Institute for Innovation in Education

An incubator of ideas, projects, and collaborations

People

Some of the most interesting people we know are now the subject of iiE Profiles, our emerging collection of dynamic members of the iiE community.

 

Bill Van Loo
The Maker-Educator
Maker . . . Teacher . . . Musician . . . Photographer.  Bill Van Loo’s creative approach to life lead him to play an instrumental role in a project-based Read More
Bill Van LooThe Maker-Educator
Maker . . . Teacher . . . Musician . . . Photographer.  Bill Van Loo’s creative approach to life lead him to play an instrumental role in a project-based learning program in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  He is currently the lead teacher for elementary engineering at A2 STEAM at Northside, Read More
Remi Holden
The Creativity Ignitor
Dr. Remi Holden is a co-founder of the Institute of Innovation in Education.  This Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado Denver wears many hats as he trains, leads, and inspires Read More
Remi HoldenThe Creativity Ignitor
Dr. Remi Holden is a co-founder of the Institute of Innovation in Education.  This Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado Denver wears many hats as he trains, leads, and inspires current and future generations of teachers to impact education through creativity, play, innovation, and technology. Dr. Remi Holden finds himself Read More
Shawn Baglin
The Instructional Designer
Shawn Baglin is a professional instructional designer at Dolby Laboratories.  As a specialist in training, development and management, she merges the fields of education, business, and technology. Shawn Baglin is Read More
Shawn BaglinThe Instructional Designer
Shawn Baglin is a professional instructional designer at Dolby Laboratories.  As a specialist in training, development and management, she merges the fields of education, business, and technology. Shawn Baglin is an instructional designer at the global audio technology company,  Dolby Laboratories in San Francisco, CA.  As a manager of technology enablement Read More
Renee Springer
The Cloud Wrangler
Renee Springer helps teachers create their own engaging classrooms in the cloud. As the Director of Business Development at Haiku Learning, she works to bring K-12 digital education to life. Read More
Renee SpringerThe Cloud Wrangler
Renee Springer helps teachers create their own engaging classrooms in the cloud. As the Director of Business Development at Haiku Learning, she works to bring K-12 digital education to life. Renee Springer’s journey to working in the Educational Technology Field is a little unorthodox. She started out as an English Read More
Emily Chapelle
The Collaborator
Emily Chapelle is an Education Specialist for Compass Learning’s Project Based Learning Department.   She supports classroom teachers, “connecting the dots” and “creating links”  to make 21st century learning personal and Read More
Emily ChapelleThe Collaborator
Emily Chapelle is an Education Specialist for Compass Learning’s Project Based Learning Department.   She supports classroom teachers, “connecting the dots” and “creating links”  to make 21st century learning personal and meaningful for students. Emily Chapelle holds a Masters of Arts degree in Educational Technology from the University of Michigan Flint, Read More
Jeff Stewart
The Community Creator
Jeff Stewart is the District Principal of Distributed Learning, Comox Valley School District, in Vancouver Island, BC.  He is blazing the trail for innovative K-12 blended learning. It was Jeff Read More
Jeff StewartThe Community Creator
Jeff Stewart is the District Principal of Distributed Learning, Comox Valley School District, in Vancouver Island, BC.  He is blazing the trail for innovative K-12 blended learning. It was Jeff Stewart’s first year as principal of the brand new Navigate school in British Columbia, and things weren’t going well. With Read More
Ben Rimes
The Conversation Starter
“The Tech Savvy Educator” and  #michED founder, Ben Rimes, is driven to connect teachers in conversations about education and technology.  He is an instructional technologist at Mattawan Schools and a Read More
Ben RimesThe Conversation Starter
“The Tech Savvy Educator” and  #michED founder, Ben Rimes, is driven to connect teachers in conversations about education and technology.  He is an instructional technologist at Mattawan Schools and a compelling voice for the future of education. Ben Rimes is an invested Michigan educator. He holds a Master’s degree from Read More
Karl Klimek
The Education Renaissance Man
Karl Klimek is a dynamic educator, leader, speaker, author, and consultant who is redefining the future of education.  Karl’s diverse initiatives and organizations bridge industry and STEM education, empowering teachers Read More
Karl KlimekThe Education Renaissance Man
Karl Klimek is a dynamic educator, leader, speaker, author, and consultant who is redefining the future of education.  Karl’s diverse initiatives and organizations bridge industry and STEM education, empowering teachers to challenge and equip their students for the 21st century. Karl Klimek is a man involved in many facets of Read More
