About Us
We are dedicated to making safe and healthy schools possible.
All children deserve to learn in places that are safe and healthy, while also nurturing their intellectual growth, social engagement and emotional well-being.
As a trusted partner to school districts around the country, Protect|ED takes this responsibility seriously and works to support schools that share its commitment to improving the air students, teachers and school leaders breathe every day. Protect|ED is a dedicated team of healthcare, education and manufacturing professionals, working to support and empower school communities. With a deep knowledge of air quality technology and the K-12 landscape, combined with expertise from respected health experts, Protect|ED serves as an extension of a district’s operations team, ensuring students are learning in a safe, healthy environment that supports their academic success.
Protect|ED is a national leader in air purification technology that is rooted in science and works to engage school districts daily to take a more deliberate approach in improving the quality of their air to decrease health risks.
Our Team

C.J. MacConnell
C.J. MacConnell
C.J. MacConnell is the Co-Founder and President of Protect|ED. He also is the founder of Motiv Medical, a leading national distributor and service provider of orthopedic and medical devices as well as personal protection equipment for patients, healthcare professionals and schools. In order to create a more holistic approach to address the education-specific needs around indoor air quality, C.J. helped lead the formation of Protect|ED. Applying his knowledge and experience in supply chain management, C.J. oversees the sourcing of all products in order to ensure timely, accurate and competitively priced products and solutions can be delivered to customers.

Paige Aguilera
Paige Aguilera
Paige Aguilera is the Chief Operating Officer of Protect|ED. As a founding leadership team member, Paige oversees all internal and external warehouse processing in addition to managing accounts payable and receivable. As a graduate of Wright State University with a BA in Biology, Paige provides helpful guidance to school districts as they work to create healthy environments for students, faculty and staff. She is especially skilled with client relations and communications engaging with customers at conferences and beyond. Paige assists the sales team and is a passionate leader that supports a positive work culture. She is the first to offer a helping hand to clients and teammates alike.

Lindsey Haglage
Lindsey Haglage
Lindsey Haglage is the VP of Business Development at Protect|ED. In her role, she leads client-relationship management, tracks emerging air quality trends and develops new strategic partnerships. In addition to managing the sales team, she oversees all marketing and communication efforts. Lindsey’s exceptional client service is demonstrated through her commitment to helping school leaders navigate one of the most vexing societal concerns in history to ensure students are learning in a safe, healthy environment that supports their academic success.
Julian Hardman MD
Julian Hardman MD
Dr. Julian Hardman is a board-certified radiologist for the Desert Radiology Group. He received his degree in molecular biophysics and biochemistry from Yale University. After receiving his medical degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center in 2010, Dr. Hardman completed his diagnostic radiology residency at the John H. Stroger Hospital. He then went on to complete fellowships in neuroradiology and endovascular surgical neuroradiology at The Cleveland Clinic in 2016 and 2018, respectively. With his extensive training, he has performed complex neurointerventional procedures and conducted numerous clinical research studies. Dr. Hardman’s extensive medical knowledge and experience helps Protect|ED work with schools to navigate the complex air quality issues that impact the wellbeing of students, faculty and staff.
Shonda Huery Hardman PhD
Shonda Huery Hardman PhD
Dr. Shonda Huery-Hardman has served students in urban school districts for the last 25 years. Dr. Huery-Hardman served as a network chief in Chicago Public School where she coached, supervised and supported principals. Most recently, she served as a chief of schools in Houston ISD, where she was responsible for leading 284 schools. She holds masters degrees in education administration as well as education policy and planning. She received her doctorate from Harvard University in 2010, where her research focused on understanding the behaviors of exemplary middle school teachers serving students in high-poverty middle schools. Dr. Huery-Hardman’s knowledge and expertise in education support’s Protect|ED’s efforts to help ensure air equity for all students.
Fay Y. Lin MD
Fay Y. Lin MD
Dr. Fay Y. Lin is a respected and experienced educator, epidemiologist and cardiologist. After graduating magna cum laude from Harvard University, Dr. Lin attended Johns Hopkins University. She went on to complete her cardiology fellowship at Cornell Medical School. Additionally, she trained in epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Dr. Lin currently serves as a medical school professor at Cornell University. Applying her decades of experience, Dr. Lin works with schools and universities to advise on the steps needed to maintain a healthy school buildin
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