People

 

I³ Team:  Fresno Unified School District

Nan Yurecko
Nan Yurecko is a senior scholar in Culturally Validating Pedagogy and Leadership (CVP/L) for Intercultural Innovations Inc. (I³) and coordinator of MnEEP’s Race Equity Training Center. She brings over three decades of experience working in public schools as a licensed teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent. Nan is passionate about educational equity and excellence. She led the presidential Reading Excellence Act (REA) and Reading First grant initiatives. As a district administrator, Nan has supervised all aspects of teaching and learning while leading E-12 literacy initiatives in urban and suburban school districts. Nan has a B.S. in Special Education from St. Cloud State University and an M.A. in Educational Leadership, Policy and Administration from the University of Minnesota. She completed her superintendent credentials at Minnesota State University-Mankato, and has participated in further instructional leadership study at the University of Pittsburgh and Harvard University. In addition to leading race equity training and implementation, Nan currently facilitates MnEEP’s Superintendent Race Equity Network (SREL), and coaches principals and central office administrators in creating racially just schools and systems.
email 

Cori Thompson
Cori Thompson is a seasoned educator and administrator skilled at creating a school climate that fosters equity, academic achievement and cultural responsiveness. She has most recently worked in Mounds View Public Schools, South Washington County Schools, Bloomington Public Schools.

Cori was a teacher, an administrative dean, an assistant principal and principal before coming to Sunnyside. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s degree in education from Hamline University, and earned her principal’s licensure from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota.
email

Regina Seabrook
Regina Seabrook has a vision for how we must live and learn together in our multiracial and culturally diverse society and how we can prosper together.

Regina became an educator because she believes in the power of education to transform lives and uplift society. Like many educators, she finds great joy in seeing students experience “aha” moments as they connect their learning to their lives, find community with one another, and see possibilities for the future. As a biracial Black Finnish educator, Regina draws upon her life, classroom, and leadership experiences to inform her thought and practice as a culturally responsive and culturally validating American educator.

During Regina’s years as a classroom teacher and district level leader, she led teams and collaborated with cross-sector partners like Mayo Clinic and United Way Olmsted County to create vigorous learning experiences and environments centering culture, identity, and relationships. Through use of culturally responsive and culturally validating approaches, Regina has helped to facilitate shifts in educator mindsets and practices. These shifts have not only resulted in student growth and achievement, but have also energized educators!

Since founding American Dialogue Company in 2021, Regina has been collaborating with instructional leaders from across the state of Minnesota and nationally and at all levels of the school system.
Regina’s professional website: www.americandialoguecompany.com
email | LinkedIn

Robert Seth Price
Robert Seth Price is an independent consultant with a focus on teaching critical thinking methods and the design of whole school/organization thinking with innovative change. Robert’s breadth and depth of experiences and projects, nationally and internationally, inform his wide ranging personal interests and professional approaches with all collaborations. His professional collaborations past and present include pre-k, elementary, middle, secondary, and college levels. Additionally he has collaborated with foundations, non-profit organizations and NGOs.

Robert’s Mobile Critical Thinking Tools is currently used as a foundational practitioner’s guide in multiple projects.  His collaborations present and past include:  The Pedagogy of Confidence online Action Guide for equity consciousness with Yvette Jackson; co-authoring with David Hyerle Growing Thinking Schools from the Inside Out and co-producing the documentary film Minds of Mississippi with The Thinking Foundation; The CLEAR Model and Intercultural Innovations Inc. (I³) online with Rev Hillstrom; Senior Scholar with The National Urban Alliance for Effective Education; grass roots design and implementation of Thinking Schools Ethiopia and Thinking Design Healthcare Ethiopia; ELA development for high school students with autonomous learners for Learning 1 to 1 Foundation;  teaching over ten years in K-5 urban schools and a public arts high school; and critical thinking training modules on health and respect for textile workers in East Africa. Robert’s many Amplifying Student Voice collaborations deeply inform his schema and frame of reference with situating learning in the lives of students.

