Meet the Founder
Dr. Raymond D. Appleberry, Jr.
Educational leader, systems architect, speaker, researcher, and founder of AppleberryEdu. For more than two decades, he has dedicated his career to helping students, educators, leaders, and organizations discover what is possible when people, systems, and purpose are intentionally aligned.
His work spans district leadership, special education, organizational development, behavior intervention, leadership coaching, and educational consulting. Whether leading systemwide initiatives, advising executive teams, or speaking to educators across the country, his mission remains constant: to help people discover the best within themselves and create systems where others can do the same.
"EVERY PERSON HAS UNTAPPED POTENTIAL."
— Dr. Raymond D. Appleberry, Jr.
Dr. Appleberry's philosophy is anchored in one central belief: Leadership is not about fixing people. It is about creating the conditions where people discover the greatness that has always existed within them. That belief has become the foundation of his work with schools, organizations, communities, and leaders around the world.
His frameworks translate that belief into action—building sustainable systems through equity-driven design, capacity building, and a relentless commitment to human potential.
What He Brings to the Table
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
Curriculum & Instruction — Texas A&M University
Nationally Recognized Speaker
Keynotes across the country on leadership, SEL, and systems transformation
7+ Original Frameworks
Including The Collective Facilitation Approach™, AIMTC™, ALERT™, and The Pathway to IMPACT™
20+ Years in Education
District leadership, special education, behavior intervention, and organizational development
Founder of AppleberryEdu
The intellectual core of a multi-platform ecosystem shaping the future of education
Systems Architect
Designer of sustainable educational systems that empower people long after the leader leaves the room
Co-Founder, Rising Phoenix Training & Consulting
Translating AppleberryEdu frameworks into real-world practice for schools and organizations
Founder, Parker Road Entertainment & Co.
Using media, music, and storytelling to amplify mission, culture, and educational impact
From Athlete to Architect
Dr. Appleberry describes his professional journey through six defining roles — each stage a different way of creating impact.
Athlete
He learned discipline, resilience, and teamwork — the foundation of every system he would later build.
Artist
He learned creativity and connection — how storytelling moves people and shapes culture.
Educator
He learned service — and discovered his calling in helping students recognize the potential others failed to see.
Leader
He learned how to align people, systems, and purpose at the district level.
Scholar
He learned to bridge research with practice — earning his Ed.D. from Texas A&M University.
Architect
He now designs sustainable systems that empower people and organizations to thrive long after the leader leaves the room.
"THE GREATEST LEADERS DON'T SIMPLY CHANGE PEOPLE — THEY CREATE THE CONDITIONS WHERE PEOPLE DISCOVER WHAT THEY WERE CAPABLE OF ALL ALONG."
— Dr. Raymond D. Appleberry, Jr.
The Mission
Connect. Create. Contribute.
My mission is to empower and inspire educators to discover, grow, and develop their God-given gifts through atomic growth — small, intentional steps that lead to lasting transformation — so they can become the best version of themselves and create meaningful, sustainable impact for their families, their communities, and the world, one person and one goal at a time.
We Are All Designed for More.
Connect
People, systems, and purpose
Create
Pathways for growth, leadership, and opportunity
Contribute
To stronger schools, families, and communities
The AppleberryEdu Ecosystem
Six platforms. One mission. A generational impact.
PRE & Co.
Media, music, and storytelling that amplify mission, culture, and impact.
Rising Phoenix Training & Consulting
Systems transformation and implementation support for schools and organizations.
AppleberryEdu
Curriculum, research, and institutional frameworks that guide all ecosystem work.
METRICS™
Intelligent platform for monitoring educational trajectories, intervention, regulation, and compliance.
Parker Road Academy
A K–12 school centered on Fine Arts, Leadership, and Social-Emotional Development.
Sherron Derrell Holding Company
Investment and sustainability platform providing the financial infrastructure for long-term mission-aligned growth.
Publications & Features
Recognition, research, and media appearances.
Keep It Rolling with Dr. Raymond Appleberry
Keep it Rolling Podcast by Vince Buggs — a live conversation with Dr. Raymond D. Appleberry, Jr.
Meet Raymond Appleberry
Canvas Rebel feature interview spotlighting Dr. Appleberry's journey, mission, and work as an educator and founder.
Inspiring Conversations with Raymond Appleberry, Brian Hopkins, & Lynne Roland
Rising Phoenix Training & Consulting LLC featured in Voyage Dallas.
We Get the Chance to Work with The Best Kids
Raymond Appleberry, Brian Hopkins, & Lynne Roland | The Thought Partner for Today's Education Professional.
Bridging Behavior, Relationships & Instructional Systems
Dr. Appleberry highlights his work as a practitioner-scholar who bridges behavior, relationships, and instructional systems rather than relying solely on compliance-based approaches.
Kid Magic Award & Teacher of the Year — Garner Fine Arts Academy
Honored in 2013 at Garner Fine Arts Academy in Grand Prairie ISD for his work with students experiencing social, emotional, and behavioral challenges.
Explore AppleberryEdu
Building People. Designing Systems. Unlocking Potential.
