LEAP Team

A seasoned brand storyteller and word-of-mouth sparker, Emily gathers, shapes and communicates the inspiring stories of LEAP Innovations.

Jessica has spent the last decade marrying her PR skills with a passion for transforming the learning experience for Chicago's youth. As LEAP's Events Manager, she executes experiences that connect the broader education community to learning innovation.

Al has a broad range experience in both K-12 and higher education. He has focused on leadership development, 21st century learning, system-level innovation, and professional learning design – his major focus with LEAP Innovations.

John spent ten years as an educator working with a variety of public, charter, and independent schools throughout the east coast. At LEAP, John works with high schools to implement personalized learning practices to help prepare students for post secondary success.

Elaina has served as a Learning Experience Researcher at Chicago's Digital Youth Network. At LEAP, she mines for insights about how personalized learning makes education equitable and accessible.

Kelly has vast education experience in fundraising, program development and management, and experiential learning. A founding member of LEAP, she builds partnerships to ensure that LEAP has the support to push the boundaries of education.

Courtney's professional experience spans the Shedd Aquarium, Guaranteed Rate, and Chicago's theater community. At LEAP, she curates a fantastic culture by supporting internal administrative functioning and events.

As a former teacher and instructional coach, Annie has benefited from LEAP at the school level, witnessing its positive impact first hand. At LEAP, she now supports the professional learning design and facilitation.

Kristin is a former Chicago Public Schools educator and administrator, who partnered with LEAP to ensure students reached their full potential at her school. At LEAP, she works to create change via our programming team.

A former Chicago Public Schools instructional leader, Erin has experienced the transformational power of personalized learning with her students. At LEAP she helps educators create innovative teaching and learning models in their own classrooms and schools.

Jordan has a rich background serving as an organizer of political campaigns. At LEAP, he works on research and data collection efforts to help schools and partners identify how best to support students and teachers in the transformation to personalized learning.

Jeneen brings a wealth of experience successfully leading instructional and leadership improvements at both the school and district levels. At LEAP, she continues a focused journey of innovation and equity in education.

Joseph is an innovator with experience across private, public and social sectors to advance learning environments, programs and products. With passion for equity-centered innovation, he supports LEAP's development and scaling of transformative tools.

Beth brings more than ten years of experience building new initiatives. She helped to launch Science in Society, Northwestern University’s office for science outreach and public engagement. A founding LEAP member, Beth has led work across the organization, from ecosystem-building, to communications, and now as Chief of Staff.

Amy has taught high school science, consulted Fortune 500 clients and managed a portfolio of schools. As LEAP's Programs Team lead, she ensures strategic alignment and resource-management, empowering her team to lead transformative impact.

Jilliam has dedicated her career to measuring effective teaching practices. At LEAP, she provides psychometric leadership for LEAP's personalized-learning instructional and leadership competencies, and certification initiative.

Brian spent ten years as a science teacher and school principal at the innovative Summit Public Schools in California. At LEAP, he loves helping school teams figure out how to best meet the needs of their students with personalized learning.

Experienced in and energized by both the technical and creative aspects of writing, Danny handles a wide range of communications needs across the organization. He’s grateful to work for a cause he believes in, helping bring simplicity and resonance to the LEAP story.

Silvia has over 20 years of experience in senior executive administrative and office management roles, and is responsible for the day-to-day operations at LEAP. As a founding member of LEAP, she is dedicated to creating opportunity for every student.

Ashley's experience includes management of Lurie Children's third-party fundraising program, Circle of Friends. At LEAP, Ashley's work is fueled by providing children with the resources necessary to succeed in this rapidly changing world.

Chris brings experience teaching at all levels and types of K-12 schools in multiple countries, and advising the U.S. Department of Education, to support LEAP's innovation. He has supported school implementation and design and overseen the development of the LEAP Learning Framework.

Susan previously worked in financial services at Citi in New York, Shanghai and Hong Kong. At LEAP, she contributes her business experience to the education field by tackling the challenge of scaling meaningful K-12 experiences for students.

Alex has an arts administration background, most recently in development for the Lyric Opera of Chicago. She incorporates her experience as a theatre maker and improviser to LEAP's survey and research development.

Kelsey C. Melvin is a lifelong coordinator, collaborator, communicator, and creator who made her way to LEAP by way of the nonprofit theatre sector. She utilizes her multifaceted skillset and experience to support the Programs team.

Susi has 13 years experience in CPS as a teacher, AVID Coordinator, Instructional Leadership Team Lead and Department Chair. At LEAP, she supports the Professional Learning team to design and facilitate professional learning for teachers and administrators.

Jannette is a former CPS educator, who worked with LEAP to create unique learning experiences to reach students of diverse cultural backgrounds. At LEAP, she continues to work with educators to ensure that all students have the tools necessary to succeed.

With over 13 years of experience as a teacher, IB coordinator and assistant principal in Chicago, Lynnycesa has witnessed first hand the positive impact Personalized Learning brings to Chicagoland students. At LEAP, she works with school teams to ensure that instruction is innovative, rigorous and equitable in classrooms.

Amy comes to LEAP with 15 years of teaching experience both in Chicago Public Schools and the Archdiocese; including, three years as a K-12 instructional coach. At LEAP, Amy works with the professional learning team to create and facilitate personalized learning development for teachers.

Courtney spent 10+ years advising for-profit firms on strategy, operations, financing, and acquisitions. A passion for equal access to opportunity brought her to LEAP, where she focuses on making proven LEAP tools available nationwide.

Connie is a former middle school teacher and instructional coach, who transformed learning experiences for her students and teachers with LEAP. At LEAP, Connie works with teachers to create learning experiences that are relevant, rigorous and engaging.

Jen brings 15 years of passionate experience in instructional coaching, evaluating instructional practice and teaching. She works with the LEAP professional learning team to ensure educators are supported and empowered to innovate in their classrooms.

Passionate about critical pedagogy and counter-narratives in history, Kevin has experience as an educator with the Hawai’i Department of Education. At LEAP, Kevin works with teams to streamline data indicators into actionable insights.

Barbara has over 20 years' experience directing the business functions of nonprofit organizations, many in the education space. Her three school-aged children have taught her the importance of LEAP's work.

Jake brings six years of teaching experience at the elementary and high school levels. He serves as Manager of Data & Research at LEAP, overseeing data and analytics systems, and measuring program impact.

Jaya is a passionate product designer with deep experience in creating curricula for K-12 students and adult learners. She is excited to lead the development of customer-centric solutions with the LEAP team.