I am a native of Lafayette, LA coming from a long line of dedicated educators filled with determination, hard work, and an inspiring will to support students and families. I grew up watching them especially my mother, Patricia Colbert-Cormier pour into my brothers and I: integrity, tenacity, wisdom, community, and faith.  Therefore, I feel blessed to have learned and grown in promoting the value of education to students and my two amazing young men. One day I observed my mother in action as a high school science teacher. I watched her innovate and motivate her students to learn. My eyes twinkled as if I were seeing an artist at work, shaping and molding young minds. As time passed, some of her students actually became medical professionals including my brother Dr. Jason Cormier. In that moment, I resolved to contemplate opportunities to inspire and encourage students to believe in their ability to achieve and excel: I BECAME A TEACHER.

For more than 25 years, I have invested in the lives of students, families, and teachers as a classroom teacher, administrator, and community supporter.  Once my oldest son was born prematurely with a brain hemorrhage, I became more intentional, researching and applying innovative approaches to teaching and learning. Today, I am proud to say, he is a college graduate with the tenacity and perseverance that serves as an inspiration to many. As a result, my pursuit became a personal mission to make a positive impact for other students with challenges. I questioned myself as to how I could best support students. This led me to pursue National Board Certification (NBCT) to deepen my understanding of how to best support students to grow, learn, and change any negative trajectory influencing their future.  As an NBCT, I am a more reflective practitioner. I continue to apply best practices as I embrace new skills.

• In 2004, I was recognized by then Governor Blanco and the Louisiana Department of Education as a Distinguished Educator for significantly assisting in impacting change in districts with challenging schools, thereby elevating their commitment to students' social-emotional and academic needs.

• In 2012, I earned my doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. 

• In 2019, I established the Wise Owl Scholar Academy (Through this learning space, success has been met supporting students in a challenging, safe and healthy environment) drzenon.com.

• In 2020, I was elected to serve as President of a National/International organization, Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD).

• I continued to serve as President of the PC2 Education Foundation.

• I am a founding board member of the National Board Network of Accomplished Minoritized Educators (NAME) where I presently serve as the vice-chair.

• I presently serve as President of the Louisiana National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) Network.

• My Philosophy is to promote accountability, teacher preparation, literacy, diversity, equity, professional practice, family engagement, and high-quality instruction that impacts the whole child. I deeply believe in “Every child, in every zip code, no matter their circumstances deserve exceptional teaching and learning experiences."