Meet the team, discover our stories

Laura is a graduate of UCC Cork and an award winning artist. She was selected as the Paul Clancy Songwriter of the Year at 2015’s Irish Youth Music Awards, and as Circuit Festival’s Music Project Awardee and Arts Council Agility Awardee more recently, in 2021. Following her debut EP, “For Your Company”, she released her sophomore EP, “Heavy Summer” in December 2021, another taste of her own brand of charismatic alternative pop.

Erica Egbert started her work with Narrative 4 as a Recruiter and has now added Lead Trainer to her role. After graduating from Youngstown State University with a degree in Early Childhood Education, she taught for an Educational Service Center in Ohio and elementary schools in Colorado, eventually branching out into physical and outdoor ed. Her passion for travel has brought her to volunteer opportunities in places like Thailand and Costa Rica. When she’s not spending time with her family, you may find Erica on her bike or yoga mat.

Amir Fathizadeh, author, speaker, program leader, executive business

coach, life coach and couples coach who has led life changing programs in North America and Canada to thousands of people. He devotes his unique approach and methodology with a commitment to make a difference for business owners, managers, CEOs, and couples. Amir is a certified professional business coach, personal and life coach and is also certified in emotional intelligence. Amir has delivered programs in Leadership, Relationships, Communication, Emotional Intelligence, 6 Myths, Gossip and How to win in business with great rate of success for the last 20 years. With his extensive background, Amir is able to guide CEOs, business owners, managers and couples discover their blind spots and take their businesses to a new level. Amir’s focus has been on Communication, Relationships and Leadership and often speaks at the high schools, training

and empowering students to overcome their views and how to become a better leader in their family, school, social life and the leaders of tomorrow.

Amir is a trainer as well as facilitator for Narrative 4. He enjoys training facilitators and facilitating story exchange. Story exchange alters people’s views. it is always a privilege for me to guide people and hear their inspiring stories.

Stop the spread! Gossip…..Amir Fathizadeh new book, Gossip, The Road to Ruin is a must read as it gives you access how to end the vicious cycle of gossip in your family, organization or society.

Karla is originally from Tampico, Mexico and currently based in Mexico City. She is passionate about the defense of human rights, specifically gross violations of human rights and transitional justice. Karla has a B.A. in International Relations from Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM). She has been part of N4 since 2014, being one of its first student ambassadors. Some of the roles she has had in the organization include certified facilitator, trainer and member of the Globetrotters group. She has attended six N4 Global Summits. Karla is currently an Associate for N4 Mexico, in charge of project management in the country. On a personal level, Karla has been a dancer since she was 3 years old and loves animals, so much that she has five pets at home.

As an Operations Manager at Kgololo Academy South Africa, Pamela has experience in organizational efficiency and team leadership. With a background in educational administration and a keen eye for detail, Pamela has successfully managed various aspects of school operations, from logistics and facilities management to budgeting and compliance. This role has honed Pamela’s skills in problem-solving and strategic planning, ensuring that the school environment is conducive to learning and growth. Driven by a passion for education and community building, Pamela was drawn to Narrative 4 by its mission to connect people through storytelling, recognizing it as a powerful tool to bridge gaps and foster understanding. In addition to professional interests, Pamela enjoys cooking and baking, shopping and spending quality time with her 2 boys Unathi and Lwandle.

Rachel Gleeson is N4 Ireland’s Programme Officer and has a keen interest in people in how we interact with each other and how our stories intertwine and have a profound effect on one other. A student of Psychology, she comes from a background of early childhood care and it was in seeing the interactions of these young minds that inspired her to take up her studies in understanding human relationships and behaviours. She believes strongly in the power of human relationships, the power of connection and the sharing of our stories. She has been a member of the N4 Ireland team since 2019. She lives in Limerick, Ireland with her husband and beloved cat Indie.

Sharon Hanson is a Narrative 4 Lead Trainer and Community Organizer in the Pacific Northwest region. Sharon taught high school language arts and creative writing for over thirty years. She feels right at home in the N4 family with her belief that stories really can change the world. Fall is her favorite time of year, a time for long hikes in the foothills, a bouquet of maple leaves, and a hearty bowl of minestrone.

