Kristi Kirschner is the visionary founder of Gateway Education Partners, LLC, an organization passionately committed to enhancing school districts through innovative employer-driven talent strategies. At the heart of her work, Kristi is dedicated to shaping a pipeline of exceptional educators and establishing pivotal partnerships with higher education and workforce development. Her leadership steers toward a future where educational gateways are not only transcendent but are also meticulously tailored to align with the distinctive needs and talent goals of each employer.

In a pivotal shift, Kristi transitioned her HR expertise to the education sector, and has dedicated the past decade to offering strategic HR leadership with a steadfast commitment to the most invaluable asset—our youth. As the Chief Human Resources Officer at Brazosport ISD, Kristi has played a pivotal role in launching innovative initiatives, fostering a culture of excellence, and establishing new benchmarks for HR practices in the education sector.

In 2022, demonstrating her visionary leadership, she led Brazosport ISD to pioneer the first employer-driven K–12 Teaching Registered Apprenticeship Program in Texas designed for long-term sustainability. This trailblazing initiative not only addressed critical workforce development needs but also cemented a robust talent pipeline essential for meeting the increasing demand for high-quality educators. Through these transformative efforts, Kristi has redefined the employer's role in teacher preparation and enhanced the economic mobility within the communities served.

With over 15 years of experience in public education, Rebecca Kelley has provided strong leadership across various operational departments, ensuring resources are maximized to meet the instructional needs of students. Committed to maintaining a strong financial position for the district, Rebecca has earned the highest financial rating from the Texas Education Agency and the Transparency Star from the Texas Comptroller.

Her leadership is built on a foundation of collaboration, trust, and transparency. An effective communicator, Rebecca has a talent for simplifying complex processes and has extensive knowledge in financial reporting. She has successfully facilitated annual financial reports and audits with zero findings or corrective actions.

Rebecca is a passionate advocate for public education, particularly in finding sustainable solutions to address the challenges school districts face related to the teacher shortage. She champions opportunities for school districts to support aspiring educators to engage in low-cost or no-cost pathways to become certified teacher, create positive impacts to the communities they serve , and most importantly enabling aspiring educators to achieve economic mobility through registered apprenticeships.

An educator and a life-long learner, Nicola is driven by her passion for diversity and equity in schools, workplace wellbeing, and unlocking potential in the people around her. She’s bringing her vision for healthier, happier school communities to life with The Educator Wellness Project. Nicola taught grades K-2 and spent five years of experience coaching educators. She deeply believes that emotions matter and drive our behaviors at work and as learners. Nicola holds an MBA from the Yale School of Management and a BA in Education History & Policy from Brown University.

Dr. Brenda Dearmon has 40 years in education serving as classroom teacher, instructional facilitator, Assistant Principal, Principal, Executive Director of Federal Programs & Grants, and currently the Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services in Sheldon ISD.

Dr. Brenda Dearmon received her Baccalaureate and Master’s degrees from the University of Houston, Superintendent Certification at Stephen F. Austin University, and Doctoral degree at Lamar University.

Dr. Brenda Dearmon is committed to creating a stronger school culture for teaching and learning while improving student academic performance.

When Dr. Dearmon is away from her duties in Sheldon ISD, she enjoys reading, playing the organ, traveling, teaching Sunday School, and just spending time with her husband, children, and four grandchildren