PERKINS CONSULTING GROUP - Key Persons
Deborah L. Keys Write joined the firm as a partner in 2017. She was the Director of Equity Programming at the National School Boards Association where she led educational programs for over 1,000 school board members, specifically targeting underserved children around the country in public education. Deborah has 20 years of non-profit association experience that includes leading programming in urban conferences; facilitating relationships with urban superintendents and school board members through collaborations with AASA The School Superintendent Association and Howard University. Deborah received her Bachelor's Degree in Management and Organizational Development from Spring Arbor University in Michigan.
Dr. Ploeger specializes in improving learning through leadership development, organizational and financial management, and growing the potential of human capital. He is currently the Superintendent of Schools at Kaohsiung American School in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. KAS is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School where 800 students from over 30 nations learn and thrive. Dr. Ploeger was previously the Principal and Head of School of Eagle Ridge Academy Charter High School in Brighton, CO. Eagle Ridge Academy was a high performing but fiscally endangered school when Dr. Ploeger joined the team. At ERA he led a successful financial turnaround, raised test scores, and steered the school through three successful charter renewals. Ben earned his Ed.D. and his Ed.M. in Educational Leadership from Columbia University Teachers College, his M.A. in Educational Leadership and his M.A.T. in Secondary Math Instruction from Xavier University of Louisiana, and his B.S. in Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines.
Dr. Perkins founded the firm in 2007 and has been the principal consultant since inception. He has been providing education consulting since 1994. Dr. Perkins has been a university professor and university administrator in education for over 20 years and served as the national president of the Council of Urban Boards of Education. He served as president for the New Haven Board of Education and was a member for almost 12 years and was on the board of directors for the National School Boards Association for four years. Dr. Perkins received his Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry from Grambling State University in Louisiana and his professional and doctoral degrees from Yale University School of Medicine and Columbia University respectively.
Dr. Parla served as a superintendent of schools in New York and New Jersey for more than seventeen years. He also served as an assistant superintendent for business and elementary school teacher. In addition to his experience as a public school administrator and teacher, Dr. Parla served as a member of his local board of education for fourteen years. Dr. Parla received a Bachelor of Science from the State University of New York at Oneonta, a Master of Arts from Adelphi University, a Master of Business Administration from Iona College and a Doctor of Education from Columbia University Teachers College.
Dr. De La Cruz has more than twenty years of experience in urban education, in which she has served various roles such as teacher, coordinator, assistant principal, and principal. As an educator, she has achieved her National Board Certification in English as a New Language and her National Mentor Certificate from the National Association of Elementary Principals. Kristy earned both her masters of education and her doctorate of education in Organizational Leadership at Teachers College, Columbia University. Some areas of expertise include creating systems and structures to support English Language Learners, building positive school cultures that promote learning, and developing professional learning cycles for teacher and staff development.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Consultant
- Vice President
- Chief Diversity Officer
Dr. Maurice Stinnett currently serves as the Vice President of University Engagement and Chief Diversity Officer at Cleveland State University, the youngest individual to serve as a VP in the university's existence. He has extensive experience as an administrator in both the higher education sector and in national nonprofits in the K-12 education sector. Dr. Stinnett was the inaugural chairman of the White House Initiative World Leadership Program under President Obama's administration, which brought together university students of many religious faiths from around the globe for cross-cultural dialogue. He is a licensed New York State School District Leader and a Certified National Principal Coach/Mentor. Dr. Stinnett holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing from Central State University, a Masters of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, and an Masters of Education and Doctor of Education from Columbia University.
Dr. Stephen M. Brown is the former Dean of the Jack Welch College of Business at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut. He is currently a professor and the Director of the Center for Not for Profit Organizations at Sacred Heart. Prior to his current assignment, Dr. Brown was the Founding Dean of University College at Sacred Heart University, and the Dean of the Graduate School at Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Dr. Brown is the author of two books and over 40 articles. His current research and practice interests are assessment, pedagogy, leadership, and strategic planning. He has extensive experience in assessment, faculty development and accreditation. He earned his doctorate at Boston University, his master's degree from the University of Rhode Island, and a bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth.
Lannie M. Milon Jr., has the unique blend of urban and sub-urban education teaching, building leader, central office/ district leader administration, and tier-one university educational leader & policy studies adjunct professor experiences. His contributions and service as an education leader rendered him as a featured distinguished alumni by The Pennsylvania State University. His effective futuristic approach to coaching & developing the talents and capacity in others are most notably demonstrated with the innovative and robust performance evaluation instrument designed for a 30, 000 employee organization, which is currently in its 8th year of inception. He holds a Ph.D. from The Pennsylvania State University in Education Leadership and a Masters of Arts in Teaching and a Bachelor of Science from Georgia College & State University.
Mr. Dupre served in the New Haven Public Schools for 32 years. He has been a math, science, and chemistry teacher; a Middle School and High School Guidance Counselor; a High School Assistant Principal; an Elementary School Principal; and a High School Principal on Special Assignment. He received his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Coppin State University (Baltimore, MD), and his Masters in Counseling along with his Sixth Year Degree in School Administration and Leadership from Southern Connecticut State University.
