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Built on common identity, reflection, and collective intelligence, Communities of Practice (CoP) are systems formed by people learning together in a shared space. This first Expanded Learning Community of Practice hosted by Elevo brought together districts and thought leaders from across the state to discuss challenges and share best practices on topics such as ELO-P advocacy and funding, UDL-based curriculum, and community engagement.

This landing page is a hub of resources and information that is intended to keep the conversation going as we all move forward together. 

Registration
Event Information
Facilitators

Registration

Whether you’ve joined us before or this would be your first Community of Practice, we’d love to have you be part of the conversation. Click the button below to register for our upcoming Community of Practice.

Register for the October 2026 Community of Practice

Event Information

CoP Facilitators and Guest Speakers​

President and Partner, Capitol Advisors Group

Kevin Gordon
kevin@capitoladvisors.org

Superintendent, Walnut Valley Unified School District

Bob Taylor

Partnership for Children and Youth

Laura Beebe

ELO Director, Chula Vista Elementary School District

Omar Calleros

Facilitators
Participants
Resources

CoP Facilitators and Guest Speakers​

Mayor, City of Sacramento

Kevin McCarty

Chief Education Budget Advisor to the Governor

Jessica Holmes

President and Partner, Capitol Advisors Group

Kevin Gordon
kevin@capitoladvisors.org

CoP Participants​​

Resources

COP Contact List (March 2026)
COP Slide Deck (Elevo)
Learning Policy Institute - Expanded Learning Blog
CDE Expanded Learning
The Educational Opportunity Project at Stanford University
Youth Policy Institute U.S. Projects
The Science of Learning and Development in Afterschool Systems and Settings (AIR)
Best Practices for Out-of-School Time (OST) Programs
Impacts of After-School Program on Student Outcomes (Campbell Systematic Reviews)

Guest Presenters

Partner, Capitol Advisors Group​

Jack O’Connell
jack@capitoladvisors.org

Partner, Capitol Advisors Group

Caitlin Jung
caitlin@capitoladvisors.org

Resources

January 2026 Budget Session Recording
Budget Workshops
Facilitators
Participants
Resources

CoP Facilitators and Guest Speakers

President, Capitol Advisors Group​

Kevin Gordon
kevin@capitoladvisors.org

Policy Manager, Partnership for Children & Youth

Anthony Chavez
anthony@partnerforchildren.org

Expanded Learning Program Specialist​, San Jacinto USD/RESC Committee Member

Ben Plá
bpla@sanjacinto.k12.ca.us

Special Projects Coordinator​, Rowland Unified School District

Esther Garcia
esther.garcia@rowlandschools.org

Expanded Learning Regional Administrator | System of Support for Expanded Learning County Lead, Los Angeles County Office of Education

Dr. Michelle Perrenoud
perrenoud_michelle@lacoe.edu

Expanded Learning Program Consultant, Los Angeles County Office of Education

Emily Tay
tay_emily@lacoe.edu

Expanded Learning Program Consultant, Los Angeles County Office of Education

Suzanne Hill
hill_suzanne@lacoe.edu

Director of Support Services​, Upland Unified

Mario Jacquez
mario_jacquez@upland.k12.ca.us

CoP Participants​

Resources

COP Contact List (October 2025)
COP Slide Deck (Elevo)
Attendance Recovery Brief (PCY)
Creating Future Educators Brief (PCY)
2025 Factsheet (CA3)
Expanded Learning Publications (LACOE)
Single, Comprehensive Expanded Learning Program Tool (LACOE)
Budget Workshops (Capitol Advisors)
Early Release and Late Arrival Guidance (CA Department of Education)
Facilitators
Participants
Resources

CoP Facilitators and Guest Speakers

Director, Expanded Learning Division California Department of Education

Michael Funk

President, Capitol Advisors Group

Kevin Gordon
kevin@capitoladvisors.org

Community of Practice Host​

Joe McCreary, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services
Berryessa USD
jmccreary@busd.net

Program Evaluator and California Afterschool Network Leadership Team Member | Research & Evaluation Subcommittee member of CDE's Expanded Learning Division​

George Hernandez
hernange@gmail.com

Expanded Learning Program Coordinator San Rafael | Research & Evaluation Subcommittee member of CDE's Expanded Learning Division

Mike Taylor
mtaylor@srcs.org

Regional Lead, Region 5 Expanded Learning Partnerships | CA System of Support | Monterey County Office of Education | Research & Evaluation Subcommittee member of CDE's Expanded Learning Division​

Mara Wold
mwold@montereycoe.org

Whole-Child Consultant, Glen Price Group​

Katie Brackenridge
katiebrackenridge@gmail.com

CoP Participants​

Resources

COP Contact List
Find Your Legislative Representative
Advocacy Letter Template
Learning Policy Institute - Whole Child Education
Absenteeism Data
COP Presentation Deck

District Staff & Partners

To book a meeting with a Director of District Partnerships, please select your school county below.

Meetings are not intended for prospective coaches. If you’re interested in working for us, please click here to visit our Careers page to view our current job openings.