“The growth of any school depends on the collaborative capacity of its teachers and leaders.”
— Micheal Fullen
Meet Joan
Educational Leadership Expert | Implementation & School Improvement Strategist | Global MTSS Leader
Dr. Joan Schumann is a passionate, purpose-driven leader with more than two decades of experience building systems that work—for students, families, and the educators who serve them. From classrooms in Salt Lake City to international schools in Singapore and Beijing, and then as a principal in California, Joan’s leadership journey has always centered on one thing: Equitable and effective education for all.
She founded Leading for Learning out of one simple truth: Leading schools is incredibly hard—especially when you’re doing it right. Every offering; from leadership coaching to professional learning and MTSS systems-level support, is built from Joan’s firsthand experience of what it takes to lead meaningful, lasting change. Her work equips school and district leaders with the tools, guidance, and network they need to drive results that truly matter for students, staff, and communities.
Meet the Team
L4L is supported by a growing team of seasoned MTSS consultants, operations staff, and project specialists.
Together, we provide high-quality MTSS planning and implementation support, leadership coaching, data-based decision-making guidance, and professional learning for educators and system leaders.
Meet Erin
L4L Consultant
Implementation Science Researcher | PBIS & MTSS Expert
Dr. Erin A. Chaparro is a Research Associate Professor at the University of Oregon’s College of Education. She is a nationally recognized expert in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and systems coaching. Her research, inspired by her years as a school psychologist and high school counselor, focuses on improving instruction for English learners, strengthening data-based decision making among school teams, and expanding professional development and coaching opportunities for educators in rural and underserved communities.
Dr. Chaparro has served as principal investigator or co-investigator on multiple Institute of Education Sciences grants totaling more than $10 million. She led Oregon’s MTSS statewide professional development initiative for five years and published findings demonstrating statistically significant improvements in elementary literacy outcomes across the 22 participating school districts. She was a featured speaker at the U.S. Department of Education’s MTSS Forum to speak about Oregon’s MTSS efforts. She is also co-author of Assessment in Special and Inclusive Education, a widely adopted educator preparation textbook.
Dr. Chaparro’s current work bridges research, practice, and technology to help schools design sustainable systems that support both academic and behavioral wellness for all students using an implementation science lens.
Meet Lori
L4L Consultant
School Transformation Leader | PBIS & MTSS Implementation Expert
Dr. Lori Lynass, has worked in the field of education since 1998. She began her career as a special education teacher focused on serving students with learning disabilities and social, emotional, and behavioral support needs. She did her post-doctoral work at the University of Washington as a Research Scientist managing a large federal research projects on behavioral supports and PBIS.
Her career roles have included Executive Director for the Northwest PBIS Network, owner of Sound Supports Consulting, which focused on MTSS, Restorative Practices and Special Education supports, Senior Director of MTSS for CharacterStrong and owner of Advanced Behavior and Inclusion Supports. Dr. Lynass has served as an adjunct professor for the University of Washington, Seattle University and Seattle Pacific University. She has published various articles on the topics of behavior, MTSS and restorative justice and authored a book focused on MTSS for School Leaders.
To date she has served over 2,000 schools, 200 school districts and 4 state departments of education with their training, coaching and evaluation needs related to MTSS, PBIS, special education and restorative justice.
Meet Daniel
L4L Consultant
Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Leadership | Equitable MTSS
Dr. Daniel Russell is a nationally recognized educator, leadership consultant, and expert in culturally and linguistically responsive Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). With more than 30 years of experience as a teacher, instructional coach, school leader, and professional learning facilitator, he partners with schools and districts to build equitable systems that improve student outcomes while honoring the cultural and linguistic strengths of every learner.
As Founder and Co-Director of Advocates for Cultural and Linguistic Responsiveness for Underserved Students and former Program Specialist with the Center for Culturally Responsive Teaching and Learning, Dr. Russell helps educational leaders strengthen Tier 1 instruction, align MTSS and PBIS with culturally responsive practices, implement restorative approaches, and create inclusive school cultures where all students can thrive.
Dr. Russell earned his Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California and is the co-author of Supporting Underserved Students: How to Make PBIS Culturally and Linguistically Responsive (Solution Tree). He is a sought-after national presenter on culturally responsive leadership, equitable MTSS implementation, PBIS, restorative practices, and organizational change.
