Sam Bartlett,
CEO

William S. ("Sam") Bartlett, Jr. is the CEO of The Engage Institute.

Before assuming his current position Mr. Bartlett was CEO of Digital Juice, Inc., an internationally recognized leader in 3-D animation and interactive media. Mr. Bartlett led the company to a record-breaking 300% growth his first year (2002), and eventually 1000% growth during his tenure with the company. Under his leadership, Digital Juice was recognized by Florida Trend magazine as one of Florida's most significant businesses to watch.

Prior to joining Digital Juice, Mr. Bartlett served as president of a successful company which provided on-site training to Public Schools and Fortune 500 companies such as Rockwell International, Black & Decker, Johnson & Johnson, Corning and John Hancock.

Mr. Bartlett is a consultant, conference speaker and author*. His seminar participants consistently rank his workshops as “the best they have ever attended”.

*Mr. Bartlett is the lead author of Sizzling Customer Service (J&B Publishers, 1998).

Dr. Steve Constantino,
Certified Engage Institute Specialist/FFS President

As an educator, author, consultant, parent, and practitioner in the field of family engagement in education, Dr. Steve Constantino provides national leadership in engaging families in the educational lives of children as a conduit to improved student achievement.

Dr. Constantino received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from the State University College at Potsdam (NY), his Certifi cate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration from the State University of New York at Cortland and a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Study from Virginia Tech.

From 1995 to 2003, Dr. Constantino served as principal of Stonewall Jackson High School in Manassas, Virginia. Stonewall achieved much success, both nationally and internationally. During Dr. Constantino’s tenure, Stonewall Jackson High School student achievement consistently improved. Stonewall was named number one among all Prince William County High Schools in the percentage of students entering college and among the top ten percent of schools worldwide offering the International Baccalaureate Program. In March 2000, and again in May 2003, Stonewall Jackson High School was listed among the nation’s “Top 100 high schools” in Newsweek magazine. The May 2001 issue of Time Magazine announced Stonewall Jackson as its “High School of the Year.” SAT Scores at Stonewall Jackson climbed 91 points in six years making Stonewall number one in SAT participation and achievement among all Prince William County Schools.

Today, Dr. Constantino accepts numerous invitations to provide keynotes, presentations, and workshops on the subject of family engagement with education. Additionally, Dr. Constantino works with educators, school boards, schools and school districts, to not only raise awareness for family engagement but to help educators put into place successful family engagement practices that lead to the achievement of all students.

Dr. Grant Rivera,
Certified Engage Institute Specialist/Consultant

Grant was appointed to the position of principal at South Cobb in July 2005. Understanding that he was the third principal in as many years at this particular school and facing the third year of needs improvement, Grant quickly began to build a reform structure that included strong family engagement. In just one year, South Cobb made impressive gains in student achievement and continues its quest for excellence.

Prior to being appointed principal at South Cobb, Grant held positions as a high school assistant principal, special education teacher, and coach in Cobb County, Georgia.

Grant received a B.S. in Education and Social Policy from Northwestern University and an M.A. in Learning Disabilities from the University of Alabama. He holds a Doctorate of Education from the University of Alabama, with an emphasis in School Law. Grant has been associated with numerous professional development activities in the area of school law, school law enforcement officer research, and special education law. He also serves as adjunct professor of Education Law at the State University of West Georgia. His expertise also includes school district policy review and planning, and school improvement reform.

Joan Gillespie,
Office Manager

Joan has worked within a number of markets including retail, manufacturing, and educational. Her experience as an Administrative Assistant and Bookkeeper for organizations such as Aerial Machine and Tools and the Wytheville Community College, brings a much needed expertise to the team.

As a member of The Engage Institute team, Joan keeps us all on track, manages accounts receivables, payables, payroll, and assists in conference logistics.

 

 

Danny Hafner,
Project Manager

Danny is responsible for all of the graphic design and layout of The Engage Institute documents, surveys, reports, and accompanying analyses and serves as the statistical project director for The Engage Institute data collection projects. In this capacity, Danny works with researchers to coordinate all facets of both qualitative and quantitative projects and works to formulate final reports, graphic displays, and other artifacts required by the client. Danny is well versed in statistical analysis process and software (SPSS, etc.) and is a tremendous asset to bothThe Engage Institute and the clients we serve. Prior to joining the our team, Danny was Director of Operations, Promotions, and Events and at the time of his departure was Director of Creative Projects for Digital Juice, Inc.

Danny received a B.A. with honors from the University of Florida in English with a minor in Classical Studies.