Board Member Profiles

President

Alisa Leckie

Dr. Alisa Leckie is a Professor at Georgia Southern University and Assistant Dean for Partnerships and Outreach. Her work focuses on the education of culturally and linguistically diverse students and adolescent literacy. Currently she is studying meaningful discipline-specific academic language development and the impact of earning ESOL endorsements on the professional practice of K-12 teachers. She is also working with local school districts to help them address the growing numbers of English learners in their classrooms through collaborative coaching and the modification of materials and assessments for emergent English learners. Prior to moving to Georgia, Alisa taught Language Arts, Spanish Language Arts and ESL for 18 years at a middle school in southern Arizona.

1st Vice President

Alex Reyes

Dr. Alexandra J. Reyes is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Middle Grades and Secondary Education in the College of Education at Georgia Southern University. She serves as the TCLD (Teaching Culturally and Linguistically Diverse students) M.Ed. program director and the English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Endorsement coordinator. Prior to earning her Ph.D. in Education (Culture, Curriculum, and Change) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2018, Dr. Reyes taught middle and high school in Connecticut and Arizona. Her experiences teaching Spanish, AVID elective, Student Government, and various Language Exploratory and test preparation courses in multiple contexts informed her commitment to providing culturally and linguistically responsive educational experiences to students in P-12 schools and beyond.

Dr. Reyes prepares pre-service and in-service teachers to work with culturally and linguistically diverse students, and to integrate arts and literature across the curriculum. She draws on her diverse experiences working in P-12 education, non-profit organizations, and higher education to direct her service and scholarly interests. These interests focus on the intersections of language, culture, and identity, and how they inform learning experiences for bi/multilingual communities in informal and formal education settings. Dr. Reyes is also interested in arts integration pedagogies and methodologies, particularly as means to lowering barriers for students from linguistically and culturally marginalized backgrounds.

2nd Vice President
Anna Yang

Dr. Anna Yang is an assistant principal in Gwinnett County Public Schools. Now in her 21st year in education, she has extensive experience supporting multilingual learners through teacher coaching, professional learning, and policy advocacy. Previously, she served as an instructional coach for the Multilingual Learner Program Office, as well as the project coordinator and de facto instructor for a National Professional Development (NPD) grant through the Office of English Language Acquisition, which endorsed teachers in ESOL. She also taught middle and high school social studies, integrating language support for multilingual learners.

She holds a B.S. in Secondary Education: History from Toccoa Falls College, where she minored in TESOL, an M.Ed. in TESOL from the University of Georgia, and a Ph.D. in TESOL from the University of Georgia.

Treasurer

George Daniels

I am a K-12 Spanish and English to Speakers of Other Languages educator for the Richmond County School System in Augusta, Georgia. Every day I work with about 140 students to hone L2 communication skills by engaging students in rigorous and meaningful practice in interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational language activities. I believe that the ability to communicate effectively is central to building relationships between my students and myself as well as the interactions they will have later in life. Through frequent informal assessment and real-time feedback, I work to build a culture of "try" within my classroom to promote risk-taking and courageous practice. Aligning all practice to standards, we aim for 80% proficiency in all standards according to ACTFL and Georgia Performance Standards. At its core, I believe that language learning centers around cultural story telling. Each day I work with my students to tell their stories and appreciate the stories other cultures have to share.

Secretary

Susan Mann

Susan Mann serves as the Literacy Coach at Rome High School in the Rome City School District. Susan earned her bachelor's degree in Art Education at Berry College. After three years of teaching, she pursued her master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction at Berry College, where she focused on strategies to enhance reading comprehension for students diagnosed with dyslexia. The teaching strategies she found to be the most effective were those that were common practice in the ESOL classroom. This insite inspired a career shift, and in 2019, she took on the role of an ESOL co-Teacher. In 2022 Susan completed her Tier 1 Leadership Certificate through the University of West Georgia and in 2024 student took on the position as Literacy Coach at Rome High School where she works to support teachers in reaching all students.

2nd Year Member-at-Large
Amy Archer

Amy Archer is an EIP teacher at Birney Elementary School in Cobb County School District (CCSD). Prior to her current role, she taught Dual Language Immersion (DLI) for seven years. During her experience in DLI, she served as the team lead at her local school and for DLI English teachers within the district. After school, she serves as the site director for LaAmistad, a program provided by a non-profit organization that teaches English to Latinx students and families.

