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< Back Peter Light Senior Associate Peter Light is an accomplished educational leader and consultant with more than 25 years of experience spanning the classroom, school, and district levels. His career is defined by a commitment to equity, innovation, and cultivating collaborative leadership cultures that enable all students to thrive. As Superintendent, Peter provides executive leadership in strategic planning, inclusion, fiscal stewardship, and large-scale capital projects, including the design of one of the first triple-net-zero schools in the state. He has guided districts through multi-year strategic plans, expanded social-emotional learning and mental health supports, and led efforts to ensure that all students are seen and valued in schools and curricula. Previously, Peter served for eight years as a high school principal, where he led the opening of a new state-of-the-art facility, expanded advanced academic opportunities, and introduced technology-rich, student-centered learning models. Earlier in his career, he served as an assistant superintendent, assistant principal, district arts director, and teacher, giving him a comprehensive perspective on K–12 education . A dedicated mentor, Peter has coached aspiring superintendents, principals, and district leaders, helping them develop the skills needed to navigate complex governance, lead with empathy, and foster high-performing teams. He holds a Master of Music in Performance from Yale University, a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of New Hampshire, and additional advanced coursework in Educational Leadership through Endicott College. As a consultant, Peter focuses on strengthening governance, building leadership capacity, and bringing communities together to solve complex problems on behalf of students.

< 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 Travis McGuire Senior Associate Dr. Travis McGuire is in his 25 th year in education with the previous 10 years serving as the Superintendent of Hinckley-Big Rock CUSD #429 . He currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent for Learning Resources at Community High School District 99 where he focuses on maximizing the learning opportunities of students using both building operations and technology as essential elements. Dr. McGuire is also an Adjunct Professor at Aurora University. He was honored to be the Horace Mann IPA Principal of the Year for the Northwest region in 2013. Dr. McGuire has been heavily involved in the work of the Illinois Personal Learning Network and has vast knowledge and experience with both school finances and the Illinois Postsecondary and Career Expectations (PaCE) Framework as the author of the ISAC’s PaCE Implementation Guide. Dr. McGuire has served in leadership roles professionally as a region President for the Illinois Association for School Administrators (IASA), Officer on the IASA Governmental Relations and Advocacy Committee, Chair for the Indian Valley Vocational Center Board of Controls, and Vice-Chair for Valley Education for Employment Systems; he has served in local capacities as a Guiding Elder at Village Bible Church and a former President for the Hinckley Lions Club. Dr. McGuire earned his Bachelor of Science from Illinois State University and his Master of Science in Education, Education Specialist, and Education Doctorate from Western Illinois University.

< Back Megan Bennett Senior Associate Megan Bennett joins the Zeal Education Group from the Phoenix, AZ area with educational experience in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Megan’s professional experience has allowed her to serve students in urban, rural and suburban areas. As a former Connecticut superintendent and current Arizona principal, Megan has led teams to create strategic plans as well as building systems to operationalize the action plans developed in the process. Megan uses her background in curriculum and instruction and as a school and district leader to design for the specific needs of the schools. As a systems thinker, Megan seeks synergies within departments and school functions to maximize school efficiencies. Megan has 22 years of experience in public school education. She has worked in Central and Western Connecticut schools as a transformative leader, bringing her schools to be recognized as Schools of Distinction and also the 2021 Top Rated Elementary School in Connecticut. Her passion for curriculum and instruction is particularly notable with her work with intervention systems. Her work led her to serve as a special education liaison to the House Majority leader in 2017. Megan has served as an educational mentor, coach, and consultant in the fields of educational leadership, curriculum, instruction, and assessment (CIA), as well as mathematics. Megan earned her M.A. and Ed. M from Central Connecticut State University and an M.A. from Sacred Heart University. She is a certified educator in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Arizona.

