Your Educentric Team

Keri Munkwitz brings 30 years of management consulting experience to Educentric, working almost exclusively in the K-12 public education sector. She has partnered with urban and suburban school systems across the country on performance audits, organizational assessments, business process improvement, strategic planning, and technology integration. As Educentric's Onboarding Coordinator, Keri manages school data collection and analysis, administers parent and staff surveys, prepares Current State Analysis Reports, and coordinates project logistics. She holds a B.A. in Marketing and Spanish from Stetson University and an M.B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Keri is most passionate about improving programs and services for marginalized students and students with disabilities.

Barbara Vrana has spent more than 30 years working in K-12 schools across Texas and the nation to increase student learning and performance. Her career spans classroom teaching, district leadership, and professional learning design — grounded in the belief that learning is an active pursuit, not a passive one. As Educentric's Lead Launch Facilitator, Barbara guides campus and district leadership teams through two-day breakthrough change workshops drawn from the latest research in education, business, and psychology. She holds a B.B.A. in Marketing from the University of North Texas and an M.Ed. in Teacher Leadership from Lamar University. Her work is defined by a commitment to creating hands-on learning experiences that move schools toward measurable improvement.

Dr. Charlos S. Banks is an educational leader with over 29 years of experience in K-12 education. She most recently served as Chief of School Support and Wellness for Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools, where she implemented district-wide initiatives that reduced disproportionate discipline rates and increased graduation rates for diverse student populations. Her expertise includes developing comprehensive school support plans, implementing character development models, fostering equitable learning environments, and executive coaching for school leaders. Dr. Banks holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from High Point University and is a recipient of the Deborah Childs-Bowen Leadership for Equity Award. She also serves as an adjunct professor in the doctoral program at High Point University's Educational Leadership Department.

Julia Dimmitt brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in the Houston Independent School District, where she served as teacher, principal, area superintendent, and Chief Human Resources Officer. As principal, she led Ed White Elementary and Lanier Middle School to consistent placement on the Texas Business and Education Coalition Honor Roll. As area superintendent, she oversaw 41 schools with 40 meeting state standards. She led the transition of the former North Forest School District into HISD following a state-ordered closure, hiring more than 500 staff in six weeks. Five of seven North Forest campuses earned a "met standard" rating under her guidance. Since retiring from HISD in 2022, Julia has consulted with districts across the country on school improvement and human resources.

Dr. Linda Blackwell is an educator with over 30 years of experience in teaching and leadership across Lancaster County, Richland 2, and Hickory City Schools. As Director of Elementary Education for Lancaster County School District, she led early childhood education expansion, implemented data-driven instructional strategies, and strengthened professional development for educators. Dr. Blackwell holds a Ph.D. in Educational Administration and certifications in both principal and superintendent leadership. She serves Educentric as both a Partnership Development Associate and Navigator, bringing a track record of strategic planning, improved student achievement, and collaborative school culture-building. She is a passionate advocate for rigorous, equitable education and continues to contribute through board memberships and state-level educational initiatives.

Dr. Sylvia Ibarra holds a doctorate from Northcentral University and brings more than 35 years of K-12 experience to her work as an Educentric Navigator and Partnership Development Associate. Her career has spanned roles as teacher, counselor, principal, and superintendent, with deep expertise in principal development and school improvement. As superintendent, she spearheaded professional development and coaching initiatives for campus administrators that directly increased student learning outcomes. Dr. Ibarra is a champion for students, working to expand opportunities for all children to excel in supportive school environments. She brings both practitioner credibility and a coach's sensibility to her work with principals and leadership teams.

Dr. Erica S. Taylor serves as Assistant Superintendent for Communications, Business, and Community Partnerships in Orangeburg County School District, where she oversees communications, technology initiatives, governmental relations, and partnership development. With over 24 years of experience in education communications, she has presented at state and national conferences and was named a finalist for the national SchoolCEO Marketing Communicator of the Year award. Dr. Taylor holds a Doctor of Educational Leadership from Charleston Southern University, a Master of Science in Broadcast Journalism from Florida A&M University, and a B.A. in Professional English from South Carolina State University. She serves Educentric as a Navigator and Partnership Development Associate, bringing expertise in stakeholder engagement and community-centered school improvement.

