Our Team

In my role as a Client Manager, I am passionate about school transformation and leadership growth. I have 14 years experience coaching teachers (and recently) school leaders; prior to joining Educate I trained and developed instructors for a tutoring organization for 7 years.

What drew me to Educate is the chance to work with underserved communities, working in Education, and helping adults learn and grow.

Outside of work, I am a dad, a husband, a cook, a podcaster, a reader, and a learner. I have certification in Gallup Strengths-Based Coaching.

Education & Experience

• Instructional Technology Coach, Educate LLC (2008-present)
• Assistant Director (Education), Huntington Learning Center (2005-2008)
• B.A. Journalism & Mass Media, Rutgers University (1997-2001)

In my role as an Innovation and Transformation Coach, I am a teacher at heart and I love to see my students (whether they are kids, teachers, school leaders, or network leaders) faces light up when something clicked and makes an actual difference. I am a realist and a differentiator as I love learning where we are now and using what we already have to make more happen. I am a champion who will fight for needs to get met and goals to be reached.

What drew me to Educate is that it is a learning organization and I found it exciting that I could learn and grow as I was embarking on this new path beyond teaching.

Outside of work, I am a person cares deeply as a mom, wife, sister, daughter, friend. I am an avid reader who hopes one day to write her own books. I am a learner whose lifelong dream is to compete on Jeopardy.

Educational Background:
BS- Elementary Education, MS- Instructional Technology
NYS certification- Childhood Education, Middle Childhood Generalist, Educational Technology

In my roles as an Innovation and Transformation Coach and Client Manager, I lead with curiosity and empathy. I am a team mate, a question-asker, a relationship-builder. I get excited by new ideas and look for the pieces of the system that are influencing others.

I was lucky enough in my years of being in the classroom prior to Educate to establish strong relationships with my fellow teaching colleagues. It was these collaborative relationships that not only maintained my spark for teaching, but pushed me to grow professionally and personally. I loved that Educate would allow me to offer this same opportunity to other teachers who may not be surrounded by a strong collaborative community. As someone who believes strongly in the power of community and the authenticity that comes with it, I connect strongly with Educate’s mission and vision.

Outside of work, I am a dog mom, a nature lover, a musician, an avid reader of books, an aspiring chef, someone who enjoys deep conversations just as much as the silly humor of children, a lifelong learner and an explorer of ideas.

Educational Background:
I have a Bachelor’s of Music degree in Music Education from Mansfield University as well as a Master’s of Science degree in Elementary Education from the University of Rochester, Warner School of Education.

There is a heartbeat of equity and transformation at the core of Educate’s work, which includes perpetual growth and embracing imperfection while improving the quality of our learning and enhancement our impact. These characteristics drew me to this company and team. I love being a part of a learning organization – we live our mission within our organizational design and internal teams, and with our work on the outside with our district partners and schools. Educate has a wealth of resources and learning tools – I feel fed as a professional, and inspired to continue to grow.

Outside of work, I am a Dog mom, writer, podcast host, entrepreneur, artist.

Educational Background:
12 Years in Education, 5-12 Math Focus, Master’s in Effective Teaching, Leadership in Turnaround Schools – Teacher Coach, Supervising Practitioner, Grade Team Lead, Department Chair – Lawrence, Boston, South Bronx, Brooklyn – Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher Certified, Life Coach Certified.
In Progress: Permaculture Design Certificate, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Certification

In my role as an Innovation and Transformation Coach, I strive to be a collaborative, empathetic, inclusive, curious, advocate of justice and equity who is continuously learning and growing. I am a flawed human being who wants to do good and be better.

What drew me to Educate is the Educate vision of creating sustainable transformative change in schools and helping communities become more just and equitable, mirrors my own beliefs and goals as an educator. What keeps me at educate is the fact that these are not just words but lived values that the organization strives to live up to in every way. I am grateful to be a part of this company and this work!

Outside of work, I am a brother, husband, uncle, friend, dreamer, confidant, traveler. I am a lover of art, film, music, books, laughter, good food and moments of wonder. I am a student of politics and history, and love to go on long walks around the city. I am constantly on a journey to improve my mental and physical health and well being.

Educational Background:
Degrees: J.D. – Howard University School of Law; Ed.M (Teaching and Curriculum) – Harvard University; M.S.Ed. (Educational Leadership) – Baruch College CUNY; B.A. (Political Science) – Hunter College CUNY. Graduate of the New York City Leadership Academy,

Certifications: New York State: School District Leadership; School Building Leadership; Social Studies Teacher 7-12.

