Matt Degner

Matt Degner has served in the Iowa City Community School District since July of 2013. Matt was Principal of South East Junior High for the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 school years. Since that time, he has served as Director of Secondary Schools, Assistant Superintendent and now Superintendent. Prior to Iowa City, Matt served two different school districts in Iowa, Williamsburg and Bettendorf. Matt was awarded the ITEC Administrator of the year award in 2014 and has been a former Bammy nominee. Matt is passionate about building positive culture, student engagement and innovation in education.

Kim Hofmann

Kim Hofmann is a former school psychologist who has extensive experience and expertise in the special education arena. Coupled with over 12 years of building and central office leadership experience in the areas of early childhood, curriculum and instruction and special populations, Kim has helped to redefine how schools deliver curriculum and supports for students. Kim’s passion is working with leaders and teachers to develop and implement systemic supports to ensure all students learn at high levels. Kim has presented and consulted both regionally and at the state level promoting and supporting schools to challenge the status quo. Kim challenges organizations to re-imagine the systems and supports offered to students along the prek-12 educational continuum. Her mantra is inspired by Rita Pierson, “every child deserves a champion.” Kim is dedicated to developing systems in schools to ensure every child has a champion.

Joy Kelly

 Joy Kelly is the co-author of Handle with Care: Managing Difficult Situations in Schools with Dignity and Respect. Joy has more than twenty-five years of educational experience in public and parochial schools as a teacher, coach, mentor, associate principal, and principal. In 2015, Joy was named the Iowa Associate Principal of the Year. She also provides coaching and training for new administrators in Iowa. Joy serves as a leadership coach for administrators across the country on behalf of J Casas & Associates. Joy earned a Bachelor’s degree in History from The University of Iowa, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from The University of Northern Iowa, and is a licensed PK-12 superintendent; she also has an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree from The University of Iowa. 

Joy has presented on topics related to school culture at state and national conferences, including NASSP and ASCD. Joy believes the culture within a school is dependent on strong connections among all members of the community, rooted in kindness, respect, and dignity. Joy maintains that the culture of an organization is directly related to its performance and that the responsibility for cultivating meaningful relationships throughout the school rests with all members of the community.

Jason Markey

 Jason Markey began his tenure as principal at Glenbrook North on July 1, 2020.  Prior to his employment with the Glenbrook High School District 225, he served as principal at East Leyden High School for the previous eight years and prior to that served as assistant principal at both East Leyden and Woodstock High School for 2 years respectively.  Jason  spent his teaching career at both East Leyden and Iowa City High teaching US History, Psychology, and Sociology as well as coaching and sponsoring multiple sports and clubs.  Jason received his Master of Arts in School Leadership from Concordia University and his Bachelor of Arts in Social Science Education from the University of Northern Iowa.  Jason  is a member of the National Association of Secondary School Principals as well as the Illinois Principals Association.

In addition to his experience working for school districts, Jason has presented at state, regional, and national conferences on topics such as school leadership, design thinking, educational technology, and school climate.  Jason has also worked as a consultant with NASSP on the Building Ranks leadership framework serving on the design team and as a trainer.  The Dynamic Learning Project, an effort between Digital Promise and Google, also asked Jason to serve as a principal mentor in their program as it launched over a two year period.

Jim Wichman

Jim Wichman is a twenty-year veteran of education administration who possesses a plethora of both urban and rural public school experiences as a teacher and administrator. Now at the peak of his profession, Jim’s years of experience at wide-ranging levels and within varied settings culminate for a specialist perspective in consulting.

 Throughout his tenure as a principal, Jim takes pride in his innovative and dedicated approach to procure collective efficacy within each building he has served. His consistent focus on “Vision, Vocabulary, and Experiences,” has allowed for ongoing enhancement of staff, students, and system within each position he has held. His social media presence at #wearepr, #allmeansall, and #whereyoubelong have long served as professional mantras, but now also serve as empowering themes within the school he leads. Currently, Jim is the Prairie Ridge Middle School Principal in Ankeny, Iowa, serving close to 1000 sixth and seventh graders. Ankeny is the third fastest growing city in the United States (The Des Moines Register, May 2016), with a population which has doubled the past fifteen years. The position brings challenge and adventure to accommodate vast changes occurring with the midst of such population increase. 

 In addition to his professional involvements, Jim has been a speaker throughout the state of Iowa and in Texas focusing on culture and employer/employee relationships. He currently serves as the NASSP state of Iowa representative and has been involved in a number of civic organizations in community service, youth sports, and foster parenting. He is married to Amy, also a lifelong educator, with whom he spends countless hours processing, debating, reading and resolving trending education dilemmas. They have three children, with whom he adores spending his “free” time following.

