We do more than consult. We counsel.

Dr. Nancy A. Dome is a renowned speaker, author, and coach who co-founded Epoch Education in 2014, aiming to provide leaders in education and business with accessible professional development focused on equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

Beginning her career as a Child Care Worker, Dr. Dome developed a passion for supporting at-risk students. She transitioned to education, spending a decade as a classroom teacher, Mentor Teacher, and Teacher on Special Assignment in San Diego's Juvenile Court and Community Schools. These roles allowed her to train educators in cultural competence.

In 2004, she earned her doctorate, securing a tenure-track position at California State University, San Marcos, where she worked with future teachers to enhance their social justice awareness. Dr. Dome also coordinated a program to support racially underrepresented undergraduates in becoming teachers. In 2008, she joined Pacific Educational Group as Director of Online Programming, creating transformative online professional development for educators. Now, as Founder and CEO of Epoch Education, she guides school districts and organizations in navigating complex equity issues.

Dr. Dome is the author of the bestselling Let’s Talk About Race and Other Hard Things and the upcoming The Compassionate Dialogue Journey. Outside of work, she enjoys community service, gardening, and spending time with family.

Jessica Burdg is the Content and Social Media Manager at Epoch Education, where she leverages her background in print journalism and expertise in the world of nonfiction book editing to center and lift the human element in every story. 

Jessica’s bestselling book, More Than a Diagnosis: Stories of Hurdles, Hope, and Possibility from Parents of Children Who Are Differently Abled, was published in 2020, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting a nonprofit that assists children who are neuroatypical and their families. Her personal work has been published in numerous anthologies and journals, and her essay on mental health was a finalist for the 2019 Conger J. Beasley Jr. Award for Nonfiction and a runner up for Vanderbilt University’s 2021 Porch Prize for Creative Nonfiction. 

Jessica is proud to have edited Dr. Nancy Dome’s bestsellers, Let’s Talk About Race (and Other Hard Things) and The Compassionate Dialogue Journey, and to continue sharing the transformative power of Compassionate Dialogue and the RIR Protocol through her role at EPOCH Education. Jessica lives in the midwest with her family.

Shannon Jolliff is a truth teller with a gentle heart and a fierce spirit. She is grounded in speaking truth to power. That passion is rooted in love, community, and hard truths. She is a product of those that have come before her, indebted to them for who she has become.  With 15 years of experience in Higher Education and Student Affairs, she is committed to the continued work of dismantling oppressive systems within herself, groups, and organizations.  

Her works foundation is in Dialogue, a pedagogy which has shifted how she views engagement across difference and healing. Through her approach, she holds the complexity of multiple truths and meeting people where they are, this work may feel overwhelming and together we are never alone. 

Dawan Julien is a dynamic DEI strategist, facilitator, and coach with over 20 years of experience in education and nonprofit sectors. Raised in Baltimore, her journey began with a scholarship to Bryn Mawr, where she navigated the disparities of her community, igniting her lifelong commitment to racial equity. Dawan launched her career through Teach For America as a Bilingual Language Arts and ESL teacher in the South Bronx, later taking on leadership roles at KIPP NYC and East Harlem Tutorial Program.

As a Lead Equity Transformation Specialist at Courageous Conversation from 2018 to 2022, she facilitated racial equity training for thousands across schools, nonprofits, and corporations, becoming a sought-after expert in the field. In 2022, Dawan founded her consulting practice to align her work with her values of balance, connection, authenticity, and joy.

Dawan holds a BA in African-American Studies from Columbia University and an MA in TESOL from Teachers College. Passionate about travel, especially to the Caribbean and West Africa, she proudly calls Harlem home, where she continues to advocate for racial equity and empower communities to reclaim their humanity.

Deborah McKnight was awarded "Best Teacher" by the Virgin Islands Daily News for her groundbreaking work in establishing the first special education program of its kind on St. John, US Virgin Islands, Deborah McKnight is a dedicated advocate for inclusive and equitable education. As Executive Director of Special Education Services in the San Francisco Unified School District for eight years, she led the district to achieve the highest scores among large urban districts in California on state English Language Arts and Math assessments for two consecutive years. This translated into improved outcomes for thousands of students.

Deborah is a sought-after consultant and coach, guiding organizations and leaders in developing and implementing equity-centered strategies through compassionate dialogue. Deborah continues to center her own learning and unlearning. Through ongoing professional development and self-reflection, she deepens and aligns her personal and professional core beliefs with her commitment to compassion and humanity. This includes seeking out diverse perspectives and engaging in critical conversations about equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Cassidie Parker is a dynamic professional with a diverse background in marketing, communications, and strategic development. With a MBA from Oregon State University, she has honed her skills in creating compelling narratives and engaging audiences through various platforms.

Her commitment to making a difference is reflected in her ability to merge creativity with strategic thinking to achieve impactful results.

As an innovative thinker and collaborative team player, Cassidie thrives in fast-paced environments and is dedicated to driving positive change through her work. She continuously seeks new challenges and opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.

Caroline Ticarro is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of operational experience, dedicated to driving impactful change across various sectors. While she is the founder of the Catalyst Foundation, a passion project aimed at empowering children and fighting human trafficking in Vietnam, Caroline's expertise extends beyond her non-profit work.

Her background in International Business, earned from St. Cloud State University, equips her with the skills to navigate complex organizational landscapes. Fluent in Vietnamese, she bridges cultural divides and fosters collaboration among diverse teams. Caroline's commitment to social justice and community empowerment informs her approach in every role she undertakes. 

She believes in the transformative power of individual action and strives to inspire others to contribute to meaningful change. With a wealth of experience in managing operations and advocating for underrepresented voices, Caroline continuously seeks opportunities to make a difference, whether in her non-profit endeavors or her professional career.

Justin Toliver (any pronouns with love) is a dynamic Black and Genderqueer trainer and educator based in Minneapolis, MN. Justin believes deeply in the power of community and approaches all aspects of their facilitation from a human centered, imagination driven, and libratory lens. Justin has worked with many different groups of people from community organizers to public school educators to tattoo shops. In these spaces, Justin conjures and curates space for folks to be in meaningful connection and dialogue. 

Justin earned a Bachelor's of Science from Central Michigan University and a Master's of Education from Ball State University. Participants that have worked with Justin express immense gratitude for their energy, humour, and ability to make the complicated simple and real.