Dr. Colin Ackerman - Consultant
Dr. Colin Ackerman is an experienced researcher and educator obsessed with exploring practical ways to innovate the K12 classroom space. After beginning his career as an early elementary teacher in Nashville, TN, he decided to pursue a career in research. In graduate school, Colin explored technology implementation in classrooms through the lens of developing democratic values (e.g., collaboration, critical thinking, responsible dissent) in a social world where technology is increasingly ubiquitous and pervasive. He then shifted his focus to Social Emotional Learning (SEL), serving as a researcher and lead SEL curriculum reviewer at the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL). Today, Colin works as a full-time K12 Research Consultant based in the Chicago Area. Colin holds a B.A. in Mass Communication, an M.Ed in Instructional Leadership & Practice, and a Ph.D. in Media Studies.
Dr. Elizabeth Anderson - Consultant
Dr. Elizabeth Anderson holds a bachelor’s of science in biochemistry and molecular biology certification; masters of science in instructional design and technology with a focus in online learning and is a Ph.D. in research methods and statistics. Dr. Anderson’s dissertation uses continuous online student behaviors in a partial credit Rasch model to measure online student engagement levels for online students in grades three through eight. Dr. Anderson has extensive experience in research- action and empirical research in both education and natural sciences- including research method development, data collection and management techniques, and inferential data analysis. Additionally, Dr. Anderson has experience working with large data sets, datamining techniques, and measure/model development techniques.
Dr. Catherine Atkinson - Consultant
Dr. Catherine Atkinson is a researcher and edtech instructor. Dr. Atkinson’s passion for meaningful learning with technology stemmed from her work as a classroom teacher in a district where technology devices were available, but often were not used to support engaging and active learning experiences for students. She has experience conducting needs assessments, field observations, and focus groups, as well as analyzing qualitative data using thematic analysis. Dr. Atkinson has conducted program evaluations to determine the efficacy of technology to influence teacher technology practices as well as students’ perceived satisfaction with technology-mediated learning. In addition to her work as a learning consultant, Dr. Atkinson has presented at over 75 regional and national conferences in the areas of technology integration, differentiation, gifted learning, and digital literacy. Her research interests and publications focus on ways to integrate meaningful learning with technology in K-12 / teacher education and social emotional learning. Dr. Atkinson holds a B.A. in psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, a M.S. in Educational Technology from California State University, Fullerton, and an Ed.D. from Johns Hopkins University.
Dr. Carey Borkoski - Consultant
Dr. Carey Borkoski is an Associate Professor in the School of Education at Loyola University Maryland. Dr. Borkoski has expertise and experience in student onboarding, coaching, and identity. Her research publications and projects sit at the intersection of belonging, educating the whole person, leadership, and learning. Carey has published scholarship on best practices for online learning including cultivating community, connections, and belonging. She has written about faculty identity development, well-being, and the role of value congruence in cultivating inclusive and welcoming spaces for faculty and students. Most recently, Carey published her first book about noticing, naming, and navigating personal and professional transitions. Along with her research team, Dr. Borkoski is currently using data from her podcast to explore the many faces of belonging in schools, leadership, and during a global pandemic.
Dr. Nandita Dinesh - Consultant
Nandita holds a PhD in Drama from the University of Cape Town in South Africa, an MA in Performance Studies from the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, and a BA in Economics & Theater from Wellesley College. An alumna of the United World College movement, Nandita has conducted community-based theatre projects in Kashmir, India, the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. In 2017, she was awarded the Elliott Hayes Award for Outstanding Achievement in Dramaturgy by Literary Managers and Dramaturgs of the Americas. Currently Nandita is working on writing projects across genres, and as an independent consultant with organizations that center education, the arts, and/or social impact.
