Dr. Lorie Cristofaro serves as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction and has over 25 years of experience in Illinois public schools as a social studies teacher, department chair, and assistant principal of curriculum and instruction. She is active in many professional organizations and has been the co-chair of the Women in Educational Leadership Luncheon for several years.

Dr. Cristofaro is a proud graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education and earned her Master of Science degree in Foundations of Education from Northern Illinois University. She received her doctorate from the University of St. Francis.

Dr. Cristofaro has enjoyed working in and serving the students and families of Lockport Township High School since 2019. She resides in Bolingbrook with her family.

Monet Webster’s educator experiences fuel her passion to ensure equitable opportunities. In Belleville School District 118, she taught students in the classroom before transitioning to the principal. She remained passionate about equity and inclusion work while becoming the district's first black female administrator and first Director of Belonging and Family Engagement. She has been recognized as the Southwestern Region IPA Principal of the Year for 2024 as well as the Illinois State Board of Education Those Who Excel Recipient. She continues fostering an environment where every student feels like they belong at Abraham Lincoln Elementary School and in District 118.

Jessica Santee was appointed as Glenbard Township High School District 87’s Superintendent, effective July 1, 2025. The four Glenbard high schools include Glenbard East, Glenbard North, Glenbard South and Glenbard West. Santee served as Principal at Glenbard South from 2021-2025. Prior to that, she was Glenbard South’s Assistant Principal of Instruction from July 2019 – June 2021. Before coming to Glenbard, Santee was Lisle Community High School’s Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction from July 2016 – June 2019. Prior to that, she was York Community High School’s Division Chair for Research and Social Sciences from July 2014 – June 2016. Also at York, Santee was a Social Studies Teacher from 2008-16 and Department Coordinator from 2012-14.Santee is in the final steps of pursuing a doctorate in educational administration leadership from Aurora University. She has a master’s degree of educational leadership, principal preparation program from North Central College and a master’s degree of secondary education from University of Cincinnati. Santee earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and criminology from The Ohio State University.

Dr. Brandi Kelly is an award-winning principal, former superintendent, and the CEO of Spark HOPE Edu, dedicated to empowering leaders to rise with clarity, courage, and purpose. With over 20 years of experience leading schools and organizations, she is renowned for her ability to blend storytelling, strategy, and hope.Brandi is the creator of the System of H.O.P.E.—Habits, Optimistic Outlook, Purpose, and Excellence—an actionable framework designed to support leaders in overcoming burnout, strengthening their mindset, and leading with greater alignment. This system is a vital tool for leaders navigating the challenges of today's professional landscape.As a highly sought-after speaker and author of Lead with H.O.P.E.: Building a System of Self-Efficacy, Dr. Kelly inspires leaders to step fully into their influence and create cultures where people—and possibilities—thrive.Connect with Brandi at sparkhopeedu.com and on your favorite social media platforms.