NJASCD Emerging Leader Program

Announcing our 2026 Class of Emerging Leaders

NJASCD is proud to welcome 13 outstanding educators into the Emerging Leader (EL) Class of 2026. These educators join a community dedicated to both the whole child and to teaching, learning and leading. The EL program recognizes incredibly talented educators who have been in education for approximately 5-15 years and/or are within their first 5 years of an educational leadership role. These Emerging Leaders will now be part of a one year program that includes a personalized action plan and monthly meetings with their own NJASCD mentor. As NJASCD Emerging Leaders, they will be able to elevate their work and have a variety of opportunities to lead in the field of Education.

NJASCD introduces these educators as our 2026 Class of Emerging Leaders:

  • Kaitlynn Agostini, Supervisor of Mathematics 6-12 for Bridgeton Public School District 

  • John Bird, Vice Principal for Keansburg School District 

  • Christopher Camizzi, Vice Principal for North Bergen School District 

  • Lara Carlson, Assistant Principal for Parsippany- Troy Hills Township School District 

  • John Castaldo, Business & Social Studies Teacher for Hamilton Township Public School 

  • Nanette Fandino-Diaz, Teacher of Spanish & Social Studies for Jefferson Township Public Schools 

  • Josephine Hunt, Teacher for Closter Public School District 

  • Debbie Li, Third Grade Teacher for West Windsor- Plainsboro School District 

  • Alicia D. Mackall, Principal for Ewing Township Public Schools 

  • Dr. Hitisha Patel, Coordinator of Access & Engagement for Edison Township Public Schools 

  • Christina Roman, Assistant Principal for Morris School District 

  • Ashley Shanley, Ed Technology Specialist for Rahway Public Schools  

  • LaVonne Wallace, Assistant Principal for South Orange-Maplewood School District 

A special thank you to the numerous mentors working with the Emerging Leaders. 

  • Eliza Cadorette-Rawley, Director of Curriculum for Woodstown-Pilesgrove Regional School District 

  • William Crispino, Roxbury High School Principal for Roxbury School District  

  • Kevin Doyle, District Supervisor of Science for Morris Hills Regional School District 

  • Ron Durso, Supervisor of Instruction for Fair Lawn Public Schools. 

  • Neyda Evans, Assistant Principal for Metuchen School District

  • Dr. Vincent Gravina, Director of Curriculum for Woodbury City Public Schools 

  • Jenn Greco, Supervisor of Math and Science for South Brunswick School District 

  • Nadira Jack, CEO for Jersey City Global Charter School 

  • Shannon Howell, Chief Academic Officer, Freehold Regional School District 

  • Matthew Mawn, Assistant Principal for Roxbury High School 

  • Sally A Millaway, Director of CIA for Neptune School District 

  • Michelle Papa, Director of Student Instruction for Butler School District 

  • Dr. Melissa Stager, Superintendent for Clinton Township School District

NJASCD Emerging Leader Program

NJASCD is pleased to offer this prestigious recognition and acknowledgement of the incredibly talented educators throughout our state as a way to elevate and amplify their work through the NJASCD Emerging Leader Program. NJASCD’s EL program is an opportunity for educators to join a community that is passionate about teaching, learning and leading and who are dedicated to the whole child and creating transformational learning opportunities for all students. The community will comprise a select group of rising leaders in education who participate in a year-long program where they will have the opportunity to elevate their work within the field and find opportunities to lead, no matter the role in education they serve.

NJASCD invites educators throughout the State of New Jersey to apply to become a part of this cohort of emerging leaders. As alumni of the program, emerging leaders stay connected to NJASCD and have opportunities to engage and contribute to the organization’s mission through leadership roles, professional learning, and initiatives that advance teaching, learning, and leadership across the state.

Who is Eligible to Apply

The NJASCD Emerging Leader program is designed for teacher leaders, early educational leaders and/or those seeking to continue their growth as an educational leader. While this is not an absolute, the program is most closely aligned to recognize and support those who have been in education for approximately 5-15 years and/or are within their first 5 years of an educational leadership role.

Is there a cost associated with the program?

Yes. The cost of the program is $399.

If selected to participate, when is the program?

The NJASCD Emerging Leader program will run from January 2026 - December 2026. 

What is the commitment involved in the program?

A press release and announcement of selected candidates will happen in January 2026 and the official kickoff to the program will happen at the NJASCD February Summit. There will be a scheduled meet and greet and mentor/mentee meeting prior to the summit, as well. All selected ELs will need to attend the conference as this sets the stage for the program. The program will include development of individual goals and actions towards meeting those goals, as well as regular meetings with the leader’s mentor. It also includes many benefits, outlined below.

What are the benefits of the program?

There are many benefits included with participation in this program. 


The program includes:

  • Recognition at the NJASCD spring conference and the NJPSA/FEA/NJASCD Fall Conference, on social media, and the NJASCD website

  • Membership in NJASCD for the one year of the program ($50 value); if already a member, membership will be extended for one year. 

  • Free registration at a NJASCD Conference ($215 value)

  • Opportunity of publication of an article in NJASCD’s newsletter and on website

  • Guaranteed presentation slot at an NJASCD conference in the 2026-2027 school year and/or an opportunity to introduce sessions if that is more comfortable for you

  • Mentor provided from NJASCD and carefully matched to meet the needs of each individual Emerging Leader

  • Invitation to serve on a committee of the NJASCD executive board

  • Invite-only meet up 

  • Quarterly meetings with with other ELs and mentors

Have a question?

Please reach out to Jessica Nathan, NJASCD Programs Committee Chairperson/ State Board Member, Kate Lemerich, President NJASCD or Dr. Bobbie Downs, NJASCD Executive Director

Jessica Nathan: jessanathan@gmail.com

Kate Lemerich: info@njascd.org

Dr. Bobbie Downs: executivedirector@njascd.org

When can I apply?

The application window has closed. Our next cohort of Emerging Leaders will be announced soon!