Dr. Nichelle Cook, Director-at-Large (served on the KDP Board from 2020–2025)
Elected by members in 2020, Dr. Nichelle Cook served on the KDP Board for five impactful years. As an educator, attorney, Neurodiversity Advocate, and CEO of Practegy Educational Services, she brought a unique interdisciplinary lens to the Board’s work, guiding KDP through seasons of change and growth.
In her early tenure, Nichelle played a vital role as the Board worked with new CEO Tonja Eagan and navigated a full rebranding of KDP. Leveraging her legal expertise, she collaborated with KDP’s attorney to revise the organization’s 100-year-old Articles of Incorporation and modernize the Bylaws, officially transitioning KDP’s legal home from Illinois to Indiana.
Her commitment to inclusion and accessibility led to real change within KDP, including the integration of accessibility tools on our new website and a broader focus on neurodiversity within the profession. As a frequent presenter at KDP Convocations, Nichelle has shared knowledge that has empowered hundreds of educators.
Most recently, she hosted the NeurodivURGENT Conference in New Orleans, extending discounted access to KDP members and creating space for critical conversations about youth mental health and neurodivergence.
Thank you, Nichelle, for your steadfast leadership and the incredible legacy you’ve helped build at KDP through your insight, advocacy, and heart.
Dr. Jeremy Coleman, Director-at-Large (served on the KDP Board from 2022–2025)
Jeremy Coleman, Assistant Clinical Professor of Educational Leadership at Ball State University and Founder of Century Solutions, joined the KDP Board in 2022. At the time, he was serving as a dedicated school principal—bringing with him a deep passion for educational equity and supporting new teachers.
During his term, Jeremy served as the Board liaison for KDP’s New Teacher Initiative, collaborating with staff to host monthly New Teacher Group Chats that provided essential resources and support for early-career educators. His leadership helped shape and launch The Rooted Teacher, KDP’s groundbreaking initiative that offers social-emotional support to help new teachers thrive personally and professionally.
Jeremy also brought his signature energy and motivation to the planning and presentation of KDP’s inaugural New Teacher Summit and served as the Board liaison to the Knowledge Development Advisory Council (KDAC), always advocating for the needs of new teachers and educators of color.
Known for his engaging and motivational presence, Jeremy was always willing to record a pep talk, inspire our staff, or lift up our members with a powerful message of encouragement. His commitment to relational equity and transformative learning continues to leave a strong legacy.
Thank you, Jeremy, for your unwavering service and for giving so generously of your time, talents, and treasures.
With deep appreciation, we thank both Nichelle and Jeremy for their years of dedicated service, wise counsel, and tireless commitment to the mission of KDP. Your impact will be felt for years to come.