Robert has taught and is licensed to teach in California, Connecticut and Indiana. He has facilitated whole school professional development in many urban US school districts. Robert has facilitated trainings internationally in Sri Lanka, Japan, UK, Denmark, and Ethiopia. Robert’s professional website:  www.eggplant.org.
email | LinkedIn

Robert Jon Peterson
Susuga Leiataua Dr. Robert Jon Peterson is the Founder and president of TE2 Consulting, LLC, Edge Sports Cards, LLC and RKR Beverages, Co., LLC. Dr. Peterson is also the Senior Policy Fellow at the Minnesota Education Equity Partnership (MnEEP).  Dr. Peterson’s 20+ years of experience as a Teacher, Coach, and Executive Leader inform his professional practice as an Indigenous educator in the public, non-profit, and private sectors.

As a MN licensed Superintendent, K-12 Principal, Teacher, certified Cultural Competency Trainer, and Realtor, Dr. Peterson offers a distinct set of knowledge and skills to his clients to bring about greater social, economic, and political justice.  Working with clients and supporting their learning -rooted in equity, inclusion, and diversity- brings Dr. Peterson joy.

Dr. Peterson is a published author and recording artist, and has been a guest lecturer and presenter at numerous colleges, universities, and professional conferences.  He carries the Paramount Matai, or chiefly, title of Leiataua from his native homeland of Samoa, and resides in Richfield with his wife Mical, daughter Norah/Taua, and son Oscar/Vainu’upo.  

email | LinkedIn

Angie Peña
Angie Peña is a bilingual elementary teacher, adjunct social studies professor & writer. She is an equity leader; passionate for social justice and human rights. She loves nature, reading, biking, cooking and spending time with her family.

• BA Spanish/ Social Studies/ Prelaw, Calvin University
• M.Ed. Second Languages and cultures, UMN
• MA program in urban education and literacy, Hamline university 
• Mom/ Educator/ Writer/ Artist/ Aly/ INFP

email

Shana Kwatampora
Shana has worked in three of the largest districts in Minnesota in schools serving scholars and communities that have been historically and pervasively underrepresented, misrepresented, and systemically marginalized. This is seen within our data, our classroom management techniques, our curriculum, engagement with community, and the overarching ways we operate. Shana’s implementation of the CLEAR Model and the CLEAR Solutions Framework have guided her work with districts, schools, and educators to critically reflect and make meaningful changes for scholars to show up as their authentic and brilliant selves. The I³ Equity Tools being asset based, are centered in the humanity of each and every scholar which calls us all to the table as there is no excuse for cracks or pipelines. The asset based tools are healing for educational trauma as a gift to support interrupting systems of dehumanization and cultivating a restorative space together.
email | LinkedIn

William Kuendig
William (Bill) Kuendig is finishing his 20th year in public education. Seven of those years were spent teaching high school Social Studies in urban and alternative learning environments, where these highly diverse student populations responded well to his differentiated and student-centered approach to teaching. Bill received extensive training in both National Urban Alliance and Courageous Conversations methodologies, which has meaningfully impacted his coaching of other educators. Bill’s partnership with Rev Hillstrom has spanned 11 years and three different school districts. During that time, Bill became immersed in the CLEAR Model and its impact on student learning. Bill currently serves as principal of Island Lake Elementary School, where he employs CLEAR-based tools he designed to foster a more culturally-validating learning environment for his students. On the off chance Bill has any free time, he spends it with his three children: Audrey (16), Simone (13) and Evelyn (9). Bill is an active musician in the Twin Cities, travels whenever and wherever possible, and enjoys relaxing at his cabin.
email | LinkedIn

Jason Knighton-Johnson
Jason Knighton-Johnson is a passionate and engaging educator. He currently serves as the Director of Educational Equity for Mounds View Public Schools. He has a rich background of over 25 years of experience in project management, team leadership, organizational change, and coaching. Jason’s equity work is focused on creating sustainable systems change through intuitive systems tools. By injecting humor and real-world experience into his sessions, Jason creates an engaging environment while training, believing in the indigenous epistemology that all knowledge ever will exist within each of us. Jason views his role as a facilitator to draw out within as we work as Individuals Making Positive for Accelerated Change Together.
email | LinkedIn

