Yolanda Perkins, EdS, is an implementation specialist at the UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute (FPG). With more than 20 years of experience in K-12 and post-secondary education, her work focuses on expanding the use of evidence-based practices to reduce disparities in education, learning, and social outcomes.

As part of our FPG profile series, we recently spoke with Perkins to learn more about her work at FPG. Here’s what she had to say.

Tell us a bit about your professional journey―and what brought you to FPG?

I joined FPG to have the opportunity to collaborate with different educational agencies and make a positive impact on children's lives. My career started in the corporate world, but I discovered my true passion for education while working as an accountant at Sylvan Learning Centers. Learning about the needs of struggling readers inspired me to pursue a graduate degree in education. I spent many years as a special education teacher, instructional coach, and central office district administrator. Additionally, I taught higher education academic and life skills courses to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as undergraduate and graduate courses to future educators. My goal has always been to ensure that all students receive the best education possible. This passion led me to join FPG's autism team as an educational consultant, where I worked on several research projects focused on professional development for North Carolina educators to improve instruction for students with autism. Recognizing the importance of creating supportive conditions for the use of implementation of evidence-based practices in schools, I transitioned to the National Implementation Research Network (NIRN) as an implementation specialist. At NIRN, I collaborate with district and state teams to drive systemic changes in education and state service.

What do you do at FPG—walk us through a typical day, and tell us about the projects you're currently working on.

As an implementation specialist, my work focuses on supporting education and state agencies in developing processes that ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of evidence-based practices and programs. This involves establishing and strengthening implementation teams, supporting teams with ongoing data-informed coaching, and helping to create sustainable and scalable infrastructures. My day is structured around the needs of the school and state teams I work with, so no two days are exactly alike.

Currently, I'm involved in several exciting projects with NIRN. On the NY Math Network project, our team collaborates with New York state school districts to address their math implementation barriers. As co-PI and lead coach, I handle everything from project outputs and budget reviews to supporting a school district with their specific implementation needs. My work with the NIRN/SISEP team includes defining intensive technical assistance support for our state partners. NIRN is winding down our role as a learning partner in the Effective Implementation Cohort, so our team is now synthesizing our learning and disseminating the findings from our work with supporting math implementation in 19 school districts.

Additionally, I'm partnering with TEACCH on the NC Inclusion Works project to increase competitive integrated employment opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

What do you like most about your job?

I enjoy the collaborative environment, especially partnering with great minds to generate ideas that enhance lives. In each project, I work with and learn from educators, administrators, policymakers, and individuals with lived experiences across the U.S. I also appreciate having supportive teams at FPG and TEACCH. Working with my team members makes my job even more enjoyable.

What do you find most challenging?

Sometimes the pace of change is slow, and I wish things could move faster to make sure that our children (and adults) get what they need. I find balancing patience with the urgency of the situation can be tough, especially when the stakes are high. However, I'm dedicated to pushing for more efficient changes and always look for ways to streamline processes and overcome obstacles.

How does your work further the mission of FPG?

My work centers on ensuring that there are policies and practices in place to provide opportunities for children to be successful. By collaborating with educational agencies, I help develop and implement evidence-based practices that support children's learning and development. This collaborative approach ensures that we are not only meeting the immediate needs of children but also laying the groundwork for long-term success. Through my efforts, I aim to make a lasting impact on the educational landscape, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

What do you hope to have accomplished five years from now?

For me, personal accomplishment is about making a meaningful difference in education and state systems. In five years, I hope to reconnect with the district and state teams I've worked with and see that the programs and practices I helped implement are still thriving and have either met or exceeded their expected outcomes.

Is there anything else you would like people to know about your work/working at FPG?

Working at FPG has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I have learned so much from my colleagues and appreciate the opportunity to contribute to meaningful research and see its real-world application.