Kathleen is a transformational leader who thrives on turning potential into progress. With more than 15 years of experience in EdTech, SaaS, and nonprofit leadership, she specializes in strategic planning, omni-channel marketing, and organizational growth; aligning marketing and sales to drive sustainable organizational expansion. She taught for six years in Pre-K through 12th grades, and also designed and led educational programs in both online and in-person settings. Kathleen holds an MBA from Southern Methodist University and a Bachelor of Music from Indiana University, a unique combination that fuels her ability to think strategically while understanding the power of creativity and education. 

Jillian Pawlowski

Director of Programs & Head Coach

Jillian is a Trauma-Informed Certified Coach who helps educators regulate their nervous systems, sharpen metacognitive awareness, and reconnect with themselves so they can teach, lead, and live with greater ease and intention. She guides educators beyond survival mode toward sustainable wellbeing, empowering them to establish boundaries without guilt, rest without shame, navigate conflict with confidence, and rediscover the joy that brought them to education in the first place. Jillian believes educator wellbeing is foundation of thriving schools and thriving communities. Her mission is to help educators become the fullest expression of who they are, both in and beyond the classroom, creating a ripple effect of compassion, joy, and meaningful change.

Kathleen Staten, MBA

Chief Operating Officer

Dr. Jen Rafferty

Founder/CEO

Jen never planned to leave the classroom as a middle school music teacher, but in 2020 it was clear that the burnout teachers were experiencing wasn't going to simply disappear. As a response, she resigned from her position and started Empowered Educator with a mission to give educators the tools they need to have a healthy longevity throughout their career, even with the growing challenges.

Her insights have been featured in Forbes, Authority Magazine, Medium, Thrive Global, Best Holistic Life Magazine, and Wellness Voice Magazine. Her TEDx talk, Generational Change Begins with Empowered Teachers, struck a powerful chord and has garnered over 4 million views on Instagram. Holding a PhD in Educational Psychology, as well as degrees in Music Education and Vocal Performance, Jen brings both academic rigor and artistic sensitivity to her work. She is also a certified Emotional Intelligence practitioner, and her programs are continuously informed by cutting-edge research in mindset, leadership, and cognitive neuroscience. Her book, The Empowered Educator is now available through Penguin Random House.

Jen is deeply curious, easily inspired, and passionate about meaningful connection. She still finds joy in singing and playing the piano, and loves cheering at her daughter’s band concerts and her son’s soccer games. A lifelong learner at heart, she is committed to helping educators and school leaders rediscover their voice, lead with authenticity, and thrive both in and out of the classroom.

Meet the team

It all started with a teacher who loved her job and was running on empty.