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A nationally recognized trainer, speaker, and consultant in leadership and school culture, brings nearly 3 decades of expertise in transforming schools through the Professional Learning Communities at Work process. Known for his compelling blend of "heart, humor, and hammer," Ken inspires with action-oriented presentations that offer practical strategies and a clear vision for overcoming challenges in education.
An experienced educator with an M.A. in Education and specialties in Educational Technology, is a distinguished Apple Educator, Google Innovator, and Microsoft Educator Expert. Recognized globally, he's delivered impactful keynotes and workshops on topics ranging from Educational Technology to Equity and Inclusion.
Hello There! My name is Christanne "Chrissy" Banks. I am the Career Pathways Coordinator at Options for Youth, Moreno Valley and San Bernardino II sites.
I have a robust background in high school academic advising, college academic advising, academic and community healthcare research, student leadership, and student identity and cultural development. I earned my Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology from Cal Poly Humboldt formerly known as Humboldt State University and my Masters of Science in Counseling with an emphasis in Student Development in Higher Education (SDHE) and certification in Community College Counseling from California State University, Long Beach.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time going on hikes with my husband and 3 children.
I love traveling, tasting new foods, cooking and spending time in nature.
Hello There! My name is Christanne "Chrissy" Banks. I am the Career Pathways Coordinator at Options for Youth, Moreno Valley and San Bernardino II sites.
I have a robust background in high school academic advising, college academic advising, academic and community healthcare research, student leadership, and student identity and cultural development. I earned my Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology from Cal Poly Humboldt formerly known as Humboldt State University and my Masters of Science in Counseling with an emphasis in Student Development in Higher Education (SDHE) and certification in Community College Counseling from California State University, Long Beach.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time going on hikes with my husband and 3 children.
I love traveling, tasting new foods, cooking and spending time in nature.
Yvette began her journey as an educator by teaching in Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Turkey before making her way to the secondary-school classroom in California. A native of SoCal, Yvette has presented at regional and state teaching conferences. In her free time, she enjoys going out with her family and staying home with her cats
Growing up on a small farm in the San Joaquin Valley, I loved learning about the vast wonders of the universe through books. It follows then that I have spent more than 42 years in education - 30 years teaching Theatre and Speech Communication as Professor Martin at the University of South Carolina, the University of Memphis, three Historical Black colleges, and CSU, Bakersfield.
The last 12 years have been as Cynthia at OFL and OFY, initially as an English Small Group Instructor and now as an EL Specialist. I also provide our students the opportunity to experience the arts by participating in plays, a choir, and dabbling in several mediums of visual arts.
I strive to foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving skills, as well as an awareness of diverse cultures, lifestyles, and ideologies. My passion for the arts, education and equity are only matched by my desire to nurture the human spirit.
I am an ELL coach for WSH OFL charter school. As an educator, my goal is to instill equity to help cultivate a better educational environment. I have served in education for 15 years, and my background primarily has been teaching ELA to middle and high school students. I have worked in both public and charter schools and served as a WASC accreditation committee member. Seeing diverse instructional settings allowed me to experience how great classrooms function. I am an ELL coach for WSH OFL charter school. As an educator, my goal is to instill equity to help cultivate a better educational environment. I have served in education for 15 years, and my background primarily has been teaching ELA to middle and high school students. I have worked in both public and charter schools and served as a WASC accreditation committee member. Seeing diverse instructional settings allowed me to experience how great classrooms function.
Growing up on a small farm in the San Joaquin Valley, I loved learning about the vast wonders of the universe through books. It follows then that I have spent more than 42 years in education - 30 years teaching Theatre and Speech Communication as Professor Martin at the University of South Carolina, the University of Memphis, three Historical Black colleges, and CSU, Bakersfield.
The last 12 years have been as Cynthia at OFL and OFY, initially as an English Small Group Instructor and now as an EL Specialist. I also provide our students the opportunity to experience the arts by participating in plays, a choir, and dabbling in several mediums of visual arts.
I strive to foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving skills, as well as an awareness of diverse cultures, lifestyles, and ideologies. My passion for the arts, education and equity are only matched by my desire to nurture the human spirit.
Dawn is a life-long advocate for ensuring equitable practices and mindsets reach into all corners of education. Her experience started long before she became an educator as she became an advocate for her brother, despite being just a student herself. As an educator, with a passion for linguistics, Dawn capitalized on the opportunity to make educational content and programs more accessible for English language learners by engineering the implementation of a comprehensible ELD program in a network of charter schools in California. The success of those efforts has now allowed her to expand into consulting with charter schools across the country and showcase how equity is found in changing the learning environment, not the learner.
I started as an IS, then Math SGI, and now IC within PIE, working at 3 of the 4 schools throughout the years. I am a reality TV junkie, and I prefer crusing to all other vacations.