 Sarah Johnson

Sarah Johnson has served in educational leadership roles in Northwestern Wisconsin since 2004 as a school principal at all building levels as well as an English teacher, writing coach, and school improvement facilitator. She is passionate about assisting others in developing strong leadership foundations as well as seeking greater satisfaction in all areas of their full lives by helping them go beyond work-life balance. Sarah is deeply vested in the J Casas & Associates' mission to inspire others to be more and do more than they ever thought possible, especially when it comes to leading the learning and shaping the cultures of our schools. 

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education, Master of Science in Educational Administration, a Certificate for Women in Leadership from Cornell University, and is in a Doctoral Studies program for Leadership, Learning, and Service. She hosts the weekly In AWE Podcast where she is proud to amplify women’s stories to empower a community.  Sarah is the author of Lead with Faith: Building a Strong Foundation So You Can Rise Up, Slay Fear, and Serve Well and co-author of Balance Like a Pirate: Going Beyond Work-Life Balance to Ignite Passion and Thrive as an Educator. 

Sarah is an experienced and impactful national keynote speaker and workshop presenter featured at educational conferences such as NASSP National Principal Conference, ASCD Leadership Summit and ASCD Empower, Women Leading Wisconsin, Minnesota Elementary Principals Conference, Colorado Association of School Executives. and more. At the school district and division level, Sarah has successfully engaged thousands of educators across the country with her authentic style of professionally speaking. She is passionate about reaching all participants at every event.

Sarah lives her own full life focus by pursuing passions such as running, writing, and focusing on family with her two daughters and teacher husband, while also honing her leadership skills through networking, teaching, and learning.

 Jeff Zoul

Dr. Jeffrey Zoul is a lifelong teacher, learner, and leader. During Jeff’s distinguished career in education he has served in a variety of roles, most recently as Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning with Deerfield Public Schools District 109 in Deerfield, Illinois. Jeff also served as a teacher and coach in the State of Georgia for many years before moving into school administration. Zoul has taught graduate courses at the university level in the areas of assessment, research, and program evaluation. He is the author/co-author of more than a dozen books, including What Connected Educators Do Differently, Start. Right. Now. - Teach and Lead for Excellence, Improving Your School One Week at a Time, and Leading Professional Learning: Tools to Connect and Empower Teachers. Jeff has earned several degrees, including his undergraduate degree from the University of Massachusetts and his doctoral degree from the University of Alabama. In his spare time, Jeff enjoys running and has completed over a dozen marathons.

Bobby Dodd

Bobby Dodd is the high school principal at William Mason High School in Mason, Ohio.  He earned four degrees before determining what he wanted to do with his life...dedicate it to helping people.  Dodd’s passion for helping others lead him to create new opportunities for students and staff such as digital academies, college summer camps, fabrication laboratories, Early College High School, and personalized learning environments for students and staff.

As an educator, Dodd actively communicates, collaborates and connects with stakeholders to help his school and the education field.  He has received awards for his contributions as a connected educator, including the 2016 NASSP Digital Principal of the Year award and he was a finalist for the 2017 Varsity Brands “Principal of Principle” award.  Dodd continues to assist others in the education field by presenting at the local, state and national levels as well as offering professional resources at www.TheEducationalLeaders.com.  Dodd was a long-time co-moderator of #ohedchat, co-founder of EdCampLeader Ohio, and hosts a blog on educational leadership and effective instructional methods.  

Jessica Cabeen

Jessica is the Principal of Alternative Educations Programs in Austin, Minnesota. Previously, she was the principal of Ellis Middle School in Austin, Minnesota, and the principal of the “Happiest Place in Southeastern Minnesota,” the Woodson Kindergarten Center. She has been an assistant middle school principal, a special education assistant director, and special education teacher. 

Jessica was named the 2021 ED Dive National Principal of the year, 2017 Minnesota National Distinguished Principal of the Year, and was awarded the NAESP/VINCI Digital Leader of Early Learning Award in 2016. She is a NAESP Middle Level Fellow and a Future Ready Principal. Jessica is the author of Hacking Early Learning and co-author of Balance Like a Pirate, Unconventional Leadership, and Lead with Grace: Leaning into the Soft Skills of Leadership. 

She is a sought-after speaker and trainer and enjoys getting to learn and lead with other educators across the nation. Jessica enjoys connecting and growing her Professional Learning Network (PLN) on the socials. She can be found on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @JessicaCabeen. 

