Our Team

Originally from Santiago Atitlán, Sololá, Miguel has over 15 years of teaching experience. His approach goes beyond formulas and numbers; he believes that integrating math with other sciences is a powerful tool for developing logical and critical thinking in his students. It helps them make informed decisions, solve problems, and appreciate the beauty of the world around us. In his free time, he immerses himself in the world of music, photography, and reading.

Reach Miguel at miguel@mathkind.org.

Pao is based in Quito, Ecuador, where she worked as a math professor at the Universidad de San Francisco de Quito (USFQ). She taught statistics and researched mathematics teaching and learning as part of the Ecuadorian delegation of the Capacity and Networking Project organized by the International Commission on Mathematical Instruction. She has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from USFQ, as well as master’s degree in education through the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (Mexico). Pao’s interests outside of mathematics and her family include music, soccer, and painting. 

Reach Pao at pao@mathkind.org.

Harmony brings experience in nonprofit development and community-centered programming. She has supported organizations focused on food access, environmental justice, and youth empowerment. Her work reflects a commitment to advancing equity and creating opportunities for underserved communities, especially children. Harmony holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a master’s degree in entrepreneurship from Western Carolina University. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and pets. She lives in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Reach Harmony at harmony@mathkind.org.

Hans is a graduate of the National State University of Guatemala, where he completed his studies in linguistics. He was one of Mathkind’s first team members, and he has worked as a translator and interpreter on many Mathkind trips, including the 2013 inaugural visit to Santa Avelina, Guatemala. Hans’s in-country presence extends to developing partnerships and managing business dealings for Mathkind. He has done volunteer work in rural areas of Guatemala, as well as coordinating volunteer groups that served in a project area of the landfill area of Guatemala City.

Reach Hans at hans@mathkind.org.

Jorge is passionate about mathematics and technology. He began his career as an algebra teacher and has over 20 years of experience in education. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics education from the Universidad de Carabobo in Valencia, Venezuela, and a master’s degree in educational technology and instructional design from the Universidad de los Andes in Merida, Venezuela. He is always in search of new strategies and tools to develop and improve approaches to teaching and learning in math education. Jorge lives in Quito, Ecuador, with his wife, where he loves to eat, dance, and travel.

Reach Jorge at jorge@mathkind.org.

Saúl is a passionate educator with a focus in both mathematics and literacy. He first met the Mathkind family in 2016 when he was working as a classroom teacher in a partner school in Sacatepéquez. He participated in the Math Leadership Team, presenting workshops at our annual November Conferences. Through these experiences, he discovered the importance of effective and meaningful mathematics and applied new strategies in his classroom, as both an elementary and middle school teacher. He has a teaching associate’s degree in middle school education with a focus in pedagogy, social sciences, and citizenship from the University of San Carlos in Guatemala City. Saúl will soon graduate with a bachelor’s degree in educational administration. He lives in Sacatepéquez with his wife and daughter, where they love having fun at home, taking walks, and spending time with their extended family.

Reach Saúl at saul@mathkind.org.

Dr. Abi Ruiz is a mathematics educator, researcher, and leader committed to creating rigorous, joyful, and culturally responsive mathematics experiences for students and teachers. She earned a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Central Florida and currently serves on the boards of NCSM: Leadership in Mathematics Education as Southern Region 1 Director and Florida Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (FL-ALAS) as Secretary. Bilingual in Spanish and English, Abi has facilitated professional learning locally, nationally, and internationally. She brings a deep commitment to equity, community, and meaningful mathematics learning to her role as executive director. She lives in Orlando, Florida.

Reach Abi at abi@mathkind.org.

Born in Cuenca, Ecuador, Mayra has a background in civil engineering. She graduated from the University of Cuenca and holds a master’s degree in project management from Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo in Guayaquil. She has worked for six years supervising electrical substation projects in rural and urban areas of Ecuador. Additionally, she has spent nine years volunteering with nonprofit organizations, supporting families in vulnerable communities. She is passionate about working with children and believes that education is key to building a more just and equitable society. In her free time, Mayra enjoys trekking, figure skating, reading, and dancing.