Experience: Over 20 years as a teacher, AP, and Principal

In my role as an Innovation and Transformation Coach, I am someone who teachers feel comfortable talking to. I’m an ear, a shoulder, a library of content and strategies. I spark creativity by being compassionate, flexible, knowledgable and humorous. My personal mission is to use the light in my soul to illuminate dim places on earth. I want to touch children’s lives by helping their teachers believe in every single students’ ability to learn, grow and transform themselves and the world. When coaching I always strive to keep the student experience front and center; and to generously share my experience, strategies and materials. I am empathetic and patient when working with teachers, because I’ve been an educator for over 30 years and I understand the struggle! Teachers who partner with me transform their practice and have fun doing so. I love connecting with teachers and building a base of friendship and collaboration.

What drew me to Educate is that I believe that our missions are aligned. In addition, I love the collaborative, open, transformative culture at Educate. As one of the first per diem coaches I have been able to establish meaningful relationships with my colleagues, who I greatly respect. There is a culture of learning and grown at Educate that is inspirational. It’s very lonely being an independent transformational coach, and Educate provides community and a variety of great thought partners.

Outside of work, I am pretty much the same, but a lot sillier. Since I’ve lived in several different countries I often welcome international visitors to my home. (I am a native New Yorker) I have a wonderful husband and three grown boys who share my love of travel, art, history and philosophy. In my past life I was an art historian, so the arts, creativity, and conversation are important to me. Before the pandemic I spent a lot of time in museums. I love to cook, and fortunately I know a lot of people who love to eat, so it’s a great hobby.

Educational Background:
I have been working as a professional development facilitator and instructional coach for 10 years, and I was an educator for over 30 years. I started working with Educate in 2019.

Some of my previous clients include The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, Discovery Education, Carl Shurz Haus in Freiburg, Germany and iCult Brasil along with many others. I am dual certified in Art and Social Studies, and hold the Cambridge CELTA certification. I taught HS Social Studies and Digital Art for over 20 years – first in the Bronx, and then for 15 years as a middle school teacher in Hastings-on-Hudson, NY, and received many accolades. I’ve also taught in Brazil, Germany and England. I’ve created curriculum for a variety of grades, with a focus on visual literacy. I also was an Art History professor in Brazil (Universidade Estadual de Campinas, SP), Germany (Institute for European Studies, University of Freiburg) and at the University of Hartford in Connecticut. I’ve worked at the Metropolitan Museum and the Museum of Modern Art in NYC as well. I am a proud graduate of Oberlin College and the Courtauld Institute of the University of London.

In my role as an Innovation and Transformation Coach, I am someone who really listens and hears the needs of my teachers. I work with my teachers together in partnership to find the best solution to their needs and goals. I make sure all of my teachers feel confident in the work that we are doing by providing ample opportunities for conferencing sessions and debriefs. I also make sure to work alongside my teachers in the classroom to help support their students in need.

What drew me to Educate was their mission and values when it came to supporting teachers and schools. The values of this organization make it so clear that we are here to transform and innovate the education world and make it a better place for our students. Those are ideas that I truly believe in so when I was looking to make the switch from classroom teacher to coach, I immediately was drawn to Educate.

Outside of work I spend a lot of time with my husband Noah and my puppy Joey. I love to cook, watch movies and spend time with friends and family.

Educational background:
NYS Initial Teaching Certification Grades 1-6
MSEd in Childhood Education Grades 1-6, CUNY Hunter College
B.A. in Journalism, University of Maryland

In my role as an Innovation and Transformation Coach, I am a reflective collaborator working towards student success. I bring into my role 30+ years in education as a classroom teacher and an administrator.

What drew me to Educate is my passion for mentoring teachers and leaders to create equitable school communities where every student learns, and to be part of a community of learners with shared values.

Outside of work, I am a mother, friend, reader, runner, and learner

Educational background:
BA – Psychology Barnard College
MA-Educational Psychology Teachers College
Advanced Certificate School Building Leader
NYS- Birth -6 and SBL

As the founding owner of Educate, I have focused on making sure Educate has the best leadership team in the industry to impact student learning, especially focusing on students who need it most. I also support bringing an array of partnerships to Educate.

Over 20 years ago, as a board member for schools serving high need populations and with experience with an MIT startup providing constructionist activities for kids, I joined my co-founder Bob Flanigan in pursuit of an opportunity to serve schools by supporting them in applying technology to learning challenges. While certainly ahead of its time 20 years ago, we are all seeing this play out in schools today.