Dr. Wendy Drexler - Consultant
Dr. Wendy Drexler has been a champion for empowered online learning for over 20 years. As assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University, she redesigned and managed the Digital Age Learning and Educational Technology MS Program. Prior to that, Wendy served as Chief Innovation Officer for the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and continues to serve as ISTE faculty. Most recently she worked on the development of the ISTE Certified Educator program. As Director of Online Development at Brown University, she led the design and production of Brown’s first online master degree programs. As a post doc at the University of Florida, she managed the research portion of the Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) federal Title II grant across 23 school districts in Florida. Before earning a Ph.D and Ed.S in educational technology, Wendy managed eLearning design teams at IBM and AT&T. She has taught in elementary, middle, and high school in both public and Independent school settings. As a high school teacher, she developed the first blended learning courses for Shorecrest Preparatory School in St. Petersburg. Her research interests include student construction of personal learning environments, balancing teacher control with student agency, and advancing the processes that support empowered online learning.
Dr. Sherrell Hendrix - Consultant
Sherrell J. Hendrix, Ph.D. is a strategic leader and equity-driven consultant dedicated to coaching mission-driven organizations on operational excellence and sustainable growth strategies. Her expertise spans strategic planning, organizational culture, and racial equity. She has collaborated with nonprofits, government agencies, and educational institutions to streamline operations, strengthen infrastructure, and achieve lasting impact. Dr. Hendrix enjoys partnering with organizations to define success, co-create actionable priority plans, and provide the tools and accountability needed to achieve their goals. She is deeply committed to fostering equitable and sustainable practices that allow organizations to scale their impact.
Dr. Rebecca Itow - Consultant
Dr. Rebecca C. Itow is Principal of IU High School Online. She earned her PhD in Learning Sciences from Indiana University, and was a public high school teacher. Driven to facilitate safe spaces for learners to navigate their academic journeys in valuable and valued ways, Rebecca researches, designs, and implements Responsive Online Pedagogical practices in online learning environments. Her work guides current University & community partnerships that innovate online teaching, learning, and design.
EDU Café Contributions
Podcast Episodes
Blog Posts
Dr. Kathryn Kennedy - Founder & Principal
Dr. Kathryn Kennedy is founder and principal consultant of Consult4ED Group. In the past, Kathryn served as the Director of the Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute, the research arm of Michigan Virtual, Director of Research for the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) (now the Aurora Institute), adjunct professor and advisor for the Ed.D. program at the Johns Hopkins University School of Education, and assistant professor of instructional technology at Georgia Southern University. She served on the Leadership Team for the National Standards for Quality Online Learning. She is one of the founding editors-in-chief of both the Journal of Online Learning Research and the Handbook of Research on K-12 Online and Blended Learning. In addition to her love for education and research is her love for wellness. She combined her work in education and wellness to serve as founder and executive director of Wellness for Educators, formerly a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and now a program of Consult4Ed Group, that is invested in and passionate about supporting educators worldwide with research-based, trauma- and equity-informed trainings, coaching, and strategies for social, emotional, mental, and physical health and wellbeing through a variety of somatic (or mind-body) practices. She is author of the book The Mind-Body Connection for Educators (Jossey-Bass, spring 2023). Kathryn is also a certified somatics coach and is accepting individual and group coaching clients through Embodied Change Coaching.
EDU Café Contributions
Blog Posts
Liz Kennedy - Project Associate
Liz’s work at Consult4ED Group focuses on project management, finances, website design, instructional design, proofreading, and editing. She also serves as the Chief Operations Officer of Wellness for Educators. Liz holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Science with certification in Early Childhood Education from Lesley University and has worked as an administrator and project manager for health-related and education-based organizations for over 25 years. Liz is a yoga practitioner and earned a 500-hr Yoga Teacher Training certificate (YTT).
Kim Loomis - Consultant
Kim Loomis has over 20 years in growing K-12 digital learning, from online teaching, virtual school admin, course design, supporting pedagogical shift, and designing deployment models. She retired in 2019 as the Director of Digital Learning in Nevada’s Clark County (the 5th largest) and continues to support digital learning nationwide. Her passion is to help others create actively engaging learning environments so that students are empowered to take ownership of their own learning.
