Who we are
Michael Andrews
Founder
Mike is a husband, father, and education leader focused on reimagining how schools and communities engage Black fathers and families. He holds an Ed.D. in Education Policy and Leadership from American University, with research centered on Black fathers’ roles in their children’s academic journeys. He lives in Cary, North Carolina, with his family.
Diana Suarez
Founder
Diana Suarez is an educator and optimist whose work centers co-design, partnership, and community-driven change. She has led national family engagement and leadership efforts as a teacher, coach, and program designer. Diana lives between Washington, DC, and West Virginia.
Megan Lucas
Founder
Megan Lucas is a former early elementary teacher who believes deeply in the power of family and community partnership. She has led national family engagement work through coaching, program design, and product development. Megan lives in upstate New York with her family.
Justin Stephens
Founder
Justin Stephens brings lived and professional experience as a student, foster parent, teacher, coach, and education leader. He has held senior roles focused on strategy, leadership development, and capacity building across school systems and nonprofits. He splits his time between Washington, DC, and Miami, Florida.
Kyle Evans
Founder
Kyle Evans is an educator and coach committed to building systems that recognize the potential in every individual. After nearly a decade teaching middle school, she has worked as a coach, curriculum writer, and program designer supporting school and district leaders. Kyle lives in Washington, DC, with her family.
Our Consultants
Rebecca Bauer
Rebecca Bauer supports Coaction Collective’s impact behind the scenes, strengthening communications, content, and operations so mission-driven work can move forward effectively. She brings deep experience in family and community engagement from her time at National PTA, where she led grant programs, developed resources, and launched the Notes from the Backpack podcast. Rebecca holds a master’s in education policy and lives in Washington, DC with her family.
Yoni Dobie-Geffen
Yoni Dobie-Geffen helps individuals and teams turn big ideas into action through facilitation, strategy, and collaborative problem-solving. He brings experience coaching school and district leaders, leading large-scale state and federal initiatives, and designing community engagement processes that elevate diverse voices. A former Senior Policy Director at Keystone Policy Center, Yoni began his career in the classroom and is also a dedicated partner and parent.
Nicole Savage
Nicole Savage is a college access advocate with 15 years of experience advancing postsecondary readiness, access, and success across K–12, higher education, nonprofits, and philanthropy. At Coaction Collective, she designs and facilitates training that helps leaders build the systems and skills needed for lasting change. Nicole holds degrees from Vassar College and Syracuse University and splits her time between Philadelphia and Washington, DC.
Meg Shah
Meg Shah believes in the transformative power of collaboration between families, communities, students, and schools. At Coaction Collective, she serves as a content designer, facilitator, and coach, bringing over a decade of experience as an educator and school leader. Meg is also the founder of MVS Education Services and is committed to creating inclusive, joyful learning experiences for all students.
Sheryl Ellsworth
Sheryl Ellsworth supports educators nationwide through training and facilitation focused on strengthening family and community engagement. She brings experience from state-level leadership roles in Utah and a teaching career across multiple regions, supporting diverse communities from urban to rural and Indigenous contexts. Sheryl holds degrees from Brigham Young University and George Mason University and lives in metro Atlanta with her family.
Emily Samose
Emily Samose is an expert facilitator and trusted advisor who helps organizations build strategic relationships and design learning experiences that drive meaningful impact. She brings more than 25 years of experience leading education programs and partnerships across the nonprofit, government, and philanthropic sectors. Emily holds a master’s in education and has led national initiatives focused on equitable learning and youth success.
Jeff Noel
Jeff Noel is an education strategist with over 15 years of experience supporting agencies in strategic planning, data systems, and stakeholder engagement. He brings a collaborative, data-driven approach to helping organizations turn insights into sustainable action. Jeff has led large-scale work with education systems at the county and global levels.
