Meet Our Presenters!
Read on to learn more about each of our breakout session presenters (listed in alphabetical order by last name).
James Alexander
In year 17 of his career in public education, James has extensive experience working as an elementary and middle school teacher. While his elementary experience varied as a generalist, his focus in middle school was solely on 6-8 social studies. Additionally, James entered leadership as a social studies department chair in 2017 and was a social studies instructional specialist from 2020-2023. Currently, he is a middle school RTI specialist in Spring ISD. James is in the last year of the doctoral program at HCU, pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Executive Educational Leadership and seeking superintendent certification.
Nay Armstrong Chevalier
Nay Armstrong Chevalier is new wife and a mother of a 17 year-old high school senior. She has worked as an educator since 2005 and has over 17 years of experience serving children and adolescents in a variety of settings including public schools, homebound instructional settings, psychiatric hospitals, drug rehabilitation centers, domestic and sexual violence shelters, and in other medical and residential settings. As a Christian and a servant, her deepest desire is to use her God-given gifts and talents to serve Christ through serving those around her. She holds both a Master of Education in Educational Administration and a Master of Arts in Counseling, along with several teacher certifications, including school counselor and principal. Currently, while teaching 7th grade science, she is a doctoral student in the Executive Leadership in Mental Health and Human Services Doctor of Education program at Houston Christian University (Fall 2023). Her passion and ultimate goal is to do mental health work with women and their trauma.
Rachel Awe
Rachel Awe is the child of first generation immigrant from West Africa, with a bachelors degree in a Psychology and currently pursuing a masters in Psychology. Currently, she is working in the non-profit mental health sector.
Danica Botts
Danica Botts has been an educator since 2002. As an Instructional Designer and Canva Learning Consultant, she builds online professional development for teacher certification at Region 4 Education Service Center and supports school districts that adopt Canva. She has a passion for empowering people to enhance their workflow, productivity, and creativity through technology. To this end she has written blogs for Nearpod, co-hosted webinars with Wakelet, holds certifications in Microsoft, Google, and Apple. She has presented at the Dr. Dawn K. Wilson Teaching, Learning, and Research Symposium, TCEA, and ISTE.
Dr. Michael Cook
Dr. Michael D. Cook is the Sharon Burrows Endowed Chair in Counseling, the Director of the Gideon Institute of Christian Psychology and Counseling, and an Associate Professor at Houston Christian University. He served as faculty previously at Huntington University and Taylor University in Indiana. His degrees are a BA (Sociology) from Albany State University, an MDiv (Pastoral Ministries) and a PhD (Psychology and Counseling) from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and previously served in several mental health facilities and churches. He specializes in marital therapy, trauma therapy, spiritual formation, and Christian counseling.
Lisa Covington
Lisa Covington currently serves as the Instructional Designer for all of the Christian Brothers Automotive brand and their over 250 locations. She spent 10 years working in higher education helping to assess student learning and managing accreditation efforts before transitioning to the world of corporate instructional design. Ms. Covington graduated from Houston Christian University with a Master of Science in Learning, Technology, and Design.
Christina Davila
Christina Davila is a native of Houston, Texas. She completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Houston and her Masters of Arts in Psychology at Houston Christian University.
James Ford, Jr.
James Ford, Jr. is a native Houstonian who received his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Tennessee State University. James holds two master’s degree, one in Clinical Psychology and one in English from Texas Southern University. He is presently working on an EdD in Executive Educational Leadership at Houston Christian University. James is a writer and storyteller, having been published in journals of humanities, technical, educational, and creative issues. Those publications include The Atrium (essay), Pomona Valley Review (poems), and The Griot-Journal Articles. His book publications are The Peddlers Son; Dr. Thomas Franklin Freeman-a Biography; and Cookie, a Memoir. Mellen Press published his book Rational Blindness. Additionally, James has been a featured storyteller locally and nationally. Presently, he teaches English at Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas. He has been married to his wife Doris for 54 years, and they have three children.
Taisha Garner
Taisha Garner is a doctoral candidate at Houston Christian University. She teaches reading language arts at The Rice School in Houston ISD, where she has been teacher of the year two years in a row. Taisha's love for children and learning also leads her to serve as youth director in her church.
