About Us
Julie Abbott
3D-ED has a wealth of experience serving and supporting the education market. Our advisors, consultants, and professional development trainers represent a highly qualified group of specialists who are considered to be the leading authority in our field.
3DimensionED
- Janelle Asmus, Advisor
- Tamani Anderson-Powell, Trainer
- Sandy Ballard, Trainer
- Joseph Curran, Advisor
- Zackery Davis, Trainer
- Alan Hoffler, Trainer
- Gma Howze, M.Ed., Consultant
- Barbara Hunter, Consultant
- Jan Jordan, Trainer
- Herb Kranze, Trainer
- Jeff Nash, Consultant
- Jacqueline Price, Advisor
- Dr. Kevin Snyder, Trainer
- Amy Spence, Trainer
- Dr. Gary Stebbins, Consultant
- David Voss, Consultant
- Sami Walter, Student Advisor
- Anna Warren, Leadership Coach
- Amy Westby, Consultant
Janelle Asmus, Advisor
As Chief Communications Officer for Colorado Department of Education and a 21-year veteran as a school public relations chief she is accredited in public relations by the Universal Accreditation Board. Janelle has done extensive work in public relations in Kansas and Colorado and has worked to promote public education and strategic public relations at the state and local level. She has spoken at conferences across the nation and is a member of numerous professional organizations such as Association of Business Communicators, and the Colorado School Public Relations Association. She is also one of the authors of School Public Relations: Building Confidence in Education.
Tamani Anderson-Powell, Trainer
Tamani is an educator by training but a people person at heart. She enjoyed teaching in middle school setting for 9 years before serving as an assistant principal for 2 years. In her position as the Director of Marketing, Communication and Research for Wake County Schools’ Magnet Programs, she combined her passion for people with her desire to see all students succeed. Tamani is an expert with customer service strategies and training, and knows how to assist families as they explore varied educational settings.
Sandy Ballard, Trainer
Sandy has devoted over 30 years to a career in education — as a teacher, mental health counselor, psychometrician, curriculum designer, and national educational consultant. She is Co-Founder of West End Media, Inc., three-time winner of the “Outstanding Vendor Supporting Quality Education” Award. As Curriculum and Professional Development Director at West End Media, Inc, she provided consultative and implementation services for the K-12 educational market in the mid-Atlantic region. Sandy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the College of William and Mary and a Master of Arts in Counseling from the University of Mississippi. Her vast experience in a diverse range of roles gives Sandy a unique perspective and great understanding of how to help administrators, educators and students attain their social and instructional goals.
Joseph Curran, Advisor
Joseph is an experienced manager in educational marketing and training for K-12 programs. Mr.Curran holds a Bachelor’s in Sociology from Villanova University, and a Masters in Social Psychology from Lehigh University. Mr. Curran has served as a consultant to various educational organizations including Random House Publishers, Douglas College, Rutgers University, and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. He has been a college professor and has experience developing curriculum. From 1998 to 2003 he worked with NewsBank, Inc. where he managed and implemented staff development for curriculum. He has served on the committee for the Collier County Education Foundation, Florida, and has served on the board of directors for Eisenhower Math & Science Consortium (SERVE). He is responsible for authoring books which include Stories in Time, Staff Development for Multiple Media Mathematics, and Sociology: An Introduction. Joseph is currently working as Director of Implementation for Achieve 3000.
Zackery Davis, Trainer
Zackery Davis is an experienced trainer and facilitator who recently joined the 3DimensionED team. Zack is a native of Kinston, North Carolina and a United States Air Force military retiree. He is a graduate of the Community College of the Air Force with a degree in Human Resources, a graduate of McMurray University in Abilene Texas with a degree in Business Administration, and a graduate of Abilene Christian University also located in Abilene Texas with a tri-discipline master’s degree in Business Administration, Psychology and Communications. Zack joined the Wake County Public School System as a certified Human Resources Administrator in 1998 after his military career. In addition to working with 3D-ED he volunteers as a mentor and tutor at local schools in support of the Adopt-a-School program.
