Dr. Tiara Saufley Brown

James Madison Universit, USA

Keynote Speech Title: Coaching for Change: Advancing Early Childhood Education Across Contexts and Cultures

Dr. Tiara Saufley Brown is an Associate Professor of Inclusive Early Childhood Education at James Madison University, where her work centers on strengthening equitable, developmentally responsive practices for young children and the professionals who serve them. She obtained her PhD from the University of Virginia in Special Education with a focus on early childhood. She has authored or co-authored 18 scholarly publications and books and delivered more than 100 national and international presentations, contributing to the advancement of inclusive early learning, coaching, and professional development. Dr. Brown’s excellence in mentoring future educators has been recognized through university-wide advising and teaching awards, reflecting her commitment to student growth and leadership development. Her scholarship and applied work have been supported by several competitive grants that bridge research and practice across early childhood and special education contexts. Dr. Brown is currently developing a coaching framework to build capacity among early childhood educators nationwide.

Dr. Candice Quiñones

Earlham College in Richmond, UK

Keynote Speech Title: Practical Implementation of Universal Design for Learning: Designing Accessible Assignments

Dr. Candice Quiñones received her degree in Teaching and Learning with an Emphasis in Adult Education. She has been teaching postsecondary English language learners since 2007. She currently serves as the Director of International Student and Scholar Services and an English Language Instructor at Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana, USA, and works primarily with postsecondary English language learners as well as students interested in teaching languages. Her research interests lie in exploring the intersection of language learning and disability in postsecondary education, Universal Design for Learning implementation, as well as international student issues.

Dr. Carly O’Neill-Barrett

University of Leeds, UK

Keynote Speech Title: Authentic Assessment and Social Justice: Designing for Learning, Belonging and Opportunity.

Dr. Carly O’Neill-Barrett is a Lecturer in Sociology and Social Policy at the University of Leeds, where she teaches sociology of media and culture and qualitative research methods. She is the University’s Academic Lead for Authentic Assessment and Teaching Assistant Lead within the School of Sociology and Social Policy, supporting the development of both assessment practice and future educators in higher education.

A Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Carly received the 2025 University of Leeds Collaborative Excellence in Teaching Award for her contribution to assessment innovation and educational enhancement. Her pedagogical work focuses on authentic assessment, experiential learning, inclusive education, and social justice, with a particular interest in how assessment can support belonging, opportunity, and meaningful learning.

Carly is also a certified LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® facilitator and uses creative, evidence-informed approaches to teaching, curriculum design, and research. She works with colleagues across the university to explore innovative and collaborative approaches to assessment and student learning.