About Us
K12 Consulting Group was founded on a simple truth: schools shape communities, and facilities shape opportunity. Every classroom, field, and playground tells a story about what we value, and who we believe deserves access to the best.
We are a team of educators, planners, and innovators who believe that equity begins with the built environment. Our work goes beyond managing projects - we build systems that reflect transparency, inclusion, and long-term impact. Whether we’re helping a district develop its Facilities Master Plan, aligning a bond program to real needs, or reimagining playground safety standards, our purpose remains the same: to make public education stronger, fairer, and more future-ready.
Our One System Concept drives everything we do. We don’t look at projects in isolation; we see the whole picture — how every decision connects to funding, learning, and community well-being. By integrating planning, design, and management into one framework, we help districts spend smarter, plan bolder, and build with intention.
At K12, passion fuels our process. Equity defines our mission. And change is the outcome we measure by, not in dollars spent, but in futures improved.
Our staff and experts are all local licensed and certified professionals in comstruction managementt, engineering, architecture, public works and building inspection. We are not just consultants:
We’re partners in reimagining what public education can look like, one district, one plan, and one equitable system at a time.mmunities thrive: One district, One plan, One system at a time.
Jennifer Young - Principal In Charge
At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to building long-term relationships rooted in trust, transparency, and tangible results. With over 18 years of experience guiding school districts through complex facilities projects, I specialize in creating structured, streamlined systems that not only solve today’s challenges but set districts up for a decade of success.
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My approach is grounded in practical strategy and long-term thinking. I help districts establish strong, compliant foundations—whether through master planning, project management, or standard-setting—so they can make confident decisions, stay accountable, and build environments that truly serve students and communities.
Beyond my consulting work, I am the founder of The PAW Policy Project (TPPP), where I lead efforts to rescue and rehome dogs while pushing for legislative reforms to protect animal welfare. I also launched WISH (Women in School Housing), a network of women leaders in construction and school infrastructure, dedicated to disrupting silos, sharing knowledge, and driving meaningful change.
Clients know me as dependable, down-to-earth, and all in. I bring a personal, hands-on touch to every project and pride myself on standing by my word. For me, this work isn’t just about buildings—it’s about creating spaces that bring joy, foster belonging, and leave a legacy.
When I’m not on a job site or working with a district, you’ll find me out on a trail hiking, chasing the perfect ski run, or on the golf course.
Ronald Hickey
Director of Bond Program Management
Ronald Hickey is a retired Assistant Superintendent of California Public Schools and retired Senior Vice President of a Program Management firm (Caldwell Flores Winters - CFW) that builds public schools throughout the state of California. Ron has 20 years of experience in Facilities Development in California public schools.
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Ron has directly managed the construction of more than 75 school facilities projects and has managed more than $2 Billion in School Facilities Bond funds. As the Senior Vice President at CFW, Ron managed the Implementation Division in the Program Management, Process Engineering, and Document Management service delivery for more than 100 facilities projects state-wide.Program Management is the foundation for effective and efficient school facilities bond program delivery. Ron Hickey is an expert in facilities program management and implementation, bringing extensive experience helping school districts successfully manage and deliver their bond programs. He plans, designs, implements, and measures every process necessary for successful program outcomes. Simply put, Ron Hickey is an expert in School Facilities Bond Program Management.ription text goes here
Tracy Koh
Director of Operations
Tracy Koh has more than 30 years in the construction industry, Tracy Koh brings deep expertise in project delivery, materials systems, and multi-site facility improvements.
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Her portfolio spans complex modernization, new construction, and infrastructure upgrades across both K–12 and higher education environments. Tracy’s leadership is defined by her hands-on management style, technical precision, and unwavering commitment to quality, safety, and communication. She has successfully guided projects from planning through closeout within occupied school environments, balancing cost, schedule, and educational impact.
Vanessa Cowdrey
Finance and Compliance Manager
Vanessa Cowdrey serves as K12 Consulting Group’s Finance and Compliance Manager, bringing more than 15 years of experience in accounting, bookkeeping, compliance, and financial systems. She manages everything from invoicing and budget tracking to forecasting and reporting, ensuring clarity and consistency across all financial operations.
