Alana received her BA in English literature and her MEd in curriculum and instruction from the University of Florida. After five years as a K-12 educator, she transitioned into instructional design and online higher education. She has since received her EdD in program development with an emphasis on educational innovation at the University of South Florida.

In her current role as the senior associate director and portfolio manager at the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education, Alana leads the Center for Professional Learning in designing and developing professional learning opportunities for educators and organizational leaders. Alana enjoys seeking innovative and equitable learning solutions. She is driven by assessing the needs of learners, exploring learning outcomes, and implementing strategies and solutions that provide equitable access and opportunity.