Tim Saunders and Amanda Pratt
The Gamifiers
Tim Saunders and Amanda Pratt are on a mission to gamify classrooms.  They are the co-founders of the Coalition for Gameful Learning, a growing community that encourages teachers to implement Read More
Tim Saunders and Amanda PrattThe Gamifiers
Tim Saunders and Amanda Pratt are on a mission to gamify classrooms.  They are the co-founders of the Coalition for Gameful Learning, a growing community that encourages teachers to implement elements of games and play for a more engaging and effective educational experience.     Tim Saunders is a 4th grade elementary Read More
Grant Cox
The Inspirer
Grant Cox is Marketing Manager for Vex Robotics, a Robotics Design System that encourages students to learn about STEM principles and careers.  Grant wears many hats for Vex, but his main Read More
Grant CoxThe Inspirer
Grant Cox is Marketing Manager for Vex Robotics, a Robotics Design System that encourages students to learn about STEM principles and careers.  Grant wears many hats for Vex, but his main drive is to share his love of engineering and inspire teachers to bring the excitement of robotics to education. Grant Read More
Nate Aschenbach
The Invent-O-Nater
Nate Aschenbach is the Technical Director and Co-Owner of GameStart, an educational playground where students learn STEAM skills in a very unique way.  This forward thinking innovator encourages students to Read More
Nate AschenbachThe Invent-O-Nater
Nate Aschenbach is the Technical Director and Co-Owner of GameStart, an educational playground where students learn STEAM skills in a very unique way.  This forward thinking innovator encourages students to develop creativity through coding and gamified learning. Students at GameStart take on active roles in technology development through learning design, Read More
Sarah Fornero
The Redefiner
Sarah Fornero is dedicated to creating meaningful, engaging, and accessible online and blended learning environments.  As the Director of Design and Delivery in the Department of Online Education at Adler Read More
Sarah ForneroThe Redefiner
Sarah Fornero is dedicated to creating meaningful, engaging, and accessible online and blended learning environments.  As the Director of Design and Delivery in the Department of Online Education at Adler University, this leader is redefining education. Sarah Fornero oversees many aspects of the creation, maintenance, and effective implementation of online courses Read More
Ryan Bruder
The STEAM Innovator
As Lead Teacher at Ann Arbor STEAM at Northside, Ryan Bruder inspires innovation.  He collaborates with teachers to develop and facilitate project-based learning that connects to the curriculum in authentic Read More
Ryan BruderThe STEAM Innovator
As Lead Teacher at Ann Arbor STEAM at Northside, Ryan Bruder inspires innovation.  He collaborates with teachers to develop and facilitate project-based learning that connects to the curriculum in authentic ways. Ryan Bruder has been teaching with Ann Arbor Public Schools for six years. He began teaching the fourth grade Read More
Cissa Wa Numbe
The Human Rights Educator
Cissa Wa Numbe is the Secretary General of the United Nations Association of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and he teaches Peace Studies and Human Rights at four universities, Read More
Cissa Wa NumbeThe Human Rights Educator
Cissa Wa Numbe is the Secretary General of the United Nations Association of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and he teaches Peace Studies and Human Rights at four universities, two in the Congo (Catholic University of Bukavu and the University of Kinshasa) and also at the International University of Read More
Jodi Lefort
The International Educator
Jodi Lefort is an educator who has made a name for herself in the international scene. Lecturer, Writing Coordinator, President, Student Support Head, Assistant Director, these are some of the Read More
Jodi LefortThe International Educator
Jodi Lefort is an educator who has made a name for herself in the international scene. Lecturer, Writing Coordinator, President, Student Support Head, Assistant Director, these are some of the titles she has had as she has impacted education throughout the Middle East and North Africa region. From founding MENAWCA, Read More
Brad Wilson
The Inspiring Educator
Brad Wilson is an innovative educator who inspires students and teachers alike to do great things inside and outside of the classroom. He holds degrees  in Elementary Education, Physical Education, and Educational Technology. Read More
Brad WilsonThe Inspiring Educator
Brad Wilson is an innovative educator who inspires students and teachers alike to do great things inside and outside of the classroom. He holds degrees  in Elementary Education, Physical Education, and Educational Technology. He relates to learners of all ages to inspire them to dream, write, learn, and teach while showing them how Read More
Donal Young
The Emmy Winner
