The Team

Partner

Christie Schutz Vincelli, Ed.D.

Location: New Jersey

Dr. Schutz Vincelli is an accomplished educator, renowned for her expertise in teaching, administration, and educational leadership across the Pre-K-12 spectrum. With over 19 years of invaluable experience in education management, she has consistently delivered exceptional results and garnered recognition for her contributions to the field. Her proficiency spans a diverse range of areas including MTSS/RTI implementation, special education, staff development, educational technology integration, research, and curriculum development. An award-winning teacher, presenter, and school administrator, Dr. Schutz Vincelli has demonstrated a passion for fostering academic excellence and empowering both students and faculty. 

As co-owner/partner of Magnolia Consulting Group, Dr. Schutz Vincelli has added entrepreneur to her resume, demonstrating her versatility and leadership beyond traditional education roles. In this capacity, she leverages her extensive knowledge and experience to provide strategic guidance and innovative solutions to educational institutions and organizations.

Dr. Schutz Vincelli’s academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Music Education from The College of New Jersey, laying a solid foundation for her subsequent achievements. She furthered her education by obtaining a master’s degree in Special Education from Rider University, where she was honored with the prestigious Excellence in Special Education award.

Following her doctorate in education with a focus on educational leadership and administration from Seton Hall University, Dr. Schutz Vincelli pursued post-doctoral work at Florida Institute of Technology, specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis. This additional expertise further enhances her ability to address the diverse needs of students and educators, and underscores her commitment to continuous professional development.

In addition to her roles within education, Dr. Schutz Vincelli continues to provide both in-person and virtual presentations for national school districts and organizations, leveraging her expertise to inspire educators nationwide. Her insights and expertise have also been featured in prominent publications including the Journal of AASA research and Ed Surge Magazine, further establishing her as a thought leader in the field of education.

Driven by a passion for transformative education and a dedication to ongoing professional development, Dr. Schutz Vincelli remains steadfast in her mission to inspire and empower the next generation of learners and leaders.

Founder & Advisor

Frankie Jones

Location: New Jersey

Ms. Jones is a results driven leader and high energy individual contributor with 25 years of experience in educational technology. She has a track record of success in supporting growth and scale for organizations ranging from small start ups to Fortune 1000 corporations. Her expertise lies in training, implementation, account management, project management, product management, operations and sales.

Consultant

Virginia Alonso, Ph.D. Candidate

Location: Ohio

Virginia joins our team with over 30 years of experience in mathematics education and training. She worked as a 7th-12th grade mathematics teacher, an assistant principal, director of curriculum  and university professor. She has extensive knowledge of state mathematics standards, curriculum and assessment alignment, and learning pathways. She brings to Magnolia expertise in supporting teachers with instructional practices that support equitable student learning in mathematics, including inquiry-based practices and productive classroom discourse strategies.

Consultant

Carol Cannerelli, J.D.

Location: New Jersey

Dr. Cannerelli has been involved in education since 1982 with master’s degrees in School Psychology and in Reading Education. She was a School Psychologist in New Jersey and in New York State for nine years. She then practiced law in both private and public sectors for 19 years where she represented several school districts. While practicing law in the public sector, Dr. Cannerelli served as a Director of Human Resources and Legal Services in two school districts. She then served as Director of Special Services for a large district in South Jersey.

Dr. Cannerelli is a strong leader with broad experience in special education compliance, IEP development, assessment of special needs students, anti-discrimination investigations and procedures, and public employment law. She has provided professional development to attorneys as well as school district employees.

Consultant

Allison Egert, Ed.D.

Location: New Jersey

Allison’s passion and life’s work has been centered around educating and providing services to children and working with teachers to develop their capacities through professional development. A speech-language pathologist, learning specialist, educational evaluator, and prior school administrator, she holds a doctorate in special education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Her advanced certificate in educational leadership from Harvard’s School of Continuing Education furthers her understanding and desire to form partnerships with school districts and respective stakeholders with the goal of making a difference in educating young people.

Consultant

Katie Leo, M.S.Ed.