Mr. Ramos is our leadership consultant in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He is a Master Coach and Mediator. He has worked for over 13 years in leadership positions for government, national and multinational companies. He specializes in Positive Psychology and has certifications in DISC, ASSESS and Six Seconds assessment tools. Mr. Ramos has been working for almost a decade in leadership development, Emotional Intelligence, Socio-emotional development and Conflict Resolution. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering from the Federal Center of Technological Education in Brazil and has a Master of Business Administration in Marketing.
Jacinto Ramos, Jr, an advocate for multi-culturalism, pride and identity, Jacinto Ramos, Jr. is an experienced and proven community leader. He is a certified multicultural trainer and an adjunct professor at Texas Christian University. Bridging the silos of activism, leadership, and community engagement, Jacinto earned a spot on the Fort Worth ISD Board of Trustees winning an election in June of 2013. Two years later, he reached an historic milestone becoming the youngest board president in the history of his large urban district. Standing on the shoulders of family and friends to arrive at this point. Jacinto is a model example to the antidote to education. He graduated from UT Arlington in 1997 with a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice & Criminology and later earned a master's degree from Amberton University in 2013. He is Currently pursuing his EdD in Educational Leadership.
Mr. Faisal is a highly respected instructional leader with progressive experience and accomplishments as an administrator at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Widely recognized for expertise in curriculum planning, instructional supervision, data and assessment, safety-net programs for at-risk populations, school improvement, strategic planning, transformation/reform planning, parent outreach, and the implementation of college-bound culture. Mr. Faisal received dual Bachelor's Degree in English and Sociology from Madonna University and Master's Degree in Education and Reading from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. His second Master's Degree in School Leadership and Organization from Teachers College Columbia University. He is currently a doctoral candidate in Urban Education and Leadership at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Chief Compliance Officer
- Consultant
Ms. Piñeyro currently serves as a Chief Compliance Officer for a corporate finance company and is the first Latina elected to the Freeport (NY) Village Board of Trustees. She has previously served as the Deputy Mayor and currently serves on various village Committees by mayoral appointment. Ms. Piñeyro was also the first Latina to be elected to the Freeport Board of Education. She subsequently served as President of the Board of Education. She is the recipient of the New York State School Board Association Leadership Development Recognition program's Master of Boardmanship Award. She has previously served on the board of directors for NALEO. Ms. Piñeyro attended Loyola College in Maryland where she received a Dual Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Spanish. She also completed course work at Hofstra University to obtain post-Baccalaureate Certificates in Paralegal Studies and in Micro and Macro Economics.
Job Titles:
- Senior Consultant
- Associate Executive Director, Professional Learning
Ms. Riley has served as the Associate Executive Director, Professional Learning and Outreach, for the National Association of Elementary School Principals and continues to work with the NAESP National Principal Mentor Training and Certification Program. Following 14 years as an elementary principal and 18 years as a teacher and director of curriculum and instruction, she moved into the non-profit arena with the Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals and created the MAESP Foundation for the Advancement of Childhood Education (FAME). She has represented NAESP through trainings and development projects in Canada and Bermuda and supported principals through the international affiliates. Carol received her B.S in Education from the University of California, PA and her M.A. in Education from Baldwin-Wallace College, OH. She completed post-graduate studies at the University of Akron and the University of Cincinnati.
Ms. Francis has over ten years of teaching experience and has served as a Dean of Instruction and Literacy Facilitator in urban charter and public schools. She is a NY state and NC licensed Highly Qualified Educational Professional with Master degrees in Organizational Leadership & School Building Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University, and in Childhood Education, from Mercy College. Ms. Francis holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Middlebury College in Vermont. Her areas of expertise are: research-based best pedagogical practices, curriculum design and development, teacher mentoring and coaching; design of professional development improvement plans utilizing student and school data.
Ms. McKissack served as the executive manager of the MD/PhD training program at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine for 20 years. She managed recruitment and provided front-line prospective student counseling for admission to this highly competitive national program. She was previously the Director of Communications for the Illinois Commission on Human Relations. She has a solid demonstrated record of both federal and private grant writing, successful funding, grant management and program evaluation. She has extensive experience with clients to pre-screen executive hires and provided technical assistance in risk management, cost saving strategies and creative proposal packaging. She earned a degree in psychology from Talladega College, a graduate degree in education from the University of Chicago and an MBA from the Keller Graduate School of Management - Chicago.
Rachel Willis is an award winning educator with over a decade of experience teaching and leading in K-12 and graduate level settings. As CEO & Founder of Elevating Equity, Rachel supports schools, districts, and education based organizations in creating anti-racist, culturally responsive environments. This work includes designing and facilitating professional development workshops, conducting equity audits, and providing executive coaching to support leaders in building racially equitable schools. Her areas of expertise include: values based leadership, evaluating curriculum, and supporting districts in developing and executing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Rachel received a B.A. in Government from Smith College and a M.Ed. in Organization and Leadership from Columbia University.
Ms. Casarin is our personal and professional development coach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She works with corporate executives and school leaders to develop their skills to become more effective. Her expertise is on social and emotional intelligence in adults and in children, working also with parents to help them in their children's development. She is the author of a children's book in Portuguese that has been published in Brazil. Tonia graduated in her MA at Teachers College Columbia University has a Certificate in Executive Coaching.