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< Back Kimberly Banda Associate Dr. Kimberly Banda brings over 18 years of experience in education and consulting. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on digital literacy, and a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction specializing in literacy. Dr. Banda has an extensive background that includes roles such as classroom teacher, instructional coach, college and career consultant, university professor, education preparation program coordinator, field consultant and recruiter, curriculum and instruction designer, business owner, and education consultant. In addition, she has two published works titled The Kaleidoscope of Lived Curricula: Learning Through a Confluence of Crises and An Exploration of Latinx Generation Z Secondary Teachers’ Lived Experiences, Motivations, and Retention Factors to Teach in the Rio Grande Valley School District . She has conducted extensive research on teacher and administrator retention, as well as the dynamics of multigenerational workforces in school districts. Currently, Dr. Banda works as a professional development consultant, providing strategic services to school districts, colleges, universities, and other organizations nationwide. She is deeply passionate about coaching and empowering educators and administrators, driven by her belief in the transformative power of education. She is committed to delivering research-based strategies, designing effective curricula, reviewing educational policies, leading team-building workshops, providing mentorship, and offering innovative pedagogical approaches tailored to the needs of each district. Through collaborative planning sessions and reflective discussions with district administrators, she helps educators and leaders refine their skills, adapt to evolving teaching and leadership methodologies, and ultimately enhance their effectiveness in their roles. Dr. Banda’s work extends beyond providing expertise; it is about inspiring confidence and driving meaningful growth across districts, enhancing both personal and professional development for educators and leaders. Dr. Banda holds several certifications, including a Texas Educator Certificate in ELAR 8-12 and ESL 6-12, a Graduate Certificate in Online K-12 Instruction, Texas A&M Mentoring and Coaching Certification, Field Supervisor Observation Training for Teacher Candidates, and TCEA Certified Educator Social and Emotional Learning Certification.

< Back Michael Zarchin Associate Dr. Mike Zarchin has proudly served public schools for 31 years in suburban, urban and rural settings in Maryland. As Chief of Schools in Baltimore County Public Schools, Mike was responsible for the leadership and safety of 176 schools and programs. He also served as Chief of School Climate and Safety where he was responsible for school safety, student services, and school climate initiatives. Mike has extensive experience supervising, coaching, and mentoring principals through his work in Montgomery County Public Schools as Director of School Support and Improvement and as a Consulting Principal. In his six years as a middle school principal in Bethesda, Maryland, the performance of every student group showed notable increases on state assessments. The outstanding work of the staff resulted in improved performance of students. Under Mike’s leadership the school received designation as a National Blue Ribbon School. He was awarded with the Mark Mann Excellence and Harmony Award and he earned recognition from Johns Hopkins University for significant gains in the performance of historically underachieving students. Mike is passionate about building the capacity of school leaders and establishing safe and positive school environments where students excel intellectually, socially, and emotionally. Mike earned his Ed.D. from Walden University, M.A. from Johns Hopkins University, and B.S. from the University of Dayton.

< Back Tracy Edwards Associate Dr. Tracy Edwards has 17 years of experience in public education in Connecticut and holds certification in Elementary Education (K-6), Special Education (PK-12), Intermediate Administration and Supervision, and Superintendent of Schools. She began her career as an elementary special education teacher before serving as an elementary assistant principal and interim principal. For the last ten years, she has served in district-level positions overseeing special education and related services programs and staff, 504 accommodation plans, social-emotional learning, wellness, safe school climate, homebound services, and transition programming. Dr. Edwards is passionate about helping all students reach their full potential and focused her dissertation research on the impact of teacher mindset in improving academic outcomes for students with disabilities. Dr. Edwards earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Connecticut in History and Political Science and her Master of Professional Studies degree in Elementary and Special Education from Manhattanville College. She also earned a 6th-year degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Connecticut and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Sacred Heart University.

< Back Erik Weenink Project Manager Dr. Erik Weenink has a broad range of domestic and international experience in project management, engineering and financial operations. He is trained in Lean Engineering methods, has a Green Belt in Six Sigma and is certified as a PMP in Project Management. Erik currently holds a Director level position in a market-leading retailer in the North-East which is part of the Dutch Ahold-Delhaize group. He received his Ph.D. from Columbia University in NYC and a M.Sc from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. He has lived and worked on three continents and speaks Dutch, German, English, and French fluently.

