About
ABOUT US
Inspire Leadership Consultants, LLC, is where expertise meets passion to drive educational excellence.
With a combined experience of over 100 years in the field of education, our deep, dedicated consultants will bring a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to transforming educational institutions.
Our mission is to inspire and empower educational leaders to navigate the complex challenges of the modern education landscape, fostering environments where students thrive and achieve their fullest potential.
At Inspire Leadership Consultants LLC, we are not just consultants. We are partners in your journey toward educational success.
Our Mission
Our mission is to inspire and empower educational leaders to navigate the complex challenges of modern education, fostering environments where students thrive and achieve their fullest potential.
Our Vision
To embody the essence of a lighthouse — standing tall and resilient, casting a beacon of knowledge and empowerment across the leadership landscape, guiding leaders toward their fullest potential.
OUR TEAM
Meet Our Expert Consultants
Sylvia Hernandez
Curriculum and Leadership Coach
Sylvia Hernandez brings a wealth of experience from her remarkable thirty-two-year career in the public school system, culminating in her retirement in December 2022. She considers it a privilege to have contributed significantly to the growth and development of both elementary and secondary school students, having served in various roles including teacher, counselor, and principal. Additionally, she made substantial contributions at the district level, serving as Curriculum Director, Director of District Testing, Director of Student Services, and Special Ed. Director.
Sylvia received her Bachelor of Science in Education degree from the University of Houston – Victoria and Master of Education from the University of Houston – Victoria. She earned her superintendent certification through the Region 13 Texas Superintendents’ Certification Institution. Her exceptional leadership and dedication to educational excellence were recognized when she was honored as Region 3 Middle School Principal of the Year and a Texas Middle School Principal of the Year Finalist. Additionally, she was selected by Raise Your Hand Texas to participate in a summer training program for Principals at Harvard University School of Education.
Throughout her career, Sylvia actively participated in various committees, including the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals Academic Excellence Committee, where she served as the Chair Nominating Committee. She also contributed her expertise to the Region 3 Curriculum and Instruction Committee and the Region 3 Educator Preparation Program Advisory Committee.
Dave Plymale
Leadership and Governance Coach
41 Years ExperienceTEA Authorized ProviderLone Star Governance Coach
Dave Plymale is a veteran educator who has served in Texas school districts as a teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent. He retired in December 2019 as superintendent at Goliad ISD, concluding a 41-year career. He has since held positions as a mentor/coach, interim superintendent, search consultant, regional director of a non-profit, and outreach coordinator with the University of Texas-Austin. Dave is also a TEA authorized provider for school board training and Lone Star Governance Coach.
Plymale received his Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Northwest Missouri State University and Master of Science from Marshall University in West Virginia. His post master’s studies were at the University of Texas-Permian Basin, where he earned his superintendent certification. Throughout his illustrious career, Dave actively contributed to various committees associated with the Texas Association of School Administrators and the Texas Association of Community Schools, cementing his dedication to the betterment of the educational landscape.
Stephanie Timms
School Finance & CFO Specialist
13+ Years CFO ExperienceRTSBA CertifiedTexas A&M & Texas State Alumni
Stephanie Timms brings over 13 years of experience as a Business Manager or Chief Financial Officer, demonstrating her expertise in school district financial management. Currently serving as the Chief Financial Officer at Kenedy ISD in Kenedy, Texas, Stephanie has also held CFO roles at Waelder ISD, Luling ISD, and Three Rivers ISD.Stephanie received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Management degree from the Mays College of Business at Texas A&M University – College Station. She has a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the McCoy College of Business at Texas State University – San Marcos. She holds the certification of Registered Texas School Business Administrator (RTSBA) with the Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO) and attends the annual TASBO convention each year to stay informed and current on the ever-changing environment of Texas school finance.
Chris Ulcak
Special Education and Leadership Coach
Chris Ulcak is a passionate and devoted educator with a distinguished career spanning various Central and East Texas school districts. Over the years, Chris held pivotal roles such as a special education teacher, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent, making a profound impact in the education sector. In 2021, after an illustrious 30-year tenure, he retired, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and dedication to student welfare.
