Equity matters consultants

  • Dr. Sonya Murray, CEO/Founder of Equity Matters Consultants, a transformation leader specializing in supporting leaders to leverage practices that disrupt the status quo in leadership, teaching, and learning. She believes all students can thrive when educators engage in adult learning theory around diversity, equity, and inclusion. She has nearly three decades of broad experience as a Researcher, Principal, Leadership Coach, District Administrator, Entrepreneur and former Teacher of the Year. Sonya is passionate about ensuring educational equity for every child, no matter their background or zip code.

  • Mrs. Amy Youngblood, Equity Matters Consultant and EduOptimus Founder, began her career as a kindergarten teacher in Southwest Missouri, serving as an elementary teacher. She has served as a K-12 gifted teacher, a federal programs director, an MSIP Coordinator, a K-12 curriculum director, and executive director of SuccessLink, a statewide organization. Currently, she is the founder and executive director of EduOptimus, where her responsibilities include planning, developing, and facilitating professional development opportunities for teachers and administrators. Amy has served as a review panelist for the Evaluating the Content and Quality of Next Generation Assessments by The Fordham Institute, a reviewer for state grants, and an EdReports Lead Facilitator.oes here

  • Dr. Ian Buchanan, Equity Matters Consultant and President/CEO of Nia Education Group, has committed almost three decades to the service of students, organizations, families, and communities. Ian has an impressive broad range of leadership, coaching, teaching, and professional development experiences. Capacity-building is a skill, passion, and gift for Ian. Two guiding principles drive this commitment to capacity-building. The first guiding principle is “To whom much is given, much is required.” Ian recognizes his level of access, opportunity, and capital. He leverages that and decades of experience, technical skills, and a passion for change to help individuals and organizations reach their full potential.

  • Dr. Sherrie Robbins, Equity Matters Consultant and experienced educator supports teachers and educational leaders in capitalizing on their strengths to enhance best practices. Sherrie believes that all educators strive for excellence to provide the best experiences for their school community. Today's schools' demands and diverse challenges become roadblocks to professional development and learning. As a former Teacher of the Year at two different schools and a former classroom teacher, academic coach, and literacy facilitator, she has nearly two decades of teaching and learning experience. Sherrie is currently an adjunct college faculty member, a supervisor of student teachers, and a liaison to school administrators.

  • Dr. Terrance Scott, Equity Matters Consultant and Founder of Scott Cultural Consulting has served as an educator and activist for scholars across the country. Despite a list of personal accomplishments, it was the failures he experienced that pushed him in his thinking and his approach to the work. He enjoys watching and playing basketball, reading and studying African American and Christian History, and all forms of artistic expression, with a special nod to hip-hop. Dr. Scott is committed to the continued exploration of the sociocultural, sociopolitical and socioeconomic factors that impact children, in an effort to create tangible, delectable, audacious hope for them. As Dr. Jeff Duncan-Andrade put it, “Audacious hope stares down the painful path; and despite the overwhelming odds against us making it down that path to change, we make the journey again and again. There is no other choice.”

  • Mrs. Tashanae Francis, Equity Matters Consultant, is an impassioned educator who fosters transformative change in educational settings. Armed with a Master's degree in Education and currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, she brings a wealth of academic knowledge and practical experience to her role. She is dedicated to establishing inclusive and empowering cultures within educational institutions, recognizing culture's pivotal role in shaping learning environments.

    With a keen focus on supporting teacher development, Tashanae is adept at breaking down complex concepts and crafting actionable goals that are attainable and impactful. Her problem-solving skills and open-minded approach enable her to navigate challenges with creativity and resilience. Tashanae 's unwavering dedication to empowering educators and students makes her an invaluable asset in pursuing educational excellence and equity.

    Driven by her passion for innovation, Tashanae revels in transforming learning environments into captivating adventures that ignite students' curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. She believes in creating dynamic educational experiences that inspire lifelong learners and foster a sense of wonder and discovery.

    She has eighteen years of educational experience as a Principal, Elementary Educator, and Instructional Coordinator in the public and private school sectors.

    Her education includes a B.A. in Sociology & Anthropology, M.A. in Elementary Education, and an Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership. Throughout her career, Paya has served in various roles, including developing curriculum, advocating for equitable practices for all students, facilitating action research cohorts, coaching teachers, serving on Truman State University’s advisory board, facilitating racial affinity groups, researching best practices in teaching, leading training for parents, developing strategic plans and playing a lead role in many aspects of professional development.

  • Dr. Kristen Taylor, Equity Matters Consultant and founder of Precise Pedagogy, works with teachers and administrators to ensure that they are working for the benefit of all students in their care every day. Kristen has over fifteen years of experience supporting teachers in PreK through 12 and administrators at the PK - 8 levels. Kristen knows that all work doesn't have to be complicated, even though hard work is essential. She helps leaders simplify their focus, narrowing it down to what is critical and most important. Kristen has been a teacher, instructional coach, curriculum coach, assistant principal, and principal in urban district and charter schools.

