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Highlands Ability Battery (HAB) Highlands Certification Natural Abilities Talent & Leadership Development 26.02.25

Expanding Access to the Highlands Ability Battery and Turning Points Workshops Across Georgia RESAs

Led by Dr. Dori Stiles, Founder and CEO, Turning Points Coaching and Consulting LLC

A New Chapter in Leadership Development for Georgia Educators

Through a new partnership with Turning Points Coaching and Consulting, led by Dr. Dori Stiles, select Regional Educational Service Agencies (RESAs) across Georgia are now offering the Highlands Ability Battery (HAB) and Turning Points workshops to educators and leaders statewide.

For over two decades, these programs have played a key role in the Georgia School Superintendents Association’s (GSSA) professional development initiatives, equipping school system cabinets, leadership teams, functional teams, and aspiring leaders with the insights and strategies to enhance their effectiveness. Now, with the participation of multiple RESAs, these transformational leadership development opportunities are more accessible and affordable throughout the state.

Welcoming Certified RESA Leaders

Six executive directors and leadership development professionals from four RESAs have successfully completed over 25 hours of training to become certified in the HAB and delivery of Turning Points workshops.

These professionals will play a pivotal role in helping educators harness their natural abilities for leadership growth.

We proudly welcome:

The Evolution of Turning Points in Public Education Leadership

Dr. Dori Stiles was first introduced to public education leadership through Dr. Debra Harden, former GSSA Director of Professional Development. Since 2000, Dr. Stiles has had the privilege of collaborating with and gaining valuable insights from dedicated education administrators, continuously refining and expanding programs to meet their evolving needs.

With the ongoing support of Keith Porter, current GSSA Director of Professional Development, and invaluable feedback from hundreds of participants, Turning Points has successfully delivered nearly 100 programs to over 50 school systems, tailoring leadership development solutions to fit a variety of educational settings.

A pivotal moment in expanding access to these programs came when NWGA RESA invited Turning Points to offer an open-enrollment program. Executive Director Brian Otott and Leadership Center Director Sue Myers recognized the strong demand for the “Discovering What You Do Best!” workshop, which resonated deeply with members. The overwhelming success of this initiative paved the way for RESAs across the state to integrate Turning Points workshops into their professional development offerings. 

School Systems Supported by Turning Points

Some of the many districts that have benefited from these programs include:

Leadership Development Programs Built on the Highlands Ability Battery

At the core of Turning Points’ leadership development initiatives is the Highlands Ability Battery (HAB)—a powerful, data-driven tool that helps educators and leaders gain deeper self-awareness, maximize their strengths, and enhance their leadership effectiveness.

Each program follows Turning Points’ signature Four-Step Approach, providing a structured and transformative leadership experience tailored to individual and team growth.

Customized Leadership Development Programs

Turning Points partners with educational leaders at all levels—from aspiring administrators to superintendents—to help them discover their strengths, leverage their leadership potential, uncover blind spots, and achieve professional growth.

    • Senior Leadership & Cabinet Members
      Program Focus: Leveraging Leadership Talents—Yours and Others’.
      One-to-one and/or as a group: Designed to maximize leadership potential and collaboration.
    • Leadership Teams
      Program Focus: Increasing Effectiveness by Understanding Differences.
      One-to-one and/or as a group: Helping teams work cohesively by recognizing diverse leadership styles and strengths.
    • Functional Teams
      Program Focus: Understanding the Contributions of Different Personal and Communication Styles.
      One-to-one and/or as a group: Strengthening collaboration through self-awareness and targeted communication strategies.
    • Aspiring Leader Groups
      Program Focus: Leadership Awareness—Discovering What You Do Best.
      Providing up-and-coming leaders with tools for success in educational leadership roles.
    • Partnerships with Existing Leadership Development Programs
      Program Focus: Enhancing (Not Replacing) Existing Leadership Initiatives.
      Integrating HAB workshops into current professional development programs for maximum impact.

Partner with a Georgia RESA for Leadership Development

To explore how the Highlands Ability Battery (HAB) and Turning Points workshops can enhance your professional development initiatives, connect with a RESA near you. The following Georgia RESAs are currently offering HAB assessments and leadership programs: