our team
Leadership Team
As Director of THRIVE, I lead the design, implementation, and expansion of the initiative, including engagement with prospective school districts, securing philanthropic and grant funding, and ensuring program alignment within the college. I am proud to guide work that integrates research, policy, and practice in ways that are responsive to the needs of public school educators across Texas.
Before joining THRIVE, I served Texas public schools as a classroom teacher, gifted specialist, instructional coach, campus administrator, and district leader. An advocate and ally of public education, I believe deeply in the transformational power of teaching and learning. Inspired by the educators in our network, I am committed to advancing sustainable, human-centered strategies that strengthen the experiences of teachers and students statewide.
As Assistant Director of THRIVE, I support and guide district onboarding, UT system partnerships, and program learning and evaluation. My role focuses on ensuring that our work is aligned, impactful, responsive, and grounded in educator’s lived experiences. Prior to joining THRIVE, my work spanned K-12 schools, higher education, and education organizations and nonprofits, leading statewide initiatives, research, evaluation, strategic planning, and program partnerships. I have held positions as a classroom teacher, higher education administrator, state level leader, and education consultant. As a fierce education advocate, I believe that students need strong systems to succeed – and that educators are the primary drivers of change within those systems. I am guided by the power of relationships as the foundation for sustainable, human-centered change.
I’m passionate about improving user experiences (UX) through human-centered research and design. My work with THRIVE involves seeking to understand teacher experiences, identify their needs, and build systems that are responsive, accessible, and innovative. I’ve had the privilege of working at the College of Education since the initial inception and launch of THRIVE, and I continue to help lead research, program evaluation, and design revisions. I love translating complex ideas and data into clear, actionable insights that help inform decisions and continuously improve our programming. I’m energized by our team’s shared goal that all students and educators should feel supported, connected, and capable.
As Program Administrator for THRIVE, I have the privilege of supporting campus leaders, mentors, and early career teachers by developing resources and facilitating professional growth opportunities. Prior to THRIVE, my experience in public education covers the K-12 spectrum. I started as a classroom teacher, and after nine years, transitioned into administration. I served as an elementary assistant principal and principal and high school academic dean. I am passionate about empowering educators and fostering positive school cultures so all learners and teachers can thrive. I value the power of positivity and believe we must take care of ourselves so we can take care of others.
As a Program Administrator with THRIVE, I collaborate with district partners and THRIVE colleagues to provide sustained, multi-tiered support at the district and campus levels, contributing to curriculum, program, and implementation development while leading coaches to ensure consistent, high-quality practice. Over the past two decades, I have served students and educators nationwide as an early childhood educator, literacy specialist, instructional coach, and curriculum leader, extending my impact from Title I schools and districts to advancing literacy initiatives through a global educational publisher. I am committed to meeting district partners where they are, leading thoughtful program development, and supporting THRIVE coaches while honoring the teaching and learning that occur each day.
As the Business Manager of THRIVE, I ensure all contracts, agreements, events, and vendor partnerships are up to standard and our program stays compliant with guidelines set by TEA, Central UT, and our partners. Prior to joining the THRIVE team, I spent 7 years in the private sector as a strategic human resources manager. When I was in school, I greatly benefitted from well-supported teachers and I experienced firsthand how that can positively affect the trajectory of a student’s life. I want that to be the case for all students everywhere, and that is why I believe in the work we do as a THRIVE team.
As the Graphics and Social Media Intern for THRIVE, I manage our social media presence, including content creation, posting, and audience engagement across platforms. I also design graphics and visual materials that communicate THRIVE’s impact to our partners and support our conferences, events, and district collaborations. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations with an early Master’s in Advertising at The University of Texas at Austin, where I am part of the Moody Honors Program. With a passion for branding and digital storytelling, I draw on experiences from both corporate and academic projects to strengthen how organizations connect with their audiences. With a bilingual background, I am committed to helping ensure the THRIVE brand remains accessible, engaging, and aligned with its mission to support educators across Texas.
THRIVE Coaches
Adaugo Ogike-Love has more than thirty years of service as a dedicated and experienced educator, teacher and leader coach, and perpetual learner. Her educational journey began in Milwaukee, WI, as a Pre-K teacher and preschool director. She then taught elementary and middle school before moving to Chicago, where she taught high school English and History and became the first Dean of Culture at a high-performing charter school on the city’s south side.
In 2015, Adaugo moved to Austin, TX, where she later held various roles at KIPP Texas Public Schools, including founding Assistant Principal, Dean of Culture, Principal in Residence, and Regional Director of Academic Acceleration.
Throughout her career, Adaugo has leveraged her passion and talent for mentoring and coaching to guide and support her teams and leaders. A passionate advocate for academic achievement, equity, inclusion, and social-emotional health, she spearheaded educational programs and fostered positive school environments, that enhanced teacher development and increased student achievement.
As a THRIVE Coach, I partner with campus leaders and mentors to support early career teachers through coaching and professional learning. Prior to joining THRIVE, I served schools as a district leader, campus administrator, teacher, and instructional coach. Drawing on these experiences, I strive to equip educators with practical tools that expand their professional toolboxes and support long-term growth.
I build strong relationships with teachers, campus administrators, and district leaders across Central Texas by understanding their challenges and celebrating their successes. In my current role with THRIVE, I facilitate professional learning, coach and mentor teacher leaders, and collaborate with school leaders to implement programs that support teacher growth and student success. My previous experience includes teaching in K–12 settings in the United States and internationally, consulting for education companies, and delivering professional development for educators. I believe in the transformative power of education and am a strong advocate for bilingual education, ensuring educators and students have the tools and support they need to learn and grow.
