UDL and AI Learning Community Advisory Board

Meet the Advisory Board

Kristina Ishmael – Founder, Ishmael Consulting

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 – CIO, Peninsula School District

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 – Professor, University of Florida

Dr. Maya Israel is a professor of Educational Technology and Computer Science Education at the University of Florida. She is also the Director of the CS Everyone Center for Computer Science Education and leads Florida’s K–12 AI Education Taskforce.

Her research and outreach efforts focus on supporting K–12 students’ meaningful engagement in computer science (CS) and artificial intelligence (AI) education. She is currently PI or co-PI on several grants, including projects that bring together researchers and educational leaders to expand capacity in CS and AI education for all learners.

Nationally recognized for advancing meaningful participation of all learners in CS and AI education, Dr. Israel has published extensively on effective teaching practices, instructional technology, and teacher preparation. As an Advisory Board member, she contributes her expertise in UDL, accessibility, and interdisciplinary collaboration to help bridge innovation in AI with practical strategies that reduce barriers and expand opportunities for all learners.

Tara Nattrass – Chief Innovation Strategist, Lenovo

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 TeachAI and the EdSafeAI Alliance. She was recognized as one of the leading Women in AI in EDU by ASU+GSV Summit. Tara earned a doctorate in Education Leadership and Policy from Vanderbilt University.