Meet Our Contract Team

Annie Shields
Annie Shields
Prior to partnering with SPED Strategies, Annie worked at Relay Graduate School of Education and Bard High School Early College specializing in writing instruction and teacher preparation. Annie lives in Brooklyn, NY and enjoys biking around the city.


Dawn Wright
Dawn Wright
Prior to partnering with SPED Strategies, Dawn wore many hats in Lincoln Public Schools including special education teacher, early childhood special education specialist, district special education coordinator for early childhood, and elementary school assistant principal. Dawn lives in Lincoln, NE and enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, traveling with her husband, playing pickleball and tending to her garden.


Jenna Vagts-Galindo
Jenna Vagts-Galindo
In addition to partnering with SPED Strategies as a facilitator, Jenna works as an American Sign Language interpreter where she provides language access in a variety of settings. Prior to this, Jenna served as an early childhood educator and grade level chair in both New Orleans, LA and Minneapolis, MN. During her time as an educator, she taught kindergarten and later ran the performing arts program at her school. Jenna is passionate about providing high quality and inclusive special education experiences to ensure that students with disabilities are able to lead joyful and choice filled lives. During her free time, Jenna enjoys spending time with her friends and family, as well as her many hobbies including biking, gardening, music, and sewing.


Jessica Lamb
Jessica Lamb
Prior to partnering with SPED Strategies, Jessica worked as an elementary teacher, instructional coach, and Director of Talent. As a PL Facilitator, Jessica provides engaging, informative sessions that support teacher and leadership development.


Kyler Lofton
Kyler Lofton
Prior to partnering with SPED Strategies, Kyler held the position of Director and Professor of Practice at Relay Graduate School of Education in New York. In this capacity, he taught and mentored new educators, equipping them with essential teaching techniques, and nurturing the integration of inclusive practices within their classrooms.Kyler Lofton is deeply committed to advancing equity and inclusivity within educational institutions. His dedication to this mission stems from his own life journey, which began with his upbringing in a rural Texas community and continued as an educator and instructional leader in New York City Public Schools.


Monica Verra-Tirado
Monica Verra-Tirado
Dr. Monica Verra-Tirado has over 30 years of experience in education, including classroom, school and district leadership. She has served as a school district director of special education and was a state director of special education and student services for over 8 years. Dr. Verra-Tirado has extensive experience coaching leaders in systems change that leads to improved outcomes for students.


Susan Marschner
Susan Marschner
Prior to partnering with SPED Strategies, Susan worked as a special education teacher, school leader, curriculum designer, and professional learning facilitator. As a professional learning facilitator, Susan supports professional learning needs across levels. Susan lives in Columbus, Ohio and enjoys camping with her family in their rooftop tent.


Belinda Baker
Belinda Baker
Prior to partnering with SPED Strategies, Belinda spent over 40 years as an early childhood educator and school leader in New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Belinda lives in Baton Rouge, LA and is and loves speding time with her grandchildren and reading.