I live with my wife and two children in NYC. My passion for learning and development, while sometimes overwhelming, is often an expression of love for his family. I support other organizations on boards and prioritize serving those who have been unfairly denied opportunities. Additionally, I love to ski, sing, and, on occasion, salsa dance.

With an MBA from the Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern, English and Mechanical Engineering degrees from Notre Dame, my rich and varied business career as an executive in the media industry with NBC and Viacom as well as with an MIT Media Lab startup has taught me never to become complacent—without commitment to excellence, today’s industry leaders end up as tomorrow’s old news. I apply my business acumen to supporting Educate’s growth and spreading its message to new stakeholders.

A seasoned and accomplished educator, Stacey combines a rich set of teaching skills with a contagious enthusiasm for learning. She believes in fostering equity in the classroom; Stacey recognizes that each student has different needs, feels more engaged when the curriculum reflects their culture, and deserves to be challenged in their learning. She promotes this mindset among other educators in her role as an ITC.

As Manager of Curriculum Design, Stacey develops courses to help teachers and coaches integrate technology into teaching in meaningful ways. She loves guiding teachers to reach their personal goals and motivating students to engage deeply in their own learning. Stacey grew up in Philadelphia and now lives in Brooklyn with her husband, their three kids, and their border collie.

Education & Experience

• Co-Founder, Focus Educational Coaching, Brooklyn, NY (2014-Present)
• Teachers College, Columbia University, Inclusive Education Coach (2012-2016)
• Teachers College, Columbia University, Adjunct Professor in Curriculum and Teaching (2012-2015)
• Middle and High School Special Education Teacher, Inclusion Coordinator and Director of Special Education, NYC DOE (2002-2012)
• M.S. Ed Childhood Education, College of Staten Island, NY (2005)
• M.S. Ed Special Education, College of Staten Island, NY (2005)

Bob founded Educate with Frank Hardart because they shared a vision and saw a problem. The vision: every child in every school deserves a chance to succeed. The problem: teachers were equipped with technology, but lacked the support to use it and transform education. Digital tools are more affordable than ever—but schools need guidance to realize their potential. As one of two partners at Educate, Bob works with school leaders to realize these goals and define the process of tech coaching, while supporting coaches and managing the company’s internal organization.

Coming from the corporate finance worlds of Merrill Lynch and JP Morgan, Bob knows that teamwork is essential to accomplishing anything meaningful. As a father of four freewheeling children, he knows that every single student is someone’s beloved child. Raised in Westchester County, Bob lives there today with his wife and kids, where he enjoys hiking, fishing, camping, and exploring the outdoors.

Education & Experience

• Founded advisory boards for several South Bronx parochial schools
• Chairman of The Curran Principal Academy
• M.M., Finance and Marketing, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University
• B.A., History, Dartmouth College

In my role as sales director (Director of Educational Partnerships), I am responsible for growing our business and expanding school partnerships. Through my role, I serve education leaders as a “trusted advisor” in bringing valuable solutions and resources to make learning relevant for all learners.

Working at Educate provides me with the opportunity to make a difference in the world of learning, both for children and the adults who serve them. Together we make learning relevant and help bring hope and meaning to the lives of students.

Outside of work, my wife, Aggie, and I are dedicated to our blended family of daughters, sons, and grandkids. I’m proud to serve my local community in various volunteer roles, especially as a school board member for 18+ years. In my spare time, I prefer to be outdoors – hiking, biking, camping, or gardening.

For the past 14 years, I’ve been providing services and resources to K 12 school districts – specifically, professional development for teachers and school leaders; innovative reading programs, 21st-century skill development and social-emotional learning, and on-demand tutoring for students. I’ve been recognized as a Certified Board Leader by New Jersey School Boards Association, and have a Bachelors degree from the University of South Carolina in Government and International Studies and a Masters in Management from University of Phoenix.

Across the roles I serve as a coach, coach manager, and organizational leader, I strive to unleash the talent and maximize the potential of the individuals and teams I work with. I practice human-centered methods of working that inclusively bring all necessary voices to the table so that we may scale our work and impact together. Grounded by a commitment to more equitable outcomes for all learners, I strive to continually innovate, grow and evolve through critical self-reflection and lifelong learning.

What initially drove me to Educate is the opportunity to impact many different communities through innovative professional development. Educate is a community of courageous learners where we are committed to pushing and growing each other as we collectively work toward our mission to ensure that all learners can succeed.

