 
  
About
Dewey makes learning joyful, purposeful, and successful for children, schools, and families. Our research-based, standards-aligned literacy and STEM programs help teachers teach, children learn, and families thrive.
Meet the Team
Pam Allyn is a renowned literacy educator and the author of many acclaimed books for educators and parents, including What to Read When and the Mom’s Choice winner Your Child's Writing Life. She is the co-author of Every Child a Super Reader and Tell Your Story with Dr. Ernest Morrell. Pam is the founder of LitWorld, an award-winning literacy organization serving children in more than 60 countries, and the creator of World Read Aloud Day, celebrated across the world by millions of children on the first Wednesday of every February.
Dr. Ernest Morrell is a nationally recognized, award-winning scholar, author, public speaker, researcher, and practitioner who champions inclusive and equitable learning while empowering families and educators to nurture lifelong readers. He serves as the Coyle Professor, a member of the faculty in the English and Africana Studies Departments, and Director of the Center for Literacy Education at the University of Notre Dame. Dr. Morrell is also the co-author of Every Child a Super Reader and Tell Your Story with Pam Allyn.
Creators
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       Shannon HickeyLiteracy & Bilingual Lead 
 Bilingual Educator.
 Expert in curriculum development.
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       Mike FlynnMathematics Education Advisor 
 Award-winning educator. Author of Beyond Answers: Exploring Mathematical Practices with Young Children.
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       Annabell BurrellBilingual Families Director 
 Former NYC DOE Principal.
 28+ years of elementary education experience.
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       Val PalacioSpecial Education Lead 
 Adjunct Professor of Education Manhattanville College. Veteran teacher. Expert in supporting students with disabilities.
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       Praise AguImplementation & Family Learning Advisor 
 Nurse, Teacher, & Relationship Manager at Dewey. Praise’s work is driven by a commitment to equipping children and families with the tools they need to thrive.
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       Cecelia BrooksAlternative Families Advisor 
 Teen development and family communication expert. Former mentor to high-risk teenage boys at The Children’s Village.
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       Mansi VasaDiversity & Inclusion Advisor 
 Director of Equity, Inclusion, and Community Life at an NYC-based school for early childhood and early elementary-age children. Advocate for diverse and authentic storytelling.
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       Debbie LeraLiteracy and Learning Advisor 
 Experienced educator focused on literacy, innovative learning methods and social-emotional development. Teacher, literacy consultant, curriculum developer and author of the book Writing Above Standard.
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       Kara GreenEarly Mathematics Advisor 
 Long-time mathematics teacher in NYC. Dedicated to building joy and confidence in math learning.
Operations
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       Ann HayesChief Revenue Officer 
 Sales, marketing, and development executive powered by a love of family learning.
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       Jim AllynLegal Counsel 
 Attorney and business person who loves to help start things.
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       Paige HeimarkDeputy Director 
 Leading with joy. Strategic thinker, passionate about operations, marketing, and staff development. 2024 IEL Education Policy Fellow.
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       Cyrilla RayWriting Coordinator 
 Passionate writer, storyteller, and literacy champion.
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       Robbie KleinTechnology & Project Manager 
 Project management, strategy and workflow for product development and launches, support on all things technology.
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       Hiba Eid-KhouryCreative Design & Content Lead 
 Trilingual digital communicator and web designer. Experienced in TV & media production. Community volunteer and occasional artist.
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       Ashley ChurchSales & Research Coordinator 
 With a background in business, social impact, and innovation, Ashley is passionate about nurturing young learners and cherishes time spent with her six nieces and nephews.
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       Griffin SchultzCreative Content Associate 
 Video editor and social media coordinator. Experienced professional chef, volunteer farmer, and food justice advocate. #50PreciousWords 2024 winner.
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       Melissa HeffernanController 
 Over 20 years financial industry experience, specializing in accounting and business operations.
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       Sebastian SonMultimedia Coordinator 
 Video editor, media archivist, content creator, and part-time composer. Experienced with helping startups develop a digital footprint.
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       Ellie SkrzatArt Director 
 Illustrator, animator, and writer-director. Winner of a Webby, a Shorty, a Clio, and an American Illustration Award.
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       Keaton DretlerWriting & Research Coordinator 
 Proposal and grant development lead, researcher, and writer. Building bridges between schools and families through on-the-ground workshops and digital outreach.
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       Esther SeoCommunity Engagement & Wellbeing Associate 
 Developing community-focused initiatives and fostering partnerships that enhance organizational impact.
 
                         
            
              
            
            
          
               
            
              
            
            
          
              