Our Associates

Debbie Aholt is a leadership coach in Meridian, Idaho. She has over 30 years of experience as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, building administrator, and leadership coach. Debbie works with districts and schools to support systemic transformations that impact student and adult learning.

Kathy Cawthron has worked in public education for 34 years, with 26 of those years in campus and district leadership roles. She led her last two campuses through High Reliability Schools Levels 1–3 certifications and rebranded her former elementary campus as an arts integration academy.

Amber Clark is the principal of a Marzano Academy and has nearly two decades of combined teaching and leading experience in elementary and secondary schools and at the college level. Personalized Competency-Based Education is her passion, with a focus on mentoring and growing Effective Teachers, ensuring Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum and Social Emotional Learning for healthy school culture.

Bev Clemens, PhD, is an experienced educational leader who has worked in large suburban districts and in smaller urban districts with diverse student populations. In addition to her work with Marzano Resources, Dr. Clemens has worked with a small nonprofit organization focused on developing leadership skills in school leaders who are working to transform schools to meet the needs of all students.

Mitch Craft spent over two decades working in K–12 schools, serving as a teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, principal, and assistant superintendent. His expertise and passions center on supporting principals and leaders to improve outcomes and experiences for educators and their students.

Dirk DeBoer is an experienced educational leader and consultant specializing in student support, instructional improvement, and the High Reliability Schools Framework. He empowers schools with practical strategies rooted in The New Art and Science of Teaching.

Greg Figenser brings over 25 years of diverse experience in education, having served in the roles of district professional development leader, curriculum director, principal, and classroom teacher. Over the past decade, Greg has shared his expertise by presenting nationwide to school administrators, as well as novice and experienced educators, providing the tools and strategies necessary for success in today's evolving educational environment.

David Franklin, EdD, is an author, professor of education, and consultant and has worked with school leaders and teachers around the country in the areas of school vision, instruction, technology, and collaboration.

Jeni Gotto, EdD, is the Superintendent of Westminster Public Schools and a visionary leader with over 25 years of transformative experience in education. Renowned for her pioneering work in Competency-Based Education (CBE), she oversees the nation’s largest district-wide PK–12 implementation, blending rigor with personalized pathways to success.

Marisa Hafley, coordinator of talent development at Region 9 Education Service Center in Wichita Falls, Texas, specializes in supporting campuses and districts with professional development opportunities, school improvement efforts, and the Marzano High Reliability Schools framework.