Brenda Maurao - Consultant
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.
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.
Lisa Mullis - Consultant
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.
Sophie O’Connor - Consultant
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 Penrod - Consultant
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, M.Ed. - Consultant
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.
