Our Team

Chong-Hao Fu is a career educator who is working toward an education system that affirms the strengths in all young people. He has served as the CEO of Leading Educators since 2018, leading national efforts to reimagine teacher support so that all students have the opportunity to learn to great heights.

Chong-Hao is a national thought leader on education equity, teacher leadership, and professional learning. He has presented to the Council of Chief State School Officers, the American Federation of Teachers, the Aspen Institute, and the Department of Education.

In his previous role as Chief Learning Officer, Chong-Hao led Leading Educators’ partnership, thought leadership, and district consulting teams. Before his time at Leading Educators, Chong-Hao was the founding principal at KIPP Sharpstown in Houston, Texas and a middle and high school math teacher in Houston and Greenville, Mississippi. He holds a B.A. from Yale University and a M.Ed. from National Louis University.

Throughout her 22 years as an educator, Dr. LaKimbre Brown has made ensuring equity, fairness, and belonging for every student her personal mission.

Dr. Brown began her career as a Teach for America corps member (Phoenix ‘99), later becoming a coach, principal, and chief of schools. Most recently, she served as Chief of Schools for Lorain City Schools in Ohio, where 12 out of 15 schools showed gains on the state assessment and access to high-quality Pre-K programs tripled under her leadership. Previously as an Instructional Superintendent at District of Columbia Public Schools, she managed and coached principals for all dual-language campuses.

Dr. Brown earned her doctorate in educational leadership from Mills College, writing her dissertation on developing teacher leadership. She is the 2010 Newark Unified Elementary Principal of the Year, a National Board Certified teacher and coach, and a two-time Fulbright Scholar.

Simone is an educator and operational leader who enjoys proving the possible. As the Chief Operating Officer, she oversees strategic planning, people, technology systems and facilities operations for the organization.

Before she joined Leading Educators, Simone was a principal in KIPP Texas (formerly KIPP Houston). Prior to that she was an assistant principal, a science teacher, and a Teach for America corps member. Before taking on her current role at Leading Educators, she served as a Program Director and a Managing Director of Program. She holds a Masters of Education Administration from National Louis University and an MBA from Tulane University.

As a first generation college student, Simone understands first hand the transformative impact of equitable educational access on individuals, families, and generations. She believes that all students- regardless of demographics - deserve access to high quality education to build the lives they desire. Having dedicated her career to working with and for students of color, her mission is to contribute to work that aims to make that a reality.

She currently lives in Sacramento, California with her husband and her dog, Penny. She spends her free time finding new dog parks, binge watching Netflix, and exploring the beauty of northern California.

Laura is a content and program designer who loves creating adult learning that leads to student learning. She leads the data and evaluation and internal communications teams at Leading Educators, focused on efforts to learn from, share, and improve current and future programming. She has been part of the team since 2014.

Previously, Laura led the redesign of Leading Educators’ programming focused on the Common Core State Standards, teaching and leading for equity, instructional leadership, and content cycles. Before joining Leading Educators, she worked in the Office of Professional Learning at the Chicago Public Schools. Laura started her career teaching reading and writing to middle school students on Chicago’s south side.

Laura graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in Psychology and earned her M.Ed. in Literacy, Language, and Culture from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She lives in Chicago where she spends her free time playing volleyball and pickleball, doing yoga, and reading too many books at once.

Marishka grew up in East Los Angeles and Whittier, CA. As a first-generation college student, she was inspired by her parents to overcome obstacles and pursue higher education to pursue personal and professional aspirations. She has dedicated her career to working with communities and schools in historically marginalized and under-resourced communities at a national level.

She began her teaching career in LAUSD schools in South LA and Southeast LA neighborhoods and continued serving in public schools for nine years as a K – 2 teacher, a school-based, intervention coach serving teachers and students across grades K – 5, and a middle school Assistant Principal.

She then served as the Director of Teacher Development at the Partnership for LA Schools serving seventeen urban public schools that ranged from grades K-12 and was a key member of PLAS' central support instructional team. In this capacity, she supported principals to drive teacher effectiveness and to grow and leverage teacher leaders to become strong members of Instructional Leadership Teams. She continued to focus on areas of school leadership, teacher development, teacher leadership, school transformation, and systems level change while at TNTP as a project director supporting principals and teachers to implement standards based instruction primarily in school turnaround settings.

Most recently at New Teacher Center, she served as a founding leader of a national school leadership program as a senior director and led the program strategy for the federally awarded Education Innovation and Research grant across 120 rural and urban schools.

A former school leader and instructional coach, Marishka attended Scripps College (undergrad), Harvard Graduate (Education policy and management), UCLA Graduate (school leadership). She currently lives in Shaker Heights, OH and enjoys spending time with her husband and 2-year old daughter, riding her Peloton bike, cooking, and gardening.

Sarah Heaton leads Leading Educators' partnerships in Tulsa, Charleston, and Richmond.

Sarah is a “school-systems person” with nearly a decade of experience working within Baltimore City Schools in positions in Academics, Information Technology, Human Capital, and the Chief of Staff’s Office. In these roles, she’s had the opportunity to understand how a school system works and has the capacity to perpetuate or disrupt current outcomes. In her most recent role as the Director of Strategy and Continuous Improvement, she organized internal projects and external support for the system’s strategic plan. In this capacity, she launched a continuous improvement office which aims to bring stronger focus, coherence, and alignment to high-priority, complex projects. She also led a $30 million fundraising effort and served as a primary external relations contact for national education partners.

Sarah began her career as a Teach for America corps member and was a high school English teacher. She holds a B.A. from Oberlin College and earned her education doctorate from Peabody College at Vanderbilt University where she focused her studies on the history of K12 policy.

Sarah believes that lasting educational improvements happen through focused school-level practices and optimized system-level conditions. With that in mind, she has a deep interest in supporting partner school districts identify ways their current practices enable or inhibit school-level change. She lives in Maryland where she and her husband are slowly renovating the house they share with their two children, two cats, and a dog.

Katie is an academic strategist and problem solver who is deeply committed to supporting educators at all levels translate their aspirations for students to all students. She leads the teams working in partnership with schools in the Los Angeles and the Chicago area.


Before joining Leading Educators, Katie worked alongside and coached school leaders in New Orleans and Baltimore. Most recently, she designed school review processes that provided school-wide data to identify challenges, illuminate solutions, and inform continuous improvement.

Katie holds an M.B.A. from Brandeis University. A Louisiana native, she recently moved to Indianapolis with her husband and three sons. She and her family love attending Louisiana festivals and taking beach trips on long weekends.

Lakita is an experienced leader in education with a demonstrated history of impact in school leadership, leadership development, and education management. She leads the teams working in partnership with schools in Yakima, WA and Oakland, CA

Before joining Leading Educators, Lakita was the Senior Director at Leading Elephants where she provided support for leaders through individual and group executive coaching, the design and facilitation of adult learning experiences, and customized organizational consulting. She previously served as the Senior Director of Leadership Development for the Tennessee Department of Education in the Human Capital Division and redesigned the leadership academy for new principals and assistant principals. She also previously served as New Leaders’ Executive Director for the Midwest Region where she provided strategic direction and program development input to support districts in addressing leadership development needs. Lakita began her career teaching in Chicago Public Schools and went on to successfully execute the start of a new contract school in Chicago.

Lakita holds a Doctor of Education from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College; two Master’s degrees, one in Curriculum & Instruction and the other in Administration & Supervision. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Florida A&M University. Lakita enjoys spending quality time with her family in Naperville, IL. She loves to travel and is a self-proclaimed foodie.

