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We Are Education Associates

Since 1980 our mission has been to make a difference in the lives of ALL learners, to lend a helping hand, and to empower them with life-changing skills. We provide real solutions for real life, helping all learners see their possibilities and realize their potential, and to achieve a rich and satisfying future. Working together, our promise to you, and to them, is to make this a reality. 

Leadership

Tim Hagan

President & CEO

Since 1983, Tim has dedicated his career to helping students of all abilities to realize their potential. Since his work in college with the Special Olympics, Tim has had a passion for helping students with special needs and students at risk to succeed beyond their expectations.  After graduating from the University of Kentucky with dual degrees, Tim has led Education Associates in their efforts to provide quality career education and life skills curricula with the mission to improve the lives of all learners.  Tim’s mandate for Education Associates has been to help educators empower students to realize their career interests and gain meaningful job and life skills.  Tim is also focused on assuring positive student outcomes thru data and performance-based assessments. Tim is recognized as a National Technical Assistance Provider for the U.S. Depts. of Education and Labor and regularly conducts trainings and workshops at the local, state, federal and international levels.

Alle Gouveia

Vice president of BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Education Associates, Inc and Project Discovery are all about hands-on learning of career skills. Alle literally grew up with “hands-on” learning working at Education Associates performing duties in every division of the company. She has a lifelong passion for the meaningful work of helping all students identify their career passions while preparing them to be college or job ready and life ready. Alle earned dual degrees in Economics and Marketing and spent five years in executive management prior to joining our team. 

As VP of Business Development, Alle applies her extensive previous project management and cross-departmental experience to expanding and developing new markets for our award-winning curriculum. This includes transitioning our Project Discovery and Achieve Life Skills products from print to digital by integrating teams in software development, curriculum development, operations, accounting, customer service, sales, and marketing to launch Job Ready Life Ready materials into the EdTech space.

In her personal time she enjoys competitively riding horses and volunteering at therapeutic riding centers. She has completed the NYC triathlon and the Toronto half marathon.

Hayes Hagan

Vice President of Finance & Product

Hayes Hagan is the Vice President of Finance and Product at Education Associates, where he leads strategic financial planning while overseeing the development and execution of the company’s product roadmap. With a blend of financial and product vision, Hayes plays a role in developing innovative offerings to continually improve user experience, accessibility, and value. Hayes also partners with school leadership implementing initiatives aligned with their educational objectives, and advances Education Associates’ commitment to providing the best evidence-backed solutions for getting students Job Ready and Life Ready. Hayes is passionate about building scalable systems that deliver customer value and improved outcomes for students.

Jonathan Abrams

HEAD OF SALES

Jonathan Abrams is a leader recognized for driving results and increasing market share. He has a deep understanding of the trends within the educational landscape including educational technology, student outcomes and retention, and understands the pressures that educational institutions are facing. Throughout his career, he has developed and led high performing teams emphasizing transparency and empowerment. His commitment and dedication to the education industry are second to none.

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Jennifer Donnelly

Head of curriculum & training

Jennifer Donnelly joined Education Associates after supporting students with disabilities and their families for 36 years in public education. She has served as Special Education Leader in Georgia since 1997 with her most recent role as Executive Director for the Program for Exceptional Children in Bibb County, Georgia. Prior to leading special education programs, Jennifer was a resource teacher, inclusion teacher and a self-contained teacher. She has served as Professional Learning Chair and President of the Georgia Council for Administrators of Special Education. Jennifer Donnelly’s career aspiration was always to serve students with disabilities and their families. Education Associates allows her to continue this lifelong focus.

Maggie Hagan

Production & Fulfillment Manager

With a background in outdoor experiential education, Maggie believes in the impact of hands-on experience and the value this method of learning has on an individual’s success. She takes great pride in providing high quality customer service and being a contribution in enhancing the lives of students. 

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Tyler Holbrook

Product Manager

Tyler brings a deep passion for creating accessible, empowering tools that help students with of all abilities build real-world skills for success. He has led our online development and continuous innovation, ensuring it remains intuitive, engaging, and grounded in evidence-based practices. Tyler works closely with educators to shape a user-centered experience that meets the diverse needs of students preparing for independent living and employment. Driven by a commitment to equity and inclusion, Tyler combines strategic thinking with a collaborative spirit to ensure every feature of our online platform supports educators and learners with the tools they need to succeed.

