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Our staff are committed education specialists and dedicated change-makers.

Kasha Browning

Sr. Curriculum Designer

What I do: Work with educators creating engaging curriculum for students to explore, learn, and thrive with!

I'm #Educurious because... Learning opens doors to new possibilities

Favorite part of school: Theater class and performing on stage in plays and musicals

Music I listen to: I have an eclectic music style: 70s Yacht Rock, R&B, Tejano, Disney Soundtracks

Superpower: Making complex information engaging and exciting and building relationships

Favorite place in Seattle: Any place with a patio and good food

When not at Educurious I like to: Lay in the sun and drink iced coffee, read, grill on the patio, and play with my dogs

Previous work highlight: Designing and teaching K-8 Theater and Arts Integrated Curriculum, directing middle school musicals

Education: B.A. in Theater from University of Washington Seattle, Masters of Education from University of Washington, Tacoma, Project Management Certification (Google Coursera)

Chris Carter

Managing Director of Teaching and Learning

What I do: Support educators and organizations in designing and implementing project-based learning in humanities classrooms and contexts.

I'm #Educurious because... I believe students can be their best selves at school when teachers have what they need to lead transformative learning experiences.

Favorite part of school: After school activities like track and cross country

Music I listen to: Bluegrass

Superpower: Ironing clothes

Favorite place in Seattle: Just about any local sandwich shop

When not at Educurious I like to: Trail run, rock climb, mountain bike, and paddle board

Previous work highlight: Co-designing a social studies social justice curriculum with teachers and experts

Education: M.A., in Organizational Leadership (i.e. principal licensure); B.A., Political Science and Sociology

Jane Chadsey

CEO

What I do: Lead the curriculum and professional learning team, and work with school and district leaders to bring learning alive

I'm #Educurious because... We’re on the edge of new pedagogy that prepares young people for their future rather than our past

Favorite part of school: Hanging out with my teachers. I knew I wanted to be a teacher from the time I was in the second grade and have never regretted my decision to teach.

Music I listen to: I love all kinds of music from jazz, to rock to sound tracks from musicals.

Superpower: My family

Favorite place in Seattle: I love being near the water. But I also love downtown Seattle. I'm basically a city person.

When not at Educurious I like to: Travel, read, cook, garden.

Previous work highlight: I loved being a teacher. My work in Seattle Public Schools and the Director of Teaching and Learning and in the Renton School District was a highlight.

Education: BA, Sociology and Education from the U.W. MA Curriculum and Instruction from Seattle Pacific University

Adrienne Dickinson

Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer

What I do: Design engaging project-based learning curriculum for social studies

I’m #Educurious because… Learning should be empowering!

Favorite part of school: Anytime I got to get active with my learning

Music I listen to: I'm a sucker for pop summer anthems

Superpower: Knowing the lyrics to any song

Favorite place in Seattle: Anywhere I can watch the sunset over Puget Sound

When not at Educurious, I: Embarrass my children with my dance moves

Previous work highlight: Teaching in a phenomenal community of learners!

Education: B.S., Political Science, Santa Clara University; Masters in Teaching, Seattle University

Valeria Gamarra

Associate Director, Design Lab

What I do: Work with educators to create learning experiences that engage students in the world around them.

I’m #Educurious because… I believe humanities curriculum can help energize students to take action in their community.

Favorite part of school was... Theater club

Music I listen to: Indie folk/rock

Superpower: Speed reading

When not at Educurious, I: Explore new towns with my dog + husband!

Previous work highlight: Writing digital identity curriculum for NYC librarians.

Education: The George Washington University

Javier Gastón-Greenberg

Sr. Curriculum Designer

What I do: Design learning experiences that challenge and empower students to see their world in a new way.

I’m #Educurious because… There is a shared commitment to innovate learning.

Favorite part of school was... The storytellers - fiction, theater, and animated teachers

Music I listen to: Soul, dub, salsa, hip hop

Superpower: To feel the world through a kaleidoscope and see the world through a Venn diagram

When not at Educurious, I: Find natural places to swim

Previous work highlight: Producing a comic book story curriculum project

Education: BA in Latin American Studies from Welseyan University; MA in Education from Pace University; PhD in Hispanic Languages and Literature from Stony Brook University

Alex Goodell

Chief Growth Officer

What I do: Lead the growth and development of Educurious by building partnerships to support innovative student-centered change initiatives and priorities.

I’m #Educurious because… Learning should change lives!

Favorite part of school was... Having terrific teachers!

Favorite book: The Giving Tree

Music I listen to: Reggae, downtempo, 80's, funk, pop, hip-hop, Latin, soul, house, jazz.

Superpower: Adaptability

Favorite place in Seattle: Magnuson Park

When not at Educurious, I: Get outside!

