Our Team

Dr. Jon Eyler

Out of persistent ambition and a relentless pursuit of marginalized youth, Dr. Jon Eyler founded Collaborative Learning Solutions (CLS) in 2010 with the primary goal of changing the life outcomes of youth with emotional and/or behavioral disorders. The vehicle was the implementation of a unique and innovative cognitive-based program based on his scholarship and research at the University of Southern California (USC). He currently serves as the CEO of CLS and is relentless about student success. He leads the organization to provide committed solutions that are both results-driven and fiscally practical for educational and social service agencies.

Dr. Gail Angus

Dr. Gail Angus, Chief Operating Officer at CLS, brings her experience as a credentialed teacher in both general education and special education, as well as her experience as a public school administrator.  Along with understanding the inner workings of a classroom, Gail has led large-scale programs.  Gail is an adjunct professor where she teaches special education teachers and behavior support planning in the School of Psychology. When not supporting the CLS Team, Gail can be found running half and full marathons or crocheting for her family and friends. Gail finds it inspiring to help educators build a positive learning environment where every child feels connection and belonging in order to thrive. 

Her favorite quote: “A smile matters; pass it on.” 

Steve Hermes

Steve Hermes, our CFO, has spent 35 years in the Audit departments of national and local public accounting firms.  He is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the California Society of CPAs. Steve has an MBA degree from Indiana University and is a past president of the San Diego Chapter of the California Society of CPAs. (He has been retired in that role in 2009.)  He serves as the Vice Chair and Treasurer of the San Diego Public Library Foundation Board of Trustees and the Boards for the  Guide Dogs of America and the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum. In his spare time, Steve enjoys reading about past U.S. presidents, especially Abraham Lincoln. He is inspired by many of the sayings of President Lincoln.

Regina Hartman

Regina Hartman brings to CLS a banking background with years of experience running several small businesses. She joined the company in 2013 as the Business Manager. Regina feels very proud and blessed to be a part of the development and growth of the Business and Human Resource aspects of the company. Currently, Regina is the Controller for CLS. She is always looking forward to traveling to Hawaii with her husband enjoying long walks on the beaches, searching for whales breaching in the ocean. 

Jeanne Bargman, MA, PPS

Integrity, relationships, and servant leadership are among Jeanne Bargman’s core values. During her 37 years in education, she has served in several capacities including School Counselor, School Psychologist, Director of Pupil Personnel Services and Assistant Director of the largest multidistrict SELPA in California. Currently, as a Director with CLS, she is excited to work with grant projects focusing on Students with Disabilities in California and Inclusive Practices in Washington, as well as addressing Significant Disproportionality. Through it all, Jeanne strives to inspire school leaders to create a nurturing environment so that each student is challenged and supported to reach their full potential and thrive. Family is a priority for Jeanne! She has been married for 37 years, has two fabulous children, a wonderful son-in-law, and the two most perfect grandchildren ever!

Liz Barajas, M.Ed

Liz Barajas is a consultant, national presenter, and district coordinator for one of the largest non-unified school districts in the State of California. She has served as an educator for over 22 years and has successfully supported the implementation and sustainability of multi-tiered systems of support, social emotional learning, and restorative practices in educational settings across the West Coast of the United States. Liz has experience with restructuring emotionally at-risk programs and facilitating restorative practices with students and adults in school settings. She is passionate about cultivating a positive school climate through supporting the mental health needs of students in efforts to create “better humans” and build a world-class education.  She holds a Special Education Teaching Credential, a B.A. in Behavioral Sciences, an M.Ed in Special Education, and is currently completing the National Institute for School Leadership Program from the University of San Diego. 

Nico Butty

Nico Butty is an experienced Administrative professional who’s working as an Administrative Assistant on the Washington State project. He worked in New York as an Executive Assistant (4 years) and Project Manager (2 years) before moving to Arizona in 2020. Nico studied Business Administration in Geneva, Switzerland and Project Management at NYU. In his spare time, Nico loves playing soccer, spending time with his family and discovering Arizona. His desire to help those in need is what led him to work for CLS. He strongly believes that every child deserves an equal chance at being successful.

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." Benjamin Franklin

Denise Byars

Denise Byars is an Executive Administrative Assistant, working alongside Dr. Jon Eyler and Dr. Gail Angus at CLS. Denise is originally from Texas where she was a School Counselor for 18 years. In her free time, she loves to take long walks with Mack, her English Bulldog, and spend time at the beach. 

Denise has two favorite quotes. “When you seem to have no answer. There is always a reason.” The other quote is one that her dad always says to her. “Yesterday is history. Today is a gift. Tomorrow is a mystery.” Denise loves to support others at CLS in any way she can.

