daniel Singley M.A. '03, Ph.D. '05 serves as the president of the American Psychological Association's Division of Men & Masculinities. [2024]

2004
	Dr. Darnell Barnett BS '04 completed his Doctoral degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University in 2022. He currently teaches virtually with Proximity Learning and has worked for both Prince George's County Public Schools and Montgomery County Public Schools. [August 2023]
	Dr. Jennie Lee-Kim Ph.D. '04 was awarded the 2024 UMD College of Education Excellence in Teaching Award [March 2024]
	Josh Schneider '04 founded to provide transportation and lodging for blind hockey players. Learn more about .
	Mary Truman M.Ed.'04 was named 2023 Teacher of the Year by Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS). Mary teaches preschoolers with autism at Kenmoor Early Childhood Center and is a 22-year veteran PGCPS educator. [May 2023]
	Irene M. Zoppi '04 was promoted to brigadier general in August 2017, marking her as the first Puerto Rican woman to hold the rank of general in the U.S. Army Reserve.

2005
	Tiki Ayiku M.Ed. '05 is the Vice President for Education and Events at U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). [March 2024]
	Danielle Anthony ’05 attended College of Education Alumni of Color and shared they “Completed their first year as Assistant Principal” [May 2024]
	Melissa Huffman ’05 was appointed to Assistant Principal of Mt. Harmony Elementary School. [2024]

2006
	Angelica Van Bavel BS ’06 was appointed to Assistant Principal of Mutual Elementary School [2024]
	Shannon Negussie BS ’06, M.Ed ’07 is celebrating five years as a Middle School Principal and 16 years in ��߲��о�� [May 2024]
	Diana Rivas M.Ed. ’06 was appointed treasurer for the Latinx Board at the ��߲��о�� and started teaching English with the JSSA Learning English Together program. [2024]

2007
	Ashley S. Doyle ‘07, M.Ed. 08 serves as the supervisor for Special Education Alternate Learning Outcomes in the Department of Special Education Services
	Dr. Keith Edwards Ph.D. ‘07 interviewed Dr. Trisha Shalka M.Ed. ‘08 for Student Affairs NOW on her new book, Cultivating Trauma-Informed Practice in Student Affairs. ! [March 2024]
	Vanessa Gibson '07 has co-founded a nonprofit called , which offers various learning opportunities for underserved teens. [April 2024]
	Ramsey Jabaji M.Ed. ’07 accepted a new role as the inaugural assistant dean for engineering student affairs in the A. James Clark School of Engineering. [2024]
	Dawn Johnson Ph.D. '07 received a 2024 ACPA award.
	Karol Martinez M.Ed. '07 received the 2024 ACPA Nancy J. Evans Voices of Inclusion Award Recipient. [March 2024]

2008
	Justin Fincher, M.Ed. ’08 Ph.D. ’14 started a new position as Chief Deputy to the President & Senior Vice President, Government and Community Relations (interim) at Stony Brook University
	Dr. Julie Owen Ph.D. '08 was featured on the in episode 209: A Reseach Agenda for Leadership Learning and Development through Higher Education [March 2024]
	Dr. Trisha Shalka M.Ed. '08 released a new book, [March 2024]

2009
	Dr. Truphena Choti Ph.D. '09 founded in 2019 and began broader efforts to support a growing refugee community in nearby Riverdale Park (Prince George’s County) – all this, while still working a fulltime job in International Development. During the pandemic, they partnered with DC Central Kitchen to organize weekly food distributions at a local church in Aspen Hill. Distributions expanded to locations in Gaithersburg and Baltimore, with additional partnerships with 4P Foods and Manna Food Center. By 2022, the organization had distributed more than 1 million pounds of food. AfriThrive recently launched an initiative called the Balozi Advocacy Program.
	Dr. Sean Simone Ph.D. '09 left his full time position at Rutgers University to become Branch Chief of the Longitudinal Surveys Branch at the National Center for Education Statistics in the U.S. Department of Education. The Branch houses the Early childhood Longitudinal Studies Program, the Secondary Longitudinal Studies Program, and the Postsecondary Longitudinal Survey Studies Program. [July 2023]

2009

Dr. Truphena Choti Ph.D. '09 founded in 2019 and began broader efforts to support a growing refugee community in nearby Riverdale Park (Prince George’s County) – all this, while still working a fulltime job in International Development. During the pandemic, they partnered with DC Central Kitchen to organize weekly food distributions at a local church in Aspen Hill. Distributions expanded to locations in Gaithersburg and Baltimore, with additional partnerships with 4P Foods and Manna Food Center. By 2022, the organization had distributed more than 1 million pounds of food. AfriThrive recently launched an initiative called the Balozi Advocacy Program.

