Leading Change-Together

We believe great schools start with great leaders and great leaders thrive with great coaching. Our team of experienced coaches and facilitators partners with educators to strengthen leadership, collaboration, and systems of support.

We help schools build cultures of trust, shared accountability, and continuous improvement through meaningful coaching and structured facilitation. Each member of our team has walked in the shoes of campus and district leaders, bringing empathy, insight, and practical tools to every conversation.

Whether refining your PLC process, aligning MTSS systems, or coaching for instructional excellence, we meet leaders where they are and help them grow from there. Together, we empower educators to lead with purpose, clarity, and heart.

Executive Coach and Lead Facilitator

Nathan Steenport, Ph.D., PCC

Dr. Nathan Steenport is an educator, leadership coach, and founder of Steenport Leadership Coaching (SLC) With over 20 years of experience in education, Nathan has served as both an elementary and secondary principal in schools with diverse student populations, giving him a deep understanding of what it takes to lead meaningful, sustainable improvement.

He specializes in designing and implementing systems that drive results, including Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), Response to Intervention (RTI/MTSS), Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and Campus Improvement Plans (CIPs). Nathan’s coaching and facilitation work focus on helping leaders align people and purpose — moving from compliance to commitment through trust, clarity, and accountability.

Nathan holds a Ph.D. in Education with a focus on School Improvement from Texas State University, a Master’s in Educational Administration from Concordia University in Austin, and a Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies from Lamar University. He is also an International Coaching Federation (ICF) Professional Certified Coach (PCC), serving leaders in both education and the corporate sector.

Executive Coach and Facilitator

Michelle Romero

Michelle Romero is an education leader with 31 years of experience equally split between classroom teaching and campus- and district-level leadership.

Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, Michelle holds a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Texas at El Paso. Her life and service in a border community give her a deep understanding of and perspective on diverse learners.

Grounded in a coaching approach to leadership, Michelle is finalizing her credential as an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) through the International Coaching Federation. She excels at helping educators and instructional leaders align goals and practices with organizational frameworks to improve outcomes.

Michelle and her husband are recent empty nesters and enjoy rediscovering adventure beyond parenthood.

Executive Coach and Facilitator

Tony L. Runnels, Jr.

Tony L. Runnels, Jr. has dedicated more than 30 years to serving students, educators, and communities across Texas. Throughout his career, he has held leadership roles at the campus and district levels, earning a reputation for building strong systems, developing leaders, and creating opportunities that help students thrive.

Tony earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Prairie View A&M University before completing his doctorate in Educational Leadership at Texas Southern University. His research on principal effectiveness and school leadership continues to shape his practical approach to coaching, organizational improvement, and educational leadership.

As a former high school principal, assistant superintendent, and current district administrator, Tony has led initiatives that strengthen academic achievement, expand Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities, increase dual-credit participation, and improve post-secondary readiness. He is passionate about helping schools create systems that produce lasting results while developing the capacity of leaders at every level.

Tony's commitment to educational excellence has been recognized through numerous honors, including being named a two-time Region 4 Outstanding Principal. He believes meaningful leadership is rooted in relationships, high expectations, and a relentless focus on student success.

Outside of work, Tony enjoys spending time with his family, mentoring aspiring leaders, and giving back to the communities he serves.

Executive Coach and Facilitator

Sarah Waggoner

With 30 years in education, Sarah Waggoner is dedicated to helping schools operate smoothly so that both students and educators can thrive. A former middle school English Language Arts teacher and Instructional Coach, she now serves as a Project Specialist, where she oversees 504 compliance and leads the complex work of master scheduling. Known for her expertise in gifted and talented education and Professional Learning Community (PLC) implementation, Sarah is a strategic problem solver who brings clarity, structure, and collaboration to complex challenges.

Originally from New York, Sarah made her way to Texas as soon as she could! She is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and has spent her career serving students in Austin Independent School District. During her years in the classroom, she advised a nationally award-winning student publication, presented at both state and national conferences, and was honored as Texas GT Teacher of the Year.

As an instructional coach, Sarah deepened her expertise in cooperative and project-based learning, effective effort, and data-driven PLC protocols. She partnered with teachers and campus leaders to strengthen instructional practices and improve student outcomes. In her current role, she designs and manages a master schedule that supports multiple specialized programs and more than 60 elective offerings, balancing student needs, staffing realities, and district priorities. She thrives on logistical complexity and is passionate about building systems grounded in clear values, equitable access, and measurable results for students.

Outside of her professional work, Sarah enjoys attending theater productions and Beyonce concerts, reading widely, watching football, and spending time with her husband, teenage children, and two chihuahuas.

Executive Coach and Facilitator

Eliza Sears, Ed.D.

As an educator driven by equity, Eliza Sears believes in fighting to break predictable patterns by race in achievement, access, and opportunity.

A native of Washington, D.C., Eliza moved to Austin, Texas to pursue a career in bilingual education. She served as a bilingual teacher and administrator for 12 years in Austin ISD and Round Rock ISD. Eliza received her bachelor’s degree in romance languages and literature from Wesleyan University in Connecticut. She earned her master’s and doctorate degrees from The University of Texas at Austin, both in educational administration, in the Principalship Program and in the Cooperative Superintendency Program.

In her spare time, Eliza enjoys being active and spending time outside with her husband and dog. She is an avid baker, loves to knit, and relishes a good book!