Unlocked 26

Luis Perez, Ph.D., CPWA is Senior Director of Disability and Accessibility at CAST, where he advances inclusive design, digital accessibility, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to expand opportunities for everyone. He collaborates with educators, policymakers, researchers, and technology developers to create accessible learning experiences and promote learner-centered innovation. Luis is a nationally recognized speaker, author, and advocate whose work focuses on accessibility, assistive technology, workforce development, and emerging technologies, including extended reality and AI. He was recognized with an ISTE Making IT Happen Award and currently serves as an AT and Workplace strand advisor for the Assistive Technology Industry Association.  

As a former Deputy Headteacher with 22 years in education, Gifty Francis brings a first-hand understanding of the pressures senior leaders face in primary education. She now works as a Digital Learning Consultant, partnering with school leaders to design and embed digital strategies that translate into real, lasting impact.

Tim Villegas is Interim Chief Executive Officer at MCIE (Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education), where he helps school districts build more inclusive learning environments. He brings more than 16 years of experience as a special education teacher, program specialist, and nonprofit leader. Tim is also an internationally recognised voice in inclusive education and is the creator of the Think Inclusive blog and podcast, The Weeklyish newsletter, and the Inclusion Stories audio documentary series.

Katie Novak, Ed.D., is an internationally renowned educational consultant, adjunct instructor at the University of Pennsylvania, best-selling author, podcast host, and founder of Novak Educational Consulting. With over 20 years of experience in education, Novak has authored 17 books, including best-sellers UDL Now!, The Shift to Student-Led, and the newly released The UDL Shift. Under Katie's leadership, Novak Education's work has reached schools and organizations across 41 states and 30 countries, helping shape inclusive educational practices on a global scale.

Dan Fitzpatrick is a leading voice on how education responds to artificial intelligence. He advises governments, regulators and education leaders worldwide, helping them build confident, ethical strategies. A bestselling author, Forbes contributor and international speaker, he connects policy, leadership and classroom practice to create lasting, responsible change across education systems.

Sherry Maher Erian is Head of Learning at Dystinct Learners and a specialist teacher and assessor with more than a decade of experience in literacy intervention, assessment, and inclusive education. She holds specialist dyslexia qualifications at Levels 5 and 7, an Assessment Practising Certificate, and an MSc in Psychology. Alongside her work at Dystinct Learners, Sherry works as an SpLD assessor and supports the training of future specialist teachers and assessors. Her work focuses on turning evidence-based practice into practical support for learners, educators, and families.

Dr Fiona Aubrey-Smith an independent consultant researcher who works closely with schools to support a deeper understanding of pedagogy and practice in a contemporary landscape. She is a PhD supervisor and examiner, and co-author of the best selling book From EdTech to PedTech: Changing the way we think about digital technology. Fiona is Co-founder of the National PedTech Partnership and The Open School UK, and sits on a number of advisory and charitable boards. In 2024, Fiona was granted Freedom of the City of London, and Fiona was named EduFuturist of the Year 2025.

Susan is an experienced school leader who has worked with schools and settings over many years to support thoughtful, creative and sustainable approaches to using digital tools to enrich learning. She leads the Digital Inclusion and Learning Team in Midlothian Council, focused on ensuring all Midlothian learners are equipped with the digital skills they need for learning, life and work. Midlothian’s award-winning Equipped for Learning project has seen 15,000 young people equipped with a 1:1 device for learning.

Dr. Nesselrode is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and former public school special education teacher and administrator. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin. His research includes how problem behavior is assessed in public school settings, as well as teacher feedback on assessment methodologies. Ross has publications in the following peer-reviewed journals: Behavior Analysis in Practice and Review Journal of Autism & Developmental Disorders.