Outside of work I am a Father, husband and big brother with lifelong roots in Queens, NY. I embrace the identity of being a 1st generation immigrant and cherish the diversity and flavor of my city and borough. Being active is core to my happiness and you might find me trying to scale my next climbing project at my local climbing gym, or zooming down Queens Blvd. on my bike. Service is important to me and currently I am passionate about supporting climate justice initiatives and elevating youth voice.

Educational background:
B.A. in Secondary Education (6-12) and English, SUNY Geneseo
M.A. in Instructional Technology, Teachers College, Columbia University

Across the roles I serve as a Coach Manager and Senior Internal Curriculum Specialist, I commit to living our values and modeling my vulnerability as a leader to promote others to take the risks needed to succeed, fail and learn.

What initially drove me to Educate is the opportunity impact school communities and disrupt inequitable practices by supporting the growth of coaches, teachers and school leaders.

Outside of work I am a New Yorker through and through, daughter, sister, wife, mama, friend.

Educational Background:
Bank Street College of Education, M.S. in Education
New York University, B.S. in Education

In my role as the Head of Learning, I am a human-centered strategist. As a servant leader and collectivist, I strive to lead with empathy as I serve as a support to others. I aim to bring my most authentic self to every interaction I engage and all content I produce. Coming together with like-minded and like-hearted folks, all rallied under a shared mission and vision is my jam!

What drew me to Educate is the knowledge that this is an organization where I can grow, be challenged and most of all, thrive! I love the highly collaborative and collective culture and the ability to bring my strengths to the table in a way that is valued, encouraged and celebrated. Educate is a rare organization and I am drawn to the constant invitation to actively contribute to its growth and development.

Outside of work, I am a communal person through and through. I deeply value alone time, but, and maybe because, I am the one many can call on for a variety of things, whether it’s a place to stay, resume help, an ear to vent to, or a look at an astrology chart. I’m a big time spiritual geek and being a mom to my daughter Haile Masani and sun, Jair, is a huge part of my crowning glory. I’m an initiate in a Nigerian spiritual tradition and this colors the lens of literally everything I do.

I have a PhD in Teaching and Learning, a Masters in Urban Adolescents with Disabilities. I also have a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing.

In my role as a Human Resource professional I am always looking for opportunities to learn and support others.

What drew me to Educate is the work that Educate does in the educational space. We truly partner with our clients to support individual teachers and the school community to make shifts that outlive our presence.

Outside of work I am an avid reader and puzzle master. I am all about the meaningful relationships in my life as a daughter, sister, friend.

Educational background:
MS in Ed- Childhood General and Special education
SHRM-CP certified

In my role as the Head of Operations I help to ensure the smooth working of Educate’s systems and processes.

What drew me to Educate is the Vision and Values of the Organization. There is a lot of opportunity for me to learn and grow with the Organization. I love to be a part of the team that is serving communities in creating sustainable change and transformation in classrooms and positively impacting student learning.

Outside of work, I love to travel, cook new recipes and spend time with family, friends and nature.

Educational Background:
Masters in Business Administration (Operations Management).
Bachelor in Mathematics.
Data Science – INSAID
Certified Professional Coder from AAPC

As Senior Operations and Invoicing Specialist, I contribute to identifying areas where operations and the invoicing processes can be improved, implementing changes to streamline the systems, and increasing the efficiency of our workflows.

At Educate there is a sense of community and camaraderie among individuals who share a common goal of bringing about innovation in education and that’s what drew me to being part of this supportive environment that fosters collaboration and transformation.

Outside of work, I am a mother, fitness enthusiast, and globetrotter.

Educational Background:
Masters in Journalism and Communication
Bachelors in English Literature
Certified Zoho CRM Administrator
Certified Journal Publisher-STM, Amsterdam

In my role as a Project Manager, I strive to support Educate’s Core Values and growth opportunities with an Internally motivated and ambitious attitude. Outside of work, I am a kind-hearted and a lovable person who likes to spend time with family and friends!

Educational Background:
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc)

Professional Credentials:
PMP (Project Management Professional)
Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)

In my role in the Operations team I help to ensure the smooth working of Educate’s systems and processes. I am an energetic professional with experience and proven track record of success in quality analyst & control in ITES. I am experienced in developing and implementing plans to improve operational efficiencies in support services, by applying ITIL processes.

Outside of work, I like spending time with family & friends. I love travelling to my home village often.

Educational Background:
Bachelor of Science in Zoology – Madras University, Tamil Nadu, India
Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL V3) (Foundation) From EXIN