• Smiling woman with two young boys, one wearing a white sweater and the other in a navy jacket with a bow tie, sitting together on a bench in an indoor setting.
  • Group of eight women holding six children, with two flags in the background, in an office room.
  • A woman standing next to a stroller with a baby, holding a large white and blue board, in an indoor hallway.

Leading with Heart

I lead with the heart of a practitioner, the perspective of a policy influencer, and the passion of a parent.

Grounded in Schools

Before stepping into executive leadership, I spent years in schools—as a special education teacher, assistant principal, and principal—supporting students, families, and educators as they navigated the realities of our complex education system.

Education, when caring, inclusive, and opportunity-centered, has the power to transform lives and communities.

For me, this work isn’t abstract—it’s deeply personal.

Bridging Policy and Practice

I’ve been fortunate to serve at the local, state, national, and international levels, helping ensure that policies reflect the lived experiences of those most impacted.

Whether in conversation with policymakers, nonprofit leaders, or district decision-makers, I strive to bridge the gap between policy and practice. I believe the best solutions emerge at the intersection of experience, opportunity, and action.

Anchored in Parenthood

And above all, I lead as a parent. I’m raising two incredible sons, one of whom has a 504 plan due to special health care needs.

I know what it means to sit in meetings fighting for access—to push for your child to be seen, understood, and supported.

That perspective doesn’t just influence my leadership—it anchors it.

Dr. Samuel and her family sharing a laugh with VA Governor Ralph Northam.
A woman smiling and standing next to a stroller with a small baby inside, inside an indoor space with gray walls and carpeted floor.
A woman and two young boys standing in a creek with mountains and a forest in the background.
A woman crouching between two young girls in front of a glass door. All are smiling. The woman is wearing a green dress, and one girl wears a purple shirt with Striped pants, while the other girl wears a white T-shirt and yellow shorts. There is a bl
Two young boys sitting in front of a pink wall with a quote about children learning to understand the world.
A woman and young boy taking a selfie at the beach with ocean and rocky coastline in the background. The woman has curly hair, is wearing large sunglasses, and a striped shirt. The boy has short hair and is wearing a navy blue polo shirt.
A woman holding a young child, standing with a young boy outdoors near the Washington Monument, with a river and a park in the background during sunset.
Four people, including two children and two women, posing together in a well-lit room near a window with trees and buildings outside.
A woman and two young boys standing outside the entrance of a store called 'nwea,' smiling and hugging.
A woman holding a young boy standing next to a sign that says 'Welcome Providence, NGA 2017 Rhode Island', with a boy standing nearby holding a phone. They are in an indoor location with a digital screen in the background.
A group of seven diverse individuals, including children and adults, standing together at an indoor event, smiling at the camera.

Proximity in Leadership

I believe leadership must be proximate. That means spending time with communities, listening deeply, and ensuring that diverse voices inform the path forward.

My approach is rooted in connection—whether engaging educators, parents, policymakers, or community leaders across the country. Real leadership starts with listening.

Family, Resilience, and Representation

My journey has also been meaningful for my family. As a first-generation college graduate and the first in my family to earn a doctorate, I carry with me the belief that possibility is powerful—and that representation matters.

My story is one of resilience, opportunity, and commitment to creating pathways so that every child can thrive.

My Purpose

This work is not just my profession—it is my purpose.

“Dr. Samuel - A true leader that is willing to take risks to make sure the needs of all are met. One of the most inspiring, passionate, and energetic educational professionals that I know!”

Sabrina T.

Teacher, Tampa, FL