Our Associates
Learn from the best of the best. Each of our associates is selected through a rigorous process that carefully weighs qualifications and experience. Personally trained by Dr. Marzano, our associates specialize in long-term school improvement efforts in K–12 public and private school districts and individual schools. The depth and breadth of their collective educational experience is staggering—and now you can leverage it to add reach to yours.
- Bill Zima
Bill Zima is the director of implementation for Marzano Academies, working with schools to help realize their unique vision of high reliability organizations that build agency in all learners.
- Lindsey Troutman
Lindsey Troutman is an Executive Director of College Readiness, in Texas. She has served as an educator (grades 5-12), a curriculum coordinator in English Language Arts and Social Studies, and a Director of College, Career, and Military Readiness. She brings her passions and experience, as an Associate, in areas of curriculum, instruction, and assessment, standards-based learning, coaching, collaboration and professional learning.
- Christopher Tranberg
Christopher Tranberg, PhD, is the superintendent of Branford Public Schools in Connecticut. Previously serving as a principal, director of performing arts, and teacher, he is most proud of leading work focused on removing barriers to student learning.
- Shelly Swanson
Shelly Swanson is a dedicated educator and a driven leader with 25 years of experience in public and private schools. She has worked as a classroom teacher and school administrator at both elementary and secondary levels.
- Doug Rigby
Doug Rigby, EdM, is the assistant superintendent of Uinta County School District #1. With 28 years’ experience, he was previously a teacher, coach, and principal. He is passionate about creating an environment where all students learn at high levels.
- Don Porter
Don Porter is a practicing learner-leader who currently serves as a middle school administrator. He has served students and worked to foster a culture of learning and success in schools for over 13 years. Don has experience implementing the School Wellness Wheel and gets excited about working with people to achieve at high levels.
- Whitney Owens
Whitney Owens, MEd, has served as an elementary classroom teacher, middle school principal, head of schools, university professor, and professional development facilitator over a 17-year career.
- Debbie Nicolai
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.
- Melanie Lewis Magee
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.
- Marisa Hafley
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.