Meet Tiesha
L4L Consultant
Mathematics Improvement Specialist | Data-Driven Instruction Leader
Dr. Tiesha Allen is an educational leader, consultant, and coach with more than 24 years of experience helping schools improve student achievement through high-quality instruction, targeted intervention, and data-driven decision-making. Her expertise is particularly strong in strengthening mathematics and literacy outcomes through integrated MTSS systems that align academic, behavioral, and social-emotional supports.
As a district leader, MTSS specialist, and Early Intervention Program Coach, Dr. Allen supported the implementation of tiered mathematics, literacy, and behavior interventions across multiple schools, helping educators use data to identify student needs, monitor progress, and improve outcomes. She has extensive experience designing professional learning, coaching teachers and administrators, and developing systems that increase implementation fidelity and student success.
Dr. Allen brings a practical, systems-focused perspective to her work with Leading for Learning. She is passionate about helping schools build coherent MTSS frameworks that improve achievement, strengthen instructional practices, and ensure every student has access to the support needed to thrive academically and socially.
Meet Jenice
L4L Consultant
Implementation Science Expert | Organizational Change Leader
Jenice Pizzuto is an internationally recognized implementation capacity expert, keynote speaker, and author of Implement With IMPACT: A Strategic Framework for Leading School and District Initiatives (Solution Tree, 2024). She has partnered with more than 2,000 schools, districts, state agencies, nonprofit organizations, and ministries of education across the United States and internationally to build the leadership and organizational capacity needed to successfully implement and sustain evidence-based practices.
Jenice believes lasting change isn't achieved by adopting better initiatives—it is achieved by building implementation capacity within organizations. Known for translating research into practical action, she helps leaders develop the systems, structures, and leadership practices that make meaningful improvement sustainable. Her IMPACT Framework has become a trusted roadmap for schools and districts seeking measurable, lasting results.
Her work was recently highlighted in the feature article, "Klamath Falls City Schools Build National Model for Student Success Through Implementation Science," recognizing how the IMPACT Framework helped transform districtwide systems and strengthen implementation fidelity. Jenice serves on the Board of Directors of the Global Implementation Society and continues to advance implementation science worldwide, including collaborating with global leaders in preparation for the Society's 2027 gathering in Cape Town, South Africa.
Meet Brian
L4L Consultant
Leadership Development Specialist | Strategic Systems Coach
Dr. Brian Gaunt is an educational consultant, implementation scientist, and systems-change leader with more than 20 years of experience helping schools, districts, and state education agencies build sustainable systems that improve outcomes for students and educators. A nationally recognized expert in integrated MTSS, PBIS, implementation science, and data-based problem-solving, Brian has supported large-scale improvement efforts across the United States and internationally.
Throughout his career, Brian has helped educational leaders develop coherent systems that align academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and wellbeing supports through integrated MTSS frameworks. As a former State MTSS Inter-Project Coordinator and Assistant PBIS Program Director at the University of South Florida, he helped shape Florida's statewide vision for integrated MTSS and developed leadership and coaching networks that strengthened local capacity and reduced reliance on external support.
As a consultant with Leading for Learning, Brian specializes in helping leaders move beyond isolated initiatives toward aligned, data-informed systems that create lasting improvement. His expertise in implementation science, leadership development, and organizational coherence helps schools and districts build the capacity needed to sustain meaningful change and improve outcomes for all learners.
Meet Heather
L4L Consultant
Instructional Leadership Expert | School Improvement Leader
Heather Silvia is an educational leader and consultant with more than 30 years of experience improving student outcomes through strong instructional leadership, collaborative systems, and integrated MTSS implementation. As principal of Donlin Drive Elementary School, she led the development of a comprehensive approach that aligned academics, behavior, attendance, and social-emotional supports to ensure every student received the level of support needed to succeed.
Recognized as a Model PLC at Work® principal, Heather successfully improved academic achievement and student engagement by building high-performing teams, strengthening data-based decision-making, and creating a culture of collective responsibility for student success. She understands firsthand the challenges school leaders face and the systems required to move from isolated initiatives to sustainable improvement.
Today, Heather partners with schools and districts to strengthen MTSS implementation, literacy outcomes, professional learning communities, and leadership capacity. Her work is grounded in practical experience, helping leaders build coherent systems that improve results for students while creating conditions where educators can thrive.
