My name is Tessa Samuelsen I am a doctoral student at Concordia University Irvine, Principal at San Clemente Christian, Sunday School Teacher, Mom, and wife, as well as, a recent InstaPot adventurer. I am passionate about Christ-centered education, excellence in academics and of course creating a family-friendly meal for the table. I have twelve years of teaching experience in elementary education and seven years of administrative experience in both private and public schools.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. I love cooking and creating and I love the idea of InstaPot Leadership. I know and understand well the many roles and responsibilities of a school leader, much like the many purposes of the InstaPot. My goal in being a part of this project is to share insight, experiences, and advice that might be helpful to leaders new and old.

The world of education is ever-changing and the needs of students and families grow greater every day. My hope is that as leaders we can come together to inspire, motivate and encourage each other to change the world, one student, teacher or family at a time.

My name is Annette Stelter.

I have been enjoying the tradition of facilitating learning at West Coast University’s Dental Hygiene program since 2011. I teach many laboratory and clinical courses and serve as the course director for three core subjects: Biochemistry and Nutrition, Radiology Science and Interpretation, as well as Preventive Dentistry and Risk Assessment in a blended learning curriculum.

In conjunction with educating the next generation of dental hygienists, I also enjoy cooking and serving the learner. Keeping the learners engaged and their minds well-nourished is my quest. As a doctoral student, I have leveraged my interest in educational leadership to propel myself in the art and science of activating the learner to reach their full potential whether in the classroom or during a pot luck.

Bon Appetit.

My name is Silvia Lopez, a doctoral student at Concordia University Irvine, and an itinerant administrator overseeing special education at the Los Angeles Unified School District. I began my career as an educator in 1993 as a kindergarten teacher in Chihuahua, Mexico. I emigrated to U.S.A in 2001, and after two years of learning the new language and adjusting to my new life, I got the opportunity to teach students with learning disabilities at Sunrise Elementary School located in Boyle Heights. Since then, I became an advocate for our students and their parents.

My passion for student advocacy and family engagement provided me with the opportunity to lead the work in this field as a Manager of Family and Community Engagement for The Partnership for Los Angeles Schools from 2012 to 2014 before becoming a school administrator. I hold two bachelor’s and two master’s degrees in education. I am an eager learner looking for new opportunities to continue growing in my personal, spiritual, and professional life.

This project has allowed me to share a recipe for leadership and to work with outstanding colleagues who are helping me to shape my vision as a school leader. My blessings are my 14 years old boy and my husband of 25 five years. I love exercising, reading, and volunteering at my local church.

My name is Mandy Bell. I have been an educator for over 20 years in the Oceanside Unified School District. My experiences include being an elementary teacher in all grades except first grade! I was also our district’s elementary math program specialist as we transitioned to Common Core. I have served as an assistant principal at 2 middle schools, and I am currently an elementary principal.

For the past 13 years, I have also worked as adjunct faculty for National University in their Teacher Education and Masters programs. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development, a Master’s degree with an emphasis on Math, Science, and Technology, and currently, I am pursuing my doctorate degree.

As a wife and mother of 2 elementary school-aged boys, finding joy in what I do is important. Being an educator is truly the best job in the world because it does not feel like a “job. ” As a leader, my goal is to create a school environment that is joyful, loving, and inspires staff and students to be lifelong learners.

Hi, my name is Felicia D. Golden. I am a Concordia University Irvine Cohort 11 family doctoral student. I have two Master’s degrees, one from Auburn University Montgomery and one from Concordia University Irvine. I attained an undergraduate degree from the University of California Davis.

I am a vegetarian and enjoy creating vegetarian meals collaboratively with my husband nicknamed “The Chef,” serving as his “Sous-chef.” I love animals and enjoy spending quality and relaxing time with my four-legged family members. I am a Biotechnology, Health and Life Science educator at Mulholland Middle School STEAM Robotics Magnet with over twenty years of teaching experience. I actively participate in my school serving in numerous Non-Classroom positions in hopes of enriching my student’s educational journey at our school. I serve as the HOSA-Future Health Professionals Advisor, Social-Emotional Learning Lead Teacher, also, the Wellness Program Lead Teacher.

I believe the purpose of education is to introduce young minds to the world and show them the numerous opportunities that are available to them. They will discover their purpose and work towards refining their strengths and capabilities, allowing them to concentrate on their future education and career goals.