Location: New Jersey

Katie Leo, M.S.Ed., is an experienced educator and consultant with over 15 years in New York City’s public schools. She began her career as a teacher and instructional coach, with a focus on inclusive instruction, intervention planning, and literacy development. She has worked in numerous classroom environments, including gifted, integrated co-teaching, and general education. Katie also served as a school-based PBIS internal coach, leading behavior support initiatives and helping to align academic and behavioral systems through a data-driven lens.

She brings deep expertise in supporting multilingual learners, grounded in a strong understanding of language acquisition and its impact on literacy. Katie has worked extensively in schools serving diverse and historically underserved communities, including those where a majority of students speak a home language other than English. As a parent of two children, including a son with significant learning challenges, she brings a personal perspective to her professional work.

As a consultant, Katie partners with districts to strengthen Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), improve literacy outcomes, and build educator capacity through training, coaching, and collaborative planning. Her work includes helping districts implement data-driven PBIS frameworks, developing effective Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports, and aligning instructional practices with student needs.

Katie is known for her ability to identify barriers to learning, translate data into actionable strategies, and foster collaborative relationships with educators and families. Her work is grounded in equity, practicality, and a commitment to sustainable improvement. She is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in leadership and policy at American University with an anticipated graduation date of Spring 2028.

Consultant

Meredith Thomas, Ph.D.

Location: New Jersey

Meredith is a passionate and dedicated educator with 20+ years of experience in the classroom from Pre-K to college. Her work expanding services and restructuring the gifted and talented program for Holmdel School District is now an exemplar in the state, making her one of New Jersey’s leading authorities on gifted and talented education. Accordingly, she regularly presents at conferences and serves as a resource for other educators. 

Meredith’s work has been published by Educational Viewpoints, NJEA Review, Promise Magazine, NEA Today, and NJAGC. She has also co-authored a mentor text entitled Amplify Learning: A Global Collaborative. Currently, she is pursuing a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Teaching from Northcentral University, with a focus on effective gifted programming and instructional strategies. 

Consultant

Jenna Zatz, Ed.D.

Location: New Jersey

Jenna is passionate about ensuring equitable education is accessible to all students so that each learner can reach their fullest potential. As a special education teacher specializing in autism and ABA programs, she has regularly worked with students in self-contained and in-class support settings. As a teacher leader, Jenna has facilitated professional development on best educational practices, behavior modification, data-driven decision-making, and foundations of ABA.

Currently, Jenna is pursuing an Ed.D. degree at Rutgers University, with research focused on the impact of K-12 education as it relates to postsecondary outcomes for individuals with autism. She is also working toward her behavior analyst certification, all while continuing to publish research. 

Consultant

Alexa Thomas, M.S., M.Ed.

Location: New Jersey

Ms. Alexa Thomas is a seasoned educational leader with over two decades of experience driving impactful change across education and nonprofits. With expertise in leadership, specialized program development, educational technology, and professional development, she optimizes resources to foster mindful, collaborative learning environments.

Alexa, a former NYC Teaching Fellow, holds a M.S. in Urban Education from Mercy College. She furthered her expertise as a Special Education Leadership Scholar at Bank Street College in NYC, graduating with an M.Ed. in Leadership for Educational Change.

An energetic presenter and trainer, her mission is to serve students by developing adults using a multi-lensed approach, drawing from her experience as a former assistant superintendent, director, and special educator.

Consultant

George McCloskey, Ph.D.

Location: Pennsylvania

George McCloskey, Ph.D. is a professor and Director of School Psychology Research in the School of Professional and Applied Psychology of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and holds Diplomate status with the American Academy of Pediatric Neuropsychology. Dr. McCloskey has amassed 40 years of experience in test development, teaching, research, and assessment and intervention work with a wide range of clients and has presented numerous workshops on the use and interpretation of psychological and neuropsychological assessment instruments for school districts and intermediate units and state, national and international professional associations.

He was a Senior Research Director and the Clinical Advisor to the Wechsler Test Development Group for The Psychological Corporation (now Pearson Assessments) and Associate Director of Test Development for AGS (now Pearson Assessments). He directed the development of the first edition of the KTEA and co-authored the KTEA Error Analysis System and has consulted on the subsequent KTEA revisions and directed the development of the WISC-IV Integrated and consulted on the development of the original WIAT and the WIAT-II.

Consultant

Darlyne de Haan, Ed.D.

