Our Team

Pao Castillo 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.

Manuela Cea-Poblete brings over ten years of experience gained in various NGOs and nonprofits around the world. A Chilean and Londoner, Manuela has always had strong connections with the Latin American community. In 2015 she made the move to Guatemala and spent two years as Mathkind’s country director. She now makes her home in Barcelona, Spain, where she oversees Mathkind’s financial and administrative operations. Manuela earned a bachelor’s degree in multimedia journalism at England’s Bournemouth University as well as a master’s degree in anthropology of childhood, youth, and education at Brunel University in London.

Reach Manuela at manuela@mathkind.org.

Hans del Cid 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 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 Luis Gutiérrez 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.

Nicholas is an advocate and visionary professional committed to increasing opportunities for marginalized communities worldwide. Throughout his career, he has worked to address poverty, inequality, and human rights issues across Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the United States. Nicholas joined Mathkind Global as executive director in 2025, bringing over 20 years of experience in development, board management, and stakeholder engagement. He has secured millions of dollars in funding from corporate, public, and individual donors, benefiting thousands of families in vulnerable rural communities. Previously, Nicholas served as head of development at the Swiss-based FE+MALE Think Tank and director of advocacy, partnerships, and government engagement for the Eliminating Child Labour in Tobacco Growing Foundation. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota, and a master of science in organizational management from the School for International Training. He lives in Durham, North Carolina, with his family.

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.

Liz has nearly a decade of experience in nonprofits and NGOs, working in educational programming, volunteer management, and fund development. She holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from East Carolina University and is in progress towards a master’s degree in public administration from North Carolina State University. Liz has a real passion for change enacted through community building as well as equitable access to education. Liz lives in Durham, North Carolina, with her husband and cat, where she spends her free time gardening and volunteering.

Reach Liz at liz@mathkind.org.

From her classroom in the Sacatepéquez department of Guatemala, Fátima witnessed the progress made when Mathkind coaches visited her school. Now she has taken a leadership role in coaching her peers. She works as a primary teacher at the San Andrés Ceballos School and is part of the Mathkind education team as a math coach. She obtained her associate professor’s degree in secondary education with an emphasis in physics and mathematics from the University of San Carlos de Guatemala. Fátima has a degree in pedagogy and educational administration, as well as a focus in natural sciences and the environment. Originally from Guatemala, she lives in San Antonio Aguas Calientes. She is passionate about viewing mathematics from other perspectives, learning with her students, her daughter, and her colleagues, so that math makes sense in the real world.

Reach Fátima at fatima@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.

Hunter Bost is current Board president 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 executive director 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 is Board past president as well as 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.

Ali Jones’s passion for nonprofit work is born out of her belief in the power of people and fueled by her commitment to building a more equitable world through systemic change. During a summer trip to rural Nepal in 2008, she learned about differently resourced communities and the limited opportunities that come with reduced access to quality education. After returning home, she graduated from Wake Forest University with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and set out to learn all she could about the work of nonprofits. Her professional resume includes time working with women’s cooperatives in Mexico, fundraising with the Red Cross in North Carolina, and nearly five years with Pencils of Promise (PoP) in New York and Guatemala. While at PoP, she launched the organization’s first monitoring and evaluation team and learned about the realities of working in partnership with local communities. After meeting Mathkind cofounder Chadd McGlone, Ali eventually became part of the staff. During her tenure, she had the opportunity to partner with the team to develop the organization’s mission, values, and Theory of Change. She is now enjoying life in Austin, Texas, with her dog Tilly.

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.

Cynthia Kastner is a marketing and communications strategist for socially conscious businesses. She helps entrepreneurs and small business owners effectively communicate their mission to their audiences. Raised in Venezuela, she is passionate about intercultural communications. A graduate of the University of Vermont with a degree in business administration, her work experience has encompassed Latin America, Europe, and the US. Cynthia now uses her marketing superpowers to help the greater good. She lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where her son keeps her busy.

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. From 1987 to 1999 she worked in university counseling centers in four states, where she taught courses on a variety of psychology-related topics. From 2010 to 2014, she taught psychology at the high school level. Jenny earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Davidson College, a master’s degree in psychology from Wake Forest University, and a doctorate in counseling psychology from the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. She lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, with Mathkind’s other cofounder, Chadd McGlone.

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 vice president of the Board and chief executive officer at Participate, Inc. Prior to founding Participate in 2019, Mark was the 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.

