LISA WESTMAN

Founder and President

Lisa Westman is an author, speaker, and consultant who regularly works with school systems internationally to provide professional learning on student-driven differentiation, teaching and leading with empathy, standards-based learning, and implementing instructional coaching programs. Before becoming a consultant, Lisa taught 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade (gifted humanities, English language arts, social studies) and was an instructional coach specializing in differentiation in Skokie, IL.

Her publications include two books: Student-Driven Differentiation: 8 Steps to Harmonize Learning in the Classroom (Corwin Press, 2018), Teaching with Empathy: How to Transform Your Practice by Understanding Your Learners (ASCD, 2021), as well as frequent contributions to Education Update, ASCD Educational Leadership, Education Week, Education Week Teacher, Corwin Connect, and edutopia.

Lisa is married to an educator, is the parent of two high-schoolers, and two dogs. She enjoys the Bar Method, loves music, and the City of Chicago!

ANDREA SCHEIWE

Assessment and Curriculum Writer | Instructional Coach | Professional Development Facilitator

Andrea Scheiwe is an instructional coach in a K-8 school with over 16 years of experience in education. Andrea's work often includes developing assessments, coaching instructional practices and standards, curating resources, implementing technology, and building relationships with teachers, administrators, and students. Andrea never stops seeking opportunities to learn and grow and strongly values collaboration. She believes that all students can learn and that each student deserves excellent instruction. Before becoming an instructional coach, Andrea was a 6th grade English language arts teacher for nine years. She has middle school endorsements in language arts, social science, Spanish, and gifted education. Andrea earned a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from North Central College and a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education from Illinois State University.

CATHY FISHER

Instructional Leadership and Systems | Differentiation | Standards-Based Grading Consultant

Cathy Fisher is a former middle school special education teacher, dean of students, and district administrator. In her role as Director of Teaching and Learning at Maercker School District 60, she provided leadership to all aspects of the pre-kindergarten through eighth grade instructional program. Cathy believes strongly in continuous improvement and enjoys leading systems change. Cathy views herself as a student advocate and strives to provide the leadership necessary for schools to meet the needs of all learners. Cathy is co-author of Now Classrooms Leader’s Guide (Solution Tree Press, 2018). Cathy earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from National Louis University and a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education from Elmhurst College.

KATE WHITLEY

MTSS Consultant | Instructional Coach | Professional Development Facilitator

Kate Whitley is passionate about building teacher leadership and instructional practices by cultivating trusting relationships to support learning for all students.

As a former Instructional Coach, Kate

designed engaging professional development opportunities for classroom teachers and teacher leaders,
facilitated grade level, school and district meetings,
observed, coached, and provided constructive feedback to teachers.

As a former MTSS Building Coordinator, Kate:

coordinated MTSS programming efforts for students across the MTSS Diamond to create equitable outcomes for all students,
fostered safe environments for teachers to analyze student data and plan student goals,
explored academic block structures to support enrichment and interventions along the MTSS Diamond.

Kate believes we can expand our knowledge, take risks, and be vulnerable to become better versions of ourselves through meaningful collaboration and reflection. Before being an Instructional Coach, Kate taught in grades K-3 for ten years. During this time, she received her Masters in Reading.

PAULA SPRING

Curriculum Consultant

Paula Spring joins the team with many years of experience in education. Her roles have included elementary teacher, a consultant at a non-profit, adjunct professor at National-Louis University, instructional technology specialist, and most recently instructional coach. She earned a bachelor's degree at the University of Michigan, a master's degree in elementary education from Northwestern University, and a Certificate of Advanced Study from National-Louis University (Technology in Education).

MICHELLE ANDERSON

Differentiation | SEL Consultant

Michelle Anderson is committed to educating students, colleagues, families, and the community by establishing strong connections. Michelle believes the power of developing meaningful relationships is critical to successful learning. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Dominican University in Political Science (2002) and completed a Master’s in Education at Dominican in (2006). In May of 2016, she completed her second Master’s at Concordia University in Instructional Technology and Integration in the Elementary Classroom. Michelle also has a middle school endorsement in social science. She has been a 3rd-grade classroom teacher for 14 years in Oak Park where she has successfully implemented student-driven differentiation. Michelle has served on various school improvement teams, including serving as a PBIS member for 10 years, a Leader in Me Lighthouse team member, and several district curriculum committees. Michelle has presented at ASCD on math differentiation as well as at the ESSA conference on building school community.