David works to establish strong partnerships with state departments of education, school districts, and networks of schools that focus on educational equity and helping teachers transform their practice and improve student outcomes.

Previously David served for over ten years as a Partner on the Client Team at TNTP. There he supervised projects focused on building instructional leadership capacity, effectively managing and developing teacher talent, connecting professional learning to rigorous standards, and educator evaluation policy. He has led this work with charter schools and districts in Washington, DC; New Orleans, LA; Providence, RI; and Florida; as well as with the Achievement Schools in Memphis, TN. On TNTP’s Strategy, Systems and Policy Team, David also focused on supporting state-level efforts to develop educator evaluation policies and systems and support district-level implementation. From 2001-2005 he led TNTP’s first strategic partnership with the DC Public Schools focused on improving the district’s teacher recruitment, selection and staffing efforts.

David has served as a Principal Associate for District Redesign at the Annenberg Institute for School Reform where he worked on school turnaround efforts in RI, led the Institute’s Central Office Reviews for Results and Equity, and advised the Metro Nashville Public Schools on reforming its human capital systems.

David taught second grade in the DC Public Schools and worked as a Program Director at Teach For America. David holds a BA in Philosophy from Creighton University and a Master's in Moral and Political Philosophy from the University of Illinois.

Mary Kay is an experienced leader, educator, influencer, and equity practitioner with 20+ years in the field of education. She serves as the Managing Director for the Midwest Region of Leading Educators, districts to improve their professional learning systems. In addition, she supports a local team in designing the Equity in Literacy Fellowship offered to Kent Country educators. This fellowship supports teachers in creating engaging literacy classrooms where diversity is valued.

Before joining Leading Educators, Mary Kay held the roles of teacher, principal, instructional coach, and district consultant. Mary Kay also gained experience working at two other national non-profits, Partners in School Innovation and The Education Trust-Midwest.

Mary Kay holds a B.A. in Elementary Education from Aquinas College and an M.Ed in Educational Leadership from Grand Valley State University.

Fun facts: One of her favorite simple joys in life is a good cup of coffee in the morning, and after dinner, She thinks out loud and talks with her hands, and sends Snapchats of the dogs to her three kids every day.

Michelle is a lifelong teacher. She leads professional learning design, systems strategy, and coaching support for educators in Detroit.

Before joining Leading Educators, Michelle was the Vice Principal of Academics at the New Orleans Charter Science and Math High School, the same school where she learned that teaching is the best career in the world. She was previously a teacher educator at Southeastern Louisiana University and the Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP). She began her career in education as a high school English and reading teacher in New Orleans.

Michelle holds a Ph.D. from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Education. Her graduate work focused on classroom observation and effective literacy practices in secondary ELA classrooms. She earned a B.A. from New College of Florida where she pursued a dual concentration in Literature and Hispanic Language and Literature.

Monique is a Senior Director guiding Illustrative Math implementation alongside leaders in three LAUSD local districts. Monique worked in a similar capacity previously at LE to support partnerships in DC Public Schools, Atlanta Public Schools, and program design in our Louisiana region.

Before joining Leading Educators, Monique has worked for charter management and non-profit organizations as a teacher, school leader, and effectiveness coach.

Monique is a Teach For America alumna and has earned a B.A. from Temple University and a M.S. in Teaching and Early Childhood Leadership from Pace University and Bank Street College of Education. Monique lives in Washington, D.C. with her husband and three children. In between family dance parties, Monique loves indoor cycling and cooking new recipes.

Lauren oversees partnerships with schools, districts, states, and organizations, and builds upon new opportunities for partnership around the country.

Lauren came to Leading Educators following her post as the Academic Director of Bard Early College in New Orleans, where she recruited and supported students and faculty. Her work in teaching began with her 9th grade English students at New Orleans Charter Math and Science High School in 2007, but Lauren's interest in education has been with her from a young age as a student in New Orleans public schools.

Lauren holds a B.A. in English Literature from Smith College and an M.A. in Education Policy from Brown University.

Sara is a lifelong learner and educator committed to empowering school communities to deliver on the promise of creating equitable education for students. She manages partnerships and programming in the Houston Independent School District.

Sara is an alumnus of the inaugural Leading Educators class of fellows in New Orleans and brings over 20 years of experience working in education.Sara began her career as a 4th grade special education teacher and has served in a variety of leadership roles in schools. She holds a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an M.Ed from Teacher’s College at Columbia University.

Ginny is an Instructional Leadership Coach partnering with schools within the LAUSD local districts to effectively implement their Math curriculum and give more equitable instruction for all their students.

Before joining Leading Educators, Ginny worked as the Special Education Manager for KIPP SoCal, supporting teachers to provide inclusive, strengths-based instruction for students in both general and special education settings. She started her career as a teacher at the University of Chicago Charter School serving students with various learning needs. She then worked as an Instructional Coach for the Academy of Urban School Leadership coaching and providing professional learning to teachers within the Chicago Public School district.

Ginny holds a Masters Degree in Childhood and Special Education from New York University. She currently lives in Long Beach, CA where she and her husband share their love of travel, sports, and food with their 2 daughters.

Amanda leads design and facilitates professional learning for district and teacher leaders in Oakland and Baltimore. She is passionate about grounding folks in their vision and creating spaces that encourage innovation while keeping students at the center.

Previously, Amanda coached instructional leaders in District of Columbia Public Schools as a Leadership Coach through LEAP. Before joining Leading Educators, Amanda was a middle school special education teacher, English Language Arts instructional coach, and department chair.

Amanda holds a B.A. in Economics & Sociology from New York University & a MAT in Elementary Education from American University. She loves staying on top of the most current news and pop culture phenomena, road tripping while listening to podcasts, and finding the best places to visit in the new cities she passes through.

Tori is a Director of Content with Leading Educators. She supports school leaders and teachers in the Chicago area by designing professional development focused on providing students with equitable standards-based math instruction.

Previously with Leading Educators, she coached instructional leaders across Chicago as an Instructional Leadership Coach. Before joining Leading Educators, Tori worked as an instructional coach with a charter school in Chicago. She has worked in education for over 26 years as a teacher, Lead Teacher, Assistant Director, Math Coordinator, and Instructional Coach.

Tori holds a B.A. in Early Childhood Education from Tufts University and a M.A. in School Leadership from Concordia University. She lives in a suburb of Chicago where she enjoys exploring the different neighborhoods of Chicago, reading, baking, and spending time with friends and family.

Tina collaborates with school and district partners to promote standards-based instruction, equity awareness and robust adult learning communities. She enjoys facilitating workshops, designing content, leading observations and coaching with educators in Greater Grands Rapids.

Previously, Tina was an instructional coach and ELA teacher in South Florida, including two years as a Teach for America corps member. She also taught Math and Verbal post-secondary exam courses at Florida Atlantic University. While in the U.S. Peace Corps in the West Indies, Tina worked on projects including after-school learning centers, libraries and adult education classes.

Tina holds a Masters of Education from Florida Atlantic University and a B.A. in English-Journalism/Communications from Averett College. She holds certifications in English, Reading and School Guidance Counseling, and was proud to be a finalist for the 2016 GLSEN Educator of the Year Award.

Sandra is a former and forever teacher who continues to be motivated by her experiences in the classroom. She is a systems leader driven by her belief in the power of self-determination as a right for every child. She designs ELA professional learning content for our partnership in Yakima, WA.

