Allentown, PA – April 30, 2026– On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, the Allentown School District hosted the Catalytic Ambassadors Fellowship Program, Education Capstone Presentations at Louis E. Dieruff High School.
The Catalytic Ambassador Fellowship Program empowers Allentown School District educators to lead meaningful change across their schools and the District. Grounded in equity, belonging, and high expectations, ambassadors identify and address challenges impacting student learning and experience.
In partnership with the University of Pennsylvania and the United Way, participants strengthened leadership practices that center on student voice and belonging. These teachers have collaborated across schools to analyze challenges and develop solutions. Participants engaged in structured processes such as data walks and feedback cycles to guide their work. They also applied research-based frameworks, including Lewin’s Change Model, to drive sustainable improvement.
In addition, participants engaged in teaching with dignity to enhance student engagement, strengthen a sense of belonging, and improve student performance. Throughout the Fellowship, the Ambassadors worked alongside school leaders, colleagues, students, and families to remove barriers and promote equitable outcomes.
These capstone presentations highlight their impact and ongoing commitment to ensure all students thrive. The teachers who presented at the Catalytic Ambassador Fellowship program are as follows:
- Abigail Kileen, Ritter Elementary School, Behavioral Infractions in decrease in problem behaviors
- Aimee Santiago, Mosser Elementary School, Reducing Chronic Absenteeism
- Amaris Recker, Sonia Sotomayor Dual Language Immersion Academy, The Rigor and Access Gap
- Amy Spang and Gigi Diehl, Ruby Bridges Early Childhood Center, Kindergarten Attendance and Foundational Skills
- Brittany Reber, Central STREM Academy, Absenteeism
- Diane Riffle, Brigadier General Anna Mae Hays Elementary School, Improving Third Grade Literacy
- Dr. Ferdinand Surita, William Penn Alternative School, Safety Beyond Physical Security
- Ellie Nassar, Trexler Middle School, Improving Student Engagement and School Culture at Trexler Middle School
- James Grabusky, South Mountain Middle School, Increasing the use of data to select students for math remediation
- Jaime Lero, Sheridan Elementary School, Improve school-wide attendance in first and fifth graders
- Jason Kalbach, Raub Middle School, Implementing Trauma-Informed Social Emotional Learning Support Systems
- Jennifer Graham, Harrison Morton Middle School, Reducing Behavioral Incidents
- Jennifer Gross, Union Terrace Elementary School, Using Hands-on Learning to Improve Emotional Regulation in students with disabilities
- Jennifer Hunsicker, Louis E. Dieruff High School, Reducing the number of 9th graders having to repeat the 9th grade year
- Juliet Saba, Luis A. Ramos Elementary School, Improving Third Grade Attendance
- Lauren Amann, Jackson Early Childhood Center, Strengthening School Climate and Social Emotional Learning Skills
- Lisa Moniz, Hiram W. Dodd Elementary School, Proficiency in Literacy
- Megan Justice, Bridgeiew Academy, Strive for Continuous Improvement in Students and Teachers
- Natasha Rodriguez, William Allen High School, 9th Grade Retention through a Canary Success Center
- Sara Jane Brace, Roosevelt Elementary School, Culture of Care
- Shawn Kerbein, Jefferson Elementary School, Increase Reading Proficiency in Third Graders
- Tammi Hauser, Muhlenberg Elementary School, Knowledge Sharing Across Educators, AI and Lexia Core5
- Tiffany Goodman, Lehigh Parkway Elementary School, Literacy Workshop for Families in grades K-3
- Tricia Babilonia, Washington Elementary School, Social Emotional Learning to Improve School Attendance and Behavior
The Allentown School District extends sincere appreciation to the Marcon Family and Marcon Equity Innovation and Impact Lab at the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley for their generous support in funding professional learning opportunities for our Catalytic Ambassadors.
We also extend our gratitude to the University of Pennsylvania for their collaboration, guidance, and expertise in delivering high-quality professional development and supporting our Ambassadors in leading impactful change across our schools.
Thank you to all of the educators who participated in Cohort 1. Your commitment to removing barriers and driving sustainable change ensures that every student in our district has the opportunity to succeed.
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