Our Founder
Jessica Steele
Hi, I’m Jessica.
I founded The Resonance Lab out of both conviction and calling. After nearly two decades in education, serving as a teacher, principal, instructional coach, and consultant, I saw the same pattern repeat: students who were over-scheduled, under-inspired, and losing sight of their own agency.
As an educator, I watched too many brilliant, sensitive, and creative kids get squeezed into rigid systems that dulled their spark instead of fueling it. As a leader, I knew that true transformation comes when we honor both who a student is and who they are becoming.
My journey has also been personal. Through my own work with leadership, energy alignment, and resilience, I realized that what sustains people in life is not just knowledge. It is self-awareness, belonging, and purpose. I wanted to create a school that did not just teach content, but cultivated leaders who are authentic, resilient, and unapologetically aligned with their purpose.
The Resonance Lab is the school I wish existed for so many students I have led, coached, and loved. It is a place where young people can be deeply known, trusted to take ownership, and empowered to lead lives that feel meaningful now and in the future.
Jessica also wrote a book on school leadership
Professional Bio
Jess Steele is the founder of The Resonance Lab, an innovative microschool designed to foster radical autonomy, authentic leadership, and purpose-driven learning. With 18 years of experience as an educator and leader, including more than a decade in leadership. Jess brings a unique blend of instructional expertise, leadership development, and energetic alignment practices to the world of education.
She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Secondary Education (Spanish) from Indiana University Bloomington and a master’s degree in Instructional Design from Western Governors University. A published author and leadership coach, Jess has guided countless educators and students in developing resilience, purpose, and authentic leadership. She is also the founder of the Dear Jess app - a safe space for holistic wellness and leadership strategy.
At The Resonance Lab, Jess integrates her background in education with her passion for human-centered, energy-aware leadership to create a learning environment where students are empowered to co-create their own educational journeys. Her vision is to build a school that honors the whole child, cultivates resilience, and equips graduates to pursue their purpose unapologetically.
Testimonials
I am happy to announce we have completed our enrollment paperwork and deposit!!! Thank you so much for your persistent support and guidance in this process. I know you are handling a lot right now, so receiving this personalized assistance and assurance is greatly valued and appreciated. I can tell you in the handful of emails we have exchanged alone, that I have felt a weight off of my chest and a million positive feelings all pointed in the right direction. This is such a drastic change from the communications I typically receive from educators. To say we are excited to begin our journey at the Resonance Lab would be an understatement.
— Parent of Future Student
One of the easiest ways a good leader can come alongside her team is to be transparent and consistent, especially during a pandemic. For me as an educator, I needed the transparency and consistency. I needed the encouragement. The Monday Memo and Friday Focus were never done without thought, never haphazardly, and never late. That made me feel important. That “we” mattered to her.
— Kara Campbell, Math Teacher
It seemed Jessica always had a pulse on the school when reading the Friday Focus; however, one thing was always present: encouragement. Sometimes teachers needed firm reminders, sometimes we needed praise, sometimes we just needed to know that once campus was cleared, we could leave, but no matter the words she used, Jess’ message was always clear: I care for you, keep doing your best, I’ve got your back”
— Joanna Haskins, Special Education Teacher