Before joining Leading Educators, Sandra spent seven years teaching students from third through eighth grade in Washington, DC, serving as a classroom teacher, reading interventionist, and intervention coordinator.

Sandra holds an M.Ed from George Mason University and a B.A. in Sociology from Wheaton College (IL). She currently lives in New Hampshire with her husband and three children. She spends her free time trying to imitate creative play activities designed by Instagram-moms (with varying levels of failure and success).

Britney Wray leads design for Secondary Math in support of our Detroit partnership.

Prior to joining Leading Educators, Britney was a dedicated teacher turned school leader. Beginning her career as a high school math teacher in Fairfax County Public Schools, Britney enjoyed seeing the growth in both student success and student mindset. After 5 years, Britney became a founding teacher at Washington Leadership Academy, a Tier 1 public charter school in Washington, DC.

At WLA, Britney grew from founding math teacher to math instructional coach and assistant principal helping the school achieve its Tier 1 status through her development of the math program. Britney enjoys designing and facilitating professional developments and has partnered with organizations across the country to help educators achieve success in their classrooms. Britney enjoys vinyl crafting using her Silhouette Cameo machine and all things Virginia Tech! Go Hokies!

Araceli Flores leads design of math professional learning for our Baltimore partnership.

Previously with Leading Educators, Araceli supported design and facilitation for a series of statewide content-based learning sessions in Kentucky, also leading design of custom content cycles and providing coaching to district leaders. In support of Baltimore City Public Schools, she has designed Eureka Math-based content cycles, led internalization sessions with content leaders, and worked side-by-side with district staff to co-construct future professional learning.

Araceli taught elementary and middle school math in Washington, DC where she also served as the Deputy Director of Math Instruction for Friendship Public Charter Schools, as well as the Deputy Chief of Math Professional Development for DC Public Schools. Araceli loves applying ratios and proportional reasoning to her two main hobbies - baking and home improvement projects.

LeAnita is a partner to school teams within Chicago Public Schools, who uses her experiences in and out of the classroom to support them in working toward educational equity. She works to build capacity and understanding of equitable instructional practices through design and facilitation of curriculum specific professional learning for teachers as well as through coaching of school leaders and teacher teams.

Before joining Leading Educators, LeAnita provided targeted, individualized coaching to new teachers in schools within the Academy for Urban School Leadership (AUSL) network of Chicago Public Schools. That role evolved into a Network Instructional Coach where she supported teachers, teacher leaders, and school leaders in deepening their understanding of standards aligned instruction through coaching support and professional development. Prior to her work at AUSL, LeAnita was a primary and intermediate classroom teacher with Atlanta Public Schools and later with the University of Chicago Charter School-Donoghue Campus.


LeAnita holds a B.S in Early Childhood Development from Northern Illinois University and a M.A.Ed in Instructional Leadership from Argosy University.

Emily designs and facilitates professional development to build the capacity of teacher leaders.

Before joining Leading Educators, Emily worked as a coach and facilitator supporting district and school leaders and teachers to create systems and structures to transform teaching and learning to ensure equity for students. She has also designed experiences for online and social learning platforms and loves to think about different ways of supporting adult learning to deepen practice.

Emily started her career as an elementary teacher in San Jose, California, and her students continue to provide focus, inspiration and guidance for her work for equity, even though they’re all grown up. She holds a B.A. in Political Science and History from the University of New Mexico.

Ashley believes all students deserve access to equitable instruction. As a director of content, she designs professional learning for Baltimore ELA coaches and teachers and works alongside literacy leaders in Oakland to build a K-5 professional learning system.

Ashley began her career as a 5th grade teacher in her hometown of Rockford, IL. She moved to pursue her graduate studies at Western Michigan University, where she served as a reading specialist in the university’s reading clinic and taught content area literacy upon graduation. Before joining Leading Educators, Ashley served as a Literacy Coach for two Chicago charter school campuses.

Ashley holds a M.A.Ed. in Literacy Studies from Western Michigan University and a B.S. in Elementary Education from Western Illinois University. Ashley lives in Chicago with her husband Daniel and her two sons Daniel Jr. and Dylan.

Ana grew up in Lansing, Michigan as a first-generation, Argentinian, immigrant. Witnessing educational inequities during her own grade school experience, specifically around math education and high school attrition, was the catalyst for deciding to dedicate her life and career to educational equity.

Ana began her teaching career working in state prisons in Michigan providing GED instruction to those incarcerated. She then shifted to teaching in youth detention centers and teaching GED classes at community centers in Lansing. Ana moved to Indianapolis in 2010 and taught traditional middle and high school math for a few years before becoming the lead teacher and instructional coach at the Excel Center; a high school diploma program for students who had previously discontinued high school and are returning to earn their diplomas.

Ana has also served as a program coordinator in the Indianapolis community focusing on building more equitable education systems for families experiencing homelessness. She is currently a PhD candidate in Indiana University's Urban Education Studies program. Her research focus is investigating how systemic racism impacts math education, the construction of learner identities in math classrooms, and high school attrition. In my free time, Ana loves to paint, podcast, cook, spend time with friends and family, play with her 3-year-old son, and travel to Lake Michigan as often as possible.

Alisha Watts Burr is a teacher development specialist and educator driven by a love of learning and commitment to high-quality education for all students. As the Senior Director of Networks for our partnership with Charleston County School District (CCSD), Alisha leads a content design team in developing and delivering professional learning customized to the needs of CCSD teachers and students. In prior roles at Leading Educators, Alisha has worked with Tulsa Public Schools and District of Columbia Public Schools.

Before joining Leading Educators, Alisha was a special education math teacher and academic dean at Washington, DC’s highest performing charter middle school.

Alisha holds an A.B. in Psychology from Princeton University and a M.A. in Social Psychology from the University of Arizona. She lives in Maryland with her husband and two sons. Alisha enjoys spending time with her family, creating and enjoying good food, and traveling to sunny places.

Chavon VanHooks is driven to make a difference in the field of Education. Through her 15 years of service, she worked as a teacher of middle and high school students and a professional learning coach for K-8 Title I schools within the Shelby County Schools System in Memphis, TN. Following that work, Chavon served as a district level middle school math coach for IZone priority schools also in Memphis, TN.

Born and raised in Flint, MI, Chavon discovered her passion for education at an early age. She would always “play school” with her family and friends. That passion drove her to earn her Education Specialist degree – emphasis in Educational Leadership and Master of Education degree - majoring in curriculum and instruction both from Union University and her Bachelor of Science in Education degree – majoring in mathematics from Central Michigan University.

When Chavon is not changing lives through her work in education, she enjoys spending time with family, decorating, and solving puzzles.

April is an educator who believes in the power of education and how it can be used as a tool to transform individual lives and communities. As a Director of Content for Secondary Math, she leads design of professional learning for Detroit schools.

Prior to her current role at Leading Educators, April was a Math Content Lead with Instruction Partners. April made her way to New Orleans by way of KIPP New Orleans, where she had been an assistant principal but itching to focus more time on math instruction every day. Prior to that, she was a math department lead, academic data analyst, instructional coach, academic dean, and eventually director of Uplift Mighty Preparatory in Fort Worth, Texas.

April holds a Master's in Educational Leadership from Southern Methodist University and a Bachelor’s Degree from Hollins University.

Brielle is a passionate and innovative education leader committed to high standards, equity, and access for all students. She leads strategic planning for our partnership with Baltimore City Public Schools.

