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WestEd takes pride in the accomplishments and interests of our staff, and remembers those who have passed away or retired from the agency.WestEd Celebrates the Accomplishments of Sheila Signer
CCFS' Ron Lally, Sheila Signer, and Alicia Tuesta
A Senior Program Associate for WestEd's Center for Child & Family Studies (CCFS), Sheila specialized in infant/toddler learning, development, and care. She supported the creation of videos, materials, and trainings since the inception of PITC, the most widely used training system for infant and toddler caregivers in the United States.
"Sheila has been part of our creative team since the first days of PITC," says J. Ronald Lally, CCFS Co-Director. "She has had a hand in everything we have developed and her contribution has been enormous."
CEO Glen Harvey with Sheila Signer
Prior to joining WestEd in 1985, Signer taught preschool for several years. She also served as an infant caregiver and was teacher and parent coordinator at Hastings Law School Child Care Center. She earned an MA in education from San Francisco State University.
In 2006, Signer received a PITC Distinguished Service Award for her contributions to infants and toddlers.
"Sheila has been a leading voice for infants and toddlers, and the people who care for them," says Peter Mangione, CCFS Co-Director. "She has made lasting contributions to our field."
WestEd Remembers Jackie Howell, 1944 – 2010
Jackie Howell, who served as the Receptionist for WestEd's Oakland office, passed away February 8, 2010, after a brief struggle with breast cancer.
A member of WestEd's staff since 2003, Jackie enjoyed and enacted her self-titled role as "Director of First Impressions." She interfaced constantly and positively with staff and visitors at the Oakland office, and provided support for a variety of WestEd programs.
"Jackie's contributions to the Oakland office will be remembered fondly," says Walter Blount, WestEd's Director of Human Resources. "She valued the educational services and expertise that we provide to our clients, and she was proud to be a part of WestEd."
Prior to joining WestEd, Jackie, who had earned a BA in sociology, served as a social worker in New York City, where she conducted foster care supervision, adoption/foster care studies, and protective casework. She enjoyed traveling, hiking, and camping, and would return from her trips with anecdotes and pictures that were shared with and enjoyed by the entire Oakland office community.
"Jackie was a strong and willful person, never afraid to follow her heart," says Brian Williams, WestEd's Human Resources Manager.
A member of WestEd's staff since 2003, Jackie enjoyed and enacted her self-titled role as "Director of First Impressions." She interfaced constantly and positively with staff and visitors at the Oakland office, and provided support for a variety of WestEd programs.
"Jackie's contributions to the Oakland office will be remembered fondly," says Walter Blount, WestEd's Director of Human Resources. "She valued the educational services and expertise that we provide to our clients, and she was proud to be a part of WestEd."
Prior to joining WestEd, Jackie, who had earned a BA in sociology, served as a social worker in New York City, where she conducted foster care supervision, adoption/foster care studies, and protective casework. She enjoyed traveling, hiking, and camping, and would return from her trips with anecdotes and pictures that were shared with and enjoyed by the entire Oakland office community.
"Jackie was a strong and willful person, never afraid to follow her heart," says Brian Williams, WestEd's Human Resources Manager.
WestEd Celebrates the Accomplishments of Ed Myers
Ed Myers, an organizational leader for many years, retired from WestEd in February 2010.
As WestEd's Chief Administrative Officer, Ed played central roles on the agency's Executive Team and oversaw the work of several administrative departments and programs. Prior to that, as the Executive Director of the former Southwest Regional Educational Laboratory (SWRL), Ed — with his counterparts at Far West Laboratory (FWL) and the respective agencies' boards of directors — was a founder of WestEd.
"We are in Ed's debt for his contributions in helping make WestEd the premier agency it is today," says WestEd CEO Glen Harvey. "Ed has been a trusted colleague and someone from whom I've learned much over the years. I valued his deep insights, and benefited from his institutional memory and experience."
Ed has more than 35 years in education research and development. He began his career as a high school teacher and later went on to direct several research divisions at Central Midwestern Regional Educational Laboratory, where he also served as special assistant to the president. Ed joined the staff of SWRL in 1983 as a Program Director. In 1986, he was appointed Executive Director of SWRL. Under Ed's leadership, SWRL became well-known for its work in such areas as language development and school reform policy analysis.
Ed received a BS in psychology from Ursinus College and a PhD in educational psychology from the University of Minnesota.
As WestEd's Chief Administrative Officer, Ed played central roles on the agency's Executive Team and oversaw the work of several administrative departments and programs. Prior to that, as the Executive Director of the former Southwest Regional Educational Laboratory (SWRL), Ed — with his counterparts at Far West Laboratory (FWL) and the respective agencies' boards of directors — was a founder of WestEd.
"We are in Ed's debt for his contributions in helping make WestEd the premier agency it is today," says WestEd CEO Glen Harvey. "Ed has been a trusted colleague and someone from whom I've learned much over the years. I valued his deep insights, and benefited from his institutional memory and experience."
