From classroom teacher to deputy chief of schools, Judy’s led at every level—and now she’s all in on coaching leaders to grow people, navigate complexity, and build thriving school communities. She’s known for her calm presence, deep curiosity, and ability to create space where leaders feel safe, seen, and stretched. Judy listens closely, builds trust quickly, and helps you lead with more alignment—anchored in your values, strengths, and purpose.

With a sharp eye for strategy and a deep care for people, El’s helped leaders at every level: from founding principal to principal manager to chief of schools. As a coach, he’ll challenge your thinking, name the hard stuff, and still leave you feeling supported and seen. El brings a strong commitment to equity, honoring each person’s story, identity, and leadership journey with intention and respect. You’ll get clarity, confidence, and compassion— real talk that moves you forward.

Philonda leads with love—and she means it. A lifelong learner and healing-centered coach, she’s been a founding teacher, principal, principal manager, scholar-practitioner, and now Senior Director of Leadership Coaching for a national coaching program that supports 200+ education leaders. Her work blends academic rigor with soul, equity with joy, and strategy with deep care. Whether she’s designing coach trainings, mentoring senior leaders, or researching the experiences of Black women principals, she moves with purpose and a fierce belief in people’s brilliance.

Lanny is a nerd's nerd who loves building culture by bringing people along for the ride. A former middle school history teacher and principal, Lanny has spent the last decade building software for K-12 schools and teachers. Lanny believes in the power of data to tell stories, and the power of those stories to drive change. Lanny is working to build our systems here at Legit Leader, and would love to help you build some systems of your own.