Stacy Morgan, M.S., Co-Founder, Emergent Tree

Stacy Morgan began as a high school special education teacher. She received her Behavior Coach Endorsement at the Regional XIII Service Center, then served as a Behavior Support Teacher, District Behavior Specialist, and District Coordinator for MTSS-Behavior. She received her Master’s of Science in Educational Psychology from Texas A&M University. In 2011, Stacy co-founded Emergent Tree Education, an organization supporting districts across the nation in developing a comprehensive framework for MTSS-Behavior. Stacy serves as Past-President of the Texas Association of Behavior Specialist.

Mae Coffman, M.S., Co-Founder, Emergent Tree

Mae Coffman started as a Middle School Special Education teacher.  She then served as a High School Special Education teacher, Special Education District Chair, and Coordinator of Secondary Inventions. Mae received her Master’s of Science in Educational Psychology from Texas A&M University.  In 2011, Mae co-founded Emergent Tree Education, which supports districts across the nation in developing comprehensive frameworks for MTSS-Behavior.  She leads Emergent Tree in Product and Content Development.  Mae also served as the Treasurer for the Texas Association of Behavior Specialists.

Mark Medley, M.Ed., Associate Director of Special Programs & Services, Bastrop ISD

Mark Medley’s mission in life is to help others cultivate meaningful connection, conversation, and action through music and playful engagement. He is a musician and educator with 18 years of combined experience in public education and private consulting. He currently serves as the Associate Director of Special Programs and Services in Bastrop ISD. Mark started as a substitute teacher before spending several years as a behavior teacher and interventionist. His passion for Restorative Practices ignited when he witnessed its power to strengthen relationships and reduce recidivism. His experience with Restorative includes two years traveling throughout Texas, training and coaching districts in implementation. Before moving into his current role, Mark served as BISD’s MTSS Coordinator for three years, working diligently to integrate Restorative into every tier of the district’s programming. Along with his wife, he is the co-creator of ‘Mark and Mosey,’ a fun, musical puppet show focusing on social, emotional, and environmental awareness. Mark is driven by his vision to see a world where we listen to, learn from, and love ourselves, each other, and nature.

Katie Hoffman, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA, Assistant Director of Special Education Behavioral Services, Round Rock ISD

Katie Hoffman is the Assistant Director of Special Education Behavioral Services in Round Rock ISD, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst(BCBA), a behavior specialist, and a special education teacher. As Assistant Director, she leads the team of district-level behavior specialists and BCBAs who guide the implementation of district-wide tier 3 behavioral systems, including individualized student plans. Additionally, she supports as the assistant principal for the self-contained special education campus in Round Rock called GOALS Learning Center. This campus supports students in 6th-12th grade who have significant behavioral needs due to their disability. She began her career teaching special education on an elementary campus, where she quickly fell in love with behavior. After working in a variety of roles at the elementary level, she transitioned to becoming a district behavior specialist, where she was able to support teachers and campus staff in tier 3 program implementation, FBA processes, and identifying and developing specific recommendations for students and staff. During this time, Katie returned to school to get her masters in Applied Behavior Analysis and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Katie is passionate about supporting each and every student so that they can reach their fullest potential and, with that, supporting staff so that they have the tools needed to support their students.

Peggy Simmons, M.Ed., MTSS/Intervention Coordinator, Dripping Springs ISD

Peggy Simmons serves as the MTSS/Intervention Coordinator for Dripping Springs ISD. She began her career as a high school English teacher with a strong passion for supporting struggling learners. She moved into a support role as a secondary literacy specialist and then an MTSS coach for all high schools in a large urban district. Before coming to DSISD, Peggy worked as the MTSS Facilitator at a 6A high school, building their MTSS framework for academics, behavior, and personal wellness. She brings many years of experience and expertise with MTSS, as well as a strong sense of purpose around helping students and teachers succeed, to her daily work. She holds a B.A. in English from the University of Texas at Tyler, an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Texas Tech University, and holds a TBRI practitioner certification.

