Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Angel Jannasch-Pennell, CEO and co-founder of KOI, is a leader who connects people and projects to achieve meaningful results. She has worked as a teacher, researcher, university VP, and has served on the board of a local urban school district. Dr. Pennell specializes in school-wide systems change including Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS). Angel holds an M.S. in Special Education, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State University.

Co-Founder & Chief Operations Officer

Dr. Daniel Gulchak, a co-founder of KOI Education, believes all students can succeed when adults have the right resources. Prior experience includes being a special education teacher, professor, and board member of several special education associations. He leads applied research in curriculum design and operations at KOI Education and is a co-author of four books on positive behavior support systems, numerous research articles, and magazine essays. Daniel earned his Ph.D. at Arizona State University.

Co-Founder & Chief Academic Officer

Dr. Yadira Flores is a co-Founder and the Chief Academic Officer of KOI Education. Yadira develops curriculum, training and supports and also works directly with school partners as a consultant, trainer and coach. She is a National Certified Bilingual School Psychologist whose experience is in the area of school-wide practices to promote learning, behavioral interventions, culturally responsive practices and equity. Yadira Flores earned her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Arizona State University.

Vice President, Strategic Partnerships

As Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Karen Gifford connects our clients with professional learning and supports. Karen knows that education is an equalizer for children and communities. She has previously supported product launches of educational software to increase student math and reading proficiency, managed federal projects, and served as a classroom teacher for students with emotional and behavioral disorders. Karen holds an M.Ed in Special Education from Arizona State University.

School Services Administrator

Corina Enrique is a School Services Administrator who works with KOI Education to manage our home office. Corina has worked in the educational community for over 15 years, first as an educator and then specializing in office management, school communication and community organizing. She believes passionately in the potential of all students, especially those from diverse backgrounds. Her interests include increasing the cultural capacity of Indigenous Peoples.

Professional Learning Facilitator

Laura Anderson is a school psychologist working with students, families, and educators to identify needs and develop appropriate individual and systemic supports. Laura believes that leading with vulnerability and building relationships are critical. Laura is co-author of the book, "The Supportive Classroom: Trauma-Sensitive Strategies for Fostering Resilience and Creating a Safe, Compassionate Environment for All Students". Laura earned a post-master's Specialist in School Psychology, PsyS, degree from Minnesota State University-Moorhead.

Professional Learning Facilitator

Dawn Baumgartner is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with school age children, families and educators to inspire them to believe open hearts will open minds. Dawn is a former director for a NYC Alternative school, with ten plus years experience including leadership roles related to PBIS/MTSS. Dawn is an ASU Field Instructor of the Year recipient. She holds an MSW and a certificate from the Institute for Nonprofit Management at Columbia University.

Professional Learning Facilitator

Jon Bowen is a school psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst who knows that implementing evidence-based practices through collaboration, consultation and ongoing professional development is key to student achievement. Jon is co-author of, “The Supportive Classroom: Trauma-Sensitive Strategies for Fostering Resilience and Creating a Safe, Compassionate Environment for All Students”. Jon holds a Masters in School Psychology from the University at Buffalo and a certificate in Positive Behavior Support from Northern Arizona University.

Professional Learning Facilitator

Kimberli Breen is a Professional Learning Facilitator and author whose passion is training and coaching school, district, county and state teams in implementing a Multi-Tiered System of Support. She’s an implementer herself at home with her son who has autism. She’s driven school reform as a school counselor and psychologist, and in leadership roles in statewide networks. Her publications focus on family-driven, Tier 2, Tier 3, and system-wide implementation. Kimberli holds a Masters of Science degree in education.

Professional Learning Facilitator

Korina Callahan is a BCBA who has experience with early intervention for children with Autism using Applied Behavior Analysis. After working nearly two decades in education, Korina has a comprehensive understanding of strengths-based approaches to maximize an individual’s potential and quality of life. Korina received her Master’s in Education from Grand Canyon University and Applied Behavior Analysis certificate from Arizona State University.

Professional Learning Facilitator

Joseph Fuentes is a Professional Learning Facilitator who works to help schools develop and implement School-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. Joseph believes that PBIS allows predictable and equitable systems to be implemented in order to support students. Joseph has spent the last 7 years teaching in K-8 classrooms, served as a site PBIS Lead and District PBIS Coach. Joseph holds a Masters of Education in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University.

Professional Learning Facilitator

Holly Gorman's mission is to ignite passion for adversity to mediocrity. Holly has 25 years of experience as a teacher, probation officer, trainer, and Restorative Justice Coordinator. She currently provides social and emotional support and content instruction to students who have been identified as at-risk for post-secondary success. She holds Masters Degree in Politics and Public Policy from the University of Colorado and Educational Administration and Leadership Grand Canyon University.

Professional Learning Facilitator

Pamelia Harris is a Professional Learning Facilitator for KOI Education, as well as an internal trainer and coach within an urban school district. Because of these perspectives, Pamelia knows that the PBIS framework provides opportunity and support for all students to reach their greatest potential. She has led her districts' schools to earn multiple PBISAz Achievement Awards. Pamelia holds a masters in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University.