Abigail Manahan - Consultant
Abigail “Abby” Manahan grew up in rural Maine, 50 miles northwest of Bangor and attended both public and town academy schools. The fields, farms, and forests of Alna remind her of her childhood in Atkinson, as does the independent and industrious mindset of her neighbors. She has a deep understanding of the importance of the significance that education represents for small communities. Abby has been a resident of Alna since 2004. As a certified science teacher, she brings 22 years of educator experience to the table. She has taught in Rockland and Auburn public schools, developed science and project-based curriculum, evaluated program effectiveness, and been a strong advocate for at-risk students. A common theme throughout her career has been supporting teachers in professional growth. After four years of service to the Maine Department of Education, she returned to directly support teachers and students with instructional technology in the Boothbay Region Schools. She holds a bachelor’s degree in marine science and a master’s degree in science education, both from the University of Maine, Orono.
Abigail “Abby” Manahan grew up in rural Maine, 50 miles northwest of Bangor and attended both public and town academy schools. The fields, farms, and forests of Alna remind her of her childhood in Atkinson, as does the independent and industrious mindset of her neighbors. She has a deep understanding of the importance of the significance that education represents for small communities. Abby has been a resident of Alna since 2004. As a certified science teacher, she brings 22 years of educator experience to the table. She has taught in Rockland and Auburn public schools, developed science and project-based curriculum, evaluated program effectiveness, and been a strong advocate for at-risk students. A common theme throughout her career has been supporting teachers in professional growth. After four years of service to the Maine Department of Education, she returned to directly support teachers and students with instructional technology in the Boothbay Region Schools. She holds a bachelor’s degree in marine science and a master’s degree in science education, both from the University of Maine, Orono.
Kate Mayfield - Consultant
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.
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.
Dr. Saro Mohammed - Consultant
Saro Mohammed holds a Ph.D. in educational psychology from The University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Science in brain and cognitive sciences from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She is Founder and Principal of Ed Research Works where she works to ensure research equitably improves K-12 learning experiences.
Saro Mohammed holds a Ph.D. in educational psychology from The University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Science in brain and cognitive sciences from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She is Founder and Principal of Ed Research Works where she works to ensure research equitably improves K-12 learning experiences.
Jeff Renard - Consultant
Jeff is the Founder and Director of the Vermont Virtual Learning Cooperative (VTVLC), Vermont’s statewide K-12 online learning program created in 2009. VTVLC serves thousands of students through a unique partnership of schools; connecting students with courses that are not offered locally, not accessible due to scheduling conflicts, or that are not offered at times that help them achieve success. In addition, Jeff also is the founder of the Northeast Online Teaching Institute (NEOTI) which provides Graduate level professional development preparing educators to facilitate both online and blended learning. NEOTI offers a Certificate in Online Teaching which prepares educators to obtain the Vermont Agency of Education’s endorsement as an Online Teaching Specialist (OTS). Jeff has over 34 years of teaching and education administration experience in Career Technical Education, Academics, Online and Blended Learning, and Professional Learning through the Graduate level. He holds a Master of Science Degree in Information Technology and numerous Graduate Certificates in School Administration, Web Design, Internet Teaching, as well as a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Educational Philosophy and Technology, an Associate Degree in Electronic Technology, and another in Educational and Instructional Technology.
Dr. Mary Rice - Consultant
Mary F. Rice is an Assistant Professor of Literacy at the University of New Mexico. She earned a PhD in curriculum and teaching from the University of Kansas. Mary was a postdoctoral researcher at the federally funded Center on Online Learning and Students with Disabilities. She is also an Online Learning Consortium Emerging Scholar (2018) and has been a Michigan Virtual Learning Research Institute fellow since 2016. In 2020, Mary was part of the team that received the Creative Works Award for Innovative Scholarship in distance learning. Her publication experience has been extensive. Mary is a senior assistant editor for Online Learning journal. She also co-edited a special issue of Distance Education focused on criticality and diversity in open, flexible, distance learning environments in 2020. Mary edited the book, Exploring Pedagogies for Diverse Learners Online in 2015 (Emerald). She is also the co-editor of a forthcoming book, Designing Critical Intersectional Online Teaching and Learning (Routledge).
