Professional Learning

Amy Oelschlager is the Manager of Professional Learning based out of St. Paul, MN. She taught elementary school for several years before getting her Master’s Degree in Instructional Technology and becoming an Instructional Coach.

She also worked as a Personalized Learning Coordinator for an urban district in the Twin Cities creating and coordinating professional development and effective implementation of instructional technology in K-12 classrooms.

In addition to her teaching and district leadership, she has worked at MIND as an Education Success Manager supporting the implementation of ST Math in districts and schools across the country. She loves training and coaching teachers to use ST Math as an instructional tool to transform their math instruction.

ShaKeitha Green is a Professional Learning Lead based out of Los Angeles, CA. She has been in the field of education for over 13 years. ShaKeitha was a Lab Tech at an elementary school for 7 years where she monitored and implemented the school’s technology programs including ST Math. During that time she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development and a Master’s Degree in Technology Based Education. 

Additionally, she has worked at MIND as an Education Success Manager supporting schools and districts with the implementation of ST Math for the past six years. She discovered a great joy for presenting and the importance of connecting with the audience.

Vivian Doughty is a Professional Learning Specialist with MIND Research Institute. Vivian has worked with MIND since 2012 supporting schools and districts within California and beyond. A Minneapolis native, she has made Long Beach, California her home for nearly all of her adult life while working in vocations that have honed her creative, out-of-the-box thinking, intuition, and grit.  Her kind nature is always a positive impact. Vivian taught in the private and public sector for many years, working the entire spectrum of education, from young children to adults of all ages. She holds multiple degrees from CSULB along with a clear, professionalized, California teaching credential and ELA1 certification. Vivian enjoys performing at a high level to ensure the vibrancy and success of your professional learning process and delivery.

Gabby Grossman is a Professional Learning Specialist, serving districts across the state of Texas. She began her career in education at Northwestern State University of Louisiana when she completed her Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education. After college, Gabby spent 7 years teaching grades K-3 in both Louisiana and Texas. Most recently, she spent 3 years as an assistant principal and instructional coach at KIPP Texas. During her time as an assistant principal, she focused on supporting teachers in best practices of math instruction, implementing research-based curricula, and strategic use of data to improve student outcomes. Gabby is committed to the mission of MIND Research Institute and is so excited to be working towards removing all barriers for all kids.

Michelle Junkin is a Professional Learning Specialist located in Tampa, FL with her husband and 2 sons. Michelle has lived and taught in several states – Louisiana, Connecticut, Virginia, Oklahoma and Florida. She is currently living in Tampa, FL with her husband and 2 sons. She graduated with her Bachelor’s degree from The University of New Orleans and holds her National Board Certification in EYA Mathematics. Michelle has been teaching for 21 years – from elementary through Algebra 1 and has been a math coach for 6 of those years at the elementary and middle school levels. She is an out of the box, innovative thinker with a passion for providing high quality mathematics for all learners. When not working, Michelle is an avid reader and cook. She enjoys being outside with her family and 2 dogs whether being at the beach, kayaking, exercising, or just enjoying the Florida sunshine.

Hannahrose Laidlaw is a Professional Learning Specialist at MIND Research Institute. She has a Master’s Degree in Education and is based out of New York, New York. She graduated with a degree in Sociology and Pre-Law but fell in love with education while volunteering with various organizations in college and her two years as a Teach for America Corps Member in South Louisiana.
Hannahrose brings her expertise from the last nine years as classroom teacher, instructional coach, curriculum developer, and Dean into her role as a Professional Learning Specialist. Hannahrose is passionate about K-8 education and loves to bring her high energy to all trainings where she helps support educators to use ST MATH as an instructional tool to transform their math instruction.