Amy received her bachelor’s degree in elementary and special education with a minor in Spanish from the University of South Alabama. She holds an M.Ed. in TESOL from Auburn University, and an Ed.S. in Language and Literacy with a concentration in TESOL from the University of Georgia.

2nd Year Member-at-Large

Rochelle Emamifar

Rochelle Cricchio-Emamifar has been a K-12 educator for over 25 years. Throughout her career, she has worked as a K-5 classroom teacher, a K-12 Homebound teacher, an Early Intervention Program (EIP) teacher, and an English of Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teacher. She has actively provided effective instruction, collaborated with colleagues, and promoted family engagement for multilingual learners. Rochelle’s skills and experiences have deepened her understanding of the diverse needs of Multilingual learners and reinforced her commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for both students and educators. 

Rochelle received her bachelor’s in early childhood education with an English as a Second Language (ESL) certification in Texas. She then earned her master's in reading through Walden University. She also earned her Ed.S. in Instructional Technology and Educational Leadership - Tier I certification at Kennesaw State University. She continues to grow and lead as an educator by earning many endorsements such as gifted and reading endorsements.

2nd Year Member-at-Large
Gerakie Marie Kossonou

Geraki Marie Kossonou, Ed.D., is the lead ESOL Instructional Specialist for Clayton County Public Schools and a Metro RESA ESOL Endorsement instructor dedicated to helping multilingual learners succeed. She provides coaching and professional development for educators, focusing on strategies such as the SIOP model, differentiation, culturally relevant education, and co-teaching. She presented at various conferences such as SETESOL and SIOP.

2nd Year Member-at-Large
Nadine Lucate-Pierre

As an educator, I have had the privilege of wearing many hats, each of which has shaped my ability to make a meaningful impact. I am a passionate advocate for positive change, a skilled facilitator of learning, and a dedicated leader committed to empowering others. Throughout my journey, I have collaborated with diverse organizations, systems, and individuals, continuously striving to create opportunities for growth and transformation. I am excited about what lies ahead and look forward to the many opportunities yet to come as I continue to expand my reach and influence.

1st Year Member-at-Large
Olga Malin

Olga Malin is a middle school ESOL teacher and an ESOL endorsement instructor in Columbia County.  Originally from Ukraine, she taught English as a foreign language and translation at her alma mater for eight years, also serving as an EFL instructor in other settings. After moving to the United States, Olga became an ESOL teacher and completed her Specialist Degree program at Augusta University, adding the Dyslexia endorsement to her certificate. She was affiliated with ACTFL as a test rater for five years. Her professional interests include functional approach to language, disciplinary literacy and genre pedagogy. Olga is one of the authors of “Building a Language Toolkit for Teachers. A Functional Approach”.

1st Year Member-at-Large
Brandy Judkins

Brandy Judkins, Ph.D., is a Special Educator in Cobb County School District at Daniell Middle School, one of the most diverse middle schools in the state. An ESOL specialist, she completed her undergraduate and master's level training in Applied Linguistics at Georgia State University and her doctoral studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In addition to being a classroom teacher and teacher-leader, Brandy teaches the ESOL endorsement courses for MetroRESA and is part-time faculty in Inclusive Education at Kennesaw State University, teaching TESOL courses. She is a graduate of Cobb County Schools herself and grew up in the Newnan, Georgia area. She lives in Marietta with her three dogs and two cats. Her research interests include the intersection of Special Education and TESOL/ELT, developing academic language through design thinking and makerspaces, and preparation of administrators for the ELLs in their schools. She looks forward to contributing to GATESOL as an at-large board member.  past.

1st Year Member-at-Large
Cynthia Estrada

Cynthia Estrada is a high school Spanish teacher in Georgia with over a decade of experience working with multilingual learners. She currently teaches at Greenbrier High School in the Columbia County School District, where she is dedicated to creating an engaging, supportive classroom environment that helps students build confidence in their language skills. Originally from El Paso, Texas, and proud of her Hispanic roots, she brings a strong cultural and linguistic perspective to her work and values connecting instruction to students’ lived experiences.

She holds advanced degrees in bilingual education, curriculum and instruction, and world languages, having worked diligently to earn both of her master’s degrees while continuing her commitment to the classroom. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Second Language Instruction. Her professional endorsements include ESOL, Gifted, and Urban Education.

