Amanda Bickerstaff

Amanda is the Founder and CEO of AI for Education. A former high school science teacher and EdTech executive with over 20 years of experience in the education sector, she has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that AI can offer. She is a frequent consultant, speaker, and writer on the topic of AI in education, leading workshops and professional learning across both K12 and Higher Ed. Amanda is committed to helping schools and teachers maximize their potential through the ethical and equitable adoption of AI.

Julie Tarasi

Julie is a special educator with 10+ years experience in both self-contained and inclusion settings, supporting learners of varied abilities in grades 3-8. In addition to earning a Master’s Degree in Learning and Technology from Western Governors University and completing IBM’s AI for Educators certificate/credential, Julie has facilitated district-wide Professional Development sessions regarding AI implementation to support instruction and administrative tasks. Julie recognizes that successful integration of technology can maximize student learning through equitable access and allow teachers to more effectively focus on what they do best.

Amy Oswalt

Amy is an impassioned educator of children with learning differences. Her professional journey has led her to several impactful educational roles, including special education educator (both in the United States and abroad), Head of School at Discovery School in rural Ohio, and Director of Innovation at the Lab School of Washington in Washington DC. Amy believes that all children deserve the opportunity to engage in education that speaks to students' strengths and interests. To this end, Amy believes in harnessing the power of technology and AI to improve the educational outcomes of all children, particularly those with learning differences. Amy's quest for innovation is mirrored through professional development endeavors in strategic foresight and futurist thinking. With a wide international footprint, ranging from living and working in diverse cultures to engaging in community conservation projects, Amy's journey reflects a synthesis of academic dedication, innovative leadership, and a global educational perspective.

Bridgette Leslie

Bridgette has been a special educator for the past decade, focusing her teaching on creating truly inclusive classrooms and fostering self-awareness and advocacy with her students. Her experience spans public district and charter school settings across the country, all K-12 age groups, and all types of demographics. She has triggered innovation at several school settings, implementing best practices by initiating student-led IEPs and training fellow teachers and administrators. While Bridgette stumbled into the world of educating students with disabilities, her work has since led her to reflect on how disability and learning differences were ever present in her life growing up. She wishes to be a part of a culture shift in education, and society at large, to accept and expect individuality in all students.