Elisa has been an educator for over 30 years with wide ranging experience across a variety of schools and countries. She has taught various grade levels, 1st through 8th, in both North and South America in public and International Schools. In addition, she has been a Curriculum Coordinator in two schools. Currently, she serves as a Learning Leader and 5th grade teacher in the Spanish Bilingual Program of the Calgary Board of Education in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Dana remains steadfast in her commitment to improving educational outcomes for all students. After receiving her undergraduate degree in Child Development and Family Studies from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, Dana earned her teacher certification and two master’s degrees in Education. Currently, she is working towards completion of a Doctoral degree in Literacy from Judson University. This school year will be her eleventh year teaching intermediate students in a high-needs school district in a suburb west of Chicago, Illinois. Dana’s research interests include teacher leadership, social justice literacies, literacy curriculum, professional development, and systems leadership.