Donal Young is a lecturer at the University of Michigan-Flint where he teaches Video and Audio production at the University of Michigan-Flint. He instructs students in the Visual Arts and Read More
Donal YoungThe Emmy Winner
Donal Young is a lecturer at the University of Michigan-Flint where he teaches Video and Audio production at the University of Michigan-Flint. He instructs students in the Visual Arts and Communications programs of the university. He earned BA in Mass Media Communications,  at The University of Akron, and an MLS Read More
Jennifer Killham
The Visionary
Jennifer Killham Ph.D. is an Instructor in Early Childhood Education and Educational Technology at University of Cincinnati. She attended University of Cincinnati from 2008 to 2014 and earned Master’s and Read More
Jennifer KillhamThe Visionary
Jennifer Killham Ph.D. is an Instructor in Early Childhood Education and Educational Technology at University of Cincinnati. She attended University of Cincinnati from 2008 to 2014 and earned Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Educational Studies. Since her interaction with the iiE Jennifer has taking on a wide range of roles. Read More
Tamara Taylor
The “Engineering” Teacher
Tamara Taylor is living a life that is both engineered and inspiring. The graduate of the University of Michigan Educational Technology Master’s Program recently won the STEM Women of Color Read More
Tamara TaylorThe “Engineering” Teacher
Tamara Taylor is living a life that is both engineered and inspiring. The graduate of the University of Michigan Educational Technology Master’s Program recently won the STEM Women of Color Technology Rising Star Award and is also being nominated for the American Staffing Association’s National Staffing Employee of the Year. Read More
Bruce Holladay
The Team Builder
Bruce Holladay creates a classroom environment for students to truly experience what it really means to be part of a team.  As if that weren’t enough of an accomplishment, he Read More
Bruce HolladayThe Team Builder
Bruce Holladay creates a classroom environment for students to truly experience what it really means to be part of a team.  As if that weren’t enough of an accomplishment, he also; owns his own production company, provides consultation for local television stations and school districts, and he is a producer/director Read More
Mary O’Neill
The Master Practitioner
How do you practice what you preach?  You practice what you teach!  And you might have to play  “mother hen” to a few students along the way.  But one thing Read More
Mary O’NeillThe Master Practitioner
How do you practice what you preach?  You practice what you teach!  And you might have to play  “mother hen” to a few students along the way.  But one thing is certain, Mary O’Neill has what it takes to help higher education professionals transition towards ever changing online delivery opportunities. Read More
Jeff Stanzler
The Student Driver
Welcome to the world of Jeff Stanzler.  Where an educator of multiple levels allow the essence of education to unfold with the catalyst of peer-to-peer education to unravel through pure Read More
Jeff StanzlerThe Student Driver
Welcome to the world of Jeff Stanzler.  Where an educator of multiple levels allow the essence of education to unfold with the catalyst of peer-to-peer education to unravel through pure student-driven content via playful-learning through simulations. The Expertise It all started over 25 years ago with Jeff Stanzler at the Read More
Andrea Jenkins Blackwell
The Student Centered Developer
  The development side of educational technology is sometimes overlooked by teachers and other educational staff. However, working in the classroom and watching students interact with technology, we have an Read More
Andrea Jenkins BlackwellThe Student Centered Developer
  The development side of educational technology is sometimes overlooked by teachers and other educational staff. However, working in the classroom and watching students interact with technology, we have an opportunity to see how it clicks with students first hand. Meet Andrea Jenkins Blackwell, an individual who has worked on Read More
Amanda Dawes
The Tech and Media Specialist
Amanda Dawes is a growth-mindset practitioner and edu-tech savvy educator. She has turned the traditional classroom into a 21st century innovative learning environment at Donna Klein Jewish Academy. In 2010, Read More
Amanda DawesThe Tech and Media Specialist
Amanda Dawes is a growth-mindset practitioner and edu-tech savvy educator. She has turned the traditional classroom into a 21st century innovative learning environment at Donna Klein Jewish Academy. In 2010, she received her Master’s Degree in Educational Technology from the University of Michigan. She also holds degrees in Psychology and Read More
Pete Poggione
Rock and Roll Tech Director
Pete Poggione started his information technology career by accident. His journey took him through several roles in information technology, the Global program at University of Michigan Flint and eventually to Read More
Pete PoggioneRock and Roll Tech Director
