TESTIMONIALS

As a professional woman in leadership, Rising Scholars Collective has been instrumental in helping me identify and pursue the next steps necessary for my continued success. After more than fifteen years in education, I reached a pivotal moment in my career, a point where my passion for leadership was strong, but opportunities for advancement seemed to have stalled. I hit what felt like a brick wall when I was not promoted to the higher-level roles I had long prepared for.

Through thoughtful guidance and encouragement, Dr. Slaton-Barkley helped me reframe that setback as an opportunity for growth rather than defeat. She challenged me to invest in myself by expanding my credentials and deepening my leadership capacity. Her encouragement led me to enroll in a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program, where I am now developing the advanced skills and scholarly perspective needed to lead systemic improvement in schools. In addition, I am actively pursuing Tier 2 Leadership Certification, which aligns with my long-term goals of serving as a district-level leader and change agent in education.

The support I have received from Rising Scholars Collective has been nothing short of transformative. The personalized coaching, goal-setting sessions, and accountability structure have reignited my sense of purpose and confidence as an educational leader. I now approach my work with renewed clarity, a stronger professional network, and the conviction that my path forward is both intentional and attainable. Rising Scholars has not only guided me toward tangible career advancement, it has reminded me that leadership growth begins with self-discovery and a commitment to lifelong learning.

A Public School Assistant Principal, 2025

I have to take a moment to shout out Rising Scholars Collective and Dr. Slaton-Barkley for the incredible work they’ve done with my daughter! 

The transition from public school to homeschool can be a big one especially for a neurodivergent learner but Dr. Slaton-Barkley and her colleagues made it such a thoughtful and supportive process. They took the time to really see her, understand her strengths and needs, and create a specialized pathway that allows her to be a hybrid student with dual enrollment opportunities.

Now, she’s not just thriving academically she’s blossoming socially and emotionally too. She’s experiencing college life in a way that’s pressure-free yet full of purpose and exposure. Watching her find her element, gain independence, and learn to navigate and advocate for herself has been such a gift.

Thank you, Dr. Slaton-Barkley and Rising Scholars, for helping her shine in ways I always knew she could. You’ve made this chapter of her educational journey something truly special. 

Our client, parent of a high school homeschool student, 2025

I'd like to say thank you to Dr. Slaton-Barkley at Rising Scholars Collective for guiding me throughout middle and high school regarding my course selections and selective summer program admissions.  Dr. Slaton-Barkley walked my father and I through the process of obtaining an associate's degree while I was in high school.  She taught us about dual enrollment and how to choose what classes to take. Due to my unusual circumstances, she had to help guide me through writing an appeal to include transfer credits from another institution and with her help, it was approved.  I graduated from high school in 2022 with 72 college credits.  I qualified for entrance into Georgia State University's honor dorms and I entered college as a college junior.  Thank you again Dr. Slaton-Barkley.  I 100% recommend her services.

Former client, current entrepreneur

I am thankful to Rising Scholars Collective for directing me to my son's current microschool.  He was lost in the public school system and not making the gains that I knew he was capable of.  After answering my multiple questions, Dr. Slaton-Barkley was able to recommend a local school that met and exceeded the goals for my child.  She also helped to support me in my application for the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship.  We are so thankful for what she has done for us.  

Parent of an elementary student, 2024

I'm not going to lie, I was lost.  I thought putting my son in a local charter school was the answer since he was accepted.  However, I always felt as though they were not giving him everything he needed.  At the end of his kindergarten year, they recommended retention.  I had a consultation with Dr. Slaton-Barkley and she asked me what their plan was for the next year, would they give him the same teacher, with the same curriculum? Would they get him assessed further to see what other supports he needed.  I asked the school these questions and they could not give me the answers I needed in order to feel confident that my child would learn what he needed to learn to get to first grade.  Dr. Slaton-Barkley recommended another school for my child and it has been a great fit so far.  Both of my children have benefited from her services.

Parent of two elementary students