Previously, Brielle led strategic planning for partnerships in Oakland, Grand Rapids and Chicago. As the National Delivery Manager at Leading Educators she managed logistics and operations for national events. Before joining Leading Educators, Brielle supported teacher leadership initiatives with the Partnership for Los Angeles schools and managed several large scale professional learning opportunities for educators across LAUSD. Prior to joining the non-profit sector, Brielle worked as an elementary special education teacher at a turnaround school in the Bronx, NY.

Brielle holds an M.A. in Elementary Special Education from Hunter College and a B.A. in Sociology from Fordham University. She lives in South Bend, Indiana, with her husband, two kids and dog and spends her free time reading, hiking and traveling.

Kelley is responsible for the execution of New Orleans-based programming, including project management, event planning, communications, and data management.

For over 6 years, Kelley worked in fund development and volunteer management, having most recently served as the Development Director with Boys Hope Girls Hope of Greater New Orleans. Kelley’s experience as part of the inaugural class of the Greater New Orleans Foundation’s Emerging Leaders program was a driving force behind her passion to work with Leading Educators. The program, designed to develop the leadership skills of middle managers with non-profit organizations, was life changing.

Kelley holds a B.S. in Magazine Journalism from Boston University. She currently lives in New Orleans.

Jessica Jenkins is the Associate Director of Networks, Chicago. Driven by her passion for college access, Jessica works to operationalize commitments to equity for students in greater Chicago.

Before joining Leading Educators, Jessica worked as an education policy and management consultant, leading a cohort of districts in Arkansas to design new teacher leadership pathways to reach more students with excellent teaching. She began her career as a college advisor at a rural high school in Stokes County, North Carolina with the College Advising Corps.

Jessica holds a BA in Psychology and Sociology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an MPP from Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy. She enjoys rooting for the Tar Heels, reality competition shows, and policy podcasts.

Kara Hayes is an Executive Support Coordinator, supporting the Leading Educators Leadership, Program, and Operations teams.

Kara was born and raised in the New Orleans area, attending and ultimately teaching in the city’s public schools. After a brief hiatus from the classroom to open a cafe geared toward families and children, Kara returned to teaching in 2020 just as schools were being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Witnessing firsthand the vast inequities in how students, schools, and families were supported to manage and facilitate online learning, she was drawn to Leading Educators’ work to change that reality. Kara loves travel and interior design, and is eager to begin exploring the world again once we are all able to venture further from our homes!

Claudine is the Senior Director of Programming working with district, school and teacher leaders to ensure that schools and system partnerships are effectively supported.

Before joining Leading Educators, Claudine provided targeted, individualized coaching support for new and experienced teachers in schools within the Academy for Urban School Leadership (AUSL) network of Chicago Public Schools. Prior to her work at AUSL, Claudine was a middle school teacher through the Inner City Teaching Corps, and a teacher and Math coach at the University of Chicago Charter School - Donoghue Campus.

Claudine holds a B.A in Sociology and French Literature from Boston College and a M.S.Ed in Education and Social Policy from Northwestern University. She currently lives outside of Detroit with her husband and their two children. When not working, Claudine enjoys indoor cycling, watching college sports, and hanging out with her family and friends.

Mary Kay is an experienced leader, educator, influencer, and equity practitioner with 20+ years in the field of education. She serves as the Managing Director for the Midwest Region of Leading Educators, districts to improve their professional learning systems. In addition, she supports a local team in designing the Equity in Literacy Fellowship offered to Kent Country educators. This fellowship supports teachers in creating engaging literacy classrooms where diversity is valued.

Before joining Leading Educators, Mary Kay held the roles of teacher, principal, instructional coach, and district consultant. Mary Kay also gained experience working at two other national non-profits, Partners in School Innovation and The Education Trust-Midwest.

Mary Kay holds a B.A. in Elementary Education from Aquinas College and an M.Ed in Educational Leadership from Grand Valley State University.

Fun facts: One of her favorite simple joys in life is a good cup of coffee in the morning, and after dinner, She thinks out loud and talks with her hands, and sends Snapchats of the dogs to her three kids every day.

Erin is an educator and strategist who is passionate about working with school districts to reimagine their professional learning models so that all students receive the excellent education they deserve. She leads partnerships with Tulsa Public Schools and Houston Independent School District to build and sustain the conditions, teaching, and leadership to ensure that the students furthest from opportunity succeed in school and in life.

Before joining Leading Educators, Erin worked to support teachers and students in a variety of roles throughout her career, including as an instructional coach, a senior district leader, a school building leader, and an associate professor. She began her career in education as a third grade teacher in Tulsa, and remains dedicated to serving students in Oklahoma and beyond.

Erin is currently pursuing her PhD in Social Foundations of Education at Oklahoma State University. She holds an M.Ed in Educational Administration, Curriculum and Supervision from the University of Oklahoma and a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University.

In addition to addressing inequities in education systems, Erin is also passionate about maternal health disparities after the premature birth and extended NICU stay of her daughter.

Michelle is a lifelong teacher. She leads professional learning design, systems strategy, and coaching support for educators in Detroit.

Before joining Leading Educators, Michelle was the Vice Principal of Academics at the New Orleans Charter Science and Math High School, the same school where she learned that teaching is the best career in the world. She was previously a teacher educator at Southeastern Louisiana University and the Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP). She began her career in education as a high school English and reading teacher in New Orleans.

Michelle holds a Ph.D. from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Education. Her graduate work focused on classroom observation and effective literacy practices in secondary ELA classrooms. She earned a B.A. from New College of Florida where she pursued a dual concentration in Literature and Hispanic Language and Literature.

Michael leads our partnership with Charleston County School District.

Prior to joining Leading Educators, Michael served as a K-8 Common Core Math Subject Matter Expert for LearningList.com. Michael also worked in the DeKalb County Schools System, serving as a Coach and Curriculum Leader.

Michael earned his Master of Science in Education degree—majoring in Learning Design and Technology—at Purdue University, and his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Morehouse College. He is committed to providing opportunities for students in his community, leading college tours that have taken over 1700 students to tour local HBCUs. When not working, Michael enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and coaching youth football.

Mitchell Brookins is a teacher first, and he has spent years studying, exploring, and refining his practices to yield student learning. As an expert in instructional leadership, he leads implementation for our partnership with Baltimore City Public Schools.

Mitchell has taught on the Southside of Chicago, been a district leader of RtI and literacy in Chicago Public Schools, and served as a school administrator in Chicago Public Schools and New Orleans. Mitchell’s professional engagements include: Literacy Content Reviewer for EdReports, Professional Learning Facilitator for the National Board Professional Teaching Standards, Professional Development Facilitator for UnboundEd, and a member of the Board of Directors for The Reading League.

Mitchell's instructional leadership as a school administrator has yielded the following results: 19-point growth in the School Performance Score, which moved ReNEW Cultural Arts Academy from a “D” to a “C” in one year, an average of 24% growth in Math and 16% growth in Reading over two years at ARISE Academy, and finally, Dwight Eisenhower was recognized for having the greatest growth gains of all open-enrollment charters in New Orleans and the School Performance Score increased by 12 points which resulted in the school’s letter grade moving from a “D” to a “C” in one year.

Mitchell has a B.A. in Elementary Education and Religious Studies from Illinois Wesleyan University, a M.A. in Teacher Leadership from Roosevelt University, and is currently working on his dissertation to attain a PhD in Educational Administration at the University of New Orleans.