Dr. Misti Webster Williams is an education leader with over 30 years of experience spanning classroom teaching, school leadership, district executive roles, and higher education. She has served in multiple cabinet-level positions, including Senior Executive Director for Leadership and Strategy, where she evaluated principals, led strategic planning, established Offices of Equity and Inclusion, and designed executive leadership development programs. A former Clinical Associate Professor at UNC Greensboro, Dr. Williams has taught graduate-level courses in education law, leadership, and culturally responsive practice. She is a published author and presenter on leadership, equity, and organizational culture. Dr. Williams holds an Ed.D. from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and serves Educentric as a Navigator and Partnership Development Associate.

Dr. Dennis Dearden is a nationally recognized educational leader who served as superintendent of three Arizona school districts: Marana Unified, Casa Grande Union High School, and Sedona Oak Creek Unified. Prior to his superintendent roles, he served as Cluster Assistant Superintendent in Fairfax County Schools, overseeing 22 schools and nearly 20,000 students — all of which earned full state accreditation, with three high schools ranked in Newsweek's top 100 nationally. A former classroom teacher and coach with 20 years in the classroom, Dr. Dearden is also the author of Monkey Business for Leaders at All Levels. In 2022, he received the Cognia Excellence in Education Award for advancing equity and excellence in Arizona. He serves Educentric as a Partnership Development Associate.

Dr. Troy McCarley has dedicated his career to public education, beginning as a classroom teacher in Deer Park ISD before rising through principal and district leadership roles in Pasadena ISD. He was named Principal of the Year in 2006-2007 and ultimately served as Deputy Superintendent of Governance, Operations, and School Services. Dr. McCarley holds a B.A. from Texas State University, an M.Ed. from the University of St. Thomas, and an Ed.D. from the University of Houston-Clear Lake. His leadership has extended beyond the district level through community and civic engagement. He serves Educentric as a Partnership Development Associate, bringing extensive experience in school-level leadership, district operations, and building cultures of achievement for all students.

Dr. Kim Morrison served as Superintendent of Mount Airy City Schools for eight years and spent 31 years total in public education. She is a past president of Magnet Schools of America and former chair of The Innovation Project, a North Carolina superintendent-led nonprofit supporting district innovation. Under her leadership, Mount Airy schools earned multiple national awards including the Ronald P. Simpson Award, the Schools to Watch designation, and the District of Distinction Award. Dr. Morrison secured more than $50 million in grants for public schools and was a finalist for NC Superintendent of the Year and the AASA Women in School Leadership Award. She received the 2016 Rhododendron Award from Appalachian State University and was the 2022 PTEC Superintendent of the Year. She serves Educentric as a Partnership Development Associate.

Dr. DeeAnn Powell recently retired as Superintendent of Pasadena Independent School District, where she made history as the first PISD graduate and first female superintendent in the district's history. During her tenure, she expanded full-day pre-kindergarten, launched a K-12 Dual Language program, built a nationally recognized Personalized Learning program, and led graduation rates to an all-time high of 91.3%. PISD was recognized as a Professional Learning Community Model School District under her leadership. Dr. Powell received the Learning for Texas Award for Outstanding Superintendent Support and was named a Hurricane Harvey Hero in 2018. The PISD Board of Trustees honored her by naming the district's administration building in her recognition. She serves Educentric as a Partnership Development Associate.

Dr. Wanda Legrand brings 30 years of public school leadership across North Carolina, Washington D.C., and Indiana, including service as Chief Student Services Officer for Guilford County Schools, Deputy Chancellor of DC Public Schools, and Deputy Superintendent for Academics at Indianapolis Public Schools. Her career has also included roles as corporate trainer, teacher, assistant principal, principal, and regional superintendent. Dr. Legrand holds an Ed.D. and Master of School Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a B.S. in Mathematics Education from North Carolina A&T State University. She is passionate about educating the whole child and making equity an everyday reality in schools. She serves Educentric as a Navigator and Launch Facilitator.

