Janie Feinberg | President

Janie Feinberg, President of JP Associates, is a 30-year plus veteran in the battle for our children's minds. Her strong personal belief and philosophy that ALL CHILDREN CAN LEARN permeates all aspects of both her personal and professional life. Janie attended both the Connecticut College for Women at New London, Connecticut and Brooklyn College where she graduated with her Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1968.

Upon her graduation she entered the New York City Public School System as a schoolteacher in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn and remained there until 1971 when she moved to Bethel, Vermont to teach third grade.

In 1972, following her work as a classroom teacher, Janie was trained in Direct Instruction by Siegfried Engelmann, the author of the Direct Instruction programs, at Pheasant, Illinois. She served as a senior consultant for SRA from 1973 to 1988.

In 1986 Janie founded the Centers for Direct Instruction. These centers served the Brooklyn, Long Island and Staten Island families of New York City.

In 1989, drawing on her experience and expertise, she then created and established a teacher/student friendly consulting company that is the largest implementer of Direct Instruction in the country, JP Associates. The keystone of JP's approach is the training, implementation and coaching process. It is a process so successful that several participating schools have received national recognition for student performance.

Janie assisted in the development and writing of the SRA Trainer's Packet for Consultants for Reading Mastery I, II and Distar Language. She has also been called upon to assist in revisions of the language program. JP's success as an implementer has motivated Janie to "D.I." her implementation approach and strategies. This has resulted in the creation and design of a comprehensive series of trainings and overviews that JP uses to train not only their own staff, but the building staff people they coach as well.

Janie is the recipient of the Association for Direct Instruction's Excellence in Education Award (an award given only once a year to an exceptional educator). She has spoken and trained on various topics of education and instruction across the country. She is recognized and hailed as one of the leading reading experts in the country today.

Kendra Rhall | Chief Operating Officer

Kendra Rhall brings to JP a unique blend of both professional and personal experiences. A graduate of Hofstra University with a degree in Finance, as a young child she was also educated using Direct Instruction.

After graduating from college she entered the banking field. After several years she began to search for more meaningful work—a place where her all of her skills would benefit others.

Her search brought her to JP Associates. Beginning as the finance manager for the company, Kendra quickly applied her skills in organization, finances and working with people to help “grow” the company. As the company grew, so did Kendra’s responsibilities. She currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer.

The balance between the business of running the company and the business of making sure teachers and students are successful is reflective of Kendra's personal goals. All of JP's decisions are based on this balance of what is good for kids.

Douglas Blancero | Vice President - Development and Operations


Douglas Blancero, Vice President Operations for JP Associates, has worked with families, youth and community organizations for over 25 years.

Before joining JP he served as the Executive Director of an award-winning community based youth organization New York City. He oversaw the development and establishment of services that included an alternative high school program, court and school advocacy, crisis intervention and referral, career awareness and job development, counseling, recreation, youth leadership and community service. These projects were supported by grant money from both government and private sources.

Doug has served on the board of several service organizations and most recently was the National Advisor to the National Society of Hispanic MBA's. He has presented locally and nationally on such topics as grant-writing, alternative education, at risk youth and community organizing. He is a contributing author to "The Pro-Social Gang" by Arnie Goldstein and Barry Glick.

In his current position with JP Associates he oversees all operational and marketing aspects of the company. Together with Janie Feinberg and Kendra Rhall he comprises the Senior Management Team.

Barbara Proctor | Executive Director of Professional Development


Barbara Proctor has worked for JP Associates for 10 years, making her one of the most experienced consultants on staff. She brings a wealth of experience both in the classroom and in the field of consulting.

She graduated from Millersville State University and completed graduate work at the University of Delaware. She was a classroom teacher for twenty-five years working with moderately handicapped students and later regular and special education students in a full-inclusion program. Her role in the public schools included not only teaching, but also serving as District Cadre, providing assistance and training to inclusion classrooms (Kindergarten through Grade 6) and the implementation of Direct Instruction programs.

In 1995 Barbara joined JP Associates as a full-time consultant. Currently, she serves as the Director of Training as well as a Site Supervisor for JP Associates. Barbara feels strongly that to develop and provide quality professional development that she must remain on the "frontlines" working with both teachers and consultants in the classrooms on site. Her responsibilities include offering technical assistance to teachers, administrators, and consultants, coaching in the classroom, and supervising other consultants.

As the Director of Training she is responsible for designing training programs and workshops for JP sites as well as developing the on-going professional development for all the JP consultants.

Robert Harris | Executive Director of Programming


Robert Harris began working with JP Associates in 2002 as a part-time product consultant/sales representative. In September 2004, he accepted the position of Executive Director of Programming with responsibilities that include product development and support, marketing, sales, and strategic planning.

Prior to joining JP Associates full time, Robert taught Direct Instruction in a K-5 special education Regional Learning Center in Eugene, Oregon. In addition to teaching experience, Robert has taught and supervised undergraduate students in Special Education at the university level, worked as a regional consultant for SRA, and as an independent consultant contracting with SRA and individual schools across the country. He's also had the unique opportunity to participate in the development of new Direct Instruction homework programs both for JP and SRA.

