Michigan Newcomer Summit

An Associate Professor of political science, Shirin Kambin is also the Director of Mid-Michigan’s Immigrant and Refugee Resource Collaborative (IRRC). The IRRC brings together 35+ partners in the nonprofit, faith, business and educational fields to network, coordinate services, and strengthen the ability of newcomer and host communities to grow and thrive together.

• 11:10 AM - 12:00 PM, Jul 31, 2024 106

  Harnessing the Power of a Community to Support Children and Families

Ninoska Wiltse is the current ELL Coordinator for Farmington Public Schools. She has over 25 years experience working with Newcomers at the elementary and middle school level. In addition, Ninoska has also taught science and social studies in grades 6-8.

As an EL learner herself, Ninoska is inspired to provide her students with the best learning experience possible. Ninoska loves to learn and has participated in multiple learning experiences to grow her instructional and leadership skills, such as the Galileo Teacher Leadership Program, participated in several Teacher Summer Institute programs with the National Endowment of the Humanities and most recently completed the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Short-Term Program in Honduras.

• 11:10 AM - 12:00 PM, Jul 31, 2024 102

  Scaffolding practices to help Newcomers learn and access content in the social studies and science class

Elise Holcomb is an English Instructor at the Refugee Development Center (RDC) in Lansing, Michigan. She has taught English in China, Germany, Poland and the United States to both children and adult learners. At the RDC, she teaches citizenship and a variety of levels of English classes. Elise has participated in United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) teacher trainings and is certified in Immigration Law through the Catholic Legal Immigration Network.

• 11:10 AM - 12:00 PM, Jul 31, 2024 101

  U.S. Citizenship: eligibility, application process, and teacher resources

Dr. Michelle Yzquierdo

Educational Consultant

Seidlitz Education

Dr. Michelle Yzquierdo has become a very popular and sought-after speaker because of her knowledge and engaging and enthusiastic presentation style. She has presented at the local, state, national and international levels on a variety of topics related to cultural intelligence, best practices for English-learners, effective support for newcomers, and numerous trainings addressing state/federal accountability and compliance.

Dr. Yzquierdo's experience includes high school science teacher, new arrival team, where she taught students from all demographic groups, including ELs and first-year immigrant ELs, science department chair, peer facilitator, instructional specialist, and educational program specialist. Dr. Yzquierdo has received numerous awards and honors including commendations from the Texas House of Representatives, and fellowships in both Switzerland and Swaziland.

Dr. Yzquierdo holds an undergraduate science degree from Texas A&M University, a master's degree in organizational management from the University of Houston, and a doctorate degree in diversity and immigrant studies from Lamar University where she researched the factors contributing to the success of immigrant students. As the child of an immigrant, an educator, and a researcher, Dr. Yzquierdo has seen first-hand what it takes to support a diverse student population so they may see success. She has dedicated her career to providing other professionals with appropriate and necessary research-based strategies and tools. Dr. Yzquierdo lives in Houston, TX with her husband, Carlos, and sons, Kai and Karsten. She is the author of the book, Pathways to Greatness for ELL Newcomers: A Comprehensive Guide for Schools and Teachers, released in December of 2017.

• 9:00 - 10:00 AM, Jul 31, 2024 Big Ten A

  Welcome and Keynote Address

• 1:00 - 1:50 PM, Jul 31, 2024 Auditorium

  Tapas for Teachers: 10 Small Moves for Teachers of Newcomers

Carmen Bordea is the Strategic Initiatives Specialist with the Office of Global Michigan (OGM). Prior to this role, she led community engagement efforts and had coordinated the Digital Literacy and Learning Program (DLL) for OGM. Carmen has extensive experience in working with refugees and immigrants and has held different roles with local resettlement and social service providers. Carmen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Bucharest, Romania, and has attained certificates in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Board of Immigration Appeal (BIA), and in Nonprofit Management from Oakland University.

The Office of Global Michigan works to make Michigan welcoming and inclusive.

• 1:00 - 1:50 PM, Jul 31, 2024 105 AB

  Education Capacity in Your Community

Virginia David, Ph.D.

Faculty Specialist & Coordinator of TESOL

Western Michigan University

Virginia David is a faculty specialist and coordinator of the TESOL programs at Western Michigan University.

