Professional Learning Communities

Cheyana Leiva is a transformational leader who understands the challenges schools are facing and the strategies necessary to improve. As a principal, she led her high-poverty school to an A rating in three years.

Cristi Parsons has 28 years of education experience as a teacher, counselor, principal, curriculum director, and assistant superintendent. She was named National Distinguished Principal in 2013 and has led two campuses in PLC practices to become Model PLC schools.

Karen Johnson is a full time Solution Tree Associate. She specializes in helping schools identify areas for growth and improvement as they implement and refine their PLC at Work® implementation.

Michael L. McWilliams is a fierce advocate for classroom teachers, school leaders and staff members who work daily to ensure all students learn at high levels. Michael has spent the last 28 years as an educator, with 20 of those years serving as an elementary school principal. Equipping and empowering others to be the best version of themselves is his life’s mission. He specializes in developing the foundation needed for effective implementation of the Professional Learning Communities at Work® process.

Doug Gee is the superintendent of Clear Lake School District in Iowa. He has been an educator for over thirty five years, also serving as principal, teacher, and coach in various size districts.

Jen Minor has over 28 years of experience in education as a principal supervisor, principal, assistant principal, PLC Coach, and teacher. Her guidance for administrators and teachers significantly contributed to the district being recognized as a Model PLC School District in May 2021. Jen supports schools throughout the country with the professional learning community and response to intervention school improvement processes.

Erika Chapa serves as the director of intervention, Section 504, and dyslexia for Pasadena Independent School District in Texas. Erika led Pasadena ISD towards full implementation of intervention structures and supports across 68 campuses.

Blake Clark brings a wealth of experience from various educational settings, including schools, districts, and charter schools across North America. He is a firm believer that schools can achieve their fullest potential through collaborative efforts centered on intentional learning.

Jeff Byrnes is the current assistant superintendent for teaching and learning in the St. Helens School District in St. Helens, Oregon. With over 25 years of experience in education, Jeff specializes in the implementation of professional learning communities and multitiered systems of supports. He is certified to lead in Professional Learning Communities (PLC) at Work® and Response to Intervention (RTI) at Work™. He has also served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal in Arizona and Washington.

Stephanie Discher serves as the director of elementary education for Wasatch County School District in Utah. With a sincere passion for empowering educators, she is dedicated to fostering a deep understanding of and appreciation for the professional learning community process.