About

Program Director

Annie Hicks

Annie Hicks is the Program Director for Northeastern Nevada Regional Professional Development Program. Annie holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Southern Utah University and a Master of Science in Equity and Diversity in Education from the University of Nevada-Reno. With teaching experience in K-12 and higher education, she is dedicated to empowering instructional leaders and educators to be agents of change in their school communities. Annie’s work focuses on educational leadership and policy, as well as strengthening systems across schools, districts, and the state.

Professional Learning Leader

Tom Browning, Ph.D.

Tom Browning is a Professional Learning Leader with the Northeastern Nevada Regional Professional Development Program. He holds a Masters of Science in Educational Leadership from Indiana University Indianapolis and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Indiana University Bloomington. He has over 20 years of teaching experience across a variety of contexts, including seven years as a high school science teacher in a nontraditional learning community for at-promise youth. Dr. Browning is passionate about helping educators create inspiring learning communities and seeks to promote core reflection, equity literacy, and holistic education. 

Professional Learning Leader

Stephanie Carsrud

Stephanie Carsrud is a Professional Learning Leader with the Northeastern Nevada Regional Professional Development Program. She holds a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction and is a licensed Reading Specialist with over 14 years of K-12 experience as a classroom teacher, literacy strategist, and instructional coach, plus 9 years organizing, designing and facilitating professional learning for adult learners. Her work is grounded in the science of reading, as well as a social constructivist perspective, supporting educators in implementing evidence-based literacy practices for all learners, particularly multilingual students. Stephanie believes strong literacy builds thriving communities.

Professional Learning Leader

Todd Hagness

Todd Hagness is a Professional Learning Leader, partnering with educators to strengthen instructional practices and elevate student achievement. He earned a Masters of Science in Literacy Studies and brings experience as a classroom teacher in grades 1-8, and as an instructional, reading and technology coach. Todd designs professional learning that blends research-based strategies with innovative approaches, emphasizing collaboration to support educators and foster continuous growth.

Professional Learning Leader

Tatum Kashap

Tatum Kashap-Maderis is a Professional Learning Leader with NNRPDP. She is an experienced educator with over a decade of expertise in English language instruction, instructional design coaching, and program leadership. She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Technology and is passionate about creating engaging, evidence-based professional learning that supports teacher growth and improves student outcomes. Drawing on years of international teaching experience, Tatum brings a global perspective to her work with leaders, educators, paraprofessionals, and school communities across rural Nevada.

Professional Learning Leader

Holly Marich, Ph.D.

Holly Marich is a Professional Learning Leader with the Northeastern Nevada Regional Professional Development Program. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and Educational Technology from Michigan State University and is a National Board Certified Teacher.  Dr. Marich has experience as a K–5 classroom teacher and as an instructional coach working with educators and administrators across K–12 settings. Her work focuses on bridging research and practice through professional learning that showcases promising classroom practices and supports student-centered, process-driven instruction.

Professional Learning Leader

Kelley Melendez

Kelley Melendez is a Professional Learning Leader with the Northeastern Nevada Regional Professional Development Program. She holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Assessment as well as endorsements in: . Kelley has been privileged to work with students in a variety of settings from pre-kindergarten through higher education. She is committed to supporting educators by building meaningful relationships and providing practical guidance which align with her passion for providing learners strong foundations for lifelong learning.

Professional Learning Leader

Natalie Trouten

Natalie Trouten is a Professional Learning Leader and Instructional Specialist dedicated to supporting educators. She holds a Master of Science in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment and has over 18 years of experience as a K-5 classroom teacher, teaching all content areas, in addition to supporting educators across K-12 and adult learning environments. Her work is driven by a passion for helping educators build confident, thriving classrooms where all students can succeed. She offers practical guidance and resources, with a particular focus on student-centered instructional strategies that help teachers flourish and, in turn, ensure their students thrive.

Executive Assistant & Operations Manager

Tasha Storla

Tasha Storla, Office Manager for the Northeastern Nevada Regional Professional Development Program (NNRPDP), holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Management and Supervision. With over a decade of administrative and leadership experience in higher education, government, and community service, she brings a strong background in communications and marketing. Tasha manages operations, budgets, and vendor relations while supporting professional learning across Northeastern Nevada. She is passionate about building efficient systems and partnerships that empower educators and strengthen regional collaboration.