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

Josie Brogan

Director of Human Resources and Operations

What I do: Connect the dots across all areas of Educurious

I’m #Educurious because… It's never too late to learn

Favorite part of school: Art and rocking the drill team after school

Favorite book: Crime Thrillers a la John Grisham

Superpower: Cooking a meal full of love to bring together family and friends

Favorite place in Seattle: Pike Place Market – especially the flower booths

When not at Educurious, I: Test new recipes, kayak, and enjoy water views

Previous work highlight: Making Nordstrom print materials dazzle

Education: Studied business at Western Washington University

Diane Buckley

Finance Manager

What I do: Accounting and Finance

I’m #Educurious because… Believe in the power of education

Favorite part of school: Chemistry and English Lit

Music I listen to: Anything live from classic to contemporary

Superpower: Seeing both the forest and the trees

Favorite place in Seattle: Burgermaster

When not at Educurious, I: Travel, hike or dine with friends

Previous work highlight: Meeting glass artists from around the world at Pilchuck Glass School

Education: BA in Business from U of W

Chris Carter

Humanities Manager

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

Senior Designer, Professional Learning

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

Professional Learning & Curriculum Designer

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

Alex Goodell

Director of Partnerships

What I do: Design novel project-based learning experiences and corresponding professional development, and build and maintain meaningful partnerships with schools and districts.

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

Kristina Hawley

Copy Editor

What I do: I help keep readers' attention on our epic ideas, not our epic typos.

I’m #Educurious because… I believe that words can inspire; knowledge can empower; and curriculum that motivates students to ask questions, challenge old ideas, and think critically can change the world.

Favorite part of school was... Singing in choir and with my a cappella group.

Music I listen to: Folk and indie rock, with a particular appreciation for the acoustic variety.

Superpower: Relentless resourcefulness.

Favorite place in Seattle: Mox Boarding House.

When not at Educurious, I: Play with my toddler, bake, read, or cuddle one of my five pets.

Previous work highlight: Working as a skincare consultant and trainer.

Education: Haverford College, B.A. in Psychology; University of Washington, Certificate in Editing.

Blake Konrady

Senior Partner Relations Associate

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!

Sara Nachtigal

Director of Teaching and Learning

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 Specialist

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

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)

Vicki Phillips

Senior Advisor

What I do: Make sure our work is high quality, innovative, and well-known

I’m #Educurious because… I am a life-long educator and am always curious

Favorite part of school: Geometry – it fueled my love of art, architecture, and design

Music I listen to: Jazz, blues, a little rock ‘n’ roll, and dash of country

My superpower: Melding disparate talents and creating caring cultures

When not at Educurious, I: Explore new places, perspectives, and possibilities

Previous work highlight: Teacher, Superintendent, Chief State School Officer, Director of K-12 Education – World’s Largest Foundation

Education: Doctorate in international leadership and curriculum and instruction

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

Frank F Alvarado III

What I do: With the support of my network and my experience in banking I provide sound financial advice to move people, businesses and non-profits forward.

I’m #Educurious because… I believe curiosity and education are necessary for progress.

Favorite part of school: Math

Favorite music: Currently listening to high energy music to work out at home.

Superpower: super-glasses, they enhance my ability to see solutions from different points of view.

Favorite place in Seattle: Capitol Hill

When not at Educurious, I: Hike, read and play video games

Previous work highlight: 2019 was a stellar year and I was awarded President's Club for being a top achiever.

Education: BS Finance from Arizona State University

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 in Residence

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 in Residence

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

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

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.