Today we’d like to introduce you to Chrissia Baker.
Hi Chrissia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey began over 15 years ago in education, where I worked across classrooms, intervention spaces, and leadership roles supporting students with diverse academic and behavioral needs. Early on, I saw a consistent gap: schools were full of passionate educators, but many lacked clear, sustainable systems to support students who needed more than core instruction. I became deeply invested in Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), not just as a framework, but as a way to bring clarity, equity, and intentional decision-making into schools.
Over time, I served as an MTSS Coordinator and instructional leader, supporting teachers, interventionists, and administrators with data-driven practices, progress monitoring, and tiered supports. As my experience grew, so did my desire to support leaders beyond a single building. I realized many school leaders were navigating complex systems without a strategic partner. The school leaders needed someone who understood both the instructional demands and the human side of leadership.
That realization led me to found Lead with Style™ and develop the ELEVATE School Leadership Support Framework, which blends strategic MTSS systems, instructional leadership, and sustainable practices that delivered with clarity, confidence, and a strong sense of identity. Today, I work with schools and districts as a consultant and thought partner, helping leaders build systems that work while empowering them to lead with both effectiveness and style. My work is rooted in the belief that strong leadership isn’t just about compliance or checklists—it’s about vision, structure, and showing up fully as the leader you are.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many educators and leaders, I’ve navigated moments of uncertainty, heavy responsibility, and the pressure of being “the fixer” in systems that weren’t always designed for sustainability. In education, you’re often asked to lead change while managing limited time, resources, and competing priorities and that tension can be exhausting.
One of the biggest struggles was learning how to shift from being the person who does everything to the person who builds systems that allow others to succeed. Early in my leadership journey, I felt the weight of carrying outcomes alone, such as, student data, teacher support, compliance, and accountability without always having the authority or structures needed to make lasting change.
Transitioning into consulting brought its own challenges. Stepping away from traditional roles meant learning how to articulate my value, trust my expertise, and advocate for systems-level work in spaces that often prioritize quick fixes over long-term impact. It required confidence, clarity, and a willingness to redefine success on my own terms.
Those challenges ultimately shaped my work. They pushed me to create frameworks, boundaries, and support systems that honor both effectiveness and well-being. Every obstacle reinforced my belief that leadership doesn’t have to be overwhelming to be impactful and that sustainable systems are just as important as strong intentions.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Lead with Style™ by Chrissia Baker is an educational leadership consulting brand designed to support schools and districts in building clear, sustainable systems that truly work for both students and educators. I specialize in MTSS strategy, instructional leadership, and systems alignment that is helping school leaders move from fragmented practices to intentional, data-informed structures.
At the core of my work is the ELEVATE School Leadership Support Framework, which provides leaders with a strategic roadmap for implementing and strengthening MTSS across Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3. Rather than focusing on one-off solutions, I work alongside leaders as a thought partner by supporting implementation, data cycles, leadership decision-making, and capacity building so systems can be sustained long after my work ends.
What sets my work apart is the blend of deep educational expertise and intentional leadership identity. I bring over 15 years of experience in education, including classroom instruction, intervention, and district-level MTSS coordination, which allows me to bridge the gap between theory and real-world application. I understand the day-to-day realities of schools, and I design solutions that are practical, flexible, and responsive to each school’s context.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of creating a space where leadership is both strategic and human. Lead with Style™ is rooted in the belief that strong systems and strong leaders go hand in hand. My work emphasizes clarity, confidence, and sustainability, while honoring the individuality and voice of each leader I support. It’s not just about compliance or checklists; it’s about empowering leaders to show up fully and lead with intention.
I want readers to know that my brand exists to help school leaders feel less isolated and more equipped. Whether through consulting, professional development, or leadership tools and resources, my goal is to help schools build systems that elevate outcomes while supporting the people responsible for carrying them out every day.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Absolutely! I’m always looking for ways to grow and stay inspired. I regularly listen to books on Audible, which allows me to explore leadership, strategy, and personal development even on the go. I’m also part of a book club with other professional women, and those conversations are incredible for exchanging ideas, gaining new perspectives, and staying motivated.
Collaboration is a big part of my approach. I connect with other MTSS coordinators and school leaders to share best practices, troubleshoot challenges, and celebrate successes together. I’m also part of a cohort for gifted endorsements, which helps me bring innovative talent development strategies to schools by supporting both students and educators in meaningful ways.
For me, it’s this mix of continuous learning, community, and intentional application that fuels my work and allows me to help leaders and schools thrive.
Pricing:
- MTSS Leadership Consulting & Coaching – Support for school leaders and MTSS teams to build sustainable systems and strengthen instructional practices. Starting at $2,200 per package
- Professional Development Workshops – On-site or virtual PD sessions tailored to Tier 1–3 supports, data-driven decision-making, and instructional leadership. Pricing starts at $1,500 per session
- Leadership Tools & Templates – Branded resources, frameworks, and guides to support implementation of MTSS and school leadership strategies. Pricing starts at $75 per resource
- Custom School or District Projects – Full-scale MTSS or leadership system design and support, including ongoing coaching and implementation guidance. Pricing based on scope of work; available upon request
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.leadwithstylebycb.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadwithstylebycb/
- LinkedIn: Chrissia Baker | Lead with Style™
Image Credits
professional photos by Kelley Raye