Location: New Jersey

Darlyne, a published author on Multilingual Learners in the STEM Classroom and former Forensic Scientist and Environmental Chemist, is passionate about changing the FACE of STEM to mirror the world in which we live.  Darlyne has served in several capacities during her 20+ years in education from the classroom to leadership positions as an Instructional Specialist for the New Jersey Department of Education, Vice Principal, and Director of Curriculum and Instruction.  Her expertise in STEM, Math, and Science all with a specialization in instructional strategies for multilingual learners has made her an often sought out presenter and Keynote at international and national conferences.

Darlyne is the recipient of the coveted Fulbright Award for Administrators for Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools, where she traveled to Singapore to partake in the International Education Administrators (IEA) seminars and worked with Singapore’s Ministry of Education.

Darlyne holds a doctorate degree in Organizational Leadership with a concentration on Multilingual Learners, and two master’s degrees: one in Educational Leadership and a second in Curriculum and Instruction.  

Darlyne is fluent in English and advanced in Spanish.

Consultant

Catherine Havens, M.A., BCBA 

Location: New Jersey

Catherine has dedicated 25 years to the field of special education, beginning her career as a teacher in an elementary self-contained classroom for children with Autism. She later obtained her BCBA certification and transitioned into roles as a Behavior Analyst and Autism Program Coordinator. A proud graduate of Penn State University, Catherine earned her undergraduate, graduate, and BCBA certification through PSU.

Currently serving as the Supervisor of Special Education for North Brunswick Township Schools, Catherine oversees the implementation of high-quality special education programming while championing the district’s mission of equity and excellence. Her expertise spans Autism, Behavior Disabilities, Social Emotional Learning (SEL), and supporting family needs. Over the last five years, she has spearheaded the district’s mental health initiative, establishing a multi-tiered system of support for SEL and creating Behavior/SEL Data Teams.

As the sibling of a young man with cerebral palsy, Catherine’s advocacy for individuals with disabilities is both a personal and professional mission, which she has pursued throughout her life.

Consultant

Michelle L. Zube, M.A., BCBA, LBA

Location: New Jersey

Michelle L. Zube, M.A., BCBA, LBA has been in the fields of special education and applied behavior analysis for over 20 years. Throughout her tenure, Michelle has worked in a variety of capacities ranging from school settings and in-home services, to international consultation and program development. Michelle began to expand beyond direct contingency management and into the realms of Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) and Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) when she recognized that these elements brought balance to her practice. A recent achievement is the publication of the textbook Scientific Framework for Compassion and Social Justice: Lessons from Applied Behavior Analysis which she co-edited. Michelle is passionate about creating systems and environments where all members can thrive.

Consultant

Jennifer Garmirian, M.Ed

Location: Maryland

With over 20 years of experience in education, Jennifer began her journey with a psychology degree, which sparked her passion for teaching during her time in an educational collaborative. In her first year in the classroom, she pursued a master’s degree in special education and administration, driven by her belief in understanding the teacher’s perspective to make meaningful administrative decisions.

Jennifer specializes in special education and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), where she has been a trailblazer in designing systems, developing tailored screeners, and implementing interventions for underserved districts and charter schools. Her work has been instrumental in meeting the diverse needs of students from all backgrounds, ensuring equity and access to high-quality education.

Consultant

Bernadette A. Dunphy, PT, DPT

Location: New Jersey

Dr. Bernadette A. Dunphy is the Owner, Director, and Clinical Coordinator of Dunphy’s Physical Therapy in Red Bank, New Jersey. In addition to her clinical work, she serves as a Senior Specialist Professor and former Director of Pre-Health Advising at Monmouth University.

In 2007, Dr. Dunphy founded Dunphy’s Physical Therapy with her husband, who is also a physical therapist. Together, they provide compassionate, drug-free pain management solutions and help patients manage debilitating orthopedic and neurological conditions through personalized physical therapy services.

Before establishing their Red Bank clinic, Dr. Dunphy was the Owner and Director of Dunphy’s Training Center in Eatontown, New Jersey. This facility combined outpatient clinical therapy with physical fitness services. After 18 successful years, including a year of overlapping operations with the Red Bank clinic, the couple decided to focus solely on their passion for individualized physical therapy and closed the Eatontown facility.

