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< Back Joanne Panopoulos Associate Joanne Panopoulos received her Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Illinois State University; a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Northern Illinois University; and her Doctorate of Education from National Louis University in Educational Leadership. Joanne has thirty years of experience in public education, ten years as a versatile special education teacher, and the remaining as a skilled administrator in various roles. Her passion is to continue to lead others and systems to increase academic and social-emotional wellness achievement for all students and decrease the gap for those identified as struggling. She has demonstrated successful administrative experience in working in various public educational settings such as a special education cooperative, a small elementary school district, and a unit school district with 20 school buildings pre-k through age 22. She currently serves as an administrator in one of the state’s highest-performing high school districts in Illinois. She possesses a repertoire of essential leadership skills that pertain to identifying evidence-based practices and curricula in English/Language Arts (ELA), Math, and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) for successful implementation, implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, supervision and evaluation of teachers and principals, using the Professional Learning Community (PLC) framework for team planning and decision making related to improving practices and increasing student performance at the elementary and middle school level, and lastly, managing the Student Services budgets in all previous positions. Joanne has served as an adjunct professor for three years at Aurora University, Illinois, and National Louis University teaching courses in the Department of Special Education. Joanne keeps abreast of current trends and practices in special education and general education with her memberships with several state and National Professional organizations such as the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE), Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), and Illinois Alliance of Administrators for Special Education (IAASE).

< Back Gregory Rodriguez Associate Dr. Greg Rodriguez is a seasoned cybersecurity and technology leader with extensive experience designing and implementing comprehensive IT and security programs in K-12 education. As the Director of IT and Information Security Officer for the Nashua School District, Dr. Rodriguez has driven transformative initiatives to enhance organizational security and operational efficiency for over 10,000 users. Under Dr. Rodriguez’s leadership, the district has strengthened its security posture through a defense-in-depth strategy. He has implemented a disaster recovery system, software and hardware controls, multifactor authentication, privileged account audits, a cybersecurity incident response plan, user awareness training, and district-wide policies in a relentless pursuit to protect students and staff. Dr. Rodriguez earned his MS in Higher Education Administration from New England College, an MS in Information Technology in Security from Southern New Hampshire University, and his Ed. D. from the University of New England. Dr. Rodriguez also holds the prestigious Certified Information Systems Security Professional certification from ISC2, demonstrating expert-level cybersecurity knowledge. Dr. Rodriguez also teaches graduate courses in cybersecurity and technology leadership. Beyond his technical expertise, Dr. Rodriguez is a dedicated leader and collaborator who actively serves his community. As Chairman of the Economic Development Council for the Town of Goffstown, he fostered relationships with local businesses and town officials to promote economic growth and innovation. Additionally, as a vestry board member of his local church, he demonstrates servant leadership by contributing to the betterment of his community. Dr. Rodriguez seeks to inform and educate other technology directors and educational leaders through speaking engagements at MassCUE and the Christa McAuliffe Conference and published articles for cybersecurity organizations such as ISC2. With a mission to create secure, sustainable technology ecosystems, Dr. Rodriguez leverages his skills in collaboration, technical expertise, and a simplified approach to sharing industry best practices, overcoming challenges, and advancing K-12 cybersecurity nationwide. His efforts continue to drive lasting impacts, empowering schools to thrive in a rapidly changing security landscape.

< Back Carrie Grimes Associate Dr. Carrie Grimes is a skilled and dynamic academic with a broad array of experiences in independent school and university settings. She currently serves as a professor at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College, in the Department of Leadership, Policy and Organizations where she teaches at the master’s and doctoral level and directs Peabody’s M.Ed. in Independent School Leadership. Her expertise ranges from community building in online professional degree programs, early childhood education, strategic planning, institutional advancement, emotionally intelligent leadership and instruction, and programmatic design/management. Dr. Grimes prides herself on possessing strong communication skills interfacing with collaborative groups of people including professional students, advancement teams, consultants, teachers, religious leaders, trustees, academics, and community based organizations. Dr. Grimes' professional passions include imaginative problem solving, creative partnerships, curriculum design, community/culture building, evidence-based quality improvement, emotional intelligence, and leadership within school settings. Her current research agenda focuses on organizational supports for independent school leaders of color, resources to promote retention in early-career faculty, and strategies for building community in adult online learning environments. Grimes received her B.A. in English literature and psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, her M.A. in Education and Counseling Psychology from New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development , and her Ed.D. in Leadership and Learning in Organizations from Vanderbitl University’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development.

