Dr. Robert Caplinger
President
Chief Communication Officer, Laveen School District

Dr. Robert Caplinger was previously the Principal of A-rated Laveen Elementary School, named a 2022 A+ School of Excellence by the Arizona Educational Foundation, a 2022 National School of Distinction by the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE), and a 2020 Exemplary Title 1 School by the Arizona Department of Education. He earned his doctoral degree from the University of Oregon in 2013 in educational leadership. He also holds two master's degrees in education and school counseling. In 2005, Dr. Caplinger was recognized as the National Educator of the Year by AMLE. He has teaching, counseling, and administrative experience at the elementary, middle, and high school levels and is currently a Faculty Associate in the Mary Lou Fulton College of Teaching and Learning Innovation at Arizona State University. Dr. Caplinger serves as the State Director of the Arizona Schools to Watch Program.

Kristi Pashley
Secretary
Principal, Bradshaw Mountain Middle School,  Humboldt Unified School District

Kristi Pashley has over 25 years of experience as an educator and maintains a true passion for the middle grades. She has held various roles throughout her career, teaching grades 1-8 and serving as an instructional coach for six years before becoming a school administrator. Under her leadership, she saw an accelerated magnet school excel academically and culturally. During her tenure as principal, the school was the first in the district to earn the distinction of "National Blue Ribbon School." In addition, she successfully opened a dual language immersion (DLI) school recognized and applauded as a model DLI school by the Governor of Arizona. She is currently a middle school principal in the Humboldt Unified School District.

Cynthia Salinas
Treasurer
Math Teacher, Laveen Elementary School, Laveen School District

Cynthia Salinas has been in education for over 20 years. She started as an instructional assistant in a resource classroom and earned a bachelor's degree in Secondary Education from Ottawa University, Arizona. Cynthia then began teaching high school math in an inner city Title 1 school, where she earned two awards for student-led instruction. Cynthia is teaching 7th grade math in Laveen, Arizona, and loves the energy and spirit of the middle grades. Her professional goals are to help students feel successful and comfortable taking risks in math.

Adrian Ruiz, Jr.
Communications Director
Faculty, Maricopa Community Colleges

Adrian Ruiz, Jr., a proud native of South Phoenix, Arizona, is an esteemed educator passionate about fostering learning. He holds an Associates Degree from South Mountain Community College (2011), a Bachelors in Education from Northern Arizona University (2015), and a Masters in Education (2018). Over the last decade, Adrian has dedicated himself to shaping young minds, teaching in both elementary and middle schools in Phoenix and Laveen. In addition, he has enriched the academic community by instructing college reading and education courses with Maricopa Community Colleges for the past five years. Adrian's diverse expertise extends beyond the classroom, as he finds joy in reading, writing, and cooking during his leisure time.

Kat Pastor
Business Partner Representative
Executive Director of School Supports, Character Strong

Kat is the Executive Director of School Supports for CharacterStrong. Kat has passionately served as a student and educator advocate for over 20 years as a coach, student council advisor, school counselor at the secondary level, financial aid counselor/coordinator of student employment, and adjunct professor at the post-secondary level. Through Kat's leadership, her school counseling department received state and national recognition, including the American School Counselors Association (ASCA) RAMP recognition in 2020. Kat has facilitated professional development with various state and national associations and individual schools and districts. Kat exudes a commitment to community, having served on numerous local, state, and national boards and committees. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Masters in Education in Student Affairs and School Counseling from Northern Arizona University. Kat was named the ASCA 2016 National School Counselor of the Year and Northern Arizona University's President's Alumni Awardee in 2021.

Manjula Reddy
Region 1 Director (Maricopa County, East)|
Principal, Arizona College Prep Middle School, Chandler Unified School District

Manjula Reddy began her career as a Mathematics and Physics teacher in Texas and Philadelphia before transitioning into educational leadership. She first served as an Instructional Specialist in Mathematics in Texas and later as an Assistant Principal for nine years at Del Valle High School and Hill Country Middle School in Austin, Texas, and Arcadia High School in Scottsdale, Arizona. Five years ago, she became Principal of Arizona College Prep Middle School in the Chandler Unified School District. Principal Reddy holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Mathematics Education. She is passionate about STEM education, social-emotional learning, and personalized instruction. Under her leadership, ACP Middle School has earned the National Blue Ribbon Award, A+ School of Excellence designation, and Schools to Watch recognition. She believes strong collaboration among faculty, families, and students is essential to creating an exceptional learning community and preparing students for long-term success.

Region 2 Director (Maricopa County, West), Open Position

Stephanie Sander
Region 3 Director (Gila and Pinal Counties)
Principal, Villago Middle School, Casa Grande Elementary School District

Stephanie Sander began her career in 2004 as a special education teacher in the Casa Grande Elementary School District. Over the years, she has gained diverse experience across elementary, middle, and high school settings in both general and special education. She later served four years as an Assistant Principal before becoming Principal of Villago Middle School, where she is currently in her third year of leadership. Ms. Sander holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from Northern Arizona University, a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University, and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in Educational Leadership at Northern Arizona University. Committed to lifelong learning, Ms. Sander is dedicated to fostering growth in her students, supporting her staff, and continuously developing her own leadership practice.

