ACTE National Leadership Fellowship Program

Danielle Meyer serves as a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Workforce Development Coordinator in Prince William County Public Schools.  Danielle supports Work-Based Learning (WBL) business partnerships and career events. She also provides leadership and program support for the Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) program area.

Danielle has a background teaching technology and engineering education to students in grades 7-12 prior to serving as a division CTE administrator. Throughout the years, Danielle has served in various leadership roles including Immediate Past-President of the Virginia Association of Career and Technical Education Administrators (VACTEA), Immediate-Past President of Virginia Work-Based Learning (VA WBL), and Immediate-Past President of the Virginia Technology and Engineering Education Association (VTEEA).  She is the VACTEA 2025 recipient of the Presidential Leadership Award, the VTEEA 2021 recipient of the Lynn P. Barrier Engineering Leadership Award, and a VTEEA 2019 recipient of the Presidential Leadership Award.

Danielle holds a post-master’s certificate in Educational Leadership from Longwood University and received her Master of Science in Education and Bachelor of Science in Technology Education from the State University of New York College at Oswego.  She currently holds Virginia endorsements in Admin and Supervision, Technology Education, and Driver Education.  Danielle loves everything CTE has to offer and the impact it has on students!

Courtney McCubbins is the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Curriculum and Assessment Manager at Mississippi State University’s Research and Curriculum Unit (MSU-RCU) in Starkville, Mississippi. In this role, she partners with the Mississippi Department of Education to lead statewide initiatives in curriculum and assessment development across all CTE Career Clusters. While her leadership extends across Mississippi’s entire CTE system, agricultural education remains her passion. She continues to stay deeply engaged in school-based agricultural education, recently serving on the Mississippi FFA Alumni Council and volunteering with the Mississippi FFA Association.

Before joining the RCU, McCubbins began her CTE career as an agricultural education teacher and FFA advisor in Tennessee, later serving with the Tennessee Department of Education as Tennessee FFA State Staff. She also prepared future agricultural science teachers as an academic advisor and student teacher supervisor at Texas A&M University.

McCubbins is dedicated to strengthening the pipeline of agricultural educators and ensuring classroom instruction aligns with workforce and industry needs through Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education from Tennessee Technological University and a Master of Arts in Education from Cumberland University.

Leslie Cooksey is a dedicated and student-centered school counselor who strives to create meaningful connections and empower students to reach their fullest potential. She began her career in Career and Technology Education (CTE) in January 2010, teaching business education, and over the past 16 years has taught a range of business and marketing courses while fostering a culture of growth and achievement. Leslie earned her master’s degree in School Counseling from East Central University, where she strengthened her commitment to supporting students’ academic, career, and personal development. Since 2019, she has proudly served as a school counselor at Metro Tech, where she continues to guide students with compassion, professionalism, and purpose.

Dr. Devon Anderson Winters is a dedicated educational leader with more than twenty years of experience advancing Career and Technical Education (CTE) and equitable student opportunities in Waterloo Community Schools, Iowa. As the district’s Career and CTSO Coordinator, she provides professional development for CTE educators, supports implementation of industry-recognized credentials, and leads initiatives that strengthen student engagement through Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs).

Throughout her career, Dr. Anderson Winters has been a tireless advocate for CTE at both the local and state levels, empowering students to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences through job shadows, internships, and leadership development. Her leadership has resulted in numerous student successes, including multiple Business Professionals of America state and national officers.

Dr. Anderson Winters earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Manhattanville University, where her dissertation, “Developing Career Self-Efficacy: High School Alumni Perceptions of the Iowa BPA Experience,” examined how participation in Career and Technical Student Organizations influences students’ confidence, relationship-building, and career readiness beyond high school. Her research reinforces her lifelong passion for empowering students through CTSOs and experiential learning. Dr. Anderson Winters remains deeply committed to advancing equitable access to CTE opportunities and preparing the next generation of leaders to thrive in an evolving global workforce.