Dr. Michael Bracy is a retired Superintendent from North Carolina with over four decades of dedicated service in public education. He served as Superintendent for 12 years, retiring in 2019, following a career that included roles as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, Director of Instruction, and Education Consultant with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Since retirement, Dr. Bracy has continued to support districts across the state through numerous interim superintendent roles. Dr. Bracy is widely respected for his work in coaching educational leaders to become more effective instructional leaders. His expertise is particularly focused on supporting rural, low-wealth districts as they engage in continuous improvement efforts to boost graduation rates, student achievement, and teacher effectiveness. His leadership has had a lasting impact on communities striving for educational equity and systemic growth.

Vernetta Bridges brings over 30 years of experience in K-12 education, having served as a school counselor, district-level Director of Student Support Services, and Lead School Counselor. Her career reflects a sustained commitment to student well-being, equitable support systems, and the development of school counseling programs that address the whole child. She has also held roles in higher education admissions and nonprofit leadership. Vernetta serves Educentric as a Navigator, focusing on student support, school culture, and counselor-principal alignment. She holds advanced credentials in school counseling and student services leadership.

Tammie Daily spent 32 years in the Houston Independent School District as a teacher, principal, and school support officer, developing a proven record of positive transformation across a diverse portfolio of campuses — including early childhood centers and elementary, middle, and high schools. Her leadership has been defined by an emphasis on developing school leaders and navigating the complex pathways that lead to student success. Since retiring, Tammie has continued her work as an educational consultant. She serves Educentric as a Navigator, bringing the practical school-level experience and coaching instincts that come from three decades of Houston ISD leadership.

Dr. Mervin Daugherty served as superintendent in both Delaware and Virginia, with additional experience as assistant superintendent, director of schools, and secondary principal at the high school and middle school levels. He spent 16 years as a classroom teacher and coach before moving into administration. Dr. Daugherty was named Delaware Superintendent of the Year in 2015 and Virginia Region I Superintendent of the Year in 2024. His career spans more than four decades of service in Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia school systems. He serves Educentric as a Navigator, bringing multi-state superintendent experience and a coaching approach grounded in instructional leadership and school improvement.

Dr. Kenneth D. Carlisle-Davis is a veteran educational leader whose career has spanned classroom teaching, instructional specialist, and multiple levels of school and district leadership, including principal, area superintendent, assistant superintendent, and executive director roles. His work is guided by a conviction that teacher development is the most critical lever for improving student outcomes. Dr. Carlisle-Davis has served as Executive Director of Equity and Outreach and currently serves as Executive Director of Middle Schools, where he focuses on building leadership capacity that directly informs instructional practice. He serves Educentric as a Navigator, bringing a results-oriented approach to principal coaching and school improvement.

Judy Diaz is a veteran elementary school principal with 30 years of service in K-12 education. Her leadership has consistently produced academic distinction, strong school culture, and meaningful community engagement. Under her principalship, her school earned multiple academic distinctions and state recognitions. Judy is known for her ability to build rapport with faculty, staff, students, and families — communicating expectations in ways that motivate teams toward shared goals. She has developed robust community partnerships and organized events that foster parental involvement and a strong sense of school identity. Judy serves Educentric as a Navigator, bringing deep experience in elementary school leadership, instructional improvement, and culture-building.

Dr. Rick Fernandez brings over 20 years of public education experience, including service as superintendent in Texas and leadership roles in Houston ISD, Katy ISD, Tomball ISD, and Tuloso-Midway ISD. He is known for solution-oriented leadership and a commitment to innovative programming, including the design of Texas's first stand-alone energy academy — a partnership between a K-12 district, Lone Star Community College, and a midstream energy company. Dr. Fernandez currently serves on the Board of Regents for Hartwell University. His experience across both large urban and smaller community districts gives him a broad understanding of the challenges facing K-12 leaders. He serves Educentric as a Navigator, bringing superintendent-level perspective to principal coaching and school improvement.

