About Us

Joe Simmons, M.S. Ed.

CEO, GradMasters, LLC

Mr. Simmons is the CEO and founder of Gradmasters-LLC, an educational consulting firm dedicated to advancing effective teaching practices and educational equity. With 34 years of experience in public education as both a teacher and school administrator, Mr. Simmons brings a wealth of practical knowledge and insight to his work. Mr. Simmons hold three master’s degrees (Health Ed., Special Education, Education Administration) and has spent the past 22 years teaching graduate-level education courses, specializing in curriculum development, childhood development, and special education. Throughout his career, Mr. Simmons has been passionate about supporting educators, schools, and districts in creating inclusive, engaging, and impactful learning environments for all students. His commitment to high-quality education has made him a valued and trusted leader in the field of education.

Coleen Crespo, BS, MIS

COO, GradMasters, LLC

Ms. Coleen Crespo is the COO of GradMasters, LLC. A dynamic, accomplished Data & Information Management expert respected for >35 years of experience planning and integrating records, project management, information management policies, vendor management, database application testing, writing guidelines, and SOPs. Ms. Crespo is a proven motivational, influential leader and collaborator who ensures accuracy and quality; including supporting key audits and software testing. She is experienced at building and maintaining lasting relationships, leveraging communication skills to negotiate contracts and deliver superior customer service. Out-of-the-box thinker committed to improving systems and processes to exceed expectations. Ms. Crespo holds a BS in Chemistry and Biology minor, Masters of Information Science, and certificate in Clinical Research–Data Management. She is experienced in the education system, 15 years of academic research at Duke University Clinical Research Institute (DCRI); a previous remedial math instructor, reading tutor, and substitute teacher at elementary, middle and high school levels.

Miguelina Urena M.S.Ed., CSC

Miguelina Ureña, M.S.Ed., CSC, is a dedicated and experienced Certified School Counselor with over10 years of experience supporting middle school students in academic achievement, social-emotionaldevelopment, and career readiness. She currently serves at MS 88 in Brooklyn, where she providesindividual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and school-wide social-emotional supportinitiatives. Throughout her career, Ms. Ureña has demonstrated strong leadership in creating safe,inclusive, and supportive school environments. She serves as a Respect for All Liaison, leading effortsto prevent bullying, discrimination, and harassment, while promoting positive student relationships andemotional well-being. Her work focuses on helping students build resilience, improve self-awareness,and develop the skills needed for long-term success. Prior to her current role, Ms. Ureña served as a School Counselor at PS 291 in Brooklyn, where she also held multiple leadership positions, includingTesting Coordinator, College Access for All Coordinator, SHSAT Coordinator, Social EmotionalLearning Lead, and Respect for All Liaison. In these roles, she led school-wide programs thatsupported student achievement and strengthened college and career readiness. In addition to herschool-based work, Ms. Ureña brings extensive higher education experience from Touro CollegeGraduate Programs, where she served as a Deputy Chair and Academic Advisor from 2005 to 2015. Inthis role, she supported graduate students in academic planning, provided career and personalguidance, and collaborated with faculty to ensure student success. She currently remains involved inthe field as a Clinical Advisory Committee Member, contributing to the development of future schoolcounselors. Ms. Ureña holds a Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) in School Counseling and adual Master’s degree in General and Special Education, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She is permanently certified as a School Counselor in New York State and is bilingual in English andSpanish. She is committed to empowering students, supporting families, and fostering environmentswhere every student feels valued, supported, and prepared for their future.

Lorli M. Dima-ala

Award winning actress, director, producer, singer, writer. Fulbright Scholar and graduated from Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois. Lifetime Achiement awardee from several institutions, as the Journalists Assn.  of the Phils and the International Uniffied Filipino Teachers Assn. Was Deputy Chair for  the Graduate School of General Education and the Graduate Scool of Students with Disabilities at Touro University for over 15 years.