Kristi Lebkowsky has been a Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher for ten years and involved in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education for seventeen years. Her engineering career started in the semiconductor industry with a background rooted in chemistry. She obtained her Ph.D. in Chemistry from Tulane University where she researched and developed a system to generate molecular hydrogen through a light induced reaction. She also holds a Masters in Science Education, a Master of Science in Chemistry, and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. As a high school engineering and robotics teacher at Henley High School in southern Oregon, she is passionate and strives to consistently bring real world experiences to the classroom to elevate student engagement and learning. Creating connections with industry and local colleges has led to rich educational experiences for her students. Multiple Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) opportunities at Henley were initiated by Kristi, including the VEX robotics program, the current SKillsUSA chapter, and the Regional KidWind Clean Energy competitions. Kristi was named the KidWind National High School Coach of the year in 2018. Kristi also feels inspired to help other educators through facilitating workshops in robotics and CTE/STEM education. She is a committee member for the Go Baby Go organization, a non profit organization that creates ride-on cars for young children with physical disabilities. The current focus is to tap into the collaborative network of the organization to expand local access points for families in rural southern Oregon while educating students in biomedical, mechanical, and electrical engineering. Her industry experiences are utilized to inspire students and ignite a sense of belief in themselves. This learning environment cultivates students that are empowered to be leaders in their communities with a strong competitive advantage for the workplace.

Dr. Nicole A. Graves is Associate Professor of Family & Consumer Sciences Education in the College of Education and Human Sciences at South Dakota State University. She teaches a variety of undergraduate courses for Family & Consumer Sciences Education and Agricultural Education. Her areas of research include CTE teacher recruitment and retention, teacher burnout, and technology integration.

Kaye C. Harris is a dedicated Career and Technical Education (CTE) leader committed to advancing innovative and ethical practices that prepare students for success in an evolving workforce. As CTE Coordinator for Polk County Schools, she provides strategic direction, program support, and leadership development for teachers across multiple pathways. Kaye’s background in agricultural education, combined with her expertise in curriculum design and educator mentorship, has positioned her as a respected voice in CTE leadership across North Carolina. A recipient of the NC ACTE CTE Teacher of the Year and NC State CALS Outstanding Alumni awards, she continues to champion excellence, collaboration, and equity within CTE programs statewide.

Dr. Dipal Kapadia is the Administrative Director at Lehigh Career & Technical Institute (LCTI) and a PA leader in Career & Technical Education (CTE). Holding a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration, he has extensive experience in integrating technology at all levels of an organization, enhancing curricula, operations, and staff development.
With experience in multiple Pennsylvania CTE organizations, Dipal has led curriculum integration, workforce and CDL programs, and apprenticeship initiatives, including applying insights from Germany’s apprenticeship model. He brings significant grant writing and oversight experience, securing funding to support program growth, workforce alignment, and student success.
An active member of the Pennsylvania Association of Career and Technical Administrators (PACTA), Dipal has contributed leadership and expertise to multiple committees, supporting professional development, advocacy, and legislative initiatives. He also serves as Executive Director of PENN HOSA, promoting the development of future healthcare and career-ready leaders.

Samantha McGuane is an accomplished educational leader currently serving as the Director of Academics for Bay Path Regional Vocational High School in Massachusetts and an adjunct professor at Johnson & Wales University.

Her twenty-year commitment to education is rooted in her experience as a vocational-technical high school graduate. She spent the majority of her career as a respected English teacher at Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, developing a deep understanding of academic and vocational integration.

Her doctoral research from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, which focused on Leadership in Schooling, was steeped in the principles of social justice and equity. This philosophy drives her current work, where she designs monthly professional development sessions and coaches staff on mastery principles and innovative strategies to increase access for all students.

Dr. McGuane has been an influential voice in Massachusetts education, mentoring countless instructors, supporting students through State and National SkillsUSA competitions, and serving on Department of Elementary and Secondary Education committees to develop vocational crosswalk standards and revise the English licensure MTEL exam.

A firm believer that education is experiential, she often translates her travels into broader perspectives on learning.

Matthew Bechtel serves as the Work-Based Learning Educational Specialist for Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia, where he leads and supports students and teachers in developing high-quality WBL experiences. He is a founding member and former treasurer of Virginia ACTE Work-Based Learning (VA WBL) and currently serves as the VDOE Region IV Representative, fostering collaboration among school divisions across Virginia’s most populated region. Matt also leads regional school divisions in planning the annual Instruction 2 Industry Future Ready Conference, a free career exploration event that connects thousands of Northern Virginia high school students with local industry professionals in high-demand fields. His leadership continues to strengthen partnerships that bridge education and industry to build the future workforce.

Mr. Cooper began leading the Cleburne ISD Career and Technical Education program in Cleburne, TX in 2025, following his tenure as Executive Director of CTE for Lewisville ISD from 2019 to 2025. Before that, he served as a CTE consultant for the Region 10 Education Service Center from 2017 to 2019. He began his career in Irving ISD, where he worked for seven years as a high school CTE teacher specializing in business and marketing, a coach for football, baseball, and track, and ultimately as a CTE coordinator. Prior to his career in education, Mr. Cooper spent nearly a decade in the automotive industry, continuing his family’s legacy as a third generation in the field.