• 10:10 - 11:00 AM, Jul 31, 2024 Auditorium

  Promoting equity for multilingual learners and their families

Selena Protacio Ph.D.

Professor

Western Michigan University

Selena Protacio is a professor of Literacy Studies and TESOL at Western Michigan University.

• 10:10 - 11:00 AM, Jul 31, 2024 Auditorium

  Promoting equity for multilingual learners and their families

Clancy Loebl is the Youth and Education Analyst with the Office of Global Michigan (OGM). Prior to this role, she worked for Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County as a Refugee Family Empowerment Case Manager. Clancy has extensive experience serving refugee youth and families through the Refugee School Impact and Youth Mentoring programs and has also worked in two high schools as a counselor for a college access program. She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Arts from Lawrence University.

• 1:00 - 1:50 PM, Jul 31, 2024 105 AB

  Education Capacity in Your Community

• 11:10 AM - 12:00 PM, Jul 31, 2024 104 AB

  Supporting Unaccompanied Immigrant Children

Ben Cabanaw was named the Deputy Director for the Office of Global Michigan, Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity in April 2023, and serves as Michigan’s State Refugee Coordinator. He was appointed as State Refugee Coordinator in July 2018. Prior to that, Ben served as the manager for the State of Michigan’s Office of Refugee Services for over 7 years.
The Office of Global Michigan (OGM) works to make Michigan welcoming and inclusive. Ben leads the team’s three divisions: Refugee Services, Equity and Inclusion, and the state’s Prosperity Commissions. Ben and the team at OGM ensure effective immigrant integration and achieving newcomer’s potential, while also addressing equity and access in state government through inclusive polices, practices, and lived-experience feedback.

As State Refugee Coordinator, Ben has the responsibility to ensure coordination of all public and private resources for refugee resettlement and integration in the State. Ben has over 20 years of experience in child welfare, prevention programs, benefit assistance, and other social services programs. He has worked in direct field service, as a policy specialist, and in a leadership role across these human services’ sectors. Ben is particularly interested in the intersection of immigration and child welfare, as well as innovative, community-based integration practices for immigrant populations. His B.A. is in Sociology, and he holds a Masters in Public Administration/Public Policy.

• 1:00 - 1:50 PM, Jul 31, 2024 105 AB

  Education Capacity in Your Community

Dr. Dorina Sackman-Ebuwa

B.E.L.I.E.V.E.!® LLC

Dr. Dorina Sackman-Ebuwa is known as The Lab Coat Teacher and affectionately “Miss Dorito” by her students and colleagues from around the world. Dr Dorito holds a B.A. in French and Occitan, the language of the South of France, a Master’s in Applied Linguistics, and Doctorate in Transformative Emotional Intelligence and Teaching. A Top 4 Finalist for National Teacher of the Year and Florida Teacher of the Year, polyglot Dorito takes her 27-year ESOL/Dual Language/Reading/ ELA K-12 and College classroom experiences, 10-year certified Emotional Intelligence coaching, and passion for purposeful PD to travel the globe inspiring, motivating, empowering, and elevating educators with professional and personal learning that starts from within. From trainings from the heart, to her authentic and humorous real talk “Keyshops” on reflequity® through “Lens of Life Lessons”, Dorina Sackman-Ebuwa encourages all to B.E.L.I.E.V.E.! ® - Be the Educators who Lead to Inspire and Empower Via Empathy! When not wearing the many hats of an educator, Dorina dons a Stetson and works on her “Franch”, tending to her beloved special needs rescue cows, goats, chickens, ponies, mini donkeys, and barn cat named “Cool Ranch”. Find Dr. Dorito on twitter @Dorina_BELIEVE or visit www.dorinasackman.com

• 2:15 - 3:30 PM, Jul 31, 2024 Big Ten A

  Western Michigan University Presents: An End-Note Presentation by Dr. Dorina Sackman-Ebuwa

Maha Gabayre came to the US in 2011 and started her freshman year at Eastern High School in Lansing Michigan. There she attended ESL classes. During her senior year, she helped advisers by interpreting for students who spoke Arabic and Somali. She graduated from Eastern High School in 2015 and attended Lansing Community College, where she received her General Associate Degree in 2018. She then transferred to Northwood University and received a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. She aspires to open her own business in the fashion field in the future. Currently, she is working as the coordinator of the Immigrant & Refugee Resource Collaborative, helping newcomers access opportunities and achieve success in their new chapter, just as she received support when she needed it.