Jonathan Santos Silva - Consultant
Jonathan Santos Silva has been a trouble-making, system-breaking leader in education for over 12 years. You may know him from his work as Founder of The Liber Institute and as Chairman of The Bored of Ed Podcast, but Jonathan can also be credited with contributions to the Cambiar Catalyst Fellowship and South Dakota’s Native American Achievement Schools. Jonathan has been recognized for his work as a classroom teacher, founding school leader, and leadership coach, and is a sought after speaker due to his engaging and uplifting style. He holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Northeastern University and an M.A. in Education Administration from the University of South Dakota and currently resides in Rhode Island with his wife, four children, and two dogs.
EDU Café Contributions
Podcast Episodes
Aaron Schorn - Consultant
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.
Aaron is a father, teacher, and learner. Aaron is Head of Growth and Learning at Unrulr where he works to make learning visible and joyful. He is also a teacher, program director, and co-designer of student-agency-driven learning communities around the globe. His work is focussed on apprenticeship, craftsmanship, storytelling, and providing youth the space, time, resources, and methodologies to turn their ideas into iterative realities. Aaron's professional background is in education, international business, digital storytelling, and operations/management. At the Nalukai Foundation, Aaron creates and implements entrepreneurship schema and curriculum rooted in culture, hustles to find mentors, and waxes poetic on authentic storytelling.
Jean Sharp - Consultant
With more than 30 years of executive leadership and management experience in the education and software publishing industry, Jean has led content development and instructional design teams in the creation of digital learning solutions that meet the learning needs of our K-12 students and educators today. For the past ten years, Jean served as the Chief Academic Officer and Vice President of Content Development at Apex Learning where she was responsible for driving academic leadership in the market and setting the vision for curriculum and instructional design in Apex’s digital learning solutions. Today, Jean engages in relevant and meaningful ways to support education by aligning her research and writing with her commitment to improving the learning and life outcomes for all students. Jean serves on several Curriculum Advisory Boards as well as the Executive Committee for the Digital Learning Collaborative. Jean has written numerous articles and blogs and participated in many webinars and conference presentations on topics that impact education.
My Why:
I am driven by a core belief that all children deserve access to high-quality learning opportunities to reach their full potential. As a young girl, my parents instilled in me both the value and importance of education and I have dedicated my career to supporting great teaching and learning, both in the classroom and online.
I have chosen education as my life’s work. And, like others who have made a similar choice, I believe with conviction that our job, in fact, our responsibility is to support the students we’re serving. We must strive to make learning accessible to every student. While we understand the time, pace, path, and place for learning may be different, there is no question that it’s the learning that matters. Now, more than ever, we recognize that our success depends on our ability to navigate the future of education together.
Jessica Shopoff - Consultant
Jessica Shopoff is the Director of Policy for the Texas Public Charter Schools Association. She is responsible for championing the Association’s efforts to reform charter school policy in Texas as we pursue our mission to ensure every family has the ability to choose a high-quality public school. Prior to joining TPCSA, Jessica was a Harvard Strategic Data Project Fellow and School and Market Analyst for the Learn4Life network of dropout recovery charter schools. She is an educator at heart and her professional career includes time spent as an elementary teacher, online charter high school lead advisor, regional data specialist and trainer, and accountability policy specialist. She is a self-professed data nerd and policy wonk who believes that zip code should not determine a child’s future. Jessica holds a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas at Dallas and a M.Ed in Educational Technology Leadership from Lamar University. She lives in San Antonio, and in her free time enjoys reading, watching football, and hiking and camping in the Texas Hill Country with her husband, four kids, and two dogs.