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Her deep understanding of state and district-level compliance requirements plays a crucial role in our Program Management framework helping to align project budgets, bond funds, and Prop 2 reimbursements under a single transparent system. Vanessa’s precision ensures that every financial decision is backed by accountability, compliance, and strategic foresight, giving both the district and the K12 team confidence in every dollar spent.
Known for her balance of structure and strategy, Vanessa keeps projects running smoothly behind the scenes — building financial systems that not only track progress but also tell the story of responsible, equitable investment.
Beyond her work with K12, Vanessa serves on the Board of Directors for WISH (Women in School Housing), where she champions transparency, fiscal stewardship, and mentorship for women across the school facilities and construction industry.
Mimi Coronado
Architectural Designer and Senior Project Manager
Mimi Coronado is a Senior Project Manager with K12 Consulting Group, Mimi Coronado brings over 16 years of architectural, interior, and landscape design experience to her role as a Senior Project Manager, uniting creativity with technical precision in the delivery of school facility projects.
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Her background spans architecture, fire suppression systems, structural coordination, and landscape development—providing a well-rounded perspective essential to campus modernization and design compliance. Highly skilled in AutoCAD, Revit, and 3D modeling, Mimi has managed multi-disciplinary projects requiring close coordination with jurisdictions, consultants, and DSA reviewers to ensure design intent and constructability align. Her work reflects a deep commitment to creating safe, inspiring environments that balance function, form, and educational purpose. Mimi studied Technical Drafting and Architecture at Palomar College and Concept Design and Landscapes at Watts Atelier of the Arts, and she continues to apply both artistic and technical expertise to enhance California’s educational facilities.offering over a decade of experience in architecture, design documentation, and construction coordination. With a strong foundation in design-build, she helps districts move complex projects from idea to execution with clarity and precision. Mimi specializes in constructability review, site logistics, and ensuring technical accuracy throughout the process, she brings fresh insight and thoughtful problem-solving to every phase of work. Her calm, detail-oriented leadership makes her a trusted guide on even the most challenging projects.
Jessica Villa
Director of Business Development
Jessica Villa supports all things K12. She provides comprehensive team support and RFP response development, ensuring that every proposal reflects K12’s standards of clarity, creativity, and precision.
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From coordinating project materials and timelines to refining proposal content and formatting, Jessica brings structure and calm to even the busiest moments. Her ability to anticipate needs and keep communication flowing makes her an invaluable link between the leadership team, partners, and district clients.
Jessica approaches every task with a sense of purpose and professionalism, helping transform ideas into polished, actionable deliverables that move projects forward — and make the whole team look good in the process.
Matthew Alferos
Play Spaces + Project Manager
Matthew Alferos supports K12 Consulting Group as a Project Manager and Playground Specialist, with hands-on experience in educational infrastructure and outdoor learning environments.
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He partners closely with districts to support project planning, safety alignment, and construction coordination—especially around athletic fields and play spaces. Whether on-site or in design review meetings, Matthew brings a grounded, collaborative approach to ensuring every space is built to serve students safely and effectively. His reliability, technical insight, and strong communication make him a key player across K12 projects.
Caroline
Director of Pawsitivity
Caroline is our Ambassador at K12. She is a perpetual example of grace and forgiveness, and heartbeat of kindness at K12 Consulting Group. As a rescue herself, she embodies the empathy, patience, and gratitude that inspire much of our work.
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Whether she’s greeting visitors, joining Zoom calls, or offering quiet comfort during long days, Caroline has an uncanny ability to remind everyone what really matters: compassion and connection.
She also proudly serves as the Ambassador for The Paw Policy Project, the nonprofit led by her mom, Jennifer Young. In that role, Caroline helps spread the message of rescue, reform, and responsible pet ownership — proving every day that kindness is the best kind of leadership.
Around here, we say Caroline doesn’t just make days better — she makes the work more meaningful.