Team
As experienced educators and educational leaders, we specialize in teaching foundations, emphasizing positive behavior supports and the implementation of universal design to meet diverse learning needs.
In our consulting and coaching work, we facilitate children's and students' learning by empowering the adults who surround them to develop their own skills and knowledge.
Our approach is strengths-based — building on what works and looking at schools, families, and organizations as whole systems composed of unique individuals.
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Alexis Filippini, PhD
FOUNDER | CEO
Dr. Filippini has supported children, teachers, schools, and families in a variety of roles since 2002, including bilingual reading interventionist, behavioral clinician, assistant professor of special education (San Francisco State University), executive director, and most recently dean of teaching and learning K-8.
Alexis is the executive director of Words in the Wild, a non-profit organization that fosters reading skills and builds children's relationships with learning and school through programs like WordLab, Summer Camp, and 1-to-1 tutoring.
She also serves as a literacy site coach for San Francisco Unified School District through the federal grant CALI Reads.
Dr. Filippini earned her MA and PhD degrees in special education with an emphasis in cognitive science from UC Santa Barbara, and a BA in linguistics (yes, she likes the beach!). She also holds a California Education Specialist Credential: Mild/Moderate Disabilities with English Learner and Autism Authorizations, speaks Spanish, and enjoys gardening, cooking, and eating.
Erin Pollack, MFA
SENIOR CONSULTANT | PROJECTS & OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
Erin is a strengths-based leader who knows and values educators in order to foster their growth and reflection. Erin's culturally responsive & interdisciplinary approach to capacity building supports new & veteran teachers. Focused on building upon the strengths of an institution, Erin has engaged in curriculum reviews, faculty coaching and valuation, schedule design, classroom management, and interdisciplinary initiatives.
With a wealth of skills from her 25 years as a 6-12 classroom teacher, instructional coach, & administrator, Erin specializes in collaboratively identifying the values & beliefs that make up a pedagogical philosophy.
Erin earned her BA in English from Denison University (Ohio) and her MFA in English (Writing) from the University of Utah. She is also a National School Reform Faculty certified Critical Friends coach.
Ann Wolf-Toscano, MAT
ASSOCIATE CONSULTANT
Ann has worked as a middle school humanities and literacy teacher for the past decade. Through her teaching and coaching, Ann strives to empower youth with skills and knowledge to create the lives they want for themselves, their families, and their communities. She has been an instructional leader in SFUSD, supporting new teachers as a literacy coach and English department head, planning school-wide professional development and leading professional learning communities.
Ann earned her MAT in urban education and social justice as well as an MAT in teaching reading from the University of San Francisco. She holds a multiple-subject teaching credential from California and is working towards National Board certification.
ASSOCIATE CONSULTANTS | ADVISORS
Additional associate consultants with expertise in mental health, cultural competence, classroom community, and other specialties join projects as coaches, collaborators, or advisors as needed.