Sara is the Palestine Associate at Narrative 4. Since joining Narrative 4 in 2023, she has been facilitating all Narrative 4 programming in Palestine. Alongside her work with Narrative 4, Sara serves as the education programs manager for Tomorrow’s Youth Organization, an NGO that works with refugees and marginalized communities in Palestine. With over 6 years of experience in international development-focused education, Sara’s work centers on providing safe, inclusive, and quality education to marginalized populations in emergency contexts. Specializing in Education in Emergencies, Inclusive Education, and Program Design, her efforts focus on teacher professional development, child protection, psychosocial support, and sustainable development. Sara earned her BA from Middlebury College in International Politics and Gender and Feminist Studies. Currently, she resides in Nablus, Palestine.

Elizabeth has been a part of Narrative 4 since 2016, when she facilitated her first Story Exchange with students in her English classroom. Since then, Elizabeth has worked as a Lead Trainer and an Advisor with Narrative 4, and she now serves as the organization’s Lead Training Manager. Elizabeth has a BA from Colby College and an MA in English from Wake Forest University. She lives in Richmond, Virginia.

Maud ia a mother, wife, an artist, an educator, and a mentor. She is a teacher with over 15 years teaching experience in the Zambian education sector, from teaching in the classroom to being part of a pioneering team that created eLearning content in English and translated in local languages in Zambia. She has a passion for volunteer work in education, the arts and girl child empowerment projects. She also works with students with disabilities and OVC’s (orphaned and vulnerable children). After being introduced to N4 by Buchi Onyegbule, Head of Operations in N4 Africa, she said yes and was launched into the world of N4. The Story Exchanges still blow her away because of the connections that develop among participants that come in as strangers and leave as acquaintances or friends. She also enjoys the networks she has gained and new collaborations (like letter exchanges) with other educators around the world.

Lee Keylock was the first official hire by N4’s co-founders in 2014, and is currently the Director of Global Programs and Training. Lee leads the professional development strategy and implementation for N4 Educators globally. Originally from Britain, Lee immigrated to the United States in 1989 and taught English at Newtown High School in Connecticut for thirteen years. He has served as an adjunct professor teaching Creative Writing and Composition at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, where he also earned his MFA in Creative Writing.

Beth Kleederman is an occupational therapist and life coach, presently working as a coach in her private practice. Through individual coaching sessions and workshops, Beth guides and supports individuals of all ages past limiting beliefs, closing the gap between where they are and where they want to be. Beth completed both coaching and leadership programs with the Coaches Training Institute and is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach.

Alex is the Midwest Regional Manager, residing just outside of Detroit, Michigan. She received her BA in Communications and Nonprofit Management from DePaul University. Alex has 9 years of experience working at the Pitch In mentoring program in Chicago. Through the SEL charged work, she has seen the power of empathetic relationships and created a program to support middle schoolers. Through curriculum design, community partnerships and hands-on learning, Alex worked towards the mission of helping students transition successfully to high school. Outside of work, Alex is learning about the joys of parenthood and gardening.

Anita Krishnan is a traveler, writer, educator, and musician, ultimately on a quest to help people better connect with themselves so they can better connect with others. She works as a narrative coach and leadership trainer, designing and facilitating workshops on storytelling, communication, learning, and culture, and coaching leaders (both individuals and teams) from a variety of sectors across the U.S. and internationally. Having grown up in Australia, Singapore, and the United States (with extended stints in India, the UK, Spain, and as a Peace Corps volunteer in Paraguay), Anita brings a global perspective to everything she does, and is deeply driven by a love of people, language, culture, and food. She holds Master’s degrees in Intercultural Linguistics & TESOL (Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey) and Human Development & Psychology (Harvard University), and a B.A. in Journalism and Linguistics (New York University).

Kate Laskey (she/her) is Narrative 4’s Partner Resource & Support Manager based out of Massachusetts. Kate was born in Connecticut and received a BA in Elementary Education and Psychology from Keene State College in Keene NH. She went on to move to Boulder, Colorado and taught elementary school students for 9 years in various public school settings. She also received her MA in Literacy Education from University of Colorado Denver. Kate remains passionate about creating meaningful social-emotional learning experiences for students and advocating for and supporting educators.

James Lawlor is a graduate of the Queen’s University Belfast and the University of Limerick. He has edited the poetry anthology I Live in Michael Hartnett (2013). He has worked as a parliamentary assistant in the Department of An Taoiseach (Prime Minister) and is on the organising committee for the poetry, literary and arts festival Éigse Michael Hartnett. James began working with Narrative 4 in 2013. He is a member of the Board of Directors for Limerick City of Culture 2014 and has recently begun a P.h.D scholarship in the School of English, University College Cork.

