About

The Full Story

The Northeastern Nevada Regional Professional Development Program is dedicated to high-quality, research-based learning opportunities.

Our initiatives align with the Nevada Professional Learning Standards and the Nevada Academic Content Standards.
We emphasize effective instruction to enhance student learning and promote communication among regional stakeholders and parents.
Our goal is to strengthen partnerships and improve student achievement.
By utilizing the national Standards for Professional Learning, we tailor our services to meet the diverse needs of educators across Northeastern Nevada.

Team

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

At the Northeastern Nevada Regional Professional Development Program (NNRPDP), we’re a passionate group of educators dedicated to supporting teachers and school leaders through meaningful, research-based professional learning. With diverse backgrounds in K–12 and adult education, we bring curiosity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to helping educators thrive.

Program Director

Annie Hicks

Annie Hicks holds advanced degrees in Educational Leadership and Equity in Education, with K–12 and higher ed experience. Named SUU’s 2023 Outstanding Graduate Student, she empowers educators through professional learning, helping them become agents of change to improve outcomes for students, families, and communities.

Professional Learning Leader

Tom Browning, Ph.D.

Tom Browning is passionate about helping teachers create inspiring learning communities and seeks to promote core reflection, equity literacy, and holistic education. He has 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.

Professional Learning Leader

Stephanie Carsrud

Stephanie Carsrud holds a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction and is dedicated to advancing literacy across educational settings. She believes in the power of reflection, discourse, and writing to drive student success and empowers educators to achieve meaningful growth through thoughtful practice and careful analysis of student progress.

Professional Learning Leader

Holly Marich, Ph.D.

Holly Marich, a National Board Certified Teacher with a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and Technology, designs professional learning to support educators. With 20+ years of experience, she promotes purposeful tech use, student-centered learning, and now guides educators in confidently integrating AI into teaching practices.

Professional Learning Leader

Connie Thomson

Connie Thomson, a National Board Certified Teacher in math, serves as a K–12 math and computer science specialist with NNRPDP. With 20+ years in education, she integrates applied educational neuroscience to support student potential. She holds a master’s in math education and a certificate from Butler University.

Professional Learning Leader

Natalie Trouten

Natalie Trouten (MS in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment) has 19 years of teaching experience in K-6 and adult settings, primarily within elementary school classrooms. She is passionate about all things STEM, and focuses on empowering teachers to grow through reflection and discourse, fostering a positive and enriching learning environment.

Professional Learning Leader

Todd Hagness

Todd Hagness holds an MS in Literacy Studies and has 27 years of experience teaching grades 1–8, coaching educators, and supporting digital learning. With endorsements in early childhood and computer science, he now contributes to NNRPDP, continuing his passion for education after "retirement" in Elko and Humboldt Counties.

Let’s Work Together

Get in touch so we can start working together.