Literacy solutions rooted in the science of reading for grades PreK-12

Angelica Blanchette, EdD is an Advisor for EPS Learning and a passionate literacy educator. She believes the ability to read, write, listen, and speak effectively is a basic human right and a cornerstone of overall health and well-being. Her enthusiasm for breakthroughs in neuroscience and literacy models like speech-to-print and structured language approaches drives her work. Recently, she presented research on fostering morphological awareness in primary grades at the International Dyslexia Association.

Dr. Blanchette brings a wealth of experience from roles as an elementary teacher, literacy specialist, tutor, clinic supervisor, consultant, and curriculum developer. She earned her EdD in Reading from the University of Virginia, focusing on early literacy and intervention, assessment, dyslexia, and word study. Previously an associate professor at Longwood University, she now promotes effective literacy practices as the Education and Outreach Manager for the Virginia Literacy Partnership Office at the University of Virginia.

Favorite Childhood Book: The Nancy Drew series by Carolyn Keene.

Benita R. Brooks, PhD is an Advisor for EPS Learning and an associate professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). She earned her PhD in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in literacy education from UNLV. Previously, Dr. Brooks was a faculty member at Sam Houston State University (SHSU) for nine years, receiving several awards, including the David Payne Academic Community Engagement Award in 2022. She has secured over $3 million in grants from the Department of Education and the National Science Foundation.

Dr. Brooks's research focuses on aligning wraparound services for academic intervention in mathematics and reading/language arts with evidence-based frameworks for high-impact tutoring and mentoring. She is dedicated to enhancing teacher happiness and well-being and developing peer-tutor training modules for high school students. Her expertise includes the efficacy of wraparound support services, high-impact tutoring and mentoring, peer tutor training, and teacher well-being.

Favorite Childhood Book: Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume.

Pete Davis is a Board Member for EPS Learning, bringing a wealth of experience in education and strategic development. He served as President of McGraw-Hill Education and EVP of Global Strategy and Development for The McGraw-Hill Companies from 2006 to 2011. Before McGraw-Hill, Davis was a managing director at Novantas LLC and a senior partner at Booz Allen Hamilton.

Davis holds a bachelor's degree in history and English from Rutgers College, awarded with highest distinction, and an MBA from the Johnson School of Management at Cornell University. He is actively involved in advancing educational initiatives through his service on the board of directors of Hudson Global Scholars and as a senior advisor to Boston Consulting Group. His extensive background in leadership and strategic development, combined with his dedication to education, underscores his influential role in shaping the future of learning.

Favorite Childhood Book: The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein.

Dr. Anthony D. Hamlet, Ed.D., is the current President and CEO of CSI Strategies LLC in Delray Beach, Florida. Dr. Hamlet leads a consultancy dedicated to revolutionizing educational systems by establishing equity-driven policies and practices that enhance readiness for all students across college, career, and life challenges. He received his Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, and has further honed his skills through advanced studies, including Harvard University’s School Turnaround Leaders Program and the AASA/Howard University Urban Superintendents Academy Certification Program. Before founding CSI Strategies, Dr. Hamlet made significant strides as Superintendent of Pittsburgh Public Schools, where his leadership was instrumental in implementing groundbreaking reforms that led to improved student achievement and reduced disciplinary issues. Dr. Hamlet also has a rich history of leadership in various educational roles in the School District of Palm Beach County, including serving as director school accountability, transformation II and as principal at several schools. His exceptional leadership in these roles garnered him five Principal of the Year awards from multiple organizations, including the Florida Department of Education. Dr. Hamlet imparts his expertise as an adjunct professor at institutions such as Nova Southeastern University, the American College of Education, and American Intercontinental University, where he teaches Educational Leadership and Administration in the Masters and Doctoral Programs.

Favorite Childhood Book: The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan

Jonathan Harber is a Board Member for EPS Learning and a renowned education entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in educational innovation. As the CEO and co-founder of Schoolnet, Inc., he revolutionized how school systems use data and assessments to enhance academic achievement. After Schoolnet's acquisition by Pearson, Harber served as CEO of Pearson K12 Technology.

Harber is dedicated to fostering the next generation of edtech leaders as a professor at NYU Steinhardt School, where he teaches Edtech Entrepreneurship. He holds a master's degree from MIT and an undergraduate degree from Wesleyan University. His multifaceted career as an entrepreneur, CEO, board member, consultant, and professor underscores his commitment to advancing education and leveraging technology to improve student outcomes.

