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About Us

Your Partners for Change

Experts who listen, collaborate, and lead with you.

Who we are

Dynamic Education Consulting & Solutions (DECS)

Is a team of seasoned educational leaders who have worked at the district and state level. We partner with schools and systems to build special education structures that are legally sound, instructionally effective, and financially strategic.

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A heart for students and a plan for sustainable change

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combined years of experience across education leadership, compliance, instruction, and finance

Our Story

The Origin

DECS is founded by leaders who have served within the system, including as district and state education officials. We understand the realities, pressures, and complexities of special education because we’ve been responsible for navigating them ourselves.

Our Evolution

What began as a consultancy focused on compliance and finance has evolved into a comprehensive support partner for districts nationwide. Today, we help schools stabilize, design more intelligent systems, and build teams that drive results.

Meet Our Founder

Led by a Leader With Lived Experience

On Both Sides of the Table

Dr. Sue Ann Bube is an award-winning leader in special education systems design, with over two decades of experience in K–12 schools, state-level initiatives, and higher education. She founded DECS to provide the kind of strategic partnership she once needed as a district director—responsive, equity-centered, and grounded in lived leadership. Her work has supported districts across the country in crisis recovery, instructional redesign, and inclusive systems transformation. She is a published author, national presenter, and former cabinet-level leader in multiple school systems.

Credentials & Background Highlights

  • Crisis stabilization & compliance leadership
  • Inclusive systems & UDL integration
  • Strategic planning & interagency collaboration
  • Transition services & postsecondary outcomes
  • Former Executive Director of Special Education and Student Services
  • 20+ years in public education, including site, district, and regional leadership
  • State-level trainer, systems coach, and MTSS implementation advisor
  • Expert in compliance strategy, equity-driven systems design, and crisis recovery
  • Trusted partner to superintendents, SPED directors, building leaders, and community partners
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Meet The Team

Meet Our Team

The DECS team includes specialists with over 150 combined years of experience across education leadership, compliance, instruction, and finance. We are former directors, administrators, and coaches who now use our expertise to guide other leaders through complex challenges.

Chief Operations Officer
Dr. Hannah Gbenro

Her leadership is shaped by two decades of experience—and a deep personal commitment to equity in education.

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Solutions Consultant
Dr. Holly Galbreath

A clinical psychologist and former district leader with 30+ years of experience building systems for students.

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Senior Consultant
Fran McCarthy

Fran McCarthy has led systems change in 35+ districts, focusing on early learning, behavior, and compliance.

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Senior Consultant
Dr. Lindsay Myatich

Dr. Lindsay Myatich leads inclusive systems, MTSS, and behavior coaching with 20+ years’ experience.

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Senior Consultant
Fran McCarthy

Fran McCarthy has led systems change in 35+ districts, focusing on early learning, behavior, and compliance.

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Senior Consultant
Dr. Lindsay Myatich

Dr. Lindsay Myatich leads inclusive systems, MTSS, and behavior coaching with 20+ years’ experience.

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Testimonials

What Educators Are Saying

“Thank you so much for your passion, commitment, energy, and focus on behalf of our staff and students. It has been a true pleasure getting to know you and work with you.”
Maddie, Middle School Special Education Teacher
“Your help has made math lessons more exciting.”
Mr. C, Elementary Special Education Teacher
“I appreciate your commitment to serving students and keeping our district focused on all students as gen ed students first - you definitely walk the talk.”
Jaime, Director of Teaching & Learning
“As we have come to the end of this school year, I wanted to express my gratitude for your leadership this year. In my opinion you brought stability to the Sped Dept., as well as the School Psych team. It was clear that you brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the position. Most of all, based on our meetings and conversations, I believe you demonstrated “student first” leadership.”
School Psychologist, Marysville School District
“Their extensive experience in educational leadership has equipped them with the skills to implement data driven strategies that enhance student outcomes and promote school wide change. Their dedication to fostering inclusive learning environments ensures that all students have access to quality education, regardless of their background. A specific example includes partnering with me to develop and roll out a system for Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and MTSS.”
Michael, Elementary Principal

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Whether you’re navigating instability, managing rapid growth, or designing what’s next. We’re ready to collaborate with you to make change efforts sustainable.

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Explore Our Services

"Strengthen systems and build trust."

We know that lasting change starts with leadership that feels supported

Built by a Leader Who’s Lived the Work

From the Frontlines to Systemwide Change

Dr. Sue Ann Bube is an award-winning leader in special education systems design, with over two decades of experience in K–12 schools, state-level initiatives, and higher education. She founded DECS to provide the kind of strategic partnership she once needed as a district director—responsive, equity-centered, and grounded in lived leadership. Her work has supported districts across the country in crisis recovery, instructional redesign, and inclusive systems transformation. She is a published author, national presenter, and former cabinet-level leader in multiple school systems.Dr. Hannah Gbenro is a systems builder and strategic operations expert with over 20 years of experience leading K–12 education reform. As COO of DECS, she oversees internal operations, client engagement, and cross-functional team leadership. She brings a powerful combination of executive-level experience, policy fluency, and instructional innovation to every project. Hannah has served as a Chief Academic Officer, Director of Innovation, and Program Evaluation instructor across multiple universities and school systems.

