Lissa supports teachers and leaders in creating compelling learning environments that reflect high expectations, promote student engagement, and produce results. Lissa’s work with schools across the United States integrates her years of school improvement experience and curriculum leadership in standards-based education. Lissa has served as a public school educator for over 25 years and, prior to beginning consulting, served as the Associate Superintendent of Academics and Accountability for Forsyth County Schools. Her team was responsible for curriculum, instruction, assessment, academic support programs, professional learning, and workforce development. Prior to working in Forsyth County Schools, Lissa served as the Director of School Improvement at the Georgia Department of Education. At the GDOE, Lissa led regional school improvement teams to reduce the number of Needs Improvement Schools in Georgia through intense training on data analysis, performance standards, and focused improvement planning. Lissa also served as a building leader and classroom teacher. Lissa has presented at numerous national and state educational conferences and is a published author. Publications include articles in Educational Leadership and the Journal of Staff Development. Additionally, she has contributed to Center publications Prioritizing the Common Core State Standards and Engaged Instruction: Thriving Classrooms in the Age of the Common Core. She holds a Doctorate of Education with a concentration in Organizational Leadership and Change, a Master’s in Educational Leadership, and a Bachelor of Science in Education. Lissa is the Founder and Chief Learning Officer of Innovate 2 Educate and serves as a Senior Fellow for the International Center for Leadership in Education.​