Meet the iteach Leadership Team

Peggy works as the Director of Testing at iteach. She was raised in Iowa and attended college in Minneapolis, studying Behavioral Sciences.  She moved to Texas in 1986 and graduated from North Central Texas College with an Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies.  After working in the legal field for 12 years, it was time for a change, and a door opened with iteach in the Payments Department.  After a few years working in Accounts Receivable, she moved into Customer Service before transitioning into testing.

Peggy enjoys fishing, camping, and swimming, and being outdoors.  She has a husband of 30 years, two daughters, one grandson, and one granddaughter.

Amy holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from The University of North Texas, a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Houston, and a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of North Texas. Her background includes being a middle school math teacher, a math coach, and a high school assistant principal. She also is the Director of Operations for The International Teacher to Teacher Program, connecting Guatemala and Costa Rican teachers with Texas teachers for an authentic teacher exchange experience.

She currently supports iteach develop outstanding educators as Director of Curriculum and Instruction.

Todd serves as the Director of Technology at iteach. He started his career as a graphic designer for Ernst & Young, where he designed interfaces for online training for SAP engagements. After several years working as an Art Director at DDB Digital, creating interactive multimedia content for Pepsi World, he switched gears in his career and became a developer. Before coming to iteach, Todd started a consulting company where he built web apps and kiosks for Microsoft’s SMB road shows. In his role at iteach, he has helped the organization migrate from ColdFusion to .NET to Salesforce to accommodate the company’s tremendous growth over the years.

In his free time, he spends time with his two sons, sings, plays guitar, and produces music.

Katy works in the Admissions Department at iteach. In this role, she and her team members review the many transcripts sent from candidates every day. Katy is happy to have a part in helping create great teachers. She is a Denton local and enjoys being a part of the community by participating in the Denton Area Running Club. Katy is a graduate of the University of North Texas, where she received a degree in Anthropology.

Tara works as a Program Advisor at iteach. Before joining iteach, Tara worked as a Children’s Pastor for 20 years. She attended Abilene Christian University.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, shopping and exploring the City of Denton.

Kelvin is a certified Texas educator with a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of North Texas and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from American College of Education. During his teaching career, he mentored learners in a multitude of subjects and lead clubs like Youth in Government and the Dungeons and Dragons club. He now channels his processional efforts toward helping other aspiring educators reach their goals. In his personal time, Kelvin enjoys traveling, hiking, and spoiling his three dogs.

Asha serves as the Program Director at iteach in Mississippi. She holds a Bachelor’s in Speech and Language Pathology from the University of North Texas and a Master’s in Educational Technology and Library Science from Texas A&M Commerce. Before she joined iteach she served 3 years as a classroom teacher and 5 years as an Elementary School Librarian in Texas Public Schools. She is passionate about literacy and helping educators find their way to the classroom and experience the joy of teaching. 

In her free time, you can find Asha spending quality time with her 2 daughters and her husband or reading a book.

Kay is the Director of Field Experience at iteach in Texas. She has been in education for 24 years, 19 of those with iteach.

Kay has never met a stranger, and this is evident in the relationships she has built with school districts across the state.

Prior to her work in education, Kay owned her own produce business for 18 years.

Kay enjoys traveling with her husband of 44 years and spending time with their five grandchildren.

Laura Estes, Ed. D., serves as the iteach Program Director for Virginia. Laura holds a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with an endorsement in Elementary Education from Radford University, a Master of Education with an endorsement as a Reading Specialist from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a Doctorate in Educational Policy, Planning, and Leadership from the College of William & Mary.

She started her career as a first-grade teacher. With a passion for early literacy acquisition, she spent a decade working in early literacy interventions at the school and district level. Upon earning her school leadership license, Laura served as an Assistant Principal before transitioning into a mid-sized public school system’s Chief Human Resources Officer role.

Laura recently reached a significant milestone of service in public schools in Virginia for 30 years—her favorite place when not in the classroom and education setting is the outdoors. You can find Laura paddle boarding, kayaking, biking, running, doing hot yoga on any given day or spending time with her husband, daughter, and dog.

Brooke is the Program Director at iteach in Louisiana. She has 15 years of experience in the K-12 Sector. She truly values her ability to build meaningful relationships at both the state and local levels.