Kari Hibdon, M.Ed., Supervisor of Intervention Services, Dripping Springs ISD

Kari Hibdon is the Supervisor of Intervention Services for Dripping Springs ISD, supporting the district's Section 504, Dyslexia and Related Disorders, MTSS, and General Education Homebound programs. Kari began her career 18 years ago as a special education teacher and gained valuable experience working with students with various disabilities. Committed to ensuring all students received the necessary support and resources to excel, Kari developed her skills in various roles over time, eventually leading to her current leadership position. These roles included serving as an ARD Facilitator, Educational Diagnostician, and Special Services Instructional Facilitator. Additionally, Kari serves as an in-district trainer supporting the Science of Teaching Reading and Universal Design for Learning, aiding fellow educators in enhancing their skills to support students with varied needs. As a native Texan, Kari earned her undergraduate and master's degrees in Education from Texas State University. Outside of work, Kari enjoys spending time with her family exploring Austin and its surroundings.

Caroline Rogers, BA, Instructional Coach, Dripping Springs ISD

Caroline Rogers works as an Elementary Instructional Coach for Instructional Strategies at Dripping Springs ISD. Her teaching journey started sixteen years ago as a kindergarten teacher and evolved when she transitioned to teaching third grade after seven years. Her dedication to educating the whole child blossomed during this time. As she later moved into the role of an elementary school librarian, she built strong connections with students ranging from pre-k to fifth grade. Caroline earned her Bachelor of Arts in International Business at Texas State. Not long after graduation, she received her alternative certification to teach early childhood through 4th grade. In her current role, she focuses on coaching elementary teachers to foster positive classroom environments that nurture the whole child's development.

Kimberly Spurgers, M.Ed., Director of District Behavior Support, San Angelo ISD

Kimberly Spurgers serves as the Director of District Behavior Support at San Angelo ISD, guiding 24 campuses in implementing MTSS Tier 1 and Tier 2 for Behavior. With 22 years of experience, Kimberly brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Before her current position, Kimberly served as a principal for 14 years, where she honed her skills in instructional leadership, student behavior management, and fostering positive school climates. Her dedication to supporting student success and promoting a culture of inclusivity has been a driving force throughout her career. Recently, Kimberly focused on leveraging a District Behavior Team to create a Change Engine utilizing the Community-Based Accountability model. This innovative approach allowed for identifying and prioritizing areas for needed change within the system.

Kimberly is committed to empowering educators and school staff to create environments where all students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. With her extensive education leadership background and focus on promoting positive behavior interventions and supports, Kimberly Spurgers is dedicated to making a lasting impact on the lives of students and the overall success of San Angelo ISD.

Stacy Morgan, M.S., Co-Founder, Emergent Tree

Stacy Morgan began as a high school special education teacher. She received her Behavior Coach Endorsement at the Regional XIII Service Center, then served as a Behavior Support Teacher, District Behavior Specialist, and District Coordinator for MTSS-Behavior. She received her Master’s of Science in Educational Psychology from Texas A&M University. In 2011, Stacy co-founded Emergent Tree Education, an organization supporting districts across the nation in developing a comprehensive framework for MTSS-Behavior. Stacy serves as Past-President of the Texas Association of Behavior Specialist.

Amanda Real, LSSP, NCSP, Independent Educational Consultant + School Psychologist

Amanda Real is a licensed specialist in school psychology and a nationally certified school psychologist. She has experience working in public schools as a licensed specialist in school psychology at the campus level, as well as a behavior specialist, coordinator, and director of special education services at the district level. Regionally, Amanda has previously served as the Child Find consultant for the Education Service Center, Region 20, in San Antonio, TX. Amanda’s professional leadership has included various roles on the Texas Association of School Psychologists (TASP) board, including President of the Association. Amanda is passionate about high-quality support and services to students with disabilities and the individuals who provide them.

