Our Consultants

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Dr. Deborah Harris was formerly an Associate Professor at the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa. Her major areas of research focused on inclusive education, collaboration, and intrinsic motivation. Prior to joining the faculty at USF, Dr. Harris was on faculty at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.  Dr. Harris received both universities' top awards for teaching excellence. She taught at the university level for 18 years and taught children with special needs in the public schools for 10 years. She has been an educator for over 45 years.

Dr. Harris is well known for her work with school districts. Since 1993, she has facilitated the implementation of inclusive education programs both nationally and internationally. Dr. Harris typically spends 3-5 years in each district resulting in solid structures of inclusive programs that lead to increased test scores and more productive post school outcomes. Her signature style empowers teachers to own the process and become the propelling force for substantive change. Her practical and meaningful workshops continuously receive raving reviews from all who attend. She and her colleagues effectively “practice what they preach” which makes the information being shared realistic and inspiring. 

Dr. Harris received her undergraduate degree from Bennett College in Greensboro, N. C. and earned both her Master’s and Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has served as a post-doctoral fellow with the Bush Institute for Child and Family Policy, a research fellow at the Free University of Amsterdam in Amsterdam, Holland and has completed a research internship at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. Her doctoral studies included internships with the TEACCH Autism Program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Center for the Study of Development and Learning at UNC – CH, directed by Dr. Mel Levine.

Dr. Harris' greatest professional joy is to witness the molding of students in the hands of a caring, competent educator. She believes that the ultimate responsibility of teachers is to prepare students to become productive members of society and that begins with an education that includes them instead of separating them. 

Tonya Fewell, J.D., is a passionate advocate for education and youth empowerment. With a background in law, education, and community engagement, Tonya has dedicated her career to ensuring that all children receive the best possible education. As a graduate of Spelman College and the University of Florida Levin College of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctorate degree, Tonya brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her work.

With over two decades of experience, Tonya has served in various roles within the education sector, including as an educator, administrator, consultant, and advocate. Her mission is to create educational environments where every student can thrive. Tonya believes in embracing a "no failure option" mentality in teaching, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed.

In addition to her work in education, Tonya is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator and Qualified Arbitrator. She is also an experienced speaker, coach, and consultant, helping individuals and organizations navigate complex challenges and achieve their goals.

As a single mother of three and a neuro-diverse individual herself, Tonya is deeply committed to fostering inclusion and advocating for marginalized communities. She is known for her tireless dedication to empowering others and creating systems change in organizations, teams and individuals.

Through her work, Tonya seeks to build bridges, cultivate leadership, and inspire transformation in communities across generations. She is driven by a passion for excellence and a relentless pursuit of justice and intregrity in education and beyond.