My Journey Continues — Get the Recorded Sessions

Bryan Contreras, Vice President, myOptions Encourage

Bryan Contreras is Vice President at myOptions Encourage, the nation’s largest free college and career planning program. He has spent the last twenty years working to improve post-secondary outcomes for students through student counseling, program management, leadership development, and education technology. Both personal and educational experiences serve as the foundation for his commitment to this work. Prior to joining myOptions Encourage, he served as the Executive Director, KIPP Through College at KIPP Houston Public Schools for over a decade. There he designed a college and career-planning program that empowered students to make educated decisions about their futures. During his leadership tenure, he also developed an alumni support program that continues to serve thousands of college age students today. He has served or serves on a variety of advisory boards, including the Woods Project; University Houston - Downtown’s Scholar’s Academy (STEM initiatives); SixUp; and Hispanic Scholarship Fund (Advisory Council- Houston). 

Michelle Hunt, ACT Instructor, Kaplan

Michelle is a top-rated ACT teacher who graduated from Brigham Young University with her BA in English. She is passionate about encouraging students both inside and outside of the classroom — For over 7 years, Michelle has helped thousands of students achieve their goal scores and is an advocate for hard work and preparation. 

Dr. Nancy Lewin, Senior Director-Center for Equity in Learning, ACT

Dr. Nancy Lewin is Sr. Director with the Center for Equity in Learning. She was a former non-profit executive director at The Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents in Washington, DC. She brings 23 years of experience to ACT, as a former teacher, school administrator, special education director, chief academic officer and adjunct professor. She earned her doctoral degree in professional leadership at the University of Houston and graduated from the Rice University Educators Entrepreneurial Fellowship Program. Nancy now lives in Austin, TX with her husband Dave and her son David. Her daughter Renee resides in New York City. Nancy joined ACT’s Center for Equity in Learning in November and is currently focused on multiple projects to increase equity, access, & opportunity for under represented students. 

Don Pitchford, PhD, Senior Director of Strategy and Market Engagement , ACT

Across his 16 year career Don has served in various roles at ACT consulting with higher education leaders, professional organizations, school leaders, SHEEO’s and product managers with a focus on the development of best practice enrollment management strategies and in developing innovative college readiness programs. Don and his wife Melanie have four children and reside in the hill country outside Austin, Texas.  

Gladys Recinos, Account Executive, ACT

Gladys is responsible for understanding and supporting the college and career readiness measurement goals and objectives of California and Nevada K-12 schools and districts on behalf of the ACT. Gladys began her work in education as a classroom bilingual early literacy specialist and adult education teacher with the Clark County School District. In addition to providing insights on how ACT assessments can be used to increase student learning and post-secondary planning, her work is focused on helping educators and families support learners navigating college and career readiness through data-informed best practices centered on equity and early readiness. Gladys lived in Las Vegas, NV for 17 years, and she currently resides in Southern California where she is a proud mom of two young adults who have graduated from college and have joined the workforce as a professional classical musician and an entrepreneur.   

Lisa Smith, Director of Financial Aid, Henderson State University

Ms. Lisa McCollum Smith has been active in educational finance since 1987. She presently serves as Director of Financial Aid for Henderson State University. Lisa is a Certified Career Development Facilitator and conducts numerous Financial Aid Workshops throughout Arkansas which she has assisted students in finding scholarships to further their education; Ms.McCollum Smith is known as “The Free Money Lady”. Lisa previously coordinated several state scholarships and formerly served as Director of Financial Aid for Arkansas Division of Higher Education for 13 years and Outreach Coordinator for 23 years at Arkansas Student Loan Authority, a non-profit state agency that provides educational funding.

Andrew Taylor, Vice President, Product, ACT

Having worked in the global education market for over 20 years working for Pearson in various roles around the world, Andrew joined ACT in April 2020. He leads the Product function, including Market Leadership, Product Management and Market Research and Insights.  Additionally, he also leads  global teams in Shanghai and South-East Asia.   The Product function at ACT is positioned to serve the College and Career readiness mission of ACT by delivering products that support students, educators, and Higher Education by delivering world class assessment and adjacent products that inform users of progress and help them shape their educational pathways. Taylor’s experience includes working in the Higher Education not only in the US but also in the global space namely in the UK,  South America, and Asia. One of the roles he filled in his time at Pearson was leading a close partnership with Arizona State University’s online programs.