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< Back Robert Tremblay Senior Associate With more than 25 years of school and district leadership experience, Dr. Robert A. Tremblay is currently Superintendent of the Framingham Public Schools in Framingham, Massachusetts. Locally, Dr. Tremblay works with aspiring principals and superintendents to build leadership skills and family and community engagement strategies through courses, workshops, and coaching sessions. In addition to his professional responsibilities as Superintendent of Schools in an urban community outside of Boston, Dr. Tremblay has served as an Adjunct Professor and Supervisor of Practicum Experiences at American International College and as a University Supervisor in the Educational Leadership Licensure Program at Boston University. He served as a panelist at various Massachusetts venues speaking on Measuring and Improving Student Engagement and School Climate, Building Leadership Capacity, and Effective Implementation of Educator Evaluation Models. Internationally, Dr. Tremblay was a guest presenter on the Structure of the American Education System at the Administrative Summit in Beijing, China in 2014 and has participated in numerous international school accreditation visits in Honduras, the Dominican Republic, Qatar, and China. Using his doctoral research on the political competence of school leaders, Dr. Tremblay teaches graduate-level courses on Collaborative Leadership and Organizational Change and has worked with educational leadership cohorts in Thailand, Costa Rica, Panama, Bahrain, Germany, and Italy. His passion lies with coaching individuals and small cohorts of leaders on how to navigate the complex and often politically charged landscapes in communities to help to prioritize educational agendas.

< Back Paul Castro Senior Associate Paul Castro is an advocate for merging the art and science of leadership through impactful learning and coaching. With a 29-year career, Paul has demonstrated his commitment to education in various roles. He served as both a teacher and principal within a traditional school system, provided management and coaching within a nationwide charter system, coached district and school leaders through a non-profit organization, and orchestrated the design and launch of an inner-city Houston charter school focused on delivering a premium education without cost barriers. Paul's skill as an executive leadership coach for the KIPP Foundation stands out, as he assisted leaders across the United States in crafting comprehensive school launch plans and refining their management and leadership proficiencies. At Houston A+ Challenge, he developed tailored content for various school districts in the Houston region, catering to the unique needs of each client. Paul knows that effective educational leadership necessitates personal growth and adept interpersonal skills, which is why he focuses on nurturing the soft skills that elevate managers into true leaders. Throughout his career, Paul has studied classroom instructional and assessment practices. His expertise has led him to be a presenter on classroom practices and secured his appointment as a commissioner for the Texas Commission on Next Generation Assessments and Accountability, selected by the state's Lieutenant Governor in 2016. As a seasoned startup leader, Paul has undertaken pivotal roles in launching schools. He served as an associate dean for the opening of a high school, was selected to be the founding principal role for a middle school in Houston ISD, and orchestrated the conception and launch of a charter school as both founder and superintendent. During his tenure at KIPP Houston, he effectively managed and guided two founders in successfully opening new high schools. In 2013, he led a team to design a free public charter school in Houston, earning approval by the state board of education and the state education agency. Paul's contributions have garnered substantial recognition and support for his charter school endeavors. His school secured funding from esteemed organizations such as the Walton Family Foundation, NewSchools Venture Fund, The Brown Foundation, and the Elkins Family Foundation. These backers acknowledge the importance of fostering inclusive and empowering school cultures, a vision that Paul has realized through his efforts at A+UP. Educationally, Paul holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Texas A&M University and a Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of Houston. He further honed his expertise through completion of the KIPP School Leadership Program in New York, a milestone that led to his selection as a member of the Fisher Foundation Selection Committee.

