Shirdell Mattox
Executive Director
Ithaca, NY
(360) 466-2080 ext. 2
shirdell@meacschools.org
Education:
BA., Interdisciplinary Studies with w/Social Justice concentration, California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco, CA.
EMBA, Executive Master of Business Administration focused on Societal Impact, Brown University
EMBA, Executive Master of Business Administration, IE University
Professional Activities:
Shirdell Mattox brings over 15 years of experience in higher education, nonprofit leadership, and social impact strategy to her role. A dedicated advocate for maternal health equity, she is the founder of Women of Color and Spirit, a nonprofit organization advancing reproductive justice across the African diaspora and creating opportunities for women of color to engage in international travel and healing. Her past work includes leading culturally grounded health initiatives at the Center for American Indian and Minority Health, where she supported efforts to diversify the healthcare workforce and improve outcomes for Indigenous and rural communities. Shirdell earned her Executive MBA from Brown University and IE Business School, where she launched a global leadership speaker series highlighting CEOs committed to social change. She is a seasoned strategist with a passion for systems-level transformation across healthcare, education, and community development. Outside of work, Shirdell enjoys writing, mentoring emerging leaders, and adventuring through life with her two wonderful sons in Ithaca, NY.
Caroline Rivera
Director of Accreditation
Virginia
(360) 466-2080 Ext. 3 or text to (757) 270-8396 (quickest way to get in touch)
Caroline@meacschools.org
Education:
BA in Anthropology from Florida Atlantic University
MA in Anthropology from New Mexico State University
MS in Biology (ABD PhD) from Old Dominion University
Ph.D. in Community College Leadership from Old Dominion University
Professional Activities:
Dr. Caroline Rivera has more than 20 years of experience in higher education both from an educational and administrative perspective. She has been intimately involved in various aspects of the accreditation process, including institutional and programmatic accreditation requisites. Additionally, Caroline has academic expertise in aspects of reproductive medicine as well as the impact of culture on the differential access to health care among marginalized people.
Krystle Lane
Director of Development
Warner, OK
(360) 466-2080 ext. 1
krystle@meacschools.org
Education:
B.A.Sociology, The University of Oklahoma
M.A. Human Relations, The University of Oklahoma
Ph.D. Educational Studies Major Emphasis: Research Methods/Statistics, The University of Oklahoma,
Doctorate in Healthcare Administration (ABD), Oklahoma State University
Professional Activities:
Dr. Krystle Lane is MEAC’s Director of Development. A proud citizen of the Cherokee Nation with close ties to the Muscogee/Creek Nation, she brings deep expertise in higher education, non-profit leadership, and Indigenous community engagement. Dr. Lane has held roles such as Associate Vice President of External Affairs, Executive Director of Canadian County CASA, and Director of Adult Education at Bacone College. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Studies and is completing a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration at Oklahoma State University. Passionate about language and cultural preservation, she has over 31 years of experience in beadwork. In her free time, she enjoys creating beadwork, spending time with her identical twin sister, and doting on her Flemish Giant rabbit, Reese.