• 11:10 AM - 12:00 PM, Jul 31, 2024 106

  Harnessing the Power of a Community to Support Children and Families

Dr. Kendra Katnik is an experienced educator with a passion for culturally and linguistically responsive and sustaining pedagogy. She has held various positions throughout her career that have allowed her to work directly with diverse students as well as develop resources and professional learning for educators including the roles of elementary and middle school teacher, English Language Development teacher, consultant, and program coordinator, and adjunct instructor in teacher education. She holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Michigan, as well as professional licenses in teaching and central office administration. In all her work, Dr. Katnik strives to advocate for equitable educational opportunities for culturally and linguistically diverse students.

• 10:10 - 11:00 AM, Jul 31, 2024 101

  Grading Considerations for Newcomers

Lindsay Woodberg, an English Language Development (ELD) Coach in Rochester Community Schools, draws upon her extensive experience as an elementary ELD teacher and special educator to passionately advocate for the educational needs of multilingual students. With a dedicated commitment to equity and inclusion, Lindsay leads professional development sessions aimed at empowering educators to effectively support diverse linguistic populations.

• 10:10 - 11:00 AM, Jul 31, 2024 101

  Grading Considerations for Newcomers

During the past two years, I've had the privilege of serving as the Superintendent of Madison District Public Schools. Before stepping into this role, my career spanned various positions including Principal, Assistant Principal, Curriculum Lead, and Math Teacher. Education isn't just my profession; it's my passion. I relish the opportunity to introduce change and innovative ideas to enhance students' learning experiences.

• 10:10 - 11:00 AM, Jul 31, 2024 102

  Building a Program With Limited Resources and Direction

• 10:10 - 11:00 AM, Jul 31, 2024 102

  Building a Program With Limited Resources and Direction

Sarah Little (she/her) currently works as a Multilingual Learner Consultant with Kalamazoo RESA, where she provides consulting, coaching, and professional development services to promote growth and equity throughout school districts for multilingual learners and their families. Sarah has experience teaching multilingual learners across the K-12 grade spectrum, providing district-level coordination for multilingual programs, teaching elementary Spanish, and program coordination within the non-profit sphere.

• 10:10 - 11:00 AM, Jul 31, 2024 105 AB

  Developing a Translanguaging Stance to Promote Healing & Equity

Kalyn Wulatin is a passionate advocate for multilingual learners and their families. She has worked in bilingual and EL education for 27 years: as a teacher, program coordinator, and currently as a Multilingual Consultant for Wayne RESA. Kalyn has provided professional learning, coaching, and support for creating equitable environments and opportunities and best practices for multilingual learners for educators at the district, county, and state levels.

• 10:10 - 11:00 AM, Jul 31, 2024 105 AB

  Developing a Translanguaging Stance to Promote Healing & Equity

• 10:10 - 11:00 AM, Jul 31, 2024 104 AB

  Equitable Access in the Classroom: Strategies for Engaging Multilingual Learners with Technology

My name is Jennifer Frankowiak and I’m currently an elementary ELD/Newcomer teacher in West Bloomfield, Michigan. I’ve been an ELD teacher for 7 years. Prior I taught 1st/2nd grade for 11 years and spent 4 years as a reading specialist. I’m married and have a 13 year old daughter. I've had the opportunity to present at the annual MITESOL conference, What's Working with English Learners and local pd within my district and county.

• 11:10 AM - 12:00 PM, Jul 31, 2024 105 AB

  Unleashing the Power of Collaboration for Multilingual Learners: Co-planning, Co-Teaching and Goal Setting

Jodie Shell

Professional Learning Specialist

GrapeSEED English for Children

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Jodie Shell is a Professional Learning Specialist with GrapeSEED English for Children. Jodie has over 20 years of experience as a Kindergarten teacher, and was named 'Macomb County Teacher of the Year' in 2010. She holds a ZA Endorsement, Masters degree in Literacy in Early Childhood, and has recently earned the TESOL Core Certificate. Her professional objective is to successfully support and empower classroom teachers so that they, in turn, can provide meaningful language acquisition experiences in a joyful environment for their young students, each and every day!

