Meet Our Esteemed Advisory Board

Quincy Jones

~Design Thinking~ 

  Quincy has served thousands of students and served along many teachers and administrators. Quincy has over 15 years of experience in Elementary and High Schools.

Whether in the role of teacher, an instructional coach, school leader or Director, Quincy has worked and served each day with the sole purpose of improving  outcomes for humanity and supporting opportunities that are positioned to change the lives of young people.

• Director of Liberatory Design
•  Learning Design Professional Development Senior Manager
• Assistant Principal  
• Personalized Learning 

Amy Allen Ed.D

~Professional Learning~

Amy’s mission is to empower and support every K-8 math educator with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to develop learners’ mathematics capacity, support learners in realizing their fullest math capabilities, and cultivate the joy of learning in their classrooms! 

Regardless of a students’ circumstances, every learner will have the opportunities to be appropriately challenged, have a voice in how they learn and knowledge of where they are and where they are headed in their math classrooms, where every child reaches their highest potential

• Principal and Founder at EmpowerED Consulting Group 
• Educator Leadership Consultant, NewSchools Venture Fund - EF + 
• Math Director of Professional Learning 

Taneesha A. Thomas MS.ED

~Instructional Technologist~

Taneesha A. Thomas, MS. ED, is a certified Instructional Technologist, Google Trainer, Google Innovator, Apple Teacher, and CEO of Flutter Tech LLC. With over twenty years of classroom experience, she transitioned to supporting teacher growth and capacity building in her role as a technology integration specialist/coach.

Taneesha's objective is to be an agent of change, working alongside educators to equip students with 21st-century skills. She collaborates with educators to explore technology applications and tools that foster innovation, collaboration, and competitiveness. Her goal is to merge technological expertise with a commitment to excellence in education, coaching educators, staff, and students to become confident, knowledgeable, and passionate about utilizing technology as a driving force in the world.

• Chief Executive Officer, Flutter Tech LLC
• Director Of Instructional Technology

 Marilen Corres

~Innovative Curriculum Designer and Culture Developer~

Marilen believes in educating the whole child, emphasizing both academics and life skills, understanding that effective teaching relies on building rapport with students. She's passionate about empowering students to effect change, evident in her role as teacher sponsor of her school's Social Justice Club. Here, she oversees various activities addressing pressing issues such as hurricane relief and immigrant rights, always aiming to engage students meaningfully. Marilen also excels in developing innovative Social Science curricula, incorporating multicultural responsive practices to foster social learning, problem-solving skills, and civil responsibility.

• Social Justice
• Personalized Learning
• Innovative Educator

Dr. Valerie Simms Perkins Ed.D

~Faculty & Instruction~

Valerie's education journey began with a passion for reading, guiding her into a rewarding career. After teaching elementary school, she joined the City Colleges of Chicago, where she taught English for over a decade, rising to full professorship and leadership roles. Eventually, Valerie became Vice President for Faculty and Instruction.

After 26 years, Valerie moved to Capella University in Minneapolis, founding the Undergraduate School and achieving full accreditation. Even in retirement, she served as interim president, guiding the university until 2008. Valerie continues to support education through advisory roles, sharing her insight and wisdom.

RETIRED Vice President for Faculty & Instruction at City Colleges of Chicago