Diverse, experienced, national wide team of educational consultants. Superintendents, professors, authors, thought leaders, educational leaders, principals. A team that is passionate about learning and leading. Zeal Education Group’s engine is fueled by a diverse, nationwide team with centuries of experience as superintendents, principals, professors, authors, and industry thought-leaders. Jeff Melendez Founder & CEO Read More Coretta Martin Associate Read More Eric Becoats Senior Associate Read More David Pinder Senior Associate Read More Marie Hubley Alcock Strategic Partner Read More Curtis Cain Senior Associate Read More Kim Marshall Associate Read More Lori McEwen Associate Read More David Miyashiro Senior Associate Read More Lory Morrow Senior Associate Read More Paul Gausman Senior Associate Read More Ian Saltzman Senior Associate Read More Priya Tahiliani Senior Associate Read More Jordin Williams Associate Read More Andrea Cruz Associate Read More Ebony Lanford-Brown Associate Read More Stephen Murley Senior Associate Read More Mark Toback Senior Associate Read More Alyssa Sabbatino Associate Read More Richard Henderson Associate Read More Stephanie Bell Associate Read More Priya Darbari Senior Associate Read More Kris Cosca Senior Associate Read More Michael Zarchin Associate Read More Jack Mitchell Associate Read More Gabrielle Morquecho Associate Read More April Lewis Associate Read More Dawn Lucarelli Associate Read More Nicole Elliott Associate Read More Kevin Eberle Associate Read More Joe Corso Associate Read More Dino Coronado Senior Associate Read More Verdel Jones Associate Read More Carrie Grimes Associate Read More Brian Colomban Associate Read More Kimberly Banda Associate Read More Victor Ramsey Associate Read More Gregory Stowell Senior Associate Read More Chris Carlone Associate Read More Scott Lindsey Associate Read More Katherine Stahl Associate Read More Gregory Rodriguez Associate Read More Jack Zamary Senior Associate Read More Travis McGuire Senior Associate Read More Michael Barcadepone Senior Associate Read More Anna Wamack Associate Read More Don Killingbeck Senior Associate Read More Peter Light Senior Associate Read More Jillian Bumpus Associate Read More Robert Tremblay Senior Associate Read More Elizabeth Van Tassel Associate Read More Ed Finney Associate Read More Ryan Foor Associate Read More Jason Mantell Senior Associate Read More James Venhaus Associate Read More Erik Weenink Project Manager Read More Tom Hakes Director of Growth Read More Prakash Nair, AIA Strategic Partner Read More Liam Goldrick Strategic Partner Read More Tom McMorran Senior Associate Read More Maria Suttmeier Senior Associate Read More Elissa Klein Associate Read More Tim Goree Associate Read More Jennifer Rasmussen Associate Read More Ray Fredrick Associate Read More Jennifer Walsh-Rurak Associate Read More Julia Drake Associate Read More Daniel Erickson Senior Associate Read More Cliff Claflin Associate Read More Megan Bennett Senior Associate Read More Stephen Tracy Senior Associate Read More Joseph Micheller Senior Associate Read More Paul Castro Senior Associate Read More Mike Redmond Senior Associate Read More Wheatley Moylan Associate Read More Brian Czapla Senior Associate Read More Chris Malone Senior Associate Read More Zac Robbins Senior Associate Read More Ed Pietrzak Associate Read More Molly Ness Associate Read More Christopher Nagy Senior Associate Read More Michael O'Guin Senior Associate Read More Joanne Panopoulos Associate Read More Thomas Dillon Associate Read More Dan Rector Associate Read More Sharon Bradley Associate Read More Mark Pompano Associate Read More Anita Foor Associate Read More Bill de la Cruz Associate Read More Rafael Mercado Associate Read More Michelle Brantner Senior Associate Read More Tracy Edwards Associate Read More Steven Adamowski Senior Associate Read More Keri Snowden Associate Read More Lee Weber Senior Associate Read More Brooke Olsen-Farrell Senior Associate Read More Scott Cascone Senior Associate Read More Richard Jones Associate Read More David Arnsten Associate Read More Stephen Hernandez, Esq. Associate Read More Leslie Torres-Rodriguez Senior Associate Read More Clemente Lopes Associate Read More Richard Katz Senior Associate Read More

< Back Lori McEwen Associate Dr. Lori McEwen is a change agent committed to the belief that all students can learn deeply and joyfully. Over the span of her career, Lori has held roles including Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Chief of Instruction, Leadership, and Equity for the Providence Public School Department, and Director of Academics for Blackstone Valley Prep Mayoral Academy, a network of intentionally diverse charter schools in Rhode Island. In those capacities, Lori led the creation of three personalized, mastery-based high schools, oversaw curriculum development and instructional initiatives, developed a USDOE grant-funded principal pipeline, established principal and teacher leadership opportunities, and crafted policy. McEwen currently serves as a consultant to school districts across the country, supporting strategic planning and implementation for student-centered, equity-focused change. In addition, she teaches graduate courses in Instructional Leadership at Boston College. Some of Lori’s past achievements include selection as a Distinguished Fellow with the Students at the Center Research Collaborative and service as an elected school board member in East Greenwich, RI. Lori received her BA in Secondary Education and English from Boston College, her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Massachusetts, and her Ph.D. in Educational Administration from Boston College.