Pete Poggione started his information technology career by accident. His journey took him through several roles in information technology, the Global program at University of Michigan Flint and eventually to his current role as Director of Information Technology at Mattawan Schools. Road into IT Pete didn’t initially intend to enter Read More
Heather Fleming
The International Techie
Heather Fleming is an international educator who has worked in parts of Canada, Qatar, The United Arab Emirates and Oman. With an impressive background in education, she is leading the Read More
Heather FlemingThe International Techie
Heather Fleming is an international educator who has worked in parts of Canada, Qatar, The United Arab Emirates and Oman. With an impressive background in education, she is leading the way for technology integration in the schools she has been a part of. International Education Heather decided to begin her Read More
Kristin Hokanson
The Traveling Inspirer
Kristin Hokanson is compassionate about getting technology in use within classrooms.  She makes it her mission to seek out new uses of technology to help ensure student engagement.  She travels Read More
Kristin HokansonThe Traveling Inspirer
Kristin Hokanson is compassionate about getting technology in use within classrooms.  She makes it her mission to seek out new uses of technology to help ensure student engagement.  She travels to multiple schools empowering teachers with excitement and confidence about new software and applications.  Kristin’s diverse background and experience make Read More
Rachel Verschaeve
The Technology Specialist
Rachel Verschaeve is an innovative Educational Technology consultant for St. Clair County Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA). Rachel is one of the lead architects of Design4theFuture; an initiative focused on Read More
Rachel VerschaeveThe Technology Specialist
Rachel Verschaeve is an innovative Educational Technology consultant for St. Clair County Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA). Rachel is one of the lead architects of Design4theFuture; an initiative focused on career and college readiness systems in ST. Clair County. Rachel spent 13 years as a Language Arts teacher for Almont Read More
Mattea Garcia
The Math Technologist
  Mattea Garcia is an instructional technologist with a passion for math and technology.  Through her work, she focuses on #techquity and big picture ideas to better the students of Read More
Mattea GarciaThe Math Technologist
  Mattea Garcia is an instructional technologist with a passion for math and technology.  Through her work, she focuses on #techquity and big picture ideas to better the students of her district. Mattea Garcia is a Professional Learning Partner for Student Equity and Opportunity for the Denver Public Schools.  In Read More
Duane Bedell
Incredible Teacher (IT)
Aaniin! (Ojibwa for hello!). Are you looking for an exceptional Ed Tech and IT instructor? Do you want an instructor that genuinely cares about you as a person and student Read More
Duane BedellIncredible Teacher (IT)
Aaniin! (Ojibwa for hello!). Are you looking for an exceptional Ed Tech and IT instructor? Do you want an instructor that genuinely cares about you as a person and student while assisting your works and promoting continued development? Are you looking for a leader for your higher education institution? Then, Read More
Jim Leishman
The Resource Finder
Mr. Leishman is a Technology Integration Specialist with the Port Huron Area Schools. He has, and continues to create, valuable resources for teachers in all content areas. Such resources include Read More
Jim LeishmanThe Resource Finder
Mr. Leishman is a Technology Integration Specialist with the Port Huron Area Schools. He has, and continues to create, valuable resources for teachers in all content areas. Such resources include curriculum, software, gadgets, and easy to use technology tips. Background Mr. Leishman has spent over twenty years in the instructional Read More
Joe Reinsel
The Troubleshooter
Joe Reinsel is a New Media artist and Assistant Professor of Media Art at the University of Michigan-Flint. Joe uses New Media to explore ideas about Architectural Space, Time and Read More
Joe ReinselThe Troubleshooter
Joe Reinsel is a New Media artist and Assistant Professor of Media Art at the University of Michigan-Flint. Joe uses New Media to explore ideas about Architectural Space, Time and Touch. His creative work focuses on environmental interaction. His skills enable him to help others express ideas, in new ways. Read More
Theophilus van Rensburg Lindzter
The Champion for Change
From leading innovative projects such as the M-UBUNTU project, to championing initiatives aimed at improving quality education in his native country-South Africa, Theophilus van Rensburg Lindzter is a passionate agent of Read More
Theophilus van Rensburg LindzterThe Champion for Change
From leading innovative projects such as the M-UBUNTU project, to championing initiatives aimed at improving quality education in his native country-South Africa, Theophilus van Rensburg Lindzter is a passionate agent of change focused on impacting and transforming the education industry in South Africa and globally. Theophilus van Rensburg Lindzter, currently on Read More
