Aaron D. Knochel has worked in schools, museums, and community arts programs, both domestically and internationally. Currently, Aaron is an associate professor of art education and affiliated faculty at the Arts & Design Research Incubator (ADRI). Aaron is a mixed-methods researcher, curriculum theorist, and artist with interests in transdisciplinary learning, critical social theory, and media arts. His research includes community-based media production, digital visual culture in K–12 art classrooms, and learning in maker cultures. Current funded projects explore generative AI and interdisciplinary intersections on health, care, and creative practice. His published works include articles in Studies in Art Education, Visual Arts Research, and the International Journal of Education Through Art. He coedited Global Media Arts: Mapping Global Perspectives in Media Arts in Education (Palgrave, 2023) and Critical Digital Making in Art Education (Lang, 2020). 

Hyunji Kwon is an associate professor of art education and a faculty affiliate in the Department of Women’s and Gender Studies at the University of South Carolina. Her research expertise includes trauma studies and art pedagogy, informed by her extensive community work with trauma-affected individuals, including women living in transitional homes and survivors of sexual violence. She has received prestigious fellowships and awards, including one from the National Endowment for the Arts, and has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. She has also served on editorial boards for prominent journals in the field. Currently, she is working on a solo-authored book on trauma and art pedagogy. 

Cappie Dobyns earned her PhD from Drake University and is a 35-year veteran of teaching middle school art and gifted & talented in Texas and now Iowa. She sponsors a chapter of the National Junior Art Honor Society (NJAHS) which inspired her passion, research, and service in talent development and high-ability art education. In the National Association of Gifted (NAGC), Cappie served as chair of the NAGC's Arts Network. In NAEA she serves as a Research Commissioner, a member of the Professional Materials Committee, and as secretary of the newly formed Interest Group, Developing Potential & Talent in Art (DPTA). She received NAEA’s Outstanding NJAHS Sponsor Award in 2013 and has been a two-time recipient of NAEA's Western Region Middle Level Educator Award in 2001 and 2020. 

Kelly Bisogno is the coordinator of fine arts at the Virginia Department of Education. She has taught art to children, teens, and adults for over 15 years. She holds BFA degrees in Sculpture and Art Education from Virginia Commonwealth University and a master’s degree in educational technology and education leadership. She is a Distinguished Fellow of the Virginia Art Education Association and Virginia Art Educator of the Year in 2024. Kelly serves on several state and national arts education organizations and is the co-chair of the Arts Education Partnership Data Working Group. 

Keri Reynolds is a National Board Certified Teacher and secondary fine arts lead in Houston, Texas. Her teaching experiences transcend across a variety of age levels ranging from kindergarten to adults in various capacities and community settings and include specialization in teaching studio art courses at the secondary level. She also serves as the National Art Education Association (NAEA) Secondary Research Commissioner. Her research interests focus on contemporary art and community-based art education with underserved populations. She has presented across the country at NAEA and AP conferences, and her recent publications include articles published in SchoolArts and the Texas Art Education Association’s TRENDS Journal. 

Jane Dalton’s research integrates studio art and teacher education, focusing on transformative learning through mindfulness and the expressive arts. Grounded in neuroscience, Jane’s work explores how contemplative art practices enhance emotional balance, focus, and self-awareness—key elements of creativity and personal growth. Jane’s recent book, The Mindful Studio: Cultivating Creativity and Well-Being in the Classroom (Davis, 2023), expands on these ideas. Jane has coedited three books on contemplative pedagogy, including >span class="NormalTextRun SCXW262617826 BCX0">Through Lectio and Visio Divina, and continues an active studio practice that enriches teaching and research. 

James Wells is the education manager at Crayola and has dedicated his career to supporting arts in schools, collaborating with educators across the United States. He hosted a digital content series, Creativity Tips, and is a founding member of Crayola’s Diversity and Inclusion Council. Prior to joining Crayola, James was the fine arts instructional advisor for Shelby County School District in Memphis, Tennessee, and >span class="NormalTextRun SCXW176469720 BCX0">art education coordinator for the Tennessee Arts Commission in Nashville. He has spearheaded initiatives that kept art at the forefront of education, including revising Tennessee’s art standards. In 2022, he was named Tennessee Art Educator of the Year, and he is the past president of the Tennessee Art Education Association, a board trustee of >span class="NormalTextRun SCXW176469720 BCX0">an alumnus of the School for Art Leaders program. 

Michelle Harrell is Director of Education at the North Carolina Museum of Art leading an incredible team of educators recognized for innovative approaches to learning. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Learning Design and Technology with a focus on object-based learning and digital ecosystems. Michelle is also a practicing artist and advocate for mindfulness through visual journaling.

