From Blame to Systems: A Leadership Journey

My Story

I've been leading teams and building programs for years, but fall 2018 fundamentally shifted my approach. During a leadership development exercise, I experienced something that opened my eyes to how differently people can view the same organizational dynamics.

Before that moment, when challenges arose in organizations, I focused on individual problems and personalities. I had a pattern of seeing issues as conflicts between people rather than understanding the systems that shaped those interactions.

That experience helped me realize that position in the system determines perspective. Most leaders only see from where they sit. Real transformation requires seeing and working with the whole system, not just the pieces that seem broken.

The breakthrough was about moving from reactive problem-solving to proactive systems design. Instead of managing individual issues as they arise, I learned to create structures that prevent problems and naturally bring out people's best.

Now I approach every organization by asking: what systems are already in place? How can we design frameworks that support success rather than require constant intervention? It's the difference between building something that lasts and just putting out fires.

My Leadership Philosophy

Education is about the people - the students, staff, families, and community created together. I believe in meeting people where they are, maintaining high expectations with appropriate support, and designing systems that remove barriers to success rather than create obstacles.

My approach combines data-driven decision making with deep relationship building. Strong systems provide the foundation where both consistency and innovation can flourish, creating environments where everyone can thrive.

Education & Credentials

Harvard University - M.S. School Leadership (2022) Advanced study in organizational systems, data-driven decision making, and educational leadership. This program deepened my understanding of how to create sustainable change in complex educational environments..

St. John's University - M.S. Special Education (2015) Comprehensive training in differentiated instruction, IEP development, and behavior management. This foundation shapes my commitment to ensuring all students receive appropriate support and services.

University of Southern California - B.A. Sociology, minor Management Consulting (2010) Early exploration of organizational behavior and systems thinking. The management consulting minor introduced me to data analysis and strategic problem-solving frameworks.

Additional Leadership Development & Credentials:

  • Farm & Wilderness Leadership Training (17 years of hands-on experience)

  • Conference presentations across 11 educational conferences through consulting company, Thrive Point Studio

What Drives Me

Through my years in educational leadership, I've learned that everyone has inherent wisdom and that sustainable change happens through patient, intentional process. That community-centered philosophy fundamentally shapes how I approach educational leadership.

I'm driven by the belief that we can create schools where no one has to choose between high expectations and genuine care. Too often, we see these as competing forces, but the most transformative educational environments combine rigorous academics with deep relationship building.

What excites me most is designing the systems that make excellence feel inevitable rather than accidental. When we remove barriers to good behavior, provide clear pathways to success, and build structures that support both students and staff, amazing things happen naturally.

I chose education because it's the ultimate systems challenge - how do we create environments where diverse learners, dedicated educators, and invested families all thrive together? Every day brings new puzzles to solve, relationships to build, and opportunities to make lasting impact.