Hilary McCarthy, M.Ed. ECE, Founder and Lead Educational Consultant
Hilary McCarthy is an experienced educator, child advocate, and speaker with over 24 years in the field. She holds a Master’s in Education from Towson University and a Bachelor’s from Loyola University Maryland. Hilary serves as Director of Development at Kathryn Grace School, a pioneering high school for students with Down syndrome, where she leads initiatives in program design, admissions, and community engagement.
As an adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Education, Hilary teaches “Explorations in Mind, Brain, and Teaching,” guiding future educators in applying brain-based learning and metacognitive strategies. She also works as an expert recruiter for Sora Schools, helping identify and hire innovative educators passionate about student-centered, project-based learning.
Through her consulting practice, Integrative Child Wellness, Hilary provides one-on-one advocacy for families and schools. She specializes in comprehensive, strengths-based planning that integrates social, emotional, and academic support. A dynamic speaker, she presents on topics such as the impact of social media on child development, parent education, and holistic approaches to resilience.
A lifelong learner and mother, Hilary combines professional expertise with deep empathy, always striving to create environments where children—and those who support them—can thrive.
Linda Dennison, M.Ed., CPA, CFO and Lead Consultant and Coach (parents/adults)
Linda Dennison holds a Master’s degree in Education from Johns Hopkins University and Bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Southern Maine. Linda is attending the Mindfulness Coaching School and is a candidate for ACC certification. She is passionate about integrating mindfulness practices into the foundation of organizational evolution. She has 30+ years of experience in business and education, having spent the last 25 years leading education-based nonprofit organizations.
Linda has an extensive range of experience from mindful governance practices to aligning business operations with mission, culture, and strategy. Accomplished in complex, strategic financial transactions including start-ups, acquisitions, mergers, debt strategy, planned giving, and endowment transactions, Linda leads organizations by keeping people, mission, and values at the center of all operations. She is a frequent speaker at national organizations on topics including leadership, governance, innovative financial practices, school sustainability, and operational effectiveness.
Throughout her career, Linda has served on several nonprofit boards in various leadership positions within those Boards. She is currently serving as a member of the Board of Directors for the National Business Officers Association. Her previous appointments include Tabor Academy, Summit Montessori School, and the Association of College Counselors of Independent Schools. She served as Chair of the Board of Trustees for Summit Montessori School and as a Committee Chair for Tabor Academy.
Matt Varner, NTP, CTO and Nutritional Consultant
Matt Varner holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems from Drexel University and has built a successful 23-year career in the field, most recently serving as a Senior Manager in Product Reliability Engineering. With a passion for both technology and wellness, Matt expanded his expertise by becoming a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, driven by his belief that nutrition plays a crucial role in our daily well-being and happiness.
A seasoned traveler, Matt spent five years exploring the United States on wheels, immersing himself in diverse cultures and landscapes. His adventures have deepened his appreciation for holistic living, blending his technical acumen with a commitment to healthy living.
In addition to his professional and personal pursuits, Matt is a dedicated family man. He has a close relationship with his niece and nephew and enjoys quality time with his stepson, who ensures Matt never misses a game of basketball or a swim in the ocean. Matt’s life reflects a balance of career success, a love for adventure, and a deep commitment to the well-being of those around him.