Cyber Security Audits Many education systems lack comprehensive cybersecurity strategies and funding, rely on outdated technology, and have limited cybersecurity expertise, making them highly vulnerable to attacks. Technology is also outpacing the ability of districts to govern emerging technologies, including AI. In addition, many districts lack adequate cyber insurance coverage, leaving them financially vulnerable when an incident occurs. These factors create a challenging environment for implementing and maintaining effective cybersecurity programs. Addressing these challenges requires not only funding and skilled personnel but also a cultural shift towards prioritizing cybersecurity as an integral part of management of the learning environment. K-12 school districts face increasing cyber threats, from ransomware attacks to data breaches that expose sensitive student and staff information. Limited budgets, aging infrastructure, and a shortage of cybersecurity expertise leave many districts vulnerable—both technologically and financially. At the same time, cyber insurance providers are tightening requirements, making it harder to secure affordable coverage. We help districts take a proactive approach to cybersecurity by: Developing Risk Management Capacity Helping districts establish risk management practices to evaluate and adapt to evolving threats. Providing guidance on cybersecurity governance, ensuring clear roles and accountability. Equipping IT and administrative teams wit tools and strategies to manage cyber risk effectively. Identifying & Understanding Cyber Risks Conducting comprehensive risk assessments to uncover vulnerabilities in networks, data protection, and system access. Providing a prioritized security roadmap to help districts address the most critical threats first. Ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and cybersecurity frameworks. Building a Security Program That Reduces Risk Developing and updating critical policies, including: Incident Response Plans – Enabling a structured response to minimize downtime and financial impact. Acceptable Use & BYOD Policies – Establishing guidelines for device usage to prevent security. Protection Access Control Policies –Safeguarding sensitive student and staff data. Delivering staff and leadership training to strengthen cyber awareness and response readiness. Engaging Boards of Education to make cybersecurity a strategic priority. Navigating Cyber Insurance & Financial Risk Transfer No-cost, no-obligation cyber insurance reviews to ensure your district has adequate coverage. Guidance on meeting insurer security requirements to lower premiums and prevent claim denials. By integrating cybersecurity, risk management, and insurance planning, we help districts protect operations, ensure compliance, and build long-term resilience. Let’s work together to strengthen your district’s cybersecurity posture. 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, 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. Learn more about our other services: Fine Arts Increase engagement and participation Learn More Safety & Security Ensure your staff and students are safe and secure Learn More Financial & HR Optimize your human and fiscal resources at the school and district levels Learn More Technology Modernize your infrastructure to future standards Learn More Organizational Effectiveness Clarify roles and responsibilities to promote a stronger organization Learn More

< Back Joe Corso Associate With over two decades of distinguished service in the military and 20 years in educational leadership, Joe brings a wealth of experience in education, leadership, discipline, and strategic thinking. His military background instilled in him a strong sense of duty and a commitment to service, qualities that have shaped his leadership philosophy. He believes in fostering a culture of discipline, teamwork, and success for every member of the team. This philosophy, coupled with his expertise in professional learning, teaching, and organizational effectiveness, makes him a valuable asset for any organization. Throughout his career, he has excelled in establishing high academic expectations, fostering positive relationships, and aligning organizational structures to achieve shared visions. As a seasoned coach, he has provided tailored leadership coaching to school and district leaders, supported decision-making processes, and facilitated strategic planning initiatives. His transformative approach to leadership has helped implement best practices, build collaborative school cultures, and drive significant student achievement gains. With a career spanning 23 years, and having spent time at every level of education - including roles as a school and district administrator - he possesses a deep understanding of the needs of urban, suburban, and rural school districts. From his tenure as a Physical Education Teacher to his leadership positions as Principal and Assistant Principal, he has remained dedicated to the development of quality teaching and learning environments. His commitment to excellence is reflected in his numerous honors and awards, including multiple Meritorious Service Medals and multiple Army Commendation Medals.