Previous work highlight: Working in various capacities at UW (research, educational leadership, teaching)

Education: Universtity of Washington, PhD. Learning Sciences

Hanna Jaramillo

Associate Director, Science

What I do: Support educators and organizations in designing and implementing project-based learning in science classrooms and contexts.

I’m #Educurious because… I believe all students should have the opportunity to learn about what interests them and are empowered to change their community for the better.

Favorite part of school was... Any labs, activities, or projects where I got to engage my curiosity and answer the million questions in my brain!

Music I listen to: I'm a music geologist, I love all types of rock: folk, alternative, punk, classic, etc.

Superpower: Memory, but only for random trivia and where any file I've ever saved is

Favorite place in Seattle: Any natural area!

When not at Educurious, I: Trail walk with the dog, video game with the husband, tie fancy knots with yarn (crochet)

Previous work highlight: Working closely with my colleagues to design a relevant and performance based Biology curriculum using the Next Generation Science Standards

Education: M.S. in Education, option in Curriculum and Instruction; B.S. in Environmental Science, option in Applied Ecology with a minor in Biology

Blake Konrady

Partnerships Manager

What I do: Support youth, employer, and expert facing programs

I’m #Educurious because… I care about opening doors for the young people of all communities

Favorite book: Falling Upwards

Music I listen to: 80s, hip-hop, country, classical, jazz

Superpower: Empathy

Favorite place in Seattle: University of Washington Campus

When not at Educurious, I: Spend time with my wife and young son outdoors

Previous work highlight: Being recognized as partner of the year by the National Council of State Administrators of Vocational Rehabilitation for work supporting the Microsoft Autism Hiring Program

Education: M.Ed., University of Washington. Go Dawgs!

Tatiana Lancaster

Project Manager

What I do: I manage educational projects and collaborate with various teams and partnerships at Educurious.

I’m #Educurious because… I believe that education is hands-on, empowering, and fun!

Favorite part of school was: English Language Arts, History, extracurricular activities such as orchestra, book club, Business Professionals of America, debate, bowling club, and the soccer team.

Music I listen to: I love music and listen to everything from classical to cumbias, from punk to pop, from jazz to j-pop, from emo to electronic dance, and just depends on the moment.

Superpower: Listening

Favorite place in Seattle: Golden Gardens

When not at Educurious, I: Read, write, cook, travel, and go on walks.

Previous work highlight: Worked closely with youth and families on diverse educational community-based projects, and I enjoyed witnessing lots of individual and community growth, and the work highlight was seeing eyes open up with excitement and passion within each project cycle and at different stages of the projects.

Education: Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Sarah Lawrence College, and attended the University of Houston as an undergraduate where I studied English Literature and Business Administration. CAPM certified.

Clare Lilliston

Sr. Copyeditor

What I do: I ensure that writing is clear, consistent, and cohesive; aligned with the organization’s voice and vision; and attentive to best practices in conscious language.

I'm #Educurious because: Education sparks agency when it is authentic, dynamic, and meaningful to a diverse range of learners.

Favorite part of school: Scribes, the after-school writing club

Music I listen to: Alt folk, ambient, anything with synth

Superpower: Asking clarifying questions

Favorite place in Seattle: Ballard Locks

When not at Educurious, I: Read novels, find new ways to cook vegetables, and go to the movies

Previous work highlight: Designing and launching a peer mentoring program for new college students

Education: BA in literary arts from the Evergreen State College; MFA in creative writing from Mills College; editing certificate from UC Berkeley

Sara Nachtigal

Chief Learning Officer

What I do: Bring together teachers and professionals to design learning experiences that connect students to the world around them

Favorite part of school: Travel opportunities

Favorite book: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

Music I listen to: KEXP and KCRW

Superpower: Functioning without much sleep

Favorite place in Seattle: Seward Park’s trails

When not at Educurious, I: Hike, bike, or backpack

Previous work highlight: Knowledge in Action research project at University of Washington

Education: Ph.D., Curriculum & Instruction; M.A. in Teaching (secondary ELA); B.S., Literature & Creative Writing

Erik Robinson

Technology Manager

What I do: I make sure all things technology run smoothly and, if they aren't, I find a way

I’m #Educurious because… I'm never done learning

Favorite part of school: Math and biology

Music I listen to: Some of my favorites are ska/punk, hip hop, dubstep, and reggae

Superpower: Making your computer do what you want it to do

Favorite place in Seattle: Bhy Kracke Park

When not at Educurious, I: Produce music, video games, and bake

Previous work highlight: Game tester at Nintendo

Education: Web development certificate

Angela Rosenberg

Digital Content Specialist

What I do: I get courses ready to go online looking their best, working smoothly, and error-free

I'm #Educurious because: Every student should be empowered by their education and find joy in their schoolwork

Favorite part of school: English class

Music I listen to: Instrumental covers of pop music

Superpower: Making anything look pretty

When not at Educurious, I: Play video games, knit, and spend time with my cat

Previous work highlight: Worked for Lucas Education Research as a Digital Content Specialist

Education: B.A. English from Byrn Mawr Collee, M.Phil in digital Humanities from Trinity College Dublin

Jesse Sutherland

Project Manager

What I do: Find solutions to make operations flow and set timelines to aid our dreams grow.