Dr. Steve Glenn is a former superintendent of Greenwood District 50 Schools in South Carolina, with a 32-year career dedicated to fostering academic excellence. His experience spans school and district leadership, with a particular focus on supporting educational leaders in achieving sustainable improvement. Dr. Glenn brings a practitioner's perspective to his consultancy work, helping schools, districts, and leadership teams identify clear goals and build the execution capacity to achieve them. He serves Educentric as a Navigator, working directly with principals and school teams to drive measurable outcomes in student achievement.

Laura Gomez retired after 31 years in education, including 26 years as a campus administrator in Pasadena ISD serving schools with high economically disadvantaged populations. As principal of South Houston Intermediate, she led her school from improvement-needed status to a model campus earning seven of seven state distinctions. Her final principalship at Pasadena High School produced a strong B rating and recognition by U.S. News as one of the nation's Best High Schools. The campus also received the PLC Model School Award from Solution Tree. Laura's honors include PISD Teacher of the Year, PISD Principal of the Year, TASSP Assistant Principal of the Year, and the 2019 HEB Secondary Principal of the Year. She serves Educentric as a Navigator, with expertise in bilingual education and high-poverty school improvement.

Reggie Jackson is an educational leader with over 25 years of experience, having served as principal, Instructional Leadership Director, and Assistant Superintendent in the Memphis-Shelby County Schools system. He has earned recognition as West Tennessee Principal of the Year, Memphis-Shelby County Schools Supervisor of the Year, and State Supervisor of the Year finalist. Reggie is passionate about equity, reflective leadership, and developing the next generation of educational leaders. He serves Educentric as a Navigator, bringing a strong background in principal coaching, instructional leadership, and building district-wide systems that support sustainable school improvement.

Kongsouly Jones is a former educator and administrator turned consultant, with experience as classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, instructional leadership director, and assistant superintendent at Memphis-Shelby County Schools. As principal of Whitney Elementary, she led significant academic improvement recognized by the Tennessee Department of Education. At Peabody Elementary, her leadership drove academic excellence and increased enrollment through strong community partnerships. As assistant superintendent, she championed high expectations and enhanced instructional practices district-wide. Her most recent school improvement work resulted in a school doubling its achievement rate and earning Level 5 growth status from the Tennessee Department of Education. Kongsouly serves Educentric as a Navigator, with deep expertise in turnaround leadership and instructional coaching.

Dr. Deborah E. Jones retired from Guilford County Schools after a career spanning 49 years in public education and higher education, including service as principal, teacher, mentor, and athletic coach. She was trained and served as a North Carolina Department of Public Instruction School Turnaround Team Leader from 2002 to 2005. Since founding Educational Leadership Consulting, LLC, she has provided 18 years of consulting, training, and coaching to school leaders at multiple levels. Dr. Jones currently serves as a principal coach for the NC Department of Public Instruction and as a consultant for GEAR UP North Carolina and the Reading Apprenticeship Literacy Grant. She is a certified True Colors Personality Assessment Facilitator and a certified trainer for the Center for Teacher Effectiveness. She serves Educentric as a Navigator.

Jyoti Malhan is an accomplished educational leader who founded two nationally recognized schools in Houston ISD, both celebrated for innovative design and exceptional academic results. Guided by the belief that all students can excel with the right environment, she has demonstrated the ability to build high-performing schools from the ground up — including opening one school in just three months by recruiting families, hiring educators, and establishing a culture of achievement. Both schools earned recognition from the Texas Education Agency, Children at Risk, and Magnet Schools of America, and have been replicated across Texas and the nation as models of urban education. Jyoti serves Educentric as a Navigator, with particular expertise in school design, instructional innovation, and turnaround leadership.

Dr. Kendra March brings over 33 years of public education experience across North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and New York, having served as teacher, assistant principal, principal, principal supervisor, and deputy superintendent. She served as Deputy Superintendent in both DeKalb County, Georgia, and Rochester, New York, and most recently as a Principal Supervisor in Guilford County Schools. Dr. March holds a B.S. in Elementary Education, an M.S. in School Administration, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership with a superintendent concentration, all from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Her leadership is grounded in collaborative culture-building, instructional innovation, and a sustained commitment to student empowerment. She serves Educentric as a Navigator.

