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), Emily has cultivated a career rooted in authentic, community-centered education.

Her diverse experience spans K-12 and higher education, including leadership roles as Principal of Shumway Academy, Coordinator for Georgetown University's Summer Institute for Teaching & Learning, and Co-creator of the Teaching Practicum Residency course for Georgetown's Education Transformation Master's Program. 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 deeply rooted in experiential, student-centered learning—whether fostering creativity in K-12 art classrooms, contributing to The Nature Academy and Rolling Hill Forest School, or leading integrated educational initiatives. She believes learning is a social experience where educators must actively engage learners in shaping 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 thrive.