Allison Lerman-Gluck (she/her/hers) is a Northeast Regional Manager for Narrative 4. She is also a theatre and storytelling educator with over a decade of experience. She earned her BA in Theatre, Education, and Community Building from Hampshire College and her MA in Applied Theatre through the CUNY system. Allison uses personal and collective storytelling as a means of building community through radical empathy and has devised over a dozen plays with groups across the Northeast. She has worked with folks of all ages and abilities through numerous organizations, including The Moth, CATA, Dorot, Barrington Stage Company, the Creative Arts Team, and more. Allison’s interactive storytelling was recently featured through the Kennedy Center’s “Teaching Artists Present” program. You can find her work on allietellsstories.com.

Taelor Lewis is the Southwest Regional Manager of the United States, responsible for CA, AZ, and NM. Taelor was born and raised in the Greater Los Angeles area. She received her BA and MA in Sociology from California State University, Fullerton as well as an LLM in International Human Rights. Taelor has five years of experience as an educator at the K-12 and community college level. For the past year, she has worked as a grassroots organizer working to mobilize communities and support. She has a passion for education, human rights, and social justice advocacy. Taelor currently resides in Chicago, Illinois.

Born and raised in The Bronx, NY, Gus Lopez earned his B.S. in Accounting from Mercy College in NY and has worked in non-profit finance and accounting for over fourteen years. Gus finds non-profit work rewarding because he can see the effects of his efforts reflected in the growth of the communities he serves. Gus has extensive experience working for nonprofits that provide testing and support for HIV/AIDS patients, maternal and child health services, and immigration support. In his free time, Gus enjoys sculpting, sketching, problem solving, and using technology to expand his creativity.

Jahi Mackey is a Southeast Regional Manager for Narrative 4, responsible for TX, LA, MS, AL, GA, and FL. He is a native and resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Jahi graduated from the University of New Orleans with a BA in International Studies and from the School of International Training Graduate Institute with a Masters of Arts in Intercultural Service Leadership and Management. Prior to Narrative 4, Jahi worked to promote global citizenship in southeast Louisiana through organizing and non-formal education. Jahi enjoys working to build cultural bridges between and within communities, whether it be through activism, community education, or storytelling.

Alondra Mahoney has been with Narrative 4 since 2013. She graduated from the University of Connecticut with a degree in Psychological Sciences and Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences. Alondra loves cooking, happy coincidences and sharing stories (and warm smiles) with everyone she meets. Alondra currently lives in Connecticut with her husband Kane and their four fur-babies. 

Everybody can be great because everybody can serve,” – Martin Luther King.

Nakya’s commitment to serve started as a teenager; she was a very active member of the SCLC in Atlanta Ga. As an adult, she went on to work at the Georgia School Boards Association for 8 years in Risk Management, facilitating and moderating webinars throughout the state of Georgia, empowering schools boards’ and educational leaders. She also worked for Goodwill of North Georgia for 4 years assisting people with mental and physical disabilities find and maintain sustainable employment. She is currently the Regional Associate/Lead Trainer for N4’s southeast region. Nakya Marshall, the “My hope for you is” segment of the story exchange brings me sincere joy, restoring my hope in society.

She is passionate about people, leadership and all around success. Work, life balance is of the utmost importance. Therefore, when she is not doing the mentioned, she can be found in Social Circle, Georgia by way of Englewood, New Jersey spending time with her family and goldendoodle Diesel.

Jen McCool is a Northeast Manager of the United States, responsible for CT, PA, DE, MD, DC, and OH. Jen comes to Narrative 4 from a theatre education and disability inclusion background. With a BA in Theatre Arts and an MA in Cultural Policy and Arts Administration, Jen has been a teaching artist, a theatre education and community engagement administrator and most recently, a program director for a school-based, inclusive theater education program. Jen’s entire career has been driven by developing empathy as a tool for building a more inclusive world so Narrative 4 is the perfect continuation of that journey. Jen lives with her husband and young son in Connecticut.

Ola! Hola! It’s Valeria here. I’m a proud Mexican from Tampico Tamaulipas. I’ve been with N4 for about 7 years now. Currently I’m a college student studying Communications and Media Production at the Universidad de las Américas Puebla (UDLAP). 

