Chad McLeod

CEO/Founder

Chad McLeod is a visionary educational leader, consultant, and advocate for transformative schooling. With over two decades of experience in school leadership, policy, and strategic development, Chad has worked as a principal, educator, governing board member, and founder of Sociis Education, LLC, where he partners with districts and schools to enhance teacher development, curriculum, and leadership strategies.

As a former( K-6) Principal, Chad implemented targeted intervention strategies that significantly improved student outcomes and fostered a thriving teaching environment, reducing annual turnover from 35% to 3% through mentorship and leadership development. His ability to build dynamic, mission-driven teams has led to lasting, systemic improvements across multiple institutions.

Beyond school leadership, Chad has been deeply involved in education policy and community engagement, serving on the J.O. Combs Unified School District Governing Board and as an Education Committee Member for the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce. His commitment to bridging educators, businesses, and local leaders led to the creation of Elevate for Tomorrow (E4T), a career and education summit for high school students.

Chad holds an MBA from Western Governors University, a Master's degree in Organization, Planning, and Management of Education from the University of Reading, and a Bachelor's degree in History Teaching with a minor in Chemistry Teaching from Brigham Young University. His research in systemic educational reform underscores his passion for innovation, stewardship, and sustainable teacher development.

At his core, Chad believes that great schools are built on open-minded collaboration and inspired leadership. His mission is to empower educators, strengthen school systems, and ensure that teaching remains a fulfilling and impactful profession.

Emily Ann Cotton

Creative Director /Partner

Emily Cotton is an innovative educator and creative leader dedicated to fostering engaging, inquiry-driven learning experiences that inspire students to explore and learn. With a Master's in Learning, Design, and Technology from Georgetown University and a Bachelor's in Art Education (K-12) from Brigham Young University-Idaho, Emily has cultivated a career rooted in authentic, community-centered education.

Her diverse experience spans K-12 and higher education, including leadership roles at Shumway Academy, a private K-8th school, and as Coordinator for Georgetown University's Summer Institute for Teaching & Learning. Additionally, she co-created the Teaching Practicum Residency course for Georgetown's Master of Education in Transformation. She has also served as Equity and Social Justice Leader for Arlington Public Schools and worked as an Adjunct Education Professor, guiding future educators in Educational Psychology and Principles of Teaching.

Emily’s approach is grounded in experiential, student-centered learning. Whether she’s fostering creativity in K–12 art classrooms, shaping elective programs at Gunston Middle School, contributing to the Rolling Hills Forestry School curriculum, or designing courses for learners of all ages through the Art League and the Torpedo Factory Art Museum—her work reflects a deep commitment to meaningful, hands-on education. She believes learning is inherently social and that educators must actively engage students as co-creators of their academic journeys.

At the heart of Emily's leadership is a commitment to collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, ensuring that education transcends traditional boundaries, connects diverse communities, and empowers students to explore, create, and ask questions.