Capital Conference Presenter Bios
2025 Capital Conference Presenter Bios
**Indicates former Sponsor Excellence Award winner
Luis Alaniz is a dedicated educator and current journalism co-coach. He teaches Professional Communication, Interpersonal Communication, and Public Speaking. Luis served as a UIL academic coordinator before taking a hiatus and returning as a coach. He holds a BA in Mass Communication, an MA in Communication Studies, and is completing his doctoral degree in Educational Leadership at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Luis's extensive experience and academic background have been pivotal in fostering effective communication skills and supporting student journalism initiatives.
Jonathan Albor is the 2A, 2023 Poetry State Champion, and CX state medalist. He is a Junior at the University of Incarnate Word studying Theatre Education. He has consulted for 1A and 2A in CX, Congress, and Interpretation, producing state medalists at the 2A level.
Kara Barbee has over 20 years of experience in education as theater teacher and 14 years as a successful speech and debate coach. She currently serves as the Head of the Fine Arts Department and UIL Coordinator at Clyde High School, where she also teaches theater, directs mainstage and one-act play productions, and coaches Prose / Poetry. Under her leadership, students have earned multiple regional appearances in OAP and brought home numerous state medals in Prose, Poetry, and CX/LD Debate. Kara is passionate about helping students find their voice and thrive in performance-based competitions.
Kelsey Bates has been involved in UIL for over 10 years with competitors in A+ contests and high school contests. She's won state championships for individuals, teams, and a few overall state champions. In the past, she has written Virtual Challenge Meet tests for both the A+ Social Studies and A+ Maps, Graphs, and Charts. She will also be writing the A+ Social Studies tests this year.
Cindy Berry- After 30 years in the classroom, I retired four years ago. And that lasted two months because UIL journalism is what keeps me coming back for more year after year. As a native Texan, my UIL career began in west Texas in the 70s in Mrs. Baker’s second-grade classroom. Story telling was the contest, yet little did I know I’d still be writing, coaching and telling stories 50 years later. Over the years I’ve been fortunate to coach kids to the region and state level regularly, currently serving as academic coordinator and journalism coach at Slidell High School, where the only businesses in town are the post office, which is manned two hours a day, and the volunteer fire department. In my spare time I’m baking wedding cakes, many for former students, riding my bike and bargain shopping.
Alyssa Boehringer is UIL Journalism Director and ILPC Director. She taught journalism at her alma mater McKinney High School for 16 years where she coached UIL journalism and ready writing and advised some combination of broadcast journalism, yearbook and online news. She is a winner of ILPC’s Edith Fox King Award, TAJE’s Trailblazer Award and JEA’s Medal of Merit. In 2017, JEA named her National Broadcast Journalism Teacher of the Year.
Gary Brister is honored to be a 2024–2025 UIL Sponsor Excellence Award recipient. For over 30 years, I’ve served as an educator and theater director, coaching many UIL state speech qualifiers and leading multiple One Act Play companies to the state level, including first runner-up honors.
UIL and OAP have been my passion for nearly three decades—more than just responsibilities, they are where I find purpose and fulfillment. I believe deeply in the impact of this work and remain committed to helping students grow into confident, capable leaders. My journey is also grounded in the support of my family, who share my love of learning and stand behind everything I do.
Erika Cooke is a 20 teaching veteran and has experience in UIL for most of those years. She has coached Social Studies, Current Issues and Events, and been an Academic Coordinator in a 6A school. Erika currently teaches AP history at Legacy High School in Midland.
Bonnie Crisp A retired Texas high school teacher, I have been in some way connected to the UIL Literary Criticism contest since 1987 - the pilot year. As the UIL coordinator at Wimberley High School for many years, I coached Literary Criticism as well as several other events. I am the co-author of several teaching guides for Advanced Placement English. Additionally, I wrote a novel, Hidden Springs, as well as study materials for the UIL Literary Criticism test including Lit Crit Master, Master Lists 2, annual Study Plans, Flash Cards, and Google forms (tests) for the Study Plans and Pulitzer and Nobel Prizes.
Katie E. Cross began performing in community theatre when she was seven years old. She attended Blinn College and graduated with an associate degree in theatre and transferred to Texas State University and graduated in 2011 with a BFA Degree in Theatre Education. Ms. Cross served as the Coordinator for Dorm and Student Life for the Texas State University Summer High School Theatre Camp From 2011-2016. After graduating she taught at a variety of campuses across Texas. She graduated in May 2019 with her Master’s Degree in Theatre Directing from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. She competed in OAP on the 3A, 5A, and 6A levels and made appearances at the regional level. She currently is the Educational Director for Covenant, an audio, video and lighting integration company. In her free time she directs and performs in the Houston Area.