Using my feelings to create art is my passion, whether that be in the form of writing, photography, directing a short film or digital art. You can either find me with my brain going a thousand miles an hour, overthinking even how you sneezed, or floating in the middle of the ocean with not a single thought, there is no in between. Bribing me with cookies or a good conversation is easy enough. And as of late I’ve found peace in becoming a pilates girly but not as much as being with my family’s dog, Lola. 

Luis Andres Morales is a mechatronic engineer graduated from the IEST Anahuac University from Mexico, now working as the Informations Technology and Program intern for Narrative 4. Having been part of Narrative 4 since highschool, he continues to participate in its event as both participant and facilitator. During his time at university, he was the Training Committee Director from the board of directors of the student council, at the same time, he was part of the excellence program of its university network and became Director of one of its projects that encouraged innovation and problem solving. Luis Andres also has experience working as a Full Stack Developer and Web Developer from an internship at Conquer Money, a financial support company.

Being freshly graduated, Luis Andres is ready to face new challenges and keep learning from what he experiences.

Meet Herman Mosha – Narrative 4’s Associate in Tanzania. He was introduced to Narrative 4 through his volunteer work with the National Debate Society here in Tanzania. Inspired by Narrative 4’s mission of equipping young people to harness the power of stories to drive change in their communities, he is passionate about community development, youth empowerment, intellectual engagements, and leadership forums. He envisions creating a better world through the platforms that he has and will continue to engage with throughout his life.

I was born in Jerusalem Israel and raised in the United States. I have a BFA in fashion design from Shenkar college in Israel. I worked in the fashion industry for 20 years before I became an English teacher in 2008. I’ve been teaching English Language Arts for 16 years in the public high school system in Israel

In the past I’ve prepared students for model UN and national debate competitions. Since being introduced to Narrative 4 in 2014, I’ve been passionately doing story exchanges between students from all the sectors in Israel. I present Narrative4 to educators in national conferences and run teacher professional development trainings in English and soon in Hebrew. 

Malia’Kekia Nicolini (‘O ia/She/They) received her inoa (name) traditionally from an inoa po (mothers dream), inoa ho’ailona (symbol), and inoa ulaleo (ancestors voice). ‘O ia is an internationally touring performer, teaching artist, choreographer, artistic director, speaker, and gratitude enthusiast. Malia’Kekia is the Lead Trainer for the Northeast 1 Region of Narrative 4 and a member of the N4 artist network. Outside of N4, she is the Co-Founder of B4 The Other Creations which travels throughout the US and internationally offering professional development and educational residencies in a Pedagogy of Play. As an interdisciplinary artist who believes in the power of storytelling, ‘o ia weaves all their experience together to empower dreams and create beauty. BFA (Music Theater), MBA (Mindfulness in Business Practices), BIPOC Leadership (ArtEquity). www.b4theother.com

Ryan graduated from Capitol Technology University with a B.S. in Computer Science and began a career in the non-profit sector because she wanted her work to make a positive difference in the world. She has worked with many organizations including Amnesty International, Ocean Conservancy, and Food & Water Watch. Narrative 4’s dedication to improving education caught her attention and led to her joining the team. Ryan is currently based in Maryland.

Joseph Onokpe is a graduate of the University of Ibadan and is currently studying for his MA in Education Management and Leadership at the Metropolitan School of Business, UK. In 2020, he joined Narrative 4 as a Master Practitioner and now leads our operations and expansion work as Narrative 4 Africa’s Regional Manager in Nigeria.

Prior to joining N4, Joseph worked as a Program Officer for the Ovie Brume Foundation, as well as Director of the Barack Obama American Corner, a library and information resource centre hosted by the Ovie Brume Foundation in partnership with the American Consulate.

Joseph is a community development enthusiast and an advocate for quality, inclusive education. He believes that, while play is the shortest route between children and their creative calling, inclusive early childhood education is the pathway to a better, more progressive society.

Buchi Onyegbule has been the Head of Africa Operations for Narrative 4 since 2020 and lives in Abuja, Nigeria’s Capital City. Buchi is a broadcast journalist, writer and editor. As a student, he studied English and literature at the University of Benin, Benin City. He started his career in sales for Heineken, before switching to the mass media. Buchi was the host of the Morning Mojo on WEFM 106.3, one of Abuja’s Premier talk shows on politics, governance and social/national issues. A founding Director of the Abuja Literary and Arts Festival (ALitFest), he runs Afi, the Spill Sessions, a mini literary festival that examines societal issues via the lenses of literary works. He can usually be found where there is plenty of coffee and craft beer.

