Sacha Cartagena, Ph.D., is a Researcher in the Learning Supports program at the American Institutes for Research (AIR). In this role, Dr. Cartagena supports local and state education systems with projects related to Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and High-Leverage Practices for inclusive settings (HLPs). Her primary responsibilities include supporting and leading professional development, instructional coaching, micro-credential development, and research.

Furthermore, Dr. Cartagena coordinates the development of asynchronous online learning modules for the PROGRESS Center, a national center funded by the Office of Special Education Programs at the U.S. Department of Education. Dr. Cartagena earned her Ph.D. in Special Education at the University of Central Florida where her dissertation work focused on implementing the UDL framework in an online environment during COVID-19. Prior to her doctoral studies, Dr. Cartagena served as a special education teacher for students with significant cognitive disabilities.

Currently, Dr. Cartagena serves as a peer-reviewer for the Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities (ETADD) journal and sits on the Board of Directors for the Council for Exceptional Children.