Skip to content

About Us

About

Higginbotham Learning

At Higginbotham Learning, you are at the center of everything we do including your professional development. We bring you the latest business trends, research and more to enrich your career and enhance the employee experience.

Testimonals

Amber and Regan were enthusiastic and knowledgeable! I enjoyed the four sessions at one hour each; great length.
The webinar was professionally put together. Presenters were down to earth and very friendly in a professional matter.
I thought both presenters were both authentic and honest which makes them both relatable. Also, they seem to be living out what they teach.

Our Team

This award-winning team is here to support your learning needs, including webinars, seminars, and more. The Learning and development team is ever-growing, with an emphasis on Instructional Design, Facilitation, and Consulting. Contact us at learning@higginbotham.com with any event requests.

Amber OReilly

Amber O'Reilly, CPTD

Director, Learning & Development

Amber O’Reilly has dedicated the past decade of her career to developing others in numerous organizations. She works with leaders to understand their culture and workflows of their teams and provides new learning opportunities through a collaborative effort. Amber has designed employee onboarding programs, leadership development initiatives, and client education series for the modern worker. Her focus is to enhance their career and learning experiences while effectively contributing to their company’s bottom line and ensuring a proper work-life balance. She is a Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) and also has certificates in Instructional Design, Change Management, and Executive Coaching with the Association of Talent Development (ATD). Amber is also a national and Dallas chapter member of ATD and SHRM. Personally, Amber is a wife and mother of two daughters and enjoying their simple farm life in Sulphur Springs, Texas.

Regan Mittie

Facilitation Manager

Regan O’Hara serves as the Facilitation Team Leader for the Learning and Development team at Higginbotham, with her emphasis in Virtual Facilitation of Adult Learning. She is an active member of the Association for Talent Development, both nationally and locally, reflecting her dedication to advancing talent development practices. Regan is a proud honors graduate of Texas A&M University, with her degree in Human Resource Development. Gig Em! Over the past year alone, Regan has orchestrated nearly 100 learning events, showcasing her versatility in hosting webinars, live seminars, instructor-led trainings, and various virtual learning experiences. She currently holds certificates for Virtual Facilitation awarded from ATD, and Conflict Resolution. Furthermore, Regan has shared her wealth of experience with fellow HRD professionals, contributing to manuscripts shared across the globe. With a focus on employee engagement, leadership development, and communication, Regan’s leadership style is marked by a blend of expertise and empathy. Originally from Portland, Oregon, she’s adapted to life in Dallas, TX where she currently resides. Outside of the office, Regan recently married her husband, Jordan, and they both enjoy spending as much time as they can with their Goldendoodle, Maxi. Regan has a genuine passion for helping others succeed and believes joy can be as simple as a cup of coffee in the morning!

Kalifa Kelly

Instructional Design Team Leader

Kalifa Kelly is the Instructional Design Team Leader here at Higginbotham. With over five years of experience in creating engaging and interactive learning experiences, with expertise in curriculum development, education, training, and instructional design. Kalifa graduated with honors from Texas Southern University with a degree in Chemistry. With the use of research, data, and technology to support learning outcomes and identify areas of growth, her passion is creating transformative learning experiences for adult learners. Based in Houston, she enjoys exploring the city and trying new foods. In Kalifa’s personal time, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, experimenting with new recipes and enjoying sci-fi books, movies, and shows.

Tana Taylor

Facilitator

Tana Taylor is an accomplished instructional designer with a proven track record of hands-on experience in creating and implementing impactful learning programs. Committed to shaping strategic learning and development initiatives that foster growth and success, Tana brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Before joining Higginbotham, Tana dedicated 15 years to serving as a CTE (Career and Technical Education) Educator. During this time, she successfully implemented evidence-based teaching methods, focusing on nurturing, and enhancing learners’ problem-solving and innovation skills to meet the evolving demands of the workforce. As a testament to her commitment to professional development, Tana is an active member of both the national and Fort Worth chapter of the Association for Talent Development (ATD). Residing in North Richland Hills, Texas, Tana shares her home with her husband and four dogs. Beyond her professional achievements, Tana takes pride in her role as a mother to six children and a grandmother to three grandchildren.

Jaydyn Gillham

Senior Facilitator

Jaydyn Gillham joined the Facilitation team in 2024 to serve clients and employees. Before joining Higginbotham, she worked in Agricultural sales, where she learned the importance and value of customer service and engagement. She gained great experience in developing interpersonal relationships with employees and customers. Jaydyn graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Leadership and Development with a Minor in Youth Development. Jaydyn currently resides in a small town in Hubbard, TX, and is recently engaged and soon to be a military wife to her fiancé Logan.

Emily Hargrove

Senior Instructional Designer

Emily Hargrove is an instructional designer based in Dallas. With four years of experience as a freelance designer, Emily has worked with various clients in the manufacturing and education sectors. She is dedicated to continuously improving instructional designs by applying innovation, research, and problem-solving to deliver impactful learning solutions. Emily holds a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction and began her career as a middle school teacher for advanced science and history, where she excelled as a lead educator, training and mentoring her colleagues. In her free time, Emily enjoys reading, painting, spending time with her family, and cooking. 

Laila Haggar

Learning & Development Specialist

Laila Haggar joined the team in June 2025 as a Learning & Development Specialist. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Kansas State University in 2023 and recently earned her master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from the University of Texas at Arlington. Before joining the company, she worked as an HR Intern for over a year, gaining hands-on experience in strategic talent partnerships, training and development, and talent acquisition. During her time in college, she also worked as an elementary teaching assistant, further developing her passion for learning and development. Originally from Kansas, Laila now lives in Dallas, TX. She enjoys her free time by spending time outdoors, reading, traveling, and grabbing coffee with friends!

Haley Glowacki

Learning & Development Specialist

Haley Glowacki joined the team in July of 2026 as a Learning & Development Specialist. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English Education from The University of Iowa. With two years of experience as a high school English teacher, she developed expertise in curriculum design, instructional development, and fostering a culture of continuous learning among students and colleagues. She thrives on finding creative ways to make learning engaging, accessible, and meaningful for every audience. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Haley now resides in Dallas, TX. Outside of work, Haley enjoys reading, visiting local coffee shops, and spending time with her cat, Birdie. 

Emily Podgurny

Learning & Development Coordinator

Emily Podgurny joined the team in June 2025 as a Learning and Development Intern and stepped into her role as a Learning Coordinator in January 2026. She graduated with honors from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Development and a minor in Business. Gig Em! She also holds an associate’s degree in Education from Blinn College. Emily has a long-standing passion for education and contributing to meaningful learning experiences. Originally from Houston, Texas, she now lives in Fort Worth, Texas. In her free time, Emily enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with her loved ones.  

Ella Williams

Learning & Development Apprentice

Ella Leigh Williams joined the team in June 2026 as a Learning and Development Intern [transitioning into an Apprentice role in September 2026]. She is pursuing a dual-degree at the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology alongside a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. Ella is eager to apply her academic and artistic knowledge to contribute to talent development, while staying committed to continuous learning and professional growth. She believes strong communication, empathy, and collaboration are essential to understanding learners’ needs and developing experiences that make a lasting impact. Outside of work, Ella enjoys playing pickleball, going on walks, and spending quality time with her friends and family. 

Learn More About The Higginbotham Difference

After we design and secure your custom insurance plan on day one, your Higginbotham team will stand by your side from day two through day 365, working tirelessly to help you get the most out of your coverage. We call these Day Two Services®. From risk management and claims advocacy to benefit plan services and administration, the trusted professionals at Higginbotham turn your uncertainties into possibilities.