Celeste Quintero is an accomplished high school math teacher in California, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Chicano/a Studies from the University of California, Riverside, and a Master's in Education specializing in Teaching Mathematics from National University. Leveraging AI, she has developed culturally relevant performance tasks and summative projects to enhance students' math understanding and prepare students for state testing. Recognized with the Emerging Leader award for her commitment to equity and social-emotional development, she also holds a Master of Arts in Social Emotional Learning. As a presenter at the Equity Summit, Celeste Quintero is poised to share expertise on integrating math and AI tools to promote equity in education.
My name is Mayela Paniagua. I am the proud daughter of Mexican parents. I am a first generation college graduate. I am now a Special Education Teacher at OFY, where I get to help students reach their goal of graduating high school. I have worked in education for over 10 years and believe that one of the most important component of education is Social Emotional Learning.
Celeste Quintero is an accomplished high school math teacher in California, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Chicano/a Studies from the University of California, Riverside, and a Master's in Education specializing in Teaching Mathematics from National University. Leveraging AI, she has developed culturally relevant performance tasks and summative projects to enhance students' math understanding and prepare students for state testing. Recognized with the Emerging Leader award for her commitment to equity and social-emotional development, she also holds a Master of Arts in Social Emotional Learning. As a presenter at the Equity Summit, Celeste Quintero is poised to share expertise on integrating math and AI tools to promote equity in education.
The last 12 years have been as Cynthia at OFL and OFY, initially as an English Small Group Instructor and now as an EL Specialist. I also provide our students the opportunity to experience the arts by participating in plays, a choir, and dabbling in several mediums of visual arts.
I strive to foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving skills, as well as an awareness of diverse cultures, lifestyles, and ideologies. My passion for the arts, education and equity are only matched by my desire to nurture the human spirit.
Over 20+ years of Early Education experience.Family and child advocate creating workshops and trainings related to curriculum and materials, trauma informed care, equity in ECE, STEM training for teachers, schools, team building, and parent-teacher relationships. Provides IEP support and coaching for families.
I have worked for Options for Youth as an independent study teacher, a small group instructor, and an assistant principal for the past sixteen years. My passion as an educational leader is to help create and support inclusive environments where people can learn and grow together.
My name is Edward Mitchell. I'm a husband, father, retired military, and educator.
With a teaching journey that commenced in 2007, I've dedicated my career to empowering students through mathematics. My experience spans public schools and charter schools, covering a spectrum from Basic Math to AP Calculus. However, my heart lies with Algebra 1 – a subject I find particularly rewarding to teach.
In 2012, I transitioned into the role of an instructional coach, guiding educators towards excellence. Fast forward to 2016, I assumed the position of a Professional Development Supervisor, where my focus shifted to shaping the instructional practices of dedicated educators. This role has allowed me to collaborate with various positions, working tirelessly to elevate the educational experience for both teachers and students.
My passion extends beyond the classroom; I am an advocate for equity in education. I believe in building not just mathematical skills but also fostering confidence in students. As a lifelong learner myself, I am committed to supporting educators and students alike in their journey of continuous growth.
With a teaching journey that commenced in 2007, I've dedicated my career to empowering students through mathematics. My experience spans public schools and charter schools, covering a spectrum from Basic Math to AP Calculus. However, my heart lies with Algebra 1 – a subject I find particularly rewarding to teach.
In 2012, I transitioned into the role of an instructional coach, guiding educators towards excellence. Fast forward to 2016, I assumed the position of a Professional Development Supervisor, where my focus shifted to shaping the instructional practices of dedicated educators. This role has allowed me to collaborate with various positions, working tirelessly to elevate the educational experience for both teachers and students.
My passion extends beyond the classroom; I am an advocate for equity in education. I believe in building not just mathematical skills but also fostering confidence in students. As a lifelong learner myself, I am committed to supporting educators and students alike in their journey of continuous growth.
I’m the blue haired LGBTQ California teacher you’ve been warned about. I’m a nerd and geek obsessed with gamification of education and complete Equity for all students (and humans). I have been fortunate to work as a science and IS teacher in OFY San Juan for the last 8 years after having worked in my hometown of Palm Springs for 14 years prior.This is the 3rd year that I have presented for the Equity Summit and have looked forward to it every year.
Sarah's first experience of teaching was in the summer of 2005, when she taught English classes in Bangkok, Thailand. She left with a deep love for the wonderful people, Thai iced coffee in plastic bags and most of all, a true calling. Sarah started at OFL in 2006 and has worked in a variety of roles including center coordinator, independent study teacher, science teacher, and science coach. After many years in the Los Angeles area school sites, she joined the Online Program in 2018. Sarah loves teaching direct instruction Biology classes in zoom and works to maintain a "Live, Love, Cringe" vibe for her students. When she's not teaching, Sarah enjoys spending time with her daughter, walks at the Seal Beach pier, and brain jacuzzi television (hello Bravo shows!).