Meet Our Professional Development Team

Robyn R. Jackson, Ph.D., Robyn Jackson is passionate about the profession of teaching. She helps teachers and administrators understand the principles of mastery teaching and shows them how to apply these principles in order to help every student succeed. As a former high school English teacher and middle school administrator, she refined these principles on her own jouney to become a master teacher. And, now as a best-selling author, internationally recognized keynote speaker, and professional developer, she provides step-by-step advice on how to use these same principles to become or help others become master teachers. Because she believes that every child deserves a master teacher and that any teacher can become a master teacher with the right kind of support and practice, and she started Mindsteps Inc., a professional development firm located in Washington, DC to provide the right kind of practice for teachers and the administrators who lead them. She doesn’t just want to change how we teach; Dr. Jackson wants to change the way that we think about teaching.

Dr. Jackson is the author of nine books and counting including Never Work Harder Than Your Students and the Mastering the Principles of Great Teaching series. Through her speaking and training she inspires audiences world-wide to become master teachers, implement more rigorous instruction, support struggling students, and provide effective instructional leadership. Dr. Jackson resides in Washington, D.C.

Anika Spratley Burtin, Ph.D., has worked as an educational consultant, curriculum writer, and professional development facilitator for schools in Washington, DC, Baltimore, and Chicago. She has also presented at national conferences including the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), the American Educational Research Association (AERA), and the International Literacy Coaching Summit. Anika began her career as a high school English teacher and served as an administrator in both public and charter schools in Prince Georges County, MD, Washington, DC and Chicago, IL. Anika resides in Maryland with her husband and children.

Sharon Fogler, M.S., spent 31 years as a curriculum coordinator and professional development specialist for grades K-12 before she retired. She has received multiple awards including a Citation of Merit for outstanding teacher in the area of Equity by the Montgomery County Commission of Women.

Sharon is a frequent presenter and keynote speaker throughout the United States. In addition to consulting and coaching for Mindsteps Inc. Sharon is also a co-Author with Robyn on our PD Kits. She lives in Maryland with her husband of 33 years and their 140 pound Mastiff who is the love of their life!

Kenyatta Dorey Graves, M.F.A., has been an educator for over 15 years. He is a standards, curriculum, instruction, administrative coaching, and community engagement specialist. In addition to consulting for Mindsteps, Kenyatta is the President of Conscience Vigilance Education Consulting LLC. As a gifted writer, Kenyatta has authored fiction, literary criticism, poetry, and essays. Kenyatta is a frequent presenter and lecturer throughout the United States and resides in Maryland.

Dianne Hamilton, M. Ed., has over 38 years of experience in urban, rural, and suburban classrooms from k-12 to college level teaching English, Reading, Theater, and courses in the Leadership Program for Graduate Studies as well as serving in Staff Development and Department Chair. She has extensive experience in training teachers, trainers, developing and writing courses.

Dianne continues to present at national conferences and work with non-profits and schools to improve curriculum, instruction, assessment, leadership, and staff development, in addition to providing content for Mindsteps. She lives in Virginia with her husband and daughter.

Claire Lambert, M.A., enjoyed seven years as a middle school English teacher and school-based Staff Developer. In addition to teaching, Claire is a gifted writer and co-authored How To Support Struggling Students with Robyn. She is also a frequent presenter throughout the United States.

Claire is currently completing her Doctorate Studies in Teacher Education and resides in North Carolina with her husband and two sons.

Linda Natale, M.Ed., spent over 30 years as a middle school reading specialist, English teacher, K – 12 professional development specialist, and district-level administrator for K-12 curriculum training and development. She continues to use her expertise in literacy, curriculum and instruction, and professional development as a coach, trainer, and consultant for teachers and administrators. Linda has presented at national conferences including the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) and the National Staff Development Council (NSDC). Linda resides in Maryland.