A new chapter of NAPT, told by those who live the work.
By Angela Kelly, CMP, Director of Marketing and Events, NAPT
On behalf of NAPT leadership and professional staff, I am incredibly proud to introduce the inaugural cohort of NAPT Influencers, a new initiative that reinforces the association’s communication efforts and vision through the voices of the trusted professionals who power student transportation every day.
Over the past several years, we have been intentional about clarifying who we are as an association and how we show up for the industry we serve. From refining our brand identity to aligning our messaging around purpose, professionalism, and partnership, we have focused on building a stronger, more unified voice for student transportation. The launch of NAPT Influencers represents an exciting next step in that journey, moving from vision to voice.
At NAPT, we know that trust is built through experience and connection. Our members are the leaders whose work shapes the safety and success of students and communities across North America. This initiative recognizes that the most powerful advocates for our profession are the people living the work each day.
It is my privilege to introduce the first cohort of NAPT Influencers, professionals who bring our vision to life every day.
Andrew Grasty, CDPT
Director of Transportation, Metro Nashville Public Schools (TN)
Being part of the first-ever National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) Influencer Group is an incredible honor and a meaningful opportunity to help amplify the voices and impact of the pupil transportation industry. It allows me to collaborate with passionate professionals from across the country to share ideas, highlight innovation, and advocate for the essential role safe student transportation plays in education. There is amazing work being done both behind the wheel, and behind the scenes, by dedicated team members and colleagues – all focused on students, safety, incredible bus drivers, mechanics, and transportation support staff. I’m proud to help tell the story of these great people and thoughtful programs right here in Nashville, Tennessee – and across the country – that keep students moving safely every day!
Cindy Bultemeier, CDPT
Assistant Director, North Kansas City
School District (MO)
What an honor to be selected as a member of the first-ever NAPT influencer cohort. This represents an opportunity to elevate the voice of pupil transportation professionals and highlight the critical work we do to safely transport students every day. I am excited to share best practices, leadership growth, and the impact of our industry nationwide.
Jennifer Gardella, CPTS, CSPT
Director of Transportation, Rockwall ISD (TX)
Being part of the first-ever NAPT Influencer Group is a tremendous honor, and it’s rare for me to be at a loss for words, given my passion for communication. I am proud to represent my peers and share our commitment to student transportation safety, highlighting the dedication and care that drive our profession. I look forward to working together to amplify the voices of those who make a difference every day. I’m proud to represent my peers and help shine a light on a profession that deserves to be seen, valued, and supported.
Teri Mapengo
Director of Transportation, Prosper ISD (TX)
Being part of the first-ever NAPT Influencer group means so much to me because I get to share the moments that make this profession special—the relationships, the pride people take in their work, and the impact they have on students every single day. I love highlighting the heart behind transportation and the people who show up before sunrise to serve others. It’s an honor to help tell their stories and shine a light on the difference transportation teams make.
Heather Handschin, CPTS, CSPT
Supervisor of Bus Operations, Prince William County Public Schools (VA)
Being part of the first-ever National Association for Pupil Transportation Influencer program means helping shape the future of school transportation while elevating our profession through shared insight and a truly driven‑together spirit. With 26 million students transported daily across the U.S., the impact of our work reaches farther than most can imagine. It’s an exciting opportunity to set the foundation for the voices and innovators who will follow. And hey—when you’re the first, the good news is… you can’t get it wrong!
Join us by amplifying the conversation, sharing your ideas, and helping move our industry forward—together.
Don Paul Todd
Transportation Supervisor, Washington Township Schools (NJ)
Being named to NAPT’s inaugural Influencer Cohort is both an honor and a responsibility—one that acknowledges the critical role we play in safeguarding our students, drivers, and school communities. I see this as an opportunity to strengthen safety through purposeful messaging, practical guidance, and real-world insights drawn from my 40+ years in this field. Through shared experiences and collaboration with other leaders, I will actively share best practices and champion initiatives that translate policy into everyday actions. Shining the spotlight on NAPT campaigns, such as Driven Together, via social media and local resources will help ensure that our students and staff benefit directly from the efforts put forth by the NAPT Influencer Cohort.
Scott Speer
Director of Transportation, Hannibal School District #60
It is a privilege to be a part of the first-ever NAPT influencer cohort. Often, the amazing work that thousands of transportation professionals do each day doesn’t get highlighted. Within this role, my goal is to promote the amazing things that transportation professionals do every day to safely serve our students. Thank you for the opportunity to help represent student transportation and to actively share our story. Together, we can further spread the wonderful news of how to grow and maintain cultures of safety and service to our students and communities.
Katrina Morris
Executive Director, Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation (MI)
As a proud member of the very first NAPT Influencer cohort (no pressure, right?), I’m excited to help spotlight the real, everyday impact of our work on a national stage. Through my voice — and yes, a few bus stories along the way — I have the opportunity to elevate the mission of safety championed by NAPT and our incredible industry. It’s an honor to represent my peers and strengthen our collective voice — proving that while school buses may be yellow, our commitment to safety shines even brighter.
Donnie Ryan, CSNT
Director of Transportation, Mustang Public Schools (OK)
I am incredibly honored to be selected for the inaugural NAPT Influencer Group. The National Association for Pupil Transportation’s commitment to advancing the school transportation industry is truly second to none, and I look forward to joining with my peers to help promote their mission of safety, excellence, and advocacy for students nationwide.
Dawnett Wright
Director of Transportation,
Peninsula School District
I’m beyond excited to be part of the very first NAPT Influencer cohort! This is such a special opportunity to share the heart of what we do in student transportation and shine a light on the amazing people who make it all happen. Through my journey and experiences, I hope to help tell our story—one rooted in safety, service, and community. It’s truly an honor to represent my peers, celebrate our collective impact, and help the world see just how meaningful our work really is.
As someone who has had the privilege of engaging with our members every day, I am continually inspired by their dedication, generosity, and leadership. The members who make up this first cohort are not only representing their districts and communities, but they are also helping shape how our industry is seen, understood, and valued nationwide.
This is more than a new program. It is a reflection of who we are becoming as an association – confident in our identity, connected through our community, and committed to moving forward together.
Looking ahead, this inaugural cohort is just the beginning. Over the second quarter of the year, we will welcome additional influencers to expand the diversity of voices, helping to share our story and advance our mission.
Together, the National Association for Pupil Transportation is not just defining its future, we are leading the profession forward with one unified, trusted voice.