Alan Hoffler, Trainer
Raised around America’s Space Program, Alan Hoffler has earned degrees in aerospace engineering and applied mathematics and never bothered to pursue a living in either field. At some point in his 20 years of training technical corporate audiences, instructing in the college classroom and teaching public high school he became passionate about helping others communicate more effectively. He believes that communication has the power to change a person, an organization, a community, and the world. When he’s not speaking or training, he stays active serving in the local chapter of his professional organization, supporting activities and instructing in his local church, and enjoying the privileges of his private pilot’s license. His blog identifies solutions to common communication foibles and highlights his analytical eye and desire to improve himself as well as his clients. His most challenging training endeavor is also his most enjoyable – raising two children.
Barbara Hunter, Consultant
Since 2007, Barbara Hunter has been the assistant superintendent of communications and community outreach for the Fairfax County, Va., Public Schools, the nation’s 11th largest school system with approximately 177,000 students. In that capacity, Hunter oversees the school system’s strategic communications initiatives, web site, public information television programming, media relations, business-community partnerships, family-school partnerships, and the special education parent resource centers. She also directly supports the Fairfax County School Board in its communications and community engagement efforts.
She previously served as director of communications for the National School Boards Association in Alexandria, Va., where she oversaw the organization’s strategic communications efforts, web site, and media relations, and trained school board members in media relations, community engagement, and group facilitation. Since 1984, she has held public relations and communications positions in both non-profit and corporate settings. She has served as the Executive Director of Information and Outreach for the Alexandria City Public Schools in Alexandria, Va. Prior to that, she was president of her company, which served education clients in both the private and public sectors. In addition, she was editor of The School Administrator magazine published by the American Association of School Administrators
Hunter has a bachelor’s degree in communications and management from Hood College in Frederick, Md., and a master’s degree in public relations management from The American University in Washington, D.C. She also holds accreditation in public relations from the Public Relations Society of America. She is a past president of the Chesapeake Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association and a member of the inaugural class of Leadership Alexandria. Hunter is also a frequent speaker on communications topics at education conferences around the country. Under her leadership, Fairfax County Public Schools has won numerous awards of excellence for communications, most recently of which was the Silver Anvil Award of Excellence from the Public Relations Society of America for a community engagement campaign on changing school start times.
Gma Howze, M.Ed., Consultant
Gma Howze is a leading expert in Parent Involvement. Her specific focus is academic achievement for all students. Gma’s expertise is fueled by years of classroom teaching experience, district program coordination and curriculum development in the areas of math, science, engineering and technology and non-profit executive management. Additionally, she has worked in a variety of ethnically diverse settings, urban and rural, affluent and economically disadvantaged districts. As a parent of four children, Gma knows first-hand the importance of parent involvement in the development and success of a child. Her background, education and experience uniquely positions her to know and understand the crucial difference that intentional involvement can make in a child’s sense of belonging, confidence and sustained academic performance.
Jan Jordan, Trainer
Jan is an experienced educator, consultant, and businessman. Jan has worked for companies such as Reebok, Nike and the NBA, but his passion is education. Before working with Wake County Public Schools in the development of the Customer Service Department Jan was a teacher. In 2002 he co-founded Turning Point Solutions with Jeff Nash – and today they are considered to be the nation’s experts in school district customer service.
Herb Kranze, Trainer
Herb is an educator who has a unique blend of experience in the instructional area of education, the administrative area of education and the business world. Mr. Kranze has served as a teacher, curriculum coordinator and trainer at various schools and companies around the country. Mr. Kranze’s experience in staff development makes him a key trainer who understands the need for successful implementation of any initiative.
Jeff Nash, Consultant
Jeff is a career educator with a passion for serving others. He is the nation’s most recognized leader in school district customer service. Nash brings over twenty years of experience as a teacher, coach, department chair, school administrator, central office administrator, consultant and key note speaker. He initiated, designed and managed one of the nation’s only full-service school district welcome centers and recently published his widely acclaimed book, “Rock ‘n Roll Customer Service”.
Jacqueline Price, Advisor
Jacqueline has devoted 31 years to a professional career in public education. Price began in education as an elementary school teacher. After five years of teaching, she moved to the administrative ranks as a school public relations professional. Her school PR career includes experience with the Pennsylvania Department of Education, a county educational service agency which served 42 school districts, a small suburban school district of 6,800 students, a large county-size school district of 135,000 students, a private consulting firm, and Capistrano Unified School District, a system with more than 50,000 students where she worked for over 17 years. She is a Past President of the National School Public Relations Association, an organization representing school public relations professionals throughout North America.
