About the Presenters

Dr. Ginger M. Frady is Principal at Red Bank Middle School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. In her 28 years as a K-6 teacher, Response to Intervention coach, assistant principal, and principal at both the elementary and secondary levels, she has earned a reputation as an educational innovator and a change maker. Her emphasis on supporting all learners and inspiring her staff to create a culture of respect and achievement has impacted many school communities. Dr. Frady holds a doctorate in educational leadership with an emphasis in social justice. When she is not working alongside her staff to empower students to strive for a future without limits, she enjoys family adventures and loves traveling to learn more about this remarkable planet we all call home.

Kaci M. McCoy is a middle school math and advisory teacher and student government leader at John McCandless STEM Charter School, in Stockton, California, where she has worked for the past eight years. Prior to that, she worked for 15 years as a fifth-grade self-contained classroom teacher and then as a middle school math teacher, yearbook advisor, and student government leader at Claudia Landeen School, also in Stockton. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education and a Master of Arts degree in secondary education from the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. When she’s not working with students to build their math confidence or social-emotional skills through 21st century collaboration and Teach Rock’s Harmony program, she can be found at the local yoga studio, reading a good crime novel, or on a walk with one of her three rescue dogs.

Michelle Leavy is a dedicated instructional coach and education advocate who is passionate about fostering positive learning environments and empowering both educators and students. With years of experience in the field of education, Michelle has honed her expertise in instructional strategies, curriculum development, and building strong school communities. As an instructional coach, she works closely with teachers to provide personalized support and professional development opportunities. Michelle also helps teachers implement the Harmony program created by TeachRock, a renowned educational organization, to support students in building trust, community, and respect. Through this innovative program and resource, she helps advisory teachers facilitate meaningful discussions, foster empathy, and promote social-emotional learning skills among students.

Gina Machado is the Associate Director of School Partnerships at TeachRock. Beginning her career as a classroom teacher in the Bronx, New York, she now designs arts-integrated education materials for TeachRock and leads professional development sessions across the United States, working alongside teachers to implement the TeachRock curriculum. An educator at heart, Gina’s true passion lies in creating new and innovative ways to reach students of all levels, always aiming to foster the student-teacher relationship.