About the Presenters

Briana Pulliam has been in public education for 31 years. Most of those years were spent in the lower primary grades, specifically kindergarten and first grade, where she had the opportunity to teach students to read. Briana has always believed that phonics and phonemic awareness were crucial components of her instruction. In 2021, Briana was afforded the opportunity to attend Orton-Gillingham training through the Institute of Multi-Sensory Education and then became an OG-Certified Educator by completing her practicum in 2023. The following year, she was able to complete her Specialist practicum through IMSE as well. She has had LETRS training and is a LETRS facilitator. In the spring of 2024, Briana was presented with the Western Kentucky University’s Distinguished Educator Award for Literacy. Briana is now the Literacy Coach and Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist for her district in Hancock County.

Jessica Shipman is the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Wyandotte Public Schools. With a rich background in education, she has experience as a lower elementary and middle school teacher, instructional technology coordinator, PK-12 curriculum coordinator/director, and K-12 instructional coach. Jessica’s work has focused on supporting turnaround schools, helping close achievement gaps, and enhancing student learning across Michigan, especially in the Grand Rapids and Detroit areas. Her passion for education is driven by her dedication to overcoming challenges and fostering student growth.

Sandra Rodriguez-Gomez has been an educator for over 30 years, currently serving as the Assistant Superintendent of Hoboken Public School District. She previously served as Director of Early Childhood and Principal of the Joseph F. Brandt School. Prior to joining Hoboken Public Schools, she spent 20 years with the Newark Public Schools, most recently as the Executive Director of Early Childhood. She has been a teacher, a vice principal, and a district-level administrator ensuring that students receive the most powerful and comprehensive learning experiences available to them. She received the Superintendent’s Teacher of the Year Award, The National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa Inc.’s Citation Award for Outstanding Leadership and Achievement in Education, and countless other community awards for her work and dedication in the service of children. She received her Superintendent’s Certification from Caldwell University, her MA in education from Saint Peter’s College, and her BA from Drew University.

Robin Zikmund serves as the Dyslexia Advocate and Community Engagement Manager for the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE), helping advance the company’s mission to provide knowledge, tools, and support that prepare educators to effectively apply Structured Literacy based on the Science of Reading to ensure literacy for all. Robin is also the Founder and President of Decoding Dyslexia Idaho, a grassroots movement that aims to increase access to educational interventions and teacher professional development for dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities in public schools.