< Back Alyssa Sabbatino Associate Alyssa Sabbatino, a dedicated and accomplished National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT), brings a wealth of experience in education and consultation to her roles. Currently serving as the Director of Teaching and Learning and Acting Principal in Schodack, NY, Alyssa oversees and co-creates academic and social-emotional curricula rooted in differentiation, visible learning, and student-centered strategies for grades PreK-12. In her extensive career, Alyssa has excelled as a Professional Development Leader and Consultant, specializing in Restorative Practices, Trauma-Informed Care, Social Emotional Learning, Classroom Management, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), and Curricular Development. Her expertise extends to instructional design, differentiation training for teachers, and aligning curriculum to learning standards. As an Assistant Superintendent for School Improvement in Mechanicville, Alyssa led and coached instructional coaches, paraprofessionals, teacher mentors, student teachers, and new teachers through orientation and ongoing Professional Learning Communities. Her leadership also extended to the creation and oversight of an Alternative Learning Program for Middle School to engage at-risk students and improve attendance. Alyssa's commitment to educational excellence is further evident in her role as a Capital Area School Development (CASDA) Trainer since 2017. In this capacity, she trains educational administrators in Restorative Practices, Diversity-Equity-Inclusion Initiatives, and Data-Driven Instruction, contributing to the professional development of educators across different levels of education. Throughout her career, Alyssa has held various impactful roles, including Associate Principal in Hudson, NY, where she organized and supported strategic initiatives around student engagement, and as an Engagement Dean of Students at Keane Elementary School in Schenectady, NY, where she created restorative practice interventions for students and staff.

< Back Ed Finney Associate Ed Finney is an experienced educator with a passion for technology integration. With 25 years of social studies teaching experience, Ed has spent the past three years as the District Technology Integration Specialist for his district. His expertise has earned him recognition as the New York Gilder Lehrman Teacher of the Year, a top ten finalist for National History Teacher of the Year, and the New York State Council for the Social Studies Middle School Teacher of the Year in 2020. Renowned for his engaging presentations, Ed is a sought-after speaker at national, state, and county conferences, where he shares practical strategies and innovative approaches to enhance student learning and engagement through technology. He also provides content-specific professional development and guidance on rolling out and integrating technology, with a focus on district-wide platforms like an LMS. Ed is experienced in technology program reviews, ensuring districts get the most out of their technology library and eliminating redundancy. Beyond the classroom, he has consulted with numerous companies and authors, offering insights into the future of educational technology. Ed also serves as the Director of Technology for the New York State Council for the Social Studies (NYSCSS) and holds numerous certifications. He is a certified K-12 educator who actively collaborates with college teacher preparation programs, mentoring the next generation of educators and preparing them to leverage technology effectively in their teaching

< Back Chris Carlone Associate Mr. Christopher Carlone is a dedicated music educator, author, and sound designer with over a decade of experience in program coordination and public school teaching. He leads a successful instrumental music program that boasts over 90% student population enrollment and has received platinum and first-place accolades from Fantastic Festivals and Music in the Parks. His performing ensembles have been selected to showcase their talent at the National Association for Music Education's All-Eastern Conference for 2025. During the shift to virtual learning, Christopher worked with CMEA to develop online curricula for instrumental music programs, ensuring that students continued to engage with music education. Christopher received his Bachelor's in Music Education (B.M.) from the University of New Hampshire, his Master's in Music (M.M.) from the University of Massachusetts, and holds certificates in Education from La Verne University and the NFHS Music Adjudicator Program.

