Skill Surge Consulting Team

Our mission is to be the trusted partner for schools, districts, and organizations by delivering strategic, customized consulting and impactful professional development.

Our vision is to inspire schools to innovate with confidence—one educator, one classroom, one organization at a time.

Valerie Thomas, Co-founder

Valerie has over 20 years in education including 8+ years as a district instructional technology coach. She holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and current teacher and principal certifications. Valerie is trained in Cognitive Coaching, giving her a unique ability to guide educators in reflective, future-ready teaching practices.

The years spent as a district level technology coach have taught Valerie what teachers, administrators, and school communities face daily. She brings genuine understanding, practical advice, and hands-on help.

Janey Ramirez, Co-founder

Janey brings a wealth of expertise cultivated through more than 15 years of service in the K-12 landscape. Her journey as a teacher, instructional coach at the elementary level, and district instructional technology coach at the secondary level has provided a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities that exist across all grade levels and subject areas.

Janey holds an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction. She has current teacher and principal certifications in Arizona, and she is trained in Cognitive Coaching.