Allison Ross serves as a Professional Learning Specialist for the great state of Texas and resides in Fort Worth. Prior to joining MIND this year, she spent six years as an elementary educator in Birdville ISD and nine years in the roles of Middle School Educator and Curriculum Coordinator & Coach at independent schools serving gifted and talented learners. Throughout her teaching journey, she honed her skills in differentiation for the gifted and talented population, developed several Project-Based Learning units, and revitalized her school’s service-learning and applied research programs. Additionally, she presented on topics related to executive functioning, digital citizenship, prosocial gameplay, giftedness & perfectionism, and Project-Based Learning. Allison holds a Bachelor’s degree Early Childhood Education from Texas Christian University and her Master’s degree in Gifted Education from Hardin-Simmons University. She has a passion for math, enjoys encouraging learners who possess or lack confidence in the subject matter, and supporting teachers as they do the same.

Rebekah Ames is an Education Success Manager based in Salt Lake City, Utah. She holds a Bachelors of Arts in Anthropology and a Master of Arts in Elementary Education. She has worked in education for fifteen years and spent many of those years as a classroom teacher teaching kindergarten, third grade, and fifth grade. Additionally she has worked as an instructional coach, helping teachers refine best practices and find new ways to reach all learners. She is passionate about education, especially math education. Rebekah enjoys working with teachers and school leaders to show them how ST Math can transform the way their students feel about math. When she’s not solving math problems with JiJi she can be found cooking, gardening, and enjoying time with her family.

Jim deBerjeois is an Education Success Manager located in the Atlanta, GA area. He spent 20 years as a teacher and administrator in various schools in NY, NC, and Ga.  He has extensive experience in delivering training and classroom support to educators throughout the country. Prior to becoming a ESM, he served as a Professional Learning Specialist at MIND, delivering PL on-site and virtually to ST Math customers  in various schools and districts. In his spare time, Jim enjoys reading, playing tennis, and following college sports, especially basketball.

Melissa is an Education Success Manager based in Southern California.  She graduated from Chapman University with her B.A., then later earned her teaching credential from Cal State Los Angeles. Melissa is a dynamic education ambassador who has served students as a HS Math Teacher, Tutoring Center Director, Regional Manager of After School Programs, and as an Assistant Principal. In her current role, she enjoys sharing her passion for ST Math’s neuroscience based approach to teaching mathematics with Administrators and Teachers. She is a married mama of two who relaxes by soaking up sunshine & sipping sweet-tea.

Annie McGavren is an Education Success Consultant based in Ventura, CA. Annie spent 14 years teaching at a public high school in Ventura where she taught various levels of Mathematics and took on many leadership roles. In addition to Math, Annie taught Leadership for a decade; this role allowed her to be even more creative in her curriculum and instruction. Annie served as a school leader planning and executing school-wide events while training her peers and students in mathematics, growth mindset, wellness, character development, and much more.

Annie sincerely believes that it is not always about what we are learning, but how we approach learning. Working with MIND inspires Annie to help educators shift the way students feel about mathematics, empowering students to persevere and appreciate the beauty in math.

In her free time, Annie enjoys working on her “fixer upper” with her husband, being active outside, and playing with her two children.

Tyng is an Education Success Consultant based in Southern California. She began her career at a non-profit after-school program serving the Watts community in South LA. She then earned her Master of Education and credential from UCLA, and continued to teach in diverse communities across Southern California. It wasn’t until she learned how to teach math that she discovered her love of math! As a classroom teacher, she is passionate about integrating educational technology and project-based learning. As an Education Success Consultant, she is thrilled to empower and equip educators with the tools to transform their students’ math journey. In her spare time Tyng enjoys traveling, practicing yoga, and checking out new restaurants!

Brenna Frost is an Education Success Consultant based out of St. Petersburg, FL. She has a degree in Elementary Education (STEM concentration) from North Carolina State University. Brenna also earned her Master's Degree while teaching in Massachusetts. She has experience teaching in both Massachusetts and Florida. Brenna’s years as a teacher were spent in Title One Schools where she was dedicated to helping underprivileged children reach their maximum potential. Brenna instilled her love for mathematics into each of her students. She loved seeing her students discuss concepts and persevere through challenging problems. As a Professional Learning Consultant Brenna is looking forward to helping teachers and students believe in ST Math and cannot wait to see the impact it has on the next generation of learners. Outside of work, Brenna loves boating, fishing, and fitness. You can also catch her outside relaxing in her hammock reading a great book.