Meet David
L4L Consultant
Data Literacy Specialist | MTSS Assessment Consultant
Dr. Daniel Fainstein is a Canadian school psychologist, systems architect, and educational consultant specializing in data literacy, educational assessment, and the design and scaling of comprehensive Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). Recently appointed as Associate Director with Stanford University's ROAR (Rapid Online Assessment of Reading) team, Daniel brings deep expertise in early literacy, early numeracy, implementation science, and building sustainable systems that improve student outcomes.
Throughout his career, Daniel has partnered with superintendents, district leaders, and ministries of education across the United States and Canada to strengthen screening, assessment, progress monitoring, and data-based decision-making systems. He is recognized for translating complex research into practical strategies that educators can immediately apply to improve instruction and accelerate student learning.
At Leading for Learning, Daniel helps organizations build data-literate cultures where evidence informs action, implementation is intentional, and continuous improvement becomes part of everyday practice. His collaborative approach, research expertise, and authentic partnership with school leaders make him a trusted advisor for districts committed to lasting systems change.
L4L Staff
Nikko Baranowski supports Leading for Learning through social media and communications. She helps translate the work L4L is doing into content that is clear, engaging, and accessible.
Nikko is particularly excited to contribute to Leading for Learning because of its strong focus on collaboration, equity, and making research truly usable in real educational settings. She enjoys highlighting the people behind the work and sharing ideas in ways that feel human, approachable, and authentic.
She can be contacted for support with social media content, event promotion, campaign development, and general communications needs.
Khadijah Sanders supports Leading for Learning with bookkeeping, billing, and invoicing. A graduate of Purdue University, Khadijah brings a global perspective shaped by growing up in a military family, teaching English in South Korea, and maintaining strong roots in New Orleans, where her family is based.
She is highly organized, adaptable, and always happy to support wherever needed to keep our work running smoothly.
Trusted. Respected. Impactful.
“Dr. Schumann’s leadership has profoundly enhanced each school community I have witnessed her engage with, leaving a lasting and positive impact on the lives of countless students.”
“Joan is an outstanding professional and person. She is driven by a heart full of passion for education and has the expertise to support her gift of creating what is possible.”
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PhD, Special Education, University of Utah – Focus on PBIS and equity in school discipline
MS, Special Education, University of Utah – Focus on inclusive early intervention services
BA, Psychology (Honors) & Spanish, California State University, Chico
Multiple teaching and administrative credentials across WA, CA, UT, and OR
CA Superintendent Academy and completion of multiple leadership development programs
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Classroom Teacher, PreK–8 general and special education: Focused on multilingual learners and inclusive classroom practices
Intervention Delivery: Provided evidence-based literacy, math, and behavioral interventions, successfully exiting over 80% of students from support services
Mentorship: Guided student teachers and early-career educators, including a former mentee recognized as America’s National Teacher of the Year
Adjunct Faculty, University of Utah and Westminster College: Prepared K–12 educators in assessment, instructional design, and culturally responsive practices
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Principal, Elementary School in California: Leads district-level MTSS framework development, secured $2.5M in grant funding, and led significant improvements in student outcomes across all key indicators
Former Director, Student Support Services and Professional Learning & Instruction: Delivered 150+ professional development sessions and guided system-level MTSS design
District Leadership Initiatives: Led districtwide instructional alignment and leadership coaching, fostering coherence and collaboration across administrative teams
Founder, Leading for Learning: Provides coaching, strategic consulting, and professional learning to school and district leaders building inclusive, sustainable systems
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Founding Executive Director, International MTSS Association (IMA)
Founding Organizer, International MTSS Summit (IMS) and RtI for International Schools Summit (RISS)
Founding Director, International School Leaders of Educational Support (ISLES)
Founding Board Chair, Northern CA Literacy Collaborative
Executive Team Member, Evidence Advocacy Center (EAC)
Executive Board Member, The Reading League – CA
Presenter at state, national, and international conferences, including CA-PBIS, APBS, EduTech Asia, and CEC
Published in peer-reviewed journals and handbooks, including The Practical Handbook of School Psychology, Handbook of Positive Behavior Support, and Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Recognized for aligning MTSS implementation with critical areas such as absenteeism, SLP services, and family engagement
What Trusted Colleagues Say About Joan
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“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
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"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
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“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
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"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
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“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
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“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
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“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
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"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
