Christy Whittlesey, Ph.D. (she/her/hers) has been an educator in settings ranging from PreK-higher education for the past 18 years, and is currently the PreK-12 Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator for the Chelmsford Public Schools. In addition to her work in the arts, Dr. Whittlesey also collaborates with school districts and organizations to update policies and leads professional development to create gender-friendly schools where all students can thrive, regardless of gender.

Christy received her Ph.D. with a focus on Educational Research and Evaluation from the University of Massachusetts Lowell (2019), where she was awarded the Education Department’s “Outstanding Dissertation Award” for her work researching the educational experiences of transgender and non-binary students. She has presented her work at many national and international conferences. Her book, It’s Ok to Say “They”: Tips for Educator Allies of Transgender and Non-Binary Students, is published by Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc. and received an IBPA Benjamin Franklin Silver Award in 2020. She is currently working with Jessica Kingsley publishers in London on a second book about trans allyship.

Visit Dr. Whittlesey's website to learn more and access free resources for schools: www.christywhittlesey.com