Dr. Sean Simone Ph.D. '09 left his full time position at Rutgers University to become Branch Chief of the Longitudinal Surveys Branch at the National Center for Education Statistics in the U.S. Department of Education. The Branch houses the Early childhood Longitudinal Studies Program, the Secondary Longitudinal Studies Program, and the Postsecondary Longitudinal Survey Studies Program. [July 2023]

2010
	Dr. Christine Mahan Ph.D. '10 was selected by City & State Pennsylvania as one of its 2024 Trailblazers in Higher Education.
	Amanda McConnell M.Ed. '10 is now Assistant Managing Director of Brookings Metro at The Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. [March 2024]

2011
	Dr. Hayley Haywood M.Ed. '11 was promoted to assistant provost for organizational learning at Clark University. She also launched , an organizational capacity-building firm supporting universities & employers in building equitable pathways to soulfilling work through identity-conscious coaching & consulting. [August 2023]
	Jason “Jay” Garvey ‘11 P.hD. ‘13 was. Recognized as 2024 ACPA Award Recipient. [March 2024]
	Ellen Slobodnik B.A. '11, M.Ed. '12 is serving as an Assistant Principal in Prince William County, VA. [ August 2023]
	Dr. Darryl Williams Ed.D. '11 was hired by Morgan State University as a Professor of Practice for the School of Education and Urban Studies program. [August 2023]

2012
	Beth Barkley ‘12 M.Ed ‘13 was named Washington D.C. Teacher of Year and is an English Teacher for Cardozo EC’s International Academy. An English teacher in Cardozo EC’s International Academy since 2015, Beth Barkely also teaches two elective courses, Global Perspectives and Human Rights and Social Action. Prior to teaching ar Cardozo, Barkley taught English and adult literacy classes in El Salvador in 2014. She also worked as a dialogue facilitator at the ��߲��о��, College Park, from 2010-2013 and a teacher at CASA de Maryland from 2021-1023. Barkley has a bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature, with a minor in Spanish Language and Culture from ��߲��о��, College Park, and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the ��߲��о��, College Park. Barkley is a relentless advocate for immigrant rights, equity, and social justice. [October 2023]
	Dr. Ebony Terrell Shockley Ph.D. '12 was named the Editor of the Chronicle of Middle-Level Education Research Special Interest Group and Awards Chair for the Research for Black Education Special Interest Group. [April 2024]

2012

Beth Barkley ‘12 M.Ed ‘13 was named Washington D.C. Teacher of Year and is an English Teacher for Cardozo EC’s International Academy. An English teacher in Cardozo EC’s International Academy since 2015, Beth Barkely also teaches two elective courses, Global Perspectives and Human Rights and Social Action. Prior to teaching ar Cardozo, Barkley taught English and adult literacy classes in El Salvador in 2014. She also worked as a dialogue facilitator at the ��߲��о��, College Park, from 2010-2013 and a teacher at CASA de Maryland from 2021-1023. Barkley has a bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature, with a minor in Spanish Language and Culture from ��߲��о��, College Park, and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the ��߲��о��, College Park. Barkley is a relentless advocate for immigrant rights, equity, and social justice. [October 2023]

Dr. Ebony Terrell Shockley Ph.D. '12 was named the Editor of the Chronicle of Middle-Level Education Research Special Interest Group and Awards Chair for the Research for Black Education Special Interest Group. [April 2024]