1st Year Member-at-Large
Rachel Brindle

As Rachel Brindle approaches year nineteen in the classroom, she remains committed to serving and educating both students and teachers at Spring Place Elementary School in Chatsworth, Georgia. Mrs. Brindle brings a compassionate approach to teaching. She fosters a nurturing educational setting by establishing genuine and respectful relationships with all students and colleagues. Currently, Mrs. Brindle is working as an English Speakers of other Languages (ESOL) co-teacher in various grades and classrooms. While serving in each classroom, Mrs. Brindle models best teaching practices to support and enhance the learning of all scholars. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Education at the University of West Georgia, a Master of Science degree in Education from Walden University, a Curriculum and Instruction Specialist Degree from Piedmont College, and her ESOL and Gifted Endorsements. Mrs. Brindle has taught multiple grades and subjects, which has enabled her to broaden her skill set and collaborate more effectively. She was named Teacher of the Year in both 2012 and 2022 for Spring Place Elementary. In 2023, she was named Murray County Schools’ District Teacher of the Year. In 2025, Mrs. Brindle received the Heart and Torch Bearer Award by the American Heart Association for her unwavering commitment and service.

Mrs. Brindle embraces many coordinator roles, such as Helping Hands Ending Hunger food pantry, Multi-Tiered System of Supports, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, and Student Council. Mrs. Brindle prioritizes building positive, authentic relationships and her lifelong commitment to service in education. 

1st Year Member-at-Large
Nafeesa Iqbal

Bringing over 16 years of international teaching experience across the Middle East and the United States, Nafeesa Iqbal is an ESOL educator and Department Co-Chair at Westside High School in Bibb County School District, known for her commitment to multilingual learners and inclusive instruction.

She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Instructional Technology with a focus on ESOL, where her work centers on integrating technology and artificial intelligence to support language development, differentiation, and equitable access for students. Her approach connects research to real classroom practice, ensuring instruction is both meaningful and effective. Nafeesa has also presented at the GATESOL Conference, where her session was recognized as one of the most engaging and impactful. In her leadership role, she collaborates with educators to design and implement strategies that strengthen language acquisition and academic achievement.

She remains committed to advancing ESOL education through innovation, collaboration, and a strong belief in the potential of every multilingual learner.

1st Year Member-at-Large
Rebecca Kinsey

Rebecca Kinsey brings over ten years of experience teaching and leading ESOL programs, guiding educators, and supporting multilingual learners across K–12 in both in-person and virtual classrooms. In these roles, she has advocated for equitable services for students navigating multiple support systems, including ESOL, Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), and Special Education. Additionally, she has served as MTSS Chair, leading collaborative, data-driven intervention planning to meet diverse student needs. 

Rebecca currently serves as State Testing Program Coordinator/ESOL Program Specialist at Georgia Connections Academy, where she oversees testing and assessment processes for special populations and supports the ESOL team through guidance on instruction, interventions, and program implementation. Her work reflects a strong commitment to aligning assessment, instruction, and support systems to improve outcomes for students with diverse academic and linguistic needs. 

Rebecca holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Armstrong Atlantic State University and an M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction with Tier I Leadership Certification from Valdosta State University. She is currently pursuing an Ed.S. in Instructional Technology at Kennesaw State University.

1st Year Member-at-Large
Khanh Bui

Past President

David Chiesa

Dr. David L. Chiesa is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Language and Literacy Department at the University of Georgia and serves as the English as a Second Official Language (ESOL) Endorsement, TESOL Minor, and Online TESOL Certificate Coordinator in the TESOL and World Language Education Program. Prior to coming to UGA in Fall 2019, he was the English Language and Testing Specialist for the Ministry of Public Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and had served in various roles overseas for the U.S. Department of State’s Office of English Language Programs in Japan, Mongolia, Mainland China, and Uzbekistan. Dr. Chiesa’s research examines the intersections of instructional design and language teacher development, while maintaining a strong tie between research and practice. He utilizes different research traditions in applied linguistics, such as naturalistic inquiry and psychometric research, to address issues in language assessment/testing, assessment literacy of teachers, and second language writing.

GATESOL Journal Co-Editor

Brian Hibbs

Brian Hibbs, Ph.D., is a professor of education at Dalton State College, USA. He teaches courses in applied linguistics, language teaching methodology, and culture and education to equip pre- service elementary-education teachers with the dispositions and skills needed to work effectively with multilingual learners in their own instructional contexts. He has presented and published on a wide array of topics related to foreign/second language teacher education, including advocacy, agency, autoethnography, children’s and adolescent literature, critical language awareness, disciplinary literacy, faculty development, funds of knowledge/identity, instructional conversations, intercultural competence, language ideology, language proficiency, multicultural education, research cultures, social-emotional learning, and translanguaging.