Dr. Cindy Aossey
Director, Kentucky Center for Mathematics
cindy.aossey@outlook.com
Dr. Cindy Aossey is a Director at the Kentucky Center for Mathematics, where she has served for 19 years in various impactful roles. Throughout her tenure, she has worked closely with teachers across Kentucky as a mathematics coach and consultant, supporting high-quality instruction and student learning. Dr. Aossey has designed and facilitated a wide range of professional learning experiences focused on key mathematical concepts, including early numeracy, place-value understanding, fractions and fraction operations, proportional reasoning, and geometry. She is a lead designer of several essential KCM resources, including the Kentucky Numeracy Project (KNP) resources, KCM Virtual Resources, and the KCM Fluency Readiness Assessments. Her expertise and commitment have made her a driving force behind the development and implementation of tools that support educators and empower students statewide.
Dee Crescitelli
Assistant Professor, University of Louisville
dee.crescitelli@louisville.edu
Dee Crescitelli is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Elementary Mathematics Education at the University of Louisville, bringing 32 years of experience in education from several states. She also serves as a Faculty Associate with the Kentucky Center for Mathematics after serving for nine years as a Regional Consultant and then Director. Her teaching experience ranges from elementary through graduate school, adult education, and teacher preparation- threading real numeracy and love of mathematics through all those levels. Dee is invested in sharing the beauty that can be found in the mathematics of every day life.
Dr. Funda Gonulates
Assoicate Professor, Northern Kentucky University
gonulatesf1@nku.edu
Dr. Funda Gonulates is an Associate Professor of Mathematics Education at Northern Kentucky University with 22 years of experience in the field of education. Her career spans work as a K-8 mathematics teacher, teacher leader, curriculum developer, and mathematics teacher educator in Turkey, Michigan, and Kentucky. She also serves as a faculty associate with the Kentucky Center for Mathematics, contributing her expertise to statewide efforts in improving math education. Dr. Gonulates is passionate about preparing and inspiring university students to become exemplary mathematics teachers, fostering both deep content knowledge and effective pedagogy. Her commitment to shaping the next generation of educators continues to make a lasting impact in classrooms and communities.
Sandye Kabalen
Regional Math Consultant, Southeast South-Central Educational Cooperative
Sandye Kabalen is a Regional Math Consultant with the Southeast South-Central Educational Cooperative, bringing 29 years of experience in education to her role. Her career includes serving as a middle school math teacher, math coach, and regional consultant, all within the state of Kentucky. Sandye is passionate about empowering students to think and reason through mathematics independently. She is dedicated to building students' mathematical confidence and agency by helping them explore patterns and relationships in the world around them. Through her work, Sandye continues to inspire both educators and students to embrace mathematics as a tool for discovery and understanding.
Bethany Neel
Teacher, Kirksville Elementary, Madison County
Bethany Neel is a dedicated 3rd grade teacher at Kirksville Elementary in Madison County, Kentucky, with 22 years of experience as a K-5 math teacher and interventionist. Bethany works closely with the Kentucky Center for Mathematics (KCM), where she contributes to the creation of new math resources. Most recently, she has been part of the team updating the KCM Fluency Assessment resources. Bethany is passionate about hands-on mathematics and strives to make math both engaging and accessible for all her students. She is deeply committed to helping her students see themselves as capable mathematicians, instilling in them the confidence and skills to approach math with enthusiasm and determination.
Sumer Smith
Regional Consultant, Kentucky Center for Mathematics
sumer.smith@louisville.edu
Sumer Smith is a Regional Consultant for the Kentucky Center for Mathematics with over a decade of experience in education. Her background includes roles as a K-5 classroom teacher, math teacher leader, and professional learning facilitator. In her current role, Sumer leads professional learning experiences primarily focused on mathematical fluency and supports educators in implementing effective, strategy-based instruction in their classrooms. She has been especially dedicated to the development of the video component of the KCM Numeracy Counts Academy, helping bring instructional practices to life for educators across the state. Sumer's work reflects her passion for empowering teachers and improving student outcomes through meaningful, evidence-based mathematics instruction.