Brooke is a true supporter of education and is currently giving back by serving on a local school board as an elected official. Brooke enjoys a good Netflix binge but can also be found at a baseball field or in a gymnasium cheering on her two children while they compete.

Jamason serves as the Program Director at iteach in Tennessee & Arkansas. He holds a Bachelor’s in Journalism-Advertising and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of North Texas. He joined the iteach team with ten years of experience as an Elementary Teacher in Texas public schools. During that time, he discovered his passion for mentoring and developing educators new to the teaching profession.

In his free time, Jamason enjoys playing tennis, taking cycle classes, spending time with family and friends and traveling the world as much as possible.

Mo is currently the Regional Director of the Mid-Atlantic at iteach, serving Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. Dr. Gaffney is an accomplished leader and educator with over twenty years of experience. She earned her Bachelor of Arts, M.Ed., and a doctorate in education from the University of Virginia.

She has taught elementary in both public and private schools, as well as an adjunct professor for UVA.  For eleven years, she served as Head of the Covenant Lower School in Charlottesville, VA. Prior to coming to Covenant, she was the University of Virginia Associate Director of the Central Virginia Writing Project and taught courses in Curriculum and Instruction. Dr. Gaffney has spoken at national conferences and is known as a transformational, creative leader and strategic thinker with humility and a sense of humor. She and her husband, Jeff, have four adult children and live in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Clarissa is an Academic Advisor at iteach. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas Dallas, she taught High School Science and then worked in enrollment at the University of North Texas.

Clarissa has been playing roller derby for over seven years. She also enjoys baking, playing video games and testing out new crafts. 

Kylie works as a Certification Officer at iteach. She grew up living the small town life in the Texas Panhandle as the daughter of a farmer and teacher. Kylie graduated from Dallas Baptist University and taught elementary education for 5 years. Kylie is married and has a fur baby named Russell. During her free time, she likes to read, crochet, and take Russell to get pupcups. 

As the Director of Community and Government Relations at iteach, Davida cultivates and maintains relationships with state education agencies and ensures programmatic compliance with state regulations for educator preparation. Davida brings more than two decades of experience in K-12 education and teacher preparation, with expertise in educator preparation program development, quality assurance, and operations across multiple states.  

Davida lives in North Carolina with her two children and two cats. She loves gardening and traveling.

Shannon is a Social Media and Content Marketing Associate at iteach. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Sam Houston State University, she spent six years in the classroom as a sixth-grade math teacher. Shannon is excited at the opportunity to continue serving in the education field. 

Outside of work, she enjoys exploring with her husband, one-year-old son, and dog. She also enjoys finding the best lattes at local coffee shops and Sunday Farmer’s Markets.

Jennifer Hees works at iteach as a Curriculum and Instruction Coordinator. Jennifer received a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master’s in Instructional Design from Western Governors University. Before joining iteach, she spent 24 years teaching 1st-8th grade students, specializing in math, social studies, and science. Additionally, Jennifer supported student and first-year teachers as a cooperating teacher and mentor coordinator. 

Jennifer is proud to support future educators on their journey to the classroom. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family, reading books, traveling, and listening to vinyl records.

Emily works as a Help Desk Technician at iteach. Before iteach, Emily taught preschoolers in Texas. In her free time, you can find Emily outdoors camping, hiking or fishing in the mountains with her husband and two dogs.

Abby joined the iteach family in February 2021 and is a Certification Officer for the Administrative Team. Abby has graduated with both a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma. In the fall of 2019, she began her educational experience working as a Kindergarten teacher in Oklahoma City.

In her free time, Abby enjoys doing puzzles or relaxing out at the lake with her husband and her dog, Boomer!

Diann holds a Doctorate of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from The University of North Texas, a Master of Business Administration in Labor Relations from The University of North Texas, and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Business from Howard Payne University.

Diann began her career in education as a mathematics student teacher at Brownwood High School in Brownwood, TX. During her career in Flight Service Training for American Airlines, she was responsible for curriculum development, recurrent training, and the facilitation of communication seminars. Diann later assumed roles in curriculum development and educational consulting for state and private educational institutions. As a private consultant, she partnered with The State Board of Education and other state educational institutions to develop presentation seminars, online teacher curriculum and training materials to assist private schools and public school districts in staff development, course sequencing, and curriculum coordination. At the College of Education at The University of North Texas, Diann served as teaching fellow, lecturer, and Professional Development School Coordinator, as well as the ExCET Coordinator.

