Kristen McInerney is a Research Education Analyst in RTI International’s Center for Education, Communication, and Training, where she specializes in multilingual learners, family and community engagement, newcomer program models, and migrant education. She brings extensive experience partnering with educators, school leaders, families, and state education agencies to strengthen instructional practice, foster meaningful family-school partnerships, and improve outcomes for multilingual learners. Prior to joining RTI, Dr. McInerney served as a Spanish teacher and high school assistant principal, leading initiatives that expanded multilingual family engagement, instructional coaching, and schoolwide systems of support. Her doctoral research examined newly arrived immigrant students’ sense of belonging in high school newcomer programs, and she continues to apply research and evidence-based practices to help schools and communities create welcoming, collaborative learning environments where students and their families can thrive.