Jul 22, 2026
This episode comes from the A4LE Northeast Regional Conference in Rochester, New York, hosted by Jessica Westerduin. Guests discuss indicators of a successful school building, what it would mean to walk into their designs 20 years from now, the value of stakeholder collaboration, the role of flexible furniture and adaptability, and the challenges school leaders face guiding their communities through transitions and long-term visioning.
Our special guests, in order of appearance:
Lemuer Perez M.A. ED.:
University Academy Charter High School
Educational Consultant
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lemuer-perez-m-a-ed-752854145/
Matthew Gallerani, AIA:
GWWO Architects
Architect
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-gallerani-aia-1ba88431/
Julie Spence, AIA, ALEP:
Lavallee Brensinger Architects
Educational Planner
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-spence-aia-alep-a706588/
Elizabeth Geldres AIA, PMP, LEED AP, NOMA:
Stantec
Architect, Senior Project Manager, and K-12 Studio Leader
https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-geldres/
Jeremy Dwyer, AIA:
CannonDesign
Vice President
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-dwyer-aia-8ab0948/
Emily Czarnecki:
JCJ Architecture
Design Principal
https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-czarnecki-a9863212/
Jennifer Grafton, AIA, ALEP & Melissa Martin:
SCHRADERGROUP (Jennifer) & New Holland Elementary School (Melissa)
PA PK-12 Market Segment Leader (Jennifer) & Principal (Melissa)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifergrafton/
Episode 343 of the Better Learning Podcast
For more information on our partners:
Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) - https://www.a4le.org/
Education Leaders' Organization - https://www.ed-leaders.org/
Second Class Foundation - https://secondclassfoundation.org/
EDmarket - https://www.edmarket.org/
Catapult @ Penn GSE - https://catapult.gse.upenn.edu/
Want to be a Guest Speaker? Request on our website