Maia Appleby - Consultant

Maia Appleby has more than 15 years of experience in managing, developing and designing WordPress websites, primarily in the education space. She’s skilled at technical, creative, and editorial work, so she can deliver solid design along with copywriting, proofreading, and messaging refinement as needed. In short, she’ll give you an impactful, user-friendly, attractive web presence that’s accessible, mobile-friendly, and search-engine optimized. Maia believes that good marketing is grounded in empathy; the way to connect with an audience is to see through their eyes and build content that resonates. She’s equipped to take this approach with your web design, as her experience in the education/edtech industry has given her a broad understanding of the personas within the audience, as well as their priorities and challenges. Since 2018, Maia has been leading the digital strategy for the American Consortium for Equity in Education at ace-ed.org. She created the website and built it out to include interactive features like an awards program, a digital journal and functionality to submit press releases, articles and other materials. She also works with companies, and organizations as a marketing and brand consultant, providing a wide array of services to support and advance their marketing and communications activities.

Dr. Méroudjie Denis - Consultant

Dr. Méroudjie Denis, is a Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Master Social Worker and educational consultant, with over 16 years of experience working in the fields of mental health and education. She currently works for Momentous Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to building and repairing social emotional health through education, therapeutic services, research and training. Méroudjie divides her time between clinical practice, consulting, and training. Through her role as a child and adolescent psychologist, she provides trauma informed care to children and families, from a culturally sensitive framework. As an educational consultant, Méroudjie closely collaborates with school administrators who wish to incorporate social emotional health practices into their systems. She regularly provides supervision to doctoral trainees, hoping to inspire and support the next generation of psychologists. In addition, Méroudjie is a trainer and public speaker on the neurobiological impact of trauma on children, including her Tedx talk, “Breaking the Myth of the Bad Student.” Formerly, Méroudjie worked as an educator, serving pre-school aged children with special needs. Her passion for mental health and education has led her to become a strong advocate for education reform. She hopes to change the course of mental health in schools through a lens of equity and social justice. Her education includes a Ph.D in psychology, with a specialization in school neuro-psychology, a Master of Science in social work, and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology. Méroudjie loves exploring the world, learning new languages and hopes to one day make it to every continent.

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.

Vickie Echols - Consultant

Vickie Echols, M.Ed., is a dedicated consultant with Wellness for Educators and Consult4Ed Group, based in Dallas, Texas. Passionate about nurturing educational communities, she is an author, coach, and facilitator of workshops for teachers and school leaders, aiming to foster a culture of support and development. Currently, Vickie is exploring how generative AI—technology that can create content and assist in decision-making—supports sustainable productivity and intentional well-being for educators. This innovative approach aligns with her commitment to integrating modern solutions into educational practices. With over forty years of experience spanning the PK-20 continuum, Vickie has worn many hats, including Elementary and Middle School Teacher, Campus Principal, District Director of Curriculum, and Director of Communication. Her comprehensive background underscores her dedication to continuous learning and growth within the field of education.

Dr. Aileen Fullchange - Consultant

Dr. Aileen Fullchange (she/her/hers) is Licensed Psychologist and a Nationally Certified School Psychologist. She is Taiwanese-American and speaks Spanish and English. Dr. Fullchange has a background as a public school teacher and department chair in Oakland, CA, and an educational consultant for Title I schools nationwide. She received her Ph.D. in Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara and now resides in Dallas, TX where she works at the crossroads of psychological well-being, education, and equity as a clinician, assessor, supervisor, and workshop facilitator. She is the founder of Fullchange Therapy (www.drfullchange.com), which serves predominantly BIPOC families and community members. She specializes in healing from complex intergenerational trauma, is trained in somatic experiencing and trauma-sensitive yoga, and is passionate about building individual and collective resilience.

Milo Grammer - Consultant

Milo is a graphic designer, artist, and roller derby coach living in Portland, Maine. After working as a reprographics manager of a print shop for three years, they went back to school to focus on their design skills. In May 2011, they graduated from the New England School of Art & Design with a Master of Arts in Graphic Design. A few months later, they started their graphic design firm. They have worked on print and web design projects for several companies including Gift & Housewares Marketing, HTI Buying Group, Triumph Books, Touchstone Associates, Maine Roller Derby, Turn Two Skate Shop, Student Universe, Light Impressions, and the Northern New England Poison Center. They also worked for over two years as the lead designer at Artist & Craftsman Supply in Portland. They love graphic design because it allows them to engage both sides of their brain—the creative and the analytical. They have dabbled in drawing, painting, bookmaking, sculpture, jewelry making, 3D modeling, and photography. They are a creative problem-solver that loves learning new creative techniques.

