One Door at a Time: The Story of Concentric and How Putting Students at the Center of Education Works

This book chronicles the transformative journey of Concentric Educational Solutions. One Door at a Time provides a compelling narrative of how the organization challenges traditional educational paradigms by placing students and families at the heart of their model. Through powerful anecdotes and evidence-based strategies, the authors illustrate how Concentric dismantles systemic barriers, fosters authentic engagement, and builds equitable learning environments. This book is an essential resource for educators, administrators, and policymakers seeking to create meaningful change and prioritize student success through innovative, student-centered approaches.

Michael Gary, Jr., Ph.D., serves as the Chief of Staff at Concentric Educational Solutions, bringing over 20 years of extensive experience in K-12 and higher education student support. His expertise lies in strategic program development and optimizing operational efficiency, enabling educational institutions to enhance their support systems and drive student success.

David L. Heiber, Sr. Ed.D., is the Founder and CEO of Concentric Educational Solutions, an organization dedicated to identifying and removing the barriers impacting students. He has conducted over 100,000 home visits throughout the United States. He has 25 years of experience in K-12 education as a teacher, administrator, and executive. As CEO, Concentric received the largest Series A funding for a Black-Owned Company in the history of Maryland. He has turned death, grief, and incarceration into redemption and is committed to revolutionizing education for underserved students.

Ivory A. Toldson, Ph.D., is a professor at Howard University, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Negro Education and chief of research for Concentric Educational Solutions. Dr. Toldson is a leading voice in addressing educational disparities, with a focus on advancing equity and excellence in education for underrepresented communities.