The Advisory Board guiding CAST’s UDL & AI Learning Community brings together education leaders, technologists, and innovators. Their insights ensure the community stays focused on accessibility, innovation, and real-world impact for all learners.
Kristina Ishmael is an educator, policy strategist, and consultant with nearly twenty years of experience advancing digital equity and transformative learning. As founder of Ishmael Consulting, she advises organizations in the U.S. and internationally to shape forward-looking education policy and practice, with a growing focus on AI, emerging technologies, and inclusive design. She previously served as Deputy Director of the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology under the Biden-Harris Administration, where she led national initiatives on digital equity and co-authored influential guidance on artificial intelligence in education. Her current work extends to global collaborations, shaping education policy and practice through the lens of equity, accessibility, and Universal Design for Learning.
Kris Hagel is a visionary education technology leader with over two decades of experience transforming K-12 learning environments. As the Chief Information Officer for Peninsula School District in Washington, Kris masterfully bridges the worlds of cutting-edge technology and effective pedagogy. With a unique blend of technical expertise and deep understanding of instructional practices, Kris has become a driving force in creating technology environments that support Universal Design for Learning principles. His leadership extends beyond IT, encompassing communications and school safety and security, demonstrating a holistic approach to educational excellence.
Maya Israel, Ph.D., is an associate professor of Educational Technology and Computer Science Education at the University of Florida, where she directs both CSEveryone and the Creative Technology Research Lab. Her research focuses on preparing K–12 educators to integrate computer science, computational thinking, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to ensure access for students with disabilities and other struggling learners.
Dr. Israel currently leads and collaborates on multiple NSF-funded projects that explore inclusive approaches to STEM and computing instruction. She is recognized nationally for advancing equity in CS education and has published extensively on inclusive teaching practices, instructional technology, and teacher preparation.
As an advisory board member, Maya contributes her expertise in UDL, accessibility, and interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure the community bridges innovation in AI with practical strategies that reduce barriers and expand opportunities for all learners.
A career educator, Tara currently serves as Chief Innovation Strategist, Education at Lenovo, focusing on reinventing education through innovative programs, professional learning, emerging technologies, and cybersecurity. She has collaborated with educators to create transformational learning experiences, spending over 20 years teaching and leading in school districts, most recently as Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning for Arlington Public Schools (VA). Tara has actively supported educators in realizing safe and responsible use of AI, including leading AI Task Forces for state departments of education and districts while also serving on the steering and advisory committees for Teach AI and the EdSafeAI Alliance. She was recognized as one of the leading Women in AI in EDU by ASU+GSV. Tara earned a doctorate in Education Leadership and Policy from Vanderbilt University.