Chronic Absenteeism and Daily Routines That Influence Attendance

About the Presenters

Dan Merin’s work with the School District of Philadelphia focuses on supporting school leaders and district administrators with implementation of evidence-based school climate initiatives. These initiatives have equity at their core. This responsibility provides administrative support to teams of coaches in Climate & Culture, PBIS, Restorative Practices, and Social-Emotional Learning vis-à-vis facilitating evidence-based programming in alignment with Pennsylvania Department of Education School Plans and the School District of Philadelphia Board of Education Goals and Guardrails. Support extends to a regional cohort of schools, working with principals, staff, and students to create a supportive learning environment that promotes academic and behavioral growth and achievement and problem-focused coping strategies. Dan helps identify areas of need, monitor and analyze data trends, assess skill gaps, develop plans for interventions, conduct and assess trainings, and promote linkages to community resources in order to help schools develop, improve, and strengthen their supports that promote safe, positive, and equitable school environments.

This year marks Shelli Deaguero’s 21st year in education, all proudly served in Aurora Public Schools. Her leadership is grounded by a deep commitment to cultivating a thriving learning community where teaching and learning flourish, students are equipped to meet and exceed their academic goals, and educators grow as leaders within their classrooms and beyond. Shelli believes all students deserve to be seen, heard, and valued, with their identities affirmed and celebrated. She is passionate about creating environments where students experience joy, curiosity, and excitement for learning each day. A Colorado native, Shelli values family and community. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her husband of 32 years, their five children, and five grandchildren. She can often be found hiking, camping, gardening, or cheering at sporting events. Shelli is honored to serve the Clara Brown community and remains deeply dedicated to its students, families, and staff.

Elizabeth Cushing is the CEO of Playworks, a national organization leveraging the power of play to transform children’s well-being. Recognizing that play is vital in learning to relate to each other, Elizabeth works to ensure all kids have access to a safe and healthy recess experience at school every day. Elizabeth joined Playworks in 2004 and was named CEO in 2020. During her tenure, she has played a lead role in designing Playworks’ national scaling strategy, growing from a San Francisco Bay Area focus to a national organization reaching nearly 1 million children every year. For more than 30 years, Elizabeth has served in leadership roles in nonprofit organizations focused on youth development, children’s advocacy, and women’s issues. Elizabeth is a product of Oregon public schools, Stanford University, and the Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs.