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

Kristin Schmoke

Director of Programs & Head Coach

Parent Coach

Jillian is a trauma informed certified transformation coach. She specializes in radical self-love, metacognition, consciousness, and the unification of mind and body to help people transform the way they experience themselves and life. Her expertise provides a safe space for clients to grow towards expansive self-love and self-actualization. Her passion for personal and professional growth is the foundation for her calling: to make the world a kinder, more loving place. 

Kristin Schmoke is a certified parent coach and mom of four, dedicated to helping you simplify the challenges of parenthood while fostering deeper, more meaningful connections with children. With 25 years of experience as a teacher, Kristin has had the unique opportunity to observe child development at every stage, allowing her to refine her approach and better support families. Her education and own experiences navigating the ups and downs of parenting have shaped her perspective, giving her a fresh, empathetic approach to helping parents build stronger, more connected relationships with their kids.   

Meet the Team

Kathleen Staten, MBA

Chief Operating Officer

Paige Sifuentes is an educator and administrator based in Texas who supports Empowered Educator by managing the systems that keep learning clear, accessible, and running smoothly. With experience in the elementary classroom and a background in music education, she brings a strong sense of structure, pacing, and flow to organizing content, maintaining the website, and supporting the learning platform behind the scenes. Her work focuses on the administrative and technical details that reduce friction for educators and ensure courses, audio resources, and communications are dependable and easy to navigate. Paige holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Texas A&M–Commerce and, outside of work, enjoys exploring Texas, spending time with loved ones, and perfecting a great cup of coffee.

Paige Sifuentes

Digital Learning Operations Associate

Dr. Jen Rafferty

Chief Executive Officer, Founder

Jen’s work began with a realization early in her teaching career: while she was well prepared in content, pedagogy, and philosophy, she didn’t yet understand her students as fully as she wanted to. That question—how people actually learn—led her into cognitive neuroscience and ultimately to a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology. Over time, this research shaped a core belief that now anchors her work: the most generous thing educators can do for their students is to take care of themselves. Jen’s career includes published research, national media features, a TEDx talk, an Amazon-bestselling book for music educators, and a globally ranked podcast. Through Empowered Educator®, she brings the latest research in mindset, leadership, and cognitive neuroscience into practical, human-centered programs that help teachers and school leaders find their voice, sustain their energy, and build long, healthy careers in education.

Leadership & Operations

Your Name Here

Future Team Member

Could you see yourself here?
Empowered Educator is always growing, and we’re continually looking for thoughtful, relationship-driven educators who care deeply about supporting others. If you’re energized by meaningful work, human connection, and helping learning communities thrive, you might be a great fit for our team. Introduce yourself and share your experience at hello@empowerededucator.com.