Brandi Mendoza, M.Ed.-EdL, MTSS Education Specialist III, Region 15 Education Service Center

As someone born and raised in a small, rural community outside of San Angelo, Texas, Brandi Mendoza learned what it meant to be home-grown. She is a graduate of Texas Tech University Education Department with a Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies. She holds her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and is awaiting to test for her Board Certification for Behavior Specialist. After teaching as a special education teacher in Midland ISD, being an interventionist for Canyon ISD, and a program specialist for Leander ISD, Brandi began coaching teachers in both special education and general education settings. She is currently spreading her coaching knowledge to teachers in the school setting, and transitioning to a MTSS Liaison. Brandi continues to dedicate most of her time to coaching schools in small, rural areas on how to implement systems that are sustainable and tailored around students and best practices. When Brandi is not working with schools, she is running after 11-month-old Noah, playing dress up with four-year-old Zoey, and throwing the baseball with nine-year-old Zeferino.

Amanda Stuart, M.A., BCBA, District Coach, Emergent Tree

Amanda is a certified Special Educator and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). She has spent her career in public education serving students with intensive social, communication, and behavioral support needs as a teacher in both inclusive and self-contained settings and as a Low Incidence Disability Specialist for a local school district. Currently, Amanda supports the implementation of multi-tiered behavior systems in school districts across Texas as a District Coach for Emergent Tree Education. In addition to her work with school districts, she serves as a Co-Instructor supporting graduate students completing coursework in Special Education and ABA at Arizona State University.

Clare Chung, M.Ed., BCBA, District Coach, Emergent Tree

After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with her degree in special education, Clare Chung began her career as a special education teacher working with students at both middle and high school ages. Clare received her masters degree in special education and Applied Behavior Analysis from Texas State University. After becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), she served in district roles as a behavior specialist and low-incidence disabilities specialist. Currently, Clare is a district coach for Emergent Tree Education supporting campus and district teams across the state of Texas. Clare also teaches at the university level working with students seeking their degree and certification in Applied Behavior Analysis through Arizona State University.

Joanie Arrott, CHMM, Assistant Director, Risk Solutions, Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Risk Management Services

Joanie Arrott is the Assistant Director of Risk Solutions with TASB Risk Management Services. She leads a team of regionally based loss prevention consultants that serve TASB Risk Fund members throughout Texas. Her team is responsible for preventing and mitigating all sorts of emergencies, including employee accidents, vehicle accidents, damage to property, cyber incidents, and litigation. They also support the development and implementation of effective emergency management programs and processes for their members. Joanie joined TASB in 2003. Prior to her current role, she was a field consultant covering various territories in the state.

Jennifer Andjelic, M.Ed., Coordinator of MTSS Implementation, New Caney ISD 

With 29 years in education, Jennifer Andjelic has served as a teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, principal, and several positions at the district level, including Intervention Coordinator, Curriculum Director, and Executive Director of Instruction and Professional Learning. In her current position as Coordinator of MTSS Implementation for New Caney ISD, she is focused on supporting the district and twenty campuses with the implementation of MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support), including academic, behavioral, health and wellness, and social-emotional learning support. New Caney ISD is a fast-growing district with over 18,000 students. Jennifer started using the Emergent Tree Tier 2 Bridges Program while serving at New Caney Elementary. Through the implementation of Tier 1 practices and support for students with Bridges, at the end of year three, the campus saw an overall decrease of 38% in office referrals and showed comparative growth on STAAR, as compared to like campuses, from a letter grade of F to an A.

Katie Lapham, NCSP, BCBA, LBA, Coordinator of Behavior Support, New Caney ISD

Katie Lapham is currently the Coordinator of Behavior Support for the Special Programs Department in New Caney ISD. Katie began her career as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) and later became the Lead LSSP in New Caney ISD. Driven by her passion for helping others, Katie pursued further education to become a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and later a Licensed Behavior Analyst. In her current position, she fulfills the role of training and supervising a behavior staff team dedicated to serving students' behavioral needs at all levels. In her current role, Katie has been supporting elementary schools in implementing Tier 2 intervention as part of the district MTSS framework. This support includes collaboration with Emergent Tree staff, campus staff training, and the utilization of behavior support staff who assist with monitoring and fidelity checks.

