Who We Are
Consult4Ed Group is a woman-owned business passionate about working with individuals, schools, universities, and organizations to support them in meeting the needs of their communities in holistic, authentic, and meaningful ways. Collectively representing many years of practice- and research-based experience in teaching and learning, our team brings a multitude of expertise and contacts to our work together. Our team includes researchers, educators, facilitators, instructional designers, curriculum developers, project managers, graphic designers, and visual artists. Because of the breadth and depth of experience and expertise across our growing team, we conveniently serve as a one-stop shop for the projects we work on.
Based on the projects we have, we build powerhouse teams to meet the unique needs of each and every one of our clients in intentional and meaningful ways. Our work is worldwide, and in every decision we make, we are intentional about keeping diversity, equity, and inclusion at the center of what we do. Our organization is committed to being anti-racist. Internally, we are continuously building a team that is representative of the diversity that exists in the world. As such, our team is diverse in age, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, physical and mental ability, religion, citizenship, ethnicity, and perspective. We believe in providing a safe, collaborative, and inclusive space where everyone feels heard and seen. When people feel valued and respected, they have a sense of belonging and contribute creatively and innovatively. The diversity of our team also provides us with continuous opportunities to keep our finger on the pulse of those we serve to ensure our programming is culturally responsive and meeting the needs especially of people of color and culture and those who identify as LGBTQIA2S+. We strongly believe in the power of representation. We are intentional about the professionals, businesses, and organizations with which we partner as well as the organizations from which we seek funding, ensuring that they too have DEI and a commitment to anti-racism at the center of their work. Ensuring that every person has a place at the table and that all of the humans we serve receive the services they need to thrive is essential to our mission.
Our team is constantly growing. If you’re interested in joining the team of consultants, please email kathryn@consult4ed.group.
Our Team
Brenda Maurao has been a dedicated educator for over twenty years, eleven of which have been in school and district administration, primarily at the elementary level. Five years ago she left school administration to become the Assistant Director of Elementary Education in Framingham. She has supported all areas of curriculum, instruction, and assessment across 9 elementary schools and in collaboration with the secondary team. After her first year in Framingham, Brenda was placed on special assignment at Stapleton Elementary School in Framingham as principal to improve systems and supports during some administration challenges. She worked with school and district teams to rebuild this school by prioritizing culture, inclusivity, and health and safety. After returning briefly to district work in Framingham this past fall, Brenda was hired by the Belmont Public Schools to serve as the principal of the Mary Lee Burbank Elementary School (K-4) which began in January 2022. Brenda also serves as a program supervisor for student teachers at Framingham State University, MASCD board member, Soul of Leadership Fellow through MASCD, and mentor to school leaders. She lives in Holliston, MA with her husband Michael, daughter Lucy and son Max.
With experience in the business, education, and nonprofit sectors, Kate Mayfield brings a deep knowledge of best practices in education, as well as strategies to effectively implement and manage projects and programs. Innovative and results-driven instructional designer with a robust background in project management, curriculum development, and educational technology. Skilled in designing engaging learning experiences and leading cross-functional teams to achieve their goals.
Kate approaches projects with a user-centered, solution oriented approach. She taught middle school English for seven years before moving into the nonprofit sector. She holds a BA in English from Louisiana State University, as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching from Eastern Kentucky University and a Master of Education in School Administration from Murray State University.
Kate worked with a nonprofit for four years to bring innovative practices to teaching and curriculum in Kentucky’s schools. Additionally, Kate led the Kentucky Online Learning Experience Collaborative convening district online programs together to determine collective best practices, provide support and professional learning, as well as continuous improvement efforts.
Verbal and visual language has been a running theme throughout Lisa’s professional and personal journey. From a childhood filled with fine art extracurriculars and notebooks crammed with creative writing, to a dual education in journalism and graphic design, to helping her Ethiopian-born son learn English, Lisa has been ever fascinated with the power of art, writing, music, and dialogue to communicate and connect. Prior to Paraphrase Communications, Lisa founded and operated Blue Marble Creative for sixteen years where she led communication strategy, brand identity and message development, and design execution for her clients. Lisa was also responsible for Blue Marble’s marketing activities and business operations including co-management of Blue Marble’s team. Near the end of 2016, Lisa sold her ownership interest in Blue Marble to her business partner so she could shift her focus to incorporate more writing and teaching into her work.
Verbal and visual language has been a running theme throughout Lisa’s professional and personal journey. From a childhood filled with fine art extracurriculars and notebooks crammed with creative writing, to a dual education in journalism and graphic design, to helping her Ethiopian-born son learn English, Lisa has been ever fascinated with the power of art, writing, music, and dialogue to communicate and connect. Prior to Paraphrase Communications, Lisa founded and operated Blue Marble Creative for sixteen years where she led communication strategy, brand identity and message development, and design execution for her clients. Lisa was also responsible for Blue Marble’s marketing activities and business operations including co-management of Blue Marble’s team. Near the end of 2016, Lisa sold her ownership interest in Blue Marble to her business partner so she could shift her focus to incorporate more writing and teaching into her work.
Laura Jeanne ("Jeannie") Penrod's journey as a high school educator has spanned 18 years in the Clark County School District, and she is the 2024 Nevada State Teacher of the Year. Jeannie teaches disciplines ranging from special education to English language learners and varying English language arts and career technical education teachers and training programs. She facilitates meaningful learning experiences with students using project-based learning (PBL) and social-emotional learning (SEL) to foster student reflection and advocacy. Passionate about teacher leadership, Jeannie has engaged in local, statewide, national, and global fellowships. She is a contributing columnist with The Nevada Independent, a published author, and has spoken and provided professional development at local and national conferences.
Alejandra Ramos Gómez is a bilingual consultant and trainer passionate about the intersection of arts, education, and wellness. She holds a Master’s in Bilingual Education from Southern Methodist University and a Master's in Human Development and Education from Harvard University, where she worked as a research assistant at the Ecological Approaches to Social Emotional Learning (EASEL) Lab. Further, Alejandra is certified in Mindfulness Training and Dance Therapy and has extensive experience in facilitation across the US and Latin America. As a former public school teacher in Texas, she led culturally responsive SEL and multilingual education initiatives for diverse students and families. She currently collaborates with local and international institutions, including Consult4Ed Group, UNICEF, and K-12 schools. Alejandra is also a doctoral student at Johns Hopkins University, specializing in Neurodiversity and Neuroeducation.
As a yoga teacher, Margo strives to bring thoughtfulness and sensitivity to the yoga space so that students may attend to their own inquiry and get what it is they need from the practice. The classes she teaches combine detailed alignment, fluid breath, somatic movement, and heart-based themes. In addition to her experience as an instructor, she facilitates a signature Restorative yoga teacher training program. She has an intense curiosity to understand what it means to be human. She is inspired by people’s resiliency and creativity and the ways that they embody their truth through writing, movement, music and art. She is currently enrolled in the Masters of Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Goddard College in Vermont where she is studying body-based psychotherapy.