< Back Tom McMorran Senior Associate Dr. Tom McMorran is motivated by a passion for developing schools into communities of learners and therefore is interested in promoting dialogue, building healthy cultures, collaborating with the larger community on school-to-career planning, auditing expenses via evidence-based budgeting and promoting moral leadership. Tom has leveraged this passion over a 37 career in public education with tremendous accomplishments. He has taught English for 20 years in some of the highest-performing schools in Connecticut, where he has also held administrative positions including English Department Chair, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal, Head of School / Principal and Superintendent of Schools. During his tenure as a school administrator, Tom’s school was recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a Gold Level school, and Tom was named Principal of the Year by the Connecticut Association of Schools in 2012. Tom earned his undergraduate degree from Boston College, masters degrees from Southern Connecticut State University and Fordham University and a Doctorate from Seton Hall where he has been named to the Seton Hall University Graduate School Hall of Fame. Tom has served at the Harvard Graduate School of Education's summer institute, "Leadership: An Evolving Vision", as a group facilitator since 2010. An active member of the Tri-State Consortium, Tom served on the Steering Committee and has led site visits. He was also a member of the Strategic Planning Committee of the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents.

< Back Rafael Mercado Associate Rafael Mercado brings over 30 years of multifaceted experiences to the field of education. His evolution from a Mathematics teacher at the middle and high school levels with a Bachelor of Science, a Masters in Mathematics Education and a Masters in Leadership from the State University of NY at Buffalo to Adjunct Professor at Buffalo State University has afforded him the opportunity to hone his educational and leadership skills and to use them to influence the next generation of educational leaders. Rafael's commitment to ensuring that Science Technology, Arts and Mathematics (STEM/STEAM) can practically be incorporated into the daily lives of students and carried with them as they enter their chosen fields shaped how he prepared student aspirating to become teachers to excel in the classroom, to strategically use data to support outcomes and to expand consideration of career options, including the trades, for students, specifically urban and at risk youth (alternative education.) Rafael led his teacher teams to strategically use data to influence and drive classroom instruction. Data that informs institutional outcomes needs to be promulgated at all levels and most critically integrated into the practices of the organization. As a school administrator, Rafael’s work was instrumental and led to a significant increase in passing rate (33%-65%) on the NYS mathematic assessment (Algebra I) in several schools for which he was responsible. Rafael continues his commitment to systemic growth in the field of education by serving on the Board of Director of Hispanics for Equity and Representation in Education (HERE) and as a member of the Multilingual Education Advisory Committee (MEAC). Through these roles, he advocates for best practices and strives to address the diverse needs of students. Rafael is confident that enriching the leadership capacities of current and future leaders will lead to desired organizational outcomes. He is committed to bringing his expertise, dedication and advocacy to this important endeavor.

< Back Ryan Foor Associate Dr. Ryan Foor’s experience spans the K-12, higher education, and state education agency spaces. Since 2017, Ryan has worked closely with an elected state board of education and chief state school officer, advising on state education policy, board structure and governance. Foor is a Professional Registered Parliamentarian, and relates this knowledge to practical application for decision-making in the education space. Ryan is a dynamic facilitator, leading groups large and small to consensus through collaborative, iterative processes, while introducing challenging questions that honor participants’ knowledge. In his role with a Midwestern state education agency, Ryan has worked to foster key stakeholder relationships with the governor’s office, state legislators, local school administrators, education-focused professional associations, and congressional staff. He recognizes the importance of engaging multiple voices in idea-generating and decision-making processes. Ryan started his career as a high school agriculture teacher and through this experience, worked closely with a number of student organizations at the local, state, and national levels providing leadership development experiences for hundreds of student leaders. Ryan has also worked at two large state land-grant universities where he prepared teachers, taught communication courses, conducted research, and worked with academic program assessment at the university-level. Foor earned his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees at The Ohio State University, and B.S. degree at Iowa State University.

