Dr. Bernadette Beavers-Forrest - Consultant

Bernadette Beavers-Forrest is a freelance instructional designer and adjunct Assistant Professor in the Instructional Technology program at the University of Alabama. She holds a Ph.D. in Instructional Leadership with a concentration in Instructional Technology from the University of Alabama. She also holds a B.S. in Counseling and M.S. Ed. in Instructional Design and Technology from Samford University. She has also completed the Quality Matters Online Teaching Certificate. She is the founder of Bernadette Forrest Solutions, an educational consulting organization.

Bernadette’s research addresses mindfulness as a holistic approach to wellness, online teaching and learning, technology integration, and technology leadership. As a scholar, she has co-authored several publications and presented her research on using mindfulness to create a balance between living, working, and learning, Cohort experiences in a hybrid PHD instructional technology program, and social justice and the digital divide among underrepresented African Americans in STEM careers. 

She is actively involved in the CLT/eMerge Africa IRCEES project, where she is engaged in cross-cultural research as a member of the Open, Distance, and eLearning (ODeL) research and mentoring group. In addition, she is co-authoring Culture, learning, and technology, and the promise of diversity, equity, and inclusion; Leading AECT into a more inclusive future (Book Chapter for Association for Educational Communications, Technology (AECT)).

Bernadette mentors service men and women in their transition from the armed services to private enterprise through American Corporate Partners’ Mentoring Program (ACP). In addition, she enjoys working with colleagues who share her commitment to promoting equity, inclusion, and social change in and through the study and practice of instructional design and technology.

Bernadette past leadership roles in human recourses have afforded her great opportunities to work and partner with people from various racial, social, gender, and economic backgrounds in the retail, law, healthcare, and academic environments. 

Bernadette is married with three children and an avid golfer who enjoys international traveling, reading, and gardening.

Tara Becker - Consultant

Tara (she, her, hers) is a Licensed Master Social Worker in Dallas, Texas, and the mom of two little ones. Originally from Cincinnati, OH, she has lived and worked in Chicago, IL, Chulucanas, Peru, and Honolulu, HI. Tara has experience within a variety of non-profit settings, with her most recent work focusing on the integration of mental health and education in school systems and classrooms. Tara partners with school leaders and teachers to support learning around well-being, social emotional learning, and trauma healing. In the past Tara has worked with families in long-term case management, refugee resettlement, and supporting re-entry for women leaving the prison system. Tara aims to support schools to become places where all students and adults can show up as their full selves, be valued for who they are, and experience social, emotional, and mental wellness.

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. 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. 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.

Dystanie Douglas-Burger - Consultant

Dystanie Douglas-Burger is a forever educator with a passion for serving and advocating for students of color and underprivileged backgrounds. She holds undergraduate degrees in Mass Communications Multimedia Technology and Secondary Education from Abilene Christian University, a master’s degree in Professional School Counseling from Texas Wesleyan University, and is currently working towards a PhD in Educational Psychology from Capella University. She is a Texas native, a product of the public school system, and a first-generation college graduate. Working in public education in various capacities for eight years, Dystanie is passionate about the work of being a social justice advocate and leader for people of color in education. In her past roles as a teacher, a behavioral interventionist, and a student support specialist, she has gained tools to best support student needs and help close achievement gaps. Dystanie currently oversee’s content development for Cultures of Dignity, an organization that focuses on transforming social-emotional learning by integrating principles-based approaches and shifting the conversation toward belonging for all people. It is her hope that she will be able to add and share research-based resources, gained knowledge, and personal experiences with this organization that she is so excited to be a part of!

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.

Lauren Girgash - Consultant

Lauren Girgash’s journey to educator wellness began in the classroom. She is a proud former public school teacher, starting her career as a high school English teacher for one year, eventually making her way to the world of junior high, teaching Language Arts for seven more years. After earning a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University and an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach certification from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, Lauren founded Livable Learning, a wellness company dedicated to decreasing burnout, increasing retention, and fueling fulfillment among educators. Her company is on a mission to empower Whole Teachers—teachers who confidently utilize strategies to prioritize their health and happiness inside and outside the classroom. Lauren’s Whole Teacher framework highlights 12 holistic health categories, emphasizing the wide range of factors impacting teachers’ wellness. Lauren presents at various conferences and leads Whole Teacher Cohorts and workshops at schools across the country. She is also the author of The Whole Teacher Weekly Wellness Guide—a tool that provides six months of daily wellness strategies for teachers. Lauren resides in Arlington, VA with her husband and will be a first-time mom in July 2023!

