How do you build positive relationships with young people and what do those relationships mean to you?
"Without a doubt, the best thing about being an educator is that my students make me a better person. They invite me into their lives and we form a family with a mutual commitment to support one another on our learning journey. The core of these positive relationships is mutual respect. Not a day goes by that young people do not prove to me how immensely talented they are and how brilliantly they exceed my own abilities. My life is immeasurably enriched by knowing them, and it is my honor to have many precious relationships which have extended far beyond their time in my classroom." See bio.
What is your favorite aspect of being a learning coach at Prisma?
"Without question, my favorite part of being a coach at Prisma is the two-way mutual learning I experience with the learners. I can not think of a single day where I have turned my laptop off and haven’t gleaned something from the life, knowledge, or insight of one of our Prismarians—from sailing, to repairing motorcycles, or Irish dancing, or simply a unique perspective on a topic we’re discussing. Our learners have had such diverse experiences. They’re risk-takers, adventurers, technically-capable, empathetic listeners, and respectful debaters. At Prisma, it’s a guarantee that I’ll grow and stretch as a person and coach alongside my learners." See bio.
What is your approach to supporting learners?
"As a teacher, I’ve always prioritized fostering the social and emotional aspects of student growth. The best coaches support folks as they work towards their own goals while helping them evolve their efforts to align with their best interests. I’m most excited about my role as a learning coach affording me the opportunity to meet each learner where they’re at and helping them get to where they want to be. There is so much value in highly individualized, interdisciplinary, project-based learning with lots of intentional support and communal growth—and that is what Prisma is all about!" See bio.
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What is your favorite part about your role as Prisma's CEO?
"Working with such a passionate, thoughtful, highly effective team. Every single person at Prisma puts learners first and is excited to customize, to iterate, and to find new ways to engage, challenge, and support each learner at their level. The whole team is so positive, can-do, solutions oriented, and willing to think outside the box to create the best possible learning experience for our kids. No one on our team ever says, "This is the way it's always been." or "We can't do that." or "That's good enough." We're always asking for feedback from our learners and families and finding new and creative ways to engage kids, spark their curiosity, and nurture their love of learning." See bio.
What sets Prisma’s approach to math apart from traditional schools?
"Our math lessons (known as Numbers Labs) are thoughtfully designed to be fun and engaging. We believe that when students enjoy the learning process, they become more motivated and eager to dive deep into different math concepts - which is exactly what we want. Additionally, Prisma puts a strong emphasis on nurturing a growth mindset in our learners. We understand the value of encouraging students to embrace challenges and develop a positive attitude towards math. Understanding the underlying processes and reasoning behind mathematical concepts leads to deeper comprehension and application of math in real-life situations." See bio.
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How does your work at Harvard's Creative Computing Lab influence your thinking about learning experience design at Prisma?
"It pushed my thinking as to why kids should learn computer science. They are living in a world that is increasingly technologically mediated, and we owe it to them to help them participate in technology, not just consume it. When algorithms determine the news they see, the products they are advertised, and the entertainment they absorb, I think it’s an ethical imperative that we teach kids how these things function. We wouldn’t teach kids to read English but not to write it! We should think of computers the same way, as a necessary tool of expression and empowerment." See bio.
Tell us a little bit about your background in education prior to joining Prisma.
"I have more than sixteen years of experience as an educator. I have a PhD in mathematics, which allowed me to develop and teach mathematics and computer science courses at the university as well as middle and high school level. I’ve been a middle and high school educator, and was in charge of founding and developing the Innovation Sciences Department at my previous school. I am also a Neuroinclusive Coach and Consultant, which means I support and coach neurodivergent (ADHD, autistic, dyslexic, etc.) kids, adults, and their support systems, and I offer workshops to schools and organizations." See bio.
How has your work in your PhD program inspired your approach to design at Prisma?
"Teaching at an IB school, I was both a teacher and a curriculum designer. I started to realize that it didn’t require huge investments in materials to make school more engaging, equitable, and educative: asking better questions doesn’t cost any more than asking rote ones! I spent the five years of my PhD program designing and studying interdisciplinary project-based learning experiences that meaningfully integrated literacy learning with science and engineering: the same approach that we use at Prisma!"
If you had to choose ONE skill that you believe is most important for learners to master to be prepared for the future, what would it be and why?
"I’d say the most important skill is trusting who you are and the unique abilities you bring to the table. In a world that’s constantly changing, the one constant is you. When you are confident in your own voice, strengths, and creativity, you can navigate any situation with resilience and adaptability. It’s not about fitting into a mould, but about embracing what makes you, YOU. That self-trust fuels curiosity, innovation, and problem-solving because you're not afraid to take risks, ask questions, or offer a different perspective." See bio.
At Prisma, we've created a culture where people feel safe to dream, speak up, take risks, and, most importantly, love and invest in kids.