Chief Financial Officer Rock Hill Schools Rock Hill, South Carolina POSITION FILLED Salary/Status Highly competitive, plus a comprehensive benefits package Full-time, 12 months Reports To Superintendent Education and Experience Requirements Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or related field required CPA certification preferred Ability to obtain and maintain SC School Business Officer Certification Extensive, successful experience managing school district finances, preferably at the executive leadership level Demonstrated history of clean audits and sustained strong bond ratings (Aa1/AA or better) Proven track record of cost-saving strategies, operational efficiencies, and safeguarding program quality Demonstrated expertise in multi-year budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling aligned to enrollment and staffing projections About the Opportunity Rock Hill Schools is seeking a highly skilled and strategic Chief Financial Officer who will serve as a vital member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet. As CFO, you will steward a multimillion-dollar public-school enterprise with integrity, transparency, and foresight. This role is ideal for a collaborative financial leader who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and who understands that financial operations must ultimately serve students, staff, and the broader Rock Hill community. You will oversee all financial functions including budgeting, payroll, purchasing, accounting, fixed assets, treasury operations, school nutrition finance, audits, and long-range financial planning. The next CFO will partner closely with district leadership, school principals, community stakeholders, state agencies, and auditors to ensure accurate reporting, regulatory compliance, and sound fiscal stewardship. You will also guide principals in understanding school-based financial planning and how budgeting supports effective school leadership. This is not simply a finance job... it is a leadership role that shapes how resources are aligned to student success, educator support, facilities planning, program sustainability, and long-term district strategy. About Rock Hill Schools Rock Hill Schools (officially known as York County School District 3), is one of South Carolina’s most dynamic and innovative public-school systems, located just 20 miles south of Charlotte, North Carolina. Our district serves a thriving community located in the vibrant Rock Hill area; our district offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city access. Size & Scope Second largest district in York County and among the largest in South Carolina. 24 schools: 1 preschool, 14 elementary, 5 middle, 3 high, 1 career/technology center, as well as middle and high school alternative programs. Student Population: 15,400+ students representing a rich diversity of backgrounds Staff: Approximately 2,435 employees, including 1,270 teachers and 151 administrators, and 920 other support staff all committed to student success. Rock Hill Schools centers every decision on student growth, well-being, and success. We champion progress, value collaboration, and invest in professional development to recruit and retain top educators. Our commitment shows: we proudly maintain an 89% retention rate and opened the 2025–2026 school year with a 99% teacher fill rate. Together, we are “boots on the ground,” supporting students from “crayons to commencement” and shaping a bold future for education in Rock Hill. Leading the district's finances, you’ll support the people who make our unique choice schools possible, as well as uplift the incredible staff in our zoned schools, helping drive a district that leads the way in education. Rock Hill Schools offers a wide range of school-of-choice programs, including language immersion, Montessori, Middle College, dual credit opportunities, International Baccalaureate, career readiness pathways, and cutting-edge technology initiatives. At Rock Hill Schools, people drive our success. Joining our team means stepping into a district that values collaboration and community. As part of the Superintendent’s Cabinet, you have the influence and responsibility to guide critical processes that shape the future of thousands of students and their families. Here, you’re not just accepting a position - you’re helping to lead a promising district to its highest potential, creating opportunities for generations to come and ensuring our students are set up for success, for any path they choose. Application Process Interested candidates must submit the following materials in one PDF: Completed application form (download below) Cover letter detailing your fit for this position Current résumé or curriculum vitae Three current letters of recommendation Proof of, or eligibility for Certification Please email the completed application packet to joemicheller@gmail.com no later than February 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST. Questions All inquiries will be treated with full confidentiality and discretion. Please contact the Zeal Senior Associate, Joe Micheller at joemicheller@gmail.com . The full Job Description for this position can be found here .

< Back Dan Rector Associate Dr. Dan Rector is an emergency management, homeland security professional, and a military veteran with a passion for improving school safety by helping them become “future-ready.” Dan’s career has been built on a foundation of military structure and discipline within a framework of agile and adaptable business practices, layered with academic research and analysis to provide organizations with a unique perspective on preparing for the future. Dan is the former Director of Training and Education for The “I Love U Guys” Foundation, a national nonprofit focused on school safety. He specializes in reunification training and building structured exercise programs. He has worked as a consultant for private businesses and the federal government as an exercise designer and facilitator.Dan served as a Damage Control Petty Officer in the U.S. Coast Guard and as a Survey Team Chief on a National Guard Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team. While serving in the military and attending the CBRN Advanced Leaders Course, and the first and only National Guard soldier to be selected by his peers to receive the Leadership Award while simultaneously earning the Distinguished Honor Graduate Award. Dan is a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM), a licensed HAZMAT Technician, a Confined Space Rescue Technician, and EMT-B. He has completed the FEMA Master Exercise Practitioner Program (MEPP), where for his capstone, he developed and facilitated a functional reunification exercise for a school district in Connecticut. He is a graduate of training programs from the Defense Nuclear Weapons School, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, the U.S. Army’s Chemical/Biological Weapons Center, and the Idaho National Laboratory. Dan received his Doctor of Management degree with a focus on Homeland Security in 2023.