Caldwell Chamber Education Summit 2025
Welcome to the Caldwell Summit on Education! We are thrilled to present a full day diving into the most pressing issues, challenges, and game-changing opportunities in education across Caldwell and beyond.
The official list of moderators and panelists is finally here!
Each panel will explore key aspects of education in our community, with local leaders, educators, and stakeholders leading the charge. Join us for powerful discussions led by top industry experts, interactive audience engagement, and unmatched networking opportunities. Lunch, refreshments throughout the day, and a networking reception are included, making this a day you won’t want to miss!
Opening Keynote
Debbie Critchfield
The Evolving Landscape of Education: Navigating Innovation and Growth
Debbie Critchfield was sworn in as Idaho’s Superintendent of Public Instruction on January 2, 2023. She previously served for seven years on the Idaho State Board of Education and was appointed to education task forces by Governors Brad Little and Butch Otter. Debbie served as an elected school board member in Cassia County for ten years and was on the executive committee of the Idaho School Boards Association. She is a former local library trustee and Oakley Valley Arts Council president. She worked as the public information officer for Cassia School District for nine years. Debbie and her husband Dave live near Oakley, where they raised their four children. They have four grandchildren.
Kyle Cheesewright
Moderator of Impact of Al & Social Media on Education
Kyle Cheesewright is an Associate Professor of Communication at The College of Idaho. Their research interests surround the micropolitics of becoming new, including work on pedagogy in Teaching from the Heart, exploration of the role of social media and community in fan cultures, and the identification of historical ghosts in 19th Century Spain. Cheesewright is currently working to explore how programming functions as a language, that enables unique opportunities and risks as we move through the era of "big data.”
Dr. Kimberly Gardner
Panelist on Impact of Al & Social Media On Education
Dr. Kimberly Gardner, Idaho Science and Technology Policy Post-Doctoral FellowKimberly is an Idaho Science and Technology Policy Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Idaho’s McClure Center for Public Policy Research. She is currently working with the Idaho Workforce Development Council and the Idaho Department of Labor to develop data-sharing systems and conduct research on the Idaho LAUNCH program. With 10 years' experience in higher education and research, Kimberly has focused on fostering collaborative policy efforts among industry, government, nonprofit organizations, and academic institutions. Her work aims to promote responsible and equitable uses of data and emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence. Through her fellowship, Kimberly is gaining valuable firsthand experience in Idaho’s initiatives to expand the technology workforce pipeline, ensuring it benefits all Idahoans, including those in rural and underserved communities.
Dr. Melyssa Ferro
Panelist on Impact of Al & Social Media On Education
K-12 Digital Innovation and Integration Specialist, STEM coordinator, Middle School Science Teacher. After transferring college majors from lab scientist to science educator and graduating from Boise State University with a B.S. in Biology, Secondary Education, Melyssa has spent the last 25 years of her career dedicated to providing hands-on and enriching science and engineering experiences for students in the Caldwell School District. Her passion is encouraging young women and minorities to become more involved in the pursuit of STEM careers. She has earned an M.S. in Middle Level Education and a PhD in Learning, Instruction, and Innovation with an emphasis in STEM from Walden University and has focused her STEM education pursuits on teaching 7th grade life and 8th grade earth science at Syringa Middle School. Melyssa is the coordinator for the Science and Math Bowl competition team and the summer MASSI program at the College of Idaho as well as leading the Habitat H2O Florida trip and the Expedition Yellowstone and Explore Oregon experiences. She facilitates several teams for the Future City engineering competition as part of her advanced science curriculum. Melyssa is the STEM coordinator for Caldwell as well as working as the digital integration and innovation specialist for the district. She serves on the board of the Idaho Education Association, is the past president of the Idaho Science Teaching Association and works with the VOYA STEM fellowship to encourage STEM education at the national level. In the years following COVID, Melyssa has utilized her background in Educational Technology and Innovation to support educators across the state in effectively integrating technology into teaching and learning spaces as well as providing instruction on using generative AI platforms in education.
Jen Schneider
Panelist on Impact of Al & Social Media On Education
Jen Schneider is Interim Dean of the College of Innovation and Design and coordinates Boise State's campuswide generative AI initiative, including overseeing the AI for All Certificate program. The College of Innovation and Design is home to the Boise State Venture College and varsity Esports program and co-sponsors the new School for the Digital Future. Jen also works as a consultant and facilitator specializing in strategic processes and the communication and politics of science and technology controversies.