Dr. Curtis Henderson
Dr. Curtis Henderson is Chair of the Houston Christian University Biology Department and has begun his 25th year of teaching Biology at the college level, and his 21st year at HCU. Dr. Henderson teaches Microbiology, Cell Biology, Genetics, and Molecular Biology, with frequent overlap between these areas. He loves teaching and is especially fond of using authentic research as an educational tool.
Dr. China Jenkins
China Jenkins, PhD, is the Dean of Academic Support and Resources at Houston Christian University. Her PhD is in Educational Human Resource Development with a focus on Adult Education from Texas A&M University. During her 17-year career, Dr. Jenkins taught at two- and four-year institutions, founded and led two faculty development centers, and created instructional and leadership development programming for faculty, administrators, and students. Her scholarly works, teaching, and service focus on educational and professional development, faculty transformation, and culturally responsive approaches to teaching within adult and higher education learning environments. Dr. Jenkins advocates for the pedagogical transformation of educators through critical self-reflection and practice.
Dr. Leigh Kent
Leigh Kent, PhD, LSSP is an Assistant Professor of Psychology. Dr. Kent previously was a Coordinator in Spring ISD, where she supervised School Psychologists and Behavior Specialists, as well as monitoring special education compliance. Prior to her tenure in Spring, she was a lecturer/adjunct faculty member at the University of Houston. She has held school psychology, educational diagnostician, and teaching roles in Cy-Fair ISD, Houston ISD, Spring Branch ISD, Stafford MSD, and St. Pius X High School. She also performed neuropsychological assessments for Texas Children’s Hospital and coordinated the psychological testing program for the Krist Samaritan Center.
Dr. Julienne King
Dr. Julienne King is a faculty member in the Psychology Department at Houston Christian University with 20+ years of experience teaching in both K-12 and higher education. She is an author, mother, mentor, and minister of the Gospel.
Vanencia Lynch
Currently, Vanencia Lynch serves on the Houston LPC Association Board as Secretary. She is also a third-year doctoral student at Houston Christian University in the Executive Leadership in Mental Health and Human Services program. With this degree, it is her goal to work alongside school leaders, community members, and students with the common purpose of decreasing stigma associated with minority youth mental health in the school setting. Vanencia’s dissertation and research focus includes multicultural competence for educators and school leadership.
Dr. Illya Medina
Dr. Illya Medina is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry and the Director of Science Research at the College of Science and Engineering at Houston Christian University . Dr. Medina teaches Introductory Chemistry, General Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Quantitative Analysis, and Instrumental Analysis. She is currently leading the NanoAg Research Group, which is funded by the USDA and The Welch Foundation. The NanoAg Research group offers research opportunities to undergraduate students in the College of Science and Engineering.
Dr. Molly Nipper
Dr. Nipper is an Houston Christian University alumna, class of ‘22. She received a Doctor of Education in Executive Educational Leadership (EdD) from the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. A veteran teacher of 17 years, Dr. Nipper is a STEAM teacher at Bendwood School in Spring Branch ISD. Her educational background in Space Physics and Astronomy at Rice University developed her passion for teaching and presenting workshops on space-related topics. As a NASA Educator Ambassador, Space Exploration Educator Crew member, and Space Foundation Teacher Liaison, Dr. Nipper has given students and educators opportunities to learn through experiential learning in space science-related topics.
Joy Oguchi
Joy Oguchi has served as an educator/administrator for 18 years. She was a secondary school administrator for 10 years prior to moving to the United States. She became an independent college counselor, helping high school juniors and seniors / international students navigate the college application process before transitioning to higher education. She is currently an academic advisor at Lonestar College. Joy is passionate about student development and success and is a transformational leader.
Aldo Prado
Aldo Prado has worked 26 years in education as a Teacher, Instructional Specialist, Assistant Principal, Principal, Dean of Early College, Independent Consultant, Adjunct Professor, and Teacher/Pastor in the Church of Christ. He has worked in Mexico, Pasadena ISD, Glasscock School of Continuing Studies at Rice University, and Houston Christian University.
Dr. Todd Primm
Dr. Todd Primm is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Sam Houston State University. He has completed ACUE certification and is currently facilitating the ACUE cohort at SHSU, where he was Director of the Teaching and Learning Center for six years. He served as Affiliate Staff for Cru for eight years. His current research focuses on student metacognition and classroom active learning.
Dr. Patricia Reiff
Dr. Patricia Reiff is a Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Rice University and veteran of 19 solar eclipses.
