We Can Learn

5600 West 83rd Street Suite 300, 8200 Tower Bloomington, MN 55437 [https://www.facebook.com/WCLearn/] Home About Us Our Grantees Grant Opportunities Contact Us About Us Our Story Serving students and educators is in our DNA. For more than 60 years, Edmentum has supported learning with innovative approaches, research-based curriculum and assessments reaching learners in over 75 countries. This rich history in education led to a natural extension into philanthropic outreach and We Can Learn was officially approved as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in 2018. Our Goal Removing barriers to learning access is our priority. We Can Learn is committed to providing grants of Edmentum’s software and consulting to non-school populations that would not otherwise be able to access it. We proudly partner with organizations that demonstrate well-established community engagement, staff, and resources to best implement these solutions. Our Initiatives Domestic: Through our technology access grants, highly at-risk learners are provided access to Edmentum’s personalized curriculum and assessments, along with our best-in-class training and support. Global: We seek to positively impact learning across the globe through philanthropic giving and support of initiatives that improve equitable access to teaching and learning. How We Work Connect with us to discuss future partnerships. Nonprofit organizations whose mission includes education and raising academic achievement are encouraged to apply for Technology Access Grants that provide access to Edmentum’s software and consulting support. Grant submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis. “On the other side of everything we do is a student and a teacher. On the other side of every decision we make, every process we build and implement and the programs we launch, we have a heavy responsibility to do right for education“ Jamie Candee, Edmentum CEO Our Impact We Can Learn proudly supports 10+ nonprofit organizations with a goal of impacting 10,000 learners each year and 100,000 learners over the next four years. These organizations allow us to reach and serve students from varying backgrounds and obstacles to learning, including living in under-resourced communities, being victims of child abuse and neglect, or undergoing hospitalization for life-threatening diseases. We Can Learn has set a goal to impact 10,000 learners each year with an ultimate goal of 100,000 over the next 4 years. Our Board We Can Learn proudly supports 10+ nonprofit organizations with a goal of impacting 10,000 learners each year and 100,000 learners over the next four years. These organizations allow us to reach and serve students from varying backgrounds and obstacles to learning, including living in under-resourced communities, being victims of child abuse and neglect, or undergoing hospitalization for life-threatening diseases. We Can Learn has set a goal to impact 10,000 learners each year with an ultimate goal of 100,000 over the next 4 years. Mark Radcliffe Chairperson Mark Radcliffe Chairperson Bio: Mark Radcliffe began his career education over 20 years ago as a computer support contractor in elementary classrooms. Quickly becoming hooked on working with students, Mark worked to gain his certification and ultimately began work as an instructional technology specialist supporting technology integration and project-based learning across Pennsylvania. After several years in schools, Mark became a Director of Professional Learning for a not-for-profit school consortium and adjunct faculty member in teacher preparation programs. Mark joined Edmentum in 2015 as an education consultant for California and has since moved to the position of Learning and Enablement Advocacy Director. Mark leads Edmentum’s customer facing domain expertise team and advocates for the needs of sales and services teams globally. Mark earned his BSc from Manchester University Science and Technology Institute and MSc and teaching certification from Bloomsburg University of PA. Originally from the UK, Mark lives in New York with his partner and three children. My Why: “Education is a true panacea. There is no problem that cannot be solved via the application of a quality education. What better way to leave the world better than how you found it than by helping to continuously improve the Education industry” Close Kevin Briody Executive Sponsor Kevin Briody Executive Sponsor Bio: Kevin joined Edmentum in early 2022 as Chief Marketing Officer, bringing 25 years of experience driving innovation and impact with marketing teams across a diverse mix of technology companies, non-profit organizations and marketing agencies. He previously spent four years leading the marketing function at the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL), a global provider of leadership development and executive education solutions for many of the world's largest brands. Prior to CCL, Kevin spent nearly a decade working in marketing agencies, most recently as Chief Strategy Officer for Pace Communications, the largest independent content marketing agency in North America. While living in the Pacific Northwest, Kevin held marketing leadership roles at several software startups, a non-profit learning community, and in the Windows, Developer, and Online Services marketing groups at Microsoft. Kevin earned a Bachelors of Science in History and Business Administration from the University of Oregon (Go Ducks!) and an MBA from the University of Washington. Originally from Northern California, Kevin lives in North Carolina with his wife and three daughters. My Why: “Early on in my life I was fortunate to have several truly inspiring teachers whose lessons - about passion, purpose, and curiosity as much as academics - shaped so much of who I am today. The opportunity to play any role, small or large, in helping teachers make that kind of an impact on their students is what draws me to both education and Edmentum.” Close Julie Donick Secretary Julie Donick Secretary Bio: Julie has been an educator since 2001. She joined Edmentum in 2019 and taught Social Studies within Edmentum’s EdOptions Academy for two and a-half years. Advancing the needs of underserved youth across the world is one of Julie’s main focuses. She volunteers yearly to travel with students abroad spreading a message of peace through understanding so young people have the opportunity to learn firsthand that we are more alike than we are different. She also serves on the Board of Directors for A Mighty Change of Heart, an organization that supports children in foster care, and on several local boards for Girl Scouts. Julie holds a BS in Education from Bucknell University and a Masters in the Art of Teaching from Marygrove College. My Why: Julie believes that to touch, to shape, and to grow the mind of a child is both a privilege and a responsibility. Close Brianna Pyka Co-Director of Communications Brianna Pyka Co-Director of Communications Bio: Brianna is a passionate marketer, fundraiser and lifelong learner. Currently, she is a Consultant for Crescendo Fundraising Professionals where she plans, organizes and manages fundraising studies and capital campaigns for nonprofits and municipalities. Prior to joining Crescendo, Brianna served as a Marketing Manager for Edmentum. She holds a BA in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from The University of St. Thomas and an MBA from Concordia University, St. Paul. My Why: Brianna believes that education is the building block of every strong community. Everyone has a right to exceptional education so they can reach their full potential! Close Madison Michell Co-Director of Communications Madison Michell Co-Director of Communications Bio: Madison is a committed marketing professional and former educator. She previously served as a Teach for America Corp Member in Dallas, Texas, teaching both kindergarten and 3rd grade. During her time in the classroom, she became passionate about connecting educators with online programs and instructional best practices that improve teaching and learning for today’s students. She has been a member of the Edmentum team since 2014, serving in a number of marketing roles, including currently as a Marketing Program Manager. Madison earned an A.B.J. in Advertising from the University of Georgia. My Why: Madison believes a student’s zip code shouldn’t seal their fate on academic opportunity. Teaching in inner-city Dallas and deeply understanding firsthand the educational disparity between that experience and just 40 minutes outside of the city in the suburbs, where I grew up, was painfully eye opening. Our next generation of learners deserve better—they are our future! Close Michelle Barrett Board Member Michelle Barrett Board Member Bio: Dr. Michelle D. Barrett is Vice President of Research and Learning Engineering for Edmentum. In her current role, Dr. Barrett guides Edmentum’s research policies and agenda and the design and instrumentation of technologies that improve learner outcomes. Following a first career as a mechanical engineer, Dr. Barrett started her career in education in the classroom, teaching middle and high school mathematics. She has since served as a policy analyst for the Colorado Commission on Higher Education, a consultant within the Colorado Department of Education, and in research, technical, and leadership roles at CTB/McGraw-Hill and Pacific Metrics, and ACT. For the past 15 years, her primary career focus has been the development of software, algorithms, and analytics for assessment and learning solutions. Dr. Barrett is published in the Journal of Educational and Behavioral Statistics, the Journal of Educational Measurement, and Psychometrika and has contributed to book chapters on the topics of measurement and learning engineering. She holds certifications in Scaled Agile, Lean Six Sigma, and Pragmatic Marketing. Dr. Barrett chaired the IEEE Industry Consortium on Learning Engineering SIG on AI and Adaptive Technology in 2018-2019, served on the Program Board for the 2020 and 2021 Human Computer Interaction International Adaptive Instructional Systems Conferences, and currently serves as a reviewer for multiple peer-reviewed journals. She is also on the Board of Directors of the AIS Consortium, an IEEE-ISTO non-profit organization with a mission to support the adoption and advancement of products that use artificial intelligence and advanced technologies to help people learn. Dr. Barrett earned her Bachelor of Science from Stanford University, her Master of Education from Harvard University, a graduate certificate in large scale assessment from the University of Maryland, and her Doctorate of Philosophy in research methodology, data analysis, and measurement from the University of Twente, Netherlands. Close Amela Huskic Treasurer Amela Huskic Treasurer Bio: Amela has always had a passion for Math which ultimately led her to her Finance and Accounting career. She graduated in 2012 from Iowa State University with her Bachelors of Science in Accounting. Amela’s industry and work experience is a little diverse. She spent most of her career in the manufacturing industry working for a nutritional ingredients manufacturer in Iowa, followed by a pet supplies manufacturer based out of the Dallas, TX area. She then moved into a full-time, stay-at-home mom role when her first daughter was born. After a year in that overworked and underpaid job, she decided to switch gears and start a job with a propane company based out of Montana – don’t worry, she kept her