Sandy believes in providing teachers and school leaders with the understandings and tools to ensure that all students grow and thrive. She is a former high school English teacher, ELA Instructional Coach, College and Career Readiness Specialist, Professional Development Leader, Mindfulness Teacher, and Teen Life Coach. She has a passion for teaching both behavioral systems and mindfulness practices that create kind, compassionate, supportive classrooms where both teachers and students thrive.

Sandy holds a B.S. in Secondary Education from the University of Cincinnati and an M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State University.

Professional Learning Facilitator

Mike Linehan is a Board Certified and Licensed Behavior Analyst, Nationally Certified School Psychologist and certified teacher with more than 25 years of experience working with schools, juvenile corrections, mental health organizations, and consultation & training organizations. His life mission has been to design and implement sustainable learning, mental health and personal growth systems. Mike has served schools in the roles of self-contained special education teacher, PBIS coach, program lead, behavior analyst and lead school psychologist. Mike holds a Masters of Arts in education degree, NCSP credentials and BCBA certificate.

Professional Learning Facilitator

Birgit Lurie is a certified school psychologist and a board certified and licensed behavior analyst who has worked with students with academic and difficulties for over 30 years helping them with the challenges they face. Birgit is also trained in the TEACCH structured teaching model. She believes that all children want to learn, they just need to be taught in a positive manner that is meaningful to them by adults who respect and care for them. Birgit earned a Master of Science in education from Akron University, holds a certificate in Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports from Northern Arizona University and is board certified and licensed as a Behavior Analyst.

Professional Learning Facilitator

Rich Morris is a KOI Education Professional Learning Facilitator and an administrator in an urban school district. Rich believes that all students can learn and grow in the right environment, and that this environment is established through implementing PBIS. As a principal, Rich successfully implemented PBIS systems campus wide. Rich is a certified PBIS trainer, and holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University.

Professional Learning Facilitator

Debi Neat partners with educators to create safe social and emotional learning spaces. She helps adults recognize the importance of building relationships with students first. Debi taught at the Nevada State correctional facility for youth and then served as Prevention Programs Coordinator for Tolleson Union High School District and as a staff developer for Phoenix Union High School District. Debi holds a M.Ed. from Northern Arizona University in Curriculum and Instruction.

Professional Learning Facilitator

Dale Parcel works with educators to provide positive learning environments for all students. He believes that strong relationships are critical to improving social and academic behavior. He has served as a teacher, administrator, at Arizona State University, and at the Arizona Department of Education. Dale was awarded the Circle of Honor by the Arizona School Administrators’ Association and the North Central Association. He earned a Master of Arts degree from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

Professional Learning Facilitator

Amber Pauga is a Professional Learning Facilitator focused on creating school-wide positive behavior systems to obtain robust academic, behavioral, and social achievements. Amber knows that consistency is key to achieving a more positive environment in the school community. Understanding the 'why' behind student behavior allows everyone to support the student more effectively. Amber holds a Masters in Education from Northern Arizona University, and a Masters in Cross Cultural Education from National University.

Professional Learning Facilitator

Kimberly Peaslee understands the changes and challenges faced by schools today. Kim has worked as a special education teacher and is a former special education director, administrator, and principal. Kim is currently a special education consultant, and serves as the current President of the Arizona Council for Exceptional Children. Kim holds a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Mansfield University, PA and a Masters in Education from Northern Arizona University.

Client Success Manager

Susan Pilkington excels as KOI’s Customer Success Manager, connecting customers with professional learning and providing ongoing support to our partner schools and districts. Susan believes that ALL students can learn and loves helping teachers and students create environments where everyone can succeed. Susan Pilkington is a trained school psychologist and former special educator who also provides training and coaching in PBIS. Susan holds a MS in School Psychology from Abilene Christian University.

Professional Learning Facilitator

Ruth Reynoso is a Professional Learning Facilitator who works with schools to develop robust PBIS systems. Ruth knows how important building relationships with students and staff are and how PBIS makes this possible. Ruth is recognized as an Arizona Master Teacher. She holds a B.S. degree in Education from Texas Tech University, a B.S. degree in Geology from Hardin Simmons University and a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University.

Professional Learning Facilitator

Paul Roskelley is a Professional Learning Facilitator and high school administrator working with schools to support PBIS implementations. Paul knows the effects PBIS can have through implementation within his own high school as well as his successful experience as a trainer and coach for many school districts and campuses. Paul holds a B.A. in History Teaching from Brigham Young University and M.Ed in Educational Administration and Supervision from Arizona State University.

Professional Learning Facilitator

John Speer is passionate about implementing and sustaining systems that support positive student behaviors and academic excellence. John has served as a teacher, coach, athletic director, assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent. He is an inductee to the Shadow Mountain High School Athletic Hall of Fame, and has also won regional awards. John earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education Social Sciences and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Northern Arizona University.