Terri Davis teaches AP Language and Composition, AP Research, and English III at Pine Tree High School. She sponsors Ready Writing, Spelling, Literary Criticism, the Barbara Jordan Essay contest, and is the high school UIL Coordinator.
Jeff Day holds a Ph.D. in Theatre and an MFA in Directing and is currently completing an MA in History. With experience spanning over 150 theatrical productions, he has contributed as an actor, director, playwright, stage manager, dramaturg, and designer. In 2018, he was selected to attend the prestigious Playwriting Intensive at the Kennedy Center, where he further honed his voice as a storyteller.
Outside the theatre, he is an avid chess player, ranking in the top 15% of players nationally, and enjoys backpacking, camping, and fitness. He is currently developing a historical screenplay about Col. Jimmy Doolittle, the iconic World War II aviator, blending his love of history and narrative into one soaring project.
Rachael Gomez serves as the State Contest Director for UIL Theatrical Design. This year marks the beginning of her 8th Contest. Throughout the challenges of running a competition during a pandemic, Theatrical Design never missed a beat. After two years of digital only, contestants returned in person this year and Mrs. Gomez is excited to see new growth in participation in the year ahead inspired by a great piece of literature.
BK Goodman serves as the Director of Operations for Texas Thespians. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Southeastern Oklahoma State University and his Masters in Theatre from Texas A&M University-Commerce. BK also serves as the Assistant to the Theatrical Design State Contest Director and as the OAP State Scenic and Properties Manager.
Stephen Green is the journalism adviser and UIL Coordinator at Caney Creek High School in Conroe, and president-elect of the Texas Association of Journalism Educators. His students have brought home hardware at all levels of UIL. Plus, he’s more than a bit of a dork when it comes to writing and journalism.
Gail Herman teaches AP English at Sulphur Springs High School. She has had many state champions in Spelling and Vocabulary, Literary Criticism, Ready Writing, Journalism, and the Essay Competitions. She also writes and edits for Virtual Challenge Meets.
John Grimmett is a director, writer, and educator. Currently the Head Theatre Director at Alvin High School and the Lead Theatre Teacher for Alvin ISD, John is also the chair of the K-12 Committee and serves on the Board of Directors for the Texas Educational Theatre Association.
Maribeth Harlow is the District Counselor for Medina ISD. She has coached multiple state medalists and a state champion. She has taught in small schools (1A-4A) and recognizes the challenges faced at those levels. She holds a master's degree in Theatre from Texas A&M Commerce and is a TTAO-certified contest manager and adjudicator.
Tonya Harper is the Fine Arts Coordinator for Whitesboro ISD after 27 years directing at both the high school and middle school levels. She has had great success at every level and has also had the not-so-great successes at those levels as well. She believes in the OAP process and loves working with directors to give possible insight that comes from new eyes on a show or new ideas to consider and explore when preparing for a theatrical production.
Amy Jordan has served as Texas Thespians Chapter Director since 2012. Amy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Drama, with an emphasis in Stage Management and Design where she also holds a Master of Arts degree in Theatrical Design and Theatre Education from Texas Woman’s University. She serves as the Stage Supervisor for State UIL One Act Play, a UIL One Act Play and Theatrical Design Judge, and Clinician each year.
Jackie Kana Hello! I am Jackie Kana, the current head director at Ingram Tom Moore High School in Ingram, TX.
I have a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Texas A&M and am currently finishing up my 8th year of teaching in mostly Title 1 schools. I also serve on the executive committee for the TxETA K12 as the secretary and will finish my term this coming Fall.
From color guard to One Act Play, I have had a hand in everything because I want our kids to enjoy as much as they can. I truly believe that teachers, especially fine art teachers, are a lifeline for so many students across the state of Texas. We are nothing without our connections, so make sure you make them as often as possible!
Allison Martin is the High School Computer Science and Mathematics teacher and Academic Coordinator at Aspermont ISD, a 1A school district located in West Texas. With 17 years of experience in education and 11 years in the classroom, I am passionate about student success and academic excellence. For the past decade, I’ve proudly coached students to the state level in UIL Computer Science competitions. I also coordinate our district’s annual A+ Academic Junior High UIL Meet, fostering academic engagement and opportunity for students across the region.
