Trisha Sanghavi is a seasoned administrator with deep knowledge and diverse experience in instructional coaching, professional development, teacher recruitment and training, and world languages curriculum development. Among her myriad roles as BASIS DC's Director of Planning and Instruction, Trisha oversees a unique multi-tiered instructional coaching model that supports cross-collaboration and peer accountability. She served as the school lead for implementation of a two-year grant project targeted to elevate student voice in instructional planning and delivery. Through this work, Trisha propeled her team to significant gains in academic achievement, including record growth for students with disabilities. Trisha is passionate about empowering other School Leaders and Instructional Coaches to implement resources and systems that promote sustained growth in both student outcomes and staff capacity.

Samantha Walukonis is a dynamic education leader with broad experience across charter, nonpublic, and private special education schools. As a Program Quality Specialist at The DC Special Education Cooperative (the “Co-op”), Samantha promotes integrated systems and innovative practices in DC charter schools through resource development and leadership coaching. Samantha also serves on several local government advisory committees and working groups as a sector expert, drawing on her unique background as an attorney and educator to develop plans that translate regulations, policy, and technical research into actionable next steps for schools. As a former Special Education attorney, Samantha also leverages her legal and advocacy skills to promote policies and practices that support high-quality public education for diverse learners. As the parent of two twice-exceptional children, Samantha has a passion for building collaboration between school systems and families, and developing multi-disciplinary expertise in School Leaders to support innovative, holistic programming.