daughter and even decided to give her a sister. Amela joined Edmentum earlier this year in April and has since spent her time supporting the Instructional Services group by providing riveting financial reports and assisting them with many of their data and information needs. Amela was born in Bosnia, spent the majority of her childhood in Germany, and is now living in Minnesota with her husband, 2 daughters, and German Shepherd. My Why: “Once you’re done with school yourself, you never really think about the importance of education until the day you become a parent and realize the immense responsibility of molding another human being. That is what education and good teachers do – they mold the next generation into responsible and productive citizens of the world.” Close John Robert Jackson Director of Partnerships John Robert Jackson Director of Partnerships Bio: John Robert joined Edmentum in 2015 as a Business Development Manager for South Carolina and North Carolina. Currently, he serves as an Account Manager for districts across North and South Carolina. Prior to joining Edmentum, he was a public-school educator in for twelve years. He served as a seventh-grade science teacher, middle school assistant principal, district hearing officer, and principal of an alternative program. While under his leadership at the alternative program, John Robert transformed the way teaching and learning had traditionally been taught at the alternative school by creating a blended model of instruction utilizing online software. John Robert earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Clemson University (Go Tigers!) and a Master of Education in Educational Administration from the University of South Carolina. My Why: “To give back to the world of education a portion of what has been poured into me as a student. John Robert was diagnosed with a learning disability early in his education career. He attended afterschool tutoring and resource class until he was able to overcome his learning disability in middle school. He had wonderful teachers, coaches, and administrators who believed in him, and for him to have an opportunity to return a small portion of that investment is the least he can do.” Close Eddie Crosby Board Member Eddie Crosby Board Member Bio: Eddie Crosby is a results-oriented Education Technology executive with diverse administrative, curriculum, and instructional experience. Crosby was named Territory Manager of South Carolina in December 2020 and is responsible for building and leading the Sales organization in the development of the sales and market access strategy to optimize the adoption and appropriate use of Edmentum's product portfolio. Crosby's 20+ year career spans multiple areas in Education, including teaching, administration, consulting and sales. He has demonstrated consistent success across a variety of disciplines within the Education profession including growth, learning and development, market access, retention and managed markets. Crosby has a passion for leadership, creating a culture of high engagement, and a commitment to successful student outcomes. Close Shannon Arczynski Board Member Shannon Arczynski Board Member Bio: Shannon Arczynski has always had a passion for education, starting at the age of 8 when she and her neighborhood friends would play school, Shannon often being the teacher. Shannon started her educational journey as a high school English and yearbook teacher. Having a love for reading she quickly got her master’s in reading education and became a literacy coach. As a literacy coach, Shannon created and led professional development in her brick-and-mortar school and in the district. Shannon became a professional learning developer for the district where she found excitement in leading her fellow colleagues in best practices and new trends in education. After several years of her role with professional development, the culture, mission, vision, and values brought Shannon to Edmentum in 2020. Shannon took on the role of Academy Professional Learning and Development Coordinator. Since this position Shannon has moved to Instructional Services Communication Manager. Shannon earned her BS from Florida State University and her MS from Florida International University. She has been involved with a myriad of philanthropies over the years and is excited about her new opportunity with We Can Learn. Shannon and her dog Dash, split their time between Florida and Virginia, and they enjoy traveling every chance they get. My Why: “Shannon doesn't believe that people just stop learning. People need to find the joy in new things. She hopes that through her passion for life, reading, and education the people she encounters get that spark to continue to grow.” Close Kiko Restreto Board Member Kiko Restreto Board Member Kiko is a senior leader with expertise in strategy, marketing, business development, and brand building. In his current role at Warner Bros. Discovery, Kiko serves as the Inclusion Ad Sales Strategy lead. Having done his undergraduate degree in architecture, he frequently leverages his creative background to bring innovative solutions to complex business challenges. He has a passion for using Equity and Inclusion as a force for business growth and positive impact. Kiko holds an MBA from NYU Stern. My Why : In elementary school, I won a lottery to join an advanced magnet school that excelled above the other schools in town. I have seen, first-hand, the power of good education and the way it can affect a person's trajectory. I believe education is one of the key components to social progress and would like to help ensure all communities, not just those who can afford it, have access to equitable education. Close © WeCanLearn info@wecanlearn.com Media Kit Terms of Service