From Strategy to impact

  • Proven Talent Systems

    I designed and implemented end-to-end talent systems that significantly improved the quality and consistency of hiring and staff development. By overhauling recruitment practices and introducing more predictive interview tools and rubrics, we hired candidates who were better matched to the demands of the role — and who stayed longer. I also built retention-focused stewardship systems that supported managers in growing and sustaining strong teams. These changes led to measurable increases in both staff retention and new-hire effectiveness.

    The Data:

    Increased YtY retention from 84% returning for SY23-24, to 92% returning for SY24-25 by updating and auditing our retention best practices, despite local trends: 

    -TN is experiencing a 60% decline in EPP participation,

    -40% of teachers leave within the first 3 years of teaching in TN. 

    Increased predictability of hiring practices from 63% (as measured by hiring scorecard, and the first three evaluative measures of the year) to 84% between SY2324 and SY2425.

  • Strengthening Writing Instruction

    When writing performance at NCCS stagnated due to inconsistent, teacher-created materials, I partnered on the design and led the implementation of a rigorous K–8 writing curriculum grounded in the Hochman Method from The Writing Revolution. Over two years, I authored core materials and provided ongoing coaching and feedback to both curriculum writers and teachers to ensure strong, school-wide execution. As a result, writing proficiency soared. As a consultant, I later returned to refine the original materials and partner with school leaders to strengthen their teacher coaching and sustain high-impact instruction.

    The Data:

    79% of 8th graders scored proficient on the state exam.

    Students in 3-8 outperformed both the district and state in written expression and conventions.

What are partners saying?

"Lucy completely revitalized our talent recruitment and retention systems from the ground up. With interview structures and rubrics for candidates and new performance evaluation structures and strategic retention conversations for our employees, Lucy helped increase employee engagement by training leaders to steward their direct reports in a clear and direct way. The result was an exponential increase in staff retention in a field that is experiencing widespread talent shortages. Every school/network would greatly benefit from Lucy's expertise!"

-Nida Rab, Senior Director of Finance and HR

“Lucy is constantly laboring to see each member of a team work at their fullest potential. She examines systems, asks questions, considers intended and unintended effects of systems at work, and sees it of utmost importance that an organization’s “heart and soul” mirror outcomes. She is constantly recreating to be sure that the work is done for the utmost positive impact. Bottom line: Lucy’s leadership is humble, her expertise is ever-evolving, and her passion rooted in student success.”

-Alissa Ly, High School Placement Coordinator

“The systems Lucy created and led are the reason we hired strong staff members, including a new principal. By the time I interviewed a candidate I knew they were a capable, smart, and a fit for our school’s culture because of the work she did as she screened candidates. Throughout the year, Lucy’s systems led to the retention of our highest quality teachers.”

-Laura Baxter, Assistant Principal of Instruction (6-8)