Shondele Gillens Vazquez, is a dancer, a lifelong learner, and educator committed to developing teacher leaders into effective advocates for scholars whose voices are silenced by trauma and inequitable practices. As an educator for eight years, an instructional coach on Chicago’s South and West Side for another eight and now transitioning to Instructional Leader, Shondele works daily to look beyond numbers into tangible practices that give scholars access and voices.

She enjoys creating spaces where educators share experiences and problems of practice in an effort to learn from one another and develop collegial relationships. She is rooted in the belief that teachers with an awareness of strengths and influence have a special set of leadership skills necessary to influence and support educational efforts to promote equity and advocacy for children of color.

Shondele is driven by her strong desire to be an advocate for students whose voices are not recognized as appropriately powerful. She is excited to be a part of a team that believes all kids deserve to be heard while being committed to the “dance” that empowers and liberates teachers to be leaders in this necessary work.

Dr. Kendra Thurmond is an educator who enjoys transforming mindsets around how math is taught and learned. She impacts student and teacher outcomes through coaching district and teacher leaders and designing content to increase opportunities for equitable learning.

Before joining Leading Educators, Dr. Kendra acquired 16 years of teaching and district leadership experience before transitioning to the edTech world via DreamBox Learning.

Dr. Kendra holds an Ed.D. of Professional Leadership in Mathematics Education from the University of Houston. She currently resides in the Houston metroplex with her husband, son, and two fur babies. Dr. Kendra enjoys spending time with her immediate family, going to the movies, and socializing with friends.

Regina is an instructional leadership coach who supports ELA coaches and PLC leaders at Charleston County Public Schools.

Regina joined Leading Educators from Shelby County Schools. She has been an educator for 15 years, serving as a teacher leader for the majority of her career. Throughout her career, Regina has supported colleagues become effective teachers that implement best practices and data-driven instruction.

She holds a B.S. in Education, a Master’s of Education in Reading Curriculum and Instruction, and a Master’s of Science in Human Resource Management.

Andrea "Fitz" Fitzgerald is an Instructional Leadership Coach for math in Charleston. She has been in education for 13 years and most recently served as the math lead with Instruction Partners where she worked with Memphis charter schools and networks. Fitz is also the author of the "Rookie's Playbook: A New Teacher's Practical Playbook to Thriving in the First Year's of Teaching". Prior to doing both ventures, she was a high school math advisor and math teacher at Shelby County Schools.

Fitz worked in the NBA for several years and entered the educational field thinking that it would just be "teaching math" but quickly learned that this work is truly about seeing students believe in themselves. Fitz earned a B.S. in Computer Information Systems from Carson-Newman College, a M.S. in Sports Management from Slippery Rock, and a M.A. from Cambridge College.

Olivia is a content specialist and coach fueled by the belief that literacy is a basic human right. She supports instructional leaders in Baltimore by leading ELA professional learning experiences and coaching.

Prior to joining Leading Educators, Olivia spent the last decade as a kindergarten teacher, curriculum specialist, and instructional coach for New Orleans public schools. She also facilitates ELA and Leadership development centered on educational equity for UnboundEd. Her impact was most recently highlighted in supporting instructional initiatives that yielded Eisenhower Elementary's “highest gains” recognition for all open-enrollment charter schools in New Orleans.

Olivia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Louisiana State University and is nearing completion of a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Xavier University in New Orleans. Olivia lives just outside of the city with her husband and toddler. She enjoys festivals, boating, and makeup artistry.

Ginny is an Instructional Leadership Coach partnering with schools within the LAUSD local districts to effectively implement their Math curriculum and give more equitable instruction for all their students.

Before joining Leading Educators, Ginny worked as the Special Education Manager for KIPP SoCal, supporting teachers to provide inclusive, strengths-based instruction for students in both general and special education settings. She started her career as a teacher at the University of Chicago Charter School serving students with various learning needs. She then worked as an Instructional Coach for the Academy of Urban School Leadership coaching and providing professional learning to teachers within the Chicago Public School district.

Ginny holds a Masters Degree in Childhood and Special Education from New York University. She currently lives in Long Beach, CA where she and her husband share their love of travel, sports, and food with their 2 daughters.

Cristle is a Director of Content and Coaching in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Before joining Leading Educators, Cristle worked as a Lead ELA and Social Studies Middle School Teacher at school in a rural community in Scott, Arkansas. Her very first lead teaching experience was at Celia Clinton Elementary School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Throughout her career as a teacher she has had the opportunity to develop and facilitate professional development for staff members and administration.

Cristle holds BA. in Studio Art with a Minor in Marketing from Florida State University, and a M.Ed from Arkansas State University. Cristle is a Florida girl through and through and nothing excites her more than a trip to the beach. During her free time you can find her creating in an array of mediums or just spending time in nature.

Reanna is an educator and facilitator. She works hard to develop strong professional development to support district leaders, coaches, and teachers in delivering high quality and equitable ELA instruction.

Before joining Leading Educators, Reanna partnered with districts across the country to implement strong ELA practices. She was a contributing author of the EL Education K-2 curriculum and taught in schools in several different states.

Reanna holds an M.A. from Columbia Teachers College. She currently lives in Charlotte, NC with her husband, daughter, and dog and enjoys spending time at festivals and fairs as often as possible.

George is a Director of Content - Math who designs professional learning experiences for instructional leaders in Los Angeles as they begin implementation of the Illustrative Math curriculum.

Prior to joining the LE staff, he worked at Teach for America training and supporting instructional coaches and corps members. During his 12 years in the classroom, he spent the majority of his time teaching 3rd and 4th grade, and he spent multiple years as a Director of Curriculum and Instruction supporting grades 3-8. LE has a special place in his heart, as he was also a member of LE’s 2012 Cohort.

George has a Masters in Elementary Education and BS in Psychology from Indiana University. He lives in New Orleans and is active in multiple Stonewall Sports leagues. He enjoys playing video games and walking his dog, Rex, on the bayou.

Tori is a Director of Content with Leading Educators. She supports school leaders and teachers in the Chicago area by designing professional development focused on providing students with equitable standards-based math instruction.

Previously with Leading Educators, she coached instructional leaders across Chicago as an Instructional Leadership Coach. Before joining Leading Educators, Tori worked as an instructional coach with a charter school in Chicago. She has worked in education for over 26 years as a teacher, Lead Teacher, Assistant Director, Math Coordinator, and Instructional Coach.

Tori holds a B.A. in Early Childhood Education from Tufts University and a M.A. in School Leadership from Concordia University. She lives in a suburb of Chicago where she enjoys exploring the different neighborhoods of Chicago, reading, baking, and spending time with friends and family.

Tina collaborates with school and district partners to promote standards-based instruction, equity awareness and robust adult learning communities. She enjoys facilitating workshops, designing content, leading observations and coaching with educators in Greater Grands Rapids.

Previously, Tina was an instructional coach and ELA teacher in South Florida, including two years as a Teach for America corps member. She also taught Math and Verbal post-secondary exam courses at Florida Atlantic University. While in the U.S. Peace Corps in the West Indies, Tina worked on projects including after-school learning centers, libraries and adult education classes.

Tina holds a Masters of Education from Florida Atlantic University and a B.A. in English-Journalism/Communications from Averett College. She holds certifications in English, Reading and School Guidance Counseling, and was proud to be a finalist for the 2016 GLSEN Educator of the Year Award.