Ann Smart
The MakerSpace Educator
Ann Smart is an educational technology consultant for Jackson County Intermediate School District (ISD) in Jackson County, Michigan. She is passionate about MakerSpace and STEM education. Background Ann Smart originally Read More
Ann SmartThe MakerSpace Educator
Ann Smart is an educational technology consultant for Jackson County Intermediate School District (ISD) in Jackson County, Michigan. She is passionate about MakerSpace and STEM education. Background Ann Smart originally got a degree in K-12 Physical Education and Health with a minor in Elementary Education.  She got her first job Read More
Bethany Lamer Vogel
The Traveling Designer
Bethany was bit by the travel bug on a trip to Norway to visit a friend and subsequently traveled to Israel, Portugal, and France – among other destinations. Her travels Read More
Bethany Lamer VogelThe Traveling Designer
Bethany was bit by the travel bug on a trip to Norway to visit a friend and subsequently traveled to Israel, Portugal, and France – among other destinations. Her travels are a vital inspiration to her work in the challenging and ever changing field of instructional design. Bethany Lamer Vogel Read More
Johnathon Beals
The Facilitator
Mr. Johnathon Beals uses his educational background, his travel abroad, and knowledge of foreign languages, to help others learn new languages.  In turn, he helps to bridge the gap between Read More
Johnathon BealsThe Facilitator
Mr. Johnathon Beals uses his educational background, his travel abroad, and knowledge of foreign languages, to help others learn new languages.  In turn, he helps to bridge the gap between cultures.  By facilitating the use of technology, he is bringing the world closer together, one program at a time. In Read More
Emily Kuiper
The Corporate Educator
Emily is a Western Michigan University and University of Michigan-Flint alumna. She graduated from Western Michigan University with a bachelor’s of Arts in organizational communication and public relations in 2007. Read More
Emily KuiperThe Corporate Educator
Emily is a Western Michigan University and University of Michigan-Flint alumna. She graduated from Western Michigan University with a bachelor’s of Arts in organizational communication and public relations in 2007. In 2015, she got her Master’s degree in Educational and instructional technology from the University of Michigan-Flint. Emily is also Read More
Joe Miles
The Technology Guru
Joe Miles is passionate about getting technology in use within classrooms.  He’s passionate about technology use in every lesson to help ensure student engagement.  He takes time out of his Read More
Joe MilesThe Technology Guru
Joe Miles is passionate about getting technology in use within classrooms.  He’s passionate about technology use in every lesson to help ensure student engagement.  He takes time out of his busy teaching schedule to help educate other teachers on technology use in their own classrooms.  Joe’s dedication to creative technology Read More
Carol Glanville
The Collaborative Designer
Carol Glanville is an Educator, Leader, and Innovator. Following her passion for Education, she began the undertaking of starting a consulting company, Contemporary Education Solutions. She is committed to working Read More
Carol GlanvilleThe Collaborative Designer
Carol Glanville is an Educator, Leader, and Innovator. Following her passion for Education, she began the undertaking of starting a consulting company, Contemporary Education Solutions. She is committed to working with schools, as a consultant, to create engaging classrooms, technology driven curriculum, where students collaborate together in a creative design Read More
Josh Holnagel
The Digital Craftsman
Josh Holnagel is a graduate of the University of  Michigan-Flint Educational Technology program.  But he began preparing for his current position as a customer growth specialist at TechSmith corporation with Read More
Josh HolnagelThe Digital Craftsman
Josh Holnagel is a graduate of the University of  Michigan-Flint Educational Technology program.  But he began preparing for his current position as a customer growth specialist at TechSmith corporation with studies in  Art and Design.  Josh started with a BFA in illustration graphic arts from College for Creative Studies in Read More
Toko Oshio
The Developmentalist
Toko Oshio is a developmentalist who provides a unique take on the concept of an educational technologist. Specifically, Toko describes herself as a developmental psychologist who studies the social-emotional development Read More
Toko OshioThe Developmentalist
Toko Oshio is a developmentalist who provides a unique take on the concept of an educational technologist. Specifically, Toko describes herself as a developmental psychologist who studies the social-emotional development of young children and youth. Through her work working with children and underserved populations, she tackles issues of equity and Read More