Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools Participants 2026

Dr. David M. Aderhold is the Superintendent of Schools for West Windsor - Plainsboro Regional School District. As a 24-year administrator, he serves as President-Elect for the NJ Association of School Administrators. He served as Co-chair for the NJASA Staff Recruitment and Retention Committee, a member of Gov. Murphy’s Educator Shortage Task Force, and Chair of Gov. Murphy’s Educator Evaluation Task Force. He is passionate about global education, SEL, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity.

Mary Austin-Franco is the District Coordinator for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme Continuum for Anne Arundel County Public Schools. In her role, she oversees the successful implementation of the 22 IB Programs in 19 elementary, middle and high schools that serve 15,000 IB students across the district. Mary has lived, traveled and worked in the US and abroad and previously participated in a Fulbright Teacher Exchange program in Helsinki, Finland. Mary works with schools and school districts around the world as an educational consultant and coach and was a high school English teacher and Foreign Service Officer selectee before pursuing her work with the IB.

Mary is a trained Navy Ombudsman supporting service members and their families during deployments and has been married to her husband, a Navy Captain, for 25 years. Her two daughters who are currently studying at the university level after completing their K-12 education as students in the IB Primary, Middle Years and Diploma programs. Outside of work, Mary is an avid traveler, fitness enthusiast and community volunteer. Mary serves on the board of the International Club of Annapolis and as a campaign chair for local elections. Mary hopes to leverage her second Fulbright experience to study Finland’s model of international education and apply global best practices that expand equitable, high-quality learning for all students.

Dr. Christina Lee Ballantyne is the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment in Sunnyvale School District, where she serves as a transformational administrative leader with 25 years of educational experience dedicated to fostering equity and leadership development within diverse communities. With a professional background as a classroom teacher, principal, and various leadership roles, she is committed to creating inclusive educational environments and elevating the status of historically marginalized students. Dr. Ballantyne holds a Bachelor's and Master’s degree from Santa Clara University and a Doctorate in Education from San José State University, and she is the current President of Sunnyvale's Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) charter. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and exploring various creative crafts. She is participating in the Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools program to better understand international approaches to building bridges across cultural divides and to explore how to systematically create inclusive school environments that celebrate all students.

Demian Barnett, Ed.D., is the Superintendent/Principal of Peabody Charter School and brings over 30 years of experience in education. He has served at every level of the K–12 system, working as a teacher in elementary, middle, and high school, as an administrator, and as a district director. He has also taught in university programs that prepare future teachers and school leaders.

He is a current member and former president of his regional charter of the Association of California School Administrators, part of California’s largest professional organization for K–12 leaders, which represents more than 17,000 members and is dedicated to developing equity-minded leadership. A published researcher and lifelong learner, Demian recently earned his doctorate in education and is committed to equity-centered leadership that identifies and addresses historical and current inequities in student achievement.

In 2025, he will participate in the Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools Program, where he looks forward to exchanging ideas on teacher and leadership preparation. His current research examines how mixed-reality simulations and inclusive communication protocols can help educators develop essential leadership skills before assuming school leadership roles.

Together with his wife, also an educator, Demian is raising two children. Demian and his family are avid travelers and, in 2018, Demian and his wife took sabbaticals to visit more than 18 countries with their two sons. Demian also enjoys the outdoors, reading fiction, music, and sharing a good laugh with friends.

Fred Carstens has spent two decades in education and serves as Assistant Principal at Frontier Middle School, Hamburg, NY. A husband, and father of a middle school daughter, USMC combat veteran, and commissioned Navy Officer. He holds an MS from St. Bonaventure University and is a Fund for Teachers Fellow. He seeks to explore how Finland utilizes data, supports struggling readers, and fosters connectedness/social-emotional learning to enrich his students and colleagues educational experience.

Virgilio “Vern” Caruz’s academic and professional experiences have focused on transformational change and are founded on the necessity that traditional systems are incapable of meeting the interests of all students. He is the principal of Rancho Middle School in Milpitas, California. As an educational leader, he is compelled by his collectivist identity and culture to lead with the spirit and essence of communal unity, where work and cooperation are vital in achieving goals. His research interests center on cross-cultural leadership, developing counternarratives and counterstories in racialized contexts, and how cultural traditions and values profoundly affect how we navigate our personal and professional lives. Vern received a Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Kinesiology from San Jose State University, a Master’s degree in Education from the University of California, Berkeley’s Principal Leadership Institute, and a Doctorate in Education from East Carolina University. Vern is an avid runner and cyclist.