Nicole Morrison brings over 30 years of experience serving students, teachers, and leaders across rural Mississippi and large urban districts in Texas. Her career in Houston ISD spanned roles as teacher, Title I coordinator, assistant principal, elementary and middle school principal, school support officer, and assistant superintendent. She has dedicated the majority of her career to transforming struggling schools, guided by the belief that all students can achieve at high levels when given opportunity, resources, strong teaching, and consistent encouragement. Nicole serves Educentric as a Navigator, with particular strength in urban school improvement, principal development, and building the instructional systems that produce sustainable academic gains.

Terri Mozingo has brought more than 30 years of public education experience across North Carolina and Virginia, having served in multiple school and district leadership roles throughout her career. She has supported teachers, parents, students, and communities through complex improvement efforts, building a reputation as a steady and collaborative leader committed to student success. Her work has spanned instructional leadership, school culture development, and district-level program oversight. Since retiring from public school leadership, Terri has continued to support school improvement through consulting. She serves Educentric as a Navigator, bringing practical leadership experience and a genuine commitment to the communities she serves.

Dr. Brian McDonald served as Superintendent of the Pasadena Unified School District in California from 2014 to 2023, having joined PUSD as Chief Academic Officer in 2011. Prior to that, he served as a school improvement officer for middle schools in the Houston Independent School District. His career includes roles as elementary and secondary principal, adjunct professor at Azusa Pacific University, and district academic leader. Dr. McDonald holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Houston, a master's from Texas Southern University, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Sam Houston State University. He serves Educentric as a Navigator, bringing superintendent-level experience in both California and Texas school systems.

Dr. Shelley Nixon-Green is a transformative educator with over 26 years of experience as teacher, assistant principal, principal, district program officer, and national consultant. Most recently she served as Senior Associate for Urban Education and Leadership Development at the Community Training and Assistance Center, where she partnered with superintendents and district leaders to strengthen leadership pipelines and implement data-informed improvement strategies. She spent 17 years as principal at comprehensive high school, 6-12 magnet, and K-8 magnet campuses, producing measurable gains in graduation rates and school culture. Dr. Nixon-Green holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from UNC Greensboro and has received the NAACP Community Impact Award for her contributions to educational equity. She serves Educentric as a Navigator.

Marguerite "Peggi" Stewart spent 21 years as a principal in the Houston Independent School District, leading Westside High School, Briargrove Elementary, and Kolter Elementary to significant academic growth. During her tenure at Westside High School, the campus earned 27 of 28 possible TEA Academic Distinctions from 2014 to 2017. She later served as Lead Principal overseeing four campuses and as Executive Director in the Office of Special Populations. Following Hurricane Harvey, Stewart was recognized as a Ford Motor Company Unsung Hero for her recovery leadership. Her career has been defined by tapping into the potential of teachers and leaders to produce strategic and sustainable school success. She serves Educentric as a Navigator, with deep expertise in high school improvement and instructional leadership.

Keith Sanders is a career educator with over 30 years of experience as teacher, vice principal, principal, and chief officer of school turnaround at the Delaware Department of Education. He co-founded Louisiana's first all-boys public charter school in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina and was featured in Davis Guggenheim's documentary Waiting for Superman. His work has also been highlighted in Paul Bambrick-Santoyo's Driven by Data and recognized by The New York Times. As CEO of Keith Sanders Group, Incorporated, he continues to advance innovative education strategies. Keith is a certified member of the John Maxwell Team and a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. He serves Educentric as a Navigator, with particular expertise in school turnaround and accountability-driven leadership.

Dr. Terry Worrell served as Superintendent of Asheboro City Schools in North Carolina, leading the district to recognition as a top 10 school district by the NC Department of Public Instruction. She received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine from the Governor of North Carolina — one of the state's highest civilian honors. Dr. Worrell earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and served as an adjunct professor at Gardner-Webb University, High Point University, UNC Greensboro, and the University of the Cumberlands. She serves Educentric as a Navigator, bringing superintendent-level experience in district improvement, instructional leadership, and building high-performing school cultures.