Dr. Tyler Guenette - Consultant

Dr. Tyler Guenette has over a decade of experience working with educational organizations non-profits, and launching entrepreneurial ventures, Tyler has honed his skills and garnered a deep understanding of diverse industries. Throughout his career, he has achieved success by embracing innovation, adaptability, and collaboration. He possesses a unique ability to envision the bigger picture and effectively chart a path toward realizing ambitious goals.

Dr. Guenette earned his doctorate from Johns Hopkins University, specializing in entrepreneurial leadership. His dissertation focused on transfer commuter student sense of belonging and perceived support networks. He holds a master's degree in Student Affairs Administration from Michigan State University and a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Tyler also earned an Executive Education Chief of Staff certification from the University of Oxford.

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.

Shomari Jones - Consultant

Shomari Jones is the Director of Equity and Strategic Engagement at Bellevue School District. He leads staff in thoughtful exploration of institutionalized racism and its impact on student learning and mentors students to raise their social awareness and help them feel more connected and engaged in the district and their communities, which has resulted in a community-wide conversation, bringing to light racial and socio-economic inequities. He serves as a powerful advocate for and witness to the experiences of students of color to help district leaders identify, confront, disrupt, and dismantle structures that limit the potential of those students. He developed several student empowerment initiatives like Students Organized Against Racism (SOAR), Breaking Out Of the Margins (BOOM), and Sistahs Having Outstanding Uniqueness Together (SHOUT), as well as parent advocacy groups like the Parent Alliance for Black Scholars (PABS). In 2019, Shomari was recognized as a “Leader to Learn From” by Education Week. He has served as the Chief Operating Officer at the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, a not-for-profit organization with 82 years of activism and community experience in the heart of Seattle’s most diverse neighborhood, the Central District. Shomari also volunteers at the Seattle University Center for Social Transformation and Leadership and the Bellevue Police Chief Diversity Committee. He holds a Bachelors in Science in Mathematics from Tuskegee University and has a daughter in college.

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 somatic coach and is accepting individual and group coaching clients through Embodied Change Coaching.

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).

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.

Emma Lucille McCabe - Consultant

Emma Lucille McCabe is an illustrator with experience in design, bookbinding, hand lettering, pattern design, murals, and animation. She graduated from the Maine College of Art with honors in 2015 and has exhibited her work across the U.S. and India. In 2017 Emma completed a two-month artist residency at Elsewhere Studios in Paonia, Colorado. From there she ventured on a six-month road trip through America's National Parks to create work dedicated to protecting public lands. Emma started 2019 with a residency hosted by the Goethe Institut in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Emma currently lives in Roxbury, Massachusetts, with her husband.

Stephanie McGary - Consultant

Stephanie McGary is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist. She is a mental health clinician at a local preschool for children and families experiencing homelessness and is the owner of Tots-N-Teachers Counseling and Consultation Services, LLC, a private practice limited exclusively to children and educators. During her 10+ years in non-profit work, Stephanie has worked closely with children impacted by individual and collective trauma. She has also walked alongside educators in assisting them in the integration of SEL practices and academics while also helping to increase the awareness around specific mental health needs of children and adults. Stephanie received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Dillard University in New Orleans, LA and a master's in counseling from Southern Methodist University in her hometown of Dallas, TX.

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

Sophie is a doctoral student at the University of Kansas with a background in elementary education. Her research interests include educator stress, emotional exhaustion, and burnout, especially among early career teachers in urban public schools. Sophie is also interested in exploring the role of mindfulness practices and programs as a potential support for teacher wellbeing. Her professional and academic experiences have shaped her interest in how policy, school culture, and emotional labor intersect in K-12 education. Through qualitative methodologies, Sophie seeks to better understand these dynamics and promote more sustainable practices for teacher retention and support.

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. 

Meredith Roe - Consultant

Meredith Roe is an Education Industry Architect, as part of Microsoft's WorldWide Education team. Prior to this, she created and led the Virtual School Network (ViSN) for Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA), and led digital transformation projects for Canberra Goulburn Catholic Education. An experienced educator and leader at system level and in remote and metropolitan schools, Meredith understands how technology can help schools address a wide range of contemporary challenges. She is a keen advocate for using technology to enable equitable access to quality education, particularly in regional, remote or rural areas. Meredith understands the importance of building relationships and connections for successful online delivery and has designed teacher training for the successful delivery of quality online courses. Her leadership in online learning has been recognized both locally (Excellence in Educational Leadership Award, from the Australian Council for Educational Leadership) and internationally (Online and Blended Learning Award, ISTE and K-12 Innovation in Online Learning, USDLA). Outside of work, Meredith enjoys pilates, the beach, cooking, and travelling.