David Matteson is Director of Learning & Engagement at the Boca Raton Museum of Art. With over a decade of experience as a museum educator, he focuses on inclusive, community-driven programming. He has presented at numerous national conferences, including NAEA, and has published in "Art Education." In 2025, he was named the Florida Art Education Association's Museum Educator of the Year.

Dr. Anne Cochran Grey holds a PhD, an MS, and a BS in Education and Art Education. She is an art educator and Bradley-Otis Fellow at Rollins Museum. Her research focuses on art appreciation, interviews with contemporary collectors and artists, and social-emotional learning. Dr. Grey contributes to numerous projects, initiatives, and conferences aimed at advancing museum-classroom partnerships.

Kaviya Ravi is an Indian American artist, maker, designer, biochemist, and small business owner. She has lived half of her life in Southern India and now lives in the United States. She is a mixed-media artist and maker who loves to learn and explore new media and techniques. Everything she creates is “Unapologetically Colorful,” and working with her hands brings her the greatest joy. Her motto is to live a silly, simple life, and this philosophy is reflected in her interiors, art, and all her designs. Most days, you can find her exploring the world with her partner and her pup or creating colorfully whimsical things in her little home studio in Louisville, Kentucky. She was a contestant on NBC’s Making It, and her colorful home has been featured on various design blogs and magazines. 
 

Chidera Oforkansi is currently a senior at George Bush High School. With a strong passion for the visual arts, she strives to create pieces that depict the daily struggles of people and the faults of society. This strong passion for art led her to join NAHS during her freshman year and she has stuck with the program ever since, evolving not only as an artist, but also as a person. Being in NAHS has transformed the way Chidera approaches leading others by pushing herself to become a compassionate and patient leader. Chidera hopes to someday become an artist who tackles challenging topics in unconventional ways while spreading her love of the visual arts to the rest of the world. 

Joshua Haynes is a passionate visual artist and student leader from Southaven, Mississippi. He serves as president of his school’s National Art Honor Society, founder and president of the Photography Club, and vice president of both the National Honor Society and Key Club. A dedicated thespian and member of the Orpheum STAR Council, Joshua also represents students as a youth representative on the Southaven Mayor’s Youth Council and as a Big Future and school ambassador. He loves creating portraits, and his photography has been exhibited at venues including the Mid-South Fair, Northwest Community College, Desoto Arts Council High School Exhibition, Brooks Museum, and the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, where he has received multiple accolades. An HSF Scholar, AP Scholar, and NCTE Superior recipient, Joshua balances academics, leadership, and creative pursuits while pursuing his goal of becoming a professional photographer. His portfolio and projects can be viewed at lensofjoshua.com.

Klara Schnore is a junior at Kutztown High School in Berks County, Pennsylvania. She is a passionate advocate for the importance of art education in schools. She believes art fosters individuality, supports mental health, and encourages creative problem solving. Klara currently serves as president of the Kutztown High School National Art Honor Society and she previously held the role of class president for 2 years. She is a dedicated student athlete and participates in three varsity sports. She is also the proud recipient of the prestigious Jack Coggins Memorial Award for her creativity and innovation. Klara is also a member of the student council and an active community volunteer. During the summer, she loves devoting a week to help out at a local art camp for younger children. Looking ahead, she hopes to pursue a degree in museum studies and art conservation, where she can preserve works for future generations to appreciate.

Ella Grail is currently a junior at Ames High School, located near Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. She is a driven artist with an extensive contest and exhibit history. She has been an active and engaged participant in NAHS and NJAHS starting in 2021. During those years, she has done substantial service, including The Memory Project, Hospice Project, and volunteering at local art events. Throughout her time in NAHS, she has risen to a leadership position for her school’s chapter. Highlights for Ella have included being the state winner for Doodle for Google, attending the first National Art Honor Society Conference, and becoming a two-time finalist for the Unsung Heroes project. 

Olivia Valenti is a senior at Kent Island High School. In the future, she hopes to attend a 4-year college to major in studio art and education. Her favorite art media to create with are gouache and oil pastel. Olivia’s dream since 2nd grade has been to become an elementary school art teacher so she can use her passion to inspire and help children discover their voices. She loves art because it has allowed her to build confidence in all areas of her life, and she uses art and creativity to express her love for the people and things around her. Olivia also incorporates art into her after school activities and community service work. Her goal is to spread the benefits of art into >span class="NormalTextRun SCXW254766077 BCX0"> community and she’s excited to use her voice to further advance the National Art Honor Society!