Kelly Masters, MAT, Behavior Specialist, New Braunfels ISD

Kelly is, at heart, a teacher and coach, and her 30 years in education reflect that. In San Antonio, she taught students with challenging behaviors for six years and served as a behavior specialist with Education Service Center, Region 20, for eight years. From there, Kelly moved closer to home to be a mom and worked as a district behavior specialist for New Braunfels ISD for six years. She returned to the classroom and taught while her son was in school. She received Tier 3 Solid Roots Training from Emergent Tree as a teacher and was instantly hooked! After a year off to travel the world in 2021, Kelly returned to a behavior specialist position in NBISD and was delighted to use Emergent Tree's Solid Roots in this district as well. When not in schools helping teachers, students, admin, and families, Kelly loves to be outside: swimming at the lake with her dogs, listening to live music, hiking in state parks, and traveling to new places.

Rachel Ulmer, M.Ed., Special Education Behavior Specialist, New Braunfels ISD

Rachel Ulmer, a Special Education Behavior Specialist in New Braunfels ISD, has seventeen years of experience as a life skills, resource, and behavior teacher. She received her BA in Special Education from Texas A&M University and her M. Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from UTSA. In her current role, Rachel enjoys supporting teachers who work with students with challenging behaviors, mental health issues, and trauma. She specializes in creating and implementing behavior intervention plans and training others in plan implementation and behavioral principles. Rachel is interested in building a professional capacity for behavioral interventions and comprehensive knowledge of best practices for those with social and emotional needs. She lives in Boerne, Texas, with her two children and three dogs, and enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and spinning.

Yolanda Williams, M.Ed., Executive Director of Student Support, Waco ISD 

Yolanda Williams began working in Waco ISD thirty-five years ago as an elementary teacher and then proceeded to serve as an assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and executive director for the district. She has extensive experience working with campus leadership teams and effective systems building. In her current role as Executive Director for Student Support, Yolanda guides campus administrators as they work to implement systems that address the needs of our diverse student population.

Christy Freeman, M.Ed., Director of MTSS, Waco ISD

Christy has been blessed with the opportunity to serve in the field of education for 23 years, where she has served as a Special Education teacher, Campus and District Level Behavior Intervention Support Specialist, Special Education Coordinator at the district level, and currently the Director of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support. She has had the privilege to work with students ranging in age from pre-kindergarten to high school. Christy believes that our most challenging students will show us where our systems are failing and that it is our responsibility, as educators, to meet students where they are to provide them with the skills and resources to prepare them for a successful and productive life outside the classroom.

She has been married to her husband, Jeff, for 15 years. Jeff is a Lieutenant with the Waco ISD Police Department. When not at work, they enjoy camping with their kids or watching their youngest daughter play softball all over the country.

Dr. Julie Harrison, Ph.D., BCBA, District Coach, Emergent Tree Education

Julie landed in the world of special education and behavior after trying her hardest to avoid a career in education like others in her family. She began her career as a self-contained high school special education teacher and moved into various roles supporting students with disabilities and behavioral needs. Julie has a Master of Education in Educational Psychology focusing on Autism Spectrum Disorders/Applied Behavior Analysis and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Special Education. Julie is a certified educator, principal, and board-certified behavior analyst. As an adjunct professor at Texas Christian University, Julie works with pre-service teachers to establish a classroom management system and motivate students. Her role as a District Coach allows her to work with school teams to create effective frameworks to meet the behavioral needs of the campus.