Reach Mayra at mayra@mathkind.org.

Born and raised in Guatemala, Melissa is a science educator with 11 years of experience teaching at the elementary, secondary, and university levels. She has taught advanced physics courses and created the first secondary-level astronomy course in Guatemala. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education with a specialization in physical sciences and mathematics from Universidad del Valle de Guatemala and a master’s degree in international education from Framingham State University in Massachusetts.

Melissa has developed teacher-training programs in physics and mathematics and currently serves as the National Astronomy Education Coordinator (NAEC) for the International Astronomical Union (IAU). She has also participated in initiatives, volunteer programs, conferences, and events related to STEM education and space exploration.

Melissa is passionate about helping young people build confidence in their abilities and spark curiosity about the universe. She firmly believes that mathematics is a magnifying glass through which we explore the world analytically and creatively. In her free time, Melissa enjoys reading, yoga, hiking, and traveling.

Reach Melissa at melissa@mathkind.org.

Hunter Bost is past president of the Board and cofounder of McDuff Capital, where he focuses on small manufacturing, as well as multifamily, residential, and commercial real estate development. Previously, he was a principal with Electra Partners, where he put his fluent Spanish to use managing the firm’s Latin American investments. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Hunter currently lives with his wife and sons in Durham, North Carolina.

Roberto Crespo is an aerospace engineer who has contributed to the success of several flight projects for NASA at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and is now doing the same at Rocket Lab. He is featured in the book Hacia las estrellas: Guatemala en el espacio (“To the Stars: Guatemala in Space”). Born in the US to Guatemalan parents, he studied mechanical and aeronautical engineering at the University of California, Davis. He honed his skills with stints at several aerospace companies, as well as Disney Imagineering. In 2007 he worked on the Mars Curiosity Rover as a cognizant engineer, responsible for the delivery of critical flight hardware. His current role is senior harness engineer at Rocket Lab, where he mentors many young and talented engineers in developing earth-orbiting spacecraft. Roberto has returned to California with his wife, Alethea, in support of his work at Rocket Lab, while their daughters pursue their own paths. Andreanna studies cognitive science at UC San Diego, and Isabella majors in strategic design and management in fashion at Parsons in Paris.

Dr. Katy Fodchuk is an organizational psychologist with 27 years of experience across public and private sectors, specializing in K–12 education since 2006. Katy is currently the chief officer of organizational development at Advanced Learning Partnerships (ALP), an educational consulting firm that has served over 600 school divisions in the US and Canada. Katy consults with district and school leaders and educators on the design and integration of strategic plans, talent development, systems-based approaches to workplace wellness, and program evaluation.

Linda Gojak has served on the Board since 2015 and is past president of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. After teaching math in grades 4-8 for more than 20 years, in 1999, she became the first director of the Center for Mathematics Education, Teaching, and Technology at John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio. She has received several teaching awards, including the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Linda has authored a series of books on problem-solving for grades 3-6 and is currently completing work on a series for elementary teachers entitled The Common Core Mathematics Companion.

Ian Kane is Board treasurer as well as director of business development for Worldwide Strategic Alliances at Lenovo. He has more than 20 years of experience as a business operations leader, solving complex problems to drive efficiency and effectiveness as well as accelerate growth. Before joining Lenovo, he worked at Fidelity Investments, where he oversaw operations, managed teams, implemented strategy, and drove the development of finance technology. Ian earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Massachusetts–Lowell and a master’s degree in business administration from Suffolk University in Boston. Ian lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, with his wife, two children, and two dogs.

