We bring decades of experience!
For 36 years, John O’Connor has been committed to students, educators, and the work of public education. He began his career as a special education teacher serving elementary and middle school students with orthopedic impairments. Those early years in the classroom shaped his belief in the power of strong instruction, meaningful supports, and high expectations for every learner.
During his nine years with the Georgia Department of Education, John led statewide initiatives to improve outcomes for students with disabilities. His work guided educators in implementing effective classroom instruction, strong leadership, and aligning practices with research and policy.
In addition to his state-level work, John also served in local school districts in a variety of leadership roles, including Assistant Director for Special Education, Executive Director for Special Services, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, and Director for Interventions. In each position, he focused on helping schools strengthen instructional practices and create leaders and systems that support all students.
John is the author of five books, including the second edition of Great Instruction, Great Achievement for Students with Disabilities: A Road Map for Special Education Administrators. He has also written a textbook chapter, three desk guides, and numerous articles on educational leadership and instructional improvements.
Since retiring, John has continued to support teachers and administrators across the country. He has provided training, school visits, and coaching to over one thousand groups from Hawaii to New York, helping teams strengthen instruction, refine systems, and improve outcomes for students.
John O’Connor
MaryKay Berry
Dr. MaryKay Berry is an accomplished special education leader with experience serving in small, medium, and large school districts across Georgia. She currently serves as the Executive Director of Services for Exceptional Children for Fulton County Schools, one of the largest school districts in the state, where she leads strategic work focused on instruction, compliance, leadership development, and equitable outcomes for students with disabilities.
Dr. Berry has extensive experience supporting district leaders, principals, and special education teams in building systems that strengthen instruction, improve compliance, and increase organizational capacity. Her work spans leadership development, disproportionality, special education finance, program design, and strategic planning. Her work has also afforded her the opportunity to speak nationally on relevant educational topics including parent engagement, co-teaching, dyslexia, and leadership development.
In addition to her district leadership, Dr. Berry serves as President of Georgia Council of Administrators of Special Education (2026-2027) and is actively involved with Council of Administrators of Special Education leadership development initiatives. She is known for her practical, relationship-centered approach to leadership and her passion for developing leaders who strengthen systems, support teams, and improve outcomes for students with disabilities.
Dr. Berry has been recognized throughout her career for her leadership and impact in the field of education through numerous awards and accolades, most recently being honored with the Pioneer in Education Award. Her work continues to inspire educational leaders to think strategically, lead courageously, and create lasting change for students, families, and schools.
Dr. Katie Lowry
With more than two decades of experience in special education, Dr. Katie Lowry has served as a Special Education Director in Georgia since 2014. Most recently, she has served as Chief Special Education Officer for Mountain Education High School, which has nearly 20 campuses across the northern counties of Georgia. She is an energetic educational leader and consultant who holds a B.S. in Psychology, an M.A. in Special Education, and an Ed.S. in Leadership and Educational Administration and Policy from the University of Georgia. In 2022, she completed her doctoral program at Liberty University.
Dr. Lowry is deeply passionate about school leadership, supporting special educators, and driving meaningful organizational change. Her professional work focuses on helping district leadership teams dismantle instructional barriers, optimize staffing structures, and implement data-driven master scheduling models to maximize funding and create inclusive learning environments where all students can thrive.
She lives in Georgia with her educator husband, Jack, and their three sons, Jackson, Luke, and John. When she's not working, she loves spending time with her family, reading, fishing, and cheering for the Georgia Bulldogs (GO DAWGS!).
Contact us.
We would love to help your school or district become Great Leaders and Great Teachers, helping all students attain Great Achievement! Please use the contact form if you would like to discuss how we can help you meet your goals for students.