Concentric Educational Solutions

There are few people who have as much of an impact and difference as Mr. Hense. I want to thank Mr. Hense for his years of dedication, service, and leadership. Thank you for not just being a mentor, but a father figure to me. Thank you for never giving up on me and always being there and being authentic. Love you Mr. Hense.

“Educating our children has always been a difficult task. Fraught with familial, emotional, economic, social and political problems. Few have been bold enough to tackle one of the more serious problems facing education today, and that is chronic absenteeism. Dr. Heiber is one of those persons to takes the issue head on and offer real-world solutions. His work with Concentric is groundbreaking. I commend the story of the triumphs and near- misses to all who are actively looking for ways to help our children succeed in school and in life.” 
 
Mr. Donald Hense Founder and Chairman Friendship Public Charter Schools

“Everyone wishes for student voice and agency, until they get it. Centering student experiences and wishes in an authentic way disrupts systems, policy, and culture.  Dr. Heiber’s, Dr. Toldson’s, and Mr. Gary’s book, One Door at a Time: The Story of Concentric and How Putting Students at the Center of Education Works, beautifully captures the theory and practice associated with providing holistic and transformative support for students and families.”  
 
Luvelle Brown
Superintendent
Fonder of Love2Achieve LLC.






 

“Concentric Educational Solutions empowers schools by building strong relationships and support systems that drive student success from the inside out. I have had a chance to work with Dr. Hiebler for over a decade and continue to be in awe of the work that he has created “One Door at a Time”. By going door to door to connect with families, showing unmatched commitment to meeting student needs and improving attendance through personal outreach, David and his team have created a systemic approach to cultivating relationships for our young scholars to ensure social, emotional and academic excellence!”

Dr. Sarena Shivers
CEO/ED MI Talent Together (Former Superintendent)

“As Superintendent of Westwood Community School District, serving our vibrant and resilient urban community, I wholeheartedly recommend “One Door at a Time: The Story of Concentric and How Putting Students at the Center of Education Works” by Michael Gary Jr., Ph.D., David Heiber, and Ivory A. Toldson, Ph.D.

This powerful and insightful work resonates deeply with the core values and mission of our district. Drawing on their experiences, the authors challenge traditional educational practices that often fall short in addressing the complex realities faced by our students and families.

“One Door at a Time” underscores the critical importance of centering the voices and experiences of our students and families, a principle we strive to uphold every day. The book’s emphasis on building strong school-family partnerships grounded in trust and mutual respect aligns perfectly with our efforts to foster genuine collaboration within our community.

The journey of Concentric, as shared by the authors, offers invaluable lessons and a powerful framework for transforming urban education. Their advocacy for a fundamental shift in mindset and practices, urging educators to dismantle bureaucratic systems and cultivate more equitable and empowering learning environments, is both timely and essential. I believe “One Door at a Time” can serve as a vital resource for our educators, staff, and community partners as we collectively work to uplift our students and build a more just and equitable educational experience for all.”

Dr. Stiles Simmons
Superintendent
The Westwood Community School District

“As an urban school leader and Black male educator in Washington, D.C., I have seen firsthand the transformative impact of centering students’ voices, healing through social-emotional learning, and dismantling systemic barriers. One Door at a Time is not just a story of innovation—it’s a blueprint for educational justice. This book reaffirms that when we lead with empathy, equity, and excellence, we don’t just open doors for our students—we help them build new ones.”
 
Dr. William L. Blake