Deirdre Shearer

Deirdre Shearer serves as the Chief of Student Experience and Success for Colorado Springs School District 11, where she leads a comprehensive portfolio spanning Preschool, Individualized Education, Student Pathways, and Student Services. With more than twenty years of experience as a school psychologist, systemslevel administrator, and instructor, she is known for building collaborative structures that elevate student agency, strengthen instructional coherence, and expand access to highquality supports.

Her career includes executive leadership roles special education, gifted education, and CLDE services across multiple districts. She has also served as a university lecturer and alternative licensure instructor, shaping the next generation of educators and leaders. She is an experienced grant writer and researcher, securing funding to expand mental health services, adaptive equipment, and educator development. Her research has been published in Exceptional Children, Neuropsychology, and the Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment.

She holds degrees from Dartmouth College and the University of Florida, along with a Special Education Director License from the University of Northern Colorado. Deirdre brings a systemsthinking lens, a deep commitment to inclusive practices, and a passion for creating learning environments where every student can thrive.

Kristi Kinney

As a School Leadership Coach, Kristi Kinney works with campus leadership teams to establish sustainable systems, develop an effective leadership team, empower teachers and students to achieve instructional autonomy, and create a culture driven by the team’s vision for success. Her passion has always been classroom instruction, and she assists campus administrators in becoming instructional leaders to ensure growth for all students.

Kristi retired after 24 years in Texas public education where she was a high school teacher and athletic coach, Instructional Specialist, Literacy Specialist, Test Coordinator/Data Analyst, Dean of Instruction, Assistant Principal, and Principal. She served in 5 districts including suburban, inner-city, and rural schools.

Kristi Kinney earned her bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and English from Tarleton State University. Years of coaching and teaching led her to pursue a master’s degree in Education Administration from Lamar University.

Gretta Walczak

Gretta Walczak is a special education leader with extensive experience developing programs for students with complex communication, behavioral, and sensory needs. She collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to implement practical, sustainable supports that improve outcomes for students and staff. Her work focuses on inclusion, coaching, and bridging research to real-world practice.

Tracy de Ryk

Tracy de Ryk is a special education teacher and coach whose work centers on creating learning environments where all students have multiple ways to access content and participate meaningfully in their learning. Tracy partners with educators to align Individualized Education with daily instruction and core content to promote inclusive, grade-level instruction.