Dr. Sarah Ackermann is an art educator and academic leader with experience teaching learners from kindergarten through adulthood. She began her career teaching high school photography in Illinois and went on to teach in multiple K–12 settings in the U.S. and abroad, including international schools in Zurich, Switzerland. She has also taught art and education courses at several universities, preparing future teachers at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Now serving as Chair of Art Education at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design, she draws on her leadership in online and hybrid program design to help future educators create engaging, student-centered learning environments.

Debra Pylypiw is a retired public high school art educator who has also taught ONLINE college courses since 2003. She has taught for 7 NC Community Colleges, Barton College, East Carolina University, and the UNC- Wilmington – all online - in addition to being one of the pioneer art educators hired by the North Carolina Virtual Public School. She has a BFA from Slippery Rock University, a MAEd in Art Education and a MS in Instructional Technology  from ECU, and a EdD  in Instructional Technology and Distance Education from Nova Southeastern University.

Jenalee (Jena) Hinds is an assistant professor at the University of Kentucky whose work blends education, creativity, and well-being. Her research focuses on identifying the best interventions and practices, including visual storytelling, design, and aromatherapy, to reduce test anxiety and support student success. She is the developer of the Stress Performance Evaluation (SPE) app, designed to measure and manage stress during testing and other high-stress situations. In addition to her research, Hinds is a children’s book author who utilizes visual arts and storytelling to spark curiosity, foster cultural connection, and promote emotional growth in young learners. She is passionate about bringing the arts into math education, showing how creativity enhances problem solving and resilience. Through teaching, writing, talks, and community engagement, she empowers future educators and students to view knowledge in new ways, combining research-based strategies with imaginative design to build confidence, well-being, and lifelong learning.

Harlie Blauw is a nationally certified school psychologist who holds a doctorate in educational leadership. During her time serving students at the Mississippi School of the Arts, she created an arts-focused grief retreat for teens, and she has also organized student support groups for cultivating self-compassion and mindfulness through the arts. As a practitioner she is currently focusing her energy on her nonprofit organization, Anchored Christian Grief Camp, to help support grieving children through the arts.

Beverly Johns has spent a majority of her career working with public school students with significant emotional or behavioral challenges. She has worked with students who have experienced trauma or came to school “angry at the world.” As a professional fellow at MacMurray College, she has also trained future educators to work in special education, and she has trained general education teachers to work with students with special education needs. She is the author or coauthor of 28 nonfiction books, as well as the president of the Learning Disabilities Association of Illinois. Johns believes the arts are a powerful way for students to express their emotions in an appropriate way, as well as a restorative tool to help students appropriately reboot their feelings.

Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission, Commissioner At Large

Venus Evans, who was born and raised in Laurel County, Kentucky, is a tribal citizen of the Mi’kmaq Nation of Presque Isle, Maine. The Mi’kmaq are one of four federally recognized tribes of the state of Maine. Venus currently serves as Commissioner at Large for the Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission (KNAHC).

Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission Coordinator

Tressa Brown received her BA in Anthropology from Transylvania University and her MA in Anthropology and Museum Studies from Arizona State University. She is currently the coordinator for the Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission. She has worked for the past 35 years providing Native American educational programming for schools and the public.

Commissioner, Education Chair, Kentucky Native American Heritage Commission; College Career Navigator; Corrections Instructor

Chris Robinson has more than 25 years in public school, university, and corrections classrooms in rural and urban Alaska, the United Kingdom, and Kentucky. He spent a year at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian as their teacher-in-residence.

Anna Pilhoefer, an artist and arts educator with more than 20 years’ experience, has led TK–12 teaching, districtwide arts leadership, and nonprofit program management. She has expanded arts access for thousands of students and served on the team of 20 that developed the California Arts Framework. She is currently the TK–12 arts program specialist for Santa Barbara Unified School District. 

Isabella “Isa” Obradovich is a senior at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, studying art education and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Isa was born in Washington, DC, to immigrant parents from France and Peru, and she was raised speaking French and Spanish, learning English upon entering school. Isa is a passionate artist, educator, activist, and content creator, and she was awarded the National Preservice Art Educator of the Year award by NAEA in 2025. In addition to her role as Preservice Commissioner on the NAEA ED&I Commission, she serves on the Ohio Art Education Association (OAEA) DEI Committee. 

Cathy Rosamond has an extensive background in higher education teaching and research, as well as museum education for K–12 students. At NAEA, she serves on the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Commission. Her scholarship interests include artistic research, specifically in investigations that focus on diverse approaches to inquiry.

Mayra Cecilia Palafox is an artist, museum administrator, and cultural worker. She is currently the Senior Manager of Public Programs & Interpretation at the Edith Farnsworth House. She has worked in museums for over a decade in New York, Berkeley, and Chicago. She is currently the Museum Education Commissioner for the NAEA ED&I Commission.