 

Key Expertise

  • Crisis stabilization & compliance leadership
  • Inclusive systems & UDL integration
  • Strategic planning & interagency collaboration
  • Transition services & postsecondary outcomes

Credentials

  • Doctorate in Educational Leadership, Seattle University
  • WA Principal Certificate
  • WA Teaching Certificate
  • National Board–Exceptional Needs Specialist

Awards & Recognition

  • Golden Apple Award
  • Leavey Award for Excellence in Free Enterprise Education
  • Health Care Hero Award

Regional & State Presentations

  • Washington State Transition Conference (multiple years)
  • WASA Inclusionary Practices Grant presentations
  • PNW Institute on Special Education and the Law
  • OSPI Transition and Special Services conferences

National Presentations

  • Division of Career Development & Transition (DCDT) Conference (Cleveland, OH)
  • Urban Collaborative National Conferences (multiple years)

Primary Regional, National, & International Presentation Topics

  • Inclusionary systems and UDL
  • Transition services and outcomes
  • Compliance strategy and leadership coaching
  • SPED systems recovery and design

Most Relevant Publications

  • Bube, S. A., Carrothers, C., & Johnson, C. (2016). Transition through teamwork: Professionals address student needs. Odyssey: New Directions in Deaf Education, 17(1), 14–17.
  • Bube, S. A., & Johnson, C. (2014). Supporting exceptional learners: How post-school outcomes inform instruction. Curriculum in Context, 40(1), 13–15.

Message from Dr. Sue Ann Bube,
President & CEO

I started DECS because I needed a DECS.

When I was leading special education at the district level, I often found myself facing urgent problems with no roadmap—compliance risks, fractured systems, overwhelmed teams. I needed support that was responsive, strategic, and grounded in real experience. That’s what we now offer to the districts we serve.

My work is rooted in two decades of leading system-level change—from cabinet roles to classrooms to state initiatives. I’ve helped districts stabilize in crisis, redesign instruction, and build inclusive systems that work for everyone. I bring both lived leadership and deep technical knowledge to the table—and I know the pressure you’re under.

At DECS, we don’t just offer advice. We step in and work beside you. Whether you’re trying to align MTSS, navigate legal risk, or rebuild trust in your programs, we help you move from reactive to strategic—with systems that hold.

If you’re here, you’re likely doing hard, important work. We see you. And we’re ready to help.

 

In partnership,

Dr. Sue Ann Bube
President & CEO, DECS

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Led by a Strategic Operator Who’s Walked the Walk

Building Systems That Move Education Forward

Dr. Hannah Gbenro is a systems builder and strategic operations expert with over 20 years of experience leading K–12 education reform. As COO of DECS, she oversees internal operations, client engagement, and cross-functional team leadership. She brings a powerful combination of executive-level experience, policy fluency, and instructional innovation to every project. Hannah has served as a Chief Academic Officer, Director of Innovation, and Program Evaluation instructor across multiple universities and school systems.


Key Expertise

  • Cross-sector project & operational leadership
  • Evaluation, policy, and strategic plan development
  • SPED & MTSS systems alignment
  • Talent & HR systems grounded in equity

Credentials

  • Doctorate in Educational Leadership, Seattle University
  • Superintendent Credential
  • Doctorate in Educational Leadership, Seattle University
  • WA Principal Certificate
  • WA Teaching Certificate
  • Project Management Institute Certificate
  • Project Management Institute Certificate
  • Lean Six Sigma Trained
  • Quality Matters LMS Certificate
  • National Implementation Research Network Certificate

Awards & Recognition

  • Distinguished Paper Award (AERA & WERA)
  • WA State Supervisor of the Year (WLMA)
  • ASCD Emerging Leader (ASCD)
  • Professional Growth of Educators Award (WSASCD)
  • Certificated Employee of the Month (PSUSD)
  • Project Management Institute Certificate

Regional Presentations

  • WA State Integrated MTSS Conference
  • WA State ASCD Whole Child Institute
  • Northwest PBIS Conferences
  • WERA Annual Conferences
  • Massachusetts Association of Teachers of Speakers of Other Languages (MATSOL) Annual Conference
  • OSPI Curriculum Advisory Review Committee (CARC)

National Presentations

  • American Evaluation Association Conferences (AEA)
  • Culturally Responsive Assessment & Evaluation Conferences (CREA)
  • American Educational Research Association Conferences (AERA)