Delta McFarland is a Computer Science teacher at Needville High School. She has taught for 42 years and plans to keep on teaching. Her passion is exposing students to the world of Computer Science and to help with that exposure she has created a four year program of Computer Science at her high school. She has been sending students to State since 2003 where she has won several State championships.
Amy Medina holds a BFA in Theatre from Southwest Texas State University and brings 27 years of teaching experience in theatre education. Throughout her career, she has taught both high school and junior high students, most recently serving in Magnolia ISD. She also serves as the Middle School representative on the UIL Advisory Board
Madison Millsap teaches honors English at Sulphur Springs High School. A state champ in Literary Criticism herself, she now coaches Social Studies, Current Issues and Events, and Journalism. Her students regularly compete and earn medals at the state meet, including several first-place finishers. She also writes for Best of Texas and edits for Virtual Challenge Meets.
Cody Morris is the founder of Pocket Coach Academy Whose Mission Is To Elevate Performance And Foster Greater Participation In Academic Competitions By Empowering Coaches And Students With Essential Resources. We Are Dedicated To Equipping Novice Coaches And Students With The Tools, Guidance, And Support They Need To Thrive, Thus Nurturing A Community Where Every Individual Can Achieve Success.”
Lori Oglesbee taught high school journalism to more than 4,000 students over 35 years. Those students won awards at the regional, state and national levels making their programs one of the top in the country year after year. Oglesbee was Texas Journalism Teacher of the Year in 2005 and the Journalism Education Association National Yearbook Adviser of the Year in 2009. She is now the Education Ambassador for CADY, but also cans jams and relishes and crochets blankets.
Cheryl Painter is the Head Theatre Director and Fine Arts Department Chair at Rouse High School and has been a teacher, director and designer in the Austin Area for over 20 years. She holds a BFA in Theatre with a Specialization in Directing from Texas State and a MA degree in Theatre from Texas A&M Commerce. She works professionally as a Director and Designer in Austin,TX and is a company member for both Capital T Theatre and Hyde Park Theatre. She has served on the UIL Theatre Advisory Board and the Texas Educational Theatre Association Board as the K12 Chair and works at Tal’s Summer Theatre Camp at Baylor University. She was awarded the TxETA K12 Educator of the Year for 2025. She is always working to make Theatre Education better for students all across the state. She is a product of a Texas high school Theatre program and loves the community and confidence that Theatre builds.
Travis Poe taught high school Theatre for 36 years, 35 at Barbers Hill High School, where he and the Theatre program have appeared in 33 Regional and 19 State contests, being named State Champions on five occasions and placing 2nd or 3rd on eight other occasions.
Poe has served on the UIL Advisory Committee and is also a Past President/CEO of TxETA. Honors include being named McLennan Community College Outstanding Alumnus; TxETA Founder’s Award and UIL Sponsor Excellence Award. In 2021 Barbers Hill named Travis Poe the Secondary Teacher of the Year and renamed the BHHS Theatre “The Travis Poe Center for the Performing Arts.”
Ann Marie Priolo (Annie) has dedicated 39 years to Sharyland ISD (and has taught for 42+!), currently serving as the Math Department Chair at Sharyland Advanced Academic Academy (SA3). Her three children thrived in Sharyland schools, and she now enjoys 10 grandchildren. Before SA3, she spent 29 years at other Sharyland campuses, including coordinating the UIL/TMSCA programs. Holding multiple degrees and certifications, she actively contributes to various school committees and advises numerous student organizations. Passionate about her students' achievements, she considers her work a privilege, with UIL holding a special place in her heart.
Cole Rickman serves as the Austin ISD Production Supervisor. He has supervised the UIL One-Act Play State meet contest for numerous years. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts with All Level Teacher Certification from Texas State University. He has worked professionally in professional theatre in design, tech, stage management and education.
Carter Ridge is the Theatre Director at Navarro High School with 11 years of teaching experience. A 2014 graduate of Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, Carter has directed multiple productions that have advanced to the UIL One-Act Play Region level. She brings a wealth of experience as a workshop leader for Texas Thespians and has served as UIL Staff for One-Act Play contests from District to State. Carter is passionate about student-centered theatre education and is excited to share practical, proven strategies to help you elevate your rehearsals and classroom experience.
Paula Rodriguez is the UIL state theatre director since 2018. Her experiences in UIL, from directing in small and large schools, to adjudicating and contest managing, have taught her many life shaping lessons. She feels blessed to work with a team of UIL rock stars and that includes theatre teachers and students of Texas.
