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.

Jennifer Alvarado has served over 25 years in education as a teacher, school leader, district-level program director, and district-level curriculum, instruction, and professional development coordinator. She is passionate about empowering teachers to excel in their craft so that they, in turn, can inspire all students to reach their potential.

Tina H. Boogren, PhD, is a fierce advocate for educators, particularly for their well-being. She is the author of numerous best-selling books centered around her passion areas of quality instruction, coaching, mentoring, and wellness and is co-director of Solution Tree’s Wellness Solutions for Educators with Dr. Timothy D. Kanold. She hosts the weekly podcast Self-Care for Educators with Dr. Tina H. Boogren and has received several accolades, including being ranked #5 among the Top 30 Global Gurus in Education. She is also a recipient of the Marquis Who’s Who of Professional Women award and has been recognized by the Wall Street Journal as a Who’s Who of Distinguished Leaders. Dr. Boogren resides in Denver, Colorado.

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.

Shelley Gies, EdD, is a full-time Marzano associate. She is the former director of curriculum and instruction and a former building-level principal in central Indiana. Shelley also spent 23 years as a classroom teacher, serving most grades K–6.

Zabdi Gonzalez is the senior director of English learner support for McKinney Independent School District. With over 20 years experience in education, she previously worked as a bilingual teacher, assistant principal, principal, and adjunct college professor.

Crystal Green-Braswell is an experienced educational leader in Arkansas and owner of The Crystal Dragonfly Education Consulting. She currently serves as coordinator of staff wellness and culture for Little Rock School District.

Dr. Melanie Lewis Magee served in education for 26 years at various levels starting as an elementary school teacher. After several roles in district administration, including adult and parent education, Dr. Magee moved into campus leadership. She was an assistant principal and later an associate principal at a high school culminating in four years as a middle school principal. Dr. Magee led Curriculum and Instruction for a large district and recently served as Deputy Superintendent for a small rural district. Her passion is coaching administrators and helping teachers be the best versions of themselves for students.

Beth Nelson is the director of teaching and learning at Norfolk Public Schools in Nebraska. She has been a part of educational leadership for over 30 years and is passionate about supporting high-quality education for all students. Beth has implemented, supported and sustained professional learning communities, guaranteed and viable curriculum, effective teaching in classrooms and standards-based grading.

Debbie Nicolai has served as an elementary teacher, instructional coach, elementary principal, and director of curriculum, instruction, and innovation. Having been both a school and a district leader, she has in-depth and firsthand experience with High Reliability Schools.