Ed has more than 35 years in education research and development. He began his career as a high school teacher and later went on to direct several research divisions at Central Midwestern Regional Educational Laboratory, where he also served as special assistant to the president. Ed joined the staff of SWRL in 1983 as a Program Director. In 1986, he was appointed Executive Director of SWRL. Under Ed's leadership, SWRL became well-known for its work in such areas as language development and school reform policy analysis.
Ed received a BS in psychology from Ursinus College and a PhD in educational psychology from the University of Minnesota.
WestEd's Gregory Austin and California State Schools Chief Present Resource to Help Close the Achievement Gap
Jack O'Connell, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction (right), and Gregory Austin, Director of WestEd's Health & Human Development Program, announcing The Workbook for Improving School Climate & Closing the Achievement Gap.
Gregory Austin, Director of WestEd's Health & Human Development Program, spoke at a recent press conference announcing the availability of a new resource that recognizes the importance of creating a positive school environment to support both students and teachers. This type of environment is especially important in helping to close the achievement gap and addressing the needs of special education and migrant education students.
A collaboration between WestEd and the California Department of Education, The Workbook for Improving School Climate & Closing the Achievement Gap helps K-12 teachers and school leaders gain a deeper understanding of the data collected in state-sponsored school climate surveys to assess what is working. Teachers and leaders can then build on those strengths in the classroom, school, and district, as well as identify areas where improvements are needed.
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell led the press conference, held at San Diego (CA) High School.
A collaboration between WestEd and the California Department of Education, The Workbook for Improving School Climate & Closing the Achievement Gap helps K-12 teachers and school leaders gain a deeper understanding of the data collected in state-sponsored school climate surveys to assess what is working. Teachers and leaders can then build on those strengths in the classroom, school, and district, as well as identify areas where improvements are needed.
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell led the press conference, held at San Diego (CA) High School.
Celebrating Excellence in 2009: WestEd Staff Awards
WestEd's Staff Awards program recognizes the effort and excellence of our employees, both as individuals and as teams based in single offices or spanning locations nationwide. While applauding the accomplishments of our programs, projects, and people, these awards offer additional opportunities for staff to learn about their colleagues' work and supplement connections among their peers.Paul D. Hood Award for Distinguished Contribution to the Field
The Paul D. Hood Award for Distinguished Contribution to the Field recognizes excellence and impact, honoring staff for their outstanding work in research, development, and service. Award winners are widely acknowledged as leaders in their respective professional fields. The award was created in honor of our colleague, Paul Hood, whose work over 40 years at WestEd has done so much to enhance our agency's reputation.
Linda Brault, Senior Program Associate, Center for Child & Family Studies
Committed to the well-being of infants and toddlers for more than 25 years, Linda Brault is passionate about preventing challenging behaviors and promoting inclusion of children with disabilities and other special needs.
Committed to the well-being of infants and toddlers for more than 25 years, Linda Brault is passionate about preventing challenging behaviors and promoting inclusion of children with disabilities and other special needs.
Left to Right: Kevin Jordan, Kathleen Lepori, Michael Timms, Matt David Silberglitt, Uma Erickson, Steve Schneider, Joyce Kaser
Not Pictured: Mark Loveland, May Miller-Ricci, Edys Quellmalz, Senta Raizen, Jennifer Verrier
Not Pictured: Mark Loveland, May Miller-Ricci, Edys Quellmalz, Senta Raizen, Jennifer Verrier
NAEP Technological Literacy Framework and Test Specification
Development Team
WestEd is in the forefront of a major national assessment effort, thanks to the impressive work of our National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Technological Literacy Framework and Test Specification Development Team. The team completed the NAEP Framework and Test Specification document, which will be used to guide the development of the first-ever national assessment of 4th, 8th, and 12th grade students in technological literacy.
Development Team
WestEd is in the forefront of a major national assessment effort, thanks to the impressive work of our National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Technological Literacy Framework and Test Specification Development Team. The team completed the NAEP Framework and Test Specification document, which will be used to guide the development of the first-ever national assessment of 4th, 8th, and 12th grade students in technological literacy.
Award for Exceptional Contribution to the WestEd Community
The Award for Exceptional Contribution to the WestEd Community celebrates the many ways staff have a positive effect on our collaborative agency work. Our institutional operations, performance, and productivity all benefit from the work of these award recipients.
Vicki Hornus, Senior Program Associate, Learning Innovations
An outstanding ambassador to the special education and general education communities, Vicki Hornus was cited by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs as one of the most effective facilitators in the national Regional Resource Center network.
An outstanding ambassador to the special education and general education communities, Vicki Hornus was cited by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs as one of the most effective facilitators in the national Regional Resource Center network.