Daniel Rosales has taught for 16 years and been an Academic Coordinator for 5 years. He has taught at Bel Air High School, Franklin High School, and Jefferson High School and coached speech and debate for TFA and UIL Prose and Poetry. He has also coached Cross Country and Track. Daniel currently is the Coordinator for Academic Competitions in El Paso ISD.
Rodrigo Sanchez is an enthusiastic educator currently contributing to the C3 program at Midland College. Prior to his current position he taught theatre at Midland High School where he also served as the UIL Film sponsor. Rodrigo co-directed 3 shows that advanced to the OAP state meet, including the 2023 6A OAP state winning play. A graduate of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and a first-generation college student, Rodrigo is passionate about the process of learning and aims to instill a sense of wonder in his students. He serves as the UIL as an assistant film contest director, OAP contest manager and adjudicator.
Ivan Silva is an experienced high school teacher with over a decade in education. He teaches AV production, Professional Communication, Journalism, and education courses. Currently, Ivan serves as the UIL coordinator and co-coach for journalism at his high school, having previously been a UIL A+ coordinator. Ivan holds an Advertising-Public Relations-Journalism BA, an MA in Communication Studies, and is completing his doctoral degree in Educational Leadership at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. His extensive experience and dedication have been instrumental in developing successful journalism programs that foster student engagement and creativity.
Kimberly Sloane is the UIL Coordinator and Speech/Debate coach at Center High School. She has been a coordinator and coach at the elementary, junior high, and high school levels and coached almost every event at one point in the last 25 years. She has coached 130 students to UIL State including 49 medalists in CX, LD and congressional debate, prose, extemp, computer applications, ready writing, and journalism. She works hard to promote UIL at all levels in East Texas and was a 2020 UIL Sponsor Excellence Award winner. Kimberly is the owner of Texas Academics, a website focused on making hosting A+ competitions easier.
Gena Lea Smith, UIL Coordinator, Speech & Debate Coach, and Theatre Director from Van Vleck High School, has just completed her 34th year in education. She is honored, elated, and a bit flabbergasted to find herself among the UIL Sponsor Excellence award winners this year. Gena Lea absolutely loves teaching, coaching, and directing, and has been fortunate enough to qualify for OAP State four times, in 2010, 2015, 2019, and 2023, and has coached multiple State qualifiers in Student Congress, CX & LD Debate, and Extemp, with a few Current Issues and Events State kiddos tossed in for spice!
Gena Lea's greatest accomplishments, however, are her 37-year marriage to Darve, her two children, Jordan Lea (Dago) and Trevor (Brooke), both of whom coach UIL events and direct theater, and her amazing granddaughters, the Peña Princesses, Nova and Esmeralda. Being their GG is the greatest role Gena Lea has ever played!!
Heather Soltero The Texas Speech Communication Association has been serving teachers in Texas since 1923. As one of the top organizations for speech teachers across the state of Texas, TSCA brings a fresh look at strategies in and out of the classroom.
Emily Sowell is the Speech and Debate Coach at Shelbyville High School, where she has led students to success for the last 16 years. Under her guidance, competitors have earned numerous state awards in congress, informative speaking, persuasive speaking, LD debate, and CX debate. Emily serves on both the UIL Regional Advisory Committee and the State Congress Committee.
Deborah Tannert is a Professor at Texas State University in the School of Music and previously taught Elementary Music in Austin ISD for 29 years. She prepared students for participation in the Music Memory Contest while teaching in Austin ISD.
Sam White has been a theatre teacher at Paradise High School for the past four years and is the Technical Director for Theatre Off The Square in Weatherford.
Melissa Witt is a 25-year veteran speech and debate coach at Pine Tree HS in Longview, TX. She is an accomplished coach and enjoys working with other coaches to provide opportunities for growth for students and teachers.
Jacqueline Zepeda is a theatre teacher at PSJA North Early College High School. Jackie graduated from Trinity University and headed to L.A. to work in the movie industry for three years before returning to teach at her alma matter. She has been teaching theatre and coaching UIL events for 16 years. Jackie has been asked to present workshops on Theatrical Design, Prose and Poetry, Film, and One-Act Play at various UIL Capital Conferences, Student Activity Conferences, and at the TETA Convention. Year after year, Jackie has numerous students compete at the state level in various UIL events and she is a State Champion Coach in UIL Poetry, Prose, Film and Technical Design. Jackie's theatre department just won this year's Top Theatre Team UIL Championship in 5A.