Subject Matter PD Hiring Zeal Education Group for subject matter professional development (PD) offers districts a tailored, expert-led approach to enhancing instructional quality and educator effectiveness. Leveraging our specialized expertise, we deliver targeted PD sessions designed to address specific curriculum areas, pedagogical strategies, and emerging educational trends. By partnering with us, districts can ensure that their educators receive high-quality, relevant training that fosters instructional excellence, promotes student engagement, and aligns with district goals and priorities. Our customized PD offerings empower educators with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to enhance student outcomes, foster continuous improvement, and cultivate a culture of excellence within the district. Retaining Zeal Education Group to facilitate curricula review and professional development presents a transformative opportunity for educational institutions aiming to enhance instructional quality, student engagement, and educator effectiveness. With a proven track record of excellence and a deep understanding of curricular best practices, Zeal Education Group brings a wealth of expertise and innovative solutions to guide schools and districts through comprehensive curricula evaluations and tailored professional development initiatives. By partnering with our team of thought-leaders, your school or district can ensure that their curricula are aligned with current standards, pedagogical trends, and student needs, fostering a more cohesive and impactful learning environment. One of the primary benefits of partnering with Zeal Education Group lies in our holistic approach to curricula review and professional development. Our team collaborates closely with educators, administrators, and stakeholders to conduct thorough curricula evaluations, identify areas for improvement, and develop targeted professional development programs that empower educators with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to enhance instructional delivery and student outcomes. Moreover, our commitment to ongoing support and collaboration ensures that schools and districts can navigate the complexities of curricular implementation with confidence and efficacy, ultimately fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. Deliverables provided by Zeal Education Group include: Comprehensive Curricula Review: Conducting a thorough analysis of existing curricula to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for enhancement. Alignment with Standards and Best Practices: Ensuring curricula are aligned with current educational standards, pedagogical trends, and research-based practices. Customized Professional Development: Designing tailored professional development programs that address the unique needs and goals of educators, administrators, and support staff. Instructional Coaching and Support: Providing ongoing coaching, mentoring, and support to educators to enhance instructional effectiveness and student engagement. Resource Development and Implementation: Creating and implementing instructional resources, tools, and materials that align with curricular goals and objectives. Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration: Facilitating collaboration among educators, administrators, parents, and community stakeholders to foster a shared vision for curricular excellence and student success. By leveraging Zeal's expertise and resources, you can transform your curricula and professional development initiatives, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement that positively impacts student learning and achievement. 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: 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 Leadership Coaching Bespoke coaching for all levels of leadership Learn More

< Back Mark Burnette Senior Associate Dr. Mark Burnette brings over 34 years of experience in the field of education and is currently a Superintendent in southwestern Virginia where he serves as a champion for students in rural and low income areas. In this role, he has transformed his division to a virtual learning platform, ensuring all students had reliable internet access, delivering meals and learning materials, and providing healthcare services through the pandemic to all students. As a teacher he was awarded the Check Excellence Award for Vocational Education by the Virginia Department of Education and as an administrator he was instrumental in bringing a Governor’s School for Career and Technical Education to the region and helped develop the first STEM lab for Agriculture at the secondary level in the nation. Mark serves on numerous Boards and Councils including the University of Virginia Advisory Council for K-12 Education, the Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GOTEC) Advisory Board, the Crossroads Institute Board of Directors, Carroll County Wellness Center Board of Directors, and he actively serves as a member of the Virginia Association of School Superintendents and Western Virginia Public Education Consortium. Mark earned his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies as well as his teaching licensure from Virginia Tech and received the Excellence in Education Award recipient from his alma mater for his work in developing a Dropout Prevention Task Force for his division. Burnette is experienced with managing school renovation projects, creating student and teacher wellness programs, managing difficult budget negotiations, and implementing strategic student learning programs.

< Back Don Killingbeck Senior Associate Dr. Don Killingbeck is a tried and true educational leader with experiences ranging from President of the Teachers Union to Superintendent of Schools, a position he has held for a decade. Killingbeck, has expertise in educational technology, strategic planning, branding/communication, and school finance with a focus on resource allocation for improved student achievement, program development, school safety, and developing and coaching other leaders. He is passionate about supporting student success for all children and believes education is more than just a career; it's his life calling. Under Don’s leadership, his district received state and national attention including accolades such as Michigan’s Innovative District of the Year in 2022, the National Merit Award for Digital and Print Publications, and KIllingbeck was a finalist for the National EdTech Star Award for 2022. In concert with his passion for education, Don is the author of a children's book about teamwork and resilience, and has two other books in the pipeline: the first about school finance and the other about education and innovation. Don earned his undergraduate in secondary education from Southeastern University, a master's degree in educational technology and instruction design from Michigan State University, another master's degree in educational leadership from Grand Valley State University, and his educational specialist and a doctorate in educational leadership from Central Michigan University. His research includes the benefits of technology in the classroom, school safety, practices that work with at-risk youth, and resource allocation that make a difference. Killingbeck is a sought after public speaker, with recent speaking engagements, at the state and national level: 9 Strategies for a Better Budget for Kids (MSBO), Being a Brand Gladiator (NSPRA), DIY Strategic Gladiator (MASB), and 43 Ways to be Less Lame as an Educator (FETC).

< 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.

