Staff Profiles
Jennifer Gigliotti, executive director of the Center for College Readiness and associate dean of the Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies, is responsible for the design of innovative models of professional development for teachers and works to establish partnerships with local school districts to design customized professional development programs for specific district needs. She is the author and principal investigator on a Department of Education Teaching American History grant project with two local school districts. She has extensive curriculum writing experience and previously served as a Pre-AP World Geography and sociology teacher and world geography curriculum specialist for Fort Bend Independent School District. Dr. Gigliotti holds an EdD in curriculum and instruction from the University of Houston as well as an MEd in secondary social studies education and a BA in psychology and history from The Ohio State University.
Rachel Finch, program director, is responsible for the design and implementation of teacher professional development programs, including the Global Education Certificate Program, customized district professional development, the Teaching American History grant project, the College Readiness Summit and student programs. She previously taught Pre-AP World Geography and served as a world geography team leader for Spring Branch Independent School District. Ms. Finch holds a BA in international studies from the University of St. Thomas. She is pursuing her masters degree in educational technology at the University of Texas Brownsville.
Amy McClurd, program director, is responsible for the design and implementation of teacher professional development programs, including the IB DP Workshops for teachers and online professional development. She has taught middle school science and served as a team leader and department chair for Cy-Fair Independent School District. Ms. McClurd holds a BA in biology and studio arts from Sam Houston State University and an MEd in educational administration from Prairie View A&M University. She is pursuing her doctorate in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in instructional technology at the University of Houston.
Lauren Evans, assistant director, is responsible for the direction and coordination of the AP professional development programs. Her responsibilities include extensive interaction with master teacher consultants, student assistants, housing staff, the registration office and the College Board. She also directs the enrollment process and manages programming logistics. Ms. Evans holds a BA in mass media communications from The Ohio State University and a Graduate Certificate in nonprofit management from Texas A&M University.
Mary Hubbard, program coordinator, is responsible for coordinating student development programs, including C3: Content ♦ College ♦ Career, Rice for High School Students: College Credit in the Summer and AP Exam Prep with the Houston Rockets. She also coordinates online teacher professional development programs and those in school districts in the Houston area. Ms. Hubbard has experience as a middle school science teacher and a university educational outreach coordinator. She holds a BS in middle grades education from the University of Georgia.
Rebecca Sharp Sanchez, assistant director, is responsible for managing the Institute for Chinese Language Teaching and Rice for High School Students: College Credit in the Summer as well as Rice University’s Master of Liberal Studies Program. She has more than 15 years of experience in administering various programs in higher education, including programs leading to Texas teacher certification. Ms. Sanchez holds a BS in geography and an MS in higher education administration from Texas A&M University.
Michelle Verduzco, program coordinator, is responsible for coordinating customized professional development for school districts in the Houston area as well as the IB professional development programs. Her responsibilities include compiling data for projects and proposals, monitoring budget expenditures and facilitating communications with district administrators. Her past experience includes producing annual reports for donors, foundations and corporations comprising more than 300 university endowment funds. Ms. Verduzco holds a BA in French from Wellesley College.