Nick is a human catalyst. He is passionate about empowering teachers and supporting them to lead the charge in educational equity. He coaches teacher leaders and district coaches as a Director of Content and Coaching on the Tulsa Project

Previously, Nick coached 1st and 2nd year elementary teachers as a Manager of Teacher Leadership Development at Teach For America Greater Tulsa. His passion for supporting teachers came from his experience teaching 2nd grade in Tulsa Public Schools, coaching teachers at Summer Institutes, and facilitating content sessions for multiple grade levels.

Nick holds a Master’s Degree in Education Administration: Curriculum and Supervision from Oklahoma University-Tulsa. He also holds a BFA in Theater and a minor in Broadcast Journalism from Southern Methodist University. He lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with his fiance and their lovable cats Harvey and Oscar. If you’re in Tulsa you can likely find Nick performing in local productions, enjoying the food or a beverage in Tulsa, Crossfitting, or enjoying a nice cup of freshly brewed coffee.

Britney Wray leads design for Secondary Math in support of our Detroit partnership.

Prior to joining Leading Educators, Britney was a dedicated teacher turned school leader. Beginning her career as a high school math teacher in Fairfax County Public Schools, Britney enjoyed seeing the growth in both student success and student mindset. After 5 years, Britney became a founding teacher at Washington Leadership Academy, a Tier 1 public charter school in Washington, DC.

At WLA, Britney grew from founding math teacher to math instructional coach and assistant principal helping the school achieve its Tier 1 status through her development of the math program. Britney enjoys designing and facilitating professional developments and has partnered with organizations across the country to help educators achieve success in their classrooms. Britney enjoys vinyl crafting using her Silhouette Cameo machine and all things Virginia Tech! Go Hokies!

LeAnita is a partner to school teams within Chicago Public Schools, who uses her experiences in and out of the classroom to support them in working toward educational equity. She works to build capacity and understanding of equitable instructional practices through design and facilitation of curriculum specific professional learning for teachers as well as through coaching of school leaders and teacher teams.

Before joining Leading Educators, LeAnita provided targeted, individualized coaching to new teachers in schools within the Academy for Urban School Leadership (AUSL) network of Chicago Public Schools. That role evolved into a Network Instructional Coach where she supported teachers, teacher leaders, and school leaders in deepening their understanding of standards aligned instruction through coaching support and professional development. Prior to her work at AUSL, LeAnita was a primary and intermediate classroom teacher with Atlanta Public Schools and later with the University of Chicago Charter School-Donoghue Campus.


LeAnita holds a B.S in Early Childhood Development from Northern Illinois University and a M.A.Ed in Instructional Leadership from Argosy University.

Kristine is a passionate educator determined to make a positive impact on the educational landscape. She supports several schools in the Greater Grand Rapids areas.

Previously, Kristine worked as an elementary teacher in the Grand Rapids Area. She also spent time as a School Innovation Partner working closely with building leaders in schools with historically underserved students to develop systems of improvement to foster sustainable building transformation. Most recently, Kristine held the role of Curriculum Director where she developed systems of professional learning, supported the district instructional vision and established coaching structures to support teachers.

Kristine holds an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from Michigan State University and a B.A. in Elementary Education from Bethel University. She lives in Lake Odessa, Michigan, with her husband and three children. Kristine enjoys hiking, reading and being a parent cheerleader at her childrens’ events.

Kelsey is a coach and educator who is driven by her passion for making schools equitable and exceptional for every student. She works with schools in Detroit to advance educational equity through the design of sessions and district-wide tools aimed at optimizing rigorous classroom instruction.

Supporting others to be their best selves is what drives her. This began when she was teaching in Chicago Public Schools, nurturing both students and student teachers. It blossomed when she moved to New Orleans in 2010 to coach teachers as Manager of Teacher Leader Development at Teach for America, then deepened when she became the founding Assistant Principal at KIPP Leadership Primary, further honing her skills coaching teachers and leaders there for five years.

Kelsey holds an M.S. in Education from Northwestern University, a B.A. in Theater from Tulane University, and a High School Drama degree from UNC School of the Arts. Kelsey loves enjoying her city with her husband and two amazing kids.

Jen is an educator who is especially passionate about early childhood education and teaching kids how to read and write. As a Director of Content and Coaching, she leads the design and facilitation of learning experiences focused on understanding the science behind how brains learn to read and how to apply this knowledge. She also coaches educators around their planning and practice to ensure that all students receive high quality literacy instruction and become strong readers, and supports school teams to work toward systemic change..

Jen holds a B.S. in Child Development and an M.A. in Teaching and Curriculum, both from Michigan State University. Before joining Leading Educators, she was a classroom teacher for 10 years in Godwin Heights Public Schools and worked as a coach for a non-profit focused on supporting school transformation. She is honored to be able to serve the students and educators in the districts that she both attended and taught in.

Jen lives in Grand Rapids, MI with her teenage twins. She loves traveling, baking, surfing, going to concerts and comedy shows, spending time outside, and cooking.

Ashley believes all students deserve access to equitable instruction. As a director of content, she designs professional learning for Baltimore ELA coaches and teachers and works alongside literacy leaders in Oakland to build a K-5 professional learning system.

Ashley began her career as a 5th grade teacher in her hometown of Rockford, IL. She moved to pursue her graduate studies at Western Michigan University, where she served as a reading specialist in the university’s reading clinic and taught content area literacy upon graduation. Before joining Leading Educators, Ashley served as a Literacy Coach for two Chicago charter school campuses.

Ashley holds a M.A.Ed. in Literacy Studies from Western Michigan University and a B.S. in Elementary Education from Western Illinois University. Ashley lives in Chicago with her husband Daniel and her two sons Daniel Jr. and Dylan.

Ikecia is one of the Directors of Content and Coaching on our Charleston project. She loves coaching others professionally and personally because coaching has helped her find her niche in life and she would like to pay it forward.

Before joining Leading Educators, Ikecia served as Director of Math for Compass Community Schools in Memphis, TN. She also served as a professional development advisor for Shelby County Schools as well as a classroom teacher for Shelby County Schools in Memphis, TN..

Ikecia holds a Bachelor’s in Middle Grades Education: Math and Science from UT Chattanooga, a Masters’ in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Phoenix, and a leadership endorsement from Christian Brothers University. She lives in Huntsville, AL where she enjoys experiencing life with her husband, provides mentorship to high school senior girls through the AUM Foundation, and going for rides on her Peloton.

Rebecca enjoys working with complex teams to help improve the delivery of programs and strategies. As the Program Manager for our partnership with Charleston County School District, she supports implementation of curriculum-based professional learning and teacher leadership development.

Prior to joining Leading Educators, Rebecca worked at a large community foundation supporting grantmaking across the Chicago region and an environmental organization leading coalitions of nonprofits, businesses, and governmental entities to protect natural resources. Rebecca taught reading in Ghana for a semester as a volunteer and has also volunteered as a running coach and an adult literacy tutor. She is currently an associate board member of a workforce development organization.

Rebecca holds a Masters of Public Service Management from DePaul University and a B.S. in geology. She lives in Chicago and enjoys biking in and out of the city and travels abroad to hike, scuba dive, and eat new foods.

Kristina Rubio is passionate about creating spaces of belonging for students on every academic campus and serving the greater good in her communities. Blending her passion for education and connecting members of the community, she is responsible for programming, logistics, and data management for the Leading Educators team in Los Angeles.

Previously, Kristina served the San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles on behalf of the American Cancer Society via Relay for Life events where she empowered volunteers to engage with their communities to continue the fight against cancer. Additionally, she led the planning and execution of special events for the Stamp Student Union at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Kristina holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Tennessee and a Masters of Education in College Student Personnel Administration from James Madison University. She currently resides in Los Angeles where she can typically be found working on her yoga practice, trying to find the best breakfast burrito around, and planning which part of the world to explore next.

