Introducing the Saga Education Learning & Development Team

August 26, 2024
At Saga Education, we believe in the power of growth—both individual and collective. As part of our commitment to fostering a thriving, dynamic workplace, we’re excited to introduce the newest members of our Learning & Development (L&D) team. This group is dedicated to elevating our collective success through focused people development strategies so that we can deliver impact high-impact tutoring strategies to our education partners.

Meet the L&D Team

Emmanuel Barrera (Manny) – Director of L&D

As the Director of Learning & Development, Manny brings a wealth of experience and a passionate commitment to shaping our people-centric approach. His vision will drive our L&D strategy, ensuring it aligns with Saga Education’s core values and mission.

Ashlee Cooper – L&D Manager

Ashlee will be at the helm of managing our development programs, focusing on creating impactful training experiences. Her role is pivotal in crafting strategies that cater to both team building and individual growth.

Brooke Lewis – L&D Manager

Joining Ashlee, Brooke will also manage our training initiatives, bringing a keen eye for performance management and skill enhancement. Together, they will ensure our L&D programs are both comprehensive and tailored to meet our diverse needs.

Sarah Norman – L&D Specialist

Sarah’s role as an L&D Specialist involves diving deep into the specifics of our training programs. She’s here to support you with expert advice and to help you navigate the resources available for your professional development.

Aswan Benjamin – L&D Specialist

With a focus on individualized support, Aswan will work closely with team members to enhance job skills and facilitate personal growth. His expertise will be a valuable asset in guiding you through your development journey.

River Finnegan – L&D Coordinator

River will be the go-to person for coordinating our L&D activities. From scheduling workshops to ensuring smooth communication, River is here to streamline the process and make your learning experiences as seamless as possible.


The formation of the L&D team marks a significant milestone in our quest to create a more cohesive and productive work environment. This department will provide:

  • Holistic Development focused on fostering job skills but also overall personal and professional growth.
  • Engaging Programs that includes dynamic training sessions and workshops designed to be interactive and impactful.
  • Collaborative Approach aligned with Saga employee and tutor needs, supports goals, and collaboration to achieve employee career aspirations.

We are grateful for this team’s support to building up Saga employees and tutors, and are excited about the future success for the organization overall.