»Our Team

Before stepping into the role of Executive Director, Dr. Meghan Cosier was formerly TPI's Research Director, as well as Director of Teacher Education in the Attallah College of Educational Studies. Dr. Cosier has collaborated with schools and school districts across the country to promote and improve special education service delivery models that allow ALL students to learn and play together. Her work focuses on systematic development and implementation of inclusive supports and services, and the role of leadership teams in sustainable school reform. In addition, she is extensively involved in teacher development and training for quality inclusive schooling. Meghan’s scholarly research interests include, inclusive education, school reform, teacher preparation, and professional development.

Audri M. Gomez, Ph.D., is the Director at the Thompson Policy Institute. Dr. Gomez obtained her Ph.D. in Education with an emphasis in Disability Studies at Chapman University. Previous to her current assignment, Dr. Gomez was a special education teacher for 8 years before becoming a Special Education Coordinator. Dr. Gomez’ recently published a co-authored book chapter in a Peter Lang series titled, Enacting change from within: Disability Studies meets teaching and teacher education, as well as a study in the Disability Studies Quarterly titled, The impact of disability studies curriculum on education professionals’ perspectives and practice: Implications for education, social justice, and social change. Dr. Gomez has presented at numerous annual conferences including AERA, TASH, Cal-Tash, CCTE, RECE, and NAEYC where her presentations have focused on her research interests that have included inclusive practices, social model of disability, teacher preparation, and school culture.

Dr. Donald N. Cardinal is Professor of Education in the Attallah College of Educational Studies at Chapman University, Orange, CA, where he has worked since 1987. Previously, Dr. Cardinal served as dean of the CES from 2002-2015. Don currently oversees several programs in autism and disability including the Center for Research on Ability and Disability, Families and Schools Together, the Chapman Ability Program, and the Thompson Policy Institute on Disability and Autism. As well, Don serves as chairperson of the advisory board for the Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, part of the School of Medicine at the University of California, Irvine, CA. Before entering academia, pursuing the goal of a more inclusive society, Don worked alongside the most marginalized student populations in our society, frequently holding the labels of severe emotional disturbance, severe and profound mental retardation, autism, and severe behavior disorders. Above all, Don holds in highest regard the complex and interchanging relationship between student and teacher, centered on the presumption of competence. Don has authored and co-authored numerous articles, books, and book chapters in a variety of areas including evaluation, measurement of quality, teaching methods in special education and collaboration.

Michelle Lan Nguyen is TPI’s Grants and Contracts Project Coordinator. Michelle comes to TPI after being a legal assistant and graduating from California State University of Long Beach with a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies. On a personal note, Michelle enjoys venturing out to new possibilities from trying new foods to exploring new cities. A quote that Michelle lives by is, “I wish to live a life that causes my soul to dance inside my body.”

Kari Adams has worked in the education field since 2006. She has worked in various educational roles as a special education teacher, Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA), and as a special education administrator for nine years. For the past 13 years, Kari has worked at Newport-Mesa Unified School District leading district-wide efforts focused on inclusion, literacy, and building the capacity of teachers and leaders focused on improving the educational outcomes for students with disabilities. She is currently the Vice President of Programs for the Association of School Administrators (ACSA) Region 17. Kari also teaches part-time in the teacher education program within the Attallah College of Educational Studies at Chapman University.

Jill Perez is an Education Coach and Consultant with over 22 years of experience in education. It is her passion to support schools and districts in their mission to become more inclusive for students with disabilities. Jill prides herself in providing practical supports for teachers to make inclusive schooling a reality for all students.

Dr. Brophy-Felbab is an educator with 10 years of experience working with students with disabilities in middle and high schools. She holds a doctoral degree in education with an emphasis in disability studies and a master's degree in special education. In higher education, she lectured in the teacher education program at Attallah College and the COAST Program at Coastline Community College. Her background includes inclusion, co-teaching, curriculum design, vocational and life skills training, and transition for students with mild/moderate disabilities.