Meet the Team

Dr. Shawna Jensen, Founder

Shawna is an experienced secondary educator, instructional coach, and educational researcher specializing in instructional design and edtech. Her passion for empowering learners began early, honed through impactful years in Title I schools. There, fostering inclusive learning environments for diverse students—embracing multilingual learners and trauma-informed practices—became her core philosophy.

Witnessing students thrive and break barriers through strong relationships and equitable instruction solidified her profound conviction: every student must access transformative opportunities. This conviction now drives her work developing professional learning and comprehensive curriculum, equipping educators globally to unlock student potential.

With 15+ years in education, Shawna's research and curriculum projects are published by TechTrends and Journal of Applied Instructional Design, Johns Hopkins University, PBLWorks, Stile Education, Satchel Pulse, and American Reading Company. Shawna teaches English Language Arts at North Clackamas Schools, maintaining direct classroom impact.


Mel Horton, Founder

Mel's passion for curriculum and lesson design isn't just about crafting effective educational materials; it's the core of how she fosters meaningful relationships, increases student engagement, and ultimately inspires a love of learning.

Mel believes that thoughtfully designed curricula and engaging lessons create an environment where students feel seen, heard, and motivated, leading to deeper connections and more impactful educational experiences. Her goal is always to build learning journeys that are not only academically enriching but also personally transformative for every student.

Mel has developed content and curriculum for world-class edtech platforms and curriculum publishers, including Kiddom, IXL, PBLWorks, Stile Education, and more.


Jillian Mendoza, Founder

Jillian is an international educator turned edtech and curriculum development expert. Jillian's teaching experiences sparked her passion for developing curriculum that supports multilingual learners and embraces a culturally responsive approach tailored to students' unique interests and identities.

Throughout her career in edtech and curriculum development, Jillian has been an advocate for creating equitable, high-quality digital learning experiences accessible to students and teachers around the world. Jillian has developed instructional resources for internationally acclaimed organizations, including Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, CPM Education Foundation, PBLWorks, PowerMyLearning, and more.

Jillian loves to coach curriculum developers and transitioning teachers to grow in their careers and create impactful learning experiences.


Dr. Nicole O'Rourke, Site-Based Curriculum Projects

Dr. Nicole O'Rourke is an accomplished educator and school administrator. Nicole has guided teachers in the development of project-based curriculum. She is an expert at training educators on Universal Design for Learning and incorporating restorative practices within instructional design.

Nicole is known for developing and facilitating professional learning that is engaging, collaborative, and actionable. She inspires educators to create high-quality learning experiences and is passionate about equity-centered design. Nicole has dedicated her career to ensuring every teacher feels supported and every student has the opportunity to thrive.