Mr. Cooper and his wife have been married since 2006 and are the proud parents of two children. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Arts in Sports Management from Dallas Baptist University. He is passionate about helping students explore their future paths—empowering them to discover not only what they want to do, but also what they don’t want to do, as they shape their career journeys.

Robyn Castleberry serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Support at Moore Norman Technology Center in Norman, Oklahoma, overseeing marketing and communications, student engagement, and student services. With more than 30 years of experience in the Oklahoma CareerTech system, she began her career as a marketing education teacher and DECA advisor before advancing into leadership roles in marketing, student services, and instructional administration. Robyn has led initiatives that enhance student success, strengthen community partnerships, and advance workforce readiness. She is passionate about connecting people to resources that expand opportunities for students.

Pam Kantack is the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Administrator for Shelley School District in Shelley, Idaho, where she also serves as principal of the district’s alternative school and kindergarten center. A former business teacher, Pam is passionate about preparing students for real-world success through CTE. Her leadership and dedication have earned her multiple honors, including the 2024 CTEI Region 6 Administrator of the Year, 2022 NCWIT AiC Educator Award, 2022 Sweethearts Teacher Hero, 2021 BPA Advisor of the Year, Stukent Teacher of the Month February 2021, and Classy 97 FM Teacher of the Month (February 2017 and October 2019). Pam continues to expand opportunities for students through innovative programs and partnerships that strengthen career readiness and technical education across the district.

I am Dr. Gina R. Smith, a dedicated Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) Instructor and Program Coordinator at Robert W. Groves High School’s Industrial Academy in Garden City, Georgia. I lead the Maritime Logistics & Supply Chain Pathway, where I prepare students for high-demand careers through hands-on training and industry-recognized certifications. With a Doctorate in Business Administration focused on workplace bullying and gender discrimination, I am passionate about promoting equity, leadership, and professionalism in every aspect of my program. I have built strong partnerships with employers such as Georgia Ports Authority, Gulfstream Aerospace, Colonial Group, JCB, and Hyundai Mobis to provide students with real-world opportunities. My mission is to bridge education and industry while developing the next generation of logistics and supply chain professionals.

Fawn Wilde is a strategic education administrator with a belief that collaboration drives transformation. She serves as the Director of the Western Statewide CTE Consortium in South Dakota, where she supports over two-dozen rural school districts and their communities, focusing on effective allocation of Perkins V funding and fostering sustainable partnerships between secondary and post-secondary education, workforce, and community stakeholders to ensure students graduate with the skills and confidence to thrive in high-demand careers. She has led innovative initiatives that connect industry experts to classrooms, expand professional development opportunities for CTE educators, and spark regional collaboration to address workforce shortages. Known for her ability to manage complex, multi-layered projects with clarity and creativity, she excels at bringing people together around shared goals. Her collaborative leadership style creates environments where others feel valued, motivated, and empowered to contribute their best ideas toward collective success.

Aaron is a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Marketing educator and business professional based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He brings a strong background in marketing strategy, operations, and digital media, with experience spanning education, small business growth, and creative services. Aaron holds an MBA and a Master’s degree in Marketing with a Digital Marketing Specialization and is passionate about connecting classroom instruction to real-world business practices. His work emphasizes career readiness, industry alignment, and helping students develop practical skills that translate directly to college and the workforce.

I am a passionate third year educator, looking to advance CTE in meaningful ways. Throughout my career I have worked on several curriculum development teams, attended and have been recognized for my contributions at national conferences, and self-started several extracurricular activities to ensure student success in STEM education.

Hunter Christmas is an Arts and AV Educator at Las Cruces Public Schools, where she leads a hands-on film program focused on storytelling, creativity, and career readiness while also being the yearbook. Her students have earned state and national recognition through NMSPA, Film Prize Jr. NM, STN, and SkillsUSA competitions, and she is deeply committed to fostering student leadership and engagement through real-world projects. Hunter looks forward to collaborating with other educators to strengthen CTE programs and inspire the next generation of creative professionals.

When she is not working on the next best project opportunity, she enjoys spending time with her dog, Cowboy.

Dimitri has spent the last 10 years working in the movie industry, making various notable films. Since then, he has been working as a Video & Film CTE educator teaching students about the work force behind the film industry. He is currently the Secretary of RIACTE. As an educator, his goal is to show students the various directions of film from a creative and employable perspective.