Courtney Riley
Courtney Riley has lived in Houston for 12 years. He is a Principal Apprentice in HISD and has worked in College Access as well. Mr. Riley is currently pursuing an EdD at Houston Christian University, with research interests in Black males and their influences. In addition to teaching, Courtney runs a photography business across Houston, writes for an African American Newspaper, and is a member of Phi Beta Sigma, Inc.
Treston Smith
Treston Smith earned his Masters in Clinical Psychology in 2021 and is currently an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Sam Houston State University. As a student, he was involved in leadership in Cru and Ratio Christi. He teaches five different courses in psychology and has completed ACUE certification. His research focuses on the psychology of religion and student metacognition.
Chelsea St. Julien
Chelsea St. Julien is a proud Christian who is an Houston ISD employee and Houston ISD graduate, wife, mother of four, and a lifelong learner. Chelsea currently serves as the South Division Dyslexia Services Coordinator and has been a part of this esteemed team for the last four years. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Executive Leadership at Houston Christian University. She is passionate about ensuring equity for all in education.
Dr. Saul Trevino
Dr. Saul Trevino is a Professor of Chemistry at Houston Christian University, and he loves helping students with generally applicable metacognitive learning skills that can be applied across a wide variety of coursework. In his free time, he enjoys reading and discussing books with others and playing tennis. He and his wife Polly have two sons, and their family enjoys bonding over books and spelling bees!
Dr. Angela Waggoner
Angela Waggoner, LPC-S (TX, LA, VA), NCC is an Assistant Professor of Counseling and Chair of the Counseling Department. She worked for eight years in Pasadena ISD as a 5th grade teacher and as the 7th/8th grade school counselor. Dr. Waggoner moved from the school system to private practice and has worked as a Licensed Professional Counselor since 2013. She obtained her supervision license with the state of Texas in 2016. While in the school setting and private practice, Dr. Waggoner performed broadband psychological assessments and provided mental health counseling for students struggling within the school setting.
Joyelle White
Joyelle has over 17 years of experience as an educator. As she continued to work in different schools, Joyelle found herself wanting to assist teachers in developing strategies and techniques to use with whole and small group instruction. As a result, in 2018, she became a Literacy Coach at Cypresswood Elementary. After serving two years as Literacy Coach, Joyelle was given the opportunity to become one of the Assistant Principals at Cypresswood Elementary. Joyelle has organized many professional development opportunities for staff and has served on several curriculum development and strategic planning committees. She enjoys working collaboratively with colleagues to maximize learning opportunities for the students and families that she serves. Joyelle is currently completing a Doctorate in Executive Educational Leadership from Houston Christian University.
Dr. Traci Whittenberg
Traci Whittenberg, PhD, LSSP, LP directs the SSP program and previously served for 10 years as the Senior Manager for the School Psychologists and Social Workers in the Houston ISD. Prior to her tenure in HISD, she held similar leadership roles in Fort Bend ISD and Alief ISD after starting her career as an elementary school teacher and then transitioning to school psychology practice. Dr. Whittenberg has also served as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, where she trained school psychologists for almost 30 years. She has maintained a private practice for over 25 years.
Ada Whyte
Ada Whyte is a native Houstonian who grew up in the South Park, Houston, Texas. She currently serves as an Assistant Principal in the Houston Independent School District. Prior to her current role, she taught math for six years, served as a New Teacher Coach, and was a (K-8) Math Curriculum Specialist. Ada’s educational philosophy stems from the belief that all students can learn, deserve to learn, and will learn if given the proper resources and qualified, committed adults who share a common vision.
Dr. Doni Wilson
Dr. Doni Wilson is a Professor of English at Houston Christian University. She has published on American literature and frequently covers the arts for The Houston Chronicle. She has taught at University of St. Thomas, UH-Clear Lake, Elon University, and UNC-Chapel Hill, where she received her doctorate.
Dr. Denese Wolff-Hilliard
Dr. Denese Wolff-Hilliard is the Director of the Writing and Research Center at Houston Christian University. She previously served as an Assistant Professor in the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences at HCU. Before joining HCU, Dr. Wolff-Hilliard worked as an Associate Faculty at the University of Phoenix (UOP) in the College of Humanities and Sciences, where she taught first- and second-year student English classes entirely online. With over 21 years of online teaching experience, Dr. Wolff-Hilliard has gained valuable expertise in virtual classroom instruction.