As a leader in the education industry, she gained extensive experience in curriculum development and online instruction and expertise in state certification procedures. In January 2003, iteach, formerly iteachTEXAS, was approved by the Texas State Board for Educator Certification as an alternative route to certification for teacher candidates in Texas. Diann effectively applied her years of experience in both education and business to the development of a new teacher preparation program that responded to the growing market for technological teaching devices. By the end of the third school year (05-06), iteach had become one of the largest providers of initially certified teachers in Texas, a distinction the program maintains as it continues to grow.

Todd joined iteach in June 2022 and serves as a Certification Specialist. Prior to iteach, Todd worked in healthcare as a Program Director for seniors in memory care. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Gerontology. 

Outside of work, Todd loves spending time with his wife of 22 years and his two daughters. His hobbies include knitting, gardening, reading and listening to a good podcast.

Laura works as a Certification Officer at iteach. She grew up in Colorado, and earned her degree in Psychology at the University of Denver. She has worked in education since 2009 as a teacher, a program and classroom assessor, as well as a trainer for early childhood professionals in classroom best practices.

She lives in Fort Worth with her husband Garrett and their two dogs, and enjoys reading, writing, gardening, traveling, and hockey.

Lizzy Karnowski is a Certification Officer at iteach. Lizzy graduated from McMurry University in 2015 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. After working as a licensed case manager at Fidelity Investments, she began her career as an educator in 2021 as a High School English teacher in Keller, Texas. 

Outside the office, Lizzy enjoys time spent with her husband, Kurt, and two dogs, Lily and Duchess. Lizzy loves crafting, playing board games with friends, spending time outside, riding bikes, and relaxing at the lake.

JoEll works as a Help Desk Technician at iteach. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s in Early Childhood from Texas Woman’s University. Before joining iteach, JoEll worked as a Pre-K teacher and owned her dance school for over 20 years.

Outside work, she treasures her time with her three children and two grandchildren. JoEll and her family enjoy spending time at the lake, boating and relaxing at the beach.

Tracy works at iteach as a Payment Support Representative. Tracy graduated with a Bachelor of Music from Texas State University and taught music in a public school setting. She transitioned to work in sales and marketing for two decades before coming to iteach. 

Tracy is thrilled to be back in a career that contributes to educating our youth. In her free time, Tracy enjoys gardening at her home out in the country with her college sweetheart of 32 years.

Ashli joined the iteach team in June 2024 as an Administrative Team Data Entry Assistant. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of North Texas.

As an ISTJ and Enneagram Type 1, Ashli has a passion for inclusion, service, and helping communities in need. She also proudly volunteers with Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas.

Outside of work, Ashli enjoys reading sci-fi and thriller novels, listening to true crime podcasts, and walking her dogs. Her passions include, but are not limited to, Star Wars, eating Mexican food, and watching Dallas sports. You can find her at a concert or anywhere with sunshine and cold drinks.

Shyla Nortman serves as the Program Advisor at iteach. Shyla holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Texas Woman’s University. Before joining iteach, she spent three years in the classroom as a special education teacher. 

In her free time, Shyla enjoys spending time with her family. She also enjoys binge-watching TV and movies and diving into a good book.

John Omelan is a Regional Manager at iteach. He has 27 years of educational experience.  During that time, he has been a teacher, an assistant principal, principal and worked at the Education Service Center.  He has served in leadership roles with GCASPA, TACA, and was president of the National Association of Alternative Certification. John received his Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Texas at Austin and his master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Sam Houston State University, where he was awarded the Max Schlotter Award for Outstanding Student in Educational Administration.

John is married to Dr. Kirsten Omelan and has one daughter, Abigail Grace.

Melissa works as the Enterprise Graphic Designer for K12 Coalition. She studied English at the University of Massachusetts – Lowell. In 2000, Melissa launched an award-winning ad agency and served as the Creative Director, where she helped businesses with branding, websites, marketing, social media and television and radio advertising campaigns. After selling the agency in 2017, she worked as the Marketing Director of a large church in Texas.

Melissa spends her free time writing music, playing ice hockey, or exploring the great outdoors with her three children. When not designing for work, she creates party invitations for kids.