< Back Leslie Torres-Rodriguez Senior Associate Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodríguez is a nationally recognized education leader, strategist, and advisor, known for transforming public education systems through innovation, student-centered design, and community-rooted leadership. A proud graduate of Hartford Public Schools, her journey from Puerto Rico to becoming Superintendent and CEO of the very district that shaped her reflects her deep belief in the transformative power of education. She recently completed an eight-year tenure—the longest of any woman in Hartford Public Schools’ history—leading one of the most inclusive school redesign efforts in the country. Through a co-created consolidation process, she expanded access to high-quality learning environments while improving long-term sustainability. In collaboration with school and district teams, she advanced integration, access, and system coherence through innovative programming and holistic student supports. Under her leadership, the district achieved record-breaking student outcomes, including a 10-point increase in graduation rates and a 17-point increase for students whose first language is not English. She launched early college and career pathways, expanded dual-enrollment and AP access, modernized school buildings, and more than doubled the number of full-service Community Schools. She also successfully mitigated multi-million-dollar deficits, reinvesting resources to expand student supports and upgrade facilities. She currently serves as President-Elect of the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS), lectures at Yale University, and is a Trustee of Trinity College. Her board service also includes Connecticut Children’s Hospital, Social Impact Partners for Connecticut, and the American Heart Association. She was honored as the ALAS National Latino Superintendent of the Year, received Prospanica’s Brillante Award for Educational Excellence, and was named one of Education Week’s “Leaders to Learn From.” Dr. Torres-Rodríguez holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Central Connecticut State University and both a Master of Social Work and a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Connecticut. She lives in Hartford with her husband and two sons and maintains strong ties to her family and community in Puerto Rico.

< Back Stephen Murley Senior Associate Steve Murley served as Superintendent of Schools for the Green Bay Area Public Schools from 2020 through 2022, the Iowa City Community School District from 2010 through 2020, and the Wausau School District from 2005 through 2010. He has also served as a teacher, coach, athletic department administrator, building administrator, and director of human resources and employee relations. Each of the three districts he served as superintendent of schools represented metropolitan communities including schools with urban, suburban, and rural profiles. The students in these districts brought an enormous range of diversity to the classrooms including issues related to poverty, navigating life as black/indigenous/ students of color, adjusting to life in the United States, learning English as a second language, and meeting their unique needs in special education programs. Steve has a deep and abiding commitment to public education and developing the next generation of leaders who will serve our students. He was appointed as an Assistant Professor in the College of Education in the Educational Policy and Leadership Studies Department at the University of Iowa in 2022. Steve has been active as a graduate school adjunct faculty member since 2001 having taught at the University of Iowa in the Educational Policy and Leadership Studies Department, the University of Wisconsin – Superior in the Educational Administration Department, Marian University in the Educational Leadership Department, and the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh in both the Department of Human Services and Professional Leadership and the Department of Educational Foundations. Recognizing the need for early- and mid-career coaching, mentoring, and support for superintendents, district level leaders, and school leaders, Steve has worked to provide the scaffolded assistance these leaders need to succeed for over a decade. Beginning in 2013 he has served as the lead instructor for the American Association of School Administrators National Superintendent Certification Program – Midwest Cohort. More recently Steve has begun coaching and mentoring through AASA’s Learning 2025 Learning-Centered Future Driven Education initiative working with national-level demonstration districts to advance their work individually and collectively. From 2020-24 he served as the lead instructor for the American Association of School Administrators National Superintendent Certification Program – Minnesota. Steve also worked in the Chicago Public Schools from 2012 through 2015 providing support to Network Chiefs and their leadership teams at the distinct level and school leaders at the building level. As a Superintendent of Schools, Steve has been active in professional organizations at the national level including the Alliance for Education Impact, the American Association of School Administrators, the American Association of Community Colleges Commission on College Readiness, the District Administration Leadership Institute, the District Management Group, the Education Advisory Board, the Futures 21 Council, the Horace Mann League, the Institute for Education Innovation, New Era Superintendents, the National Superintendents Dialog, the National Superintendents Roundtable, the Superintendents Environmental Education Collaborative, the United States Department of Education Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools, and the Urban Superintendents Association of America. Steve earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan with a triple major in Economics, History, and Communications. He has also completed a Master of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin in Educational Administration and an Education Specialist degree from the University of Wisconsin in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis.

