How to Structure MTSS Teams for Better Student Outcomes: Collaboration, Action, and Accountability

About the Presenters

Makiri Pugh is a seasoned instructional leader, systems strategist, and AI integration expert with over a decade of experience transforming outcomes in alternative and charter school environments. He currently serves as the Managing Director of Teaching, Learning, and Innovation at Maya Angelou Schools and See Forever Foundation, where he leads networkwide academic strategy, instructional coherence, and professional development across five campuses.

Makiri specializes in building from the ground up: instructional frameworks, data cycles, MTSS implementation systems, culturally responsive pedagogy, and professional learning architecture. His work has resulted in increased teacher performance, accelerated student achievement, and scalable systems that sustain beyond individual leadership. With deep roots in school leadership and a reputation for clarity, execution, and strategic vision, Makiri brings both technical fluency and human-centered design to every project he supports.

Mandy Couturier is the Director of MTSS for the Harwood Unified Union School District in Vermont, where she leads districtwide efforts to build equitable, effective systems of support for all learners. With over 20 years in education—including a decade as a special educator and seven years as Principal of Moretown Elementary—Mandy brings deep expertise in inclusive instruction, behavioral supports, and systems-level leadership.

She holds dual master’s degrees in special education and emotional/behavioral disorders from Rivier University and is a certified CPI Instructor. Mandy is known for her commitment to student-centered learning, collaborative school cultures, and practical MTSS implementation that drives real outcomes. In her current role, she supports school teams in aligning practices, analyzing data, and sustaining proactive intervention systems. Whether leading change in a single building or across an entire district, Mandy is passionate about ensuring every student receives the support they need to thrive.

Susan Long, M.Ed., brings over 20 years of experience driving effective MTSS and literacy practices in schools. A graduate of the University of Delaware and Neumann University, Susan’s foundation in systems-level change was built during her time as a Data Coach for the state of Delaware, where she led districts in using the Taking Action with Data© framework. As a consultant with Branching Minds, she supports school leaders and educators in building MTSS handbooks, implementing best practices, and using data to guide instruction and intervention. Her coaching empowers districts to build sustainable systems that close achievement gaps and support all learners. Susan’s personal mission is to ensure every child’s civil right to learn to read is fulfilled.