Leading for Learning

Helping schools rise by lifting the people who lead them.

MTSS Leadership Self-Assessment

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Empowering Leaders. Transforming Systems. Advancing Equity.

At Leading for Learning, we believe that every student deserves to thrive in a school system intentionally designed to meet their academic, social, and emotional needs. That’s why we focus on the people who make those systems work: school and district leaders. Our mission is to build the leadership capacity needed to create inclusive school cultures, make bold decisions for students, and implement support systems that last—because when leaders rise up, student growth follows.

We partner with K–12 public, charter, and private schools—as well as regional and state agencies—to close the gap between policy and practice. In a landscape shaped by evolving federal and state mandates, post-pandemic recovery, and increasingly complex student needs, we provide the clarity, tools, and community that leaders need to take decisive action.

A woman with shoulder-length brown hair, smiling, wearing a black top and hoop earrings, sitting on steps outdoors with blurred greenery in the background.

What Trusted Colleagues Say About Joan

  • “Joan is an incredible leader who understands MTSS from both the academic and behavior side. She also understands the critical role of getting the adult piece right and how to leverage implementation science to create the conditions for successful, sustained implementation. She is always a pure joy to work and interact with."

    Dr. Clay Cook, Implementation Scientist & Chief Development Officer at CharacterStrong

  • Portrait of a smiling woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a pink floral blouse, resting her chin on her hand against a white background.

    "Joan is one of the most upbeat, intelligent school leaders with whom I've had the privilege to work. A true values-driven leader, unafraid to make hard decisions, she is also incredibly productive and results-oriented without sacrificing a strong focus on relationships, which has made her a beloved and respected leader. "

    Bridget McNamer, Leadership Coach

  • A woman with long brown hair smiling outdoors, wearing a sleeveless white top with small dark dots and a small gold necklace.

    “Joan's warmth, energy, enthusiasm, and passion is contagious. She is one of those rare leaders who has the technical skill to lead K-12 systems efficiently but also the adaptive leadership to deliver results.”

    Dr. Amanda VanDerHeyden, Founder of SpringMath and Educational Researcher

  • Close-up of a smiling man with short brown hair, light skin, and blue eyes, wearing a dark shirt, against a plain white background.

    "At the heart of her mission was always a fundamental duty of care for our students...I miss her, but am grateful for the lasting contributions she has made."

    Paul Swanson, Director of Innovation and Technology

  • A woman with glasses and wavy hair smiling outdoors on a bright day, with a blue sky, scattered clouds, a tree, and a chain-link fence in the background.

    “Joan is a transformational, innovative leader. Her instructional leadership leads to improved student outcomes and her boundless energy is contagious."

    Mele Benz, Technical Assistance Provider & Former Principal

  • Close-up of a woman with long dark hair smiling at the camera, wearing an orange and white patterned top, with blue and white wall background.

    “I am but one of many who have grown in their skillset by working with [Joan]. I am forever grateful for what she has done for the children in our school as well for myself professionally.”

    Ms. Shawna Diamond, Special Education Teacher, Instructional Coach and Administrator

  • Black and white portrait of a smiling man in a suit and tie.

    “Joan has the ability to quickly identify challenges, develop solutions and build teams and systems to get things done. She possesses a high degree of integrity, a notable work ethic, and a great sense of humor.”

    Steven Dexter, School Principal

  • "It has been a pleasure to watch as [Joan] deliberately seeks out vastly different experiences to grow her expertise and view student learning from every angle. She is both knowledgeable and passionate about her work, while caring deeply for her people. I am confident you will thrive under her mentorship."

    Heather Newell, M.Ed. – Lecturer, Teacher Education and Leadership, Utah State University, and former principal