Welcome to HEPLN
The HEPLN Team believes that effective educators are continuous learners, committed to growing, adapting, and refining their practice to better meet the needs of their students. We are committed to providing high-quality professional development that equips educators with the knowledge, strategies, and tools they need to succeed.
Ongoing professional learning is essential to creating innovative, inclusive, and effective teaching and learning environments that improve student success. By investing in educators, we strengthen the foundation of learning and help ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive in a dynamic and ever-changing world.
Our Mission
Connecting Educators-Accelerating Student Success
HEPLN empowers educators through collaborative, research-based professional learning. We help strengthen teaching, increase student success, and support meaningful innovation across schools and districts, colleges, and educational organizations.
Core Values
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Collaboration – We believe in the power of shared knowledge and collective expertise to drive meaningful change in education.
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Student-Centered Approach – We prioritize strategies and initiatives that enhance student learning, engagement, and success.
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Innovation – We embrace evidence-based practices and emerging trends to continuously improve teaching, learning, and institutional effectiveness.
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Lifelong Learning – We promote continuous professional growth and development for educators at all stages of their careers.
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Integrity & Excellence – We uphold the highest standards of ethical practice, accountability, and quality in our work.
Expertise
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Researched-base best practices​
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Student-centered approach
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Leadership development
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Comprehensive knowledge of education​
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Professional learning and development workshops
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Interactive and hands-on
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Virtual and face-to-face
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Asynchronous LMS course design
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Collaboration & partnership
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Innovation & adaptability
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Data-driven decision making
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College success and career readiness
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Pathways- K12--> Higher Ed.-->Workforce
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Partnership agreements
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Stakeholder engagement
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Strategic planning
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Innovative technology, including AI
Our Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Welcome to our team of educational specialists! We are dedicated to equipping faculty, staff, administration, and students with the essential resources and support needed for success. We look forward to collaborating with you to develop a plan that best meets the needs of your institution and your students. Together, we can create tailored solutions that enhance learning and foster a community where everyone can achieve their highest potential!
Dr. Trent Mohrbutter is a seasoned educational leader, consultant, and professional learning specialist with over 35 years of experience working across K–12 and higher education. Known for his engaging workshops and practical strategies, he has coached thousands of educators, facilitated institutional transformation, and led national initiatives focused on student success, equity, and instructional excellence. Trent specializes in faculty development, AI integration, and career readiness. He holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and continues to support school districts, colleges and universities in building student-centered, future-ready learning environments.
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Eileen Friou is a veteran educator and consultant with over 40 years of experience spanning K–12, postsecondary, and workforce education. She has led major educational reform and improvement efforts across the country and is known for her strategic leadership, collaborative mindset, and unwavering commitment to student-centered success. Eileen specializes in facilitating professional learning and coaching for educators, focusing on building systems that support holistic student success. Her work includes leading workshops, designing impactful learning experiences, and guiding institutions through meaningful change that improves student achievement. She holds an M.S. in Educational Technology from Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi.
Dr. Betty Krohn is a respected educational leader, consultant, and faculty development expert with a career spanning K–12, community colleges, and universities. She has worked nationally to advance student centered approaches to success, instructional quality, and supporting institutions through improvement initiatives. Known for her thoughtful approach and deep understanding of systems change, Dr. Krohn brings a blend of research-based strategy and practical experience to her work with educators, administrators, and organizations across the country. She holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of North Texas.
Dr. Lane Freeman is an experienced educator and leader in online learning and instructional innovation, currently serving as Director of Online Learning Programs and Student Services for the North Carolina Community College System. With a background spanning K–12 and higher education, he has led major statewide initiatives to expand digital learning, integrate artificial intelligence, and support faculty development. Dr. Freeman is widely recognized for his expertise in using AI and emerging technologies to enhance instructional effectiveness and student engagement. He holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education.
Kristi Gerdes is a strategic and results-driven educator and Learning & Development Specialist with extensive experience in higher education, including serving as college faculty. Her background spans instructional design, project management, leadership development, and professional learning. She partners with educators and institutions across the country to design and deliver high-impact, student-centered learning experiences that strengthen engagement, self-advocacy, college readiness, and student success. Kristi is known for developing and facilitating innovative professional learning that enhances teaching effectiveness, performance, and retention across educational and organizational settings. She holds a Master of Higher Education Administration degree from Dallas Baptist University.
Nina Wilson is a veteran educator and professional learning leader whose 25-year career spans the K-12 classroom, district leadership, university teaching, and district turnaround and implementation coaching. She works side by side with teachers, campus leaders, and district teams across the country to support their success. Nina builds professional learning that is practical, engaging, and rooted in results. Her experience includes successfully coaching new and aspiring teachers, guiding leadership teams, supporting educators, and designing workshops that strengthen instruction, build high-functioning classrooms, and prepare students for college and careers. Nina is recognized for creating learning communities where educators are supported, challenged, and motivated to grow, which in turn improves teacher confidence, retention, and student outcomes. She is a National Board Certified Teacher and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from The University of Texas at Austin.