Monica Minarchin is an Education Success Consultant located in Mesa, AZ. She has 20+ years experience in education and holds a Master’s in Math Instruction. Monica’s education experience includes time as an elementary and middle school teacher and as a Title I Math Specialist. Most recently she has provided support to teachers and students as the District K-8 Math Coach and Federal Program Specialist. In her free time, Monica enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and creating art.

Kelsey Richards is an Education Success Consultant residing in Riverside County in California with 5 years of experience in the field of education and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education and Multiple Subject California Teaching Credential. With a burning drive to educate and empower students’ involvement in their own community, Kelsey spends much of her time working as a Work Experience Teacher for high school Juniors and Seniors. Kelsey is excited to be on MIND’s powerful and productive team because she has seen ST Math change the stance students have towards math! Kelsey enjoys family time, finding new music and artists to listen to, and creating online graphics for the family t-shirt and apparel business!

Michelle Russell is an Education Success Consultant based in Chicago, Illinois. She has over 20 years of experience working in both public and private schools through the Greater Chicagoland area and holds a Masters in Technology in Education. Michelle’s classroom experience includes time as a middle school math teacher, elementary teacher, computer teacher and an Instructional Technology Specialist where she was tasked with creating and supporting an environment that encouraged creativity and the independent use of instructional technology within the school. Michelle enjoys spending time trying out new recipes to cook with her husband, enjoys relaxing with a good book, and cross-stitching

Molly Russell is an Education Success Consultant based near Minneapolis, MN. Moly holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education & Learning Disabilities and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She has over 15 years of teaching experience, which includes elementary education, secondary special education, and co-teaching both 8th and 9th grade English. Molly is excited to help teachers change the way both they and their students feel about math. In her spare time, Molly likes to spend time with her two children, do yoga, and be outside.

Sarah Stevens is an Education Success Consultant based out of Sacramento, California. She is a former elementary school teacher who taught at a Title 1 public school for four years. Sarah has also worked as a neuroscience researcher at both UC Berkeley and UCSF. ST Math beautifully combines Sarah’s two passions, education and neuroscience! In her role, Sarah enjoys sharing the science behind ST Math and supporting educators with implementation. In her spare time, Sarah can be found reading, drinking way too much coffee, or hanging out with her rambunctious toddler.

David Van Vleet is an Education Success Consultant in Fairfax County, Virginia which is just outside Washington D.C. David has over 30 years of education experience. As a high school mathematics teacher, David has taught every course from Prealgebra to AP Calculus BC. For the past 18 years, David also has served as the middle school mathematics specialist for Fairfax County Public Schools. David supported the curriculum, assessment, and instructional needs of the mathematics teachers in 26 middle schools. In David’s spare time he enjoys fishing (freshwater and saltwater). David enjoys his work for MIND Research in supporting teachers with classroom implementation of ST Math.

Michelle Young is an Education Success Consultant Michelle knows that early success and conceptual learning in math builds enthusiastic and lifelong learners. This is her 17th year in the field of education and her 5th year as an education consultant. So far, the favorite part of her job at MIND is working with other team members who are passionate about math and helping teachers and students succeed! Michelle has worked as a classroom educator and Associate Principal, with broad experience in developing, reviewing, and administering education assessments. She loves to learn about all things EdTech.

JiJi oversees student success and is responsible for crossing the screen as math puzzles are solved. JiJi is an accomplished world traveler, and has led over two million students to the next challenge as they play ST Math. JiJi is not great at jumping, but excels at waddling around classrooms in pursuit of giving students and educators alike a high “flipper”. JiJi is currently studying all mathematical subjects in grades PreK-8.