Summer Payne is a Personal Coach focused on liberation through habit change, healing and building connections that empower people to speak and listen from a place of authenticity. She is also an Adjunct Professor, facilitating courses that amplify Black culture while exploring issues of race, equity and social justice education. Summer is an avid road cyclist and a founding chapter leader for Black Girls Do Bike and Major Taylor Iron Riders in her region.

Christina is originally from Chicago, but has lived in 3 states and 2 countries. She received her BA in Anthropology & Chinese from Beloit College. Christina spent her early career as a Collections Manager at the Lafayette Miners Museum and as a Camp Director for the City of Boulder Parks and Recreation Department. She has been a part of the N4 team since 2020 and is thrilled to work with teachers, students, and organizations on community building through storytelling and civic engagement. She spends her free time doing aerial silks, reading, listening to music, and having fun with her family. Christina works and lives in Aurora, IL.

Shoshana Perry is a Lead Trainer at Narrative 4 and member of the Artist Network. Shoshana worked as a journalist and documentary filmmaker for many years, and now works with men just out of prison and off the streets from homelessness at the Doe Fund, and with psychiatric patients and therapists at Bellevue as a mindfulness educator. Shoshana cares deeply about the natural world, animal welfare, poetry/dance/expression, meditation, connection, joy, love.

Shoshana’s daily wish is – “May the fruits of my practice be of benefit to all living beings, and to the earth.”.

Ashley is a lover of stories. As a child, she always carried a book with her. As a student, she studied English, worked at Eudora Welty’s home as it was being transformed into a museum, and studied under Welty’s biographer. She received her M.A. in print and multimedia journalism before she began working with non-profit organizations. For the last eight years, she has worked in non-profit program management, managing staff teams, recruiting, training, and retaining volunteer leaders, and growing established non-profit programs. She lives outside of Boston with her husband and two children.

 Crystal, a native of the San Francisco Bay Area, is deeply committed to community care and wellness, which form the core of her values and professional endeavors. With a background in Organizational Communication from California State University, East Bay, she has played instrumental roles in facilitating and managing operations for various community and wellness programs. From working with a youth-serving nonprofit to contributing to a naturopathic doctor’s office and a high-end spa, Crystal actively seeks opportunities that foster change, healing, and connection within communities.

Presently based in Los Angeles, CA, Crystal thrives as a Neuromuscular Therapist, channeling her passion for holistic wellness into her practice. When she’s not helping clients, she indulges in her lifelong love affair with cheese,engaging conversations, and all things cozy. During her downtime, Crystal enjoys hosting gatherings for friends, expanding her book collection, and exploring nature’s beauty.

Molly Rankin has spent all of her career connected to education- first as a high school English teacher and then as a postsecondary coach. As a natural “dot connector,” Molly is passionate about collaborative leadership, learning, and building relationships while keeping students at the center of her work. She is eager to use story exchanges to bring us closer to each other in ways that we aren’t prompted to do often enough. Molly holds a B.A. in Speech Communication from Miami University, a Masters of Arts in Teaching from DePaul University and a Masters of Arts in English from Middlebury College. Outside of work Molly enjoys spending time with her two young kiddos (Max and Jonah), working out and reading.

Amanda Cantrell Roche divides her time between working as a teaching artist in schools and community settings, creating narrative art, and advising and training for Narrative 4. Versed in restorative arts, somatic practices, journalism, dance, and arts integration, Amanda brings 20 years’ experience of collaborative school residencies and arts-immersion professional development for teachers to her work with N4. Her alchemy is most powerful when she combines a trilogy of her deepest passions: choreography, writing, and social justice.

Kate brings 30 years of experience working with educational institutions, nonprofits and NGOs as a community organizer, teacher, researcher, and program coordinator in the US and global humanitarian contexts. A certified teacher with a BA in English and MAs in Public Administration and Anthropology (ADB) from Syracuse University, Kate combines a love of stories and culture with activism, working with communities to support positive change. Kate previously worked with Save the Children, CARE, and War Child on issues like the reintegration of child soldiers and ensuring refugee access to quality education. She served six years on the Harare International School board (53 nationalities), supporting strategic planning and leadership. Currently residing in Chattanooga, Tennessee with her family, she also feels at home abroad, having lived most of her life in India, China, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Jordan, and Zimbabwe. She also loves acting, singing, hiking, and ultimate frisbee.

