Student First Consulting Group

Dr. Patrick Rice is a former Field Services/Equity Director for the Illinois Association of School Boards, national speaker and presenter, published author of various books and professional journal articles, former principal, high school teacher, and adjunct professor. Dr. Rice has over 20 years in education and has obtained various degrees in educational administration including masters and specialist degrees from Eastern Illinois University and a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Dr. Nuria E. Williams is an educational consultant with extensive experience in instructional leadership and supporting educators in reaching their goals. Currently serving as a Director for the Office of School Performance, Dr. Williams provides direction and support to schools by identifying areas of need and implementing best practices to improve student performance.

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With a background that includes roles such as middle school principal, high school assistant principal, and Special Education Department Chair, Dr. Williams brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her work.

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Dr. Williams is dedicated to nurturing the potential of educators and providing them with the resources and support they need to succeed. By offering monthly professional development sessions and mentoring aspiring teacher leaders, assistant principals, and principals, she empowers educators to become effective leaders and agents of change in their schools.

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With her diverse skill set, passion for instructional leadership, and commitment to supporting educators and students, Dr. Nuria E. Williams is poised to make a positive impact as an educational consultant for Student First!

Rashelle' holds a master's degree in school social work and is endorsed with a PEL. She serves as a school social worker and mental health therapist in Cairo, IL. Currently, she is accumulating supervision hours with the aim of becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and School Counselor. With over 15 years of experience working with children and their families, Rashelle' has been a certified school social worker for more than four years and has been engaged in the mental health field for five years.

Her expertise lies in behavioral RTI and classroom management. Rashelle' collaborates with school staff to design interventions, including BIP/FBA and behavioral charts, and employs research to enhance the classroom ambiance and behaviors. This, in turn, aids students in their academic pursuits. She has also introduced and formulated Social Emotional Learning Activities (SEL) to support students' well-being and functionality. Furthermore, Rashelle' has led professional development sessions, advocating for a comprehensive approach to understanding children's environments.

Daimon is the Finance Director with responsibilities to account for daily record keeping, budgeting, forecasting, and examining financial statements for the organization.

Daimon R. Jones, Sr. , Ph.D.(c), M.S., M.B.A., is the founder of Triple D Real Estate Investments, LLC, an investment company focused on purchasing distressed properties and rehabbing them to create a higher standard of living; and BayMonk Consulting, LLC, a financial firm which provides fiscal oversight for nonprofit organizations. He also works as a Senior Project Manager for an International Consulting company working with small- and medium-sized enterprises to achieve superior industry results.

Daimon is a results-driven professional with 15+ years of experience in strategy development, financial planning, corporate turnarounds, and fiscal budgeting. His hands-on leadership and teaching style ensures a collaborative and productive society. He is on the board of directors for nonprofit organizations - P.A.S.S.I.O.N. OUTREACH, Black Educational Advocacy Coalition (BEAC), and previously served on the board of YMCA of Trussville (2015-2017). He is a dedicated member of the American Finance Association, National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA), Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church.

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Quay is a native of Annapolis, Maryland, and an Executive Administrative Assistant for Anne Arundel County Public Schools. Her leadership, diplomacy, and willingness to serve in diverse environments has helped her evolve not only in her career but also her ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

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Quay has over 30 years of experience in supervision, administrative management, customer service, event planning, and managing successful secretarial teams with 17 of those years in education. She has a wealth of knowledge due to performing in many of the school secretarial positions. Through her tenure, she received the 2017 Spirit of Community Award for the Administrative Support Staff of the Year by the West County Chamber of Commerce. Also, she was awarded the “Make A Difference” Award for outstanding service and dedication in 2018.

Quay’s goal is to connect leadership development and wellness for secretarial staff who desire the confidence, clarity, and courage to elevate to their full potential. With her experience as a Certified Personal Trainer, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, and Wellness & Lifestyle Strategist and soon to be a Certified Gallup Strengths Coach, Quay will equip the secretarial staff with the tools, resources, and strategies they need to develop their unique strengths, gain clarity on achieving their goals, and fulfillment in their day-to-day work experiences. This will promote effective collaboration with principals, teachers, the community, and performing successfully as a team.