Favorite Childhood Book: The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss

Thelma Meléndez de Santa Ana, PhD is a Board Member for EPS Learning and a distinguished retired Superintendent who successfully led three California school districts.

With a career spanning 38 years, she began as a bilingual first-grade teacher and rose to become Assistant Secretary of Elementary and Secondary Education in the Obama Administration. She has served as Superintendent for Santa Ana Unified, Pomona Unified, and State Administrator for Inglewood Unified School Districts. Dr. Meléndez earned a BA cum laude from UCLA and a PhD from USC’s School of Education, with an honorary doctorate from Pepperdine University. Her accolades include California Superintendent of the Year (2009) and Woman of the Year by Hispanic Business Magazine (2010). She served as Senior Education Advisor to Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and administered over $75 billion in emergency grant funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. She currently sits on the Getty Board of Trustees and is a Trustee Emerita of the California State University system.

Favorite Childhood Books: Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss and Charlotte's Web by E.B. White.

Tony Miller is the founder and Managing Partner of Excolere Equity Partners, a private equity firm dedicated to the education and human capital management sector. He served as Deputy Secretary and COO of the U.S. Department of Education from 2009–2013, shaping national education policy during the Obama Administration. Previously, Miller was a senior partner and COO of the Vistria Group, targeting investments in education, healthcare, and financial services.

Before his government service, Miller was a Director at Silver Lake and a Partner at McKinsey & Company. He has served on non-profit boards focused on workforce development, higher education access, and foster care youth. Miller holds an MBA from Stanford University Graduate School of Business and a BS in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University.

Favorite Childhood Book: Rather than a single book, Miller cherished a set of World Book Encyclopedias during his childhood.

Patrick Murphy, EdD is an Advisor for EPS Learning and a proven executive and instructional leader with over 35 years of experience in public education. As Superintendent of Arlington Public Schools, he oversaw a diverse division with over 26,000 students, 4,000 employees, and a budget of over $581 million. His decade-long role as an adjunct professor has given him firsthand knowledge of what PreK–12 students need for post-secondary education.

Dr. Murphy excels in collaborative and advisory capacities, building on the strengths of professional organizations, nonprofits, business partners, and higher education institutions. He has broken through obstacles to academic success for historically underserved student populations, delivering measurable impacts in areas such as dropout prevention, graduation increases, community engagement, and resource allocation. His leadership has benefited schools with student populations ranging from 3,000 to 170,000 and budgets from $5 million to $3 billion.

Favorite Childhood Book: Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak.

Ralph Smith is a Board Member for EPS Learning and the founding Managing Director of the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, a nationwide initiative aimed at increasing third-grade reading proficiency among children from low-income families. Under his leadership, the campaign has grown to include a network of more than 350 communities and over 5,200 local organizations.

Smith previously served as Senior Vice President for the Annie E. Casey Foundation, leading initiatives to improve child outcomes by strengthening families and neighborhoods. He has also taught Corporations and Securities Law and Education Law and Policy as a tenured member of the law faculty at the University of Pennsylvania. Smith's extensive experience includes roles as Chief of Staff and Special Counsel for the School District of Philadelphia and Senior Advisor to Philadelphia’s mayor. He has served on numerous boards in the philanthropic and social sectors, as well as private sector boards including BookNook, Geisel-Seuss Enterprises, Leapfrog Enterprises, and Stride K-12.

Favorite Childhood Book: David Copperfield by Charles Dickens.

Christine Willig is a Board Member for EPS Learning and a highly respected leader in educational technology. She served as CEO of Illuminate Education until its sale to Renaissance Learning in 2022. Previously, Willig led Key Data Systems and was President of McGraw-Hill Education K–12, where she spearheaded the company's transformation toward educational technology.

Willig’s executive experience includes roles as CEO of Math Solutions and President of the company that launched the CODIE-award-winning netTrekker. Recognized as a leading mind in educational technology, she received the Lamplighter Visionary Award from the Association of American Publishers in 2015. Currently, she serves on the boards of Kognity Education and EPS Learning, and has previously held board seats with Editorial Projects in Education/EPE (Education Week) and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. Willig earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and is dedicated to her family, including seven adult children and nine grandchildren.

Favorite Childhood Book: Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak and Half Magic by Edgar Eager.