Development & Training Team

Amy Shuiteboer

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT SPECIALIST

Amy is the School Improvement Specialist at Salem High School in Virginia and is responsible for all state testing in her school as well as remediation programs to assist students in meeting graduation requirements.  She is the former Transition Specialist and Employment Transition Representative for the Virginia Beach City Public Schools in Virginia and her responsibilities have included training all secondary special education teachers on writing transition plans, managing the data collection process for Indicators 13 & 14, developing procedures to ensure appropriate implementation of federal, state and local guidelines for transition services and creating the RISE guide, a resource book for exiting students.  Amy holds certifications in Emotional Disturbance NK-12, Early Childhood Special Education, Early Education PK-3 and Elementary Education 3-6.  She holds a Certificate in School Administration from George Washington University, a Master’s of Science in Administration-Leadership and a Bachelor’s of Science in Education-Emotional Disturbance from Central Michigan University.

Theresa Cortney

CASE MANAGER/ COUNSELOR​

Dr. Cortney is an Educational Specialist for Transition for the Region 4 Education Service Center in Houston, TX.  Theresa is a past Case Manager/Counselor for Special Education for the Klein Independent School District in Klein, Texas.  An experienced administrator with over 20 years’ experience as a teacher, Vocational Coordinator, Transition Specialist and Case Manager for students with disabilities, Ms. Cortney is an expert on implementing and monitoring special education programs including bringing the district from 12% to 100% compliance for federal performance Indicator 13 within two years. She has served on a Regional Advisory Board to improve transition services and adherence to federal mandates and has developed supported job training programs for students with disabilities. She holds Certifications in such areas as Principal, Educational Leadership, Special Education K-12, Dyslexia, and VAC.  Theresa holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Sam Houston State University, a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Texas, Dallas and a Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University-Portland. 

Holly Myers

SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER​

Holly has over 24 years’ experience working with teachers of students with special needs to assist with curriculum and instruction.  She is currently a Special Education Teacher at Dutch Fork High School in Irmo, SC.  Holly is actively involved in all areas of education including curriculum development, teacher mentoring, transition services and community work.  Previously, Holly, a Teacher of the Year Award Recipient, trained and mentored Applied Behavior Therapists and held the position of Autism Itinerant. She has used Project Discovery in her classroom for over 10 years.  Holly holds a Master of Education from Lesley College in Cambridge, Massachusetts and a B.S. in Special Education from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC.

Lori Dyer​

Academic Director

Lori is the Founder and Academic Director of the Believer’s Academy in West Palm Beach, Florida, a charter school dedicated to ESE students ages 14-21 who are at risk of dropping out of their schools.  The main goal of this school is to reduce reading and math deficits while building vocational skills.  Lori is responsible for administering the educational curriculum and special education programs, as well as supervising the instructional methods, staff and program activities of the school.  Prior to her founding of this Academy, Lori was the ESE teacher at a middle school and a Special Education Teacher at a high school.  Lori has a Special Education degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, with emphasis on Emotional Behavior Disorders.  Lori has used the Project Discovery curriculum in her school for many years and is a dynamic instructor on the ways to implement the curriculum, meet academic standards, and motivate students to achieve at high levels and transition successfully to further education or the workplace.

Karen Taylor Squires

DIRECTOR OF STUDENT LEARNING​

Karen is the Director of Student Learning for the Red River Parish Schools in Coushatta, LA, and is responsible for supervising the core education courses, providing professional development and overseeing teacher evaluations.  As a previous Director of Special Education, she has supervised the day-to-day operations of the Special Education Department and supervised transition for the district and 504.  She also served on the Northwest Jumpstart Committee for the State of Louisiana to determine the vocational and transition programming needs of general and special education students.   Ms. Squires holds a Master’s of Education degree from Northwestern State University, an Educational Leader Level 3 Superintendent, and has been a teacher at both the elementary and high school levels.  In addition, she has served as a Principal and IEP Facilitator.  Ms. Squires’ has a vast amount of experience in helping teachers develop and implement IEPS and transition plans, in providing effective career development programs and in implementing the Project Discovery curricula.

