Connie Friedman

Executive Director

Connie has served as an educational consultant for schools across greater Cleveland for over 10 years. Prior to consulting, Connie was a middle school teacher in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a dance teacher, and a children’s programming director.  In addition to her work with Link, Connie has also taught reading education courses in the Masters Apprenticeship Program at Ursuline College.  She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a Master’s degree in Reading Instruction from John Carroll University.

Connie’s leadership style allows her to recognize, embrace and enhance the unique skills and talents that each member brings to Link.  She is adept at seeking partnerships that will use these combined talents to empower an entire school communities to lead, collaborate and learn together, ensuring a quality education for all students.  In addition, Connie is an active participant in delivering the services of the organization independently and as a team member.

Halle Bargar

Director of Collaborative Leadership

Halle is a former classroom teacher in the Beachwood School District, and has been consulting in schools for over 12 years.  She has a Master’s degree in Education from John Carroll University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Bowling Green State University, where she was a Cum Laude graduate. As a coach for schools in the Cleveland, Euclid, and Cleveland Heights–University Heights school districts, Halle has provided professional development on the topics of collaborative leadership, positive school culture, and comprehensive literacy instruction. She also has facilitated principal meetings where principals were given the opportunity to collaborate and foster Professional Learning Communities within their individual schools.

Halle brings experience and expertise in nurturing true professional learning communities at all levels of schooling.  Her years of experience developing leadership teams at the district level; helping them create shared missions, visions, values and goals; and engaging teams in the hard work of acting on those goals, creates real change in districts. Halle’s leadership in creating school teams that work together to make a difference for children is a critical component of Link’s work.

Jane M. Harris

Director of Parent

Engagement

Jane has been in the field of education for nearly 50 years, 37 of which were spent in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.  In addition to teaching in the classroom, Jane facilitated professional development for teachers, staff and parents. Jane has also taught at John Carroll University, and continues to supervise student teachers.  She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in Reading Supervision, both earned at Baldwin Wallace College.

Jane understands the critical role that parents play in creating a solid educational experience for their children.  She has spearheaded multiple parent engagement projects that are all based on deep respect for families and quality relationships among parents and care givers. Through her leadership, Link has created multiple programs, including Parents in the Middle, Parents on the Edge, Parent Leadership Academies, and Parent Book Clubs.

Rebecca C. Rumsey

Director of Research

& Communication

Rebecca is a licensed teacher, and taught in the Cleveland Municipal School District before beginning a career in education consulting 10 years ago.  She holds a bachelor’s degree in Literature from Miami University and worked in business and postsecondary school administration before earning her teaching certification from Cleveland State University.  Rebecca continued her education at John Carroll University, earning a M.Ed. in Educational Psychology.

Rebecca brings skills and expertise that strengthen our organization as we navigate the demands of funders, markets, and research agendas.  She keeps us organized and on track so that we have a meaningful accounting of the impact that we make for parents, teachers, students, and communities.  Rebecca’s work connects us to the greater community by providing the information that let’s others understand the nature and impact of our work.