Yvette Jackson
Yvette Jackson, Ed.D. is internationally recognized for her work in assessing the learning potential of disenfranchised urban students. Her research is in literacy, gifted education, and the cognitive mediation theory of Reuven Feuerstein, PhD. She has applied her research to develop an integrated process to motivate and elicit potential in underachievers. This research was the basis for her design of the New York City Gifted Programs Framework when she was the director of gifted programs. As executive director of instruction and professional development for the New York City Board of Education, she led the development and implementation of the Comprehensive Education Plan, which optimizes the delivery of all core curriculum and support services in the public schools of New York City. Jackson has served as the chief executive officer of the National Urban Alliance for Effective Education, founded at the College Board and Teachers College, Columbia University. She works with school district administrators and teachers across the country to customize and deliver systemic approaches to literacy development through instructional practices that integrate culture, language, and cognition to expand and accelerate student learning and achievement. She is a visiting lecturer at Harvard University, a member of ASCD’s Differentiated Instruction Cadre, and a keynote presenter at national and international conferences. Jackson received a BA from Queens College of the City University of New York with a double major in education and French. At Columbia University’s Teachers College, she was awarded an MA in curriculum, an EdM in educational administration, and a doctorate in educational administration.
More about Pedagogy of Confidence may be found at www.pedagogyofconfidence.net
email 

David Hyerle
David Hyerle, Ed.D. (UC Berkeley and Harvard Schools of Education) is an international leader in the field of thinking process development through teaching, learning and leading for equity in education.  He is the creator of the Thinking Maps® language and author of in depth professional development resources published by Thinking Maps, Inc.  He also created and co-authored the early childhood learning approach, pre-k to 3, that animates cognition, communication, and collaboration in classrooms: Thinking Friends (www.thinkingfriends.org). Presently, David is CEO of Thinking Schools International, a group focused on school wide implementation of an integrated approach using multiple, integrated pathways for facilitating thinking.  He has worked in depth in countries such as Ethiopia, South Africa, Thailand, Pakistan, Malaysia, and the UK.  David is known for his engaging workshops and visionary keynote presentations, as well as authoring over 50 books, journal articles, and practitioners’ guides. These include the best-selling books for fully documenting qualitative and quantitative results: Visual Tools for Transforming Information into Knowledge (3rd ed) and Student Successes with Thinking Maps® (3nd edition). His other co-authored books include Pathways to Thinking Schools  and Developing Connective Leadership (Successes with Thinking Maps®).  Research on Thinking Maps® and other approaches for facilitating learner centered thinking and Habits of Mind may be found at www.thinkingfoundation.org.   
email | LinkedIn

Rev PM Crowley Hillstrom
Rev Hillstrom, Ed.D. is one of this country’s foremost Indigenous scholars leading systemic change for excellence and equity. Through the pillars of The CLEAR Model (Culture, Learning, Equitable, Achievement and Responsive) and the I.M.P.A.C.T. Model (Individuals Making Positive Accelerated Change Together) he guides systems in generating the equity consciousness needed for conceptual, behavioral, and structural transformation. Rev’s undergraduate studies in Music and American Indian Studies at Augsburg University gave rise to his Masters’ studies at Bethel University in Ethnomusicology and eventually lead to a Doctorate in Teaching and Learning from the University of Minnesota. As a systems change innovator, Hillstrom’s approach connects his own Indigenous worldview, artistic talents, and intuitive insight with the intrinsic values of participants. This approach creates a rich professional learning experience in Culturally Validating Pedagogy and Leadership (CVP/L), addressing the varied learning styles, perspectives, and assets of stakeholders races, ethnicities, genders, and socio-economic backgrounds. This equips the participants to be lifelong learners and leaders. From start-ups to large organizations and institutions (both non-profit and for profit), Hillstrom shares his gifts. He challenges each stakeholder, and administrators to grow in their understanding of who they are and what their relationship is with the world around them. Dr. Hillstrom is the founder of Intercultural Innovations Inc. (I³), home of the I.M.P.A.C.T. Model, The CLEAR Model, and The CLEAR Solutions Framework, and serves Minnesota Education Equity Partnership (MnEEP) as the Senior Director of Research. He also promotes excellence and equity by serving with regional and national organizations including the National Urban Alliance. Dr. Hillstrom’s work includes nationally published articles, presentations at several national conferences, multiple copyrighted system tools and the publication of his book Educational Settings Impact on Minnesota American Indian Academic Proficiency.
email | LinkedIn