< Back April Lewis Associate Dr. April Lewis retired in August 2024 as Executive Director of the Department of School Safety for Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS), ending 44 years of full-time service in education. Her responsibilities included developing and managing a comprehensive safety plan; responding to emergencies; coordinating active assailant training; implementing safety and security technology; providing safety-related professional learning for staff; collecting, reporting, and analyzing safety related data; and writing and managing grants. Before joining BCPS, April served for over 32 years with Baltimore City Public Schools where she began her career as a health education teacher. As director of Safe and Supportive Schools, she secured millions of dollars in grants to procure resources for safety and student support initiatives. Interagency collaboration is among April’s strengths. She garnered the respect of agency partners while serving as chair, co-chair, or a member of numerous committees and workgroups. She also worked across departments and divisions in BCPS to secure collaboration on safety and security initiatives. April is passionate about building organizational capacity through mentoring and coaching staff, particularly women. She has been honored with gubernatorial, mayoral, senatorial, county executive, and county council citations and awards from the National Association of School Resource Officers and the Maryland Center for School Safety. April has a bachelor’s degree in School and Community Health from Towson University, a master’s degree in Adult Education: Supervision and Administration from Coppin University, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education. She is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., serves on the Integrity Institute board, is an active member of her church, and is a consultant to Access411 based in Pennsylvania.

< Back Richard Henderson Associate Richard Henderson has been in education for nearly 30 years with a focus on supporting students with disabilities and special population programs. Richard started as a middle and high school teacher before moving on to serve as a Principal and District Director of Special Education. From there, he went to work as a Special Education Regional Coordinator at the Idaho State Department of Education with a focus on supporting EL students with disabilities, SLD Identification, Disability Law and Policy, and Compliance Monitoring. This work eventually led Richard to become the State Director of Special Education and State 504 Coordinator at the department. Outside of public education, Richard has served as the National Director of Special Populations for a private education company with campuses all over the globe. Richard has also worked as a professor teaching undergrad and graduate education courses for general and special education teachers, administrators, and school psychologists. During his time, Richard has been involved with and presented at the National Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), National Association of School Psychologist (NASP), and the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE) where he also served on the executive board and committees with the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS). Richard has also been involved with the National Center on Learning Disabilities (NCLD) RTI Action Network as a SLD Identification Toolkit Roundtable Participant and Editorial Advisor, the National Center on Assessment and Accountability for Special Education (NCAASE), and the National Alignment Task Force for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) and Americans with Disability Act (ADA).

Services Team Building Teams at all levels within a school district serve as the backbone of a cohesive, collaborative, and effective educational ecosystem. These teams, whether they consist of central office administrators, principals, teachers, or support staff, play a pivotal role in fostering a shared vision, driving strategic initiatives, and ultimately, enhancing student outcomes. By promoting collaboration, information sharing, and collective problem-solving, teams facilitate the alignment of resources, goals, and efforts across various departments and schools. Ultimately, high-performing teams organizations to navigate complex challenges, capitalize on opportunities, and achieve sustained excellence by leveraging diverse perspectives, expertise, and resources in pursuit of common goals and objectives. Partnering with Zeal Education Group to build high-performing teams within schools and districts unlocks a transformative approach to organizational excellence and student success. Our specialized expertise empowers educational institutions to cultivate collaborative, innovative, and results-driven teams at every level. By leveraging our proven methodologies and tailored strategies, schools and districts can foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and shared vision, enhancing both operational efficiency and academic outcomes. Some of the deliverables encompass: Team Assessment & Alignment: Comprehensive evaluation of existing teams to identify strengths, areas for improvement, and opportunities for alignment with organizational goals. Customized Team Development Plans: Tailored strategies and action plans to enhance team dynamics, communication, collaboration, and effectiveness. Professional Development Workshops: Engaging workshops and training sessions focused on leadership development, conflict resolution, strategic planning, and other essential competencies. Stakeholder Engagement Strategies: Collaborative initiatives to engage stakeholders, build consensus, and foster a shared commitment to organizational objectives. Performance Metrics & Accountability Frameworks: Establishing clear performance metrics, accountability mechanisms, and feedback loops to monitor progress, evaluate outcomes, and drive continuous improvement. By entrusting Zeal Education Group with your team-building initiatives, schools and districts can accelerate their journey towards organizational excellence, collaborative success, and sustained impact within their educational communities. 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: 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 Leadership Coaching Bespoke coaching for all levels of leadership Learn More