< Back Jillian Bumpus Associate Dr. Jillian M. Bumpus is a nationally recognized Career and Technical Education (CTE) and workforce development strategist with more than 20 years of experience guiding schools, state agencies, and postsecondary institutions in building career-connected learning systems that lead to sustainable employment outcomes. Bumpus has led large-scale consulting initiatives across New York State and nationally, specializing in CTE program design, Perkins V implementation, Comprehensive Local Needs Assessments (CLNA), faculty development, and work-based learning innovation. Her expertise lies in helping educational organizations align curriculum, policy, and labor-market data to create pathways that prepare students for high-demand careers. She has provided technical assistance to districts, BOCES, workforce boards, and colleges to strengthen CTE pipelines, enhance data reporting systems, and build effective advisory boards that meet both industry and compliance standards. During the pandemic, Dr. Bumpus pioneered “On the Job Solutions,” a virtual work-based learning model that used real-time, body-camera technology to connect students with professionals on live job sites. This innovation allowed schools to meet state work-based learning requirements while providing students with meaningful, hands-on engagement during remote instruction. The model was successfully piloted in multiple schools and has since been recognized as a best practice for virtual experiential learning. A former Dean of Instruction and CTE Technical Assistance Provider for the New York State CTE Technical Assistance Center, Dr. Bumpus has developed and delivered professional learning programs for educators in curriculum alignment, project-based learning, and evidence-based teaching strategies. Her work has consistently improved faculty retention, student engagement, and post-graduation outcomes. Dr. Bumpus holds a Doctorate in Human and Organizational Psychology from Touro University, where her research explored the impact of CTE availability on students’ job skill behaviors and attitudes. She also holds an MBA from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and a B.S. in Organizational Management from Nyack College. Known for her practical, systems-level approach, Dr. Bumpus is a sought-after speaker and thought leader at state and national conferences, including SkillsUSA, SAiL, and NACE.

Chronic Absenteeism Audits At Zeal Education Group, we understand that regular student attendance is fundamental to academic success and overall school performance. Our Chronic Absenteeism Support services are designed to assist schools and districts in identifying the root causes of absenteeism, implementing effective intervention strategies, and fostering a culture of consistent attendance. Chronic absenteeism is rarely about a single cause—it’s often the result of academic, social-emotional, and systemic barriers. That’s why our support goes beyond surface-level fixes. We work alongside district and school leaders to build a proactive, collaborative strategy that addresses the needs of students and families, with the goal of re-engaging learners and improving outcomes for all. Our Approach: Data-Driven Analysis: We begin by conducting a comprehensive analysis of attendance data to pinpoint patterns and underlying factors contributing to chronic absenteeism. This enables us to tailor interventions that address specific challenges within your school community. Stakeholder Engagement: Recognizing that attendance issues are multifaceted, we engage educators, families, and community partners to collaboratively develop solutions that are both effective and sustainable. Customized Intervention Strategies: Based on our analysis, we design and implement targeted interventions, such as mentoring programs, family outreach initiatives, and student engagement activities, aimed at reducing absenteeism and promoting a positive school climate. Professional Development: We provide training for school staff on best practices for monitoring attendance, identifying at-risk students, and implementing supportive measures to encourage regular attendance. Ongoing Support and Evaluation: Our team offers continuous support to monitor the effectiveness of implemented strategies, making data-informed adjustments to ensure long-term success in improving student attendance. By partnering with Zeal Education Group, your school or district can develop a comprehensive, community-centered approach to combat chronic absenteeism, ultimately enhancing student achievement and well-being. 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: Behavior Intervention Learn More Financial & HR Optimize your human and fiscal resources at the school and district levels Learn More Special Education & MTSS Identify the strengths and opportunities that will improve your programs Learn More Organizational Effectiveness Clarify roles and responsibilities to promote a stronger organization Learn More Board Policy Still have policies from the 80's? We can help! Learn More

< 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).

< Back Andrea Cruz Associate Andrea Cruz, Ed.D., is a seasoned administrative executive with over 25 years of leadership experience in K–12 public education and educator preparation. Throughout her career, she has championed strategic initiatives in human resources, administrative operations, and leadership development across multiple Texas school districts and education service centers. Dr. Cruz has served in key roles including Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services, Executive Director of Human Resources, and Director of Educator Preparation Programs. Her work has supported critical functions such as staff recruitment and retention, certification and compliance, strategic planning, family and community engagement, and systems-level problem-solving. Andrea supports school districts and educational organizations through consulting, training, and coaching services. She leads customized professional development aligned to organizational goals and facilitates retreats and strategic planning sessions that build team clarity, capacity, and alignment. Her approach is practical, relationship-centered, and grounded in her extensive experience in school and district leadership. Andrea holds a Doctorate and Master’s in Educational Leadership from Texas A&M University–Kingsville and a Bachelor of Science from Southwest Texas State University. A published researcher and experienced mentor, she remains committed to helping others grow through thoughtful leadership, strategic action, and sustained support.