MTSS + AI: The Power Couple Revolutionizing Student Success

About the Presenters

Eric Crespo was born in the Bronx and raised in North Bergen by his parents, who immigrated from Cuba. Eric has served as the Superintendent of Schools for Weehawken Public Schools in New Jersey since 2018. Before arriving in Weehawken, he was an Assistant Superintendent for Paterson Public Schools, the third-largest school district in New Jersey. During his tenure in Weehawken Schools, the district has received the following awards and was recognized by the following organizations: 2024-2025 County Superintendent of the Year, Lighthouse Award for Special Education Post-Secondary Success, Digital Star Schools, Sustainable Schools, AP CSP Female Diversity, Honor Roll and AP Access Award, Namm Award for Best in Music Education, Tech and Learning Innovative Leader Award, NJASA Executive Member, Garden State Coalition Member, NJAEL Member, and Model School 2023, and Niche rated Weehawken Schools the #1 District in Hudson County and #25 High School in the State Leading Statewide AI Committee.

In the winter, the district will add the first electric bus to the fleet, pass two different year referendums with over 80% approval, rebuild a new school, and create an aviation program, special education program, fully functional bank, aquaponics, hydroponics, and apiary. Eric is completing his doctoral dissertation on the effectiveness of professional development in schools at Saint Peter’s University in the spring of 2025. The best part of his day is visiting classrooms, talking to teachers, and supporting families in his community.

Marta Audino is serving her 11th year as Director of Student Services and Programs for the Hamilton Township Board of Education in Hamilton, New Jersey. Hamilton Township is the seventh-largest district in the state with 24 schools and an alternative special education program. In her role as Director, Marta oversees the special education department, district health services, 504, home instruction, MTSS (data teams), McKinney-Vento, and student discipline hearings. Marta also serves as a mentor for new administrators in the state of New Jersey. Marta has presented at local and national conferences on mental health services in schools, integrating related services, MTSS, hot topics in special education, and legal issues. During her tenure in Hamilton, Marta has been instrumental in implementing many programs including the New Jersey Tiered System of Supports and Tier 2 and Tier 3 mental health crisis interventions and programs.