Co-Founders

With over 60 years of combined experience in education, the founders of the Federal Education Consulting Group recognized a critical need for expert guidance in ESEA law. Their extensive backgrounds in grant management, compliance oversight and equitable services equipped them with the knowledge and skills necessary to support local education agencies (LEAs) in navigating the complexities of ESEA federal programs. Driven by a shared commitment of ensuring that the most vulnerable student populations receive the resources and support they need, the founders established the Federal Education Consulting Group. The groups mission is to provide LEAs with strategic, practical solutions that enhance compliance and efficiency while maximizing the impact of federal funding. By bridging the gap between policy and practice, they empower educators and administrators to make informed decisions that benefit students and communities. With a client-centered approach and a deep understanding of the ESEA law, the Federal Education Consulting Group continues to serve as a trusted partner for LEAs seeking expert guidance in program implementation, reporting, and compliance.

Julia Cowell, M.Ed.


  • Co-Founder

    With over 30 years of experience in education, Julie Cowell has dedicated her career to supporting students, educators, and school communities. She began as a classroom teacher, shaping the early learning experiences of kindergarten and first grade students in both public and nonpublic schools. In 1999, she joined the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) as a Federal Programs Supervisor, launching a 25 year tenure focused on improving education programs across the state.

    Julie spent six years working in early childhood education, contributing to initiatives such as the Missouri Preschool Program (MPP) and Parents as Teachers (PAT) and playing a key role in developing the Missouri Early Learning Standards. For the past 19 years, her expertise has been centered on the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), where she has provided guidance and oversight for federal education programs.

    She began her work with ESEA as a Federal Programs Supervisor, working directly with local education agencies (LEAs) across Missouri. Her leadership skills led to her promotion as Director of the Federal Programs section, and ultimately, she became the Coordinator of Grants and Resources. In this role, Julie oversaw a broad spectrum of programs, including Title I.A, Title I.C (Migrant Education), Title II.A (Supporting Effective Instruction), Title III (English Leaners and Immigrant Education), Title IV, Title V, McKinney Vento Homeless Education, Foster Care, and Equitable Services for nonpublic schools.

    Beyond her professional accomplishments, Julie has been married to her husband, Matt, for 30 years. They have two children - Katyln, a second-grade teacher, and Jordan, a finishing carpenter. Their family also includes two beloved golden doodles, Elli and Remi. Julie and Matt share a love for the water, spending their free time by the pool, at the river or by the ocean.

    Julie’s career reflects a deep commitment to education, equity, and opportunity for all students. Her leadership and advocacy have made a lasting impact on Missouri’s schools and communities.

  • Co-Founder

    Theresa Villmer served as the Equitable Services Ombudsman since the conception of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESSA) law required position in December 2015 until her retirement from state government with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) March 2025.

    Theresa began her work with DESE in March of 1995 working in various units throughout her 28+ year career including Special Education, Early Childhood, Federal Programs and Student Support. Throughout her tenure, Theresa has participated in multiple United States Department of Education (USDOE) State Education Agency (SEA) ESEA monitoring, chaired the state-wide annual Federal Programs Conference, received Employee of the Month and the Professional Development Leadership accolades, and served as Assistant Director of the Federal Programs Section. Theresa also co-led the rewriting of the Nonpublic Registration web system clearinghouse. She was also an active member of the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators (NAESPA) and sat on the NAESPA Conference Planning Committee.

    She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Missouri State University in Child and Family Development and a Master of Education from William Woods University in Curriculum and Instruction.

    Theresa and her husband, Rich, live out their days in central Missouri with their spoiled rotten toy poodle, Barley. They also have two adult children, both graduates of the University of Missouri - Columbia: Webb, business owner of Pure Green in Tampa, Florida; and, Elsie, an MRI technologist at University Hospital, Columbia, Missouri.

    Theresa’s expertise is helping others understand the requirements of ESEA. Using her philosophy, “Knowing the why”, Theresa has educated hundreds of public school and nonpublic school educators across the state of Missouri be better prepared for program implementation, fiscal budgeting, equitable services consultation, and monitoring processes.