Lorac A. Nix (L.A.) serves as a Project Coordinator for the California Center for School Climate.

L.A. is a seasoned professional with a proven track record in leading operations, administration, and project management. With over 30 years of experience in these key areas, she brings a comprehensive skill set that positions her to lead and manage the operations and administration of WestEd projects. L.A. has a keen eye for detail and a proactive approach to overseeing and optimizing operational and administrative functions.

Most recently, she has served as the operations coordinator for the Center to Improve Social and Emotional Learning and School Safety. In that role, she oversaw the process of tracking technical assistance, including inbound requests, the creation of deliverables, and the provision of services. L.A. coordinated in-person events, led the process for delivering webinars, and supported Center leadership in external relations. Beyond her work with the center, L.A. has served as production lead for countless complex federal proposals.

Laura Buckner (she/her) serves as a Technical Assistance Provider for the California Center for School Climate.

Taylor Gara (she/her) serves as a Research Analyst for the California Center for School Climate.

Taylor Gara is a Research Associate in the Resilient and Healthy Schools and Communities content area at WestEd. She brings expertise conceptualizing and implementing multiple aspects of evaluation projects related to education policy, child and adolescent development, mental and behavioral health interventions, and community school models. She recently served as lead analyst for the California Community Schools Partnership Program and the Learning Communities for School Success Program, funded by the California Department of Education. Taylor is seasoned in the management and analysis of longitudinal data systems and case study designs to center equity and improve education and health outcomes for students, families, and the greater community.

Krystal is also a Program Associate with the Resilient and Healthy Schools and Communities team where she delivers technical assistance, designs professional learning, and develops evidence-based resources to cultivate safe and supportive learning environments. With expertise in culturally responsive and sustaining education, co-design, and school climate, Krystal centers the voices and experiences of community members in all of her work, especially those who have been kept furthest from opportunity. She currently leads the Safe and Supportive Learning Environments Deep Dive professional learning courses focused on racial equity and belonging through the California Center for School Climate and the Center to Improve Social and Emotional Learning and School Safety.

Antoinette Miller (she/her) serves as Technical Assistance Provider for the California Center for School Climate.

Antoinette is also a Program Associate in WestEd’s Resilience and Healthy Schools and Communities area. In this capacity, she provides coaching, technical assistance, and professional learning to schools, districts, and county offices of education. Antoinette’s expertise is grounded in school climate and culture, mindfulness, healing-centered and restorative practices, social emotional learning and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Antoinette comes to WestEd with two decades of knowledge and experience in education, having previously worked as a general and special education teacher, districtwide intervention specialist, and a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) coordinator. Antoinette is dedicated to supporting the growth and development of all students and adults.