Flora Montgomery, Assistant Property Manager, Property and Facility Management
Known for her exemplary work and grace under pressure in maintaining WestEd's San Francisco headquarters' property, Flora Montgomery has created usable workspaces that enhance productivity and employee satisfaction.
Known for her exemplary work and grace under pressure in maintaining WestEd's San Francisco headquarters' property, Flora Montgomery has created usable workspaces that enhance productivity and employee satisfaction.
Sandra Olsen, Business Intelligence Administrator, Institutional Development
Sandra Olsen, who has the keen ability to learn and balance the strengths and weaknesses of software and systems, has consistently provided high-quality support to infrastructure departments and programs alike.
Sandra Olsen, who has the keen ability to learn and balance the strengths and weaknesses of software and systems, has consistently provided high-quality support to infrastructure departments and programs alike.
Angela Stewart, Program Coordinator, Comprehensive School Assistance Program
Recognized among WestEd colleagues as a key player on multiple projects, Angela Stewart created the Financial Analyst pilot, which has improved program systems, facilitated cross-office collaboration, and reduced workload for the agency's Finance Department.
Recognized among WestEd colleagues as a key player on multiple projects, Angela Stewart created the Financial Analyst pilot, which has improved program systems, facilitated cross-office collaboration, and reduced workload for the agency's Finance Department.
Joy Zimmerman, WestEd Editorial Director, Communications Department
Joy Zimmerman's keen questioning and pursuit of accuracy and clarity force a higher level of precision, analysis, and communication by WestEd authors, resulting in the highest quality products possible.
Joy Zimmerman's keen questioning and pursuit of accuracy and clarity force a higher level of precision, analysis, and communication by WestEd authors, resulting in the highest quality products possible.
Left to Right: Becca Hirschman, Paul Martinez, Suzanne Burns, Teresa Johnson, Christopher Ruperto, Dunya Nuaimi, Paul Hood
Not Pictured: Ryan Bennetts, Fawn Knox, Andrea Lash, May Miller-Ricci, Luana Morimoto, May Peng, Virgilio Tinio, Jr.
Not Pictured: Ryan Bennetts, Fawn Knox, Andrea Lash, May Miller-Ricci, Luana Morimoto, May Peng, Virgilio Tinio, Jr.
Contracts Department and Cross-Program Proposal Review Team
The Contracts Department and Cross-Program Proposal Review Team has provided invaluable guidance to WestEd staff preparing proposals and detailed feedback to streamline the proposal process. Team members also have offered helpful documentation and a variety of additional references and referrals to staff.
The Contracts Department and Cross-Program Proposal Review Team has provided invaluable guidance to WestEd staff preparing proposals and detailed feedback to streamline the proposal process. Team members also have offered helpful documentation and a variety of additional references and referrals to staff.
Left to Right: Tanicia Bell, Christian Holden, Danny Torres, Rosemary De La Torre, Carne Clarke, Jose Franco, Christopher Ruperto, Kate Darling, Michael Medina, Jennifer Novakoski
Not Pictured: Freddie Baer, Aylin Bell, Aden Bliss, John Boubion, Mark Kerr, Colleen Montoya, Alma Ramírez, Noel White
Not Pictured: Freddie Baer, Aylin Bell, Aden Bliss, John Boubion, Mark Kerr, Colleen Montoya, Alma Ramírez, Noel White
Math Pathways & Pitfalls Publishing Team
In 2009, the first-of-its-kind Math Pathways & Pitfalls (MPP) K-8 intervention curriculum was developed for educators as a series of books, posters, CDs, and DVDs. The MPP Publishing Team worked across multiple departments, drawing on the expertise of its members in each of their given areas, ultimately developing processes, procedures, protocols, and standards for excellence in publishing at WestEd.
In 2009, the first-of-its-kind Math Pathways & Pitfalls (MPP) K-8 intervention curriculum was developed for educators as a series of books, posters, CDs, and DVDs. The MPP Publishing Team worked across multiple departments, drawing on the expertise of its members in each of their given areas, ultimately developing processes, procedures, protocols, and standards for excellence in publishing at WestEd.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
WestEd — December 2009
This year, more than 250 WestEd staff, consultants, family members, and clients joined Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walks held across the country. These fundraisers, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, support cancer research and early detection programs that save lives.
This is WestEd's 12th year of walking for a cure for breast cancer. Our agency had walkers representing most of our 17 offices nationwide.
Says WestEd Senior Researcher BethAnn Berliner: "Some of us walk for our mothers and sisters, some of us walk for our colleagues and clients, and some of us walk for our friends and ourselves. But all of us walk for hope for a cure."
This is WestEd's 12th year of walking for a cure for breast cancer. Our agency had walkers representing most of our 17 offices nationwide.
Says WestEd Senior Researcher BethAnn Berliner: "Some of us walk for our mothers and sisters, some of us walk for our colleagues and clients, and some of us walk for our friends and ourselves. But all of us walk for hope for a cure."