ABOUT US

Dr. Michele Douglass has been working in the education field for over 30 years and throughout that time has consistently been focused on improvement. Whether it be curriculum, teacher knowledge or instruction methods – Michele’s teaching and leadership is based on making the best better. She began teaching high school mathematics, worked at San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools and designed and taught a master’s level class focused on the learner. Privately, she served as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Product Development for ETS (Educational Testing Services). Currently, Michele is President and founder of MD School Solutions, Inc.

Kristen Nason is a secondary consultant specializing in whole school efforts in disciplinary literacy, curriculum mapping and assessments, instructional coaching for site and district leadership and coaches, and targeted ELA instruction. She has 20 years of experience in providing individualized PD at the site, district, state, and national levels. Kristen has done extensive work in the areas of curriculum and instructional development for ELA and history contents and has supported whole school reform through: Professional Learning Community (PLC) implementation school-wide writing and disciplinary literacy grade level revision of assessments to state-aligned expectations using data to guide daily instruction curriculum mapping, with unit and lesson design practices. Kristen has worked primarily with middle and high school teachers, coaches, and administrators to develop effective routines and practices within instruction that lead to student growth. Her true passion is helping to support new teachers in their daily practices and to grow site-wide leadership efforts that focus on student learning.

Liz Tuss is an independent educational consultant and college professor who specializes in impacting teaching and learning through data-focused teams, improvement cycles, and instructional support. She strives to convey, transfer, and deepen the understanding and connections of systems and educators across all disciplines. She works side by side with post-secondary students, classroom teachers, and administrators to evaluate, understand, and implement evidence-based practices and strategies to impact local needs and goals. Liz is a National Board Certified teacher with 23 years of experience in elementary and high school classrooms, instructing pre-service teachers, and collaborating with pre-K - 12 teachers, schools, and districts.

Stephanie Lester has over 35 years in education including: teaching preschool and a Project-Based Learning Multiage K-1st program, professional development speaker, author, Assistant Principal, Early Childhood Education Director, and Director of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment. Currently Stephanie is an Educational Consultant focusing on providing literacy support aligned with the science of reading. Stephanie believes that children learn best when they are excited and engaged in the learning process. Stephanie has published two books: Year Round Project-Based Activities for STEM and Science Through the Year. Stephanie is passionate about inspiring, educating, and motivating teachers to implement evidence-based instructional practices with the goal of developing the social, emotional, physical and cognitive skills that children will need to experience SUCCESS as 21st Century learners. Stephanie is very excited to partner with MD School Solutions to support educational programs in the states of Montana and California. When Stephanie isn’t exploring with her grandchildren, you will find her creating hands-on STEM activities, presenting workshops on a variety of topics, and consulting with teachers throughout the country. Stephanie Lester currently holds a MA degree in Education: Curriculum and Instruction, an Administrative Credential, a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, a CLAD Certification, CLASS certification, and a Program Director Child Development permit.

Terri Barclay’s professional journey includes being a classroom teacher in elementary grades, a special education teacher for grades PK-12, a literacy and early childhood specialist for the Montana Office of Public Instruction, and currently a distance learning mentor for preservice teachers and an adjunct professor for the University of Montana Western. Terri believes in creating success stories for all kids by partnering with educators, families, and communities to build systems of support designed with learners in mind! On-the- ground support of instruction and learning is where she finds her niche. Educational Consulting is a place where the journey of a long career in education can be used to build on the experience and support others in finding their passion for teaching. Terri likes to think of this as her personal ripple effect. Terri’s dedication to education has been grounded in evidence-based strategies and a passion for creating the environments for success. When she is not working, Terri enjoys adventures in the outdoors and spending time with family and friends.

K. Elizabeth Hammonds serves as the President of "M" in STEM and an assistant professor at Columbus State University. She is a second career teacher and has obtained two B.S. degrees in Engineering, Electrical and Wireless, and an M.S. in Secondary Mathematics Education from Auburn University. Elizabeth is currently working to obtain her Ph. D. in Secondary Mathematics Education from Auburn University. Elizabeth served as a secondary mathematics specialist for the Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI) at the Alabama State Department of Education. She has worked closely with Alabama regional specialists, district coaches and teachers to tailor services and resources in efforts to improve mathematics instruction and achievement across the state. Elizabeth enjoys speaking at national conferences on topics related to STEM integration, professional learning opportunities, and instructional resources. Outside of work, she is passionate about Auburn University football and traveling with friends and family.

Jim, a retired middle school principal, with over 30 years of experience, primarily in Title 1 schools, brings a wealth of knowledge in creating inclusive learning environments for students and teachers of all backgrounds. During his tenure at his last school, he and his team moved the school from a state performance ranking of turnaround to performance. Jim’s expertise in administration and leadership includes data-driven instruction, observation and feedback, use of PLCs, and strategic planning and budgeting. Jim’s passion is using his advanced learning at RELAY/GSE and UVA-PLE to create collaborative leadership teams and strong school improvement plans that build effective school-wide instructional practices that promote increased student achievement. Prior to Jim’s administration experience, he was a middle school math teacher. His content knowledge and classroom experiences allows him to coach, model, and be a facilitator of instructional strategies, pedagogy, and current methods of teaching mathematics.

Dr. Minda Stackelhouse is a dedicated educator that has focused her almost 30 year career on providing quality education to students, supporting staff to grow schools and empowering the community to partner with schools. She is a passionate educator that has devoted her skill and expertise to the growth and empowerment of students through education. She has an extensive history in education as a teacher and principal at the elementary and secondary levels. Under her leadership as a principal, she led a school to become the first Covey Lighthouse school on the West Coast while also achieving great academic gains. She has been an Assistant Superintendent of Student Services for a Charter School, Assistant Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Executive Director of Administrative Services, Executive Director of Professional Development and Instruction, and Executive Director of Personnel/Risk Management for a school district in Southern California. Dr. Stackelhouse is a passionate coach that supports site and district level administrators with best practices around shared leadership, relationship building, strategic planning, systematic growth, goal setting and attainment. She is a community focused educator that understands the impact and importance of relationships between the business sector and education.