I'm #Educurious because: The more I learn, the more I realize I don't know. Aiding in the Educurious curriculum allows me to contribute towards a platform that will encourage students to never stop learning.

Favorite part of school: Spanish club, physics labs, and history.

Music I listen to: Sucker for a pop bop, indie folk/rock, & hip hop

Superpower: Memory, especially useless cinema trivia

Favorite place in Seattle: Discovery Park

When not at Educurious, I: Wander around parks with my son and wife, experiment with new recipes in the kitchen.

Previous work highlight: Designing and delivering live Google Workspace trainings to upwards of 300 trainees at once.

Education: B.A. in Information Systems, Western Washington University Project Management Institute CAPM

Naomi Tsai

Sr. Curriculum Designer

What I do: Partner with educators to develop humanities curriculum that empowers students to change the world for the better.

I'm #Educurious because: All students should have access to curriculum that is exciting, relevant, and rigorous.

Favorite part of school: Working on school projects!

Music I listen to: Anything from indie rock to jazz to Broadway musicals

Superpower: Attention to detail

Favorite place in Seattle: Swansons for the plants. Discovery Park for the views.

When not at Educurious, I: Hike, read, and spend time with family

Previous work highlight: Teaching an interdisciplinary humanities curriculum at a NYC middle school.

Education: M.A. in Secondary English Education at Teachers College; B.A. in English with a creative writing emphasis at the University of Pennsylvania

Samson

Office Dog Extraordinaire

What I do: Keep team morale high and loudly greet visitors to the office

I’m #Educurious because… I want to get my nose into everything I possibly can, literally

Favorite part of school: Getting treats when I do simple tasks

Favorite book: Anything but Old Yeller

Music I listen to: Baja Men and DMX. Specifically “Who let the Dogs Out?” and “Where my Dogs at?”

Superpower: Full-body wiggling

Favorite place in Seattle: The Greenlake Dog Park

When not at Educurious, I: Get on furniture when my parents are not watching and sneak cat food.

Previous work highlight: Shaker of many hands

Education: Certification in get human attention (seeking nose nudges and paw shakes)

Our board members provide invaluable ideas, perspective, and feedback.

Sharon Chism

What I do: I apply my collective community and professional experiences to make contributions that advance equity and remove systemic barriers.

I’m #Educurious because… I believe in the power of education and value the creation of learning opportunities for every type of student.

Favorite part of school: World Geography. I enjoyed learning about the history and culture of other regions of the world.

Music I listen to: The 80’s (everything from Prince to Duran Duran). I also like neo-soul, funk and hip-hop.

Superpower: Brokering relationships

When not at Educurious I like: Spending time with friends outdoors and eating good food.

Previous work highlight: Being recognized by the CEO of my firm for my contributions to the community.

Education: M.B.A. from Case Western Reserve University and a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida A&M University.

Janet Frohnmayer

What I do: Lead the board and work closely with our awesome CEO at Educurious

I’m #Educurious because… I love its positive impact on students and teachers

Favorite part of school: Learning and student leadership

Favorite book: I’m a non-fiction geek – recent fave is So You Want To Talk About Race

Superpower: Connecting people and ideas

When not at Educurious, I: Walk with friends, travel, create art, gather people together

Current work highlight: Hiring our CEO at Educurious

Previous work highlight: Eight years on the Mercer Island School Board

Education: M.B.A., B.A. in Human Biology

Carrie George

What I do: Help hire our wonderful CEO, strategize about Educurious’ future, and govern the organization

I’m #Educurious because… I want education to be engaging for all kids

Favorite part of school: Math and reading. Love the clean solutions, love the stories.

Favorite book: Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver

Superpower: Making people comfortable

Favorite place in Seattle: The ferries

Current work highlight: Coaching brilliant women

Previous work highlight: Owning a company with my husband

Education: B.A. in Economics, Claremont McKenna College; M.B.A., Harvard Business School

Kelly Camak Niccolis

What I do: Supervise principals and help them make their schools awesome for kids

I’m #Educurious because… Educurious is future learning and access ready

Favorite part of school: Any class grappling with big questions from multiple perspectives

Music I listen to: California Gangsta Rap, especially from the 90's & 2000's

Superpower: I'm relentless!

