Meet the Instructors
Jen Adams, Ed.S.
Jen Adams is a licensed school psychologist who hails from the state of Iowa. Jen has worked in the Area Education Agency system for Heartland AEA and her hometown of Great Prairie AEA. Most recently she worked as an MTSS Education Program Consultant for the Iowa Department of Education. She resides in Des Moines, Iowa with her son William, and a zoo of animals, including the house rabbit, Jelly Bean. You can reach Jen at [email protected] and visit her website at curiousconsulting.com.
Mark Balestracci, M.Ed.
Mark Balestracci, M.Ed., is Assistant Superintendent for Fairhaven Public Schools in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. Before this he held various positions at Mashpee Middle-High School in Mashpee, MA, including social studies and law teacher, assistant principal, and principal. While in Mashpee, Mark successfully implemented MTSS at the secondary level, achieving improvements in grade levels 7-12. His efforts particularly impacted marginalized populations and students with disabilities, leading to significant academic gains and improved outcomes. Mark has been a featured presenter at MTSS conferences, and also worked on MTSS projects in Florida, Minnesota, and North Carolina. Specializing in strategic planning, MTSS for middle and high schools, master scheduling, intervention systems, and problem-solving protocols, Mark is dedicated to empowering school-based leadership teams to drive MTSS initiatives effectively. You can reach Mark at [email protected].
Emily Donovan, LISW BCBA
Emily Donovan is a social worker and board certified behavior analyst with 20 years of experience supporting schools, kids, and families. She worked at Heartland AEA on the challenging behavior and autism team as well as a regional lead assisting districts in developing their MTSS for social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health. Emily is committed to the social-emotional wellness of students and educators, as well. She helps districts establish a culture of community, accountability, and positive behavior. She has a passion for PBIS, adult resiliency and wellness, and restorative practices. Emily is a certified Restorative Practices trainer through the IIRP. She received her BSW and MSW from the University of Iowa where she was also an adjunct professor for Research Methods and Policy. You can reach Emily at [email protected] and visit her website at emilydonovanconsulting.com.
Ronda Hilbert-Lamphier, M.Ed.
Ronda Hilbert-Lamphier, M.Ed., is an experienced education leader with more than 18 years of classroom expertise and 15 years of experience at an intermediate education agency in Iowa. Her commitment to inclusive learning environments and equal opportunities for all students have marked her journey in education. Ronda is a certified LETRS trainer who led statewide literacy teams for both general and special education in Iowa. She played a pivotal role in designing Iowa’s statewide literacy training in specially designed instruction for students with disabilities, as well. Ronda thrives working within a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS). She takes pride in her ability to connect with educators, administrators, and students, fostering a collaborative environment that promotes success for all learners. You can reach Ronda at [email protected] and visit her website at allinclusiveliteracy.org.
Gena Nelson, Ph.D.
Dr. Gena Nelson is an Assistant Research Professor at the Center on Teaching and Learning at the University of Oregon, where she conducts research focused on mathematics interventions and assessment, evidence-based practices for students with learning disabilities, and collaborating with families. Gena has 15 years of experience working in education, including as a high school math special education teacher, technical assistance facilitator for school districts to support MTSS implementation, faculty member in a special education teacher preparation, and as a professional development provider. Gena is founder of Research Connected Practice, LLC. You can reach Gena at [email protected] or visit her website at researchconnectedpractice.com.
Brad Niebling, Ph.D.
Dr. Brad Niebling has his Ph.D. in educational psychology and has been in Iowa for more than 20 years. He currently works for the University of Iowa, and previously worked at the Iowa Department of Education and Heartland AEA. Brad is also the founder of Best Education, LLC. You can reach him at [email protected] and visit his website at best-ed.org.
Amy Williamson, M.A. SPHR
Amy is an experienced public agency administrator and instructor with a passion for helping people solve problems. She founded Public Progress LLC in 2022 to advance evidence-based practices using efficient processes schools can really fit in their schedules. Amy is currently an MTSS Specialist at the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI) at the University of Minnesota. She is the former Deputy Director and Bureau Chief of School Improvement of the Iowa Department of Education. Amy has her M.A. in political science from Emory University and is a certified Senior Human Resources Professional (SPHR). You can reach her at [email protected].
