"All I want is an education, and I am afraid of no one."
- Malala Yousafzai
Susan Owens is a long-time Direct Instruction coach, trainer, and implementer. Ms. Owens has been working with DI programs since the early days of the curriculum, as she was a DI teacher and DI Program Implementer for the Learning Disabilities Department of Milwaukee Public Schools from 1976-2002. Her expertise with the program allowed her to develop and present an undergraduate course in DI design and program training at Carthage College in Wisconsin in the late 90s. From 2007-2012, Susan introduced DI and managed the DI implementation at Genesee Lake School in Oconomowoc, WI, a residential school that serves students on the Autism Spectrum. Susan has worked as a DI Coach and Trainer, providing helpful feedback and analysis to ensure quality implementations for over 30 years.
Susan received a B.S. in Early Childhood Education, Cum Laude with Departmental Honors, from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She followed that up with an M.A. in Special Education from Cardinal Stritch University before returning to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee for Post-Master’s work in Educational Administration, as well as Emotional Disturbance and Cognitive Disabilities.
"Nothing is impossible with the right attitude!"
- Lou Holtz
After receiving her BS in Elementary Education from Eastern Kentucky University, Ms. Givens worked as a Title I Teacher in Dayton, Ohio. From 1995 to 1997, she served as the On-site Coordinator for Direct Instruction at two elementary schools in Dayton. In 1998, Rosella worked as an Implementation Manager for NIFDI for two inner-city elementary schools in Baltimore and Philadelphia. From 1999 to 2004, she was the On-site Coordinator for Direct Instruction at two elementary schools in Chester, Pennsylvania. During 2006-2009, she served as the On-Site Implementation Manager for NIFDI at seven elementary and middle schools in Atlanta.
From 2010 through January 2016, Rosella was an Implementation Manager in Texas for 4 IDEA Public Schools. She has provided DI program delivery training, consultation, and coaches training in Kentucky, Ohio, Texas, Georgia, Nebraska, Kansas, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Florida, Virginia, Illinois, Maryland, and Australia. Rosella currently works with IDEA Public Schools in the role of Implementation Manager.
"By learning you will teach; by teaching you will learn."
- Latin Proverb
Ms. Rios has a Master’s Degree in Administration & Supervision and a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Guam and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Chapman College.
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."
- Nelson Mandela
Rochelle Davisson is the Director of Training and Training Development for NIFDI. She has served as a Direct Instruction program trainer, an on-site implementation manager and program coach, and a project consultant for 21 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Western Oregon University. Rochelle taught in the Bethel School District, in Eugene, Oregon, for ten years, with nine of those years spent teaching through Direct Instruction programs.
Her passion is supporting students, teachers, and leaders in the effort to accelerate student learning within reading, language, writing, and math. She has been honored with the opportunity to train and support Direct Instruction implementations in Oregon, California, Idaho, Colorado, Georgia, Washington, Nebraska, North Dakota, Illinois, Arizona, Virginia, Texas, and Alaska, as well as support implementations in England.
Rochelle's goal is to continue working with teachers and leaders to help build the capacity of each school and district to successfully implement Direct Instruction programs so students receive efficient and effective instruction that prepares them to be successful in their future academic and personal opportunities.
