A New Chapter Fueled by Love, Service, and Care

After 29 years in public education—as a classroom teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, and superintendent—I’ve learned that leadership isn't about titles or offices. It's about people. Now, as I take the leap into launching my own consulting agency, I’m doing so not just with experience, but with a mission: to love, serve, and care.

Those three words—love, serve, care—are more than just a mantra. They’re the heartbeat of how I led schools, mentored staff, and guided students. They’re also the foundation of my new venture, inspired deeply by Jon Gordon’s book The Carpenter, which reminds us that the greatest leaders are also the greatest servants.

Why Now?

Many people ask why I’m starting a consulting agency after nearly three decades in education. The answer is simple: I’m not done making a difference. I’ve seen firsthand the challenges that educators, school leaders, and districts face every day—overwhelm, burnout, decision fatigue, and the never-ending demands of accountability.

What if someone could walk alongside those leaders, not to add pressure, but to provide perspective? To help untangle problems, spark innovation, and realign the heart of the work with the why that brought us here in the first place? That’s why I’m here.

Love: Building with Heart

In The Carpenter, Gordon writes, “Love is the greatest success principle of all.” For too long, love has been treated as soft or sentimental in professional settings. But real love—deep care, respect, and commitment—is what drives transformational leadership.

In every classroom I taught and every campus I led, I made it a point to lead with love. That meant listening more than I spoke. Encouraging the discouraged. Celebrating wins—big and small. As a consultant, I bring that same heart into every conversation and collaboration. Schools and organizations don’t need more critics; they need someone who believes in them and brings out their best.

Serve: Leadership Through Action

Service is not just a role; it’s a posture. As a superintendent, I understood that the higher I climbed, the more people I was responsible for serving. From supporting custodians and cafeteria workers to empowering principals and district leaders, true leadership meant asking daily: How can I help?

Consulting, for me, is a continuation of that question. Whether I’m coaching a principal, facilitating a leadership retreat, or designing systems for school improvement, my goal is always to serve—not sell. I want to meet schools where they are and help them get where they dream to be.

Care: The Secret Sauce

Gordon says, “People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.” After 29 years, I’ve learned that the real breakthroughs—whether in a classroom or boardroom—happen when people feel seen, valued, and supported.

Care isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about knowing names, remembering stories, and standing with people when things get hard. As a consultant, I strive to build real relationships with the districts and leaders I work with. Because the work of education is too important—and too human—to be transactional.

The Journey Ahead

As I embark on this new journey, I reflect on the countless moments that have shaped my understanding of leadership. Each experience has taught me valuable lessons about resilience, empathy, and the importance of community. I believe that every leader has the potential to inspire change.

In this new chapter, I’m excited to share my insights and strategies with others. I want to empower leaders to embrace their unique strengths and cultivate environments where everyone can thrive. Together, we can create spaces that foster collaboration, innovation, and growth.

Building a Supportive Community

One of the most rewarding aspects of leadership is building a supportive community. I’ve always believed that collaboration is key to success. When we come together, we can achieve so much more than we can alone.

I’m committed to creating opportunities for leaders to connect, share ideas, and learn from one another. Whether through workshops, coaching sessions, or informal gatherings, I want to facilitate meaningful conversations that lead to actionable change.

Embracing Change

Change can be daunting, but it can also be a catalyst for growth. As leaders, we must embrace change and view it as an opportunity rather than a setback. I’ve witnessed firsthand how a positive mindset can transform challenges into stepping stones for success.

In my consulting work, I aim to help leaders navigate change with confidence. Together, we can develop strategies that not only address immediate concerns but also lay the groundwork for long-term success.

Final Thoughts

Starting a consulting agency isn’t just a new business move—it’s a calling. I’ve spent 29 years pouring into students and schools. Now, I get to pour into the leaders who do the same.

If you’re a school leader looking for someone who understands the journey—someone who leads with heart, serves with humility, and cares deeply—I’d love to connect. Let’s build something great together. Because when we love, serve, and care, we don’t just build better schools. We build better futures.

Let’s embark on this journey together and create lasting impact.