We’ve sat in your seat and stood in your shoes. If it’s keeping you up at night, it’s keeping us up at night, too.
Meet the Team
We’re not just coaches. We’re former teachers, principals, social workers, elected officials, and system leaders with over 90 years of combined experience across 47 states.
We know how hard this job is — and that it’s possible to navigate it with joy, purpose, and lasting impact.
APC Leadership Collaborative started the way so many good things do: through authentic relationships. Co-founders Jamie and Graig bonded over long conversations about education systems, policy, student success — and a shared love of indulgent food and live music. What began as a friendship became a collaboration, and today, our entire team carries that spirit of connection and shared purpose into every partnership we build.
We believe strong public schools are the foundation of opportunity, and should give every student — no matter their zip code — an education that opens doors to college, career, and a life of purpose.

Jamie Almanzán is a facilitator, teacher, curriculum developer, leadership coach, and co-founder of APC Leadership Collaborative.
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Prior to leading APC, he held the position of Senior Coach at the National Equity Project, a national non-profit, and the position of Director of Learning and Teaching at Pacific Educational Group in San Francisco. Both organizations were focused on shifting the conversation in schools to address historical academic and experiential gaps for students. He has focused his career on working with school and district teams to create more equitable learning environments incorporating observation, collaboration, and changing instruction to best meet the needs of all student populations, particularly focused on the historically underserved. Jamie is involved in systemic school reform initiatives and is responsible for the development and facilitation of leadership seminars for state, regional and district teams across the country. Jamie leads professional learning and coaches in a wide range of schools and districts across the nation.

Jessica Gammell is a facilitator, teacher and Associate Certified Coach who catalyzes adult learning by attending to the technical and relational aspects of change.
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In her work as a math teacher and assistant principal in the San Francisco Bay Area, she experienced firsthand how adults, when committed to learning together and focused on disrupting systemic oppression, can significantly impact student achievement. She is committed to spreading that experience through coaching and supporting equity-centered improvement. Prior to joining APC Leadership Collaborative, Jessica coached school and district leaders and facilitated regional networks with the National Equity Project and Partners in School Innovation, nationally recognized nonprofits supporting adults to make good on the promise of a quality education.

Graig Meyer is a social worker, educator, youth development specialist, coach and partner in APC Leadership Collaborative.
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For sixteen years, he led the Blue Ribbon Mentor-Advocate program, which was nationally recognized for sending 97.5% of its students to college. Meyer also served as the Director of Student Equity and Volunteer Services for the 12,000-student Chapel Hill-Carrboro (NC) City Schools. He is also a member of the North Carolina Senate.
You’ve Met the Team — Now Let’s Talk About Yours
We’d love to learn about your schools, your goals, and what keeps you up at night. Let’s explore how we can partner to support your team and the students you serve.
Let’s partner to make the change you envision possible.