Advisory Board
Expert professionals from education, psychology, behavioral science, healthcare, and related disciplines guiding NBEFC’s mission of advancing integrity and excellence in executive function certification.
About the Advisory Board
Multidisciplinary expertise strengthening NBEFC’s programs and standards
The Advisory Board of the National Board of Executive Function Certification (NBEFC) is composed of professionals representing education, psychology, behavioral science, healthcare, and related disciplines. Members provide expert insight that strengthens the Board’s mission of advancing integrity, quality, and consistency in executive function education and professional certification nationwide.
Through their professional consultation and collaboration, Advisory Board members help ensure that NBEFC programs and standards remain aligned with research, ethical practice, and the evolving needs of the field. Their diverse expertise supports initiatives that improve executive function education and raise national standards for training and certification.
2026 Advisory Board Members
Meet the professionals guiding NBEFC’s mission
Jenny Ponzuric
Jenny Ponzuric is a licensed educational psychologist with a post-graduate certificate in school neuropsychology. With over 13 years of experience in California schools, she has served as a school psychologist and director supporting special education teacher credentialing. Jenny has taught at the college and university levels in psychology, education, and consultation. She currently provides trainings, evaluations, and consultation for school districts, specializing in dyslexia, learning disabilities, executive functioning, and writing parent-friendly reports. Jenny also offers mindset and executive functioning coaching along with online support for school psychologists.
Dr. Melvin J. Brown
Dr. Melvin J. Brown is an executive leader, strategist, and organizational development consultant with over two decades of experience driving transformation across large, complex institutions. He currently serves as Superintendent in Residence for Defined, LLC, partnering with executives to design career-connected workforce development ecosystems. As President & CEO of Soul Vision, LLC, he leads a consulting practice specializing in equity-centered culture building, executive coaching, and strategic planning. Previously, Dr. Brown served as Superintendent for Montgomery Public Schools (AL) and Reynoldsburg City Schools (OH). He holds an Ed.D. from The Ohio State University and is co-author of STEM Century and recipient of the 2024 Dwight D. Jones Courageous Leader Award.
Kris Habashy, M.S., CCC-SLP
Kris Habashy is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) with 28 years of professional experience. She spent many years working with children across school, private practice, and home health settings, developing expertise in communication challenges and learning differences. Over the past four years, Kris has expanded into the corporate sphere, focusing on Executive Function skills in adults. She launched an innovative business bringing high-dosage Efficiency Coaching to organizations through Leadership Development and Executive Coaching programs. Her cross-disciplinary perspective blends clinical expertise with organizational performance.
Dr. Calvin H. Lawrence, Ed.D.
Dr. Calvin H. Lawrence has over 41 years of experience and leadership at all levels of education. He began his career as a teacher and coach, progressing through roles as athletic director, assistant principal, and charter high school principal over a 23-year K-12 career. After earning his doctorate in Educational Leadership from Baylor University, he spent 18 years as a professor of educational leadership and Dean of Developmental Studies at a community college. Dr. Lawrence currently serves as CEO of calvinlawrencespeaks.net, where he speaks on motivation, diversity, and leadership. He is a newly elected school board member and author of The Happy Leader: Relatable Stories of Influence and Hope.
Purpose & Role
Professional consultation ensuring evidence-based, ethically grounded programs
The Advisory Board serves as a professional consultative body that helps ensure NBEFC programs and initiatives remain evidence-based, ethically grounded, and responsive to the evolving needs of educators, clinicians, and coaches who support executive function development.
Members are selected for their professional achievements, disciplinary expertise, and commitment to the advancement of executive function education and professional practice.
Areas of Expertise & Contribution
- Curriculum and training design
- Continuing education (CEU) development
- Ethics and professional standards
- Research and policy alignment
- Educational outreach, including the Give Teachers EF Initiative
Scope of Involvement
How Advisory Board members contribute to NBEFC’s mission
Educational Review
Review of educational and CEU materials to ensure quality, accuracy, and alignment with current research.
Research Application
Application of current research in executive function and cognition to NBEFC programs and standards.
Professional Development
Development of new professional training initiatives that advance executive function education.
Standards Enhancement
Recommendations that strengthen educational practice and professional standards across the field.
Members typically contribute several hours per quarter through written input, virtual meetings, or review discussions. Their insight helps guide NBEFC’s educational direction and long-term vision for advancing executive function knowledge across professional fields.
Our Appreciation
NBEFC recognizes the dedication and expertise of its Advisory Board members and expresses appreciation for their continued collaboration and leadership.
Their work enhances the organization’s mission and helps elevate national understanding and professional excellence in executive function education and coaching.
Through collaboration and subject-matter expertise, Advisory Board members help maintain the quality, credibility, and national recognition of NBEFC certification programs.