Originally born and raised in eastern Washington state, Robert now makes his home in Eugene, Oregon with his wife Nicole and two sons, Devin and Nathan. When he's not working, he sleeps (sometimes).

Andrea Lally | Coordinator of Business and Supportive Services

Andrea Lally, JP's Coordinator of Business and Supportive Services, was born and raised on Long Island, New York. She has been with JP for 6 years, helping to coordinate every aspect of the company from printing to payroll. JP Sites and staff alike have come to depend on Andrea's skillful scheduling, travel booking, accounting, and sense of humor.

She was married on May 4, 2002 to Chris Lally. They live with their son Christopher in New York.

Francine Riviera | Executive Assistant

Francine Riviera comes to JP with a rich background of experiences. She uses all of these experiences and the skills acquired through them in her current role as Executive Assistant to JP’s Chief Operating Officer.

Francine began her employment working for an advertising research company. After several successful years, she made a conscious decision to give something back to her community by working for a community based youth organization. She served as the Executive Assistant to the Executive Director.

Her next move was to a fledgling computer consulting company where she was active in the setting up of the company and its organizational processes and policies working directly with the Vice President of Operations.

It was her sense of service and commitment to children that brought her to JP Associates.

Desmond Bobbett has been with JP Associates since September 2005. A native of Mississippi, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech at Mississippi Valley State University. Prior to becoming a School Improvement Specialist, Desmond taught Direct Instruction in both elementary and middle school settings in an Atlanta charter school for three years. He also served as lead instructor where his duties included grade level instructional planning, mentoring of new staff, staff development for all second and third grade instructors, and provided training models for teachers implementing Direct Instruction.

Desmond currently lives in Marietta, Georgia with his wife Valarie and his son and daughter, Simeyon and Daijsha. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling with his family and coaching youth sports.

Maggie Boozer | School Improvement Specialist


Maggie Boozer has been with JP Associates for 4 years. Before becoming a consultant, Maggie spent 25 years teaching Direct Instruction programs in both regular and special education settings. Her public school experiences include five years as an instructional lead teacher, in house DI coach, and administrator. Her duties included planning schoolwide staff development, testing and placing students, reviewing instructional materials for adoption, and providing on the spot training to teachers implementing the programs.

She lives in Mexico Beach, FL with her husband Clyde.

Kim Burgess | School Improvement Specialist


Kim Burgess has been with JP Associates, Inc. since September 2000. She was born and raised in southeast Arkansas.

She received her Early Childhood Education degree from the University of Arkansas at Monticello in 1997. She also has an endorsement in Middle School Science. Kim completed her internship in kindergarten at W.C. Whaley Elementary School in Monticello, Arkansas. She then taught kindergarten and first grade at Lakeside Lower Elementary in Lake Village, Arkansas. Experience with older students was obtained by teaching the Corrective Reading program to below grade level third grade students during summer school. Kim has also tutored high school students in areas of math after school.

Kim currently lives near McGehee, Arkansas with her husband of nine years. While they have no children of their own yet, they willingly spoil their two Labradors and two cats. In addition to working for JP Associates, Kim loves doing home improvements, completing computer tasks, and spending time with her family and friends.

Julie Burke | School Improvement Specialist


Julie Burke was born in Dallas, Texas and raised in Arkansas. She received her degree in Elementary Education/ Early Childhood Development from Ouachita Baptist University in 1990.

Since graduation, Julie has directed pre-school programs in Orlando, Florida and Ft. Smith, Arkansas (where she was also a Developmental Specialist). She was first introduced to Direct Instruction as a classroom teacher in the public schools of De Queen, Arkansas. She has been with JP Associates, Inc. since 1999.

Julie currently lives in Destin, Florida with her husband, Dwight, daughter, Hannah, and two year old dog-baby, Tootsie Roll. When she's not working in her sites, you can find her on the beach or traveling with her family.



Donna DePriest | School Improvement Specialist


Donna DePriest has been with JP Associates, Inc. since September 1999. She was born and raised in Pine Bluff, AR. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education in 1984 from the University of Arkansas at Monticello and subsequently completed her Master's Degree in Education in 1989 from the University of Arkansas.

Donna began her career in education as a kindergarten teacher at Greenville Elementary in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. She taught kindergarten for eight years before being reassigned to teach the second grade. While teaching that class level she received training in Direct Instruction and actually used DI in her own classroom for the last five of her six years of teaching second grade.

Donna currently lives in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.



Trudie Ehrhardt | School Improvement Specialist


Consultant R. Trudie Ehrhardt joined JP Associates, Inc. in 2001. A native of Ohio, she took her Bachelor Degree from Ashland University. Over the years she has had substantial advanced training CEU's with emphasis in Special Education, Direct Instruction, and Educational Administration.

