Meet the Team: Igniting Excellence

At the core of EDvanced Consulting lies a question that fuels our mission:

How do we empower educators to create ripples of transformative change that extend far

beyond the individual?

Our journey began with this inquiry, sparked by the belief that true excellence in education emerges when individuals and communities of educators learn and grow together. In 2022, we embarked on a quest to craft innovative solutions that not only enhance the skills of educators but also nurture the essence of effective teaching.

Our Transformative Journey

In 2022, we committed ourselves to a vision that recognizes leadership in education as a dynamic fusion of 'being' and 'doing.' We set out to develop distinctive educational experiences that engage educators in building both the hard and soft skills of leadership. Our conviction rests on the idea that these skills are not only teachable and learnable but are essential components for navigating the complex landscape of modern education.

Through intentional efforts and a passion for impactful change, we've witnessed the results of our approach in multiple partner districts across the state of South Carolina.

Our Founders

Kristina Yates

Kristina is a seasoned transformational coach, leadership facilitator, program designer, and senior leader known for her expertise in cultivating resilient, mindful, and skilled leaders. As a Co-Founding Partner and Chief Executive Officer at EDvanced Consulting, Kristina has been instrumental in establishing and growing the organization with a mission to empower educators, inspire skilled and mindful leaders, and reimagine what is possible in rural communities.

Throughout her career, she has taught in diverse classrooms across rural Mississippi, New York City, and Washington D.C., holding various roles, including Mentor Teacher, ECE/Elementary Literacy Department Chair, Instructional Performance Coach, Academy Director, and School Leader. With her extensive background in education leadership, Kristina has led innovative initiatives in school outreach, early career and international teacher development, executive leadership coaching, and grant management.

Her coaching approach is a unique blend of applied neuroscience, cutting-edge leadership research, and intuitive insights. Kristina's extensive experience includes coaching senior leaders across education, the nonprofit world, and other diverse sectors. Her work continues to be enriched by the profound insights gained from coaching hundreds of leaders navigating complex challenges and periods of growth.

Based on the Carolina coast, Kristina thrives on embracing new challenges, fostering growth, and making a positive impact on leaders and communities. Beyond her professional commitments, Kristina is a dedicated wife to her United States Marine Corps spouse and mother to three young sons. She enjoys soaking up all the best parts of coastal Carolina living.

Michael Van Tyne

Mike is an experienced educator with a comprehensive background in instructional technology, mathematics leadership, and school administration. He currently holds the position of Co-Founding Partner and Chief Operations Officer at EDvanced Consulting, where he has been instrumental in both establishing and advancing the organization's mission. His leadership has been pivotal in empowering educators, nurturing skilled leaders, and reshaping opportunities within rural communities.

Throughout his career, Mike has assumed a spectrum of pivotal roles, showcasing his exceptional leadership and expertise in the education sector. From his tenure as a Classroom Teacher and Instructional Technology Coordinator to his leadership as an Assistant Principal and Co-Creator of a successful virtual academy. Mike has consistently driven innovation and excellence. Mike's visionary leadership has led to impactful schoolwide initiatives, financial management, and operations underscoring his commitment to educational equity and advancement solidifying his reputation as a transformative leader in education.

Through his focus on teacher development and student success, Mike embodies the qualities of emotional intelligence, resilience, and instructional skill development. He is revered for his adept curriculum design and his ability to forge strong relationships within the educational community. Mike's commitment to empowering educators and fostering meaningful connections across all levels is evident in his work

Residing in Central Carolina, Mike thrives on building relationships and embracing new challenges, fostering growth in leaders and communities alike. In addition to his professional endeavors, he is a devoted husband to his spouse and a caring father to two boys and a newborn daughter. Mike finds joy in experiencing the vibrant lifestyle of Central Carolina, indulging in his love for all sports, and exploring new destinations through traveling.

Lauren Szymonik

Lauren is a dynamic and strategic leader with a passion for empowering people and communities. As Chief Strategy and People Officer at EDvanced Consulting, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s strategic direction while overseeing all human resources functions to ensure alignment with EDvanced’s mission. She is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where every team member can thrive, driving growth both within the organization and in the communities they serve.

Throughout her career, Lauren has taught in diverse classrooms in the City of Los Angeles and rural South Carolina, where she led her students to surpass academic standards. These experiences deepened her commitment to addressing systemic challenges and advocating for equitable access to resources. In her leadership roles spearheading family and community resilience programs, she built expertise in capacity-building, strategic partnerships, and program optimization.

Lauren’s strengths as a leader lie in her ability to inspire teams through a shared vision, foster collaboration, and drive results. She is known for her empathetic and people-centered leadership approach, focusing on creating environments that prioritize well-being, resilience, and growth. With a strong orientation toward equity and inclusion, she ensures teams feel supported and empowered to thrive. Her strategic mindset and dedication to continuous improvement are key drivers behind her success in leading complex initiatives and fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability.

Originally from California, Lauren now calls the Carolina coast home, where she is inspired by the natural beauty around her. Her personal mission is to use her experiences, access, and knowledge to empower individuals and communities, helping them unlock their full potential and pursue the life of their dreams. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, gardening, cooking, and dabbling in various creative pursuits. She is deeply committed to social responsibility, human rights, and creating a world where everyone has access to opportunities and resources.

Beyond Education: Creating Waves of Impact

At EDvanced Consulting, we understand that education is not just a profession; it's a calling. Our purpose is to catalyze waves of transformation, where each educator becomes a beacon of excellence, contributing to a larger sea of positive change. The results speak for themselves, validating our belief that educational excellence is not a solitary endeavor but a collective journey.