About Paula
I have spent much of my life alongside educators, people who care deeply, carry tremendous responsibility, and remain devoted to creating better possibilities for others.
I know the joy of that work. I also know what it asks of the person carrying it.
A Life in Education and Leadership
I came to see that even the most capable and accomplished leaders need trusted places where they can think openly, reflect honestly, and continue growing . . .
Across classrooms, schools, districts, and national partnerships, I have had the privilege of working alongside educators and leaders deeply committed to their students and communities. Each role expanded my understanding of leadership: its complexity, its deeply relational nature, and the courage required to remain grounded in who you are while carrying responsibility for others.
Over time, I came to see that even the most capable and accomplished leaders need trusted places where they can think openly, reflect honestly, and continue growing, not because something is missing in them, but because meaningful leadership deserves meaningful support.
Why I Created Protea
Protea grew from a heartfelt desire to serve the women who spend their lives serving others.
I believe women who lead school districts deserve a trusted place where they are deeply seen, thoughtfully supported, and strengthened in the wisdom they already possess, not because they need to become different leaders, but because the work they have chosen is worthy of intentional care. And so are they.
The name Protea holds personal meaning for me. I was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, where the protea is native. Known for its ability to endure, adapt, and flourish across changing conditions, the flower symbolizes transformation, courage, and renewal. Its beauty is distinctive, resilient, and quietly strong.
That is what I hope Protea offers each woman who enters: space to become more deeply rooted in herself, more trusting of her own voice, and more fully alive in the way she leads.
PROTEA LEADERSHIP
How I Work
Intentionality is at the heart of how I work. I bring together the power of a carefully curated community with the personal attention of individual coaching.
WITHIN THE CIRCLE
Women learn alongside others who understand the complexity of leading a public school district. Through honest conversation and shared reflection, they gain new perspectives, deepen their own wisdom, and experience the strength of knowing they do not have to lead alone.
PRIVATE COACHING
Individual coaching allows me to know each woman more fully—to understand her leadership context, the questions she is navigating, and what she may be holding beneath the visible work. Through deep listening, thoughtful questions, and honest challenge, I support her in leading with greater clarity and trust in herself.
Strength can be spacious. Reflection can be courageous.
What Shapes Me
My own life continues to teach me that growth does not come through striving alone. It also comes through stillness, curiosity, courage, creativity, and the willingness to begin again.
International travel has been one of my greatest teachers. Experiencing new places and cultures invites me beyond what is familiar, expands the way I see the world, and reminds me to approach others with openness and humility.
I also find renewal through contemplative practice, yoga, oil painting, and time with the people I love. Each calls me to be present, remain curious, and see with fresh eyes—qualities that continue to shape both the woman I am and the way I accompany others.
The way we lead begins with
who we are.
Women lead most powerfully when
they are
deeply rooted in who they are.
Experience and Credentials
More than 35 years in education, 28 years in educational leadership
Former teacher and principal
Former Lead School Improvement Specialist with the Georgia Department of Education
Former Director of Partnerships and Regional Director with EL Education
Leadership coach and facilitator
M.Ed. in Educational Supervision, Emory University
Educational Leadership Certification, Georgia State University
Certified Health and Wellness Coach, Emory University
Certified Yoga Teacher.
An Invitation
Protea is rooted in a simple belief: strength can be spacious, reflection courageous, and women lead most powerfully when deeply rooted in who they are.
If you are seeking a trusted circle to reflect, grow, and lead more fully as yourself, I would be honored to begin a conversation.
Protea Vision
A future where every woman who leads a public school district is supported, strengthened, and free to lead fully as herself.
Protea Mission
Protea creates trusted, confidential leadership experiences where women superintendents reflect deeply, learn alongside accomplished peers, and strengthen the clarity, resilience, and quiet confidence from which they lead.
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