George Kastner is an internationally recognized strategy and operations consultant who focuses on helping companies plan their future. Before founding and leading his consulting firm, First GTK, he gained extensive experience at Arthur D. Little, Harvard’s Center for International Affairs, and as a representative to the World Economic Forum. He has taught at six universities in nine countries, including Hult Business School and the Institut d’Études Supérieures des Arts in Paris. He was awarded the Venezuelan government’s highest honor for his contribution to education and talent development. He has over 50 refereed publications, as well as ten edited book chapters. Currently, George is an adjunct professor at the University of Miami’s Herbert Business School.

Dr. Jenny McGlone is Mathkind’s cofounder and current Board Secretary who has a professional background in psychology and education. She worked in university counseling centers in four states and taught courses on psychology-related topics before later teaching high school psychology. Jenny earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Davidson College, her master’s degree in psychology from Wake Forest University, and her doctorate in counseling psychology from The Ohio State University. Her experience in education and nonprofit leadership continues to inform her work with Mathkind. She lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Reach Jenny at jenny@mathkind.org.

Maisha Moses is the executive director of The Young People’s Project (YPP), a nonprofit that uses math literacy work to develop the abilities of elementary through high school students. Her extensive skills in site development as well as teacher and trainer training were gained during her eight years at the Algebra Project. Building on her background in psychology and mathematics, she enables youth and organizational leadership and development. She led YPP in creating its near peer math literacy training programs. Maisha was born in Tanzania and grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Harvard and a master of arts in mathematics from Southern Illinois University.

Judith Ng-Cashin, MD, is a senior physician executive, who has held leadership roles across multiple biopharmaceutical and clinical research organizations. She is currently serving as the immediate past chair of the Board of Directors and governance committee chair of the nonprofit DIA, a pharmaceutical trade organization. She most recently was chief medical officer (CMO) at Eagle Pharmaceuticals, leading R&D across the development pipeline and marketed products. Prior to that role, she served as the CMO for AOBiome Therapeutics, leading end-to-end asset development strategy, medical governance, and manufacturing. She also was chief scientific officer and led the Safety and Pharmacovigilance business unit for Syneos Health. Before Syneos, she spent nearly a decade in R&D for a top five pharmaceutical company. Judi earned bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and psychology from Duke University, and a doctor of medicine degree from Rush Medical College.

Mary Ollila

Mark Otter is current president of the Board and managing partner at Community Works Collective. Prior to his current position, he was chief executive officer at Participate, Inc., and chief operating officer of Participate Learning. He also gained experience and expertise as a global educator by teaching secondary math and science in public schools in Nova Scotia, North Carolina, Virginia, and London, England, from 1998 to 2008. It was during his time in London that Mark was named the United Kingdom Visiting International Faculty Teacher of the Year for 2001-02. He lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, with his family.

Michelle Pratico served as Mathkind’s executive vice president from 2017 to 2019. A native Midwesterner, she earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Lake Forest College in Illinois, followed by a master of fine arts in computer graphics from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She has been awarded honorary membership in Associated Women in Mathematics. Michelle’s career has focused on the operational side of various businesses, and her interests put her solidly at the forefront of the STEAM movement (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics). She currently serves as global support lead for Merz Aesthetics.

Dennis Schaecher has a professional background in small business, entrepreneurship, and marketing. He is the founder of BOS Acquisitions, where he partners with private equity groups to identify and acquire promising businesses. He is also an angel investor with Triangle Angel Partners, a co-founder of DealLink — an online platform that connects buyers and sellers of small businesses — and a frequent guest speaker on business acquisition and entrepreneurship at the University of North Carolina. Dennis holds an MBA from the University of Southern California and a BA from Middlebury College.