< Back Steven Adamowski Senior Associate Steven Adamowski is a nationally recognized school reformer, innovation leader, and equity champion with a track record of improving education opportunities and outcomes for students over 40 years in education leadership, research, and teaching. As Superintendent of Schools, he led the turnaround of the Cincinnati, Ohio, public schools, the redesign of Hartford, Connecticut'sportfolio of schools, and the education recovery of Norwalk, CT, to become the highest-performing city school district in the State during his tenure. Following his success in Hartford, Adamowski was named Special Master by the Connecticut State Board of Education to carry out state supervision of the New London and Windham, Connecticut school districts. He has been involved in the design, creation, and support of numerous high-performing schools, including small high schools. He held the position of Senior Fellow at the American Institutes for Research (AIR) in Washington, DC, where he assisted urban school districts to improve their effectiveness. He also served as Associate Secretary of Education in Delaware, where he played a key role in that state's early education reform efforts, including the development of content standards, state assessments, and accountability, and where he oversaw the development of the first state resource center devoted to facilitating experiential science education. Dr. Adamowski earned graduate degrees from Trinity College, Hartford, and the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He holds a Ph.D. in educational leadership from St. Louis University. He has taught as a visiting or clinical professor at the University of Missouri, the University of Cincinnati, and the George Washington University School of Education and Human Development. For the past ten years, he has served as an instructor and mentor to aspiring Superintendents at the University of Connecticut, Neag School of Education's Executive Leadership Program (ELP), where he teaches the Data-Driven Leadership for District Improvement course.

Services Superintendent Searches Our nationwide team possesses a wealth of experience and a vast network of personal and professional relationships within the education sector, uniquely positioning us to assist Boards and school leaders in filling critical positions effectively. Recognizing the sensitive nature of roles like Superintendent and Head of School, our seasoned team of former superintendents brings invaluable insights and expertise to ensure a discreet and confidential search process. Their firsthand experience navigating the complexities of these high-stakes positions ensures that candidates are vetted thoroughly and selected with utmost care. Additionally, for specialized roles such as Director of Special Education and Finance, which present distinct challenges in recruitment, our extensive connections with state and national organizations prove invaluable. By leveraging these strategic partnerships, we can tap into a pool of highly qualified candidates, ensuring that your school or district secure leaders with the specialized skills and expertise required to drive success in these critical areas. Selecting Zeal Education Group for your superintendent or key personnel search unlocks a wealth of advantages anchored in unparalleled expertise, expansive network connectivity, and bespoke solutions tailored to your institution's distinct needs and values. Leveraging decades of industry insight and a deep-rooted understanding of educational dynamics, we specialize in orchestrating confidential, thorough searches that resonate with your organization's ethos and objectives. Our robust network and strategic alliances grant us access to a diverse and exceptional talent pool, streamlining the recruitment and vetting journey. Moreover, our steadfast commitment extends beyond the recruitment phase, encompassing ongoing support, professional development, and meticulously crafted entry and strategic plans to facilitate seamless leadership transitions and ensure sustained organizational excellence. Highlighted below are some key features and benefits encapsulated within our service offerings: Community Engagement: Collaborative efforts to identify and prioritize desired leadership characteristics through stakeholder engagement. Candidate Recruitment & Vetting: Comprehensive recruitment processes, including rigorous vetting to identify the most suitable candidates. Interview Facilitation: Seamless coordination and facilitation of interviews and selection processes. Contract Negotiation Assistance: Expert guidance in drafting employment contracts and facilitating salary negotiations, if required. Customized Entry Plan: Design and delivery of tailored entry plans to expedite leadership integration and impact. Strategic Planning Collaboration: Collaborative development and implementation of comprehensive strategic plans aligned with organizational goals. Executive Coaching: Up to 24 months of personalized executive coaching to nurture leadership capabilities and effectiveness. Unlimited Leadership Support: Access to continuous leadership support services, ensuring ongoing growth, alignment, and success. By entrusting Zeal Education Group with your leadership recruitment needs, you position your institution for transformative leadership, sustainable growth, and enduring success in an ever-evolving educational landscape. 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: Community Engagement Gain deep insights into what your community is saying Learn More Board Governance Training Function as a high-performing Board and Superintendent team Learn More Strategic Communications Ensure your most important messages are received 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