Experienced Leaders. Thoughtful Partners.
Northstar Horizons was founded by Russ Sperling and Dr. Brad Van Patten — two long-time education leaders who have spent their careers working inside complex systems and alongside the people responsible for leading them.
Through decades of district leadership, teaching, and consulting, we saw firsthand what worked, what didn't, and what we valued most in external partners. We founded Northstar Horizons to offer the kind of consulting we always hoped for ourselves: honest, practical, human-centered, and grounded in real experience.
Having led through periods of rapid change — including the challenges of the pandemic — we understand the realities leaders face today. Our work is driven by a desire to give back, strengthen organizations, and help leaders navigate uncertainty with clarity and confidence.
Russ Sperling
Co-Founder & Principal Consultant
Russ Sperling is a nationally recognized arts education leader, administrator, and advocate with more than 20 years of experience in central office leadership and professional association roles at the state and national levels.
Russ served for ten years as Director of Visual and Performing Arts for San Diego Unified School District, where he led the development and implementation of two districtwide Strategic Arts Education Plans that significantly expanded access and support for arts learning. He has also served as Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator for the San Diego County Office of Education and as Director of Visual and Performing Arts for the Sweetwater Union High School District.
In addition to his district leadership, Russ has held elected leadership roles as President of the California Music Educators Association and Western Division President of the National Association for Music Education. He is the founding president of the San Diego Winds and currently serves as Board President of Diversionary Theatre.
Russ brings a deep understanding of public systems, governance, advocacy, and the day-to-day realities of educational leadership. He holds degrees in political science, educational leadership, and music performance, and continues to teach as Concert Band Director at Grossmont College and as a student teacher supervisor at San Diego State University.
Dr. Brad Van Patten
Co-Founder & Principal Consultant
Dr. Brad Van Patten is a respected educator, administrator, and consultant with more than 40 years of experience in K–12 public education. His career spans classroom teaching, program leadership, and district administration, giving him a rare blend of research-based insight and practical, lived experience.
Brad began his career as a music educator and went on to support educators and leaders through workshops, coaching, and program development focused on effective instruction, equity, and sustainability. His work emphasizes strategies that are realistic, research-informed, and immediately applicable.
As an administrator, Brad has guided the development and financial sustainability of arts programs, helping schools navigate budgeting, grants, and resource management to build strong, inclusive learning environments.
Brad's work is grounded in a belief that arts education develops far more than technical skill — it fosters creativity, collaboration, resilience, and a sense of belonging. Drawing on decades of experience, he supports educators and leaders in creating conditions where both students and teachers can thrive.