< Back Zac Robbins Senior Associate Dr. Zachary Scott Robbins is an experienced Superintendent and the author of Restorative Justice Tribunal and Ways to Derail Jim Crow Discipline in Schools and Becoming a Social Justice Educator . He has “turned around” schools in Boston and Las Vegas and is honored to be the 2022 Nevada High School Principal of the Year. Dr. Robbins was the 2021 City of Las Vegas African-American Trailblazer in Education Award Recipient, and in 2021 he was the President-Elect of the Secondary School Principals Association of Nevada. He publishes commentary and news articles for various media outlets and makes frequent radio and television appearances to discuss politics and education. Dr. Robbins and his team established the first restorative justice program in Nevada. His school was a training hub in restorative practices for Nevada educators. He coached state leaders in restorative practices on behalf of the Nevada Department of Education and informed education policy development. Dr. Robbins continues training teachers and school leaders in restorative practices through online courses he has developed and through occasional consulting engagements. Dr. Robbins has served on the board of the YMCA of Snohomish County and the Southern Nevada ACLU. He has presented at national and international conferences. He is the primary Instructor of the Learning and Justice For All Institute, and he trains teachers and school leaders nationwide. Zac was educated at Howard University in Washington, DC, and he earned his Ph.D. in Education Administration at the Boston College Lynch School of Education.

< Back Kris Cosca Senior Associate Dr. Kris Cosca has dedicated his career to public schools for 30+ years as a teacher and administrator. Most recently, he served as superintendent of a 7,500-student district in Northern California. Kris has experienced the joys and the challenges at every level – from the classroom to the school board room. He navigated curriculum changes, enrollment challenges, pandemic restrictions, labor negotiations, staff burnout, and much more. As a leadership coach, Kris now shares his expertise with Next Level Leadership Services clients. Additionally, he serves as the Vice President of Education for Target River, a full services marketing agency specializing in targeted digital marketing in support of school systems. Public service runs in the family. Kris' father was a long-time district superintendent in Southern California, his mother was an occupational therapist at a state hospital, and Kris married a high school science teacher with whom he has two adult children. Dedicated to his Napa Valley community, Kris serves on the Connolly Ranch Education Center board of directors and supports many other local causes.

Discover innovative audit and services for overcoming education-industry challenges. Fresh solutions tailored to elevate your institution's success. Helping schools and districts solve their most vexing challenges. We do not offer "cookie-cutter" solutions. We customize every proposal to ensure it is responsive to your unique needs and context. Community Engagement Gain deep insights into what your community is saying Learn More Superintendent Searches Attract the most ideal candidates for those key positions Learn More Board Governance Training Function as a high-performing Board and Superintendent team Learn More Change Management Get on the balcony to identify the obstacles to change Learn More Reimagining Learning Spaces Create contemporary learning spaces that will truly engage students Learn More Strategic Communications Ensure your most important messages are received Learn More Team Building Bring the best out of your team for optimal performance Learn More Subject Matter PD Contemporize your curriculum and teaching in all content areas Learn More Strategic Planning Develop a one-page plan that is actionable and impactful Learn More Leadership Coaching Bespoke coaching for all levels of leadership Learn More Behavior Intervention Learn More Board Policy Still have policies from the 80's? We can help! Learn More Chronic Absenteeism Increase student attendance and engagement Learn More Cyber Security Reduce or eliminate the likelihood of a cyber-attack Learn More Financial & HR Optimize your human and fiscal resources at the school and district levels Learn More Fine Arts Increase engagement and participation Learn More Organizational Effectiveness Clarify roles and responsibilities to promote a stronger organization Learn More Safety & Security Ensure your staff and students are safe and secure Learn More Special Education & MTSS Identify the strengths and opportunities that will improve your programs Learn More Technology Modernize your infrastructure to future standards Learn More OUR PROMISE We understand that our clients are not just districts and schools, but ultimately the students that they are designed to serve. As fellow educators, we are committed to acting with integrity, honesty, and transparency. Zeal is unlike any other consulting firm because we guarantee complete and total satisfaction on any service we provide, or we will start over.

< Back Victor Ramsey Associate Dr. Victor Ramsey is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at York College, The City University of New York School of Health Sciences. He is formerly a Curriculum and Training Specialist within the NYCDOE Office of School Wellness Programs, where he served for three decades. In this capacity, Dr. Ramsey was responsible for supporting his team with developing training designs and curriculum review and development. Vic is a former middle school health and physical education teacher, dean, assistant principal, and Regional Director for Fitness and Wellness at the former NYCDOE Region 9 where he supported over 200 schools. Victor currently serves as a Board Member of the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America) and an active member of the Recruitment and Retention Task Force for SHAPE America. He is also a Board Member of The New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (NYSAHPERD) and immediate past president of the Equity, Equity Diversity, and Inclusiveness Section NYSAHPERD. Victor received his Ed.D. in Curriculum and Teaching in Physical Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, his Masters in Pediatric Adaptive Physical Education from Manhattan College, his School Supervision and District Administrator Degree from Brooklyn College, and his Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education from York College of the City University of New York. His scholarly research investigates the attitude and physical activity patterns of middle school girls, Social Justice in Physical Education and Cultural Responsive Teaching and Learning in Physical Education. He is the author of several articles relevant to health and physical education, and conducts peer review articles for the American Education Research Association (AERA) Special Interest Group 93- Physical Education Instruction, and SHAPE America. Victor is currently co-authoring a book titled “Culturally Responsive Physical Education: Inspiring Lifelong Wellness by Promoting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging.”