Jesi Stockdale
Moderator of Future of Higher Education
With nine years of experience in education, I have had the privilege of serving in various roles across K-12 and higher education. My career began as a Substitute Teacher in K-5 classrooms and expanded into positions such as College and Career Advisor & Counselor for grades 6-12. I also held several roles in higher education, starting at Ventura College as a Transfer and Career Center Technician, where I discovered my passion for helping students connect with their academic and career goals. I was able to broaden my experiences as an Assistant Registrar at San Joaquin Valley College, gaining valuable insight into the administrative side of education, which included ensuring compliance with academic policies and degree requirements. Currently, I serve as the College and Career Advisor and Counselor for Caldwell High School/District, where I implement strategies and interventions aimed at empowering students to set and achieve their academic and career goals. As a first generation college graduate and lifelong learner, I am incredibly grateful everyday for the opportunity to guide students in discovering their passions, developing goals, and charting a path toward their futures.
Susan Beard
Panelist on Future of Higher Education
Susan Beard is a dynamic leader in partnerships and business development at Northwest Nazarene University’s Center for Professional Development. For the past 20 years, Susan has been building impactful collaborations between higher education, businesses, and community organizations. At NNU, she plays a key role in expanding strategic partnerships, driving innovation in professional training, and ensuring educational programs align with industry needs. Her expertise spans career readiness, workforce training, and higher education innovation, making her a valuable voice in shaping the future of learning. As a super-connector, Susan is passionate about fostering relationships that drive student success and organizational growth. She holds a Master of Education in Instruction & Innovation from NNU and has been recognized for her leadership, including being named an Idaho Business Review Person of Influence in 2023. She looks forward to engaging in discussions on how higher education can evolve to meet the demands of the modern workforce
Wendi Secrist
Panelist on Future of Higher Education
Wendi Secrist is the Executive Director of the Idaho Workforce Development Council overseeing implementation of an industry-led statewide strategic workforce development plan. Governor Brad Little appointed Wendi to continue the transition of the Council to an independent agency under the Office of the Governor which began in November 2017. The Council serves as the State Workforce Development Board and oversees the Idaho Workforce Development Training Fund and Idaho LAUNCH. Ms. Secrist came to the Council with a wealth of experience in workforce development, economic development and education. Immediately prior to joining in 2017, Ms. Secrist built bridges to industry to inform Idaho’s career and technical education system through its secondary, postsecondary and workforce training programs as the Director of Business Outreach for Idaho Career & Technical Education. She also oversaw development of a statewide micro-certification/badging platform, Idaho SkillStack® to improve communication around the skills and competencies Idaho’s citizens possess. Ms. Secrist served on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Workforce Boards and was secretary from 2013-2015. Ms. Secrist is a past president of the Idaho Economic Development Association. She was the vice president of the 2007-2009 Leadership Boise class and also served as the 2009 chair of the Boise Young Professionals. In 2008, Idaho Business Review recognized her as one of Idaho’s “Accomplished Under 40.
David Douglass
Panelist on Future of Higher Education
David Douglass serves as Executive Vice President and Provost at the College of Idaho. His previous administrative positions include Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of Student Affairs, and his managerial portfolio has ranged from Information Technology to Varsity Athletics. Prior to his work as an administrator, Douglass served on the faculty at Willamette University, where he was named Professor of the Year on three separate occasions. He has published monographs on a variety of topics related to persuasion, pedagogy, and language theory, and he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of the Northwest Communication Association. He earned his doctoral degree in communication from the Pennsylvania State University. Douglass resides in Caldwell, Idaho, with his wife, Lily.
Gordon Jones
Panelist on Future of Higher Education
Idaho’s largest comprehensive community college serving over 30,000 students from across the Treasure Valley and the State of Idaho. CWI’s primary focus is delivering affordable, high-quality, and accessible education. President Jones is passionate about promoting affordable higher education that translates to enhanced employment and life opportunities for all students. Prior to CWI, Jones served as the founding Dean of the College of Innovation + Design at Boise State University from 2015-2021. From 2010-2015, Jones worked at Harvard University, serving from 2011 as the Evans Family Foundation Managing Director of the Harvard Innovation Lab. He started his education career as a high school math teacher in rural Arizona. His higher education career has focused on innovating and maximizing the value proposition of public higher education in serving students and communities. President Jones received his Masters of Business Administration degree from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science from Brown University.