Steve Rasmussen is an education professional with a long track record in mathematics education and publishing. He was the cofounder and president of Key Curriculum Press (KCP), where he worked on software and textbook development. Steve was also president of KCP Technologies, the developer of the Geometer’s Sketchpad software for dynamic geometry, and he worked with school and publishing organizations around the globe on technology initiatives related to mathematics education and inquiry-based learning. He has authored mathematics workbooks and served as principal investigator on numerous National Science Foundation projects.

Dr. Francisco Alarcón is a 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).

Dr. Jennifer Bay-Williams 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. Kyndall Brown has over 30 years of experience in mathematics education. He was a secondary mathematics teacher in Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) for 13 years. He has been a professional development provider for over 25 years, serving as a mathematics resource teacher for the Los Angeles Systemic Initiative in LAUSD, and as mathematics teacher consultant for and director of the University of California–Los Angeles Mathematics Project. Kyndall is currently the executive director of the California Mathematics Project, a statewide network of professional development organizations. He also served on the Board of Directors of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. His research focuses on the impact of culture and identity on the ways that Black students learn mathematics.

Dr. Jere Confrey is the Joseph D. Moore Distinguished Professor of Mathematics Education Emerita at North Carolina State University (NCSU). She is currently designing interactive diagnostic assessment systems built on learning trajectories. In 2019, she completed an expert paper for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development 2030 on learning trajectories in math. She developed the “Design and Pitch” entrepreneurial challenges in collaboration with colleagues and Jason Learning. She became an American Educational Research Association Fellow in 2017. Jere is the CEO of The Math Door. She won NCSU’s Innovator of the Year award in 2013. She served on the National Validation Committee on the Common Core State Standards. She was vice chairman of the Mathematics Sciences Education Board, National Academy of Sciences (1998–2004). She chaired the National Research Council (NRC) committee that produced On Evaluating Curricular Effectiveness, and was a coauthor of the NRC’s Scientific Research in Education. Jere cofounded the UTEACH program at the University of Texas in Austin.

Dr. Hanna Haydar 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.

Dr. Kristin Johnson is an assistant superintendent of a preschool–8 school district in suburban Illinois. She is also adjunct faculty in the College of Education at the University of St. Francis. She works collaboratively with teachers, instructional coaches, and principals to strengthen curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices that foster student academic and social emotional learning. Her leadership has shifted mathematics instruction for those she serves through systematic strategic planning, student-centered coaching models, research-based pedagogy, and the development of educators to realize their potential in making math meaningful and understandable for every student. Kristin’s recent favorite math memory is traveling to Nepal with Mathkind to teach students and coach teachers around impactful math practices.

Dr. Shelly M. Jones is a professor of mathematics education at Central Connecticut State University and past president of the Benjamin Banneker Association. She is a 30-year veteran educator having made her career in K–12 education as a teacher, professional development provider, and mathematics administrator. She is also a board member of several educational organizations. Shelly is the author of Women Who Count: Honoring African American Women Mathematicians and and co-author of Engaging in Culturally Relevant Math Tasks: Fostering Hope in the Elementary Classroom. Her accomplishments are recognized on the Mathematically Gifted & Black website.

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.

Dr. Susan Looney 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.

Dr. Kimberly Morrow-Leong is an author on the Mathematize It! series of books on problem-solving for K–8 teachers, an adjunct instructor at George Mason University, and a 2009 recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. She has worked as a consultant for Math Solutions, as coordinator of elementary professional development at the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and more recently as a senior content manager at the Math Learning Center. She also served as program chair for the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics’ 50th annual conference and on the Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators’ Advocacy Committee. A former K–8 mathematics coach and middle school mathematics teacher, Kim taught fifth grade remotely during the 2020–21 school year and explores mathematics as an award-winning quilt artist.

Dr. Arthur B. Powell 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.

Angel Ruiz has been a professor at the School of Mathematics of the University of Costa Rica for more than 40 years. Although his main interests have always been the philosophy and history of mathematics, in recent years he has focused on curriculum reform. Angel has led the design and implementation of the national Costa Rican Mathematics Curriculum (grades 1–12) since 2012. He has been a strong presence in international organizations: four times president of the Inter-American Committee on Mathematics Education (ICME) (2007–2023), two times vice president of ICME (2009–2016), member of the Commission for Developing Countries of the International Mathematical Union (2010–2018), and director of the Mathematics Education Network for Central America and the Caribbean (2012–2021). Angel is the author, editor, or producer of more than 400 publications (36 printed books).

Dr. Patrick (Rick) Scott 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.