Dr. Kathy Cox

Dr. Kathy Cox is an educational consultant who brings 27 years of experience in public school education as a general education teacher and a general and special education administrator, including serving as Senior Director of Special Education for a large charter school network.  Kathy believes in servant leadership and finds great joy in guiding, mentoring, and encouraging others.  Kathy is a mother of two, a grandmother of four, and an avid Crossfit athlete  - competing in multiple Crossfit and weightlifting events each year. She also enjoys bicycling with her husband, Mark, including occasional rides on their tandem bike. Kathy loves the challenge of finding unique and innovative ways to meet the needs of each student, especially students with disabilities. 

Kathy's mantra is:  "You don't have to react!" 

Ruth Cruz

Ruth Cruz joined CLS in 2020 as an Administrative Assistant and works directly with Jeanne Bargman, Project Director for the SELPA System Improvement Leads (SIL) Project.  She also works on other projects, including the Significant Disproportionality Project with various school districts, and provides overall administrative support at CLS. She loves her job and genuinely enjoys working with the CLS team. Her goal is to continue providing support and great customer service to clients and to continue learning about the offerings CLS provides schools and districts. Ruth has worked for over 20 years in both the private and public sectors of education. She loves working in the field and her passion has always been to be of great service to the children and parents of a school community while providing the needed support to the administrative team in order to have positive outcomes. She holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Psychology and Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Services/Management from the University of Phoenix. In her spare time, Ruth enjoys being with her family, going on road trips with her husband and 3 children, spending time at the beach, dancing, and spending quality time at home. 

“Take life on life’s terms - one day at a time. And have fun while you’re doing it.” - Joe Perry

Kasey Dill

Kasey Dill serves as the Marketing Manager for CLS. She brings almost a decade of marketing and advertising experience, with a focus on education and health services. She attended Arizona State University where she obtained two Bachelor’s of Science Degrees - one in Marketing and one in Family and Human Development. Kasey is very passionate about creative problem solving and helping provide CLS’s services and solutions around the country to better serve our youth and communities. When not focusing on work, she is busy loving her four dogs and three cats!

Dr. Sheri Duggan

Dr. Sheri Duggan is an educational leader focused on improving schools for all students. In her current role as a CLS Educational Consultant, Sheri works as a facilitator and thought partner with district leadership teams as they build, strengthen, and enhance systems, structures, and supports to meet the varying needs of students and staff.

Sheri followed her passion to begin her career as a classroom teacher focused on inclusionary practices and meeting the individual needs of her learners. She served as a teacher leader, mentor, and instructional coach both in and out of the country before moving into the administrative side of things as an Assistant Principal, Elementary School Principal, High School Principal, and then an Assistant Superintendent of Schools. As an Elementary School Principal, Sheri was instrumental in moving her school from a place of despair to a school earning accolades as one of the highest ranking schools in the state. She credits this success to a steadfast focus on inclusive practices and empowerment of ALL students, staff, and the community through effective relationships, professional learning, coaching/mentoring, and Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). In her spare time, Sheri loves to travel. While at home she can be found on a morning hike, enjoying time with dear friends, or trying to steal every moment she can with her high school and college age daughter and son.

Dr. Victoria Forrester

Dr. Victoria Forrester is an Educational Consultant with CLS.  She focuses on Educational Equity and Social Justice in all aspects of her work. Victoria has been a public educator for 33 years. 

She entered education as a paraprofessional at the age of 18 and then became a teacher after graduation from UC Santa Cruz (go Banana Slugs).  She taught grades K-8 over 22 years and then became a principal (her favorite job ever!).  After many years of principalship, Victoria became a Director of Student Services and Special Education.  She is now retired, but working full-time for CLS and loving every minute of it! Victoria holds a Master's Degree and Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Mills College, where she continues to teach new school leaders. 

She is passionate about relationship-building skills and Social Emotional Learning.  Her greatest passion in education is work for the benefit of students on the margins, particularly students of color and our LGBTQ students and families. In her spare time, Victoria loves to be active: hiking, gardening, doing anything out of doors.  She has two beautiful children, who are now 19 and 23.  Victoria is incredibly proud of both of her kids.  Victoria works hard to live in the moment; one day at a time!  She is joyful when it comes to her work and loves to hear how her former students are doing; many of them are in their 30's now!   Victoria is at heart, an anti-racist educator devoted to using her privilege to help others.

Jeremy Fowler, MA

Jeremy Fowler, MA, is an Educational Consultant working in general systems improvement framework and intensive program work. Jeremy has been a classroom teacher, Probation Officer, and Behavior Specialist prior to joining the CLS team. Jeremy is a certified instructor for the Parent Project and the Crisis Prevention Institute. If you do not find Jeremy enjoying the outdoors on a horse or in a boat with his family, you can likely find him working on his next new project with another CLS team member. Jeremy believes in the relentless effort to help a young person overcome their hurdles, so that they may fulfill their own purpose in life.

Zakiya Holman

Zakiya Holman goes by “Kiya” for short. She serves as a consultant for CLS and prior to onboarding with CLS she served as a special education administrator (Behavior Program Manager) for Rialto Unified School District. Her passion for being of service to learners with exceptionalities fueled her teaching career in the field of special education for nearly two decades and her drive to become a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst. In her spare time, Kiya enjoys composing song lyrics with a universal appeal!

