Our Leadership

BA, Psychology – Trinity University
Graduate Studies, Organizational Behavior – Claremont Graduate University
Jessica’s educational background and extensive experience working at a school dedicated to providing academic enrichment and support for neurodiverse students—has shaped her unique approach, which combines a deep understanding of varied learning profiles with a strong emphasis on relationship-building. Jessica is also a parent of a twice-exceptional child and  understands the unique challenges and opportunities these students  and their families face. Jessica can relate first-hand to the struggle to find the right academic environment for a 2e student, where all their needs are met and their gifts are celebrated.

BS & MS, Elementary and Special Education – Duquesne University
EdD, Mental and Physical Disabilities – University of Pittsburgh
For over 20 years Mandi has worked in the field of special education including being a special education and gifted teacher. Neurodiverse students and their families have been at the heart of everything Mandi has done throughout her career. It has been her dream to have a school where students' strengths are truly enhanced and needs supported for long-term success and achievement. Dr. Skerbetz has worked in various roles at public, charter, and private schools in Dallas, TX and Pittsburgh, PA. She has taught and mentored students in the field of Special Education at Carnegie Mellon University, Johns Hopkins University, Southern Methodist University, and University of Pittsburgh.

BS, International Business and Spanish – Trinity University
Kristen has spent the past 25 years in corporate insurance specializing in cybersecurity and technology. She has built and led teams to success including two teams from the ground up. She will bring her strategic expertise, leadership, marketing and technical skills to The Sage School. She has also spent the past three years building her board expertise – serving on the North American board for QBE as the Chair of the Risk and Capital Committee and the Highlander Band Booster Board as Head of Fundraising. Kristen is also a parent of a twice-exceptional child and  understands the unique challenges and opportunities these children present. Her family understands the challenges with various school environments, the world of assessments and therapy and the need for community in support of these kids and their families. 
 

Associate Vice President, Penn State Outreach | Executive Director, Readiness Institute, Penn State

Justin W. Aglio, Ed.D., is the Associate Vice President for Penn State Outreach and Executive Director of the Readiness Institute at Penn State, where he champions initiatives that drive positive community impact, economic development, and social mobility. With over two decades of experience in education, Dr. Aglio has served as a teacher, school and district leader, adjunct professor, and visiting scholar at Carnegie Mellon University. He is a pioneer in the field of artificial intelligence education, having led the development of the first K–12 AI program in the United States and participated in the Presidential Maker Roundtable at the White House. A recognized leader in academic achievement, equity, STEM, personalized learning, and innovation, Dr. Aglio has been featured in Forbes, EdSurge, and Education Week, and has presented at major conferences including ASCD, ISTE, and FETC. His accolades include Pittsburgh Magazine’s 40 Under 40 and the ISTE Emerging Leader Award. In addition to his professional roles, he advises schools, universities, and startups, and serves on the boards of the Mark Cuban Foundation and AIM Academy. Dr. Aglio holds a doctorate in leadership and administration in education from Point Park University and advanced degrees in curriculum and instruction and education leadership.

Rachael Cody holds a PhD in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Giftedness, Creativity, and Talent Development from the University of Connecticut. She also received a master's degree in special education and a bachelor's degree in Secondary Education and English from Whitworth University. She is currently a postdoctoral scholar at Oregon State University. She has published peer-reviewed articles about teachers' perceptions of students from underserved populations, teachers' responses to professional learning sessions, why postsecondary students choose to leave their majors, and gifted students in homeschool settings. She hopes to continue her research on gifted students, agency, and improving learning outcomes for students from all backgrounds and students who exhibit diverse abilities.

Erin Evans brings over 15 years of experience as an educator in independent schools to her role on the school advisory board. She is a specialist in school leadership and has a deep expertise in math curriculum design and alignment. Erin is passionate about fostering academic excellence and creating innovative strategies to enhance student learning for all types of learners. Erin holds two Master of Education degrees, one specializing in secondary education - mathematics from Louisiana State University and another specializing in Educational Leadership from Southern Methodist University. As the parent of a neurodivergent child, she brings a personal commitment to ensuring that every student receives a high-quality education tailored to their unique needs.

