Team Members

Howard Paley has been a leader, an educator, and a storyteller since 1984.

Mr. Pierce has always considered himself an agent for organizational change and school improvement. His interest and continuing training has been directed at the development of a strong conceptual understanding of systems thinking and strategic planning to advance public education.

Debon Lewis is the founder and CEO of Transformative Growth Partners, an educational consulting firm. He is an educational leader and social entrepreneur. He has over twelve years’ experience in managing projects, training, and teaching students and educators. He has been an award winning Middle School Teacher, Academic Dean, Founding and Turnaround Principal, Principal in Residence as well as a Leadership Fellow.

Craig brings over 35 years of educational leadership experience, fostering inclusive school cultures and cultivating respectful community relationships. During his career, Craig has served as a special educator, an assistant principal, a principal, and a human resources director supporting students, educators, and families in both urban and suburban settings.

Lyle Kirtman has been a management consultant for more than 35 years, specializing in leadership development, strategic planning, organizational development, high performance team development, conflict resolution, and executive coaching

Rue’s educational career spans 40 years. Currently serving the superintendents of Texas as TASA Superintendent in Residence, Dr. Rue provides support for superintendents engaged in leading future focused school systems.

After graduating from Texas A&M University, Wendy taught middle school students in Texas and continued upon relocating to California.

Jeff Ikler is currently the Director of Quetico Leadership Coaching and Consulting, a firm dedicated to helping school and business leaders develop sustained changes in their leadership and management practices.

Beth Saunders has worked with FMS since 2011 and has become an integral member of the FMS team. She is the main point of contact for all clients and consultants.

Leadership Coaching Consultant

Dr. Nancy Padilla has been passionate about teaching and learning for more than three decades working collaboratively with thousands of students, hundreds of teachers, and dozens of administrators.

Elizabeth Reid, LICSW has over forty years of experience in the not-for-profit human services field, most recently as Vice President of Clinical Quality and Young Adult Services at Wayside Youth & Family Support Network in Framingham, MA. Through her thirty-four-year career at Wayside she held many senior management positions including Vice President of Residential and Day Services, Vice President of Clinical Services, and Quality Management Director.