Quality education is a challenge. It seems like many of our schools are losing ground, as public funding for education is being cut. At the same time, there s a greater emphasis on alternatives to the traditional school system and an increased interest in things that helps us think outside the box. Ashley Heard has spent a lot of time thinking about non traditional education and the charter school system. Her firm, Ashley Heard Consulting, specializes in helping nonprofit organizations that provide educational services, like charter schools, with fundraising, business development and strategic planning. Ashley s clients include The Emerge Center for autism, Greater Baton Rouge HOPE Academy and the Sothern University Alumni Association. Missy Couhig is owner of The Conundrum, an independent bookstore in the heart of St. Francisville that has become something of an intellectual and literary hub. The Conundum not only sells books but has become a meeting place for the community, hosting local and traveling authors, story times for smaller book lovers, and book festivals. Stephanie Riegel hosts an educational conversation into the educational alternatives in Baton Rouge and environs. Photos at Mansurs on the Boulevard by Karry Hosford.

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