Mathematics Equity Summit Working Group Facilitators

Carla Bidwell, Ph.D

Mathematics Specialist
Metro Regional Educational Service Agency

Dr. Carla Bidwell has been an educator for 18 years, beginning her career as a high school mathematics teacher and later serving as a secondary mathematics instructional coach. Dr. Bidwell’s passion lies in understanding the roles racism and bias play in maintaining inequitable schooling experiences for marginalized youth. Her prior research examined the lived experiences of successful white teachers of African American students in hopes to better understand ways in which these teachers navigated the racial dynamics at play in their classrooms. Dr.Bidwell currently works as a secondary mathematics specialist with Metro RESA and continually strives to make schools more inclusive of all students.

Brooke Kline

Secondary Mathematics Program Specialist
Georgia Department of Education

Brooke Kline has worked in secondary mathematics education for over 30 years, beginning his career as a high school mathematics teacher, which included coaching and leaderships roles. He earned his Masters Degree from Georgia State University in Educational Leadership. In his current position as the Secondary Mathematics Program Specialist at the Georgia Department of Education, Brooke works with and supports mathematics teachers and leaders from across the state in an effort to improve Georgia Mathematics.

Timesha Brooks

Mathematics Implementation Specialist
Oconee RESA

Timesha Brooks is a dedicated mathematics educator with over 15 years of experience. She currently serves as a Mathematics Implementation Specialist and Mathematics Mentor serving the Oconee RESA area. She has experience as a mathematics teacher and teacher leader, including her roles as an Instructional Site Facilitator at Clayton County Public Schools and educator in Atlanta Public Schools. She holds an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership and Administration and a Master’s degree in statistics from Georgia State University, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from Spelman College. She has experience supporting teachers’ professional growth in effective mathematics instruction, classroom management, teacher training, curriculum development, and data analysis. Her educational background is in applied mathematics and statistics. Her expertise is with students who are considered “at risk” and consistently helping them increase student achievement in the area of mathematics. She has worked with students who have been placed in alternative programs and used her knowledge and expertise to assist teachers with the training and knowledge to support their students’ growth, both academically and socially.

Michael Wiernicki

Elementary Mathematics Program Specialist
Georgia Department of Education

Mike Wiernicki has worked in K-12 education for over 25 years as a classroom teacher, mathematics coach, and adjunct professor at Mercer University. Mike is currently the Elementary Mathematics Program Specialist at the Georgia Department of Education. He earned his Masters Degree in Middle Grades Mathematics from the University of West Georgia and will graduate from UGA in December with a Specialist Degree in K-8 Mathematics. Mr. Wiernicki has conducted numerous workshops and has presented at the state, regional, and national levels. His passion for teaching and learning mathematics is evident in his energetic presentations.

Marian Dingle

Grade Level Chair
Briar Vista Elementary School

Marian Dingle is a teacher who pushes for change through students, striving to educate through a social justice lens. Currently a Grade Level Chairperson, a 4th and 5th grade educator and an instructional mentor at Briar Vista Elementary School, she is most passionate about mathematics, seeking to diversify mathematics curriculum through highlighting the work of mathematicians of color. She has keynoted at Twitter Math Camp, serves on their board and is a contributing writer for the Global Math Department. She has also presented several sessions for the Georgia Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the Georgia Association of Gifted Children, and will present her action research at the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

Douglas Edwards

Research Associate II
CEISMC, Georgia Institute of Technology

Douglas Edwards is a former electrical engineer with the US Air Force and Associate Professor of Information Technology that instructed computer networking, IT project management, and computer programming. He has also instructed high school mathematics, engineering, and computer science. Doug has developed K-12 science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) and STEM curriculum and implemented online and face-to-face teacher professional learning. His current work is on computer science STEAM curriculum and professional development.

Seyoung Holte

Director of K-5 Mathematics
Northeast Georgia Regional Educational Service Agency

Seyoung Holte is a Mathematics Mentor with Northeast Georgia RESA where she directs the K-5 mathematics program for the region. She also serves as the Northeast Region Representative for the Georgia Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Her areas of expertise include making effective mathematics teaching practices visible for teachers and leaders to support all learners. She has led professional learning around the 8 Standards for Mathematical Practice, numeracy progression, Cognitively Guided Instruction, Number Talks and Growth Mindset in Teaching and Learning.

Lay Snell

Lya Snell, Ph.D

Mathematics Program Manager
Georgia Department of Education

Dr. Lya Snell serves as the Georgia Department of Education's Mathematics Program Manager, where she works to promote equity and access to high-quality mathematics programming throughout Georgia. This includes a focus on making mathematics relevant for students through STEM/STEAM education. Dr. Snell has served in multiple leadership and teaching capacities advocating for equity in mathematics education. She has participated in numerous outreach activities in a variety of settings and serves on a number of boards involving K-12 Mathematics, as well as STEM-STEAM education.

Natalie Myricks

Natalie Myricks, Ph.D.

Compliance Specialist
Clayton County Schools

Dr. Natalie Myricks serves as a Compliance Specialist with Clayton County Schools supporting teachers of students with disabilities. She has over 18 years of experience in K-12 education working in the field of special education in three Georgia school districts. Dr. Myricks has served in multiple leadership and teaching capacities advocating for students with special needs. Her expertise is in the areas of interrelated special education, teacher effectiveness, teacher mentorship, and special education compliance. She is committed to developing high-quality teachers who ensure educational equity and promote high standards for all students, particularly those with learning disabilities.

Jenise Sexton

Mathematics and Special Education Content Integration Specialist
Georgia Department of Education

Jenise Sexton serves as the Mathematics and Special Education Content Integration Specialist at the Georgia Department of Education. She is passionate about ensuring that each and every learner’s needs are met and believes that when students' needs are met, they will succeed. She also believes in taking a social-emotional approach to teaching so that each student feels valued. Her experience includes serving as an elementary and middle school classroom teacher, mathematics coach and district mathematics specialist in Henry and Gwinnett counties. Throughout her educational career, she has remained committed to meeting the need of every student.