A dedicated team of professionals collaborate to create and deliver our Tools professional development and curriculum. Want to learn more about us?
Fun facts about
Deborah Leong, Ph.D.
What is your favorite quote?
"Man is most nearly himself when he achieves the seriousness of a child at play." —Heraclitus, philosopher (500 BCE)
What inspires you?
The teachers and children that we work with at Tools.
What is the most unusual job you've ever had?
I worked in a vineyard in Bordeaux before I went to college.
Deborah Leong, Ph.D.
Co-founder and President
Dr. Deborah J. Leong is the Co-founder and President of Tools of the Mind and Professor Emerita of Psychology at Metropolitan State University of Denver, where she taught for 36 years in the Psychology Department and in the Department of Education. Dr. Leong developed the Tools of the Mind approach with Dr. Bodrova with whom she has written numerous books, articles, and educational videos on the Vygotskian Approach to Psychology and the development of play. Dr. Leong has written several books on early childhood assessment with Drs. McAfee and Bodrova. She has her Ph.D. from Stanford University in Psychological Studies in Education, her M.Ed. from Harvard University, and her B.A. from Stanford University. She was a Fulbright Fellow to the University of Patagonia, Argentina.
Dr. Deborah J. Leong is the Co-founder and President of Tools of the Mind and Professor Emerita of Psychology at Metropolitan State University of Denver, where she taught for 36 years in the Psychology Department and in the Department of Education. Dr. Leong developed the Tools of the Mind approach with Dr. Bodrova with whom she has written numerous books, articles, and educational videos on the Vygotskian Approach to Psychology and the development of play. Dr. Leong has written several books on early childhood assessment with Drs. McAfee and Bodrova. She has her Ph.D. from Stanford University in Psychological Studies in Education, her M.Ed. from Harvard University, and her B.A. from Stanford University. She was a Fulbright Fellow to the University of Patagonia, Argentina.
Fun facts about
Elena Bodrova, Ph.D.
What's on your bucket list?
Travel to Asia, Europe, and Australia
What is your favorite place in the world?
The mountains
What is the most surprising thing about you?
In middle school, I had to pass a test taking apart and assembling an AK-47.
Elena Bodrova, Ph.D.
Co-founder and Tools Knowledge Advisor
Elena Bodrova, Ph.D. is the Co-founder and Tools Knowledge Advisor at Tools of the Mind. In collaboration with Dr. Deborah Leong, she developed Tools of the Mind program based on Vygotskian and post-Vygotskian theories of learning and Luria’s theories of brain development. Dr. Bodrova’s work on applying Lev Vygotsky’s theory to education began in Russia where she worked in the Institute for Preschool Education, and continued in the US where she worked as a Visiting Professor at Metropolitan State University of Denver and later as a Principal Researcher at Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning. Dr. Bodrova is the coauthor with Dr. Leong of multiple articles and book chapters on early literacy, assessment, play, and self-regulation. Dr. Bodrova holds Ph.D. in Child Development and Educational Psychology from Russian Academy of Pedagogical Sciences and M.A. in Child Development and Educational psychology from Moscow State University, Russia.
Elena Bodrova, Ph.D. is the Co-founder and Tools Knowledge Advisor at Tools of the Mind. In collaboration with Dr. Deborah Leong, she developed Tools of the Mind program based on Vygotskian and post-Vygotskian theories of learning and Luria’s theories of brain development. Dr. Bodrova’s work on applying Lev Vygotsky’s theory to education began in Russia where she worked in the Institute for Preschool Education, and continued in the US where she worked as a Visiting Professor at Metropolitan State University of Denver and later as a Principal Researcher at Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning. Dr. Bodrova is the coauthor with Dr. Leong of multiple articles and book chapters on early literacy, assessment, play, and self-regulation. Dr. Bodrova holds Ph.D. in Child Development and Educational Psychology from Russian Academy of Pedagogical Sciences and M.A. in Child Development and Educational psychology from Moscow State University, Russia.
Fun facts about
Barb Wilder-Smith
What's on your bucket list?
Seeing a moose, northern lights and grandchildren!
What is your favorite place in the world?
Anywhere by the ocean.
What is your coveted superpower (not including flight or invisibility)?
Teleportation, so I could spend more time with the ones I love (and more time by the ocean!).
Barb Wilder-Smith
Executive Director & Co-Developer
Barb Wilder-Smith is the Executive Director and Co-developer at Tools of the Mind. Since 2004, Barb has led Tools in bringing Tools theory into practice. With her leadership, Tools has continuously improved to become more actionable for teachers and impactful for students. Meaningful improvements include Tools professional development model, new editions of Tools teachers' manuals and technology innovations including iScaffold, PowerTools, the Digital Writing Assessment and TREE. Barb has more than 30 years of experience in education in roles ranging from teacher, teacher-educator, coach, administrator, researcher and trainer. Highlights include her time as adjunct instructor at Wheelock College and consultant at Tufts University. A graduate of the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Calderwood Writing Fellowship recipient, Barb is grateful to bring her experience to the Tools mission to empower teachers to empower children.
