One adult refused to read me as a lost cause. I was a kid the data had already written off, and that single relationship is the reason I went from dropping out of high school to earning a doctorate.

That relationship is the heart of everything I do. As a building principal, Director of Equity Services, instructional coach, and dean, I've spent 19 years leading schools through turnaround and elevation, most recently helping a high-performing high school climb the national rankings while holding 98–99% teacher retention. My doctoral research focuses on trusted adult relationships as protective factors for students impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences.

I'm known professionally as "Dr. J Skates," the roller-skating principal, because joy and credibility aren't opposites, and kids need to see adults who lead with both.

My philosophy is three words and one order that never changes: Belong. Thrive. Lead. Belonging comes first. A child who doesn't feel they belong can't thrive, and a child who's never been allowed to thrive won't learn to lead. Get the first word right, and everything else follows.

I'm living proof.

Credentials: Ed.D., Bethel University · M.S., Organizational Leadership University of Northwestern-St. Paul· 2023 Alumnus of the Year, Bethel University