expertise
Our staff is the pillar upon which we build custom professional development for you! Meet us here:
Sarah Negrete, Ph.D.
Program Director
Sarah Negrete, Ph.D. (Director) loves change, which is why she has taught elementary students, coached high school students, helped teachers improve reading instruction as a literacy specialist, and instructed pre-service teachers in higher education. She is passionate about the pursuit of excellence in education.
Program Director
Sarah Negrete, Ph.D. (Director) loves change, which is why she has taught elementary students, coached high school students, helped teachers improve reading instruction as a literacy specialist, and instructed pre-service teachers in higher education. She is passionate about the pursuit of excellence in education.
Chris Back
Administrative Assistant
Chris Back (Administrative Assistant) worked at Elko Junior High School for 12 years before joining the dedicated PDP staff 16 years ago.
Administrative Assistant
Chris Back (Administrative Assistant) worked at Elko Junior High School for 12 years before joining the dedicated PDP staff 16 years ago.
Valerie Byrnes
Regional Coordinator
Valerie Byrnes (Leadership Coordinator) taught both 1st and 6th grade before joining NNRPDP as a coordinator. She holds a Masters degree in Curriculum, Teaching and Learning along with a mathematics endorsement from the University of Nevada-Reno. She enjoys collaborating and learning with teachers and is excited about opportunities for improving education in the 21st century.
Regional Coordinator
Valerie Byrnes (Leadership Coordinator) taught both 1st and 6th grade before joining NNRPDP as a coordinator. She holds a Masters degree in Curriculum, Teaching and Learning along with a mathematics endorsement from the University of Nevada-Reno. She enjoys collaborating and learning with teachers and is excited about opportunities for improving education in the 21st century.
Ketra Gardner
Regional Coordinator
Parent Engagement Coordinator
Ketra Gardner (NELIP Coordinator) is a lifelong learner with a passion for literacy and fostering literacy through family involvement. Before joining the NNRPDP team, Ketra taught elementary students at many grade levels and encouraged fellow teachers to improve their individual instruction as a literacy coach. She is dedicated to supporting teachers and families embrace a growth mindset toward literacy instruction and family partnerships.
Regional Coordinator
Parent Engagement Coordinator
Ketra Gardner (NELIP Coordinator) is a lifelong learner with a passion for literacy and fostering literacy through family involvement. Before joining the NNRPDP team, Ketra taught elementary students at many grade levels and encouraged fellow teachers to improve their individual instruction as a literacy coach. She is dedicated to supporting teachers and families embrace a growth mindset toward literacy instruction and family partnerships.
Aaron Hansen
Administrator Coordinator
Aaron Hansen (Leadership Coordinator) is the former principal of White Pine Middle School, an award winning school, nationally recognized for its rapid improvement. He is passionate about improving leadership, teaching and learning for the youth of Nevada.
Administrator Coordinator
Aaron Hansen (Leadership Coordinator) is the former principal of White Pine Middle School, an award winning school, nationally recognized for its rapid improvement. He is passionate about improving leadership, teaching and learning for the youth of Nevada.
Holly Marich
Regional Coordinator
Holly Marich (NBCT, Technology, ELA) is passionate about empowering teachers through motivational professional development experiences. She is an advocate for effective technology integration to maximize student learning and a proponent for teaching with a process approach that gives learners voice and choice through authentic experiences.
Twitter: @hollymarich
Web site: hollymarich.com
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/holly-marich/53/751/59a
Regional Coordinator
Holly Marich (NBCT, Technology, ELA) is passionate about empowering teachers through motivational professional development experiences. She is an advocate for effective technology integration to maximize student learning and a proponent for teaching with a process approach that gives learners voice and choice through authentic experiences.
Twitter: @hollymarich
Web site: hollymarich.com
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/holly-marich/53/751/59a
Treena Parker
Regional Coordinator
Treena Whaley (Regional Coordinator) has experience working with students Pre-K through post high school. She loves to learn and is passionate about...whatever she is learning about. She has a deep regard for educators and hopes to make a positive difference by providing pivotal practice-changing professional learning experiences for teachers.
Regional Coordinator
Treena Whaley (Regional Coordinator) has experience working with students Pre-K through post high school. She loves to learn and is passionate about...whatever she is learning about. She has a deep regard for educators and hopes to make a positive difference by providing pivotal practice-changing professional learning experiences for teachers.
Connie Thomson
Regional Coordinator
Connie Thomson (Regional Coordinator) is dedicated to promoting an appreciation for the significance of the superstructure of mathematics. She is passionate about the power of discourse and the habits of mathematical minds.
Regional Coordinator
Connie Thomson (Regional Coordinator) is dedicated to promoting an appreciation for the significance of the superstructure of mathematics. She is passionate about the power of discourse and the habits of mathematical minds.
Tina Westwood
Regional Coordinator
Our dear friend and colleague, passed away on Sunday, April 15th, 2018. Tina's knowledge, commitment to learning, and passion for teaching and teachers in our region was known by all. She will be missed beyond measure.
Regional Coordinator
Our dear friend and colleague, passed away on Sunday, April 15th, 2018. Tina's knowledge, commitment to learning, and passion for teaching and teachers in our region was known by all. She will be missed beyond measure.