But by far her favorite space is the one that involves being with her husband Rob, sons Kenny and Isaiah, and, of course, the family dog, Herman.

 Ben Johnson

Dr. Ben Johnson has been the Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools for Bismarck Public Schools (ND) since 2014-2015. He has a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Iowa State University, as well as a Certificate of Advanced Studies superintendent endorsement. He has been a lecturer for the Educational Administration Master’s degree program at Iowa State and the doctorate program for the University of Mary. He achieved his master’s degree from The University of Iowa and his undergraduate degree is from Cornell College in Iowa. Dr. Johnson has prior experience as a high school principal, an assistant principal in charge of curriculum and professional development, and a high school teacher. 

Ben has extensive experience with leading systems in order to support personalized learning through the integration of Multi-Tiered System of Supports, Standards Based Grading, Project Based Learning, and Professional Learning Communities. In order to implement a 21st century vision for teaching and learning, Ben has been deeply involved with the construction and opening of Legacy High School in Bismarck, where he guided the transition to incorporating a new Flex-Mod schedule. He has worked with middle and high school administrators and their teams to develop new schedules and instructional practices in order to meet the personalized learning needs of students and staff. Ben holds a passion for innovation that converges utilizing personalized scheduling, technology, and building design in order to accelerate learning. He believes that standards and student outcomes must form the cornerstone for authentic learning experiences which includes necessary individualized supports for student achievement. As a leader, he is committed to supporting innovative learning practices that create learning environments that are preparing students to enter college and the workforce with the skill-set and proclivity for critical thinking and creativity.

Ben and his wife, Brigitte, stay busy raising two amazing young ladies who enjoy the outdoors, playing soccer, and supporting the arts.

Maria Ramadane

  Maria Lewis Ramadane brings over twenty-five years of professional experience in nonprofit management, government, and education. She specializes in leadership development and coaching in the public and private sector. 

For the past nineteen years Ms. Ramadane has worked in public and private education teaching students from Pre-K – post secondary education. Her career in education began as a teacher of students with special needs.   This year will mark her thirteenth year as a building level administrator. She served as an adjunct instructor for Shenandoah University teaching Curriculum and Instruction. As a building principal, Ms. Ramadane has led over one hundred certified and classified staff and served as an instructional leader for over 1,000 students. 

While serving as a middle school principal, Ms. Ramadane was honored with the Prince William County Human Rights Award in partnership with the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc Prince William County Chapter (NCBW-PWCC) for offering a mental health awareness program.  Ms. Ramadane is currently the middle school representative on the Advisory Council on Equity and the Safe Schools Advisory Council.  She also serves as a leadership coach for new principals. 

Ms. Ramadane earned a Post Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership and a Master of Education from George Mason University. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Education from Marymount University.  Ms. Ramadane attended the University of Virginia Curry School of Education and Human Development’s Leadership Academy Coaching for Change and completed The Leadership Coaching Certification Program (LCCP) in collaboration with the University of Rochester. Ms. Ramadane actively engages in leadership seminars at Truist Institute, formerly, BB&T Leadership Institute.  The Institute uses a personalized approach rooted in knowledge and application of neuropsychology to understand human behavior. 

As an educational leader, she has traveled throughout Virginia to observe best practices in educational leadership as a cohort member in the Statewide Communities of Practice for Excellence (SCOPE) sponsored by UVA K-12 Advisory Council. 

Ms. Ramadane is the author of Raising Men Not Boys: Daily Affirmations to Uplift Your Son. In addition, Ms. Ramadane’s, My One Life on Purpose, podcast offers daily motivation to her listeners. Ms. Ramadane is the founder of the Speak Yourself Up Empowerment Summit, Dream Girls Seminars, and Parenting with Purpose. The events focus on promoting positive self-image for women and girls. 

Ms. Ramadane is the mother of two young men and is dedicated to ensuring all young people recognize their own personal greatness! 

 Amy Wichman

Amy Wichman is an Iowa Administrator serving Central Iowa and previously, Eastern Iowa. Her experience working in both small and large school districts provides her a unique viewpoint and vast knowledge of teaching, curriculum, leadership, and students. Leadership roles have included Director of Technology, Director of Instruction, Teacher Leadership, At-Risk Director, and currently, Special Education compliance officer. For many years, she has been chosen to work on special projects and teams for the State of Iowa. Over the past sixteen years, she has also been employed at universities, specifically St. Ambrose University and Drake University, teaching various courses and supervising student teachers. Her passion is implementation consulting and motivating educators to take risks. ​Her pride, joy and greatest consumers of time are her three children.