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.

Tori is an Education Success Consultant based out of Hampton, VA. She has over 5 years experience as a Math 8 and Algebra 1 classroom teacher, curriculum developer, and trainer for district and school level professional development. She recently earned her Master’s in Educational Leadership degree with a certification in Administration & Supervision because her true passion lies in mentoring educators to reach their highest potential. One thing she regrets is not having access to ST Math when she was a teacher! Tori is super excited to be a part of the MIND team because she greatly aligns with MIND’s mission to develop critical thinkers and problem solvers for the next generation. When Tori isn’t spreading the word on ST Math, she enjoys attending concerts, traveling with her husband, and growing her sneaker collection!

Monique is an Education Success Consultant based out of Chicago, Illinois. She has worked as an elementary teacher, middle school math and science teacher, as well as an instructional technology coach. She graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Psychology and fell further in love with education during her commitment as a Teach for America corps member. She has since gone on to earn her M. Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction and her Ed. S in Educational Leadership. Monique loves bringing her passion for education and neuroscience together and making education accessible to all learners. She loves helping others see that everyone can be a math person! In her spare time, Monique likes to practice yoga and spend time outside with her husband, daughter, and golden retriever.

Jason resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. He graduated from Bowdoin College and received his MA in Education from Loyola Marymount University. He’s had various roles in the field of education: software developer, editor, curriculum manager, and teacher. He’s excited to be working for Mind because he feels inspired at how ST Math transforms students’ attitudes toward learning.

Ben loves calling New England his home. He has taught middle grades for 11 years and worked with elementary grades for several years before that. He loves teaching math, firmly believes in MIND’s mission and methods, and is thrilled to be helping with MIND’s efforts. He enjoys writing, kitchen dance offs, and chasing (& being chased by) his two small children.

Megan is an Education Success Consultant based out of Oceanside, CA. She has worked in a variety of school settings up and down the east coast, specifically in Maine, Massachusetts, and Virginia, but is excited to be able to now explore and partner with schools on the west coast. With over 8 years in the classroom and a masters degree as a reading specialist, Megan has experienced many success stories with students, but her favorite experiences revolve around using ST Math in the classroom. As much as she loves to read and help students to enjoy it as well, math has always been a love for her. She is excited to share her knowledge with others as they start their JiJi journey!

Karlee resides in Delray Beach, FL, but is originally from Georgia. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Middle Grades Education. She taught middle grades math for the last 4 years. She loved getting her students excited about math because so many of her students came to her frustrated and anxious when entering a math classroom. Being able to turn their attitude towards math positive was all she wanted for her students. She is so excited now to be on the other side of education and get educators excited about using ST math in their classroom. She has a deep love for math and wants each child to find that passion as well. In her spare time she loves to spend time outside with her husband and daughter.

Paige Minichiello is an Education Success Consultant for the MIND Research Institute, serving the Northern California area. She graduated from UC Davis with a BA in Religious Studies, minoring in Biology and Education. She also has an elementary teaching credential and a MA in Education, with her research focusing on elementary mathematics. In the classroom, Paige was passionate about making math accessible to all students, creating 2nd-grade math curriculum with engagement in mind, and LOVED using ST Math first-hand. Working for MIND is a dream come true, for it combines her love of math with social equity and change. In her spare time, Paige enjoys gardening, cooking, and learning more about sustainable living practices.

Jeanie Pitre is an Education Success Consultant based in Houston, Texas. She has ten years of experience in education as an elementary school teacher. In addition to her teaching experience, Jeanie served as a Math Instructional Coach at Title 1 campuses for five years. In this role, she supported the curriculum, assessment, and instructional needs of elementary math teachers. In her spare time, Jeanie enjoys crafting and spending time with family and friends. She is excited to work with other educators and help them learn more about ST Math!

Candace is an Education Success consultant based in Dallas, TX. Candace has a Master of Arts in Teaching and 6 years of experience in the education sector. She has worked in diverse communities across Texas and North Carolina as an early education teacher, a middle school after school program leader, and as a 2nd grade math and science teacher. She discovered her love of teaching math when she became a math teacher! Candace is excited to join the MIND team because she has seen first hand how their ST Math programming can revolutionize a math classroom and empower students to love math and she wants to give that opportunity to as many teachers and students across the country as possible. In her spare time, Candace enjoys reading, baking delicious treats, and hanging out at her parents’ farm.

Maria Rojas is an Education Success Consultant in Northern Kentucky, and is originally from Santiago, Chile. She has worked with ST Math in diverse communities as an Elementary teacher in Kindergarten and Fourth grade. Maria is very passionate about MIND’s work of fostering a deep understanding and love for math in students. As an English Language learner, Maria knows first-hand how powerful ST Math can be in transforming the math experience for all students. Maria loves to travel and hopes to one day visit each continent. She also enjoys spending time with her family and two wonderful dogs.

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.

Jamie Rynda is an Education Success Consultant located in Minneapolis, MN.  Jamie has her elementary and middle school education degree from the College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University and her Masters in Educational Leadership from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota.  She has over 10 years of teaching experience in both elementary and middle school math.  Jamie has both a passion for mathematics and technology integration and is excited to bring these two passions together at ST Math.  Jamie loves to spend time being active with her two young children, knitting and trying new foods to eat!

Angela Schanke is an Education Success Consultant based in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She taught middle school mathematics for nearly a decade around the state. She earned her Master’s degree in 2014 with a thesis on gamification, which she then incorporated into her classroom. Currently, she is finishing up a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education with a dissertation on the influence of productive failure on mathematical affect. Her research has been in gamification, mathematical creativity, and self-efficacy. The work MIND and ST Math are doing to change how students feel about math is a perfect combination of her interests and she is very excited to get involved! In her free time, she likes to read novels, walk her husky in the snow, and overanalyze movies.

Jenna is an Education Success consultant based in Minneapolis. She recently completed her Educational Leadership degree in addition to a Master’s in the Arts of Teaching. Jenna worked as a middle school math teacher for 7 years in Louisiana and Minnesota where she developed a learning environment with deep conceptual thinking, mathematical discourse, and a whole lot of fun.

Jenna is excited to be a MINDer due to her commitment to building problem solvers. Math is just an exciting puzzle waiting to be solved! 

In her spare time, Jenna is most likely at the dog park running around with her dogs Finn + Zoey, playing video games with her partner, or in the kitchen trying a new TikTok recipe.

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.