Dr. Marie Therese Angeline P. Bustos has served as ACTRC’s Philippine Director since 2014. She is a Professor of Special Education at the University of the Philippines-Diliman and the former Dean of the College of Education. She is the Chair of the Technical Committee for Special Education and a member of the Technical Panel on Teacher Education of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

She is active in research on Philippine basic education with a focus on inclusion and persons with disabilities. Her recent roles in research on inclusive education include Lead Researcher of the Incorporating Disability in the Conditional Cash Transfer Program and Project Director of the Philippines Response to Indigenous Peoples and Muslim Education Program. Her other research interests are student achievement and deaf literacy.

Dr. Lorna Dino is a distinguished education, leadership, and management consultant with over three decades of experience. Currently a Professor at Our Lady of Penafrancia Seminary in Sorsogon City, she has excelled locally and internationally as a facilitator and trainer in various educational domains. Dr. Dino’s illustrious career in the Department of Education, culminating in roles such as Regional Director and Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction, reflects her commitment to educational reform. Notable leadership includes presidencies of the Association of DepEd Directors Inc. and AFTA Philippine Chapter Inc. With stellar academic record and numerous accolades, including being an Outstanding Alumna of Philippine Normal University (Manila) and University of St. Anthony (Iriga City), Dr. Lorna Dino is dedicated to advancing quality and inclusive education.

 

Miki O’Connell has 10+ years of experience in the field of international education. Following a Master’s from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education she has been working in the field of Refugee Education and towards education equity and increased access. Miki has worked for education-technology startups both in the US and the Philippines, for non-profits across the globe and has completed various projects and consultations for a multitude of government institutions. Her work experience spans from policy and research to project/product management to organizational operations. When she’s not working you can find her in the mountains of Jackson Hole, Wyoming with her husband and two dogs.

 

He is the author of the book “Index for Inclusion: A Guide to School Development led by Inclusive Values”.

He has been researching, teaching, and writing about participation, exclusion and the principled development of systems and settings in education for more than 30 years.

His ideas are summarized within the “Index for Inclusion: A Guide to School Development led by Inclusive Values.” –which was translated into 40 languages supporting other initiatives aiming to spread the inclusion work around the world.

He is an International Baccalaureate (IB) program consultant and former Executive Director of Sturgis Charter Public School in Hyannis, Massachusetts – consistently ranked the number one high school in Massachusetts.

Eric has also held leadership positions at four IB American international schools. A strong proponent of “IB for All” philosophy, Eric has led workshops on IB access; college readiness; and redesigning the American high school at several regional, state, national, and international conferences.

David is a Program Director for the Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) at the University of Massachusetts Boston. He has an extensive background in working with public systems and community agencies to enhance employment outcomes for people with significant disabilities. He has done work across the United States and internationally, providing technical assistance and training on effective practices in human services and workforce development.

A primary focus of his work is on organizational and systems change to improve employment outcomes, with a particular emphasis on public policies and their impact on the lives of people with disabilities.

Dr. Frances is the President of Stetson & Associates, Inc. in the US that has revolved around and improved the quality of inclusive schools for all students over 24-year history. She is also the Executive Director and sponsor for the Inclusive Schools Network, recognized in 2015 as one of the top five online resources on inclusive education.

She also authored the first Report to Congress regarding IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). Further, a skilled keynote and is known for her focus on students, practical strategies, and system change, and an expert consultant in all US Education Districts.

Andrea is a veteran elementary special education teacher in the highly rated Wellesley Public School system in Wellesley, Massachusetts, U.S.A.  She is also an adjunct professor/professional developer at Framingham State College in Framingham, MA and The Education Collaborative in Dedham, MA.

Andrea’s background also includes: a Masters Degree in Learning Disabilities from New York University and a Wilson Level One Reading Specialist Certification (working on Level Two).

She is currently teaching English at Wellesley Middle School in Wellesley, Massachusetts and is involved in the launching of the school’s  1:1 iPad initiative, assigning iPads to all incoming 6th graders.

She is also involved in mentoring new teachers, curriculum development, coaching various student organizations. Alyssa’s background includes: a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of California at Berkeley and a Master’s degree in Teaching and Curriculum from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Her international experience includes studying at the University of Chiang Mai and working for the International Schools at Escuela Campo Alegre in Caracas, Venezuela.