2013
	Jamie Adasi M.Ed.'13 lead a global DEI team that has won numerous awards for culture and impact. [May 2023]
	Niklas Connor Berry ‘13, M.Ed. ‘14 started his teaching career soon after graduating and will be starting his 10th year as a Social Studies teacher at Oakland Mills high school. He will be beginning his 6th year as Instructional Team Leader for the Social Studies Department. He was named Washington Post’s Howard County Teacher of the Year and was awarded Howard County teacher of the Year in 2021. He was also a Jeopardy Champion in June 2023. [August 2023]
	Dr. Amanda Knapp Ph.D. '13 has accepted a three year term as the incoming vice president/president/past president on the Executive Board for the National College Learning Center Association. [October 2023]
	Justin K. Robinson M.Ed. '13 was appointed by Governor Wes Moore to serve on the Blueprint for Maryland's Future Accountability and Implementation Board. [May 2023]
	Dr. Arthur Williams Ed.D.'13 serves as the Coordinator of Career Advising at Montgomery County Public Schools. [August 2023]
	Dr. Myriam Yarbrough Ed.D.'13 was selected to be the superintendent of Baltimore County Public School Systems. [May 2023]

2014
	Brian Danielak Ph.D. ‘14 has joined the Institute for Defense Analyses as a research staff member.
	Dr. Daman Harris Ph.D. '14 has a new book being published in November 2023 called, [August 2023]
	Michelle Udeli M.A. '14 founded and launched the College Auntie social media platform to provide College Students with tips and tricks to help them navigate college successfully. [May 2023]

2015
	Juliet Morris B.A. '15, M.Ed. '16 serves as Educational Specialist at the Supreme Court Historical Society, where she will be researching and creating civics curriculum for students and teachers across the country. [February 2024]

2016
	Dr. Jorge Baxter Ph.D. '16 was named Dean of the College of Education (Facultad e Education) of the Universidad de los Andres in Bogota, Columbia. [January 2024]
	Dana Grosser-Clarkson Ph.D. ’16, associate clinical professor in the College of Education and senior lecturer in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences, was honored with the Outstanding College Educator Award by the Maryland Council of Teachers of Mathematics (MCTM).
	Dominique Moss ’16: is a class of 2016 Educator & Advocate for BIPOC students” [2024]
	Dr. Tamyka Morant ’16 led the BMPV Chargers team to win the 1619 Education Network grant from the Pulitzer Center
	Jarrell Slade ’16 is a fully licensed mental health therapist in MD & DC and a Junior Partner of Soul Soil Healing

2017
	Dr. Rotunda Floyd-Cooper Ed.D. '17 was named as the new director of ��߲��о�� leadership for the . [March 2023]
	Elias Gonzalez BS ‘17, M.Ed ‘18 is a first-generation Latino college student. Now, hes a lecturer in computer science and curriculum innovation lead for at UMD.
	Alaina Mackell ‘17 started a new position as Coordinator of Literacy Programming and Initiatives at Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE)!
	Katarina S. Pisini '17 M.Ed 18 earned the Department of The Air Force Award for Civilian Achievement. This award was in recognition of her distinguished performance as School Liaison Program Manager, 31st Force Support Squadron, 31st Mission Support Group, 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base, Italy from 21 May 2023 - 26 July 2024.

2018
	Ja'Nya Banks '18 M.Ed '19' was recognized as a part of the Terrapin Club’s 30 under 30 Class of 2024. These individuals have made a major impact in their communities and careers, while supporting the university and embodying Maryland Pride. Selected from a group of many impressive nominees, the 2024 class represents some of the rising stars from the ��߲��о��. Banks earned her Bachelor's and Master's in Special Education at Maryland and was a proud member of the Theta Nu chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Director of Diversity in Student Government, and President of the Black Honors Society. After college, she worked as a middle school teacher and mentor, supporting families and educators of color. Now, as a Ph.D. student at UC Berkeley, she teaches and mentors undergrads in critical ��߲��о��, researches equity and access in partnership with local school districts and writes about the strength of marginalized communities in shaping their ��߲��о�� policies. [February 2024]
	Dr. Courtney Hattan Ph.D. '18 Accepted the position of Assistant Professor in the Science of Reading at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. [July 2023]

