About

Dr. Kevin Perks is a Senior Director at WestEd, leading school and district improvement nationwide. He has authored multiple books, including Motivation to Learn and two VITAL Collaboration guides on building and sustaining Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) systems that improve teaching and learning for teachers and school leaders. With expertise in instruction, engagement, literacy, and school improvement, he helps educational leaders build equitable, collaborative systems that drive positive outcomes for learners. He holds degrees from Boston University, the University of Chicago, and the University of New Hampshire. 

Dr. Johanna Barmore is a Senior Program Associate at WestEd with expertise in instructional coaching, data-driven inquiry, mathematics pedagogy, and standards-based instruction. Her research at Harvard Graduate School of Education focused on how teachers improve practice through collaborative data use. She supports school and district teams in building high-functioning PLCs that center on improving instruction and student outcomes. 

Dr. Melissa Strand is a Senior Program Associate at WestEd with 23 years in education. She specializes in early literacy, instructional and leadership coaching, and PLC systems that improve teaching and learning. A former National Board–Certified Teacher, she holds a doctorate in psychology (cognition and instruction) and a master’s degree in bilingual/multicultural education. She supports districts in building sustainable leadership around collaborative improvement. 

Dr. Krystal Diaz is a School Improvement Facilitator at WestEd with deep expertise in curriculum and instruction, project-based learning, CTE pathways, and school climate. A former teacher, instructional coach, and administrator, she supports leaders in building student-centered, inclusive systems through coaching and professional learning. Diaz holds an EdD in inclusive practices and advanced degrees in education, writing, and leadership. Passionate about transformative learning, she helps schools create engaging, inclusive environments that prepare all students for success. 

Dr. Gina Olabuenaga is a School Improvement Facilitator at WestEd who specializes in designing transformative professional learning for educators and school leaders. With deep expertise in project-based learning, social–emotional learning, and adult development, she helps teams implement collaborative practices that improve teaching and learning. A former Director of Curriculum at PBLWorks and coauthor of books on constructivist practice, Olabuenaga holds an EdD in teacher education from University of Southern California and degrees from University of California, Irvine. 

Ebony Spivey is a School Improvement Facilitator and Math Specialist at WestEd. She supports educators through coaching, curriculum design, and professional learning to improve instruction and school culture. Spivey brings experience across K–12 and postsecondary education and holds a BS in math from Shaw University and an MA in school administration from North Carolina State University. 

Kailey Wright is a School Improvement Facilitator at WestEd, where she assists districts in enhancing PLCs, curricula, and instruction. With her expertise in literacy, social–emotional learning, and multicultural education, Wright offers coaching and professional development to school leaders and teachers. She holds a master’s degree in educational leadership and possesses substantial experience in elementary education and school improvement.