International Presentations

  • ASCD Annual Conferences

Primary Regional, National, & International Presentation Topics

  • MTSS, program evaluation, and districtwide systems change
  • Standards-based education reform
  • Innovation, project leadership, and implementation science
  • WERA Annual Conferences
  • Massachusetts Association of Teachers of Speakers of Other Languages (MATSOL) Annual Conference
  • OSPI Curriculum Advisory Review Committee (CARC)

Primary Regional, National, & International Presentation Topics

  • MTSS, program evaluation, and districtwide systems change
  • Standards-based education reform
  • Innovation, project leadership, and implementation science
  • WERA Annual Conferences
  • Massachusetts Association of Teachers of Speakers of Other Languages (MATSOL) Annual Conference
  • OSPI Curriculum Advisory Review Committee (CARC)

Most Relevant Publications

  • Gbenro, H. L. (2018). Digital playground safety. Curriculum in Context, 44(2), 6–8.
  • Gbenro, H. L. (2017). Using implementation data as a lens. Curriculum in Context, 42(2), 17–19.
  • Gbenro, H. L. (2016). Implementation literacy. Curriculum in Context, 42(1), 10–12.
  • Gbenro, H. L. (2014). Improving professional development around technology. Curriculum in Context, 40(2), 21.
  • Gbenro, H. L. (2013). A systemic approach to implementing innovations. Curriculum in Context, 39(1).

Message from Dr. Hannah Gbenro,
Chief Operations Officer

Welcome. I’m so glad you’re here.

At DECS, we understand the weight of leading systems—especially when those systems are stretched thin. I’ve spent over two decades working across school districts, universities, and state agencies to help leaders navigate complexity, align priorities, and drive real results for students.

My work has always been rooted in one question: How do we build systems that actually serve everyone—especially those who’ve been historically underserved? Whether I’m guiding districtwide reform, aligning MTSS and SPED, or helping teams create strategic plans that stick, my focus is on building operational clarity without losing sight of the people at the center.

I believe in thoughtful implementation, data that informs—not overwhelms—and leadership that blends urgency with compassion. If you’re here because something in your system feels stuck, unstable, or unsustainable, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to solve it alone.

It’s my honor to support school leaders like you in building what’s next.

With respect,
Dr. Hannah Gbenro
Chief Operations Officer, DECS

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Where Mental Health Meets Systems-Level Solutions

Bringing Clinical Insight Into School Systems That Need It Most

Dr. Holly Galbreath is a licensed clinical psychologist and former district administrator with over 30 years of experience designing systems for students with complex behavioral and mental health needs. She has served as a special education leader, hospital administrator, and statewide mental health coordinator. Holly supports DECS clients with system-level behavior planning, Safety Net and Medicaid reviews, and inclusive programming for students with EBD and co-occurring disabilities.

 

Key Expertise

  • Behavioral health systems & crisis response
  • Multi-agency coordination & out-of-district placement
  • Psychological evaluation & IEP compliance
  • Professional development for school teams

Credentials

  • Ph.D., Clinical Psychology
  • WA Licensed Psychologist
  • WA School Psychologist Certificate
  • WA Administrator Certificate

Awards & Recognition

  • OSPI Program Improvement Grant Lead
  • NIH Research Fellow, Kennedy Center (Vanderbilt)
  • NICHD Grant Principal Investigator

Regional Presentations

  • OSPI trainings on emotional/behavioral disabilities
  • ESD-hosted events on compliance and behavior
  • Presentations for school district staff and community partners
  • Training for juvenile justice, Head Start, and early learning providers

National Presentations

  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy in adolescent inpatient care
  • Interagency collaboration models for students with emotional/behavioral disabilities
  • Longitudinal grants and evaluations presented to federal agencies
  • ASCD Annual Conferences

Primary Regional & National Presentation Topics

  • Behavior supports and mental health in schools
  • Cross-agency coordination
  • Safety Net, Medicaid, and placement compliance
  • UDL, autism, and behavior strategies

Most Relevant Publications

  • Curtis, S., Galbreath, H. N., Curtis, J., & Matsuda, L. (2004). Best Practices for Teachers, Parents and Students with Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities. Seattle University/OSPI.
  • McDonell, M. G., et al. (2010). A Pilot Evaluation of Dialectical Behavioural Therapy in Adolescent Long-Term Inpatient Care. Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 15, 193–196.

Message from Dr. Holly Galbreath,
Solutions Consultant

When schools are struggling to support students with complex behavioral and mental health needs, it’s rarely just one thing. Often, it’s a web of challenges—out-of-district placements, compliance risks, staffing gaps, or high-intensity student needs that push beyond what current systems can hold.

I’ve spent my career building programs that work in those moments. As a psychologist, district administrator, and mental health coordinator, I’ve seen how fragile systems can become—and how powerful the right interventions can be.