Since 2008, Dr. Dunphy has been a full-time faculty member at Monmouth University, where she teaches Anatomy and Physiology and the Biology First Year Seminar in the Department of Biology.

Throughout her career, Dr. Dunphy has remained committed to supporting pediatric patients in school districts. She has continuously worked with students to enhance their gross motor skills and developmental progress, ensuring they have the tools they need for academic and physical success.

Consultant

Megan Mostecki, MS OTR/L

Location: New Jersey

Megan is a pediatric occupational therapist with 25 years of experience working with children and families in early intervention, schools, hospital based outpatient, and private practice settings. She received her BS from Syracuse University in Child and Family Studies, minoring in Psychology and completing additional coursework within the Special Education department. She went on to receive her MS in Occupational Therapy from Columbia University. 

Megan specializes in working with children with developmental delay, sensory processing and executive skills dysfunction, behavioral challenges, and feeding difficulties. She has served as a clinical instructor, providing education and supervision to Master’s level occupational therapy students during Level I and Level II fieldwork placements. 

Megan’s life’s work has been to help children maximize participation in areas of occupational performance including play, school, self care, and family and home life. She is passionate about supporting and educating parents and families through the challenges of raising children.

Consultant

John Schembari, Ed.D.

Location: New Jersey

John Schembari, Ed.D., is a nationally recognized education consultant specializing in K-12 teacher quality, leadership development, and school improvement. With a diverse background in education, he has served as a founding principal, district director of curriculum, instruction, and assessment, and national director of teacher and leader development within a large charter school network.

John is a passionate thought collaborator, actively engaging in K-12 educational discourse through social media and conferences. He earned his doctorate in educational leadership from Seton Hall University and a master’s in educational supervision from Montclair State University.

Most recently, John was awarded a Fulbright Specialist grant to support educational improvement efforts in Tajikistan. He has also contributed to school accreditation and certification review committees, curriculum revision projects, and international education initiatives. His passion for global education was sparked early in his career while teaching English in Japan at the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (JET).

Consultant

Rachael Gurian M.Ed.

Location: Colorado

Rachael Gurian brings over 20 years of experience driving transformation across the nonprofit and public K–12 education landscape—impacting students, teachers, and school leaders alike. Her first decade of work spanned Baltimore, San Diego, and Philadelphia, followed by more than ten years of leadership and innovation in Denver, Colorado

With deep teaching and leadership expertise in special education, intervention, mental health behavior systems, and school improvement, Rachael brings a powerful blend of strategy, heart, and instructional leadership to every setting she supports. She has held both district-level and school-based leadership roles, designing and leading high-impact professional development, school redesigns, and talent pipelines that elevate teacher capacity and student outcomes. Her work centers on building joyful, inclusive environments—particularly within programs serving students with Emotional Disabilities, Autism, and Mild-Moderate literacy needs—while supporting seasoned and novice leaders to strengthen instruction, belonging, and systems coherence. 

Rachael is nationally recognized for her work, having presented at ESESA  and numerous statewide conferences focused on student support systems. She is also a long-term university instructor, bringing real-world application to the next generation of educators. Her expertise spans Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Trauma-Informed Practices, Special Education, Crisis Response, SEL, DEI, School Counseling, Data-Driven Instruction, and qualitative research. Whether coaching emerging talent or partnering with executive leaders, Rachael is known for catalyzing sustainable change—and doing so with clarity, compassion, and a deep belief in what’s possible. Rachael resides in Denver, Colorado, and when she’s not working, she’s raising a spirited 9-year-old little girl, hiking mountain trails, seeing live music, or rafting down rivers.

Consultant

Jessica Loux, Ed.M.

Location: New Jersey

Jessica Loux is an accomplished educational leader with almost two decades of experience in public education. She most recently served as the Supervisor of English for grades 7–12 in the East Brunswick School District, following seven years as the English Department Chairperson for grades 8–12. Before stepping into instructional leadership, Jessica spent eight years as a high school English teacher at Piscataway High School, where she developed her passion for student-centered learning and curriculum innovation.

