Our Team
We see the endless possibilities for creativity and innovation in our classrooms every day. This drives the EI team’s passion for bringing joyful learning to every child.
Sarah Zuckerman
Executive Director
M.A.Ed Harvard University, focus in Arts in Education, Recipient of the Urban Scholars
Fellowship
B.A.Ed Indiana University, Indiana
An urban public school graduate, Sarah’s life has been dedicated to giving all students high-quality education. Prior to her work in education leadership and program design, she was an art teacher in K-12 classrooms for 10 years, she has taught in the lowest- and highest-performing urban public schools.
Sarah has worked on numerous policy issues advocating for students and has received numerous awards for her work, including Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Urban Scholars Fellowship and the Sontag Prize for Urban Education, and has had works published by Education Leadership, Ed Week, and Americans for the Arts.
Angela Reed Papadopulos
Partnerships and Communications Manager
M.S. Media Management, University of Miami, B.S. Communication, Marketing, Universidad Anáhuac
Angela Reed is a communications strategist with experience in digital marketing, nonprofit campaigns, and educational initiatives. She has managed multicultural campaigns with brands like Amazon Studios and Marvel, and researched the social impact of COVID-19 vaccine communications during her graduate studies. At AceraEI, Angela leads communications and advancement efforts, helping expand access to innovative learning opportunities for students across Massachusetts and beyond.
Lauren Dale
Education Consultant and Elementary School Teacher
M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction, National-Louis University
B.A. Psychology, Washington University in St. Louis, Summa Cum Laude
Lauren Dale is an educator, consultant, and school coach specializing in arts-integrated, identity-affirming education. She has over two decades of experience in project-based learning (PBL), educational equity, and teacher professional development. Currently, as an Education Innovation Consultant at Acera Education Innovation, she catalyzes whole-school change by delivering professional development focused on student voice and choice, STEAM, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL), coaching educators to enhance student belonging, engagement and performance. Her prior roles include School Designer for EL Education and Founding Teacher and Program Manager at Southwest Baltimore Charter School.
Linwood Harper
Audio Engineer of the School Reboot Podcast
B.M. Music Production and Engineering, Berklee College of Music
Linwood Harper is a passionate leader, mentor , and youth programming coordinator. As you will learn, his work experiences have taken him around the Greater Boston region and back to his alma mater in his current position. A married father of three children, Linwood is an avid sports fan, creative thinker, trained musician, and life-long learner.
Contributing Educators
Queenie Desulme
Assistant Teacher
Jonathan Dietz
Science, Robotics, and Engineering Specialist Teacher
Alison Earnhart
Maker Space and Physics Specialist Teacher
Danny Fain
Computer Science and Game Design Specialist Teacher
Alexis Hibbler
Physics Specialist Teacher
Adrienne Jacobson
Maker Space Specialist Teacher
Renee Scherer
Core Classroom Teacher
AceraEI Founding Board
Courtney Dickinson
Chair of the Board, Founder of Acera School and EI
B.A., Dartmouth College; Certified Teacher
Courtney Dickinson founded Acera School with the mission of reimagining education through innovation, STEM, and individualized learning. After 15 years in industry as a culture architect and consultant, she returned to education to build a model that empowers teachers and students to thrive, which she led as Head of School for 16 years. Today, through AceraEI, she helps bring these tools and approaches into public schools across Massachusetts, nationally, and internationally.
Sarah Zuckerman
Board Member, Founding Executive Director of EI
Ed.M., Harvard Graduate School of Education; B.A.Ed., Indiana University
An urban public school graduate and former K–12 art teacher, Sarah Zuckerman has dedicated her career to ensuring all students have access to high-quality education. She has led program design and education leadership initiatives, received the Harvard Urban Scholars Fellowship and Sontag Prize for Urban Education, and published work in Education Leadership, Ed Week, and Americans for the Arts. Today, as Founding Executive Director of AceraEI, Sarah partners with schools to expand access to innovative, student-centered learning.
Liz Ryan Cole
Board Member, Professor Emerita, Vermont Law School
J.D., Boston University School of Law; B.A., Oberlin College
Liz Ryan Cole is Professor Emerita at Vermont Law School, where she directed the Semester in Practice Program and taught professional responsibility and legal ethics for more than three decades. A nationally recognized leader in clinical legal education, she co-authored Legal Ethics in the Practice of Law and numerous articles advancing experiential learning and professional ethics. Her work has shaped generations of lawyers and educators committed to social justice. As an AceraEI Board Member, she brings deep expertise in leadership, governance, and advocacy for equitable access to education and justice.
Cathy Bei Yi He
Board Member, Venture Partner at Viva Biotech
M.S., Harvard University; B.S., Peking University
Cathy Bei Yi He was a Venture Partner at Viva Biotech, where she invests in and mentors early-stage life sciences companies. With a background in biotech research, investment, and global strategy, she brings expertise in scaling innovative ventures. As a Board Member at AceraEI, Cathy supports the organization’s growth and impact in advancing education innovation.
Trevor Rhone
Ph.D., Board Member, Materials Scientist and Professor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)
Ph.D., Physics, Columbia University; B.Sc., Physics, Morehouse College
Trevor Rhone is an Associate Professor of Physics, Applied Physics, and Astronomy at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he researches artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and quantum materials discovery. He uses AI to design novel materials that enable next-generation quantum technologies. His pioneering work has earned him honors including the NSF CAREER Award and the Joseph A. Johnson Award for Excellence in Research and Mentoring. As an AceraEI Board Member, he brings deep expertise in scientific innovation, data-driven discovery, and STEM education.