My name is Teresa Flynn-Everett, an Educational Doctoral student at Concordia University, Irvine.

I am a school principal in the Perris Elementary School District, speaker, and freelance writer who has conducted action research on Chromebooks for student success, the implementation of writing across content areas, and Project-Based Learning (PBL) with English Language Learners. Recognizing my action research and civic learning advocacy as model programs are the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE) and the California Department of Education (CDE). I have more than 20 years of combined experience in business development, product management, and educational leadership. I was recognized as the WRCASM Principal of the year.

I am the author of Speak Rivers and Move Mountains, which is a powerful collection of poetry for teachers and students. Working in education and writing poetry satisfies my soul. My passions are family, education, and performing arts. I am humbled and blessed to be the mother of two sons, Jourdan and Nile. I love working on teams and it is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the educational leadership doctoral book project sharing InstaPot inspired leadership essays.

Hello fellow chefs and leaders! My name is Robert Scott.

I’m a husband and father first! I also teach high school science, I study as a doctoral student at Concordia University Irvine, and I’m a part-time biological field technician. I have an amazing wife, and I’m a father to three great boys! I served in the United States Air Force for six years, and I have a passion for life, and being a lifelong learner. It is this passion that I try to impart upon my students. It is also why I’m furthering my understanding of educational leadership.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from California State University-Chico, and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University Irvine. I spend my time participating in various hobbies with my family. I build furniture, ride dirt bikes, scuba dive, metal detects, keep bees, and repair small engines. All of which keeps me rather busy.

When encountering the proposal to participate in a book that merged the qualities of Instapot cooking with that of educational leadership, I found it rather intriguing. I often use repair manuals and quick reference guides, and that is exactly what this book is. It allows the reader to connect their leadership methods and that of others to a tangible analogy. I hope that by reading this book, current and future leaders be encouraged to share their passions with those within their organization.

Hello, fellow foodies and leaders in your own domain.

I am Anna Claire White. I am a leader and coordinator at a high school in the Special Education Department in Los Angeles and a humbled follower as a doctoral student at Concordia University Irvine. I have earned two special education credentials and a Master’s in education.

I am striving to become an expert in all education so that I can lead parents to their child’s ideal education plan. As well as, to lead teachers and staff through the tough job of supporting students with special needs. 

Bringing me to this point in my life is my supportive family. I have the true joy of working side by side with my sister at the high school our mom and grandmother attended. The other joy I always had was cooking with my family. Having my son at 17, I believe I have cooked over 8,000 dinners for my son! I decided to retire from cooking every night when he turned 24 this past May, but then he gave me an Instapot for Christmas. What choice did I have to at least make a weekly dinner? Or maybe monthly?

Either way, I cook from the heart, like the way I lead. Enjoy! Cheers!

My name is Joan Jiazhen Chen.

My name is Joan Jiazhen Chen. I am currently a doctorate student at Concordia University Irvine. I am studying Educational Leadership. I am also working as a research assistant in the EDD office at CUI.  I have many years of teaching experience across the globe. I taught English as a foreign language in universities in China for 9 years. I taught kindergarten in Georgia for 3 years. I also taught Mandarin Chinese as a foreign language in middle/high schools in Georgia for 2 years. I also served the younger student body as a CDC teacher for kindergarten at Stonegate Elementary School. After teaching different subjects to different age groups in different school settings in different cities and countries, I have decided to go back to school to do my doctorate here at CUI in order to be a professor or a researcher in the educational field. Just like any good recipe, I bring a little variety to the learning and teaching process.  Not only do I serve the collegiate world of education, but I am also a full-time mom to my two sons. I am continually teaching and cooking to help grow their minds and bodies.

Thanks for picking up this book – fellow educational leaders!

I’m Bonni Stachowiak and I get the privilege of speaking with exceptional educators on a weekly basis, as the host of the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast. Since 2014, my podcast has provided a space to explore the art and science of being more effective at facilitating learning. Teaching in Higher Ed also explores how to improve our productivity, so faculty can have more peace in our lives, and be even more present for our students.

I am the Dean of Teaching and Learning at Vanguard University of Southern California. I am also a Professor of Business and Management at Vanguard and I teach a couple of times a year in Concordia University’s Educational Leadership doctoral program. I have been teaching in-person, blended, and online courses throughout my entire career in higher education.

My husband, Dave, and I are parents to two curious kids, who regularly shape our perspectives on teaching and learning.