In year 17 of his career in public education, James has extensive experience working as an elementary and middle school teacher. While his elementary experience varied as a generalist, his focus in middle school was solely on 6-8 social studies. Additionally, James entered leadership as a social studies department chair in 2017 and was a social studies instructional specialist from 2020-2023. Currently, he is a middle school RTI specialist in Spring ISD. James is in the last year of the doctoral program at HCU, pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Executive Educational Leadership and seeking superintendent certification.
Nay Armstrong Chevalier
Nay Armstrong Chevalier is new wife and a mother of a 17 year-old high school senior. She has worked as an educator since 2005 and has over 17 years of experience serving children and adolescents in a variety of settings including public schools, homebound instructional settings, psychiatric hospitals, drug rehabilitation centers, domestic and sexual violence shelters, and in other medical and residential settings. As a Christian and a servant, her deepest desire is to use her God-given gifts and talents to serve Christ through serving those around her. She holds both a Master of Education in Educational Administration and a Master of Arts in Counseling, along with several teacher certifications, including school counselor and principal. Currently, while teaching 7th grade science, she is a doctoral student in the Executive Leadership in Mental Health and Human Services Doctor of Education program at Houston Christian University (Fall 2023). Her passion and ultimate goal is to do mental health work with women and their trauma.
Rachel Awe
Rachel Awe is the child of first generation immigrant from West Africa, with a bachelors degree in a Psychology and currently pursuing a masters in Psychology. Currently, she is working in the non-profit mental health sector.
Danica Botts
Danica Botts has been an educator since 2002. As an Instructional Designer and Canva Learning Consultant, she builds online professional development for teacher certification at Region 4 Education Service Center and supports school districts that adopt Canva. She has a passion for empowering people to enhance their workflow, productivity, and creativity through technology. To this end she has written blogs for Nearpod, co-hosted webinars with Wakelet, holds certifications in Microsoft, Google, and Apple. She has presented at the Dr. Dawn K. Wilson Teaching, Learning, and Research Symposium, TCEA, and ISTE.
Dr. Michael Cook
Dr. Michael D. Cook is the Sharon Burrows Endowed Chair in Counseling, the Director of the Gideon Institute of Christian Psychology and Counseling, and an Associate Professor at Houston Christian University. He served as faculty previously at Huntington University and Taylor University in Indiana. His degrees are a BA (Sociology) from Albany State University, an MDiv (Pastoral Ministries) and a PhD (Psychology and Counseling) from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and previously served in several mental health facilities and churches. He specializes in marital therapy, trauma therapy, spiritual formation, and Christian counseling.
Lisa Covington
Lisa Covington currently serves as the Instructional Designer for all of the Christian Brothers Automotive brand and their over 250 locations. She spent 10 years working in higher education helping to assess student learning and managing accreditation efforts before transitioning to the world of corporate instructional design. Ms. Covington graduated from Houston Christian University with a Master of Science in Learning, Technology, and Design.
Christina Davila
Christina Davila is a native of Houston, Texas. She completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Houston and her Masters of Arts in Psychology at Houston Christian University.
James Ford, Jr.
James Ford, Jr. is a native Houstonian who received his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Tennessee State University. James holds two master’s degree, one in Clinical Psychology and one in English from Texas Southern University. He is presently working on an EdD in Executive Educational Leadership at Houston Christian University. James is a writer and storyteller, having been published in journals of humanities, technical, educational, and creative issues. Those publications include The Atrium (essay), Pomona Valley Review (poems), and The Griot-Journal Articles. His book publications are The Peddlers Son; Dr. Thomas Franklin Freeman-a Biography; and Cookie, a Memoir. Mellen Press published his book Rational Blindness. Additionally, James has been a featured storyteller locally and nationally. Presently, he teaches English at Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas. He has been married to his wife Doris for 54 years, and they have three children.
Taisha Garner
Taisha Garner is a doctoral candidate at Houston Christian University. She teaches reading language arts at The Rice School in Houston ISD, where she has been teacher of the year two years in a row. Taisha's love for children and learning also leads her to serve as youth director in her church.
Dr. Curtis Henderson
Dr. Curtis Henderson is Chair of the Houston Christian University Biology Department and has begun his 25th year of teaching Biology at the college level, and his 21st year at HCU. Dr. Henderson teaches Microbiology, Cell Biology, Genetics, and Molecular Biology, with frequent overlap between these areas. He loves teaching and is especially fond of using authentic research as an educational tool.