Favorite place in Seattle: Golden Gardens Park

Previous work highlight: I loved being a school development coach and working with schools across the country

Education: EdD Education Leadership UW, MA Sociology, CSUF & BA English Lit CSUSB

Dan Ostrowski

What I do: As a UX Designer at Google, I help define and craft a broad scope of learning experiences, but with particular attention being paid to the introduction of machine learning technology
and company on-boarding.

I’m #Educurious because… I strongly believe in project oriented group work and the power of multidisciplinary teams.

Favorite part of school: U.S. History - Ken Burns left a strong imprint on my early life.

Music I listen to: Classic rock, jazz, new wave, folk, and because of my little
one... the Moana Soundtrack

Superpower: Understanding structural relationships and conceptualizing
improvements

Favorite place in Seattle: Discovery or Jefferson Park

Previous work highlight: I've been lucky to work in a wide array of fields - agricultural vehicle development, aviation, software development, wearable tech, and AI first products.

Education: Masters of Design at the University of Washington, BS in Industrial Design at Ohio State University

June Rimmer

What I do: Independent Education Consultant, sole proprietor of 'Working on Behalf of Kids'

I’m #Educurious because… I am a strong advocate for student learning through project-based learning and technology

Favorite part of school: The music department. I used to sing and play piano, organ and violin

Music I listen to: I love all types of music

Superpower: futurism

Favorite place in Seattle: Any waterfront or place with a view of the mountains

Previous work highlight: High school teacher and principal, staff developer, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, chief academic officer, consultant, coach, and staff developer for leaders at the central office and school levels

Education: Doctorate in Leadership, curriculum & Instruction Indiana University

Laura Troyani

What I do: As the owner and operator of a market research firm, I help organizations use data to inform their product, marketing, and business strategy.

I’m #Educurious because… There is no one size fits all approach to learning.

Favorite part of school: Chem lab! What's more fun that putting solutions together and seeing what happens?

Music I listen to: Can't pick just one: 80's, contemporary country, Latin, blues….

Superpower: Understanding why people have a certain perspective or belief

Favorite place in Seattle: Pike Place Market

When not at Educurious I like to: Practice jiu jitsu

Previous work highlight: Having my original research cited in major business publications

Education: BA Sociology, Harvard College; MBA, Harvard Business School

Julie Zunker

What I do: Focus on programs that deliver social good around the world

I’m #Educurious because… I want to contribute to the confidence of students through mentorship

Favorite part of school: Researching and writing papers

Favorite book: A Gentleman from Moscow by Amor Towles

Superpower: I am a connector

Current work highlight: Lecturing at University Business Schools on Corporate Social Responsibility and sharing the importance of balancing social good with business impact

Previous work highlight: Working as a Field Enablement Consultant in China and India

Education: B.S., English, University of Illinois; Masters Library Information Sciences, University of Washington

We’d like to thank our founders for their vision, passion, and hard work launching Educurious, and creating an environment for learning that connects for years to come.

Stephen Arnold

For more than 20 years, Stephen has been dedicated to improving the quality of education in America. He developed several businesses in entertainment software and digital media, and served as chairman of the Educurious board of directors. He is a co-founder of Polaris Partners, and co-founder and vice chairman of the George Lucas Educational Foundation, creators of www.edutopia.org. He serves on the boards of The Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning, Enlearn, Healthy Minds Innovations, and The New Mexico School for the Arts, and chairs the advisory council for The Character Lab.

Philip Bell

Phil is a professor of the Learning Sciences & Human Development and holds the Shauna C. Larson Chair in Learning Sciences at the University of Washington. His research focuses on how people learn in ways that are personally relevant to them. Phil was a member of the National Research Council Committee that authored the vision in the Framework for K-12 Science Education that is being used to guide development of Next Generation Science Standards. He directs the UW Institute for Science and Mathematics Education that conducts equity-focused R&D projects in STEM education.

Michael Golden

Michael is a proven leader committed to education reform. He is Executive Director and Senior Fellow at Catalyst @ Penn GSE, the center for innovation at University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education, which connects people and ideas across diverse constituencies to develop innovative ways to address persistent and emerging problems in education. Prior to that, he served as CEO of Educurious, corporate vice president of Education Products Group at Microsoft Corporation, senior vice president for strategic planning and marketing at Pearson Education, and deputy secretary with the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Patricia Wasley

Pat started as a high school English teacher in Perth, West Australia, and has taught in all kinds of schools. She has been a curriculum designer, a public school administrator, a university faculty member, a researcher, and a higher ed administrator. She was Dean of the Graduate School of Education at Bank Street College and of the University of Washington’s College of Education. After leaving higher ed, Pat was a founding member on teams which created Educurious and Teaching Channel. She now concentrates on projects that are likely to improve educator’s capacity to make school an exciting place to be. As a learner, Pat is trying to learn to draw.