Throughout his career, Chris developed a profound connection with students with disabilities, finding fulfillment in collaborating with them and their families. His commitment to their holistic development has left a lasting mark in the communities he served.
Chris received his Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Texas at Austin. He additionally, earned two master’s degrees, one from Texas State University in Educational Administration and another from the University of Texas at Austin in Special Education. He did additional postgraduate work at the University of Texas at Austin with The Cooperative Superintendency program.
Dr. Guillermo Mancha
Leadership Coach and Senior Search Consultant
30+ Years Experience16-YearSuperintendentGovernance Expert
Dr. Guillermo Mancha, Jr. brings more than 30 years of distinguished service in Texas public education, including 16 years as a Superintendent of Schools. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to improving student outcomes, expanding college and career opportunities, strengthening fiscal sustainability, and building school cultures grounded in integrity, transparency, and high expectations.
A collaborative leader and systems thinker, Dr. Mancha has successfully served in large and small urban and rural school districts across Texas. His experience spans every level of educational leadership, including Superintendent of Schools, central office administration, principal, assistant principal, and special education teacher.
As superintendent, Dr. Mancha has led districts through significant academic improvement efforts, resulting in campuses earning the highest accountability ratings from the Texas Education Agency. He has also demonstrated exceptional fiscal stewardship while working closely with boards of trustees to establish effective governance practices, long-range strategic planning, and sustainable organizational systems.
Dr. Mancha’s expertise includes Lone Star Governance implementation, strategic planning, school finance, organizational leadership, safe and supportive school cultures, and continuous improvement systems that drive lasting student success. He is passionate about partnering with school boards and leadership teams to build high-performing organizations that prepare every student for future success.
OUR TEAM
Meet Our Expert Consultants
Sylvia Hernandez
Partner
32+ Years in Education
Region 3 Principal of the Year Harvard Training Alumna
TEA Registered Provider
Sylvia Hernandez brings more than 32 years of experience in public education to Inspire Leadership Consultants. Her diverse career includes service as a teacher, counselor, principal, Curriculum Director, Director of District Testing, Director of Student Services, and Special Education Director at both the campus and district levels.
Sylvia was named Region 3 Middle School Principal of the Year and a Texas Middle School Principal of the Year Finalist. She was also selected by Raise Your Hand Texas to participate in an intensive leadership program for principals at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Her areas of expertise include curriculum and instruction, assessment, special education, student services, and leadership development.
Sylvia earned her Bachelor of Science in Education and Master of Education degrees from the University of Houston–Victoria and her superintendent certification through the Region 13 Texas Superintendents’ Certification Institute. She is also a TEA Registered Provider and has served on numerous state and regional education committees.
As a Partner with Inspire Leadership Consultants, Sylvia works with school leaders and leadership teams to strengthen instructional systems, develop effective leaders, support special education and student services, and build sustainable practices focused on student success.
Dave Plymale
Partner
45+ Years in EducationLone Star Governance CoachSuperintendent Mentor
Dave Plymale brings more than 45 years of experience in public education and educational leadership to Inspire Leadership Consultants. He has served Texas public schools as a teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent and has continued his service through superintendent mentoring, executive searches, school board training, and leadership consulting.
After initially retiring as Superintendent of Goliad ISD in 2019, Dave continued his service to Texas public education through superintendent mentoring and coaching, executive searches, school board training, and interim leadership. Most recently, he served as Superintendent of Brazos ISD, where he led district improvement initiatives focused on student outcomes, organizational systems, facilities planning, and long-range planning. He is a TEA Authorized Provider, Lone Star Governance Coach, and TASA Superintendent Mentor and works with boards and leadership teams in governance, strategic planning, leadership development, and organizational improvement.
Dave earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Northwest Missouri State University and a Master of Science from Marshall University. He completed post-master’s studies and earned his superintendent certification through the University of Texas Permian Basin.
As a Partner with Inspire Leadership Consultants, Dave is committed to developing effective leaders, strengthening school board governance, and helping districts create sustainable systems focused on improved student outcomes.
Chris Ulcak
Partner
30+ Years in EducationSpecial Education LeadershipFormer Superintendent
Chris Ulcak brings more than 30 years of experience in public education to Inspire Leadership Consultants. His career includes service as a special education teacher, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent, giving him extensive experience in both campus and district leadership.