• 11:10 AM - 12:00 PM, Jul 31, 2024 103 AB

  Inspire Interaction with Realia

Erica Hilliker is a middle school EL teacher at Forest Hills Public Schools in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She holds a Masters of Education in Literacy Studies with an emphasis in TESOL from Grand Valley State University. She also is certified to teach English and Spanish at the secondary level. During her career, Erica has worked with English learners at all grade levels from kindergarten to adult. Additionally, she is a certified SIOP trainer and has led professional developments for teachers throughout the West Michigan area. In 2017, she was selected as the Top Community Blogger for the Teaching Channel for her articles about teaching English Learners. Erica enjoys reading, films, and trying new foods. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her husband and two school-aged children.

• 1:00 - 1:50 PM, Jul 31, 2024 104 AB

  Using Flippity to Create Low-Prep, Engaging Practice for Newcomers

Anne Damiecka holds a master’s degree in Linguistics (TESOL) from the University of Surrey and a graduate certificate in Instructional Design from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Anne taught EFL in Poland for six years before moving to Houston, Texas, where she was Professor and Lead Faculty of ESOL at Lone Star College for 12 years. She has worked as a TEFL trainer, a CELTA trainer, and recently as a Virtual Educator with the U.S. State Department. Anne has served on the boards of MITESOL and TexTESOL IV as well as on the Conferences Professional Council for TESOL International. Her professional interests include active learning, engaging and inclusive teaching practices, curriculum design, and educational technology.

• 1:00 - 1:50 PM, Jul 31, 2024 102

  Gamifying Language Skills Practice for Older MLs: Engaging Teaching Approaches

Puja Mullins was an EL teacher before transitioning into the role of EL Coordinator. She recently joined WISD as the Newcomer Coordinator, serving Washtenaw County districts. Puja has a Masters in TESOL and a Masters in Educational Studies.

• 1:00 - 1:50 PM, Jul 31, 2024 106

  Teen Concentric Program: Cultivating Connections for Highschool Refugee Youth

Rebecca Elias is a Director of Professional Development for Summit K12. She moved from Puerto Rico to the United States to attend college and continue her studies in the field of bilingual education. She has spent 20 years working in that field in the state of New York to ensure high-quality bilingual programs and programs in English as a new language. She began her career as a bilingual fifth-grade teacher in Buffalo, where she gained experience developing and implementing literacy curriculum and instruction to meet the diverse needs of her students. Among the core philosophical values that have guided her approach to teaching is a belief that all children, irrespective of their background and circumstances, deserve access to authentic literature so that they can become lifelong readers and writers. Rebecca has also served as a regional resource specialist and instructional coach, providing lesson demonstrations and side-by-side coaching as well as implementing literacy programs in bilingual and monolingual K–12 classrooms. She has devoted herself to the belief that English learners achieve when given robust and highly scaffolded learning experiences, supported in both the home and the new language.

• 10:10 - 11:00 AM, Jul 31, 2024 103 AB

  Breaking Through The Noise: What Nurtures Literacy in Multilingual Learners?

I was born and raised in Thailand. When my mother remarried an American diplomat, my world has changed. Because of my father’s job, my family and I have traveled and lived in many countries, including Laos and Haiti. This has made a significant impact on my life and my career choice. I am fluent in three languages: Thai, English and Lao. While living in Haiti for 3 years, I studied French and continued to do so throughout high school and college. I am also familiar with Haitian Creole and Spanish. My passion has always been in culture, language, and education. I am a lifelong learner. I have been in the educational field since 1984, working as a part-time after school program coordinator for San Francisco Chinatown Branch YMCA in California, while attending college. Currently, I work at Macomb Intermediate School District (MISD), as MISD Bilingual Education/Title III Consultant. I have been with MISD for 20 years.

My educational background includes BA in Political Science, Teaching Certificate, with Multilingual/Multicultural emphasis from CA. I have my MA in Instructional Curriculum, with ESL emphasis from CO. I obtained an Ed. Specialist and Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Oakland University, MI.

I am also actively involved at the state level and community level as educational leader and community leader.