As a THRIVE Coach, I work with educators and campus leaders to provide professional development that equips mentor teachers to confidently support early career teachers. I partner with campuses to lead professional learning and work alongside mentors, helping them strengthen the ways they guide and support novice teachers.
Prior to THRIVE, I spent 33 years in education, including 32 years as an elementary classroom teacher, one of which I served as an instructional coach on a Title I campus. For more than two decades I worked supporting new teachers in Austin ISD through mentoring and orientation cohorts. I became a National Board Certified Teacher in 2003 and later mentored other educators through the certification process.
I’m passionate about supporting teachers—especially those just beginning their journey—because strong educators create classrooms where both teachers and students can truly thrive.
As a THRIVE Coach, I serve as professional learning facilitator in implementing the THRIVE framework which focuses on instructional practices, coaching strategies, and navigating systems to improve support for early career teachers. I am also a coaching thought-partner with campus leadership and mentors to support them in creating a system where all educators feel supported, empowered, and inspired. Before joining THRIVE, I served as a START Teacher Leader, where I had the privilege of directly supporting Early Career Teachers through mentoring and coaching. In my 32 years of teaching, I have always believed that as educators, we have the power to create meaningful change. It is essential that we are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to inspire and challenge our young people to reach their full potential.
Nathali Lopez is a passionate educator, mentor, and advocate for early career teacher development. She brings over a decade of experience in public education, including service as a bilingual classroom teacher, librarian, and campus mentor. A San Marcos native and proud product of Texas public schools, Nathali has held a variety of leadership roles, including Lead Campus Mentor, professional development facilitator, and Campus Improvement Team member. She was named Bowie Elementary’s 2016 Teacher of the Year for her instructional excellence, campus leadership, and commitment to student success.
Most recently, Nathali served as a Teacher Leader with the Texas Education START program, supporting campuses in developing strong mentoring systems for early career teachers. In the 2025–2026 school year, she will begin her role as a THRIVE Mentor Coach with the UT College of Education, where she will support veteran educators in growing their skills as effective, reflective mentors.
Nathali holds a B.A. in Economics and Political Science from Brown University and an MBA from Texas State University. Drawing on her diverse background in education and leadership, she believes in the power of curiosity, connection, and high expectations to transform learning communities and support sustainable growth for teachers and students alike.
As a THRIVE Coach, I partner with district and campus leaders, mentors, and early career teachers to build supportive mentoring systems where educators feel seen, encouraged, and equipped to grow. I bring clarity to complex situations and love helping people recognize and build on the strengths they already have.
Before joining THRIVE, I began my career as a special education teacher and later served as an educational specialist and consultant. For the past decade—and still today—I’ve also worked as a field supervisor supporting first‑year teachers, keeping me grounded in the real challenges new educators face and the bright moments that remind us why this work matters.
I do this work because when we support the people who support students, everyone thrives—and students will always be my north star.
As a THRIVE coach, I partner with campus mentors and leaders to support early-career teachers and collaborate with district staff to develop strong, sustainable mentor programs. Prior to joining THRIVE, I served as a high school and middle school teacher, behavior specialist, and assistant principal. My goal is to improve educational outcomes for all students while helping teachers feel empowered, valued, and supported in their profession.
Faculty Advisors
Charles R. Martinez, Jr. is the 12th dean of the College of Education at The University of Texas at Austin. Martinez was named dean-designate in July 2018 and began his tenure as dean on January 1, 2019. Martinez holds the Lee Hage Jamail Regents Chair in Education and the Sid W. Richardson Regents Chair. He is a professor in the Department of Educational Psychology.
Martinez’s scholarly work focuses on identifying factors that hinder or promote the success of children and families from vulnerable and underserved populations.
Martinez has led numerous national and international research projects designed to examine risk and protective factors involved in linking social and cultural factors to education and behavioral health disparities for Latino children and families and to develop and test culturally specific interventions for at-risk families in the U.S. and in Latin America. His work has garnered federal and international grants totaling more than $35 million. Agencies funding his research include the Institute of Education Sciences, the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Prior to joining the University of Texas, Martinez was the Philip H. Knight Professor in the Department of Educational Methodology, Policy, and Leadership at the University of Oregon, where he also served as founding director of the Center for Equity Promotion.
A first-generation college graduate, Martinez received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Pitzer College, and his master’s degree and Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology.
Beth Maloch, Ph.D., is the senior associate dean of the College of Education and a professor in Language and Literacy Studies in the Department of Curriculum and instruction. She previously served the college as associate dean for administration and educator preparation. Maloch teaches undergraduate courses in literacy methods and graduate courses in classroom discourse and discourse analysis. Her research attends closely to the discourse of classrooms, particularly the discussion that happens around text, as well as preservice teacher education. Most recently, her research has focused on the coaching and mentoring that takes place in teacher education programs, particularly by the cooperating teachers.
Melissa Mosley Wetzel, Ph.D., is a professor of Language and Literacy Studies in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in the College of Education. Her scholarship focuses on the preparation of teachers in literacy for equity-focused practices and the development of justice-focused coaching and mentoring in preservice and in-service settings. She draws from critical race scholarship and culturally sustaining pedagogy frameworks to prepare teachers within field-based literacy teaching experiences. She is also interested in critical literacy learning across the lifespan, particularly how teachers and students together design literacy practices that are transformative. She draws on qualitative methods in her work, primarily critical discourse analysis and ethnography. Wetzel teaches courses in elementary literacy methods, reading development, coaching and mentoring, literacy leadership, sociolinguistics, teacher inquiry, and critical approaches to studying classroom discourse.