2018

Ja'Nya Banks '18 M.Ed '19' was recognized as a part of the Terrapin Club’s 30 under 30 Class of 2024. These individuals have made a major impact in their communities and careers, while supporting the university and embodying Maryland Pride. Selected from a group of many impressive nominees, the 2024 class represents some of the rising stars from the ��߲��о��. Banks earned her Bachelor's and Master's in Special Education at Maryland and was a proud member of the Theta Nu chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Director of Diversity in Student Government, and President of the Black Honors Society. After college, she worked as a middle school teacher and mentor, supporting families and educators of color. Now, as a Ph.D. student at UC Berkeley, she teaches and mentors undergrads in critical ��߲��о��, researches equity and access in partnership with local school districts and writes about the strength of marginalized communities in shaping their ��߲��о�� policies. [February 2024]

Dr. Courtney Hattan Ph.D. '18 Accepted the position of Assistant Professor in the Science of Reading at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. [July 2023]

2019
	Dr. Carlos Beato Ed.D. '19 started , an ��߲��о��al consulting organization to support school teams in providing excellent services for multilingual learners. [May 2023]
	Darren Daly ’19: started a new position as Dean of Students
	Olisa Menakaya M.Ed. '19 received the for New Teachers from the National Science Teachers Association [May 2024]

2020
	Rebecca Delaney ‘20, M.Ed. '21 has been selected for the Inaugural National Council for Exceptional Children Creative Use of AI to Support Exceptional Students Award.
	Kiyah McDermid M.Ed. '20 received the ��߲��о�� Provost's Do Good Innovator Award. This award recognizes members of the campus community who create, and nurture social impact through ��߲��о�� and research - both in and outside the classroom. [March 2024]
	Cinthya Salazar Ph.D. '20 was awarded the 2023 Ford Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship.
	Lekha Tantry B.S. '20, M.Ed. '21 was selected as a 2023 Cohort, a highly selective opportunity with only 30 teachers selected from across the country. Lekha teaches at Capital City Public Charter School for the District of Columbia Public School System. [August 2023]

2021
	Allison Curtin M.Ed. '21 received the Promising New Social Studies Teacher of the Year award from the Maryland Council for Social Studies. [March 2023]
	Hannah Sanders M.Ed. '21 won the 2023 Greak Lakes Association of College and University Housing Officers Willie J. Young Sr. Oustanding Commitment to Inclusion and Equity Award.

2022
	Lindsay Goldstein ‘22: Recognized as a part of the Terrapin Club’s 30 under 30 Class of 2024. These individuals have made a major impact in their communities and careers, while supporting the university and embodying Maryland Pride. Selected from a group of many impressive nominees, the 2024 class represents some of the rising stars from the ��߲��о��. Goldstein is a fourth grade teacher in the Montgomery County Public School system. During her time at Maryland, she was involved with various campus organizations, such as her sorority, Sigma Delta Tau, and Terp Thon, where she served as the Dancer Relations executive chair. Since graduating, Lindsay is an avid Maryland Athletics fan and serves on the Terp Thon Alumni Board. [February 2024]
	Candace Quander M.Ed. '22 received a Fulbright Educational Teaching Assistant scholarship to Colombia. [July 2023]
	Sonia Swami '22, MCERT '23 was awarded the 2024 Knowles Fellowship. Sonia is currently teaching math in New Jersey at Secaucus High School while also serving as an advisor for the Dance Team and Coding Club.

2023
	Ashley Hixson Clarke ’23 was invited by the American Dental Association (ADEA) to facilitate a workshop on emotionally intelligent leadership
	Maria McGee M.Ed. '23 received the extremely competitive and prestigious, award. Maria teaches at Quince Orchard High School in Montgomery County Public Schools [August 2023]. The press release for the 2023 Cohort of Knowles Teaching Fellowship went out and Maria McGee was quoted in the press release. [November 2023]

2024
	Pamela Callahan Ph.D. ’24 is a postdoctoral fellow at the Center for Educational Innovation and Improvement, received an Early Career Fellowship from the Education Law Association in recognition of her work at the intersection of K-12 ��߲��о�� and First Amendment rights.

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