Greater Grand Rapids

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.

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.

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.

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.