Seth Lenz

Seth Lenz is an Educational Consultant for CLS and has supported districts in MTSS implementation, specialized program coaching, as well as providing various professional learning opportunities. Seth’s educational background is a degree in Elementary Education with further post-grad study in Applied Behavioral Analysis and is a certified Restorative Practices trainer. He couples his first-hand experience as a behavior specialist with a love of helping educators step out of their comfort zones to strategically create systems that benefit each student.

Seth’s tagline is: Collaborative Problem Solver

Dean Lesicko

Dean Lesicko has more than 30 years of experience in public education as a school counselor and district administrator. While in public education, Dean and his team successfully garnered over $3 million in grant funding to help develop two award-winning programs: a district-wide student assistance program, and a district-wide elementary school counseling program. He is past- president of the California Association of School Counselors. Recently, Dean has been working as an Educational Consultant with school districts in California to help build tiered supports to improve student outcomes.

Teresse Lewis, LCSW

Teresse Lewis is an Educational Consultant for CLS. She brings over a decade of experience in effectively and compassionately working with at-risk youth, families, and educational service providers. Teresse, a former at-risk youth herself, brings passion, knowledge and skills to the clients she serves. She is dedicated to providing education and training that positively impacts the trajectory of students, families, and communities. This passion has led her to serve in the role of past Program and now Executive Director of The Empowerment Center - a Non-profit family training center, as well as schools and residential treatment centers.

Teresse is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Therapist, who also holds a credential in School Social Work. She brings a very well-rounded experience of working in the educational, government, and private sectors, to intervene on behalf of some of society’s most vulnerable populations; children. As a proud graduate of the USC School of Social Work (go Trojans!), Teresse brings heart, education and experience to the core of our community. Teresse is a proud wife and mommy of three boys who enjoys spending her free time having a good laugh, relaxing with her family, and watching inspirational documentaries.

Favorite inspirational quote: “If I have seen further than others, it is because I stood on the shoulders of giants.” -Sir Isaac Newton

Kenny McCarthy

Kenny McCarthy is an Educational Consultant with CLS. He has also served as a Program Director and Special Education Teacher, specializing in the area of intense social, emotional, and behaviorally challenged students. He is a trained administrator and special education teacher with a master’s degree and expertise in cognitive-based classroom strategies. He provides consultation, coaching, and professional learning services for educational programs that focus on the needs of students with significant social-emotional and behavioral challenges. He has developed data tools to measure program fidelity and students’ needs related to academic and social/emotional/behavioral interventions and supports. In his spare time, he enjoys being active with his family, playing various sports, and working out.

Kenny’s favorite quote is from Steven Furtick “Don’t follow your passions, follow your purpose with passion.”

He continues to be motivated by positively changing the outcomes of some of the most marginalized youth in our country. He also likes to turn difficult concepts or situations into practical terms or applications.

Atsie Sanchez, LMFT, PPS

Atsie Sanchez, LMFT, PPS, is a Marriage & Family Therapist, credentialed in school counseling and currently working as an Educational Consultant for CLS.  She has worked closely in and with schools since 2008, providing individual and group counseling to students, collaborating with school staff and administrators, and connecting with health fairs and other community partners for the betterment of students and school communities. In her spare time, Atsie enjoys kickboxing and outdoor activities such as hiking with her dog and mountain biking, and fishing with her husband.  She advocates for the inclusion of equity and social-emotional learning in schools.

Dr. Karen Sarafian

Dr. Karen Sarafian is an educator at heart. She has been a classroom teacher, CRLP Regional Director, early literacy professional development provider, and currently an Educational Consultant for CLS. She has an Ed.D. in Organizational and Educational Leadership and serves as director of education for the nonprofit she co-founded with her son providing wellness instruction and resources to students and families. Karen loves family, reading on the beach in Lake Tahoe, and believes in creating her own sunshine wherever she goes. Driven by her “big audacious goal” of wellness for all, Karen serves as an Educational Consultant, building partnerships with district and school-site teams for positive student outcomes.

Matthew Soloway

Matthew Soloway is the Business Manager, Payroll, and HR Specialist at CLS. He attended Southern Oregon University where he obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Human Resources. After graduation, Matthew worked in Special Education Administration for a school district outside of Portland, OR. In 2019, he moved back to California to work with CLS as their Business Manager and assist with programs. In his spare time, Matthew plays with his dog, watches random shows on Netflix, and hikes.

Candy Wiedmeier

Candy Wiedmeier is the Course Designer/Admin Assistant for CLS.  Candy joined the team in 2015.  She works closely with the CLS consulting team in the creation of online classes and assisting with the coordination of various activities, meetings, conferences, and workshops.  She is the friendly voice that will most likely greet you when you call the CLS offices!