Associate Professor, Director of Gifted Education and Doctor of Education Programs, Johns Hopkins University

Keri M. Guilbault, Ed.D. is an associate professor, director of the online Doctor of Education program and coordinator of the graduate programs in gifted education and twice exceptionalities at Johns Hopkins University. She currently serves as principal investigator of the JHU Center for Talented Youth (CTY) longitudinal Study of Exceptional Talent (SET). Dr. Guilbault received the Early Leader Award from the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) and served three terms on the NAGC Board of Directors. She is the former Director of Science and Education of American Mensa and currently serves as a U.S. Delegate to the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children. Her research focuses on academic acceleration, leadership of advanced academic programs, and the social-emotional development of exceptional learners. Dr. Guilbault earned a Bachelor of Arts in studio art with a minor in French from Florida State University, a Master of Arts in gifted education from the University of South Florida, and both an Ed.S. and doctoral degree in Educational Leadership with a specialization in gifted education program administration from the University of Central Florida.

Special Education Specialist
Dr. Elizabeth Kline is an accomplished educator and leader in the field of special education, with a passion for supporting students with disabilities and health challenges. Holding a Doctor of Education in Special Education from the University of Pittsburgh, she also earned a Master of Education in Instruction and Learning and a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Developmental Psychology. Currently, Elizabeth serves as a Life Skills and Autistic Support Teacher at South Fayette Intermediate School. Elizabeth has also contributed to the academic community as part-time faculty at the University of Pittsburgh, where she taught courses related to special education, including curriculum development for students with low-incidence disabilities and special education procedures. She is driven by a deep commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities, using her expertise to create inclusive, supportive, and empowering environments for learning and growth.
 

Educational and Therapeutic Consultant/Wolf Strategic Advice, LLC
Kelly is a "jack of all trades" of educational and therapeutic consulting. Originally from Chicago, her husband and son have made Dallas their home on two occasions, most recently since 2017. Kelly began her career at CNN, specifically Larry King Live and went on to work at CBS and PBS. Life pivoted her toward a career in crisis management and after the birth of her son, she transitioned again to pursue her Master's degree in Child and Family Psychology. She founded Wolf Strategic Advice, a company that provides educational and therapeutic consulting, as well as post-secondary planning. 
 

Owner & Educator, EducatOrr, LLC 
Garth Orr is the founder and owner of EducatOrr, LLC, a private tutoring company dedicated to empowering students to reach their full potential. With over 15 years of experience in education, Garth has seen the transformative power of personalized learning and is passionate about fostering inclusion and equitable access to quality education. Committed to helping students from all backgrounds succeed, he brings both expertise and heart to his work. 
 

High School Science Teacher and Gifted & Talented Coordinator at Fremont RE-2 Schools

Dr. Kristin Shapiro received her undergraduate degree from Austin College, in Sherman, Tx and her graduate degree in Biology from Texas A&M University at Commerce. She holds a Doctorate of Education from the University of Denver, where her research focused on use of AP classes in rural areas for gifted students. Dr. Shapiro continues to work full-time in southeastern Colorado, where she is the instructional coach and gifted and talented coordinator at a 7-12 grade school. In her free time she enjoys hiking, gardening, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. 

Co-founder, Superintendent and CEO at Propel Schools
Dr. Carol Wooten has served as a Superintendent in three districts. She taught biology and chemistry and was a high school principal, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, middle school principal, and worked as a researcher/evaluator for the University of Pittsburgh on the New Futures Project in Pittsburgh Public high schools. She served as an adjunct professor at RMU, PPU, and the University of Pittsburgh. Her international experiences in education include research and projects in schools across Germany. She is the Lead Consultant for Schools That Can Pittsburgh. She serves on the board of directors at City Charter High and Dragon’s Den. Dr. Wooten received the Excellence in Educational Leadership Award and the Departmental Alumni Award from the Department of Administrative and Policy Studies at the University of Pittsburgh.