• 10:10 - 11:00 AM, Jul 31, 2024 106

  Two Journeys, One Goal: Empowering and Bridging MLs/Newcomers and Education

I was born in Vientiane, Laos. When the communist Party took over in 1975, my family escaped by floating along the Mekong River, sixteen miles downstream and 5.5 miles by bus to the nearest refugee camp. We lost our home, friends, family, occupation, status, savings, and livelihood. My family and I arrived in the United States on January 27, 1981. We faced culture shock, language barrier, discrimination among other hardships. We were forced to be culturally assimilated as quickly as possible, without assistance to help us deal with trauma. Education was the key to making it here for me. Against all odds, I graduated from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor in 2023 and formed a non-profit organization called Refugee Garden Initiatives.

• 10:10 - 11:00 AM, Jul 31, 2024 106

  Two Journeys, One Goal: Empowering and Bridging MLs/Newcomers and Education

With a passion for multilingualism, Kelsey pursued her academic journey at Wayne State University, specializing in ESL and English secondary education. She dedicated over a decade to teaching English Language Development (ELD) to students in a K-12 setting and also as a high school sheltered ELD/ELA teacher before serving as a district ELD teacher leader. During that time, she earned a master's degree in K-12 ESL from Spring Arbor University and is a Trainer of Trainers for SIOP from the Center for Applied Linguistics. Currently, she serves as a Newcomer EL consultant in the School Culture Climate unit at Oakland Schools.

• 11:10 AM - 12:00 PM, Jul 31, 2024 Auditorium

  Preparing Secondary Teachers for SLIFE Newcomers

Andrew Rodgers

ELL Coach

Lincoln Park Public Schools

Andrew is proud to have worked with Multilingual Learners for over 20 years as an elementary classroom teacher, ELL coach, and assistant principal. He holds a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Michigan and has received an Education Specialist's degree in Administrative Leadership from Wayne State University, where he also completed coursework toward his Bilingual-Spanish and English as a Second Language endorsements. Andrew is a certified as a SIOP and WIDA standards trainer and believes in the transformative power of targeted English Learner training for teachers and making cultural connections with students.

• 1:00 - 1:50 PM, Jul 31, 2024 101

  Teaching Reading to Newcomers Using Foundational Skills

I have eleven years of experience working with elementary-aged language learners, and have taught kindergarten, third grade, and fourth grade. I also have been a Reading Coach. Currently, I am an ESL elementary teacher and program coordinator at Herrington Elementary in Pontiac School District. In 2019, I received my Masters degree in Teaching Reading at Oakland University, with a focus on the effect of culturally relevant texts on language learners.

• 1:00 - 1:50 PM, Jul 31, 2024 103 AB

  Linking the ELD Framework to Literacy Essentials

Taña grew up in Chelsea, MI and holds an MATESOL from Eastern Michigan University and SIOP Certified. She has been an EL Specialist at Saline High School for 10 years. Taña’s passions include scaffolding lesson plans, mentoring 12th graders into post-high school careers and education, and engaging EL families with their new world and school. She has presented at TESOL 2018 and 2019 and MITESOL18.

• 1:00 - 1:50 PM, Jul 31, 2024 106

  Teen Concentric Program: Cultivating Connections for Highschool Refugee Youth

Amanda was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI and holds an MATESOL from Hamline University. She also holds a BA in English from Morningside University. Amanda has been teaching K-12 and adult EL for 5 years, both remotely and in various states including- Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and now she is continuing her teaching journey in Michigan. Her teaching passions and interests include secondary co-teaching and collaboration, seeking equitable standardized testing practices, advocacy for EL students, scaffolding and differentiating instruction, and teaching newcomer students at the K-12 level.

• 1:00 - 1:50 PM, Jul 31, 2024 106

  Teen Concentric Program: Cultivating Connections for Highschool Refugee Youth

Rahma is one of the current Concentric Leaders for the teen program designed by Treetops Collective, and also an MSW student in the Detroit area. Rahma facilitated teen concentric groups for both Saline and Multicultural Academy as part of the Treetops Collective pilot in Washtenaw county.

• 1:00 - 1:50 PM, Jul 31, 2024 106

  Teen Concentric Program: Cultivating Connections for Highschool Refugee Youth