Summer Institute for Teachers

Dr. Donna Egan

Dr. Donna Egan is an Assistant Professor at SUNY Old Westbury, where she focuses on special education, literacy, educational technology, and artificial intelligence in teaching and learning. She has played a key role in advancing institutional innovation through her service on the SUNY Old Westbury AI Taskforce and her involvement in initiatives promoting responsible, accessible, and forward-thinking uses of AI in education. With extensive experience preparing future educators and delivering professional development, Dr. Egan highlights practical, student-centered applications of AI that enhance instruction, feedback, differentiation, and engagement. Her work emphasizes ethical integration, accessibility, Universal Design for Learning, and actionable classroom strategies that support diverse learners and empower educators.

Dr. Shalei Simms

Dr. Shalei V. K. Simms serves as Dean and Associate Professor of Management at SUNY Old Westbury School of Business, where she advances innovative, practice-driven learning. Her scholarship focuses on decision-making, creativity, and social entrepreneurship, with particular attention to how identity shapes perceptions of risk and choice. Published in peer-reviewed journals and an active national and international presenter, she connects research to real-world impact. 

Dr. Simms teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in decision making, creativity, strategic management, and organizational behavior. She also engages communities through consulting and workshops such as “From Idea to Action,” “Level-Up,” and “Words Have Wings,” empowering entrepreneurs and individuals to build strategies, launch ventures, and achieve sustainable growth for lasting impact.

Danielle Paige

Danielle Paige is an early childhood education leader and founder of Academic Explorers, a multi-site childcare organization serving families across Long Island. With a master’s degree in early childhood and special education (Birth–Grade 2), she began her career in the classroom before launching her own center. She has since grown Academic Explorers into a network serving 300 children across 20+ classrooms with a team of 60+ staff. Danielle is recognized for building sustainable systems, fostering partnerships, and empowering educators to explore leadership and entrepreneurship.

Katharine Noon

Katharine Noon is a Peer Collaborative Teacher at P177Q with more than 18 years of experience in special education. Her career includes 14 years as a self-contained teacher supporting students with autism, as well as experience as a cluster teacher. She currently teaches in an 8:1:1 middle school classroom, where she empowers students with disabilities to develop independence and self-advocacy skills. In her teacher's leadership role, Ms. Noon mentors colleagues and supports instructional improvement. She is committed to fostering collaboration, strengthening teaching practice, and building inclusive learning environments that support both student and educator success.