Ivan Melendez
Moderator of Bridging Opportunity: Strengthening Educational Pathways For Caldwell's Hispanic Community
Josh Engler
Panelist on Bridging Opportunity: Strengthening Educational Pathways For Caldwell's Hispanic Community
Joshua Engler is in his 13th year as the Educational Specialist for the TRIO Upward Bound Program at Caldwell High School. Upward Bound - one of eight Federal TRIO Programs - prepares high school students from low-income families in which neither parent has a four-year college degree to enter and complete college. Following participation in the Northwest Association of Educational Opportunity Programs’ (NAEOP) Emerging Leaders Institute, Joshua went on to hold several leadership positions at the state, regional, and national levels, including President of NAEOP from 2017-19.
Patty Sanchez
Panelist on Bridging Opportunity: Strengthening Educational Pathways For Caldwell's Hispanic Community
Patty Sanchez has dedicated nearly 31 years to public service at Idaho’s Office of the State Board of Education, where she began as a student intern and now serves as the Academic Affairs Program Manager. In this role, she works closely with Idaho’s eight public postsecondary institutions ensuring the accuracy and integrity of academic planning, policy processes, and instructional program proposals.As the first in her family of seasonal farm workers to earn a college degree, Patty is deeply committed to education. Beyond her core responsibilities, she builds community within the agency, leading initiatives like the annual State Employee Charitable Giving Campaign.Patty was born in Caldwell and is a graduate of Caldwell High School and Boise State University.
Brock Astle
Panelist on Bridging Opportunity: Strengthening Educational Pathways For Caldwell's Hispanic Community
I am the current Director of Student Engagement and School Choice at the Idaho Department of Education. I grew up in Shoshone, Idaho. I have previously worked in Idaho higher education with Lewis-Clark State College and enjoy the great outdoors hiking and biking.
Dr. Alex Zamora
Panelist on Bridging Opportunity: Strengthening Educational Pathways For Caldwell's Hispanic Community
Dr. Alejandro Zamora is the Interim Co-Superintendent and Elementary Principal of the Wilder School District. Beginning as a school counselor, then school social worker, and now an administrator, he has worked in both brick & mortar and virtual settings, plus served numerous years as an adjunct professor. Dr. Zamora earned a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, in addition to numerous courses in school counseling, school building administration, and school superintendency.
Rob Graham
Moderator of Corporate Partnerships with Educational Institutions
Director of HR Strategy – Treasure Valley Idaho and Southeast Oregon
“I love that working at Express my main focus is helping people, making friends, and being able earn a living from that!” - Rob
Rob joined the Treasure Valley, Idaho team in October 2019 from a military leadership background. Growing up on the Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia, when it was a coastal country town. Rob spent most of his time outdoors, doing what country kids do best. Rob spent over 15 years serving Australia in their military. 2 Years in the Australian Army Artillery, then transitioned over to the Royal Australian Air Force as a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, specializing in Avionics. Having traveled the world on exercises and combat deployments, Rob brings diverse experience to our team. Rob currently oversees HR Strategy at our Express offices and works closely with our clients in workforce improvement, workforce strategy and professional development. Rob was listed on the Idaho Business Review Power List 2023, 50 Most Influential Business Leaders in Idaho. Rob is an Ambassador for Nampa Chamber of Commerce and serves on multiple committees with Nampa and Caldwell Chambers of Commerce. Rob is a Co-Chair of the Nampa Chamber Business and Education Committee. Rob’s passion is developing people to be a solution.
When not at work, Rob enjoys being with his family outdoors, hiking, camping, hunting and fishing.
“Courage isn’t vacant of fear, it’s facing the issue in the midst of that fear.” – General George Patton
Kaden Christensen
Panelist on Corporate Partnerships with Educational Institutions
My name is Kaden Christensen, and I love being a Coordinator in the WBLC! My family and I recently moved to Idaho from Tennessee. I was born and raised in Boise, so I am happy to be back! I have been married to my wife for 8 years now and we have 2 wonderful children. I have experience as a high school teacher as well as educational advising and sales. My passion remains in education, and I love being a part of the WBLC Team.