Frank Núñez
Region 4 Director (Mohave, La Paz, and Yuma Counties)
Principal, Gila Vista Junior High School, Yuma Elementary School District One

Frank Núñez serves as Principal of Gila Vista Junior High School in Yuma Elementary School District One, where he is committed to building a culture of high expectations, strong relationships, and academic excellence. With a background in secondary education and campus leadership, he brings a student-centered approach focused on engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement. Throughout his career, Mr. Núñez has worked to strengthen instructional practices, support teacher development, and create systems that promote both academic growth and positive school climate. He believes junior high is a critical stage in shaping students’ confidence, identity, and future success. Under his leadership, Gila Vista prioritizes collaboration among staff, families, and community partners to ensure students are supported socially, emotionally, and academically. Mr. Núñez is dedicated to preparing students for high school readiness and empowering them with the skills and mindset needed for long-term success.

Theresa Fuller
Region 5 Director (Coconino, Yavapai, Navajo and Apache Counties)
Assistant Clinical Professor, STEM, Northern Arizona University

With 15 years of expertise in middle and high school math and six years in higher education, Theresa contributes significantly to the realm of education. Presently, they are an Assistant Clinical Professor in the NAUTeach program at Northern Arizona University, where they prepare secondary mathematics and science teachers. Theresa's impact extends to professional development, where they offer training in mathematics for K-12 in-service teachers. Having taught across diverse regions, including Michigan, Nevada, Arizona, and Tennessee, their experience reflects adaptability and a broad perspective. Theresa also holds the distinction of being a National Board Certified Teacher in Early Adolescence Mathematics.

Dr. Thad Dugan
Region 6 Director (Pima, Santa Cruz, Cochise, Graham and Greenlee Counties)
Program Specialist, Special Services, Sunnyside Unified School District

Thad Dugan is an accomplished educational leader with a rich background in transformative leadership, policy development, and school turnaround. Holding a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership/Policy from the University of Arizona, Thad has contributed significantly to the field through publications and his work as a dynamic educator. Dr. Dugan has taught graduate courses, mentored students, and presented research nationally and internationally. Thad's commitment to community engagement is evident through his roles on various committees and boards. With a proven track record as a middle school principal, he brings a wealth of experience to drive educational excellence and equity.

Dr. Abby Brown
Member at Large
Clinical Assistant Professor, Mary Lou Fulton College of Teaching and Learning Innovation, Arizona State University

Dr. Abby Brown is a Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Division Director for Undergraduate Pathways for the Mary Lou Fulton College of Teaching and Learning Innovation at Arizona State University. In this position, she teaches undergraduate courses, oversees all faculty staffing, mentors new faculty, participates in curriculum development, and collaborates on school district partnerships, allowing her to work broadly across the teacher preparation space. She has over 20 years of experience in education at the elementary, middle school, and higher education levels and has degrees in elementary and middle-level education and interdisciplinary leadership. Dr. Brown was named the 2025 Arizona Middle Grades Post-Secondary Educator of the Year by AzAMLE.

Dr. Paul Danuser
Member at Large
Associate Professor, College of Education, Grand Canyon University

Dr. Paul Danuser is in his 14th year of teaching preservice teacher candidates at Grand Canyon University's College of Education. Before his time at GCU, Dr. Danuser also served as adjunct faculty and Campus College Chair for the University of Phoenix's College of Education and the Director of Academic Affairs at the Phoenix Campus. Before his time in higher education, Dr. Danuser was a high school English teacher at various Christian and public schools in Wisconsin, Washington, California, and Arizona. Danuser combines his love of preparing the next generation of teachers with his own sets of experiences from his 42 combined years in the classrooms, ranging from the K-12 system to working with students at the masters and doctoral learners. Since earning his Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration, Dr. Danuser has turned his focus on helping other doctoral candidates earn their terminal degrees by serving as the dissertation chair for six learners. Dr. Danuser is a lifelong learner and educator, and he is excited to add this experience to his resume.

Dr. Meg Cota
Member at Large
Assistant Professor, Educational Policy & Practice, University of Arizona

Dr. Hortensia "Meg" Cota is an Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Arizona's College of Education. She plays a pivotal role in her department as a teaching faculty member and Director of the Master of Educational Leadership degree and Administrative Certification Preparation programs for school principals and superintendents. With over two decades of experience in K-12 public education, Dr. Cota's career spans from teaching and serving as an administrator in Tucson-area public schools to a statewide role as a program specialist at the Arizona Department of Education. She is committed to improving educational outcomes for students and preparing future leaders for the dynamic landscapes of today’s school systems.

Dr. Donelle Ruwe
Member at Large
Associate Dean, College of Education, Northern Arizona University

Dr. Donelle Ruwe is a Professor of English and Associate Dean in the College of Education and Professional Education Programs at Northern Arizona University (NAU). In her administrative role, she oversees key initiatives including the Arizona Teachers Academy Scholarship, teacher education program assessment and accreditation, and student teaching placements. Dr. Ruwe is a published scholar whose works include Children’s Poetry in the Romantic Era: Verse, Riddle, and Rhyme. She is also the editor of Culturing the Child: British Children’s Literature 1600–1914 and co-editor of Children, Childhood, and Musical Theater. Her research focuses on children's literature, poetry, and performance in historical contexts.