Adam C. Laningham is an award-winning educator, author, and advocate with 25+ years supporting gifted and twice-exceptional learners. He leads programs, founded multiple organizations, served as SENG president, and speaks nationally to help gifted children and families thrive.

Dr. Aileen Castro is presently the District Coordinator for Glassboro’s Gifted and Talented Program. With over 18 years of teaching experience, some of her award-winning projects have been featured on Classroom Close-Up and NJ.com.

Ali Welch is a passionate educator and Gifted & Talented Coordinator for North Brunswick Township Public Schools. She co-created the SOAR initiative, advancing equitable gifted education through inclusive identification, Gifted MTSS integration, and research-driven professional development.

Alia Pineda Medina, MSEd, is currently a PhD candidate at Purdue University, where her foundation in elementary education has expanded to include P–12 teaching and the development and implementation of enrichment-focused curricula.

Amy Spivey is an educator in the Keansburg School District. She has been teaching for over 15 years. She has been working in a mixed-aged classroom of gifted and talented students for four years.

Dr. Andrew Billups, licensed psychologist, sport psychologist, and certified school psychologist, supports high performers in academics, athletics, and life. Promoting wellness, resilience, and optimal performance both in and out of the classroom.

Brian Housand, an educator, researcher, and consultant dedicated to helping schools create engaging, creative learning environments for advanced learners. Brian serves as Coordinator of the Academically or Intellectually Gifted Program at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, consults with schools and organizations on integrating technology and creativity into learning, and teaches graduate courses in gifted education for Rutgers University and Bridges Graduate Schools. A former elementary and gifted education teacher, Brian earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in Gifted Education from the University of Connecticut and contributed to the development of the SEM-R model. He previously served as a professor at East Carolina University and continues to advocate for gifted education.

Caryn Bennington is a veteran educator with 22 years teaching middle and high school science. For five years, she has led gifted, enrichment, and STREAM programs, securing grants and delivering innovative, project-based learning.

Cassidy Varga is a Gifted and Talented Coordinator and Teacher at North Brunswick Township Schools. She is dedicated to gifted education and differentiation, helping educators design creative strategies that stretch, challenge, and inspire every learner.

Celia Strino, Director of PPS at Irvington UFSD, is an educational leader who demonstrates excellence in systemic program development, policy implementation, and creating transparent communication frameworks that ensure organizational initiatives are accessible to all stakeholders. Celia is known for the ability to bridge strategic vision with practical execution, consistently delivering results through collaborative approaches that empower teams and build lasting institutional capabilities.

Chelsea Clarke, NJAGC’s 2023 Teacher of the Year, serves on the NJAGC Board and chairs Essex County’s G&T Steering Committee. A Roseland G&T teacher for 10+ years, she holds a Master’s in Inclusive Education, a G&T Certificate, and is completing a Master’s in Educational Leadership at Montclair State.

Dr. Christine Skinner, an educator since 1989, has taught and led across multiple roles and holds degrees from St. Joseph’s University, Rider University, and the American College of Education. She champions student independence, voice, and choice.

Danielle Barkey, a dedicated 6–8 math teacher in Montville Township Schools, holds master’s degrees in educational leadership and math education, along with a psychology degree from Rutgers University.

Ellen Kolonoski, a 32 year veteran educator and presenter from Kittatinny Regional High School, is passionate about inspiring wonder, fostering creative and critical thinking, and designing meaningful learning experiences that spark deep thinking and engagement.

Jacqui Byrne created FlexSchool, a place where gifted and twice-exceptional (2e) students could thrive—quirks, challenges, and all. Jacqui will be inducted into the 2e Hall of Fame in June 2026 and is the 2025 winner of the New Jersey Association for Gifted Children’s prestigious Developing Minds Award. She serves on the advisory board for the Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity in Education and holds a degree from Yale University.

Jeanne Muzi has served Lawrence Township Public Schools as a first-grade teacher, gifted and talented teacher, Cross-District Enrichment Specialist and Elementary School Principal. She is currently the Director of Student Achievement, Equity and Opportunity.

Jennifer Anderson is a gifted and talented educator with 20 years of experience and the author of The Fun Factor. She is passionate about empowering teachers to reignite joy, play, and curiosity through simple, sustainable classroom practices like Start the Day with Play.

Joe  Bolen is in his  21st year in education and 16th at Newton Public Schools.  He serves as Supervisor of Personnel & Instruction, G&T coordinator, MTSS Coordinator, and adjunct professor at Centenary University.

Jonathan Plucker is a Professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Education, where he directs the master’s program in education policy. He is a recipient of the Distinguished Scholar and Distinguished Service Awards from the National Association for Gifted Children. He is a past-president of the Society for the Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts and of NAGC. He serves as principal investigator for the National Research Center on Advanced Education.

Karen Cristalli, M.Ed., District Instructional Supervisor in Kearny, NJ, is completing doctoral studies on gifted students’ post-K12 transition. She is an award-winning leader, presenter, and advocate, serving in key roles across state and county gifted associations.