Dr. Kevin Snyder, Trainer
As a professional speaker, author, and educational administrator with significant leadership experience, Kevin’s passion and mission is helping leaders take action to lead successful organizations and fulfilling lives. As a former Dean of Students and himself being from a large family of teachers, he knows what types of programs not only engage educators, students and parents, but also what messages leave a lasting, developmental impact. Kevin has in-depth experience in numerous areas of personal growth techniques and leadership development at all levels. He has facilitated seminars and keynote presentations in all 50 states, is the author of two books and is a frequent columnist for several magazines.
Amy Spence, Trainer
Amy has been an active training specialist for some of the nation’s leading companies. She graduated summa cum laude from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Business Administration. Ms. Spence has gained key experience in the implementation of technology and policy. Since 2001 she has been focused specifically on the education industry. Her work in the education industry has given her a great understanding of the needs of educators and administrators. Amy is a highly rated trainer, and is committed to success in all instructional settings.
Dr. Gary Stebbins, Consultant
Dr. Stebbins is a Professor at San Jose State University. He received his doctorate from the Fielding Institute where his research was focused on school leadership and the important skills needed by building principals. He also holds master’s degrees from San Jose State University in School Administration and the College of Notre Dame in Outdoor Education. Dr. Stebbins has served as a principal and teacher, where he was recognized for creating an environment that supports the emotional, social and academic development of his students and staff.
David Voss, Consultant
David R. Voss has been communicating with the public about education for the past 25 years…as Director of Communications for the Florida Department of Education, as Director of Marketing for Apple Computer’s Education Division, as past President of the Sunshine State School Public Relations Association and as a private consultant and trainer for school boards, superintendents and school districts throughout the country, as well as Fortune 500 companies. He served as Press Secretary for former Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham and Education Commissioner Betty Castor. Prior to that, he spent 10 years as a reporter, editor and broadcaster. He has trained hundreds of professionals the art of communication, whether it’s in front of the camera during a crisis, speaking in front of thousands or meeting one-on-one with an angry parent. He understands 21st Century technology and knows how to leverage it. He understands education…the politics, the issues, the money. Most importantly, he makes the connection between communication and student achievement…our bottom line.
Sami Walter, Student Advisor
Sami Walter is an honor role student attending the Shawnee Mission School District in Kansas. She is an active member, and Vice President, of her Girl Scouts troop. Sami is a member of the National Chinese Honor Society and was one of only ten members chosen based on her dedication to the language, and her contribution to the class and community service. She sings in the choir and attends songwriting club, partakes in advanced debate, and since 3rd grade has competed in matheletics. Sami consults with 3D-ED and provides a much-needed student perspective on subjects of interest.
Anna Warren, Leadership Coach
Anna Warren, M.Ed., specializes in leadership effectiveness coaching, working with school leaders to achieve personal and professional goals that lead to balanced lives, meaningful relationships, and successful schools. With a background in training and staff development, and 14 years of experience as a campus administrator, Anna understands the needs, demands, and challenges of educational leaders and helps them to lead change through a coaching approach that promotes both reflection and response. Anna designs customized trainings for school teams, focusing on their strengths, with a practical, fun approach that will connect individuals and give them effective tools for working together.
Amy Westby, Consultant
Born and educated in Minnesota, Amy Westby was recently appointed to the role of Program Director for World Savvy. She has administered schools and organizations worldwide since 1993, growing from an interest in global stewardship and commitment to young people. Growing up within a diverse family and through extensive world travel, Amy has given her energies to championing equality in society and developing cultural relationships from all backgrounds. Her volunteer work in various countries and with international education organizations demonstrates her real compassion for people all over the world. She holds a M.Ed in Comparative International Education and Development and she has taught and served in educational leadership roles on several continents in addition to schools in the American public, private, and charter systems. Prior to this role, Amy focused on setting national standards for quality travel education programming and building advocacy for strong supplemental learning programs for students and teachers. Amy has also served as a Board of Trustee member for accrediting agencies and as an advocate for technology in education and college and career preparation programs. Currently, Amy teaches as an adjunct professor at The University of Virginia.