Jessica has led comprehensive curriculum redesign across middle and high school English programs, aligning all courses with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards while expanding access to rigorous, relevant coursework. She spearheaded the development of dual credit offerings in senior English, collaborated with university partners to launch College Writing Honors and AP Capstone courses, and worked closely with teachers to design new electives, including Creative Writing, Public Speaking, and genre-based thematic courses. Her leadership has ensured that the English curriculum not only meets state standards but also engages students in critical thinking, cultural responsiveness, and college-level writing.

Jessica holds an Ed.M. in English Education and a B.A. in English from Rutgers University, with additional certifications in supervision and school leadership. She has designed and delivered district-wide professional development, guided instructional shifts like the move to block scheduling and hybrid learning, and mentored dozens of teachers in their professional growth.

Consultant

Kate Mazzoni, M.Ed.

Location: New Jersey

With a Master’s degree in Reading and Specialized Instruction, Kate Mazzoni brings over a decade of diverse experience in education. She has served as a dedicated classroom teacher in both general and special education settings, as well as a skilled reading specialist supporting students with a wide range of literacy needs. Her passion for evidence-based instruction and student-centered learning has guided her work across grade levels.

Kate is committed to data-driven decision-making and guides educators in the effective use of assessments such as DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) to identify student needs, monitor progress, and deliver targeted instruction. Her work is grounded in the Science of Reading, and she supports schools in implementing structured literacy practices rooted in the Orton-Gillingham methodology, ensuring that all students receive explicit, systematic instruction in foundational reading skills.

In addition to her K–8th experience, Kate has taught and supervised aspiring educators at the collegiate level, bridging research and practice to prepare the next generation of teachers. She is committed to fostering inclusive learning environments, advancing literacy for all learners, and mentoring educators in best practices for instruction and intervention.

Consultant

Amy S. L. St. Croix, Ed.D.

Location: New York

Dr. St. Croix is a dedicated and accomplished educational consultant specializing in special education, early childhood education, inclusive instructional practices, and neurodiversity. With over 20 years of experience in public education, including 17 years in building- and district-level administration, she has a proven track record of advancing equitable education and improving outcomes for learners with diverse needs across all levels.

Her expertise encompasses early childhood special education, individualized education programs (IEPs), behavioral interventions, compliance with IDEA, ADA, and Section 504 regulations, sensory processing challenges, and support for neurodivergent learners. Dr. St. Croix is also a key partner with Neuro Crew, an innovative interdisciplinary initiative that integrates medical, behavioral, mental health, and educational services to holistically support neurodivergent children and families.

As a consultant with Magnolia Consulting Group, Dr. St. Croix draws on extensive leadership experience and a deep understanding of district dynamics and regulatory frameworks to help schools implement effective, practical, and sustainable programs that support learners from preschool through grade 12. Holding a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Special Education, she expertly guides districts through complex compliance challenges, professional development initiatives, and inclusive practice implementation.

Regularly delivering professional development workshops in both the education and medical communities, Dr. St. Croix has contributed to state-level forums and special education conferences. Her ongoing commitment to learning and advocacy fuels her passion for fostering inclusive, supportive environments where every student can thrive from the earliest years onward.

Consultant

Courtney Buck, Ed.S., BCBA

Location: Michigan

Courtney Buck is a seasoned education professional with over 20 years of experience in the field. Trained as a school psychologist and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), she brings a deep understanding of behavior science, evidence-based practices, and student support systems to her work. Since 2014, she has specialized in training and coaching district teams to apply the principles of Implementation Science, helping districts develop and implement more effective and sustainable Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) practices at the school level. 

Courtney’s work is grounded in the belief that all students deserve access to high-quality instruction. Her approach is guided by the use of evidence-based practices that have demonstrated positive outcomes for students, as well as the use of reliable and valid data to inform decision-making. Central to her approach is a commitment to systems-level change, ensuring that implementation efforts are not only effective and efficient, but also scalable and sustainable within educational organizations.

Consultant

Erin McBride

Location: New Jersey

Erin McBride is an experienced literacy consultant with over a decade of expertise as a teacher, coach, and professional development facilitator. She partners with schools and districts to improve literacy instruction through evidence-based practices, job-embedded coaching, and customized support for educators and administrators. Erin works hard to build lasting relationships with teachers and leaders to increase the impact of her work. Her approach blends research with practical tools, empowering educators to make meaningful shifts in their instruction.