Meet the Team
Kristen Flannery, Founder/CEO, Lead Advocate
Kristen is the Founder/CEO & Lead Advocate of L&F Educational Associates, LLC. She is a professionally licensed educator in Special Education grades PreK-12 and Elementary Education 1-6. Kristen was a special educator in the public education system for over a decade before transitioning into an Educational Leadership role focusing on academic and social-emotional equity for all students. Kristen founded L&F Educational Associates, LLC in 2022 to help support children, families, and districts on a much deeper level. Kristen has had a passion for Consulting and Advocating since she entered the industry. Her goal is to be able to positively impact the world of education, giving all children an equal opportunity to achieve success. Throughout her many years as an advocate for children with disabilities, she has been met with great success in solving disputes & ensuring students are receiving the educational supports necessary to make progress.
Marybeth O’Connor M.Ed, Administrative Assistant
Marybeth O’Connor is a retired educator who dedicated over 30 years to the industry! Kristen and Marybeth co-taught together for 10 years prior to working together at L&F Educational Associates, LLC! Marybeth is passionate about assisting the firm in moving forward, making gains, and revolutionizing the public education system. Marybeth’s attention to detail, compassion for others, and belief in L&F’s mission is evident through every interaction she has with our clients. She & Kristen’s relationship is one they joke is a ying & yang. Kristen is the visionary, Marybeth helps put the ideas into action steps. This dynamic duo has been positively influencing the world for the last 14 years. L&F is beyond grateful to have such a knowledgable, empathetic, organized administrator running the behind the scenes of our operation!
Dr. Maureen Manning, Consultant
Dr. Maureen Manning is an international consultant, presenter, and keynote speaker on global education and culturally responsive leadership. She has both K12 and university experience, serving as a central office Director of Global Education & International Admissions, as well as a Director of English Language Education, Family & Community Engagement, & Communications over her 25+ year career in educational leadership. In the HEI sector, Manning has worked as a doctoral chair, professor, teacher trainer, and professional development facilitator across the United States, Asia, Australia, and Europe, modeling best practices in strengthening intercultural competencies to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging.
A seasoned presenter, Dr. Manning has been a keynote and featured speaker at Harvard University's Sino-American Colloquium, Loyola Marymount University’s International Colloquium in Spain, the Shaping the Future Conference in Nigeria, the Global Academia Conference in Islamabad, the University of Lisbon, and the Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication in China. She is also a frequent presenter at numerous US conferences each year. Conference presentations include: NAFSA, The Forum on Education Abroad, The PIE Live Europe, The PIE Live North America, EnglishUSA, IACAC, AASA, ASCD, and WIDA, among many others.
Dr. Manning’s most recent scholarly articles are published in the Journal of Higher Education Policy and Leadership, the American Sociology Association’s Teaching and Learning Matters Journal, the European International Education Association's Forum Journal, and the University of Southern California’s Educational Leadership Journal, with book chapters currently in press. She serves as a peer reviewer for academic papers, articles, and conference applications, and as a national professional development grant reviewer for the US Department of Education. She received her doctorate from Northeastern University and works as a consultant to organizations across the globe. Using a systems-thinking and marketing lens, she advises on strategy and insight and co-creates evidence-based, data-driven plans with stakeholders to help launch organizations to heightened levels of success.
Caitlin Szoch M.Ed, Advocate/Consultant
Caitlin Szoch is a proud Navy spouse and mother of three. She obtained Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Science in Special Education from Bridgewater State University. As an educator, Caitlin spent most of her time educating and advocating for students who require IEP’s to be successful in the school setting. Her nine
years of experiences include public schools in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Virginia, as well as a Department of Defense school overseas. In addition
to being an educator, Caitlin also has experience in providing Applied Behavior Analysis (“ABA”) therapy for children and their families in the home setting. Caitlin is passionate about creating and advocating for learning environments that bring every student success in his/her own way.