Current Engaging Eurasia Teacher Fellows

Meet our fellows for the 2025-2026 school year.

Stephanie King teaches English Language Arts and helps students establish University of Washington transcripts through College in the High School at Granger High School. She coaches middle and high school girls’ soccer and volunteers extensively within the community. Stephanie is a member of the Bridge to College state leadership team and was Washington’s NEA Foundation’s Global Learning Fellow in 2024. Stephanie is a respected educator in her building. She writes and receives grants for various entities within her district, utilizing her talents in composition to do so. She chronicled her learning experience in Morocco as a Fulbright Teacher for Global Classrooms on her website and promotes student writing through partnerships with various news outlets and organizations. Stephanie embeds global competencies in her units, which have been published through her Library of Congress, Pulitzer, and American University Open Educational Resources Fellowships. 

Pablo Chignolli, M.Ed., originally from Lima, Peru, is a Spanish teacher at Westerville City Schools in Ohio and a passionate advocate for cultural diversity and global citizenship. He holds a B.A. in Latin American Studies and a M.Ed. in World Language Education from The Ohio State University and is certified as a Superior Spanish Speaker by ACTFL. Known as Señor Pablo, he engages students through social justice–focused projects that integrate language, arts, and cultural awareness. He is the author of The Ones Among Us: Memoirs of Culturally Diverse High School Students in America and leads the Global Engagement Capstone Project in collaboration with OSU. His multilingual, inclusive approach fosters equity and meaningful intercultural learning both inside and outside the classroom.

Monica Ketchum-Cardenas is a Professor of History and Sociology at Arizona Western College in Yuma, AZ and Lecturer in History and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at San Diego State University-Imperial Valley.  She earned her EdD in College Teaching and Learning from Walden University, and MAs in Global Affairs (University of Oklahoma), Sociology (Arizona State University), and History (California State University, Long Beach). She is the current Arizona Council for History Education President and serves as the Arizona Historical Society-Rio Colorado Chapter Secretary. She completed a Fulbright-Hays GPA in central Asia (2018), and was a past Engaging Eurasia Teaching Fellow (AY 20-21) with Harvard’s Davis Center, a Global Fellow (AY 23-24; 24-25) with The Ohio State University’ Area Studies Centers, and has served as a delegate to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women for Soroptimist International (CSW67 & CSW69/Beijing+30). 

Lindsay Johnston teaches Theory of Knowledge and Environmental Systems & Societies at Alcuin School in Dallas, Texas, where she also serves as CAS Coordinator. With almost two decades of experience in International Baccalaureate World Schools, Lindsay has developed a huge passion for student advocacy and incorporating international relations and diplomacy into the classroom. One major highlight of this work was being able to take a small group of students to participate in the U.N. Human Rights Council’s 58th session in February 2025 to attend working meetings on topics related to Afghan women’s rights. Lindsay has participated twice in the Foreign Policy Association Great Decisions teacher training program, as well as the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms 2024-2025. She was the James F. Veninga Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities recipient and the Dallas Fort Worth World Affairs Council International Educator of the year in 2024. Lindsay holds dual B.A.s in History and Political Science from McMurry University, and a M.A. in International Diplomacy with an emphasis on conflict resolution from Norwich University. In her spare time, she loves traveling with her family and watching Red Sox baseball.

Krizia Columna is a dedicated educator, literacy advocate, and lifelong learner based in Florida. Born in New York and raised in the Dominican Republic, she brings a rich multicultural perspective and a deep sense of empathy to her work with diverse and historically underserved student populations. Krizia holds a master’s degree in Reading from Nova Southeastern University and currently teaches 11th grade English Language Arts at Tohopekaliga High School. She also serves as an adjunct professor at Valencia College, where she teaches courses that help students navigate their academic and personal growth.

With a strong foundation in special education, Krizia previously worked as a varying exceptionalities teacher at a Title I elementary school, where she supported English Language Learners (ELLs) and students with exceptional needs across multiple grade levels. Her teaching philosophy centers on respect, inclusion, and cultural relevance, recognizing the value each student brings into the classroom. As a single mother and advocate for equity, Krizia is deeply committed to education as a tool for empowerment and generational change. She creates learning environments that are student-centered, socially conscious, and rooted in academic rigor.

