Our passion?
Equipping New Teachers from the Start
Our team is dedicated to supporting pre-service teachers, new educators, and the campuses that welcome them.
OUR TEAM
Who We Are
ResilientED is a team of passionate educators dedicated to transforming the quality of education students receive. We’ve spent our careers in classrooms, listening to students, teachers, and families. And one thing is clear: the heart of quality education is a well-supported teacher. When teachers thrive, so do their students, their families, and entire school communities.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Rhonda Vincent, Ph.D.
Rhonda Vincent is the Chief Executive Officer of ResilientED. As a career educator, Dr. Vincent holds a deep appreciation of the complex nature of teachers’ work.
Beginning as a classroom teacher, Dr. Vincent realized the impact that teachers had in students’ lives, developing supportive relationships with and between her students.
Her work with pre-service and novice teachers, gave her extensive understanding of the unique challenges of early-career teaching.
For nearly 20 years, Dr. Vincent prepared new teachers in the roles of Department Chair, Director of Alternative Certification, Director of the Professional Development School, Field Supervisor, Professor, Adjunct Professor and Senior Lecturer at The University of North Texas at Dallas, Dallas Christian College, Dallas Baptist University, Union College, and Arlington Baptist University.

Moving into nonprofit work, as the Director of Educational Program Innovation at Momentous Institute from 2013-2023, Dr. Vincent worked closely with campuses across the United States and in Africa. Her experiences there led to the recognition of the critical need to support teachers, particularly new teachers using a systems-level approach.
Dr. Vincent earned a Ph.D. in Child Development from Texas Woman’s University, a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from New Mexico State University and a Bachelor of Arts in History from The University of Texas at Permian Basin.
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Karen S. Norris, Ph.D.
Karen Norris serves as the Chief Operating Officer of ResilientED. Throughout her
extensive career in education, Dr. Norris has been a strong advocate for
professional learning, reflection, and the continuous evolution of teaching
practices.
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With over 20 years of experience in enhancing educator effectiveness, Dr. Norris
has partnered with teachers, administrators, and educational institutions to design
and deliver impactful learning that fosters ongoing professional growth and
improves student outcomes. Passionate about providing educators with the tools,
strategies, and support needed to thrive in today's dynamic learning
environments, Dr. Norris specializes in curriculum design, coaching, and
instructional leadership. Her deep knowledge and expertise enriches the
professional learning sessions she offers. Dedicated to lifelong learning, Dr. Norris
is constantly exploring innovative approaches to ensure that educators are
equipped to meet the evolving needs of their students and communities.
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Dr. Norris earned a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of
North Texas, a Master's in Reading from the University of North Texas, a Master's
in Mind, Brain, and Education from the University of Texas - Arlington, and a
Bachelors of Arts in Education and Psychology from the University of Dallas.
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Ben Travis, M.A.
Ben Travis is the Director of Development at ResilientED and brings over a decade of experience in education and non-profit work. Most recently, he served as a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) specialist in Crowley ISD, where he witnessed the transformative power of collaborative leadership. Ben has also contributed to Community Frontline, a Fort Worth-based non-profit that mobilizes men to address challenges and foster healing in their communities. Throughout his career, Ben has worked with diverse teams to develop effective programs, build sustainable systems, and expand their impact. His passion lies in helping organizations thrive by strengthening operations and maximizing their potential. Ben holds a master’s in educational administration from Tarleton State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education from Texas A&M University. In joining ResilientED’s dynamic team, Ben will foster meaningful partnerships and drive lasting change.
EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANT
Oatanisha Dawson, Ed.D.
Dr. Oatanisha Dawson, Ed.D., leverages nearly three decades of experience in her role as an educational consultant with Resilient Ed. Her career trajectory, from paraprofessional to principal, professor, and now leader consultant, provides current and aspiring educators with a distinctive perspective for cultivating future teachers and fortifying schools. Dr. Dawson's impactful early years as a principal garnered numerous state, district, and community accolades for student academic growth and community involvement. This success further propelled her appointment as President of the largest teacher organization in the state, alongside service on various leadership, community, and educational research committees. Driven by a passion for teaching and a deep commitment to her community, Dr. Dawson actively serves her church and local area. Her central belief emphasizes that comprehending a child's needs is the essential first step in making a significant impact on their life.
WHAT WE DO
Building Resilience Skills
The mission at ResilientED is simple, yet powerful: to help new teachers not only survive but excel. Teacher turnover comes at a steep cost financially and emotionally for schools and communities. We’re here to break that cycle by giving new teachers the resilience skills and community they need to stay in the profession and feel fulfilled. We add value to a "shelter and develop" approach, by combining targeted professional learning, one-on-one coaching, and a network of peer support, empowering new teachers to face the challenges and rewards of the classroom with confidence.
Our Values
Commitment
Respect
Integrity
Excellence
Optimism
"ResilientED fills a much-needed gap in the education ecosystem by focusing on teachers’ wellbeing and social emotional skill development with the end goal of improving the classroom experience for all.”
Courtney Isaak Pichon
Chief Partnerships Officer, Good Reason Houston