Dr. Ingrid Coke is a Math Facilitator, adjunct professor, and professional development leader with 20+ years in instructional leadership, holding degrees in Physics, Math Education, and Curriculum & Instruction, and certified in Educational Leadership with principal credentials. She enjoys cooking, reading, traveling, and the beach. She seeks to join Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools to apply global insights in designing innovative, equitable schools and preparing students as global citizens.

Dr. David P. Cupolo is a school principal with a strong foundation in educational research and strategic planning. He is an advisor for Coastal Carolina University's school administration program. His dissertation explored the concept of "learning thrill." He aims to explore Finland's pedagogical practices, including the use of learning spaces that foster student agency, and create transformational learning experiences. His interests include cooking, golfing, and listening to live music.

Carol Dawson is the Principal of Grant Primary Center and Grant Elementary in Michigan, serving 14 years in this role and 31 years as an educator. She serves as Vice President of Region 12 for MEMSPA (Michigan Elementary & Middle School Principal Association), is active at her church, Inspire Wesleyan, and, along with her family, provides respite for a very special friend with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Carol earned her B.A. in Spanish and Elementary Education from William Paterson University, and both an M.A. in Elementary Education and an Educational Leadership certificate from Grand Valley State University.

Her interests include singing, swimming, reading, traveling, collecting rocks, and spending time with her family.

Her goal in participating in the Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools program is to strengthen her leadership legacy by learning from global partners, applying worldwide best practices to local challenges, and ensuring her district continues to provide students with opportunities that rival those of any large system.

Dr. Diaz, an immigrant from the Philippines and educator from San Diego, CA, serves as a middle school principal with 25+ years of experience as a music teacher, leader, and administrator. He earned his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from UCSD with research on MTSS and has served as a Western Association of Schools and Colleges chair and visiting committee member. Dedicated to equity for underserved populations, he enjoys music, travel, and policy.

Dr. Bobbie Downs is Assistant Superintendent at Burlington County Special Services School District and Executive Director of NJASCD. A 2024 NJPSA Visionary Director of the Year, she is pursuing her MPH at Johns Hopkins as a Bloomberg Fellow. Her career began teaching Sudanese refugees in Cairo, inspiring a lifelong commitment to student and staff wellness, restorative practices, and whole child education.

Bianca Duphey is Director of Academic Innovations for DC Public schools, leading global education and curriculum initiatives with nearly 20 years in K-12 education. Active in her community, she empowers women teachers to excel in their careers. In her free-time, she enjoys traveling and leading group travel experiences. She seeks Fulbright's exchange to deepen global practices, expand educational collaboration, and bring evidence-based innovations to DC Public Schools.

Dr. Nicole Durazo, founding principal of Lakin Prep Academy, a K–7 dual-language IB candidate school in Avondale, AZ, has 28 years in Title I schools, including 15 as an administrator. An Exemplary Principal and Best of the West honoree, she also mentors future educators as an adjunct professor at GCU. Through Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools, she seeks to deepen intercultural awareness, exchange practices, and build global partnerships that will enrich her students, staff, and community.

Gregory Haas is the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment at Greater Lowell Technical High School in Massachusetts. He leads academic and career-technical programs, project-based learning, and Early College initiatives. He holds an Ed.S. and M.Ed. in Education. Greg enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors. He is participating in the Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools program to explore different approaches to college, career, and civic readiness.

Joe Knopick has been selected as a Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools Program awardee, an honor that stands as a testament to his distinguished career as an educator and a leader dedicated to cultivating global citizens. He began his journey with a Bachelor of Arts in Adolescent Young Adult Integrated Social Studies from The University of Findlay in 2010, followed by a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Cincinnati in 2015. This academic foundation paved the way for his transition from a Social Studies teacher and coach to an administrator. As an Assistant Principal, Mr. Knopick leads multiple building initiatives, including the school's Building Leadership Team, High School Safety Team, and PBIS Committee. He also serves on the CARE Team, where he collaborates with educators and community agencies to address barriers to student success, and as the Purple Star Liaison, a role that earned the school a designation for its active support of military-connected students.

At the heart of his professional identity is his work as the Coordinator of the Jackson Academy for Global Studies (JAGS), an innovative "school within a school" with an average enrollment of 250 students. The mission of JAGS is to "boost global competence and make students ready for the world" by focusing on four key skills: investigating the world, recognizing perspectives, communicating ideas, and taking action. Under his leadership, the program has flourished; he has organized a student leadership team and a parent booster club to create a powerful community of support for the program's goals. He has also personally led students on impactful field trips to countries around the world, including Costa Rica, Belize, Puerto Rico, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy, providing them with transformative, hands-on experiences. His commitment to global education extends beyond his school's walls, as evidenced by his presentations at International Studies Schools Network (ISSN) conferences, his membership on the Ohio Association for Secondary School Administrators’ Assistant Principals Committee, and a recent partnership with the Cleveland Council on World Affairs.