Carolyn Woodruff, JD, CPA, CVA, is a distinguished leader in law, accounting, and banking. ​ She served as a director on the public board of Blue Ridge Bankshares, Inc. (BRBS)(NYSE), where she chaired the Audit Committee and contributed to the FinTech and Wealth Management Committees. ​ A trailblazer in financial education, Carolyn has authored numerous manuscripts, including “Financial Guide to Divorce in North Carolina” and “Business Valuation Principles in North Carolina,” to aid CPAs in understanding taxation and business valuation in divorce cases. ​ She holds a 2021 FinTech certification from Harvard Business School, with a focus on Central Bank Digital Currency, and AICPA badges in Blockchain and Cybersecurity. ​ Carolyn is a sought-after speaker on FinTech, delivering presentations at prestigious institutions such as the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants, the North Carolina Banking Commission, and Wake Forest University School of Law. Having graduated from Duke Law School with high honors, she is now the CEO of Woodruff Law Firm, specializing in high-profile, high-net-worth divorces.

Francisco Alarcón, PhD, is a former professor of mathematics at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He grew up in Guatemala City and completed an undergraduate degree (Licenciado en Matemáticas) at the Universidad del Valle. He then moved to Iowa City, Iowa, and completed a PhD in mathematics at the University of Iowa. His teaching experience has included teaching mathematics and statistics at the high school, community college, and college (undergraduate and graduate) levels. Francisco’s research interests are wide-ranging and include abstract algebra (commutative semiring theory), professional development of teachers, technology in mathematics instruction, and ethnomathematics (particularly mathematics of the Maya culture).

Jennifer Bay-Williams, PhD, is an energetic advocate for effective mathematics teaching, believing that every student deserves access to high-quality mathematics learning opportunities. As such, she has been an active author and presenter. Her recent books include Figuring out Fluency in Mathematics Teaching and Learning, K-8; Math Fact Fluency: 60+ Games and Assessment Tools to Support Learning and Retention; Teaching Student-Centered Mathematics (three-book series, third edition); On the Money [math and financial literacy book series published by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)] and the iconic book Elementary and Middle School Mathematics: Teaching Developmentally. She is a popular presenter within the US and around the world, working in Jamaica, China, Peru, Kenya, Nepal, and others. Jenny is also a leader in national organizations, for example, serving as president of the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (AMTE); lead writer on the AMTE Standards for the Preparation of Teachers of Mathematics; on the NCTM Board of Directors and Board of Directors of TODOS: Mathematics for All. As a professor at the University of Louisville, Jenny teaches undergraduate and graduate courses, while also working in schools in Louisville and throughout Kentucky.

Dr. Heather Bleecker, NBCT, is the founder of Edutorium of Excellence and an experienced mathematics educator committed to culturally sustaining STEM education and strong partnerships among schools, colleges, and communities. She holds a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction and brings more than twenty years of experience as a K–12 mathematics teacher, teacher educator, and Director of Secondary Mathematics Education. Her work has focused on supporting pre-service teachers, coaching practicing educators, and designing inquiry-based STEM learning experiences.

Heather has been actively involved with Mathkind through three teacher trips to Guatemala and a visit to Ecuador. She also serves as a staff mentor and has contributed two Montana-based stories to the Global Math Stories collection. Her honors include the Dr. Bill Stannard Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Mathematics Teaching and recognition as part of the Salish Kootenai College team for Research Excellence in Early Childhood Education.

Marta Garcia, MEd, is a mathematics education consultant and coach with extensive experience supporting teachers and school leaders. She is an independent consultant with Math Coach Connection and teaches graduate courses in the Mathematics Teacher Leadership program at Mount Holyoke College. She also develops and facilitates professional learning with Flynn Education. Her previous roles include district-wide elementary mathematics specialist for Buncombe County Schools, adjunct professor at the University of North Carolina Asheville, elementary classroom teacher, and consultant with TERC’s Forum for Equity in Elementary Mathematics.

Fluent in English and Spanish, Marta has a particular interest in the intersection of language and mathematics, especially in supporting multilingual learners. Her work is grounded in a commitment to making mathematics accessible and joyful while advancing equitable learning opportunities for all students.

Her honors include the NCSM Kay Gilliland Equity Lecture Award and the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. She is also a recipient of the North Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics W.W. Rankin Award for Lifetime Achievement in Mathematics. Marta has served as NCCTM Elementary President and as a member of its Board.

