Note: Speakers also include Ms. Natalie Tappert, Instructional Supervisor, and Mr. Daryl Castro, Curriculum Support Specialist

Alina Rodriguez has been working for M-DCPS since 1997. She began her work as an intern and later a classroom teacher for students with emotional needs. After some years, she went on to coordinate the program for students with Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities (E/BD). She provided services for students with disabilities in the role of a Behavior Management Teacher (BMT). At that time, she also initiated her work as a team Leader and district coach for Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS). Alina currently supervises a discretionary grant from the Florida Department of Education; SEDNET-The Multiagency Network for Students with Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities. She is currently the district coordinator for PBIS, as well as the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) Process, and Restraint. She also oversees Bilingual ESE programs. She has a Bachelor of Science in Special Education with a focus on the Emotionally Handicapped and a Master of Science in Education with a concentration in College Administration. She is certified in Educational Leadership, Elementary Education, Special Education, and she holds an ESOL endorsement. She is a passionate educator and leader experienced in various areas of Exceptional Student Education.

Natalie Tappert has been with M-DCPS since 2007. After graduating from the University of Miami with a double major in Special Education and Sociology, she began working for students with Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities at Fienberg-Fisher K-8 Center. During her twelve-year tenure, she became the Behavior Management Teacher and ESE Chairperson for all special education programs. In 2019, Mrs. Tappert moved to the District ESE Offices to work in the Compliance Department, navigating Due Process Cases, State Complaints and State Facilitated IEP Meetings. In July of 2021, Ms. Tappert became the administrator overseeing the Vision Impairments and Deaf/Hard of Hearing Departments. She has since added the Audiology Department and TEACh Strong ESE. She has found this new role of assisting staff to create the best possible outcomes for students with Sensory Impairments unique and fulfilling.

Daryl Castro commenced his career journey with MDCPS at the young age of 16 years old as an afterschool activity leader. He then continued to become a paraprofessional for E/BD where he first experienced working with ESE students. Daryl served as an ESE inclusion teacher and later as an E/BD teacher for several years. During his years as an educator, he obtained leadership roles & duties within schools leading ESE teams where he has worked collaboratively with administrators and staff in strategic planning and problem-solving. As for schooling, Daryl has attained a bachelor�s degree in business administration specializing in supervision and management supplemented with a master�s degree in educational leadership. The professional has been awarded Rookie Teacher of the Year as well as Teacher of the Year at schools he has served. Daryl has held positions as ESE chairperson, Behavior Management Teacher and Curriculum Support Specialist for MDCPS district in his most recent years of service. Mr. Castro aims to continue using analytical skills, effective problem solving and being a role model to positively impact the public education school system.