Rebecca Sauls is a master level social worker. She’s worked with adolescents and adults providing community and school-based individual and family therapy. She has facilitated mental health trainings on depression, anxiety, trauma and suicide assessment. Outside of work Rebecca enjoys camping, event planning and spending time with her adorable shepherd puppy Anubis.

Tarsha Scovens is a visionary, leader, and passionate change-agent, who aims to inspire individuals to improve their well-being. After falling in love with the Narrative 4 story exchange model, she jumped on board to become an outreach associate and is thrilled to expand the work by serving as a trainer. Tarsha’s experience includes 20+ years in higher education institutions, founding and leading her own business, plus mentoring and engaging underrepresented youth. She’s an exceptional communicator, holding a Master’s degree in Professional Communication, loves adventures, witnessed by her 3 driving/camping trips cross-country, and brings a positive energy to all she does.

Dr. Kathleen Shiverdecker has served in senior organizational leadership positions for the past 25 years in various educational and human resources roles in both public and private contexts. Kathleen and the teams she has had the privilege of supporting have designed equity-focused systems emphasizing best HR practices, data utilization, talent acquisition, performance management, leadership development, and holistic support for employees at every level of service. Most recently, Kathleen served as an Executive Advisor and Chief Growth Officer for Women in Technology International, as the CEO and founder of Hasp Consulting, and as the National Managing Director of Organizational Design and Performance for the Chicago-based consulting firm, Alma Advisory Group. “Changing the world through art and story” is at the heart of Kathleen’s work. The opportunity to serve the Narrative 4 team and its global community of stakeholders is the honor of a lifetime. 

As an avid reader, Missy has always believed in the power of stories. Upon first hearing about Narrative 4, she was intrigued and had to learn more. Now she is thrilled to join the staff and be a part of something with so much potential to help build much needed empathy in our world. With an original career focus of teaching, Missy also has a background in nonprofit program management and tax preparation.  With their four children now grown, Missy and her husband have settled in Maine where they own and operate their own small lakefront motel.  

Valerie Striar is a Narrative 4 Master Practitioner, Trainer/Facilitator and member of the Artist Network. She is a mindfulness/meditation practitioner and educator trained with Inward Bound Mindfulness Education, Inner Strength Education and is certified most recently with Lama Rod Owens in the The Seven Homecomings practice. Valerie teaches at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and leads seasonal Walking Meditation with the intention of supporting our interconnection and reverence for the earth.

Valerie is also a performing artist and creator of interdisciplinary dance theater works that have been performed in NY and abroad. Valerie’s work as an artist, facilitator, and mindfulness educator come together in support of deepening connections, cultivating empathy, creative expression and personal liberation in service of a more compassionate world.

 Katie is a medical student at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine! She has been with Narrative 4 in numerous capacities over the past 6 years. She participated in her first story exchange her freshman year of high school, and has been in love with the methodology ever since. She plans to utilize some of N4 practices within her clinic once she finishes medical school.

Combining her passions for education and technology, Shreya is a digital marketer who specializes in assisting education companies in global expansion. She is driven by a mission to bridge the gap between emotional learning, practical experience, and academic education, acknowledging their equal significance in a student’s development. Through digital platforms, she endeavors to democratize access to these learning tools for students worldwide. In her free time, she is a baker, cat-mom and artist.

Perla Zamora is a dedicated mother of two and a distinguished Mexican educator with over 25 years of experience in private education, where she has made a significant impact. She serves as the program coordinator at Narrative 4 Mexico and thrives as an independent educational consultant, instructional coach, and public speaker. Perla holds a Master’s Degree in Science from SUNY Buffalo and has extensive experience guiding children, young people, and teachers to enhance their teaching and learning experiences.  Her dedication to quality education is evident in her promotion of the ethical use of technology and positive human connections. Her contributions have earned her the prestigious ISTE “20 to Watch 2024” award, recognizing her outstanding influence in the field. In her personal life, Perla enjoys reading, playing gameboards, and cooking, believing that these activities are powerful tools for learning. She also values relaxation and social connections, which she considers essential for a healthy and balanced approach to education. Perla loves spending time at the beach and organizing small gatherings at home, viewing them as opportunities to foster community and connection. 

Jane Zink has created nationally recognized Strengthening Families Protective Factor Framework™ trainings for parents and professionals who work in early childhood, corrections, education, child abuse and neglect prevention, family advocacy, housing, and state government. She believes in the power of story to save humanity. She has been working to strengthen families and improve outcomes for children for over 20 years.