Mr Knopick resides in Ohio with his wife, Courtney, a fellow educator whom he met in college, and their two children, Claire and Roman. Their fox red Labrador, Finn, is named in tribute to the college where they met. His hobbies include bowhunting, hiking, biking, and practicing jiu-jitsu. Mr. Knopick’s objective for the Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools Program is to leverage his extensive experience and personal interests in order to study best practices abroad. He aims to bring back critical insights not only to further refine the JAGS curriculum but also to inform broader strategic improvements across Jackson Local Schools, ensuring the entire district benefits from this global exchange. He looks forward to serving as a dedicated ambassador, sharing his knowledge while preparing all students to be compassionate, globally aware citizens ready to contribute to an interconnected world.

Rosamaría Laursen, raised in Milwaukee’s Southside as the daughter of an immigrant father and a former migrant farmworker mother, is Director of Multilingual Programs in Verona, WI. She has served on boards advancing multilingualism, equity, and migrant rights. With her husband and four children, she enjoys family activities and travel. Through the Global Schools program, she aims to exchange ideas on helping immigrant and refugee students thrive.

Christopher Mayer, born in NYC, holds multiple degrees and is in his 24th year in education. He became principal of his current school in 2020 after helping found the school in 2013. As a Fulbright participant he hopes to learn more ways to boost equitable instructional practices and work-based learning opportunities to foster multiple pathways for student success after high school. He enjoys live music, sports, and the beach. He lives in the Bronx with his wife and two daughters.

Wendy Morales is the assistant superintendent of Monmouth-Ocean Educational Services Commission. This is her 27th year in education. Dr. Morales is also an adjunct professor at two NJ universities. Some of her passions are global citizenship education, mentorship, and curriculum & instruction. She holds a B.A. in Communications, M.A. in History, and Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. Dr. Morales is eager to explore solutions to the challenges facing U.S. educators, especially teacher recruitment.

Harlan Ptomey, Ed.S., is Superintendent of Cedar Bluffs Public Schools since 2012, where he has doubled enrollment, added 60,000 sq. ft. of new facilities, expanded early childhood and career academies, and secured $7M+ in grants. Recognized nationally for equity and innovation, he has led schools across Nebraska and Colorado. Raised on a Colorado ranch, he now lives in Cedar Bluffs with his wife, Noelle, and their growing family.

Dr. Teresa Turner is a dedicated educational leader with over 20 years of experience in the field of education. Currently, she is the Director of the Magnet Schools Grant for Richland County School District One in South Carolina. She holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and has a proven track record of driving transformative change in education, particularly for underserved communities.

Throughout her career, Dr. Turner has focused on developing and implementing innovative curricula designed to expand educational opportunities for all students. Notably, she has managed two significant federal grants totaling $30 million, demonstrating her leadership abilities. As the project director for the Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) grant, she has successfully overseen the strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation of choice schools within her district, promoting academic excellence while fostering inclusive learning environments.

As a former principal of three magnet programs—International Baccalaureate, Montessori, and language immersion—Dr. Turner has led initiatives that have resulted in remarkable academic successes and created welcoming atmospheres for all students. Her expertise in curriculum development, staff training, and community engagement has significantly shaped educational strategies that address the diverse needs of learners.

Dr. Turner’s commitment to equity in education is evident through her long-term collaborations with various communities. She understands the unique challenges that underserved groups face and is dedicated to implementing equitable strategies and transformative solutions to meet their needs. Her extensive experience across different sectors enables her to effectively engage communities in the research and development processes necessary for educational improvement.

Beyond her professional commitments, Dr. Turner leads a rich personal life. She treasures the moments spent with her husband as they explore new ideas and travel the globe, along with quality time with her parents and daughters. She also enjoys going on “Roblox” adventures with her granddaughter, Janiah, who sweetly calls her "Bibi," a Swahili term that translates to wife, grandmother, and woman. This highlights Dr. Turner’s skill in balancing her personal and professional responsibilities.

With her extensive experience and unwavering passion for equitable education, Dr. Teresa Turner is a strong advocate for enhancing educational opportunities for all students. She looks forward to participating in the Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools program to further her mission of making a lasting impact on students and communities around the world.