< Back Molly Ness Associate Dr. Molly Ness is a former classroom teacher, a reading researcher, and a teacher educator. She holds a doctorate in reading education from the University of Virginia, and she spent 16 years as an associate professor at Fordham University. She previously directed the University of Virginia’s McGuffey Reading Clinic. With five books and numerous peer-reviewed articles, her research focuses on reading comprehension, teachers’ instructional decisions, and dyslexia. Dr. Ness serves on the Board of Directors for the International Literacy Association, and is a founding member of the New York chapter of the Reading League. She currently serves as an adjunct professor for Brooklyn College’s Advanced Certification in the Science of Reading. She also serves on the New York City Mayor’s literacy advisory council.

Board Governance Training Boards and their executive leaders, such as Superintendents, inherently fulfill distinct yet pivotal roles within an organization. The hallmark of truly successful and impactful organizations lies in their ability to perceive the Board and Superintendent not as isolated entities but as integral components of a cohesive "leadership team." By fostering collaboration, mutual respect, and clear communication, these organizations harness the collective expertise and vision of both entities to drive strategic growth and operational excellence. Recognizing the nuances and complexities of Board-Superintendent dynamics, our expertise enables us to guide organizations, irrespective of their current relationship status, toward establishing a robust framework for success and clarity. Through strategic alignment, tailored strategies, and collaborative facilitation, we empower Boards and Superintendents to transcend traditional boundaries, leverage their unique strengths, and work synergistically toward achieving shared goals and objectives. By cultivating a harmonious and strategic partnership, organizations can navigate challenges more effectively, capitalize on opportunities, and cultivate a culture of trust, transparency, and transformative leadership. Effective conversations surrounding board governance are most impactful when facilitated by individuals who command credibility with both the superintendent and Board of Education members. Our team uniquely embodies this dual perspective, comprising seasoned school executives and experienced Board of Education chairs, ensuring a nuanced and balanced approach to governance dynamics. Drawing upon our wealth of experience, we excel in establishing leadership and behavioral norms, fortifying existing positive relationships, or resolving challenges related to trust, performance, or role clarity. Our specialized expertise encompasses: Role Clarity: Defining and delineating clear roles and responsibilities for both the superintendent and Board members. Expectation Alignment: Calibrating expectations among stakeholders to foster mutual understanding and collaboration. Evaluation Frameworks: Designing comprehensive and cohesive evaluation tools for superintendent performance assessment. Conflict Resolution: Facilitating constructive dialogue and mediation to address and resolve governance-related conflicts effectively. Board Development: Orchestrating impactful retreats and team-building experiences to enhance cohesion, collaboration, and strategic alignment among Board members. By leveraging our multifaceted expertise and collaborative approach, we empower educational institutions to navigate complex governance challenges, cultivate productive relationships, and drive organizational excellence and student success. Schedule Your FREE Confidential Consultation OUR PROMISE We understand that our clients are not just districts and schools, but ultimately the students that they are designed to serve. As fellow educators, we are committed to acting with integrity, honesty, a nd transp arency. Zeal is unlike any other consulting firm because we guarantee complete and total satisfaction on any service we provide, or we will start over. Learn more about our other services: Superintendent Searches Attract the most ideal candidates for those key positions Learn More Team Building Bring the best out of your team for optimal performance Learn More Strategic Planning Develop a one-page plan that is actionable and impactful Learn More Leadership Coaching Bespoke coaching for all levels of leadership Learn More

< Back Christopher Nagy Senior Associate Dr. Christopher Nagy is a thought leader, educational futurist, and content creator with accomplishments across various leadership roles. For the past 10 years, Chris has served as the superintendent of schools in a high-performing school district in the Northeast. Beyond his work in K-12 schools, Chris teaches masters and doctoral-level courses on Innovation and Technology Integration, Strategic Marketing with Social Media and Branding, Educational Leadership, Diversity, and Multicultural Perspectives and Policy. He is also the author of a book, numerous articles, and a blog. Chris serves on the Board of Directors for one of the largest chambers of commerce in New Jersey where he is dedicated to building education and business partnerships, technology integration, leadership capacity, and support for diversity, equity and inclusion. Dr. Nagy has also served on the NJ State Board of Education Board of Examiners where he led the legal committee and served as a coach and mentor to many aspiring educators and administrators. As a lifelong learner, Chris earned his doctoral degree in administration and leadership from Widener University as well as Masters degrees in Educational Leadership and Theology respectively from Lehigh University and the St. Thomas Aquinas University in Rome, Italy. As an undergraduate, Chris earned degrees in Philosophy and Theology from St. John Lateran University in Rome, Italy, and he is also certified in Applied Positive Psychology from the Flourishing Center in New York City. Dr. Nagy was recently recognized as the Emerging Leader of the Year by the Burlington County Times and Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce, and received the Voice of Business Award for Personal Excellence. His district was recognized by the New Jersey Department of Education as a Lighthouse District for Equity.