Dr. Phyllis Mayfield

Retired Educator

Dr. Phyllis Mayfield is a retired educator with over 30 years experience in teaching and coordinating special education services.  Dr. Mayfield holds a B.S. in Education from Jacksonville State University, an M.A. in Learning Disabilities from the University of Alabama, an Ed.S. in Mental Retardation from Jacksonville State University, and a Ph.D. in Early Childhood Special Education from Auburn University.  Dr. Mayfield has a vast range of experiences including teaching at the middle school level, holding Assistant Professorships at the University of Alabama and Jacksonville State University, a Regional Director for the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind, an Education Specialist for the Alabama State Department of Education, and a Special Education Coordinator for the Sylacauga City Schools.  She brings a wealth of expertise in instructing students with special needs and helping them reach their potential.

Nicky Loch

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES SUPERVISOR AND TRANSITION PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR​

Nicole Loch (Nicky) is the Student Support Services Supervisor and Transition Program Administrator at South Washington Schools, MN.  A past Special Education Transition Coordinator with the Mahtomedia School District in MN, she has been a work-based learning Teacher/Accommodations Specialist and the 2015 Woodbury, MN Chamber of Commerce Educator of the year. She has worked with students ages 14 to 21 in the area of transition, particularly focused on employment and career development. During that time she has helped to establish pathways for students that start in the classroom through hands-on learning and extend into the community through partnerships and collaborations with employers.  Ms. Loch holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Master’s of Science in Education, Special Education from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh along with a License in LD and EBD K-12 and a Work Experience- Handicapped/ Accommodations Specialist .

Dr. Amy Spriggs

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR​

Dr. Amy Spriggs, an internationally recognized autism expert, is an Associate Professor with the Department of Early Childhood, Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling, at the University of Kentucky. She is a leading authority in the field of evidence-based instruction and methodologies to advance the academic, behavioral and social learning environment for students with special needs (with a focus on students with autism and other developmental disabilities). Dr. Spriggs holds a Ph.D. in Special Education, Autism Spectrum Disorders and Technology from the University of Georgia, and a Master’s of Education in Special Education Intellectual Disabilities, Pre-school endorsement, and a Bachelor of Science in Special Education Intellectual Disabilities, from the University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia. An author of many publications, Dr. Spriggs is also a frequent speaker at international and national conferences.

Stephanie Corbey

SPECIAL EDUCATION CONSULTANT​

Stephanie is a Special Education Consultant providing technical assistance and support on program development, teacher supervision and high-needs students.  A retired administrator, Stephanie’s past work experience includes being an Education Specialist for the Minnesota Department of Education where she directed the Office on Transition Services, the Executive Director of Individualized Student Services for the Burnsville School District, a Special Education Supervisor and Transition Coordinator for the Osseo Area Schools, an Assistant Special Education Director for the Minneapolis Public Schools, and an Adjunct Faculty member at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota and the University of St. Thomas.  She holds over 10 licensures in such areas as: District Director of Special Education, K-12 Principal, Moderate to Severe Mental Impairments, and Specific Learning Disabilities.  Stephanie holds a Master’s of Education-Administration/Special Education from the University of Minnesota, and an Education Administration License from St. Mary’s University.

Lyn Perry

Asst. Professor of Education & Coordinator of Field Experiences

Lyn is the Assistant Professor of Education and Coordinator of Field Experiences at LaGrange College in Georgia. Prior to that, she was the Director of Special Education for the Roanoke City Schools in Alabama and a previous Special Education Teacher.  Lyn holds an Educational Specialist in Teacher Leadership from LaGrange College, a Master of Science in Special Education from Jacksonville State University in Alabama, and Bachelor of Science in Education (Special Education) from Auburn University, as well as being a National Board-Certified Teacher and Exceptional Needs Specialist.  Lyn has also been the President of the Randolph County Arc for 23 years and brings a wealth of expertise in helping students with special needs to reach their potential and in providing effective instructional support for educators.