 

Jill Jenkins is an experienced educator with over 21 years in the field of education. She holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Madonna University, an Educational Specialist Degree from the University of Phoenix, and an Administrative Certification from Davenport University. Jill has taught a wide range of subjects and grade levels, including GSRP, kindergarten, 3rd grade, 5th grade, 6th grade, middle school social studies, art, music, and technology. Her diverse teaching experience has allowed her to develop a strong foundation in both academic and subjects. This year marks Jill's first as an instructional coach, where she is dedicated to helping educators improve their teaching strategies and enhance student learning. Jill is passionate about professional growth and actively participates in professional development opportunities, including being a part of EPIC History and serving as a Retro Report Ambassador. Her dedication to education extends beyond the classroom, and she remains committed to fostering an environment of continuous learning for both students and educators alike.

Gunel Alasgarova is an international Ph.D. student from Azerbaijan and pre-service educator studying Higher Education and Student Affairs at The Ohio State University. She previously graduated from Kent State University with a degree in Research, Measurement, and Statistics through the Fulbright Fellowship. In her home country, her major was English and World Literature, and she worked as a teacher for more than 10 years. Currently, she also teaches online classes at ADA University.

Cynthia Cantu is a bilingual/ESL (English as a Second Language) educator. Teaching is her passion, and she has advocated for a multicultural pedagogy for over 23 years. Cynthia earned her doctoral degree specializing in curriculum and instruction and has been published in several journals. She is also an editor for The Qualitative Report (TQR) Journal. Cynthia is a member of the Kappa Delta Pi Educational Honor Society, the Arizona Geographic Alliance, the Texas Alliance for Geographic Education, Literacy Texas, and the Texas Association for Literacy Education. She is a proud member of the Texas Council for the Social Studies and the National Council for the Social Studies.

As a professor at Texas A&M University, Cynthia teaches master's and doctoral-level courses focusing on history, literacy, reading, and bilingual education. Cynthia believes an authentic curriculum can shape how educators relate the information to students to form connections. All students are unique and should be acknowledged, celebrated, and valued. She is an active member of her school community and continues to seek opportunities to perfect her teaching craft and support all learners. She has worked to develop initiatives that ensure students have access to quality education in spaces where they are empowered, heard, and reflected in the curriculum. Cynthia also enjoys reading and traveling. She loves learning about the world and its various cultures. Her favorite pastime is spending time at the beach with her family and poodle.

Bill Clark is a seasoned educator of 25 years. He has taught History, Political Science, Government and Law, Financial Literacy, and Speech/Debate. He is also a US Navy Veteran, that brings service and leadership while helping students understand their civic responsibilities and preparing them for success in an ever-changing world.

Niccole Villa Cerveny is a professor of Geography at Mesa Community College specializing in geosciences, environmental science, conservation of cultural resources, and undergraduate research. She obtained her doctorate from Arizona State University in 2005. Her research interests combine geoscience practices to cultural heritage challenges. Engaging her own students in rock art research for the National Parks, she has further developed training for geo-education and geo-tourism in Iceland, Jordan, and México. Working locally and nationally she has facilitated numerous workshops to broaden participation in undergraduate research among two-year colleges and serves on the US National Committee for the International Union of Geosciences (USNC-IUGS). Her current research focuses on the pedagogy of virtual reality and sense of place to increase participation in geosciences. 

Candace Slobodnik is dedicated to fostering instructional excellence at Crossland High School, CTE Hub, in Prince George's County Public Schools, Maryland. She hsa over 20 years of experience in educational leadership. Candace specializes in integrating primary sources, historical thinking, and cross-curricular project-based learning, particularly around climate change, while collaborating with STEM educators to create real-world, hands-on lessons.

Candace holds a B.A. in History from the University of Maryland, a Master of Arts in Leadership in Teaching, Administration and Supervision from Notre Dame of Maryland University, and Post Graduate Certificates in Teaching American History, Secondary Literacy Coaching, and Strategic Human Resources Management from the University of Maryland. She has taught IB Theory of Knowledge and IB Psychology and received the Global Teacher Fellowship (2022-2023) from Ohio State University. In addition to her role as Instructional Lead Teacher, Candace serves as School Improvement Liaison, Equity Lead, Professional Development Lead Teacher, and Chair of the New Teacher Academy. She is passionate about educator growth and fostering dynamic learning environments.

Chris Hughes teaches Modern Global History, Public Policy, and Psychology at Scarsdale High School. Before joining the Scarsdale faculty, he taught middle and high school history at The Stanwich School. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Chris serves as a High School Ambassador for the Council on Foreign Relations and is an active member of Scarsdale’s Global Citizenship Committee. Prior to his career in education, Chris held a variety of roles in education policy and technology, working with Boston University, the Massachusetts Department of Education, two start-up companies, and the Lower Hudson Regional Information Center. Chris holds a B.A. in Political Science from the College of the Holy Cross and a Master of Public Administration from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs.