
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 Hickey
Literacy & Bilingual Lead
Bilingual Educator.
Expert in curriculum development. -
Mike Flynn
Mathematics Education Advisor
Award-winning educator. Author of Beyond Answers: Exploring Mathematical Practices with Young Children. -
Annabell Burrell
Bilingual Families Director
Former NYC DOE Principal.
28+ years of elementary education experience. -
Val Palacio
Special Education Lead
Adjunct Professor of Education Manhattanville College. Veteran teacher. Expert in supporting students with disabilities. -
Praise Agu
Implementation & 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. -
Cecelia Brooks
Alternative Families Advisor
Teen development and family communication expert. Former mentor to high-risk teenage boys at The Children’s Village. -
Mansi Vasa
Diversity & 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. -
Debbie Lera
Literacy 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. -
Kara Green
Early Mathematics Advisor
Long-time mathematics teacher in NYC. Dedicated to building joy and confidence in math learning.
Operations
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Ann Hayes
Chief Revenue Officer
Sales, marketing, and development executive powered by a love of family learning. -
Jim Allyn
Legal Counsel
Attorney and business person who loves to help start things. -
Paige Heimark
Deputy Director
Leading with joy. Strategic thinker, passionate about operations, marketing, and staff development. 2024 IEL Education Policy Fellow. -
Cyrilla Ray
Writing Coordinator
Passionate writer, storyteller, and literacy champion. -
Robbie Klein
Technology & Project Manager
Project management, strategy and workflow for product development and launches, support on all things technology. -
Hiba Eid-Khoury
Creative Design & Content Lead
Trilingual digital communicator and web designer. Experienced in TV & media production. Community volunteer and occasional artist. -
Ashley Church
Sales & 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. -
Griffin Schultz
Creative Content Associate
Video editor and social media coordinator. Experienced professional chef, volunteer farmer, and food justice advocate. #50PreciousWords 2024 winner. -
Melissa Heffernan
Controller
Over 20 years financial industry experience, specializing in accounting and business operations. -
Sebastian Son
Multimedia Coordinator
Video editor, media archivist, content creator, and part-time composer. Experienced with helping startups develop a digital footprint. -
Ellie Skrzat
Art Director
Illustrator, animator, and writer-director. Winner of a Webby, a Shorty, a Clio, and an American Illustration Award. -
Keaton Dretler
Writing & Research Coordinator
Proposal and grant development lead, researcher, and writer. Building bridges between schools and families through on-the-ground workshops and digital outreach. -
Esther Seo
Community Engagement & Wellbeing Associate
Developing community-focused initiatives and fostering partnerships that enhance organizational impact.