Jennie is the Director of Student Services and oversees the daily operations of the Admission Department for iteach. She holds teacher certification in 4-8 Generalist and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of North Texas. After graduating, she was hired as a student advisor. In the five years she worked in Undergraduate Student Advising, Jennie realized two very important things: her love for counseling and the desire to guide students during their college careers.

Jennie Reid joined iteach in 2004. In the 17 years she has been with the company, she has overseen the expansion of the Admission Department in multiple states. Jennie strives to create a personal experience for each and every applicant and hopes to provide guidance as they launch into the honorable profession of teaching.

As the Enterprise Creative Director, Eddie enjoys guiding people along their journey to becoming successful educators. With a background in project management, marketing, and design, he works hard to create a brand that creates trust with teaching candidates and business partners.

In the past, Eddie worked with over 100 clients creating animated videos, television commercials, corporate identities, billboards, and more.

He serves on the board of Serve Denton and Denton Public School Foundation, two organizations he is passionate about that help impact the community.

In his personal life, he enjoys writing children’s books and mystery fiction. When he is not working or writing, you can find Eddie practicing hot yoga, playing racquetball, cooking, or sitting at one of the many bars or restaurants in Denton, engaged in deep conversation with his boyfriend, family, and friends. He is an enneagram 7 with an enthusiastic approach to life and a drive to connect with people and be a catalyst that helps others thrive.

Zach serves as Vice President of Operations at iteach. During his time in this role, he has developed and administered strategic and tactical operational plans and currently oversees all activity related to the company’s operational strategy. He holds a Doctorate of Education from Grand Canyon University, a Master of Art in Education Administration from the University of Phoenix, and a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences from the University of North Texas.

Rozell began his career in education as a science teacher and coach for Denton Independent School District in Denton, Texas. He has also worked as a sales representative for Cambridge Leather, where he was responsible for the expansion of company sales on a national level, with an emphasis on the financial and pharmaceutical industries. In 2004, Rozell applied his education and entrepreneurial experience to the management of operations pertaining to educator certification.

Stephanie is the Certification Coordinator at iteach. She has been with iteach since 2018. Stephanie came to iteach with 20 years of experience in education, with her last role as a Certification Specialist in Human Resources.

Stephanie earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of North Texas.  She also attended Kilgore College, where she was a member of the World Famous Kilgore College Rangerettes dance team-51st Line.

She has three daughters, Sarah, Lauren, and Isabella, and two grandsons. She has two cats, Stella and Luna, adopted from an animal rescue. Stephanie enjoys spending time with her family, reading and running. She loves participating in and training for races.

Erica is the Educational Team Lead at iteach. After graduating from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, she worked in corporate environments and spent three years teaching Art in a public school. iteach has been a natural transition for Erica, providing a balance of corporate setting still in education. 

In her spare time, Erica weaves on her floor loom, runs a floral design business, and spends quality time with her husband and two puppies.

Kimberly is the Western Region Program Director at iteach. Kimberly holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, a Master of Arts in History, an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, and a Ph.D. in Literacy.

Kimberly’s political background allowed her to serve on staff with the US Senate Majority Leader before entering the teaching field in 2004. She was a classroom teacher for over ten years, wrote curriculum as part of the International Baccalaureate Educator Network, and finished her career in public schools after five years in administration.

She has two children and a loving husband, and she continues to use her voice to advocate for schools and teachers through published editorials, podcasts, and the iteach blog.

Luis Tovar is the Program Director for the State of Kentucky at iteach. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from the University of North Texas. With a deep passion for the Spanish language and culture, Luis dedicated 17 years to teaching IB and AP Spanish. He is proud to continue serving in the field of education by guiding future educators on their journey to the classroom.

In his free time, Luis enjoys spending time with his family, watching and playing soccer, reading, and listening to podcasts.

Emily works as a Program Advisor at iteach. After years of owning and running her own bakery food truck in Denton, TX, Emily decided to transition to working in a role to support candidates looking to become teachers.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Justin, and dog, Buddy, baking and experimenting with new recipes, and watching Gilmore Girls.

Brittany works as a Program Advisor at iteach. After leaving home health care, she has worked in customer service for over 15 years.

In her free time, Brittany loves spending time with her family in the water and exploring new places.

Rachel is the State Coordinator for Indiana. She loves that she is able to help teachers who will shape and educate future minds. Rachel has received her Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Performance and Film Studies from Oklahoma City University and her Master’s from the University of North Texas in Hospitality Management.