Designs for Learning is in the process of creating a consortium of consultants for needs our clients may have that extend beyond our own areas of service. We feel that this is another benefit we can offer to meet our clients' needs and further enhance your professional and staff development.
While we are in the process of posting this information for your use, please feel free to contact us about the consultant services offered. Areas of expertise include:
- Education Consulting
- Intercultural Sensitivity Training
- Life Coach
- Psychology
...among others. We hope that you are able to take advantage of these services and the opportunities for development personally and professionally.
Project consultants who have worked with Designs for Learning in the past and may be available to assist with selected projects include:
Robert H. Fischer, Special Education Consultant
David Glick, Independent Strategic PartnerRobert Fischer has served special education interests in Minnesota in a variety of roles for over thirty years. He graduated from, what was then Mankato State College, in 1965 with a B.S. Degree in Speech Pathology and received a M.S. Degree in Speech and Hearing Science from Colorado State University in 1968. He earned the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech and Hearing Association in 1969.
Robert was a Speech and Language Coordinator for the Roseville School District and was a consultant and supervisor at the Minnesota Department of Education for 24 years. While at the Department, Mr. Fischer headed the Aids, Data and Finance area of special education overseeing the special education application process, payment of state and federal special education aids and development of the automated reporting systems and uniform tuition billing process. Since leaving the Department Mr. Fischer served as the Director of Special Education for the Northfield School District for three years and one year as the interim Director of Special Education for the Little Falls School District.
In 2001, Mr. Fischer was awarded the Leader of Excellence award from the Minnesota Administrators of Special Education (MASE) which was followed in 2002 by the National CASE Award, recognizing him as the Outstanding Special Education Administrator.
David offers his services to all Designs for Learning clients through a strategic partnership between DL and his own consulting company, David B. Glick & As-sociates, LLC. David works nationally in the area of online learning, including program startup guidance, policies, handbooks, staff and administrator training, and sales and service of Florida Virtual School curriculum and training. He also has a long history of work in curriculum and instruction, including curriculum alignment, planning and development. Through his company, he also offers web development and design services and formal program evaluation.
David has over 20 years of experience in public, private and charter schools in rural, suburban and urban settings. He is a former science teacher, curricu-lum/staff development coordinator, and was the charter school liaison for cur-riculum and the graduation standards at the MN Department of Education. He has been involved in school reform for over 12 years and has been involved in K-12 online learning for five years. He holds a B.A. in physics from Carleton College, a M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Minnesota, and a M.A. in Liberal Studies from Hamline University. He is also a licensed teacher and principal.
Molly Herrmann, Project Management
Molly has over 5 years of experience in grantwriting and project management, including her work with Designs for Learning for three years as a project coordinator She has experience in working wioth charter schools on aspects of start-up coordination, proposal development, marketing, school nutrition and special projects tailored to client needs
With a Bachelors of Science degree in Nutrition from Florida State University , her experience as a community and healthcare nutritionist, and as a food & beverage manager, Molly has also delved into the world of School Nutrition Programs and brings a unique perspective to clients.
Sheila Johnson, Speech Pathologist and Audiologist
Sheila graduated from the University of Minnesota with a B.A. in Communication Disorders in l971 and received an M.A. from the U of M in Speech Pathology and Audiology in l972. She has previously worked for the Roseville School District and the Moundsview School District for a number of years before taking a leave to have four children. Sheila returned to Roseville after her leave and has worked there for the past l9 years. She just returned from three weeks in China with Global Volunteers, teaching conversational English in a village in Shanxi Province .
Sheila works as a consultant with our Comprehensive Special Education Services to provide needed services in Speech Pathology and Audiology to our charter school clients.
Linda McDonald, President & Sr. Development and Grant Consultant
Linda J. McDonald & Associates
With more than $10 Million raised in just six years, Linda has proven her effectiveness in fundraising for a variety of institutions. She has an expertise in funding for education, historic preservation, at-risk youth, community development, women's issues, and healthcare, and is experienced in grantsmanship training.Nancy Schultz, Charter School Finance SpecialistLinda has developed extensive programs in board development, strategic planning, and policy governance for non-profit boards.
Linda holds a Bachelors degree in Education, a Master's degree in Administration and is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Nancy comes back to Designs for Learning with over 25 years experience in finance and accounting. She has spent the last 8 years working in government, school districts and charter schools. Previously she has worked as the Director of Finance with Minnesota Business Academy and at the Minnesota Department of Education as an Education Finance Specialist/Charter School Coordinator. At MDE, she assisted and trained new charter schools on financial management and administered the $15,000,000 Charter School lease aid program. She has worked with and been advocate for Charter Schools since her first experience working at Designs for Learning in 1998. Nancy is currently attending Metro State University to strengthen her network and background in the area of Business Management and Education Policy.
Doug Schumacher, Placement Counselor
Doug has over 20 years of experience as a school and career counselor at the high school level. He holds an M.S. in school counseling from St. Cloud University, Career and Technical Education certification as a Career Development Specialist and is trained in implementing the American School Counselors Association National Model which emphasizes results based data.
As a Placement Counselor with charter schools, Doug works to educate and assist students in post-secondary education opportunities. He has a strong interest in assisting high school students in identifying their strengths, skills and interests and relating these to educational opportunities and career path options.
Doug Also has previous leadership experience in local, regional and statewide organizations including: school counseling department chair in a suburban high school, two-term president of the St. Paul Suburban Counselors Association, and three-term Board member of the Minnesota School Counselors Association. Doug was selected as the 2005 Minnesota High School Counselor of the Year
Gloria J. Thompson
American Agency, Inc.
Gloria is currently a commercial and personal lines sales agent for American Agency, Inc. in St. Louis Park. As the agent for several charter schools she has had the opportunity to examine some of the exposures unique to schools and school leaders. Proper insurance can be purchased when risks are identified, not only by the sales agent, but also by the insurance buyer.
She began her career in the insurance industry 30 years ago working for American Family Insurance and other carriers as an underwriter. In 1984 she obtained her insurance agent's license and began working in an insurance agency. She has received the designation of Certified Insurance Counselor from the National Alliance and continues to update that designation annually.
Gloria also teaches several continuing education classes at local professional schools for insurance agents and has conducted a number of community service educational meetings regarding insurance topics. She serves the industry and individual clients through education. Currently she serves as President for the Insurance Professionals of Greater Minneapolis, an affiliate of the National Association of Insurance Women.
