Join us October 15 for a panel discussion from school leaders who share a commitment to serving students by providing highly individualized, supportive, and nontraditional educational environments that help each student reach their full potential.
Dr. Steven T. Palmer – Head of School at The Cottage School
Dr. Steven T. Palmer, Head of School at The Cottage School since 2015, has led the school through remarkable growth, tripling enrollment, expanding programs, and opening both a new high school building and a dedicated elementary campus in 2024. A veteran educator and founder of the West Michigan Aviation Academy, Dr. Palmer is known for creating environments where students with learning differences are empowered to succeed. His work has earned numerous awards, including Special Education Administrator of the Year and recognition from the North Fulton Chamber of Commerce. His core belief: “Smart kids learn differently.”
Dr. Palmer holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, a Master of Science in Educational Leadership, a Master of Science in Counseling, and a Bachelor of Science in Education with a minor in Business. He also holds certifications in Special Education and Educational Leadership in multiple states.
Megan Finnegan - Director of Outreach Jacob's Ladder Group
Megan Finnegan serves as Director of Advancement and Outreach for The Jacob’s Ladder Group, leading strategic partnerships, professional education, and public engagement around the organization’s Interpersonal Whole‑Brain Model of Care® (IWBMC™). With more than 20 years of experience in education, disability services, and program leadership, she is dedicated to translating research into practical strategies that improve outcomes for individuals, families, and communities.
A Certified IWBMC™ Evaluator, Megan presents nationally on evidence‑informed approaches to supporting neurodivergent individuals and strengthening systems of care. She began her career in general education before moving into special education as a teacher and case manager. She is also an alumna of the LEND Fellowship at Georgia State University’s Center for Leadership in Disability. Today, she collaborates across education, healthcare, nonprofit, and policy sectors to advance interdisciplinary, research‑based practices that make a meaningful impact.
Tyra Denine Pickens is an educator, author, U.S. Navy veteran, and College Foundations Program instructor at Eaton Academy in Roswell, Georgia. With more than 12 years of experience in education, she has served as a middle school mathematics teacher, Math Department Head, Model Classroom Teacher, and was named Eaton Academy Teacher of the Year for the 2017–2018 school year.
Scott Baldrich is a graduate of Georgia Gwinnett College with 15 years’ experience in education. He has been with Eaton Academy for 11 years. As the LEAP program director for the last six years, he has worked with young adults with a wide range of individual needs. He has been instrumental in helping these participants become self-sufficient and be able to live and work independently.