Jason Eldridge
Jason Eldridge has spent his career serving young people through a commitment to educational excellence and equity. The CLEAR Model has been a foundational approach of every classroom in which Jason has had the opportunity to teach.  As an educator (who was dedicated to grounding CLEAR in every lesson) Jason is able to convey how Culturally Validating Pedagogy and Leadership (CVP/L) provides a legitimate scientific pedagogical approach to engage students of all identities.

Jason believes in sharing knowledge with both his colleagues and students. Each day is an opportunity to have an IMPACT on the world. He believes in validating each student, enjoys helping students discover, using play to discover new ideas, and planning activities that spark excitement.

The majority of his career has been dedicated to teaching in private, public, and charter schools. Through curiosity and imagination, Jason has engaged students through music and science. His passion for music has led him to teach music in both the classroom and after school programs. A deep love of scientific theory has led him to experiment with students in creative and thoughtful new ways. Jason is a lifelong learner, a value he seeks to draw out with the students he serves. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of WI – River Falls and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Concordia University in Saint Paul. He is currently completing an Education Specialist post-graduate degree with a K-12 Principal License.
email 

Dennis Draughn
Dennis Draughn is an educational leader focused on his commitment to fostering inclusive environments and advancing equity for all stakeholders. As an African American male, Dennis brings a unique perspective to his work, combining his philosophy of equity and inclusion with extensive experience in culturally responsive instructional leadership. His philosophy centers on empowering individuals and communities to embrace an equitable growth mindset, and challenging systemic inequities at every turn. Through his roles as an Equity Teacher with Osseo Area Schools and as the Director of Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Benilde St. Margaret’s School, Dennis has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to disrupting racial biases and fostering communities of belonging.
Dennis leverages his expertise in restorative practices and strategic planning effectively mediating collaborations with stakeholders to implement sustainable solutions. He is adept at providing strategic direction and consultation to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and racial justice principles, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. As a member of the first Racial Equity Advocate cohort under Education Minnesota’s Facing Inequities and Racism in Education program (F.I.R.E), he gained invaluable insights into leading systemic change and supporting educators’ journey towards equity. Dennis’s proactive involvement in committees, such as the diversion committee for suspending students of color, highlights his commitment to addressing systemic challenges and driving meaningful progress. Dennis Draughn’s unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion inspires positive transformation within educational institutions and beyond.
email | LinkedIn

Eric Cooper
Eric Cooper, Ed.D. is the President of the National Urban Alliance for Effective Education (NUA). He served in a similar position as Executive Director for the NUA at Columbia University’s Teachers College and as Adjunct Associate Professor for 7 years. Prior to this position, he was the Vice President for Inservice Training & Telecommunications for the Simon & Schuster Education Group. He has worked in the capacities of Associate Director of Research & Program Development for the College Board, Administrative Assistant in the Office of Curriculum for the Boston Public Schools, and Director of a treatment center for emotionally disturbed students, in addition to working as a teacher, researcher, counselor, and Washington Fellow.
email | LinkedIn

Maureen Araya
Maureen is passionate about guiding organizations, teams, and individuals to define and achieve their goals. She enjoys partnering together to identify and translate big, bold visions into attainable action steps. Whether it’s through 1:1 coaching, providing dynamic professional learning opportunities, or thoughtful strategic planning her goal is always the same:  Leverage our individual and collective strengths, overcome challenges & create sustainable, positive impact. Maureens areas of expertise include systems change, change management, project management, learning and development, coaching, training and facilitating, designing professional development, equity, diversity & inclusion, educational equity, multilingual education and engaging diverse stakeholders. She is a life-long learner who loves to travel and find the beauty in meeting new people and being in new spaces, and aspires to capture those experiences through photography (which has been a serious work in progress over the last few years). She is always open to honest conversations.
email | LinkedIn