Our Team
Rodolfo Ornelas, Founder and Managing Partner
Rodolfo Ornelas is an accomplished educational leader and consultant dedicated to fostering equity and instructional excellence in K-12 education. He has been instrumental in reshaping learning environments to ensure all students receive high-quality educational opportunities.
He specializes in coaching school leaders, fostering collaborative teams that prioritize culturally responsive teaching, and improving teacher collaboration and student outcomes through professional learning communities. His work spans Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), discipline policies, and equity-based instructional practices, where he has successfully led professional development for educators and advised district leaders on policy alignment. Additionally, he has supported schools through accreditation processes such as WASC and LCAP development, contributing to systemic improvements in educational equity and student success.
Born to Mexican immigrant parents, Rodolfo is the first in his family to graduate college. His experiences fuel his commitment to equitable education for all students.
Rodolfo’s work is guided by the belief that every student, regardless of background, deserves a learning environment that is equitable, rigorous, and supportive.
Education: B.A. in Sociology from the University of California, Davis, and a Master of Science Degree in Education from Johns Hopkins University.
Areas of Expertise: Educational Leadership | Strategic Planning, Curriculum and Instruction | Equity and School Improvement | Student Services and Discipline
Olabayo Allen-Taylor, Senior Partner
Olabayo Allen-Taylor is an accomplished COO renowned for leading strategies to secure equitable capital investments in communities of color, especially within the environmental and educational sectors. She played a pivotal role in pioneering the Community Schools model and the Restorative Justice program for the Oakland Unified School District, initiatives that now benefit over 30,000 students and families. Additionally, Olabayo engages with a diverse array of leaders and contributes to research that shares best practices for driving change through inclusion. Her contributions in the CORE PACE Research Partnership has influenced nearly a million students.
With a background as a former business owner, Olabayo leverages her analytical skills and business acumen to promote systemic changes that bridge the opportunity gap in underserved communities. She serves as the board treasurer for Families in Action for Quality Education, and consults for various companies and organizations to enhance their business development and strategic planning.
Education: B.A. in English from the University of California, Berkeley, and an MBA from both the Johnson School of Business at Cornell University and the Smith School of Business at Queen's University.
Areas of Expertise: Program and Partnership Development | Philanthropy and Advancement | Business Operations | Finance
Dr. Charquita Arnold, Senior Partner
Bio Coming Soon!
Education: B.S. in Middle Grades Education with a concentration of Social Studies and Language Arts from Albany State University, MS in Social Studies Education from NOVA Southeastern University, and an EdD in Educational Leadership and Management from Alliant International University.
Areas of Expertise: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Education | Instructional Leadership & Coaching | Curriculum & Assessment Development | Elementary School Transformation
Erin Wesseldine, Associate Partner
Erin Wesseldine is our Senior Director of Special Education & Special Programs. Prior to joining Lighthouse, Erin was a Program Specialist at Aspire Public Schools, where she co-lead the design and launch of a behavioral health program and supported the team in strengthening their post-secondary transition programming for students with disabilities. Before becoming a Program Specialist, Erin was an Education Specialist for 7 years serving students in grades kindergarten through 9th grade. She is passionate about designing equitable learning experiences for all students and believes that families and caregivers and critical partners in serving the whole-child.
Education: B.A. in Psychology with a Minor in Sociology from Columbia University
Areas of Expertise: Student Services | Special Education | Curriculum and Instruction
Joua Thao, Associate Partner
With over 10 years of HR experience, Joua has built and scaled high-performing HR and Talent teams at three organizations, aligning people strategies with business objectives. They have led initiatives in strategic planning, headcount and workforce planning, total compensation and rewards, and employee engagement. Skilled in navigating complex employment laws, Joua ensures compliance while fostering a positive workplace culture.
Known for a collaborative leadership style, Joua drives measurable improvements in retention, productivity, and employee satisfaction. They thrive in building HR functions from the ground up, enabling companies to scale effectively while keeping people at the core of every strategy.
Education: B.A. in Political Science from the University of California, Davis.
Areas of Expertise: Talent Acquisition | Workforce Development | Organizational Strategy | Human Resources