Taylor Gonzalez - Consultant

Taylor Gonzalez is a yoga teacher and holistic athletic coach. She launched her career within education through Reading Partners, serving as one of the first Site Coordinators in Baltimore, Maryland. After her year of service, she joined Teach For America's corps and taught second grade. In 2015, she was named a Regional Semi-Finalist for the Sue Lehmann Excellence in Teaching Award. Since then, she has worked for Teach For America and now WorkMonger. Currently, Taylor is training for the 2023 Chicago Marathon. She has her 200 hour yoga teacher certificate from Charm City Yoga/YogaWorks, masters in education from Johns Hopkins University and her bachelors degree from Florida State University. She resides in South Florida and is dog mama to Luna and Axel.

Ashley Harden - Consultant

Ashley Harden, an accomplished eLearning Instructional Designer, embodies a pedagogical philosophy rooted in inclusivity—her mantra being "EACH not all." An advocate for flexible and innovative learning, educational technology, and equity, Ashley draws upon over 15 years of educational expertise. Her journey also encompasses roles such as a secondary science teacher, blended learning specialist, and virtual learning specialist.

Ashley has a B.S. in Marine and Environmental Science from Hampton University and an M.Ed. in Guidance and Counseling from Angelo State University. Her commitment extends beyond conventional boundaries, as she endeavors to educate instructors, students, and parents, fostering an environment that caters to the unique needs of EACH individual. For Ashley, equity is not just an aspiration—it is an indispensable necessity.

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.

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 (C4E). Kathryn is dedicated to conducting equity-informed and community-based, participatory research and evaluation to effect meaningful and intentional, systemic change and highlight programmatic impact. With over 20 years of research and evaluation experience, she enjoys collaborating with organizations and supporting them to understand their past, inform their future, and share their impact. For these organizations as well as others, she conducts research and evaluations and produces internal and external reports as well as measurement tools, playbooks, toolkits, guides, and curriculum. Kathryn partners with quantitative methodologists to support her qualitative methods. Her experience with qualitative methods includes grounded theory, The Delphi Method, phenomenology, case study, critical theory, narrative, and ethnography. She has extensive experience with data collection methods including interviews, focus groups, observation, questionnaires, documents/records, oral histories, portfolios, surveys, note taking, participant diaries/journals, storytelling, concept mapping, cognitive walkthroughs, videos/recordings, art, and participant and researcher digital artifacts. Her data analysis methods include but are not limited to grounded theory, narrative analysis, content analysis, discourse analysis, thematic analysis, and framework analysis.

She has focused on the areas of K-12 online, blended, and digital learning for over 20 years as well as SEL for teachers and students, in addition to healing trauma through somatics, for over 10 years. In addition to her consulting work, C4E also houses two programs – Wellness for Educators (formerly a 501(c)(3) nonprofit) and Embodied Change Coaching – that posit educator support and multi-faceted wellness as a catalyst for systemic whole school / district change. Kathryn holds multiple certifications in somatics and mind-body coaching (including attachment theory, internal family systems, trauma therapy, polyvagal theory, compassion-based approaches, and more) and is currently in the process of pursuing her coaching certification through ICF. She coaches educators, school & district leaders, edupreneurs, and others. She is author of the book The Mind-Body Connection for Educators (Jossey-Bass, 2023).

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) (which became the Aurora Institute and now is FullScale Learning), adjunct professor and advisor for the Ed.D. program at 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.

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.

Emily McCord - Consultant

Passionate about education and driven to support the professional success of early career educators, Emily McCord serves as the Associate Director for Professional Community Programs in Career Connections at Indiana University – Bloomington’s School of Education.  In this role, she is an educator, career coach, and professional community curator. With energy, intentionality, and creativity, she envisions and coordinates professional development experiences that allow students to develop knowledge and skills needed to thrive in their early years as education professionals.  As an adjunct instructor for the School of Education, Emily teaches the courses Self-care for New Teachers and Mind-Body Skills Group.  She has also worked to develop a new Educator Wellbeing Distinction co-curricular program designed to help teacher education students develop knowledge and skills necessary to remain personally optimistic, hopeful, strong and resilient as they enter the field of K-12 teaching, including being able to effectively apply this expertise to help their professional communities and students thrive.  Emily has completed both the Professional Training Program and Advanced Training Program in Mind-Body Medicine offered through the nationally and globally recognized Center for Mind-Body Medicine (CMBM.org).

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.

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.