At DECS, I help districts create structure around chaos. From behavior planning and professional development to Safety Net and Medicaid strategy, I bring a clinical lens that’s deeply grounded in school realities. My work always centers students—but it also stabilizes and empowers the adults who serve them.

If you’re navigating emotional/behavioral challenges in your district and need practical, cross-agency, or crisis-informed support—you’re in the right place. We can build this together.

Dr. Holly Galbreath
Solutions Consultant, DECS

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Grounded Guidance From a Leader Who’s Walked in Your Shoes

Coaching Leaders. Strengthening Systems. Supporting the Youngest Learners.

Fran McCarthy brings over 30 years of experience in education, having served as a principal, SPED director, and ESD executive leader. Her work has supported systems transformation in over 35 school districts, with a particular focus on early learning, behavioral supports, and compliance strategy. Fran offers DECS clients expert advisement on district recovery, state monitoring, and systems-level coaching for school and district leaders. 

Key Expertise

  • Early childhood & K–3 systems leadership
  • Program compliance & legal response
  • School improvement planning
  • Coaching for SPED directors and principals

Credentials

  •  M.Ed., City University
  • WA Principal Certificate
  • WA Teaching Certificate

Awards & Recognition

  • WASA Award of Merit (2024)
  • Distinguished Principal Award (2009)

Regional Presentations

  • University of Washington PEAB
  • EWU and AWSP events
  • WASA regional events and task forces

National Presentations

  • Discovery Behavior Schools and inclusion initiatives shared with state networks
  • ASCD Annual Conferences

Primary Regional & National Presentation Topics

  • Early childhood and inclusion
  • Restraint/isolation reduction
  • Compliance, mental health, and literacy systems
  • SPED director coaching and multi-district collaboration

Message from Fran McCarthy,
Senior Consultant

After three decades in education, I’ve seen firsthand how quickly systems can become overwhelming—and how powerful it is when leaders feel supported instead of isolated.

I’ve been a principal, a SPED director, and a regional executive leader. I know what it feels like to be navigating legal pressure, staffing challenges, or program recovery, all while trying to stay focused on what matters most: students. Especially our youngest ones.

At DECS, I work alongside district and school leaders to untangle complex issues and find a path forward. Whether we’re mapping out early learning systems, planning for state monitoring, or coaching through tough compliance moments, I bring steady, practical guidance to help you move with confidence.

I believe real progress happens when leaders feel heard, grounded, and equipped with the right tools—not just more pressure to perform. My role is to help you build systems that support your vision—and your people—for the long haul.

If you’re leading through tough terrain, you’re not alone. I’m here to help.

– Fran McCarthy
Senior Consultant, Leadership Coaching & Early Learning

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Inclusive Systems That Work

Equity, Behavior, and Instruction Come Together in Real-World Practice

Dr. Lindsay Myatich is a nationally recognized leader in inclusive education and behavior systems, with over two decades of experience in public school districts, higher education, and juvenile rehabilitation. She brings a strategic lens to MTSS implementation, applied behavior analysis, and instructional coaching, with a focus on building sustainable systems that improve access and equity for all learners. Lindsay has served as Director of Special Services and Inclusion in multiple districts, Dean of Students in a secure juvenile facility, and a university instructor. At DECS, she leads professional development, coaches leaders, and designs training modules grounded in data and implementation science. 

Key Expertise

  • Inclusive practices & Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
  • MTSS and behavioral systems design
  • Instructional coaching & capacity building
  • Juvenile justice education & high-needs youth programming
  • Special education compliance & system audits

Credentials

  • Ph.D., Educational Leadership
  • Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
  • WA Principal Certificate

Awards & Recognition

  • Recognized for system redesign in high-stakes, equity-focused environments

National Presentations

  • Bureau of Educational Research (BER)
  • Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)

Message from Dr. Lindsay Myatich,
Senior Consultant

Every student deserves access to strong, inclusive systems—and every educator deserves tools that actually work.

Throughout my career, I’ve led teams through some of the most challenging environments in education—from district-level inclusion reform to high-needs juvenile facilities. What I’ve learned is this: inclusion and behavior systems can’t be built in silos. They have to be strategic, sustainable, and grounded in real classroom realities.

At DECS, I help districts bring that vision to life. My work blends applied behavior analysis, instructional coaching, and MTSS alignment to help leaders create environments where all learners—and staff—can thrive. Whether you’re facing high-stakes audits, building behavior systems from scratch, or coaching toward UDL integration, I bring data-informed strategies and a practical mindset to every project.

I believe in clarity, collaboration, and systems that hold under pressure. If your team is working to improve access, reduce disproportionality, or strengthen your foundation—we can build it together.

– Dr. Lindsay Myatich
Senior Consultant, Inclusion & Behavior Systems

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