CORE Staff

CORE Leadership and Staff

The integrated work of Pivot Learning and CORE is supported by CORE’s exceptional leadership, staff, and professional learning consultants.

Linda Diamond
Linda DiamondPresident
Linda Diamond, CORE’s President, previously served as a public school teacher, principal, Director of Curriculum and Instruction for a K–12 school district, and Senior Policy Analyst with an emphasis on school to career, charter schools, and school reform. Mrs. Diamond is also the co-author ofmore
Dean Ballard
Dean BallardDirector of Mathematics
Dean Ballard is the Director of Mathematics for CORE. He holds a master’s degree in math education from Sonoma State University (SSU) and secondary teaching credentials for both mathematics and English. Dean has 18 years of experience in the classroom teaching all levels of mathmore
Carrie Thomas Beck, Ph.D
Carrie Thomas Beck, Ph.DDirector of Literacy
Dr. Carrie Thomas Beck is CORE’s Director of Literacy. She comes to CORE after working four years as the Dyslexia Specialist for the Oregon Department of Education (ODE). In 2019, Carrie received the Excellence in Leadership Award from the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) to recognizemore
Brian Blanning
Brian BlanningDirector, Educational Services Operations
Brian Blanning is CORE’s Educational Services Resource Manager. He has been with CORE for more than 17 years and is responsible for client scheduling, materials fulfillment, consultant logistical support, editorial project management and event management. Prior to CORE, Brian was a project manager with themore
Cris Goldy, M.Ed.
Cris Goldy, M.Ed.Educational Services, Client Manager
Cris Goldy is an Educational Services Consultant with CORE. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in K–12 special education from Central Washington University. She received credentials in administration of teaching and learning from Walden University and administration certification frommore
Leah Guevara
Leah GuevaraSenior Program Manager, District & School Partnerships
Leah provides program management support to all of Pivot’s fee for service partnerships with school districts. She works directly with Pivot coaches on scope of work, contract and budget development, time reporting and payment, and management of engagements with our partners. Leah joined Pivot inmore
Mark Simmons
Mark SimmonsChief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer
Mark joined the Pivot team following the acquisition of CORE in June 2017.  He spent over 14 years working with CORE as their Chief Operating and Financial Officer. He brings more than 25 years’ experience in building financial management and accounting functions in small andmore
Dale Webster, Ph.D.
Dale Webster, Ph.D.Chief Academic Officer
Dale Webster is CORE’s Chief Academic Officer. He leads the Educational Services division and is responsible for the day-to-day operations, training, and quality control of CORE’s educational consulting and management staff. Dale brings 20 years of experience in teaching, professional development/technical assistance, research, state-level policymore

Join Us

At Pivot Learning, we look for talented and inspiring colleagues who believe in public education and the power of school districts to innovate and improve. Learn more about our culture and open positions.

Careers

Explore Our Services

Rigorous Instruction

Use Great
Curriculum

Inclusive Instruction

Support Every
Learner

Leading on the Issues

Lead on
the Issues

© 2020 Pivot Learning
a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.
All rights reserved. Terms & Conditions.

Stay in the Know

Pivot Learning
1300 Clay St. Suite 600
Oakland, CA 94612
510.250.2543
info@pivotlearning.org