How one consultant's work reaches thousands of students, one teacher at a time
Meet Dr. Lisa Thomas, Director of School Consultation, Ph.D., NCSP, LP, BCBA Every educator remembers a moment when they realized they needed more answers than their training provided. For Dr. Lisa Thomas, that moment came early in her career. Fresh out of college with Bachelor’s degrees in education and psychology, she found herself leading a classroom of students with diverse learning and behavioral needs.
"I realized I knew how to teach reading and math," she recalls, "but I hadn't been taught how to support the behaviors that were interfering with learning in my classroom."
Rather than accept that reality, Lisa started asking questions. She researched, experimented with new approaches, and sought every opportunity to learn. That journey ultimately led her to earn a Ph.D. and build a career dedicated to helping educators feel more prepared, confident, and supported to prevent and respond to disruptive behaviors in their classroom.
Today, as Director of School Consultation at May Consultation Services, that mission continues to shape everything she does.
"I never want another teacher to feel the way I felt – that they're trying to help students but don't have the tools they need."
Building Lasting Change Schools partner with May Consultation Services to navigate increasingly complex challenges, from supporting students with behavioral needs to strengthening classroom practices, our consultants help educators feel better equipped and less vulnerable to burnout.
Lisa's work isn't about providing quick answers. It's about helping schools build the knowledge, systems, and confidence to create lasting change. Every partnership is tailored to a school's unique needs, often beginning with a program evaluation designed to identify strengths, growth opportunities, and key priorities. Lisa then partners with school teams to develop action plans, deliver meaningful professional development, provide onsite coaching, and ongoing consultation. This approach equips educators with practical, evidence-based strategies that continue to benefit students and staff long after the contract has ended.
"We're helping educators develop the confidence and skills to solve problems themselves," Lisa says. "That's where lasting change happens."
The Moment It Worked When asked about her proudest accomplishment, Lisa doesn't mention awards, conference presentations, or published research. Instead, she remembers walking past a classroom months after working with a teacher to establish clear expectations and positive reinforcement strategies. The teacher didn't know Lisa was there, yet the same practices they had developed together were still being used.
"It reminded me that this work lasts," she says.
Those moments matter because their impact reaches far beyond a single classroom. A district leader once described Lisa's work in a way she'll never forget.
"You're like a drop of water that creates a ripple effect."
Helping one teacher strengthen one classroom can transform the experience of every student in that room. Across an entire district, those ripples can improve outcomes for thousands of children. Last year alone, Lisa estimates her work positively influenced the educational experiences of more than 6,000 students.
Building confidence and better outcomes Today's educators face growing demands, increasingly diverse student needs, and persistent burnout. Lisa believes the solution isn't asking teachers to do more, it's helping them feel better prepared and supported.
"I hope teachers leave our work together feeling empowered," she says. "Confident in their abilities, supported in their challenges, and connected to a team that is invested in their success."
That's the philosophy behind May’s Consultation Services: building educator confidence, strengthening school systems, and creating better outcomes for students through evidence-based practices and collaborative partnerships.
Beyond the Classroom Outside of work, Lisa is an avid LEGO® builder who recently traveled to Denmark to learn from LEGO Master Builders.
"A LEGO build has a clear beginning and a clear end," she says with a smile. "You finish it, step back, and know it's complete."
Supporting educators is different. There's always another classroom. Another teacher. Another student whose future can be shaped by an educator who feels equipped to manage disruptive behaviors.
For Lisa, that's exactly what makes the work so meaningful.
May Institute offers a unique and comprehensive continuum of services to public and private schools, and to families. Learn more about our Consulting Services.
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