Dr. Constance “C.J.” Leyland is passionate about creating sustainable and viable relationships through collaboration. She has been a Dean for two universities, both on-ground and online, in San Diego, CA, Las Vegas, NV, Irvine, CA, and various states within the United States. She has a doctorate in business administration, specializing in international business. She has an MBA specializing in organizational management. Another masters in Information Technology specializing in Cyber Security. She also has a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and a minor in Business Administration. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Science for Psychology majoring in Industrial and Organization. She has taught K-12 and the Higher Education industry. She has worked in the Banking, Insurance, Real Estate, Education, and Staffing Industry as well. She has managed teams for over 25 years.
She is an instructional designer, a TV Host, a podcast host and content creator, and a 2x International best-selling author, and a CEO of Level Up Academy by: Docleyland, LLC, where she pours her work into creating courses, webinars, and consulting for anyone who needs transferable skills to level up their professional development in business areas. She provides jobs, opportunities, and collaboration for anyone who wants to transform their life.
Dr. Dufresne is a career educator who has been a teacher, building principal at the elementary, middle and secondary levels, curriculum director, and acting superintendent. Currently serving as the Chief Academic Officer at Knovva Academy, his career has led him to have the opportunity to serve as a school administrator for sixteen years in both large urban and small rural schools.
Peter was the principal of West Springfield High School when the newly created freshman academy known affectionately as Terrier House in West Springfield High School became recognized as a model program. The Terrier House, which was recognized by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges as one of only sixteen model programs in New England in 2006 reduced freshman retention rates by 22% in a single year. He is also the co-author of “A Culture of Ethical Leadership” published in the Principal Leadership magazine in 2009.
Peter has been fortunate to work with schools around the world, including the smart city in NEOM (Saudi Arabia), Dubai, Egypt (SAFWA), Peru, and Ecuador, as well as many schools in the United States. Further, Peter was the centerpiece of educational articles in Authority Magazine and US News and World Report in 2022 for his work in supporting classroom teachers and students. Peter has been fortunate to be the keynote speaker at multiple Model G20 summits and school convocations.
Peter completed his Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership at the University of the Cumberlands in 2021. Several research groups published his research study “International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Students Compared To Like Peers”. Peter also consults on school scheduling, professional development, and organizational development when not leading the Knovva Academic Team. Peter is currently working on a book on school leadership with many of his EDSS colleagues.
B.A. – History and Political Science – Western New England University
M.Ed – Educational Leadership – University of Massachusetts – Amherst
Ph.D – Organizational Development and Leadership – University of the Cumberlands