WIDA Staff

Click on each individual's photo to view a brief description of his or her career.

	Tim Boals, Ph.D. Executive Director (Phone) 608-263-4326 As the Executive Director, Tim Boals oversees operations at WIDA and long range planning efforts for the Consortium. He holds a Ph.D. in curriculum with an emphasis in the education of English language learners. Read more
	M. Elizabeth Cranley, Ph.D. Associate Director (Phone) 608-263-4275 Elizabeth Cranley has been with the WIDA Consortium since its beginning in 2003. She coordinates with subcontractors, committees, and SEAs; plans and implements professional development; and writes and edits WIDA publications. She has experience as an ESL teacher both in the U.S. and abroad and was senior lecturer in ESL at SUNY Buffalo before joining WIDA.
	Margo Gottlieb, Ph.D. Lead Developer 2626 S. Clearbrook Dr. Arlington Heights, IL 60005-4626 (Phone) 224-366-8532 Margo Gottlieb is nationally recognized in the field of English language proficiency education. She has lead the design and development of the WIDA English language proficiency standards, authored the accompanying guides, and assisted in the development and realization of WIDA's comprehensive assessment system. Read more
	Mariana Castro Professional Development Coordinator (Phone) 608-263-3976 Mariana Castro helps states build capacity through trainings, workshops, the dissemination of information, and the implementation of language standards across their curricula. She also delivers professional development and represents WIDA at state and national conferences. Read more
	James W. Lyne Contracts Administrator (Phone) 608-265-2262 Jim Lyne is the contract and intellectual property administrator for WIDA. Prior to joining WIDA, Jim assisted University counsel in matters relating to University trademarks. Jim received his M.S. in soil science and his J.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
	Robert F. Kohl ACCESS Testing Coordinator (Phone) 608-263-4532 Bob Kohl dedicates his expertise to the implementation of WIDA's comprehensive assessment system. He spends much of his time traveling to deliver professional development about the ACCESS for ELLs^®, the WIDA ACCESS Placement Test (W-APT)™, assessment data, ESL curriculum and instruction, and No Child Left Behind requirements. Read more
	Jesse Markow Academic Assessment Coordinator (Phone) 608-262-7594 Jesse Markow is involved in the development of both new assessment initiatives and ongoing revisions to and delivery of existing WIDA systems. He has worked as project lead for the development of customized, large-scale, criterion-referenced statewide assessments for 10 years, overseeing test design, item development and review, standards alignment, open-response scoring, and issues of accessibility for test takers. Read more
	Ilsa May Office Associate (Phone) 608-890-1812 Ilsa May coordinates and organizes WIDA's professional development activities by handling travel plans, conference arrangements, and other tasks. She also acts as an assistant to the professional development staff within the WIDA Consortium. Read more
	Andrea R. Oliver Public Relations Manager (Phone) 608-890-1662 Andrea R. Oliver supervises the customer service assistants who handle incoming Help Desk inquiries, manages web content, and works to produce upcoming editions of two Consortium newsletters. Read more
	Bob Rossa Technology Coordinator (Phone) 608-263-4764 Bob Rossa develops technical applications supporting the tasks of WIDA staff members. He assists with website development and is implementing the technical aspects of an online academic assessment for beginning English language learners, as well as creating a new application to track customer service inquiries. Read more
	Merideth Trahan Project Administrator (Phone) 608-262-4405 Merideth R. Trahan oversees the office operations of WIDA which include budget and contract management, human resource coordination, and acting as the primary liaison with the WCER business office and the School of Education IRB. Read more
	Lois Triemstra University Services Assistant (Phone) 608-263-4216 Lois Triemstra coordinates and provides administrative support for all WIDA activities. This includes planning and organizing WIDA conferences and workshops, completing travel and consultant reimbursements for staff and WIDA partners, and serving as the primary liaison to WCER for financial services. Read more
	Pakou Vang Public Relations Manager (Phone) 608-890-1662 Pakou Vang supervises the customer service assistants who handle incoming Help Desk inquiries, manages web content, and works to produce upcoming editions of two Consortium newsletters. Read more
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