Dr. China Jenkins
China Jenkins, PhD, is the Dean of Academic Support and Resources at Houston Christian University. Her PhD is in Educational Human Resource Development with a focus on Adult Education from Texas A&M University. During her 17-year career, Dr. Jenkins taught at two- and four-year institutions, founded and led two faculty development centers, and created instructional and leadership development programming for faculty, administrators, and students. Her scholarly works, teaching, and service focus on educational and professional development, faculty transformation, and culturally responsive approaches to teaching within adult and higher education learning environments. Dr. Jenkins advocates for the pedagogical transformation of educators through critical self-reflection and practice.
Dr. Leigh Kent
Leigh Kent, PhD, LSSP is an Assistant Professor of Psychology. Dr. Kent previously was a Coordinator in Spring ISD, where she supervised School Psychologists and Behavior Specialists, as well as monitoring special education compliance. Prior to her tenure in Spring, she was a lecturer/adjunct faculty member at the University of Houston. She has held school psychology, educational diagnostician, and teaching roles in Cy-Fair ISD, Houston ISD, Spring Branch ISD, Stafford MSD, and St. Pius X High School. She also performed neuropsychological assessments for Texas Children’s Hospital and coordinated the psychological testing program for the Krist Samaritan Center.
Dr. Julienne King
Dr. Julienne King is a faculty member in the Psychology Department at Houston Christian University with 20+ years of experience teaching in both K-12 and higher education. She is an author, mother, mentor, and minister of the Gospel.
Vanencia Lynch
Currently, Vanencia Lynch serves on the Houston LPC Association Board as Secretary. She is also a third-year doctoral student at Houston Christian University in the Executive Leadership in Mental Health and Human Services program. With this degree, it is her goal to work alongside school leaders, community members, and students with the common purpose of decreasing stigma associated with minority youth mental health in the school setting. Vanencia’s dissertation and research focus includes multicultural competence for educators and school leadership.
Dr. Illya Medina
Dr. Illya Medina is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry and the Director of Science Research at the College of Science and Engineering at Houston Christian University . Dr. Medina teaches Introductory Chemistry, General Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Quantitative Analysis, and Instrumental Analysis. She is currently leading the NanoAg Research Group, which is funded by the USDA and The Welch Foundation. The NanoAg Research group offers research opportunities to undergraduate students in the College of Science and Engineering.
Dr. Molly Nipper
Dr. Nipper is an Houston Christian University alumna, class of ‘22. She received a Doctor of Education in Executive Educational Leadership (EdD) from the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. A veteran teacher of 17 years, Dr. Nipper is a STEAM teacher at Bendwood School in Spring Branch ISD. Her educational background in Space Physics and Astronomy at Rice University developed her passion for teaching and presenting workshops on space-related topics. As a NASA Educator Ambassador, Space Exploration Educator Crew member, and Space Foundation Teacher Liaison, Dr. Nipper has given students and educators opportunities to learn through experiential learning in space science-related topics.
Joy Oguchi
Joy Oguchi has served as an educator/administrator for 18 years. She was a secondary school administrator for 10 years prior to moving to the United States. She became an independent college counselor, helping high school juniors and seniors / international students navigate the college application process before transitioning to higher education. She is currently an academic advisor at Lonestar College. Joy is passionate about student development and success and is a transformational leader.
Aldo Prado
Aldo Prado has worked 26 years in education as a Teacher, Instructional Specialist, Assistant Principal, Principal, Dean of Early College, Independent Consultant, Adjunct Professor, and Teacher/Pastor in the Church of Christ. He has worked in Mexico, Pasadena ISD, Glasscock School of Continuing Studies at Rice University, and Houston Christian University.
Dr. Todd Primm
Dr. Todd Primm is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Sam Houston State University. He has completed ACUE certification and is currently facilitating the ACUE cohort at SHSU, where he was Director of the Teaching and Learning Center for six years. He served as Affiliate Staff for Cru for eight years. His current research focuses on student metacognition and classroom active learning.
Dr. Patricia Reiff
Dr. Patricia Reiff is a Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Rice University and veteran of 19 solar eclipses.