Ashley is a passionate and effective educator who adores children and living out her zeal for educational equity for all students. She contributes to programming, communication, and data management in her region and participates in national cross-collaboration projects within the organization.

Before joining Leading Educators, Ashley was an educator who was known for drastically turning around classroom environments and believing strongly in the JOY factor in her interactions with others. She also acted as a leader for other teachers through various leadership positions ranging from Leadership Cohort to a Grade Level Chair.

Ashley holds a B.A. in English Education from Northeastern State University. She lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma and spends her free time enjoying music and movies, hanging with her husband and chasing her toddler daughter through life.

Danielle Parker is the Program Manager for Chicago-based partnerships. She joined Leading Educators as a recent classroom teacher after navigating in-person and virtual instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Danielle taught in Kansas City, MO and Chicago for five years. In her free time, she enjoys listening to comedy shows, reading a good book, or spending time outdoors.

Albert is a father, partner, and lifelong Lakers fan. As the Managing Director, Albert leads the Program Strategy team’s innovation and cross-team systems work in close collaboration with projects, networks, and the Data and Evaluation team.

He most recently served as the program director for The Broad Residency, where he was responsible for the strategy, design, and execution of the learning experiences that developed K-12 leaders, ensuring they have the skills and mindsets necessary to lead effectively and equitably. Prior to The Broad Center, served as deputy director of operations and program expansion for Ramapo for Children, managing director of program design for iMentor, and national director of education for YouthBuild USA.

Albert holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in philosophy from Boston College and a Masters of Education in Education Leadership from Boston University with a graduate certificate in program planning, management, monitoring and evaluation. He is also a proud graduate of Los Angeles Unified School District.

Alex is a committed early education advocate, leader, and constant learner, driven by our youngest learners who are our future. She leads the design of ECE-specific professional development, previously leading similar partnership with the Early Childhood Education team at Tulsa Public Schools.

Before joining Leading Educators Alex advised and coached district leaders on academic strategy, goals, and progress-monitoring approaches for early childhood education and early literacy. Alex began her career teaching in California and has since spent her time leading teams coaching and training both novice and veteran teachers and leaders.

When Alex was in college, one of her favorite professors had a sign on his door that read, “Students don’t interrupt my work; they are my work.” She tries to keep students, both those in the districts she currently works with and the ones she has taught, top of mind each day.

Antoinette Melvin serves as Leading Educators' strategy leader for support and innovation around ELA instruction. She has a strong passion for English language arts, seeing it not only as an important field in education but also as a powerful tool to be utilized in the mission toward an equitable future for all.

Antoinette was most recently a senior associate at edCount, LLC, where she worked with federal, state, and district-level clients nationwide on projects related to ELA content development, assessments, and data. In addition, she worked to initiate the company’s equity mission as the Director of Antiracism and Equity. She spent several years as an ELA teacher, curriculum specialist, and instructional coach in southeast North Carolina.

She holds a B.S. in Secondary English Education and an M.A. in English with a focus on multicultural and transnational literatures, both from East Carolina University. Literacy is truly her life as she spends much of her time reading, writing, and keeping herself open to learning and growing through new experiences.

Rachel is an analytical, data-driven educator who is passionate about math education and its connection to building equitable schools for all students. She leads the development of math professional learning.

Previously, Rachel was a founding math teacher and instructional coach at a turnaround school that posted the highest gains in New Orleans in its founding year. Rachel worked as a math content specialist at Achievement Network. Most recently, she served as a network-based math director where she led the adoption and implementation of high-quality math curricula and coached school leaders and teachers in content and use of data.

Rachel holds a B.A. in American Studies from Lafayette College and an Ed.M. in Education Policy & Management from Harvard Graduate School of Education. She lives in New Orleans with her wife, Jenna, and 9-month-old son, Adrian

Maxine is a strategic leader with deep experience in Development and Operations. From her time with organizations like City Year, the American Lung Association, the Girl Scouts, and most recently, the ACLU of Wisconsin, Maxine knows the power of strong coalitions and strategic thinking.

Maxine received her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication from UW-Milwaukee. She is a member of various national professional organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and Women of Color in Philanthropy. Maxine also has experience serving on the ad hoc community-based finance committee for a suburban Milwaukee school district.

Maxine is passionate about all things social justice, loves music, and is unabashedly obsessed with most reality television shows. She is happiest with her wife Shana raising their two sons Lincoln and Lucas not far from the shores of the beautiful Lake Michigan.

Adan is a communications and public policy strategist who is driven to elevate educator and student voices in social change. He leads LE’s storytelling, advocacy, and community engagement efforts.

Previously, Adan served as Associate Director and Manager of Communications at Leading Educators. He also supported 30 open-enrollment public charter schools in Washington, D.C. to strengthen teacher leadership as a regional Program Manager and served on the steering committee for two national institutes. Before that, Adan developed evaluation strategies for educator voice programs in NY, CO, and MI at America Achieves. He has also coached social entrepreneurs and co-instructed courses in public leadership with the College Park Scholars and Rawlings Undergraduate Leadership Fellows programs at the University of Maryland.

Adan holds a M.P.P in social policy and nonprofit management from the University of Maryland and a B.A. with Honors in political science from the University of Arizona. He lives in Washington, D.C. and spends his free time volunteering as a board member for NewMexicoKidsCAN, taking in the arts, playing intramural kickball, and performing the occasional karaoke solo.

Laura is an experienced content creator who believes the best way to engage an audience is to tell a compelling story. She supports organizational storytelling, digital community building, and media relations.

Laura joined Leading Educators after working in television production for 17 years. She has produced hundreds of hours of television for national cable and broadcast networks including CBS, Hallmark Channel, SyFy, and Destination America and earned a daytime Emmy nomination.

Laura holds a B.A. with honors in Broadcast Journalism from UW-Milwaukee and a M.S. in Television Production from Boston University. She lives in Stevens Point, WI and spends her free time helping on her family’s sheep farm, spending time with her niece and nephew, and spoiling her rescue dogs, Alice & Charlie.

Kali is the Manager of Development. She contributes to Leading Educators’ fundraising efforts through grants and database management, and supports her team with donor communications, prospecting, and research.

Before joining Leading Educators, Kali was the Development Relations Manager at the ACLU of Wisconsin, working with a portfolio of donors to increase philanthropic support, managing donor communications, and implementing stewardship activities. Prior to this role, she was the Development Coordinator for the ACLU of Wisconsin, providing frontline support for members and donors, and managing the organization’s grants and database.

Kali holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, with a minor in Communications, from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. She currently resides in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with her husband and dog, Millie, and enjoys spending her free time exploring the city with her family.

Venecia is an experienced office professional with over a decade of experience in administration. She supports both the CEO & CERO, providing administrative and management support as well as partnering with the broader Leading Educators team.

Before joining Leading Educators,Venecia worked for Memorial Hermann Healthcare System where she provided administrative support to senior leadership. Her primary role provided full support of the executive office including assistance with operational, financial, and strategic project management.

Venecia is a Certified Administrative Professional by the International Association of Administrative Professionals. She has 3 daughters ages 10, 12, and 17. In her leisure time, she enjoys the outdoors, yoga and spa treatments.

Rebecca believes school systems deserve access to strong evidence and useful data about what will serve their students and communities, and that those most impacted by initiatives to improve teaching and learning should play an active role in research about their impact. She leads the design of the overall evaluation strategy, collaboration with external researchers, and qualitative and text analysis for impact studies.

