Advisory Board
Embedding interest-holders’ voices into our research process is a guiding principle of the institute, and one of the ways we do this is through our Advisory Board. Our board is composed of education leaders from around the country who provide guidance and deep subject matter expertise on pressing issues in the field, collaborating with us to inform the strategy and activities of the institute.
Director of Special Services
Pasco School District
Pasco, WA
Dr. Stacy Bonner has worked in education since 2009, beginning her career as a paraeducator and going on to serve as a special education teacher, behavioral consultant, and district-level special education administrator. She has also taught in higher education teacher preparation programs, supporting future educators from the associate through master’s degree levels. She currently serves as Director of Special Services for the Pasco School District in Pasco, Washington. At the heart of her work is a belief that meaningful inclusion begins with creating school communities where every student and educator feels a genuine sense of belonging. She is passionate about building proactive, inclusive systems that increase access and participation for students with disabilities while also ensuring educators feel supported, capable, and connected. Her work emphasizes meaningful relationships with educators, practical professional learning, and strengthening educator self-efficacy so that staff have the confidence, tools, and support they need to create inclusive and responsive learning environments for all students.
Director
Multilingual Support Division
California Department of Education
Clovis, CA
Alesha Moreno-Ramírez, MA is a spirited educator with a passion for service to students, families, and communities. As the Director of the Multilingual Support Division with the California Department of Education since 2021, Alesha brings a voice of advocacy, action, and support to advance California’s English Learner Roadmap policy. She believes in promoting multilingual learning opportunities for children and youth across the state and highlighting the affordances of culturally and linguistically diverse students. Alesha’s portfolio includes administration of Title III, Part A, Title I, Part C educational programs, dual language education, biliteracy, and state multilingual initiatives to uplift educational opportunities for English learner-classified, immigrant, and migratory students.
Executive Director for the Coalition of Oregon School Administrators (COSA)
Professor of Practice, Co-Director of the UO Educational Leadership licensure program
University of Oregon
Salem and Eugene, OR
Dr. Krista Parent serves as Executive Director for the Coalition of Oregon School Administrators (COSA), where she leads the statewide vision, advocacy strategy, and professional learning systems that support Oregon’s K-12 school and district leaders. A nationally recognized former superintendent and school finance expert, Krista brings both fiscal acumen and an instructional leadership lens to the organization’s work. She is a trusted advisor to superintendents across Oregon, guiding leaders through complex challenges with steadiness, clarity, and deep systems knowledge. Under her leadership, COSA continues to strengthen its role as a stabilizing force and strategic partner in a rapidly evolving education landscape.
Superintendent
Matanuska Susitna Borough School District
Palmer, Alaska
Dr. Randy Trani has been the Superintendent of Matanuska Susitna Borough School District (MSBSD) in Palmer, Alaska since 2020. At MSBSD, Dr. Trani has significantly increased graduation rates, Career and Technical Education (CTE) offerings and participation, and students earning college credits through advanced coursework. Prior to this, Dr. Trani taught across all grade levels in small Alaskan school districts for eight years before transitioning to larger suburban and urban schools in Oregon, where he taught science courses. In 2004, he assumed the role of principal at Corbett Schools in Corbett, Oregon, later advancing to the position of Superintendent from 2009 to 2019. Under his leadership, Corbett Middle School earned the prestigious designation of the only School to Watch in Oregon, while Corbett High School gained national recognition as one of the top public high schools in the country. Dr. Trani is guided by a strong commitment to student success and a steadfast belief in the life-changing power of education.
Director of Curriculum and Professional Development
Emmett School District
Emmett, ID
Dr. Ramey Uriarte serves as Curriculum and Professional Development Director for the Emmett School District in Idaho, bringing extensive experience in mathematics education, instructional leadership, and professional learning. He began his career in 1997 as a middle and high school mathematics teacher and instructional coach before serving as a Regional Math Specialist at Boise State University, where he designed and implemented professional development to support school districts across Idaho. He also coordinated graduate programs in Mathematics Instruction and Leadership and Curriculum and Instruction at Boise State. Dr. Uriarte holds an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Boise State University. He is committed to strengthening curriculum and instruction, supporting educators, and helping every student succeed.