Courtney Riley
Courtney Riley has lived in Houston for 12 years. He is a Principal Apprentice in HISD and has worked in College Access as well. Mr. Riley is currently pursuing an EdD at Houston Christian University, with research interests in Black males and their influences. In addition to teaching, Courtney runs a photography business across Houston, writes for an African American Newspaper, and is a member of Phi Beta Sigma, Inc.
Treston Smith
Treston Smith earned his Masters in Clinical Psychology in 2021 and is currently an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Sam Houston State University. As a student, he was involved in leadership in Cru and Ratio Christi. He teaches five different courses in psychology and has completed ACUE certification. His research focuses on the psychology of religion and student metacognition.
Chelsea St. Julien
Chelsea St. Julien is a proud Christian who is an Houston ISD employee and Houston ISD graduate, wife, mother of four, and a lifelong learner. Chelsea currently serves as the South Division Dyslexia Services Coordinator and has been a part of this esteemed team for the last four years. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Executive Leadership at Houston Christian University. She is passionate about ensuring equity for all in education.
Dr. Saul Trevino
Dr. Saul Trevino is a Professor of Chemistry at Houston Christian University, and he loves helping students with generally applicable metacognitive learning skills that can be applied across a wide variety of coursework. In his free time, he enjoys reading and discussing books with others and playing tennis. He and his wife Polly have two sons, and their family enjoys bonding over books and spelling bees!
Dr. Angela Waggoner
Angela Waggoner, LPC-S (TX, LA, VA), NCC is an Assistant Professor of Counseling and Chair of the Counseling Department. She worked for eight years in Pasadena ISD as a 5th grade teacher and as the 7th/8th grade school counselor. Dr. Waggoner moved from the school system to private practice and has worked as a Licensed Professional Counselor since 2013. She obtained her supervision license with the state of Texas in 2016. While in the school setting and private practice, Dr. Waggoner performed broadband psychological assessments and provided mental health counseling for students struggling within the school setting.
Joyelle White
Joyelle has over 17 years of experience as an educator. As she continued to work in different schools, Joyelle found herself wanting to assist teachers in developing strategies and techniques to use with whole and small group instruction. As a result, in 2018, she became a Literacy Coach at Cypresswood Elementary. After serving two years as Literacy Coach, Joyelle was given the opportunity to become one of the Assistant Principals at Cypresswood Elementary. Joyelle has organized many professional development opportunities for staff and has served on several curriculum development and strategic planning committees. She enjoys working collaboratively with colleagues to maximize learning opportunities for the students and families that she serves. Joyelle is currently completing a Doctorate in Executive Educational Leadership from Houston Christian University.
Dr. Traci Whittenberg
Traci Whittenberg, PhD, LSSP, LP directs the SSP program and previously served for 10 years as the Senior Manager for the School Psychologists and Social Workers in the Houston ISD. Prior to her tenure in HISD, she held similar leadership roles in Fort Bend ISD and Alief ISD after starting her career as an elementary school teacher and then transitioning to school psychology practice. Dr. Whittenberg has also served as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, where she trained school psychologists for almost 30 years. She has maintained a private practice for over 25 years.
Ada Whyte
Ada Whyte is a native Houstonian who grew up in the South Park, Houston, Texas. She currently serves as an Assistant Principal in the Houston Independent School District. Prior to her current role, she taught math for six years, served as a New Teacher Coach, and was a (K-8) Math Curriculum Specialist. Ada’s educational philosophy stems from the belief that all students can learn, deserve to learn, and will learn if given the proper resources and qualified, committed adults who share a common vision.
Dr. Doni Wilson
Dr. Doni Wilson is a Professor of English at Houston Christian University. She has published on American literature and frequently covers the arts for The Houston Chronicle. She has taught at University of St. Thomas, UH-Clear Lake, Elon University, and UNC-Chapel Hill, where she received her doctorate.
Dr. Denese Wolff-Hilliard
Dr. Denese Wolff-Hilliard is the Director of the Writing and Research Center at Houston Christian University. She previously served as an Assistant Professor in the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences at HCU. Before joining HCU, Dr. Wolff-Hilliard worked as an Associate Faculty at the University of Phoenix (UOP) in the College of Humanities and Sciences, where she taught first- and second-year student English classes entirely online. With over 21 years of online teaching experience, Dr. Wolff-Hilliard has gained valuable expertise in virtual classroom instruction.