Dr. Alison J. Mello has been in education for over 25 years, working in New York and Massachusetts as a classroom teacher, math specialist, director of curriculum, and Assistant Superintendent. She holds an Ed.D. in educational leadership, and her research focuses on classroom learning environment and relationship to mathematical disposition. In addition to her work in public education, Alison is a published author and has spent the last decade as a national speaker, math consultant, and graduate instructor of in-service teachers. For several years she served on the board of her NCTM affiliate ATMIM, and currently serves on the board of Massachusetts Mathematics Association of Teacher Educators.