I’m honored to share my executive biography, which captures over 20 years of my journey in education—from special education classrooms to graduate teaching and international volunteer work. My passion has always been supporting individuals with disabilities and empowering educators to serve them with excellence.

Barry Gelston, Ed.D., is a pioneering educational strategist and advocate for neurodiversity whose career bridges corporate systems thinking with inclusive, strength-based learning. As President Emeritus of Gifted Homeschoolers Forum and founder of Mr. Gelston’s One Room Schoolhouse, Barry has led transformative initiatives in nonprofit leadership, cognitive diversity research, and individualized education for twice-exceptional learners. With expertise in strategic planning, board governance, and neurodivergent team leadership, he continues to shape equitable learning environments through his work at Spiral We, LLC and the Spiral Institute of Research in Education.

When philanthropy and entrepreneurship converge, they spark a transformative force capable of solving systemic challenges and uplifting entire communities. At Gordon Jones Org, we’ve seen how ethical entrepreneurship—rooted in compassion, faith, and innovation—can drive meaningful, scalable change. Through initiatives like a nonprofit preschool for children with disabilities, we combine entrepreneurial strategies with a philanthropic mission to create sustainable impact. Guided by faith and strengthened by global networks, this fusion goes beyond charity or profit—it builds resilient communities where hope flourishes, people are empowered, and success is measured by what we give back.

Kathryn Woodard is a distinguished pianist, educator, and researcher with over 30 years of experience in music performance, education, and cross-cultural initiatives. As the Founding Director of Sonic Crossroads, she has championed artistic collaboration, global music education, and innovative learning strategies, particularly in neurodivergent and DEI-focused pedagogy. With academic credentials spanning the University of Cincinnati and Germany’s Staatliche Hochschule für Musik und Theater, Kathryn blends performance excellence with research-driven teaching. Her international expertise includes research in Turkey, annual teaching programs in Vienna, and fluency in both English and German. A sought-after speaker and author, she has contributed extensively to music scholarship and pedagogy, highlighting diverse musical traditions. Through her leadership, research, and global collaborations, Kathryn continues to redefine music education and performance on an international scale.

With over 38 years of experience in academic leadership, curriculum design, and student success initiatives, Hassanali Espahbodi is a dynamic educator and scholar dedicated to fostering excellence in education. A Ph.D. graduate in Business Administration specializing in Accounting, Dr. Espahbodi has spearheaded transformative programs, restructured curricula to meet industry standards, and championed inclusive, equitable learning environments. Recognized for his strategic vision and collaborative leadership, he has authored 29 influential journal articles and contributed to international educational initiatives in Turkey and Russia. Dr. Espahbodi’s unwavering commitment to innovation and mentorship has left an enduring impact on students, faculty, and academic institutions worldwide.

As a leader in higher education, I am dedicated to empowering academic success through strategic planning, inclusive practices, and data-driven decision-making. I am excited to share more about my journey, experiences, and vision for education. Here is my biography.