Hanna Haydar, PhD, is chair of the Department of Childhood, Bilingual and Special Education and coordinator of the graduate program in childhood mathematics education, as well as an associate professor at the City University of New York–Brooklyn College. He was previously the curriculum standards and professional development adviser at RAND Education and the Supreme Education Council in Doha, Qatar. His research interests and publications focus on beginning mathematics teachers, inclusion, lesson study, and teachers’ use of the clinical interview. His international experience includes research studies and consultancies in the Middle East, Europe, and the US. Hanna served as a consultant to the Ministry of Education in Oman, United Arab Emirates, and schools in Jordan on curriculum standards development and mathematics education improvement projects.

With over 30 years of teaching experience, Maria Hernandez has taught and created curricular materials for courses ranging from algebra to multivariable calculus and modeling with differential equations. She has led professional development for middle and high school teachers. Her work is focused on using mathematical modeling, discovery-based activities, technology and real-world problems to amplify the student voice and to engage students as active learners in the math classroom. She currently serves on the Joint Committee on Modeling Across the Curriculum, formed by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, and the Consortium for Mathematics and its Applications.

Steve Leinwand is a self-proclaimed mathematics education change agent. He is currently a principal researcher at the American Institutes for Research, where he contributes to a broad array of K-12 mathematics curriculum, instruction, school improvement, and assessment work. He is the author of Accessible Mathematics and Sensible Mathematics, and coauthor of Developing Numerical Fluency and Invigorating High School Math. Steve previously served for 22 years as a mathematics supervisor in the Connecticut Department of Education and has been president of the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics. In 2021, he was awarded the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics’ Lifetime Achievement Award.

Susan Looney, EdD, is the founder of Looney Math Consulting and Same But Different Math, as well as the author of Ying and the Magic Turtle. She is passionate about making math joyful for all learners and is especially interested in early childhood mathematics. She has worked as a teacher, a district director, and as an adjunct professor of early childhood mathematics at Boston University. She is a nationally and internationally recognized speaker, and an avid proponent for equitable and powerful mathematics for all.

Margarita Martínez has taught in the mathematics department at Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral in Guayaquil, Ecuador, for nearly 40 years. She believes in the transformative power of quality education. She holds multiple graduate degrees in mathematics research, business administration, and management information systems. Reflecting with a group of teachers on the lack of critical and investigative spirit of high school students, she set out to create a motivating environment that inspires the curious minds of Ecuadorian children and young people. Margarita founded ¡Aja! Parque de la Ciencia in October 2005, the first interactive science center in Ecuador. Since 2006 she has coordinated the “seedbeds of future scientists and engineers,” pursuing a true attitudinal change towards science and mathematics.

Jimmy McCue, MPA, is an EdD student in Adult Learning and Leadership at Teachers College, Columbia University, where he also holds several fellowship and teaching roles. His work at Teachers College spans curriculum and teaching as well as government relations and student success. Before beginning his doctoral studies, Jimmy worked across K–12 education and nonprofit organizations, with roles focused on instructional coaching and organizational leadership. He has also worked in education policy and public-sector learning and development.

Jimmy’s professional interests include adult learning and leadership development, along with civic engagement and democratic participation. His work also draws on experience in curriculum design, education policy, nonprofit operations, and public communication.

With Mathkind, Jimmy co-developed the organization’s monitoring and evaluation framework with colleague Pao Castillo. He also partnered with Mathkind and the Nepali Math Council on the 2023 publication “Engaging Students in the WHY of Mathematics Through the JOY of Challenge.”

His honors include the Shirley Chisholm Trailblazer Award from Teachers College and the Arthur Zankel Urban Fellowship. He has also received the Nancy Bell Evans Endowment for Excellence from the University of Washington and the Finance Department Award for Highest GPA from Saint Joseph’s University, where he graduated summa cum laude.

