About LLP

School Counselor & PLU Course Facilitator

Onetha Bethel, Ed.S., NBCT

Onetha Bethel is a National Board Certified Teacher and K-12 school counselor with over 20 years of experience. Her school earned the prestigious Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) designation for its data-informed school counseling program, which positively impacted student achievement, attendance, and discipline. Onetha specializes in strengthening partnerships between principals and school counselors and advocates for student success through equitable, data-driven practices.

Legal Consultant & Leadership Coach

Lisa Blackmon, JD, D.Div.

Dr. Lisa Blackmon is a dynamic attorney and leadership coach with over two decades of experience in legal consulting, community advocacy, and personal development. As an attorney and leadership coach, she specializes in guiding educators and school leaders through personal growth, team-building, and strategic planning initiatives. Dr. Blackmon helps schools and organizations cultivate strong leadership practices, foster collaborative school cultures, and implement goal-oriented strategies that drive lasting impact.

Strategy Consultant & Program Evaluator

Claire May Cole, M.S.T.

Claire Cole is a strategic consultant with expertise in program evaluation, education policy, and data-driven decision-making. She has worked with nonprofits, school districts, and social impact organizations to develop strategies that drive measurable results. Claire’s background includes leading grant programs, mapping SEL curricula, and designing data dashboards that inform educational policy. Her focus on equitable practices and strategic planning helps schools and organizations maximize their impact.

Education Leader & Special Populations Expert

Astraea Coleman, Ph.D.

Dr. Astraea Coleman is a dedicated education leader with over 20 years of experience in training, development, and special education. She specializes in organizational growth, diversity and inclusion, instructional coaching, and leadership development. With a proven track record of improving student outcomes and fostering multicultural awareness, Dr. Coleman brings deep expertise in data-driven instruction, SPED compliance, and strategic planning, making her a valuable asset to education reform efforts.

Educational Consultant & Leadership Coach

Nekeshia Doctor, Ed.D.

Dr. Nekeshia Doctor is an experienced educator and leadership coach with over two decades of expertise in school administration, curriculum development, communication, special education, and organizational leadership. She specializes in empowering school leaders and educators through coaching, professional development, and strategic planning. With a deep understanding of instructional leadership, Dr. Doctor helps schools navigate complex challenges, implement data-driven solutions, and cultivate environments where both educators and students can thrive. 

Biostatistician & Statistical Analysis Consultant

Christina J. Ezemenaka, DrPH

Dr. Christina J. Ezemenaka specializes in statistical analysis and research design. She has extensive experience in survey development, quantitative analysis, and public health research, bringing a data-driven lens to education consulting. Dr. Ezemenaka creates and analyzes comprehensive needs assessments, evaluates program outcomes, and ensures data integrity in all research and reporting processes. Her expertise ensures that strategic decisions are grounded in evidence-based findings.

Social Worker & Mental Health Specialist

Jalisha Gordon, MSW

Jalisha Gordon is a dedicated social worker specializing in mental health support, psycho-education, and community-based services. With a Master of Social Work and a strong background in supporting education and employment programs, she focuses on helping students overcome barriers to success. Jalisha’s expertise in crisis intervention, case management, and psycho-social support ensures that students receive comprehensive care tailored to their individual needs.

Special Education Coordinator & Psychometrist

Deonna Haley, EdS, MS.Ed.

Deonna Haley is a skilled educator and psychometrist with over 13 years of experience in special education and student assessment. She holds a Specialist in Education and a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction, with additional certifications in psychometry and behavior analysis. Deonna specializes in developing individualized education plans (IEPs), conducting psychoeducational assessments, and training educators in special education best practices.

Mental Health Consultant & Community Engagement Specialist

Tamela Hughes, MA, LPC

Tamela Hughes is a Licensed Professional Counselor with extensive experience in mental health counseling, program management, and community engagement. She has led wellness initiatives, developed community outreach programs, and directed mental health services for youth and families. Tamela specializes in crisis intervention and organizational leadership bringing a trauma-informed approach to education and organizations.

Stakeholder Engagement & Professional Development Consultant

Brittany N. Martin, O.D., MBA, MS

Dr. Brittany Martin has a unique blend of leadership, mentoring, and strategic planning expertise with a background in healthcare and community outreach, she specializes in stakeholder engagement, professional development, and mentoring. Dr. Martin creates meaningful connections between schools, communities, and educators, fostering collaboration that drives long-term success. 

Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist

JaWanda McCleod, MS.Ed.

JaWanda McCleod is a dyslexia practitioner with over 30 years of experience in public and private education. She specializes in reading interventions, special education, and evidence-based instructional strategies. With certifications in dyslexia intervention and exceptional needs education, JaWanda is committed to helping students overcome learning challenges and achieve academic success.

Professional Learning Facilitator & Exceptional Needs Specialist

Antonia Nixon, Ed.D.

Dr. Antonia Nixon is an expert in early childhood education, focusing on special education and reading intervention. She has over 17 years of experience as a teacher, instructional leader, and consultant. Dr. Nixon's research focuses on teacher training and administrative support in reading intervention programs, making her a strong advocate for literacy and student achievement.

Curriculum Designer & SEL Expert

Deven Tellis, Ed.D.

Dr. Deven Tellis is a seasoned curriculum designer, foreign language educator, children's book author, publishing coach, and SEL expert. With over 15 years of experience in education, she has developed culturally relevant curricula, designed impactful professional learning programs, and led SEL initiatives. Dr. Tellis is passionate about supporting multilingual learners and creating engaging foreign language programs that celebrate cultural diversity. As a children's book author and publishing coach, she empowers aspiring writers to share authentic stories while promoting literacy and developing writing skills in young readers.

Community Engagement Specialist & PLU Course Facilitator

Estela Tirado, MA

Estela Tirado is a community engagement specialist with expertise in public policy, nonprofit management, and educational advocacy. She has led community-based initiatives focused on college readiness, civic engagement, and immigrant support. With a background in grant management and program development, Estela works to strengthen partnerships between schools, families, and community organizations, ensuring culturally responsive strategies and equitable access to resources.

Mental Health Professional, SEL Consultant, & PLU Course Facilitator

Camille Underwood, M.Ed.

Camille Underwood is a mental health professional and SEL consultant with over 20 years of experience supporting student well-being and educator wellness. She has designed and facilitated workshops on self-care and mental health awareness. Camille’s expertise in behavioral coaching, trauma-informed practices, and SEL integration ensures that both students and staff have the tools to thrive emotionally and academically.

Grant Writer & College Readiness Consultant

Charletta Wiggins, Ph.D.

Dr. Charletta Wiggins is an experienced grant writer and program developer. She has over a decade of experience working with federal TRIO programs and has managed $1.2 million annually in federal TRIO grants. Dr. Wiggins specializes in college and career readiness, student retention, and strategic planning, securing funding to support first-generation and low-income students. Dr. Wiggins is dedicated to building pathways to student success and fostering community partnerships that help students transition from high school to college and careers.