Meet the Minds Behind the dot.
We are a dedicated team of educational consultants, STEM experts, and career pathway architects. Our collective mission is to partner with K-12 organizations to transform learning through meaningful, real-world experiences that prepare students for the future.
Our Founder
Dr. Sharon Jones, Ed.D
Dr. Sharon Jones, Ed.D is the founder and CEO of the dot. Consulting and the non-profit Dottie Rose Foundation, where she leads and implements technology-focused education and innovation. She has served as a computer science expert for the past 20 years, bridging the gap between everyday actions and technology application.
Dr. Jones is a highly sought-after and national award-winning Computer Science educator in the public school system and for corporate training. She has presented and been published nationally and internationally on data analytics, educational practices, and technology. Her book, A Recipe for Success Using SAS University: How to Plan Your First Analytics Project, is used in classrooms around the country.
She also serves on the National Small Business Leadership Council representing North Carolina. When not leading the technology world, Dr. Jones spends her time with her husband Ricky, their two sons, Ethan and Dylan, and their beloved dog, Cooper.
Meet the Visionaries Behind the dot.
Our versatile group of STEM experts and academic advisors works to link school curricula with modern professional tracks, bringing together a vast wealth of more than 72 years of collective teaching expertise.
Heather Gilbert
Director of Operations
Heather has been a valued member of the dot. Consulting team since December 2018 and serves as our Director of Operations. She holds an Administrative Assistant Certificate from Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC).
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As Director of Operations, Heather manages the company's daily operations, including invoicing, payroll, contracts, client support, and internal systems. Her strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving mindset help keep the company running efficiently while supporting both our team and the school districts and organizations we serve.
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Outside of work, Heather enjoys spending time outdoors and making memories with her husband, Justin, their three daughters—Tenley, Laney, and Delilah—and their beloved pets.
Jodi Ackermann
Director of Learning Development
Jodi joined the dot. team in 2023 and leads strategic partnerships, business development, curriculum innovation, and professional learning initiatives. With more than 30 years of experience across education, learning and development, leadership training, retail management, and organizational development, she is passionate about creating innovative educational solutions that help organizations thrive.
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Known for building strong relationships and turning ideas into impactful programs, Jodi specializes in educational design, leadership development, workforce readiness, coaching, and community engagement—bringing education, business, and industry together to create meaningful opportunities for growth.
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Outside of work, Jodi enjoys time with her family, boating on Lake Norman,sports, traveling, and her dog, Kinsley.
Edna Chirico
Director of Strategic Partnerships
Edna developed a lifelong commitment to addressing gaps in education and economic opportunity. In 2026 she joined the dot. as Director of Strategic Partnerships. Recognized across NC for her civic leadership, she is a graduate of UNC Charlotte’s Belk School of Business.
Michelle McElhiney
Director of Instruction
Michelle joined the dot. team in 2022 as an Instructional Coach and then became the Director of Instruction in 2024. She brings 15 years of STEM classroom experience across second through eighth grade, including the Science Lab. She’s especially passionate about weaving the arts and outdoor learning into math and science curriculum.
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As the Director of Instruction, Michelle is responsible for comprehensive training of Instructional Coaches, creating and updating STEM curriculum, and collaborating with and coaching teachers with specific strategies to improve instruction. She is known for building strong, authentic relationships with educators and believes that meaningful connections are the foundation of effective teaching and learning. Michelle is passionate about supporting the whole child by helping teachers create engaging learning experiences that foster academic growth, creativity, confidence, and curiosity.
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Outside of work, Michelle enjoys gardening, hiking, cooking, and spending time with her family—her husband, Sean, their son, Connor, and their dog, Freya.
BreAnna Charles
Instructional Coach
BreAnna earned her Master’s in K–8 Mathematics and Science Education from UCF. With ten years of experience teaching upper elementary grades, she specializes in creating engages STEM environments that foster students growth and academic excellence.