Maggie McHugh, PhD, is a mathematics educator at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and a National Faculty Member with PBLWorks. She brings more than twenty years of experience in education, including teaching at the middle school and high school levels as well as in higher education. Her previous roles include innovation specialist and middle school teacher at La Crosse Polytechnic and director of the Murphy Learning Center at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

Maggie has a particular interest in project-based learning and in creating authentic mathematics experiences for students. She also leads professional learning for educators and is the author of Bringing Project-Based Learning to Life in Mathematics, K–12.

Maggie has been actively involved with Mathkind through Teacher Trips and Global Math Stories. She developed and hosted Wisconsin Educators Mathkind Teacher Trips in 2023 and 2025, with another planned for 2027. She has also written Global Math Stories featuring mathematical connections in Italy and Scotland.

Maggie holds National Board Certification and was named Wisconsin Middle School Teacher of the Year in 2018. She was also a Wisconsin awardee of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and received the National University Teacher Award for the Midwest region.

Carolina Napp-Avelli, PhD, is an associate clinical professor in the Center for Mathematics Education at the University of Maryland. She has worked in mathematics teacher education since 1997, with experience spanning K–12 schools and higher education. Her previous roles include teaching mathematics in Buenos Aires and serving as an instructional specialist. She has also worked with Prince George’s County Public Schools in Maryland and taught at universities in Argentina.

Carolina’s professional interests include the teaching and learning of algebra as well as mathematics education for multilingual learners. She is also deeply interested in engaging families in mathematics education. Her international background informs her work with teachers and communities across linguistic and cultural contexts.

Carolina has been involved with Mathkind since 2016 as a mathematics coach. Through that work, she has participated in multiple Mathkind programs in Guatemala and Ecuador, supporting educators through collaborative professional learning.

Carolina was a fellow with the Mid-Atlantic Center for Mathematics Teaching and Learning. In 2026, she received the Maryland Council of Teachers of Mathematics Teaching Award at the college level.

Arthur B. Powell, PhD, is a professor of mathematics education at Rutgers University–Newark in New Jersey. He is also codirector of the Robert B. Davis Institute for Learning of the Graduate School of Education, and directs the Research Group on Communication, Technology, and Mathematics Learning. In New York City, he cofounded two charter schools with over 21 years of existence and is the executive director of the Alliance for Better Learning. His research interests include ethnomathematics, critically and socially responsive mathematics education, the subordination of mathematics teaching to learning, computer-supported collaborative learning, and proportional reasoning approaches to rational number knowledge. Before his travels began with Mathkind, Arthur had taught in Brazil, China, Canada, Haiti, and Mozambique.

Nathan Ryan, PhD, is a professor of mathematics in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Bucknell University. He has more than twenty-five years of experience teaching mathematics at the high school and university levels. His previous appointments include visiting professorships at the Universidad de Costa Rica and Universidad San Francisco de Quito. He has also taught at the Universidad de la República and held a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Nathan’s research has included computational number theory and critical data studies. He is equally interested in mathematics teaching and continually explores ways to strengthen his own practice. He especially values classrooms in which students engage deeply with mathematical ideas and learn through discussion and debate.

Nathan has been closely involved with Mathkind through the Maratón de Matemáticas, where he has served as a speaker at every event. He has also mentored Jorge Gutierrez and contributed to Mathkind’s Laboratorios de Aprendizaje.

Nathan was a Fulbright Scholar in Costa Rica in 2021 and Ecuador in 2017. He previously received a Fulbright award to Uruguay in 2009.

Patrick (Rick) Scott, EdD, is a retired mathematics educator who began his career as a Peace Corps volunteer in Jamaica. He has spent much of his professional life working with teachers across Latin America. Rick has served as international representative for the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and past president of the US National Commission on Mathematics Instruction. He currently serves as president of the Comité Interamericano de Educación Matemática. Rick has also published various works in both English and Spanish and has traveled extensively on Mathkind programs throughout Central and South America.