  • Mrs. Lisa Thompson, Equity Matters Consultant and Equity Works, Founder and CEO has spent nearly three decades in public education. She has served as a classroom teacher, staff developer, building leader, mentor, and coach. Although the roles varied, her purpose has always been to provide high-quality learning experiences for all students. Mrs. Thompson believes this can only be done when leaders understand the correlation between instructional solid leadership and mindsets that promote healthy and positive relationships amongst staff, students, and the community.

  • Mr. Marques Harris, Equity Matters Consultant and educational leader, that has devoted his life to expanding equitable opportunities for marginalized communities and people of color. He was born and raised in Atlanta, Ga where he received his undergraduate degree from Morehouse College in philosophy. Marques has a decade of experience in education having begun his journey as a high school algebra teacher in Jacksonville, Florida. Since, he has functioned as a leadership and instructional coach, as well as an educational consultant; supporting teachers, administrators and district personnel to ensure strong outcomes for students. He leads from a student first and student-centered orientation believing partnership to be the key lever for the dismantling of systemic barriers to access.

  • Dr. Exley Horton Warren, Equity Matters Consultant and Senior Manager in the Office of Innovation and Strategic Initiatives for Houston ISD, is a third-generation educator from Clinton, MD. In addition, he is a Leadership Coach with the Champion Method, LLC, and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Missouri St. Louis (UMSL). He has worked in Title I, urban, traditional public, and charter school systems across the country. In 2019, when the Ferguson School District was recognized by the Missouri Dept. of Education with the designation “Accreditation with Distinction,” the school where he served as principal had the highest APR score in the district (100%). As a district administrator in Ferguson, he partnered with the district’s librarians to plan and organize the 1 Billion Word Challenge, increased focus on Balanced Literacy and the Science of Reading, implemented the use of the Gradual Release of Responsibility model across the district, and spearheaded an initiative to offer more Advance Placement courses to students of color. He brings a reputation for transformational leadership and inspiring students to develop a life-long passion for learning which translates to success both in and outside the classroom.

  • Dr. Tiffany Patton, Equity Matters Consultant and founder of Results Driven Educational Consulting, has an extensive amount of experience in successfully leading school improvement work using the key levers of data and assessment, staff coaching and development, curriculum alignment and rigor, and establishing cultures of high expectations for all.

    She is passionate about working to resolve educational inequity in school systems, particularly those with high concentrations of poverty and supporting the courageous and heart-driven leaders who embrace this challenge.

    She has held roles as a Director of Professional Development, Building Principal, Assistant Principal, Founding Assistant Principal, Instructional Coach, and Classroom Teacher. In addition to these roles, Dr. Patton has led principal training workshops at MAESP annual conferences and assisted with designing a new teacher training program curriculum with TNTP for the Charlotte Mecklenburg School District, serves as an Executive Coach with BetterLesson and a Chief Consultant with her consulting business in addition to the Director of Professional Development with the Riverview Gardens School District.

    But most notably, she is a mom to Zari, her 10 year old daughter who is a gifted artist that enjoys drawing anime characters and plays violin, soccer, and Roblox.

  • Dr. Sheldon McAfee, Equity Matters Consultant and former elementary teacher, coach, and principal, was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Sheldon recognizes the importance of elevating the voices and perspectives of underserved children. He is a trauma specialist specializing in equity and education, focusing on whole child development. Sheldon took classes with the Southern Poverty Law Center to teach tolerance classes in local schools. His dissertation work focused on equitable education services for students.

  • Dr. Jamie Martin, Equity Matters Consultant, studied the perceptions of diversity training participants, where they feel supervisors/trainers move the needle and where they miss the mark. Jamie believes that when we understand our learners, we better understand instruction.

    As a certified educator in three states with over a decade of experience in education, Jamie knows her record for student success centers on seeing every child as an asset. Her background in a variety of education settings gives her a keen ability to meet the unique needs of leaders and learners. Jamie helps educators amplify their strengths while identifying efficient, workable practices leverage student growth.

  • Ms. Jeronica Harts, Equity Matters Consultant and founder of Empowered Educators, a trailblazer in the realm of education, whose unwavering dedication has shaped a remarkable journey of transformative impact. As the visionary CEO and founder of Empowered Educators, Jeronica has seamlessly woven her extensive professional tapestry, marked by years of service as a middle and high school teacher and the founding administrator of a school in Memphis, Tennessee.

    Her ascent continued as the driving force behind the expansion of a charter management organization from a single school to a thriving network of six institutions, serving countless students across the vibrant city of Memphis. Jeronica's journey then took her to St. Louis, where she assumed pivotal roles as principal and Director of Professional Learning, solidifying her reputation as a dynamic and influential leader.

    Jeronica's rich background encompasses not only teaching and administration but also strategic leadership in enrollment marketing, family, and community engagement. This unique blend of experiences has uniquely positioned her to spearhead transformative change and innovation within the education sector.

    What sets Jeronica apart is not just her impressive resume, but her passion for empowering educators and uplifting entire educational communities. Her collaborative and systems-thinking approach shines through, making her a trusted and inspiring leader in the industry.