Pam is from Nashville, Tennessee and has been an educator and military wife across the U.S. and abroad. The impact of her service was felt through her work in Georgia, Germany, Virginia, Alabama, California, Alaska and currently Illinois.  She has enjoyed her professional experiences as a Speech Pathologist, Teacher of Special Education, Principal, Superintendent, Professor and Consultant. Her career afforded her to wear many hats as she was the Director of a Child Development Centers in Bad Kreuznach, Germany.  She had served as a Principal in Dupo School District in IL for two elementary schools simultaneously. In Cahokia School District she stepped into the principal position within the 6th Grade Center, Wirth Jr. High, and Cahokia High School in Cahokia, Il.  Her public-school experience was fulfilled ending on a high note as Superintendent of Cahokia School District #187. 

Retirement was just a pause as she wrote a little Book called “My Child Would Never Do That”. She went on to become an Associate Professor at McKendree University sharing her knowledge and real-world experiences for teachers aspiring to be principals, superintendents and desiring their Doctorate in Education! During her time as a professor, she joined Black Educational Advocacy Coalition (BEAC), to help improve the school experience of Black students and all educators in their efforts to assure equitable experiences that lead to student and educator success. 

Pam also still works with Doctoral Students at McKendree University.  She is a consultant for school districts in the Chicago area, Cairo IL, and a mentor/coach for Principals in Illinois through the St. Clair County School District #50.   It is Dr. Manning’s hope to continue to assist school districts and make a positive impact with principals, teachers, students, and the communities they serve. 

Kim is a global thought leader with over two decades of experience working with federal financial assistance. She has a demonstrated history of working in education, public administration, and international affairs. Kim is an expert grants, community and social services professional skilled in Public Speaking, Teaching, Nonprofit Organizations, Policy Analysis, Government, Program Evaluation, and Instructional Design.

Ms. Gooding has a Masters in Public Administration/Policy Analysis from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville and a Bachelors in Political Science from Illinois State University.  She is a Certified Grants Management Specialist (CGMS) from National Grants Management Association (NGMA) and has earned an Economic Development Finance Professional certification (EDFP)from the National Development Council.

Dr. Lisa A. Norton is a dedicated strategist with more than 20 years of transformational leadership experience in the educational learning sector. She demonstrates both passion and expertise in designing and implementing equity-aligned programming and policies, data-informed practices, inclusive training strategies, and professional learning opportunities that create and sustain school success.

Dr. Norton holds advanced certificates and endorsements in Educational Leadership, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Reading Education, Special Education, and Gifted and Talented Education. Currently serving as a DEI Coach and Community School Facilitator, she leverages her continuous improvement mindset to improve teacher retention, increase students’ academic performance and sense of belonging, and foster partnerships with families and community stakeholders.  She is deeply committed to student achievement and is enthusiastic about bringing her diverse skill sets to Student First!

Mrs. Tavon Myers has 20 years of experience in education. She received her undergraduate degree in Business Management from Binghamton University (SUNY) with a concentration in Marketing and later attained a master’s degree in Curriculum and Development along with an Education Specialist Degree in Leadership. She began her education career in 2004 as a math and social science teacher in middle school. Mrs. Myers continued her teaching career and eventually held additional positions in other school systems in secondary and elementary schools (GA, MD, NY, FL), as a Math Intervention Specialist, Subject Area Leader, District Springboard Trainer, and Instructional Coach, prior to transitioning to Charles County Public Schools in 2018. In CCPS she held positions as PBIS Coordinator, Math teacher, Instructional Resource Teacher, and Assistant Principal.

Reba Rice-Portwood is a Licensed Professional Counselor with several years of experience in the field of Mental Health. Reba is also the founder of At L.A.S.T. LLC, she has worked on several high profile projects such as working with the Brady foundation, Ad Council, Project with NPR (National Public Radio), several articles in the Newspaper in St.Louis, Mo., amongst speaking engagements on Wellness and Suicide Awareness.

Reba is a poet and a published author for a children’s affirmation book that has been a great part of her work where she has a passion for our Youth. Especially Youth that may be dealing with Mental Illnesses with a focus on Depression, children who may have suicidal ideations and educating all involved in those children lives on Suicide Awareness, Prevention and Intervention.