Over the past nine years, Rebecca has worked to increase the rigor and usefulness of data at Leading Educators, by building internal capacity to complete regular research studies using quasi-experimental methods, engaging students, teachers. and leaders in action research and qualitative research designs, and leading the team to develop and implement tools for measurement and data storytelling.

Rebecca holds an M.A. in Anthropology from Tulane University and a B.A. in Anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley.

Tim is a proud data nerd with a passion for making evidence accessible to all stakeholders. He supports network teams to adapt our national evaluation strategy to their local contexts and unique partnership needs. He also designs tools for evaluating the school- and system-level conditions that enable effective teacher professional learning.

Before joining Leading Educators, Tim served as Project Director for a three-year, collaborative grant focused on bullying prevention and school climate improvement. Prior to that, he spent nearly a decade conducting research and evaluation within the education and mental health fields.

Tim holds a B.A. in Psychology from Northwestern University and later earned his Ph.D. in Community and Prevention Research from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He is a former Fellow with the Strategic Data Project at the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University.

Ariana is a research analyst who strongly believes in the power of education as an instrument for liberation and happiness. She leads the student impact analysis and data storytelling of impact across regions.

Before joining Leading Educators, Ariana worked as a Pre-K-6 Spanish teacher and was an advocate and volunteer at her childrens’ schools. She also worked as a research assistant on rural development and poverty issues at the Venezuelan Institute for Scientific Research.

Ariana holds an M.S. in Government Analytics from Johns Hopkins University and a B.A. in Economics from the Andrés Bello Catholic University. She lives in Rockville and spends her free time enjoying the company of her three children, husband, and dog.

Tim is an educator and learner who is passionate about using data to help schools pursue equity and social justice. He supports the data and evaluation team in their data usage, storage, reporting, and visualizations.

Before joining Leading Educators, Tim attended the Ohio State University where he studied the Philosophy and History of Education while teaching educational ethics to preservice teachers. He expects to complete his PhD in 2023. Tim has also worked as a data scientist for The Public Education Foundation of Chattanooga and as a math interventionalist for local public schools.

Tim holds an MBA in Business Analytics and a BS in Economics and Finance from The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Tim spends his free time adventuring with his family and has recently started a podcast on the educational philosophy of parenting with his partner.

Marques designs and drives the organization’s national talent acquisition strategy with a strategic focus on equity, inclusion and employee engagement.

His corporate experience ranges from highly matrixed multinational corporations to small startups and entrepreneurial endeavors. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame with degrees in both Finance and Japanese and spent a year of immersive study in Japanese language, culture and business at Nanzan University in Nagoya, Japan. He and his family are proud to call New Orleans home.

Saya is a people person who loves to support others to make the change they want to see. She leads internal goal setting, cross-functional collaboration, and healthy organizational growth as the Managing Director of Organizational Effectiveness.

Previously, Saya led COVID-19 preparedness, internal communications and emergency response, manager development, and internal culture initiatives as the Director of People and Culture. Before that, Saya worked on the LEAP project with DC Public Schools, also overseeing operations and event management of LE national and DC’s LEAP summer training conferences.

Before joining LE, Saya served in various roles at Teach for America for eleven years, including Managing Director of Talent, Strategy and Operations for the South Carolina region, Director of Operations Training, Director of Institute Operations for the Philadelphia Summer Institute, and Operations Coordinator. She also worked as an English teacher at a junior high school in Hitachiomiya, Japan.

Saya graduated from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, with a degree in International Studies and Spanish. She is certified in Mental Health First Aid and is working toward Diversity Coach Certification through the Coach Diversity Institute. Saya also supports Lead4Liberation as a BIPOC Advisory Council Member and facilitator. She grew up in Charleston, South Carolina, and currently lives in Washington, DC.

In her free time, Saya enjoys running and cycling and is an avid sports fan. She is also a dog mom to Clipper, a baker of vegan desserts, and an adoring aunt to four amazing nephews.

Yaa is a finance professional with an affinity for mission oriented work. She works with the finance team focused on financial reporting, receivables and all other areas that facilitate the smooth functioning of the financial team. Before joining Leading Educators, Yaa has served as Director of a school and supported the financial operations of non-profit organizations.

Yaa holds a J.D and an MBA (finance) from Howard University and a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Morgans State University.

Yaa loves to be in the outdoors learning, hiking and preserving the environment. She is a novice gardener and enjoys traveling near and far to new and favorite places.

Lisa is a human capital leader who is committed to dismantling systems of oppression so that all children can thrive in schools. She leads efforts to strengthen employee engagement, designing and implementing talent management and development programs across Leading Educators.

Prior to joining Leading Educators, Lisa served as the Director of Talent on the South Carolina Regional Team of Teach For America. Before moving down South, Lisa worked as an Associate Director of Recruitment at Uncommon Schools for two years after being promoted from the Recruitment Coordinator Role. She began her career in education support work serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA member at North Star Academy, part of the Uncommon Schools network in Newark, NJ.

Lisa holds a B.A. in Sociology from The George Washington University. She lives in Goose Creek, South Carolina, and enjoys spending time with family and friends, frequent trips to Folly Beach and listening to really loud music on long car drives.

Emily always appreciates the opportunity to grow and learn professionally and personally.

Before joining Leading Educators, Emily spent seven years working in Higher Education and Healthcare Innovation for 2 years. In these capacities Emily helped with new technology adoptions, empowered users to become comfortable within their hardware and software environment through training, and researched the latest trends and innovations.

Emily Bean holds a B.S. Degree from Bradley University in Management Information Systems and a MBA in IT Management from WGU. Emily lives in the midwest with her husband and three kids.

Alexandra is a problem solver and systems builder who is inspired by what’s possible when smart people come together to solve complex problems. She leads internal projects.

As a student, Alexandra found belonging through theater. After college she became a theater teaching artist to cultivate environments where all students could find community and share their stories. Struck by the disparity in access to arts programs that she saw, Alexandra was driven to ensure all students have access to the resources they need to thrive. She is excited to support Leading Educators’ staff as they partner with schools across the nation.

Previously, Alexandra was a member of the LEAP D.C. team as a Program Coordinator at Leading Educators. Alexandra holds a degree from Mount Holyoke College. She lives in Washington, D.C.

Ty works in technology and operations developing onboarding, systems and technology training, and supporting virtual staff. She manages technology and office vendor relationships across all LE cities and leads strategic processes to meet new and emerging partnership needs with technology innovations.

Before joining Leading Educators, Ty worked with undergraduate and graduate students as a tutor in the Writing Resource Center at Xavier University of Louisiana.

Ty received her B.A. in English from Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans, and attended public, private, and charter schools throughout Orleans Parish. As a poet and New Orleans native, her primary influences have been jazz, superstition, and local colloquialisms. Ty now lives in the Lower 9th Ward with her labradors, Parish and DeLille, and takes some promising amateur photographs.

Mimi supports hiring, internal communications, team logistics, team data, and the overall effectiveness of the People Team.

Mimi first joined Leading Educators as an undergraduate intern with the Data and Evaluation team. After graduating, she transitioned to being a part-time People coordinator and temporary executive support coordinator. She did not anticipate starting her career off in the education field but was motivated to learn more about education equity after joining LE.

Mimi graduated with a BA in Applied Psychology at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She was raised in Chicago, where she still resides. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her dog and trying new baking recipes.