Eric Carlton has over 30 years of experience in the education arena. He served as a special education teacher, assistant/associate principal, and principal of a large public high school. Eric later became a regional vice president of a national educational services company. In 2003, he started Banner to open and operate alternative and therapeutic day programs. Eric earned his Bachelor of Arts in African Studies from the University of Maryland Baltimore County, Masters of Science in Special Education from Johns Hopkins University, and Education Specialist Degree from Walden University. He is certified in Administration, Special Education and Instructional Leadership and belongs to numerous associations. Eric has received significant accolades, including the AdvancED Illinois Leadership Award and Excellence in Education Award, the Maryland Governor’s Citation for Excellence in Instructional Leadership, the Baltimore Mayor’s Community Partnership Award and UMBC’s Alumni of the Year Award. He is involved with several nonprofit boards and has worked with AdvancED for the past twelve years, serving as a lead evaluator and as the chairperson of its Illinois Performance Management Group. Over the past 30 years, Eric has been instrumental in improving the lives of thousands of disadvantaged students.

Mrs. Phillips' career spans over 18 years serving military-connected children with the Department of Defense Education activity. She has served in Japan, the United Kingdom, and on military installations in both North and South Carolina. Her experiences range from teaching special education, working as a regional literacy Instructional Systems Specialist, and as a school principal. She has spearheaded initiatives for a Regional Continuous Improvement Plan and was a pivotal member of the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support Design Team at headquarters. Mrs. Phillips has led the implementation of the College and Career Readiness Standards (CCRS), co-teaching methodologies, 21st-century Instruction, and Literacy advancements. Her vision as an educator extends beyond traditional paradigms, evident in her role in inaugurating a 21st-century school, where she facilitated staff development to embrace innovative teaching models and pedagogical approaches. Hailing from Illinois originally, Mrs. Phillips draws from her military-connected experiences as the daughter of a US Army veteran and the wife of a US Air Force veteran. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education, with a minor in English Literature from Eastern Illinois University, a Master of Arts in History from American Military University, and an Education Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Liberty University.

Jay Yolich is a dedicated educator with 26 years of teaching experience in the alternative education sector. A proud graduate of Talladega College, Jay earned his Bachelor of Arts in Math Education, a foundation that has supported his lifelong passion for teaching and empowering others. For 17 of those years, Jay ran a transformative mentoring program designed to support DCFS youth through cultural, social, and academic enrichment. His commitment to helping young people thrive extends beyond the classroom, as he actively engages in community organizing with a strong focus on social justice. In addition to his educational work, Jay holds a producer license in Illinois, which he uses as a tool to spread financial literacy and empower youth and adults to make informed decisions about their financial futures. Jay’s dedication to growth and service is evident in his continued professional development. He is certified in CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) training and CPR and is on track to become a USA-certified swim official, 2025. Through his diverse expertise and unwavering commitment to his community, Jay Yolich remains a driving force for positive change and education.

Barry Cohen has more than 18 years of experience in the educational innovation arena, and a diverse background in accounting, law, and business. He received his Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from Bentley University and his Juris Doctor from the University of Maryland School of Law. Upon graduation from law school, Barry represented businesses for over a decade at large Baltimore law firms. In 2003, he left the private practice of law to become an entrepreneur in the education field, opening and operating alternative and therapeutic schools, and developing innovative curricula. He has developed effective business structures and streamlined administrative work both for his companies and as a consultant to other companies. He has opened numerous schools and educational programs with a focus on changing the landscape of urban education for the most disadvantaged and disengaged students. Through these programs, thousands of students have been educated, have received their degrees, and have achieved post-secondary success. Barry is also active in his community and sits on the boards of several nonprofit organizations.