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 and former K–12 teacher, Sarah has dedicated her career to expanding access to high-quality education. She has led education programs, advocated for students through policy work, and written for Education Leadership, EdWeek, and Americans for the Arts. Sarah received Harvard’s Urban Scholars Fellowship and the Sontag Prize for Urban Education. As Executive Director of AceraEI, she leads efforts to bring innovative, student-centered learning to public schools.
Angela Reed Papadopulos
Partnerships and Communications Manager
M.S. Media Management, University of Miami, B.S. Communication, Marketing, Universidad Anáhuac
A communications strategist with experience in marketing, nonprofit campaigns, and education, Angela creates stories that inform and inspire. She has managed campaigns for Amazon Studios and Marvel and studied public health communications during graduate school. As Partnerships and Communications Manager at AceraEI, Angela leads communications, fundraising, and partnerships that build support for innovative learning in public schools.
Lauren Lipcon Dale
Lead School Coach
M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction, National-Louis University, B.A. Psychology, Washington University in St. Louis, Summa Cum Laude
An educator, consultant, and school coach, Lauren has dedicated her career to engaging and equitable education. She brings more than 20 years of experience in project-based learning, arts integration, and teacher development. As Lead School Coach at AceraEI, Lauren supports whole-school transformation by providing professional development and coaching that strengthens student voice, creativity, belonging, and academic engagement.
Linwood Harper
Audio Engineer of the School Reboot Podcast
B.M. Music Production and Engineering, Berklee College of Music
A musician, audio engineer, mentor, and youth programming leader, Linwood has dedicated his career to creativity and community engagement. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, he brings experience in music production, engineering, and youth development. As Audio Engineer for the School Reboot podcast, Linwood helps bring meaningful conversations about education, innovation, and student-centered learning to life.
Cassie Walther
School Coach
M.P.P. in Education, George Mason University, B.S. in Mathematics, University of North Florida
An educator, school coach, and education leader, Cassie Walther has dedicated her career to improving student outcomes and school performance. She brings experience as a mathematics teacher, curriculum writer, and school data specialist for District of Columbia Public Schools. As a School Coach at AceraEI, Cassie supports educators through strategic planning, data-informed decision-making, collaboration, and meaningful approaches to school improvement.
Kristina Menissian
School Coach
C.A.G.S. in Education Administration, Salem State University, M.S. in Science, Northeastern University, B.S. in Biology and Theatre, Suffolk University
An educator, instructional coach, and school leader, Kristina Menissian has dedicated her career to improving teaching and learning. She brings more than 20 years of experience in science, arts education, curriculum development, and professional learning. As a School Coach at AceraEI, Kristina supports educators through instructional coaching, inclusive practices, data-informed planning, and Universal Design for Learning.
Contributing Educators
Queenie Desulme
Assistant Teacher, Acera School
Jonathan Dietz
Science, Robotics, and Engineering Specialist Teacher
Alison Earnhart
Maker Space and Physics Specialist Teacher, Acera School
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.
Laura Moloney
Board Member; Senior Vice President and Managing Counsel, State Street Bank and Trust Company
J.D., The George Washington University Law School; B.A., Political Science, Middlebury College
Laura Moloney is Senior Vice President and Managing Counsel at State Street Bank and Trust Company, where she supports the firm’s Alternatives and Asset Owner businesses. Her work spans private markets and hedge fund administration, as well as private retirement plans, public funds, endowments, and foundations. She manages a team of lawyers and paralegals and leads legal support related to complex commercial, regulatory, and risk matters. Laura joined State Street in 1999 after working at BankBoston and began her career at Goodwin Procter LLP in Boston. As an AceraEI Board Member, she brings extensive legal, regulatory, and organizational leadership experience to help guide the organization as it expands its work with public schools.