Jeremy Bendik-Keymer

Advisory Board
Jeremy Bendik-Keymer is the Beamer-Schneider Professor in Ethics in the Department of Philosophy at Case Western Reserve University and the author of The Ecological Life: Discovering Citizenship & a Sense of Humanity.  He taught at Colorado College from 2002-4 and helped accredit and develop the Department of International Studies at American University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates.  He also spent some time learning about the Jesuit tradition of discernment exercises while teaching at LeMoyne College.  From 1999-2002, he helped research and conceptualize a study of Reggio Emilia / Head Start schools in Chicago which issued in the book by Dan and Sandra Scheinfeld and Karen Haigh, We Are All Explorers: Learning and Teaching with Reggio Principles in Urban Settings.  His writing on education has been published through the World Bank.  His mother opened up one of the first Head Start schools in rural, central New York, and at three, he had a tree-stump, tire-swing, and makeshift balance beam in his bedroom at the back of a student apartment.  He absolutely loves the Patchwork School.

Sarah Purdy

Advisory Board, Fundraising Coordinator
Qualifications: B.A. in Psychology with emphasis in Pre Med from Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO; M.A. Clinical Counseling from University of Northern Colorado, CO Current Occupation: Student, House Manager/Nanny, Intern MDS Counseling, Denver, CO

Jennifer Rudkin

Advisory Board
Jennifer Rudkin works as a ceramic sculptor, community psychologist, researcher, writer, and educator. I received a Ph.D in community psychology from the University of Virginia and wrote a textbook for the field (Community Psychology: Guiding Principles and Orienting Concepts, Prentice Hall/ Pearson, 2003). I completed a postdoctoral fellowship in developmental psychology at the University of Denver and for the past 10 years have worked in education. My research, teaching, and writing have focused on issues of diversity and equity. I have conducted research on such topics as: children’s development of race and gender concepts; girls’ underachievement in math and science; and risk and resilience in gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender adolescents. I recently received a grant to explore photography as a tool for urban youth to discover and convey what they deem important about their neighborhoods.  I have taught classes on the dynamics of social change and children’s rights. I have also just completed a book (with the Director of Boulder Journey School, Ellen Hall) entitled, Seen and Heard: Young Children’s Voices, Young Children’s Rights.  I am also a ceramic sculptor. My work can be seen at www.jrudkin.com.

Jodi Robinson

Advisory Board, Technical Advisor
Jodi is a currently Technology Director for Starz Entertainment in Englewood, Colorado. After receiving her B.S. in Computer Science from Stanford University in 2000, she began work as a Software Engineer for Level 3 Communications in Broomfield, Colorado. Having worked in the telecommunications and online media industries, Jodi has a broad understanding of internet technology, software development and content management. In her free time, Jodi enjoys sports, recreational activities and traveling.

Adam Fletcher

Advisory Board
Adam Fletcher is a recognized expert in youth engagement with experience in service learning, experiential education, and community youth organizing. Adam is the founder of the Freechild Project, a national organization committed to engaging young people in social change around the world. He has also worked as a consultant to local and state governments, private foundations, other national organizations, and public K-12 schools across the country and around the world. Currently Adam serves as a director and advisor to several nonprofit organizations, and is a published author who has written several publications and articles in national magazines and academic journals.

Nicki Heathwood

Advisory Board, Parent former students
Nicki Heathwood was born and raised in California. She stays at home with her two sons, Henry (6 1/2 years) and Charlie (5 years). Nicki used to work as an autism consultant before her boys were born. She trained therapists, parents, and teachers on ways to foster the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of young children with autism. Nicki attended the University of California, San Diego where she received her degree in Psychology. She now enjoys her time at home with Henry and Charlie. In her free time, Nicki enjoys baking, hiking, traveling, and hanging out with her family.

Kerry Cerelli

Advisory Board, Former Teacher
I grew up playing in the neighborhoods and soccer fields near my New Jersey home, only to head to the west coast for college. My love of play followed me wherever I roamed, however, and I found myself competing in collegiate soccer and backpacking through the mountains of Washington State. After getting my bachelor's degree in biology, I fled the country for an adventure abroad. In East Africa, as a teacher at a shelter for street kids, I learned a good lesson in the universality of play and laughter and their ability to smash through cultural and linguistic barriers. When I finally returned to the U.S., I was reinvigorated with the desire to be of service and support to children and families. That led me to social work with at-risk youth back in Jersey and then a master's degree in counseling psychology out here in Colorado. As I've mentioned, my love of play has followed me throughout my life, so Colorado, with its built-in playground of natural beauty, has been good to me. Recently, my professional training in pre/perinatal psychology and attachment theory has deepened my understanding of child development in the early years of life which, in turn, has enhanced my ability to support children as they grow and change. Working now as a nanny, editor, and doula, I have found that a playful attitude - grounded in professionalism, knowledge, and a commitment to service - are tremendous assets in any occupational endeavor.