Brittney Brisco, MBA, M.S.Ed, CSC, is the Co-Lead High School Counselor for the Bibb County School District in Macon, Georgia, where she provides leadership and support for comprehensive school counseling programs that impact thousands of students. A former CTAE Business Education teacher, FBLA advisor, and Upward Bound Educational Specialist, Brittney is a visionary educator dedicated to advancing equity, access, and student success through Career and Technical Education. She has led numerous districtwide initiatives that strengthen collaboration among counselors, CTAE personnel, and community partners to expand college, career, and workforce readiness opportunities. Brittney also serves as the Secondary Liaison for the Georgia School Counselor Association, a member of ACTE’s Counseling and Career Development Division Policy Committee, and a member of SACAC’s Government Relations Committee. Recognized for her innovation, servant leadership, and advocacy, she remains committed to preparing all students for future-focused careers and lifelong success.

Alicia Cook, Ed.D. is a dynamic educational leader known for driving innovation and fostering excellence in Career and Technical Education. As Assistant Director/Principal of Wilco Area Career Center in Romeoville, IL (Region 3), she brings five years of administrative experience, including three dedicated to CTE. Since joining Wilco in 2024, Alicia has led strategic initiatives that improved operational efficiency, modernized technology systems, and enhanced instructional support. Her proactive leadership has also strengthened campus safety and student wellness through targeted programs and upgraded infrastructure. With a bold vision and a hands-on approach, Dr. Cook continues to elevate educational standards and empower both staff and students for long-term success.

Rooted in personal experience, Alicia’s passion for Career and Technical Education was shaped by early hands-on work alongside her father and grandfather, both skilled tradesmen. That foundation continues to guide her mission to prepare students for real-world success through meaningful, skill-based learning. She brings that same dedication to her role as a nurturing mother of five, balancing leadership with compassion and a strong commitment to family. Her ability to lead with both heart and strategy makes her a powerful advocate for students, staff, and the future of CTE.

Josh Carter serves as the Associate Vice President of Career and Technical Education at Crowder College in Neosho, Missouri. With over 15 years of experience in education, Dr. Carter began his career teaching elementary students before transitioning to secondary STEM instruction, where he taught programming and also led competitive robotics teams, including FRC (First Robotics Comp.) and NRL (Battle Bots KC) teams. Now in his fourth year at the community college and second year in administration, he previously directed the Crowder College Technical Education Center, a K–12 area career center, before advancing to oversee all CTE programs for the institution.

Dr. Carter earned his Doctorate in Educational Administration from Lindenwood University. He is passionate about expanding access to high-quality CTE opportunities and building supportive pathways that empower students to transform their lives and reach their full potential. A dedicated husband and father of two daughters, outside of work he enjoys coaching and keeping up with their many sports and community activities as well as the occasional camping trip to far away destinations whenever possible.

Joshua D. Gibson serves as the Academic Director and Teacher for Jay County High School’s Annex program in Portland, Indiana, where he leads innovative initiatives in alternative education and work-based learning. A passionate advocate for career and technical education, Gibson has guided more than 200 nontraditional students to graduation while integrating entrepreneurship and real-world skill development into his curriculum. He is currently an Indiana ACTE Fellow, developing his leadership in CTE advancement and professional collaboration. In addition to his work in education, he is a co-owner of a family restaurant, a beekeeper, a coach, and an active community leader through the Lions Club and local foundation initiatives. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling with his family, watching his kids grow, baseball, fishing, and reading.

Tasha Jackson serves as the Assistant Director of the EPIC Consortium (Energy Partners for Innovation in Collaboration) at River Parishes Community College in Louisiana. In her role, she leads initiatives that bridge education, industry, and community through innovative workforce and STEM programs, including the rapidly growing E3 Academy (Expose, Engage, Employ)—a workforce development initiative that begins in elementary school. With a background in science and education, Tasha is passionate about developing scenario-based learning models and leading train-the-trainer initiatives that empower instructors to deliver hands-on, real-world learning experiences. Her work reflects a deep commitment to cultivating talent and inspiring the next generation of energy leaders.

Heather Dutrey serves as a shared Work-Based Learning Coordinator for the Clarke, Interstate 35, and Murray school districts in southern Iowa. In this role, she helps students engage in meaningful career experiences that align with their skills, interests, and aspirations. Heather holds a B.A. in Elementary Education from Simpson College, an M.S. in Educational Leadership from Creighton University, and a Work-Based Learning Authorization from the University of Northern Iowa. A former middle school math teacher, instructional coach, and assistant principal, she is dedicated to helping students explore career pathways and build confidence in their futures.