Experience as an elementary classroom teacher in Ohio, New York, and Florida schools in both regular and special education settings were followed by administration posts in special needs adults, elementary education, district level DI elementary special education supervision, and Direct Instruction and CHAMPS training.

Currently Trudie is firmly ensconced in the greater Daytona Beach metropolitan area and is enjoying life with her husband, parents, and her sons and their families. The beach, mystery novels, and spending time with her two new granddaughters is keeping that spare time really sparse.



Wanetta Jones | School Improvement Specialist


Wanetta Jones was introduced to Direct Instruction as implemented by JP Associates by Educational Consultant, Sylvia Peters in 2001. "The love for teaching DI, witnessing remarkable ongoing success of students from varied backgrounds and learning styles has been rewarding ever since," Wanetta, said.

She graduated from Clark College, presently Clark Atlanta University and completed graduate studies at Walden University, earning a Master of Science in Education degree with a focus on Elementary Reading and Literacy, as well as a specialization in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment.

She's had a range of educational experiences that includes teaching elementary school, DI Coordinator in a Charter School, and is an Adjunct Faculty Instructor of Reading at a local Community College.

Wanetta is the proud daughter of William Jones, resides in Atlanta with her cocker spaniel "Cinnamon," and is proud to have been chosen to serve as a member of the JP team.

Sandy Leonard | School Improvement Specialist


Sandy Leonard has been with JP Associates, Inc. since 1997. She was born and raised in Arkansas. She received a Bachelor's degree in 1974 and a Master's degree in 1975 from Arkansas State University.

Since college, Sandy has had a wide range of teaching experiences. After one year on staff at Arkansas State University, she served in several schools with the Pine Bluff Public School system for twenty-two years. While in Pine Bluff, she started the Academy Program for At Risk Students at Pine Bluff High School using various Direct Instruction programs.

Sandy currently lives in Redfield, Arkansas with her four cats and one dog. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, fishing, painting and just relaxing with a good book. As a volunteer with Integrity, Inc. (A non-profit organization providing services for children and adults with disabilities.) she serves as President of the Board of Directors and spends many hours each year working with the children in their developmental day treatment center.



Dan Link | School Improvement Specialist


Dan Link has been with JP Associates since 1999. He grew up in southern Minnesota and has now lived in St. Paul, Minnesota for 12 years. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Management and Elementary Education in 1996 from Hamline University, located in St. Paul, Minnesota.

After college, Dan taught second grade at a charter school in St. Paul. In addition to teaching, he served on the charter school board.

Dan lives in St. Paul with his wife, son, and daughter. In addition to working for JP, he volunteers his time on an advisory board for a non-profit international adoption organization and enjoys spending time with his family.

Dr. Will Proctor | Program Evaluator

Will Proctor was born in the South, educated in the Midwest, and employed for the most part of his career in the Middle Atlantic States.

Dr. Proctor has been a Teacher and a Counselor in the Middle and High School, a School Psychologist working with students in Pre-Kindergarten through High School, a Principal, a Supervisor, and a Director in school districts that ranged from 20,000 students to 70,000 students. During the period that he worked as a Principal, Supervisor, and Director, Will recognized the need for handicapped students to be effectively included in the regular classroom. He identified the strategies needed to implement a full inclusion program that would provide appropriate instruction for ALL students, regular education and special education students, in the classroom. In addition, he provided the on-going staff development component that ensured that ALL students could be academically successful.

In addition he has taught for over 20 years at the University of Delaware Graduate School, and has recently served as a consultant in the areas of Inclusion, Reading, Evaluation/Assessment, and architectural and computer based designs. All of these efforts were to improve the quality of education.

Currently, Will serves as a program evaluator with JP, analyzing data with regard to the impact of Direct Instruction. He has currently reviewed data for sites in more than 13 states.



Veronica Stevens | School Improvement Specialist


Veronica Stevens has been with JP Associates, Inc. since 2000. She was born and raised in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. She received a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Arkansas at Monticello in 1996.

Since college, Veronica has had a wide range of experiences including teaching 1st-4th grade and working as a lead teacher in her previous school.

Veronica currently lives in Monticello, Arkansas with her husband, two cats and one dog. In addition to working for JP Associates, she likes to read and volunteers many hours of her time to Junior Auxillary raising money to benefit the children of the delta region of Southeast Arkansas.



PJ Toburen | School Improvement Specialist


P.J. Toburen has been with JP Associates, Inc.. for several years. She was born and raised upstate New York. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Ottawa University in Ottawa, KS in 1970 and a Master’s degree in Special Education from the Emporia State University in 1979. Before joining JP, P.J taught both regular and special education, taught classes at the local community college, served as Execitive Secretary for Kansas Council for Exceptional Children, and worked as an independent consultant.

PJ is the proud grandmother of four.The oldest three are home schooled and their mom uses Direct Instruction programs to teach them Reading, Math, Language and Spelling. She and her husband, Jim, live in La Junta, CO where they enjoy four wheeling and motorcycling in the majestic Rocky Mountains.