Dr. Marisol Rocha, Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent, Edcouch-Elsa ISD 
Dr. Marisol Rocha is currently the Deputy Superintendent for Edcouch-Elsa ISD, where she has served since the 2021 school year. She most recently served as Director of State and Federal Programs and School Improvement in Bastrop ISD, following years as a campus administrator in Del Valle ISD, Austin ISD, and Waco ISD. Dr. Rocha earned a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry from Texas A&M University and a Master's in Educational Leadership from Tarleton State University. She received her Ed.D. in Education through the Cooperative Superintendency Program at the University of Texas at Austin.

She has dedicated her educational career to school improvement and the development of whole-child education. To develop long-lasting effects within a school system, she dedicates her time to campus and district leadership teams to build capacity for continuous growth by identifying targeted areas of immediate school improvement and establishing a solid foundation for both organizational and student achievement.

Grace Baranowski, M. Ed., Coordinator of Learning Acceleration, Edcouch-Elsa ISD

Grace Baranowski is currently the District Coordinator of Learning Acceleration for Edcouch-Elsa ISD, where she has served since the 2021 school year. Previously, she was the Coordinator of Advanced Academics and Social Studies Instructional Coach at Bedichek Middle School in Austin ISD. Before that, Grace was a campus testing coordinator at Del Valle ISD, a teacher at Austin ISD, and a teacher at Waco ISD. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Baylor University and a Master’s in Educational Administration from Lamar University.

Ms. Baranowski has worked throughout her career to develop organized systems, effective instructional practices, and data-based responses to increase the school system's capacity to better meet the needs of all students. By developing and implementing various systems to identify student needs, both academically and behaviorally, she has taken a whole-child approach to ensuring student success.

Amanda Sumpter, M.Ed., Assistant Principal Queen City High School, Queen City ISD

Amanda Sumpter received her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M University-Texarkana in 2008. She began her educational career as a second-grade teacher and spent 8 years in the classroom. In 2015, she returned to TAMU-T where she earned her Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and transitioned to Instructional Coaching. Amanda had the opportunity to help the district open a brand new elementary campus.

Being a lifelong learner, she once again returned to TAMU-T to earn an additional Masters in Education. She served as assistant principal at an elementary school for 5 years and spent 16 years with the Texarkana Independent School District, serving many roles. In 2023, she moved to Queen City Independent School District as an assistant principal at the high school. Amanda's educational experiences have afforded her the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of people with a common goal of increasing student achievement and well-being. She has been married for 20 years to her husband, Randall Sumpter, and they have two beautiful children, Natalie, 19, and Jack, 11.

Osana Gonzalez, M.Ed., Principal Terrell Wells Middle School, Harlandale ISD

Entering my 16th year in education and 10th year in Administration, I have served as a Teacher, Athletic Coach, Assistant Principal, Academic Dean, and Principal. This diverse background has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of the secondary education curriculum and graduation requirements and a keen insight into the 6th-12th grade pipeline. My mission is to drive positive educational change, empowering and advocating for students, educators, and communities to thrive. Completing my fourth year as a middle school principal, I now consider myself an expert at conflict resolution, social media terminology, and keeping teachers from jumping off the ledge.

Micheal Miller, M.Ed., Assistant Principal Terrell Wells Middle School, Harlandale ISD

Kira Cassiano, M.Ed., Vice Principal, Medina Valley ISD 

Kira Cassiano serves as the Vice Principal at Ladera Elementary School within MVISD, where she channels her passion for positively influencing staff, students, and the broader community. With dedication, she assists in implementing Emergent Tree with MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) support, aiming to provide holistic assistance to students' varying needs. Beyond her administrative duties, Kira finds solace in reading and cherishes quality moments with her family, balancing her commitment to serving her campus with personal fulfillment.

Rose Pearson, M.Ed., Executive Director of Schools, Medina Valley ISD

Rose Pearson brings over two decades of experience in education, with a strong focus on leadership and program development. Holding a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Texas A&M – Commerce and a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Southwest Texas State University, Rose's leadership strengths lie in her ability to effectively communicate with diverse teams, lead with integrity, and engage communities in partnership-building efforts. She is dedicated to creating inclusive and supportive educational environments that prioritize student success.