Kelly L. Kearney, Ph.D., is a Research Scientist at the Renzulli Center for Gifted Education at the University of Connecticut. Her work focuses on talent development, equitable identification, and research-based professional learning initiatives.

Kimberly Grigoli is an elementary educator with 22 years of experience, specializing in early childhood education, social-emotional learning, family-school partnerships, innovative STEM initiatives, and instructional leadership development.

Dr. Kimberly Lansdowne, founding director of ASU’s Herberger Young Scholars Academy, is an experienced gifted-education leader, scholar, and award-winning educator with extensive roles in K–12, higher education, and national and international gifted organizations.

Kristin Mattaliano has 23 years in education and serves as Supervisor of Gifted and Talented in Jersey City Public Schools. She previously taught grades 2–7 and worked as an Instructional Specialist supporting teachers through coaching and professional development.

Kristin Miller, elementary educator and professional learning specialist, is the chief designer of new gifted and talented programs. She develops innovative curricula, leads teacher learning, and creates rigorous, engaging experiences that nurture the talents of young learners.

Lauren Worthington teaches Gifted and Talented Social Studies at Scholars Academy in Orange, NJ. With 9 years’ experience and 2024 Teacher of the Year honors, she cultivates rigorous inquiry-based pedagogy to foster transformative civic consciousness.

Lenore Cortina, Ed.D. has been involved in gifted education for over 40 years as an advocate, consultant, parent, classroom and gifted teacher, school administrator, and is a retired Faculty Coordinator of the Gifted Education Certificate Program at the Rutgers Graduate School of Education. Dr. Cortina has special interest and expertise in equitable gifted identification, professional development for teachers serving gifted learners, primary gifted learners, and the role of the school administrator in delivering equitable and quality gifted programs and services.

Leslie Kerner has spent 25+ years developing K-12 education products/services. At Amplify, she developed PD and products for teachers and administrators. At Silverquicken, she designed, developed, and implemented programs, including direct instruction and teacher training.

Lynne Henwood, Head of FlexSchool’s Cloud Campus, champions gifted and twice-exceptional learners. Former NJAGC President, she’s a decorated educator with awards from Mensa and NAGC, holding advanced degrees in educational psychology and gifted education.

Mary Ann Clark is a dedicated teacher, educator, and administrator deeply involved in STEM education. Her passion for these fields have also led her to opening her own business called, JUST STEAMIN which prides itself in giving all students the opportunity to learn about STEM. Mary Ann promotes and integrates STEM principles with her everyday work as an educator. Through her work, she strives to enhance general education by emphasizing the importance of Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

Matthew “Dr. Matt” Zakreski, PsyD is a high energy, creative clinical psychologist and professional speaker who utilizes an eclectic approach to meet the specific needs of his neurodivergent clients.

Meghan Gill is Program Coordinator and Assistant Teaching Professor at Montclair State University’s School of Communication and Media, mother of two talented daughters, and a current member of the Newton School Board.

Melissa Antinoff is a career educator and the creator behind “The Well-Seasoned Teacher,” where she shares practical advice for modern classrooms on social media. The 2019 Burlington County, NJ Teacher of the Year and a 2020 Bonnie Campbell Hill National Literacy Leader, Melissa has spent almost three decades helping students transition from non-readers to avid book lovers. 

Melissa Hill is the Coordinator and K-8 teacher for the Cedar Grove Schools Gifted & Talented Program. She has 25 years of gifted education experience, is an NJAGC member, and serves on its Professional Development committee.

Monica Simonds is a K–12 Assessment Strategist at Riverside Insights, supporting educators in using assessment data to identify and serve all learners. She is a former district director, gifted educator, and award-winning GT administrator.

Nancy Sardone is Professor of Education at Georgian Court University, where she teaches elementary methods courses in social studies and STEM, and secondary courses in instructional design and technology. (M.A. and Ph.D., New York University).

Paul Kelly, career educator, former English teacher, stage actor, and private guidance counselor. I have 20 years experience teaching high school and middle school English and drama, with Masters Degrees from both Centenary University and New York University.

Dr. Phil Oliveira, licensed and certified school psychologist, supports high performers in academics and life, promoting wellness, resilience, and optimal performance both in and out of the classroom.

Samantha McCloud, K–5 Supervisor for Curriculum, is an expert in gifted and talented education. She designs innovative, data-driven programs, supports teachers, and fosters advanced, differentiated learning experiences that challenge and inspire young learners to reach their full potential.

Dr. Sandra Schwartz serves as K–12 Supervisor of Business, Math, and Science in Montville Township Schools. She earned an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and graduate credentials in special education law and curriculum, instruction, computer, math, and science.

Timothy Nellegar is a STEM teacher in the Gifted and Talented Program at Scholars Academy, Orange, NJ. With 25 years’ experience, he champions technology integration to enhance learning, previously serving as Director of Educational Technology.

Zachary Morolda serves as Director of Innovative & Equity Programs, Community Relations & Careers Technology for Monroe Township Schools, overseeing gifted and talented initiatives and leading programs that advance innovation, equity, and community engagement districtwide.