Dr. Paula Kellerer
Panelist on Corporate Partnerships with Educational Institutions
Dr. Paula Kellerer was superintendent of the Nampa School District, the third largest in Idaho, from 2017 to February of this year. As superintendent, she led a staff of 1,600 educators and 15,000 students.Before joining the Nampa District as superintendent, Dr. Kellerer was the Founding Dean of Adult and Graduate Studies at Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) in Nampa from 2015 to 2017. She also served as Dean of NNU’s College of Education, Social Work and Counseling from 2012 to 2015. As Dean of Education, she developed and implemented NNU’s first Ed.D. and Ph.D. in Educational Leadership.Dr. Kellerer also served as assistant superintendent and chief academic officer of the Nampa School District from 2004 to 2010 and before that was principal of three Nampa elementary schools.Governor Brad Little appointed Dr. Kellerer to serve on his Our Kids, Idaho’s Future Task Force in 2019 which recommended ways to improve and strengthen Idaho’s K-12 public education system.Dr. Kellerer received her bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from NNU and her Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from Boise State University. She received her Ed.S. in Educational Leadership from the University of Idaho in 2004 and her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Idaho in 200
Esai Longoria
Panelist on Corporate Partnerships with Educational Institutions
Born and raised in Caldwell and a graduate of Vallivue High School class of 2016, Esai has been the Career Placement Coordinator at Elevate Academy in Caldwell for the past 3 years. Esai's main role at Elevate is to assist seniors with finding their Next Step. This can be entering the workforce, joining the military, attending a trade school, and or going to college. This is all a part of the 80 for 80 philosophies of Elevate.
Mike Dittenber
Moderator of The Intersection of Development and Education
Mike has been the Executive Director of the Caldwell Housing Authority for more than 18 years. Prior to his employment with the housing authority, he administered federal housing projects with Idaho Housing and Finance Association. After finishing college at Boise State University, he started his career in 1994 as a Law Enforcement Planner with the Boise Police Department. He is involved in his community and serves on Caldwell City Council. He enjoys being a part of a growing Caldwell community.
Robin Collins
Panelist on The Intersection of Development and Education
Robin Collins is the Community Development Director and building Official for the City of Caldwell. She oversees and manages the operations of city planning, zoning, building safety, code compliance, parking compliance and community development block grants. She has over 37 years’ experience working in local government in all aspects of planning and land development, and building construction, and holds professional certifications including Certified Building Official and Professional Community and Economic Developer.Robin has served on many professional boards and commissions, including the Idaho Economic Development Association and the National Community Development Council, along with instructing advanced classes on Urban Renewal in Idaho.
Joey Palmer
Panelist on The Intersection of Development and Education
Joey Palmer has been rocking the education world for 19 years, including 10 years teaching "at-risk" students in the classroom. Vallivue School District awarded him Teacher of the Year in 2012. He now serves as the Assistant Superintendent and moonlights as an adjunct professor at Boise State University. When he's off the clock, you'll find him skateboarding with his son, rollerblading with his daughter, or on a slow stroll with his wife and their basset hounds.
Dave Murray
Panelist on The Intersection of Development and Education
My name is Dave Murray, I have been married for 15 years and we have three beautiful daughters together. I spent 5 ½ years in the Army, airborne infantry. I completed tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. I currently work for the Bureau of Land Management out of the Boise State Office as a Contract Specialist. I have served on the Middleton City Council for a little over three years now and am still in my first term. I absolutely love my Council work and the challenges and rewards of the job. I believe it is my duty as a citizen and elected official to provide the best government possible and to take the initiative and innovate to find solutions which people in my community face every day. My largest achievement in this position was the created and passage of a first of its kind ordinance in the State of Idaho. An ordinance which ties residential development directly to school capacity in the Middleton School District.
Sabrina Durtschi
Panelist on The Intersection of Development and Education
Sabrina Durtschi is the Director of Forward Planning for KB Home’s Idaho Division. She leads and provides assistance in land acquisitions, entitlements, design and development of all KB Home projects in the Treasure Valley. An industry leader in the land planning field for over the past 21 years, Sabrina has created and constructed a multitude of communities across the Treasure Valley. She holds serval bachelor of science degrees, in addition a Graduate Certificate and Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from Boise State University. Sabrina loves to be involved in the community and is a Board of Director for the Building Contractors Association of Southwestern Idaho as well as the Hearing Examiner for the City of Caldwell. Outside of work Sabrina loves spending time with her family by traveling, cooking and trying to see as many National Parks as possible.