A significant focus of Chris’s career has been serving students with disabilities and supporting their educators and families. His combination of special education expertise and superintendent experience provides a valuable perspective on strengthening programs, improving instructional systems, supporting compliance, and developing effective school leaders.
Chris received his Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Texas at Austin. He additionally, earned two master’s degrees, one from Texas State University in Educational Administration and another from the University of Texas at Austin in Special Education. He did additional postgraduate work at the University of Texas at Austin with The Cooperative Superintendency program.
As a Partner with Inspire Leadership Consultants, Chris supports school districts in special education, leadership development, strategic planning, organizational improvement, and administrator coaching while maintaining a strong focus on improving outcomes for all students.
Dr. Guillermo Mancha, Ed.D.
Senior Search Consultant, Leadership Coach
30+ Years Experience16-YearSuperintendentGovernance Expert
Dr. Guillermo Mancha, Jr. brings more than 30 years of distinguished service in Texas public education, including 16 years as a Superintendent of Schools. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to improving student outcomes, expanding college and career opportunities, strengthening fiscal sustainability, and building school cultures grounded in integrity, transparency, and high expectations.
A collaborative leader and systems thinker, Dr. Mancha has successfully served in large and small urban and rural school districts across Texas. His experience spans every level of educational leadership, including Superintendent of Schools, central office administration, principal, assistant principal, and special education teacher.
As superintendent, Dr. Mancha has led districts through significant academic improvement efforts, resulting in campuses earning the highest accountability ratings from the Texas Education Agency. He has also demonstrated exceptional fiscal stewardship while working closely with boards of trustees to establish effective governance practices, long-range strategic planning, and sustainable organizational systems.
Dr. Mancha’s expertise includes Lone Star Governance implementation, strategic planning, school finance, organizational leadership, safe and supportive school cultures, and continuous improvement systems that drive lasting student success. He is passionate about partnering with school boards and leadership teams to build high-performing organizations that prepare every student for future success.
Stephanie Timms
Senior Consultant for School Finance
16+ Years CFO Experience RTSBA CertifiedTexas A&M & Texas State Alumna
Stephanie Timms brings over 13 years of experience as a Business Manager or Chief Financial Officer, demonstrating her expertise in school district financial management. Currently serving as the Chief Financial Officer at Kenedy ISD in Kenedy, Texas, Stephanie has also held CFO roles at Waelder ISD, Luling ISD, and Three Rivers ISD.
Stephanie received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Management degree from the Mays College of Business at Texas A&M University – College Station. She has a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the McCoy College of Business at Texas State University – San Marcos. She holds the certification of Registered Texas School Business Administrator (RTSBA) with the Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO) and attends the annual TASBO convention each year to stay informed and current on the ever-changing environment of Texas school finance.
Dr. Wendi Zimmer, Ph.D.
Senior Consultant for Curriculum, Instruction & Innovation
25+ Years in EducationCurriculum & Instruction
Leadership Development
Artificial Intelligence
Dr. Wendi Zimmer brings more than 25 years of experience in education, curriculum development, and leadership to Inspire Leadership Consultants. She has served as a classroom teacher, school administrator, curriculum developer, educational consultant, and university professor, providing her with a broad perspective on teaching, learning, and organizational leadership.
Wendi currently serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University, where she teaches communication, leadership, and workforce readiness and conducts research related to artificial intelligence, learning, organizational performance, and employee well-being. Her work with artificial intelligence focuses on helping educators use emerging technologies thoughtfully and responsibly to enhance, not replace, human thinking, professional expertise, and effective instruction.
Throughout her career, Wendi has designed comprehensive curriculum and professional learning experiences used by schools and organizations across the country. She partners with district leaders to translate research into practical strategies that improve instruction, develop leadership capacity, and prepare educators and students for the future of learning.
As Inspire Leadership Consultants’ Senior Consultant for Curriculum, Instruction & Innovation, Wendi helps districts connect strong leadership, effective communication, high-quality curriculum, and innovative technology to create sustainable improvements in teaching and learning and better outcomes for students.
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We’ll help you identify the highest-impact areas for your district and build a plan that fits.