Barb Wilder-Smith is the Executive Director and Co-developer at Tools of the Mind. Since 2004, Barb has led Tools in bringing Tools theory into practice. With her leadership, Tools has continuously improved to become more actionable for teachers and impactful for students. Meaningful improvements include Tools professional development model, new editions of Tools teachers' manuals and technology innovations including iScaffold, PowerTools, the Digital Writing Assessment and TREE. Barb has more than 30 years of experience in education in roles ranging from teacher, teacher-educator, coach, administrator, researcher and trainer. Highlights include her time as adjunct instructor at Wheelock College and consultant at Tufts University. A graduate of the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Calderwood Writing Fellowship recipient, Barb is grateful to bring her experience to the Tools mission to empower teachers to empower children.
Fun facts about
Angela Alvis
How would you describe yourself using three words?
Adventurous, globetrotter, curious
What is your favorite food?
Pickles
What is the most surprising thing about you?
I've lived in 9 different states, including Washington DC.
Angela Alvis
Director of Partnership Development
Fun facts about
Aisha O’Donnell
What's on your bucket list?
Hike Machu Picchu, travel Europe by bicycle, qualify for the Boston Marathon
What is your favorite food?
Veggie pizza
How do you spend your weekends?
Running, doing yoga, hiking with my husband, walking my pup Teal, and cooking.
Aisha O’Donnell
Senior Partnership Development Manager
Fun facts about
Alina Kaye
How would you describe yourself using three words?
Thoughtful, empathic, curious
What is your favorite food?
Berries and breakfast sandwiches
How do you spend your weekends?
Hiking, cooking and working on home projects
Alina Kaye
Partnership Development Manager
Fun facts about
Jennifer Martin
What's on your bucket list?
Fly an airplane, write a book, cliff dive with a wing suit
What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning?
Coffee and sunshine
What is your favorite quote?
"Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better." —Albert Einstein
Jennifer Martin
Senior Partnership Development Manager
Fun facts about
Judy Suchecki
How would you describe yourself using three words?
Fortunate, curious, zoophile
What is the most unusual job you've ever had?
Animal control officer
What's on your bucket list?
To snorkel the coral reefs, visit Hawaii, see a blue whale in its environment
Judy Suchecki
Professional Development Specialist
Fun facts about
Kim Mensche
What is your favorite quote?
"Know what sparks the light in you. Then use that light to illuminate the world!" —Oprah Winfrey
How do you spend your weekends?
Enjoying dinner and time with my family
How would you describe yourself using three words?
Curious, optimistic, nurturing
Kim Mensche
Partnership Development Manager
Fun facts about
Kim Wilson
What's on your bucket list?
Travel to Italy
What is the most unusual job you've ever had?
Working at Casa Bonita as a photographer in the jail
What is the most surprising thing about you?
I love to watch Seinfeld
Kim Wilson
Partnership Development Manager
Fun facts about
Leslie Trombley
What is your favorite quote?
"Live quietly in the moment and see the beauty of all before you. The future will take care of itself" —Paramahansa Yogananda
How would you describe yourself using three words?
Resourceful, motivated, optimistic
What inspires you?
Seeing the look on a child's face when they achieve something for the first time.
Leslie Trombley
Senior Partnership Development Manager
Fun facts about
Luis Gallego
How would you describe yourself using three words?
Inquisitive, reflective, persistent
What is your favorite place in the world?
Laguna de Iguaque, Colombia
What is the most surprising thing about you?
I am not allowed to go by myself to any toy store (no self-regulation).
Luis Gallego
Senior Partnership Development Manager
Fun facts about
Nancy O’Connell
What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning?
Is my coffee is ready?
What is your favorite food?
Pasta
What is your coveted superpower (not including flight or invisibility)?
I'd love to have a great singing voice—sure my family does too
Nancy O’Connell
Professional Development Specialist
Fun facts about
Susan Coopersmith
If you had a song that played whenever you walked into a room what would it be?
Happy by Pharrell
What inspires you?
A smile
What is the most surprising thing about you?
I'm an eclectic artist
Susan Coopersmith
Partnership Development Specialist
Fun facts about
Tina McMechen
How would you describe yourself using three words?
Loyal, Strategic, Grateful
What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning?
My dog, Smoochie Cleopatra McMechen
What is your favorite food?
Cookies, candies, cakes, and pies
Tina McMechen
Head of Business Development and Marketing
Fun facts about
Mariah Casillas
How would you describe yourself using three words?
Spontaneous, Gentle, Dedicated.
What is your favorite place in the world?
The beach
What's on your bucket list?
Visit Bali, own a mustang, learn how to bake a cake
Mariah Casillas
Senior Business Development Manager
Fun facts about
Steve Ostler
What is the most surprising thing about you?
I find myself constantly changing and evolving. There's always something new to surprise me about myself.
How would you describe yourself using three words?
Kind, Enthusiastic, and Curious
What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning?
My email... followed shortly after by Diet Coke.
Steve Ostler
Director of Grow Tools Success
Fun facts about
Amy Vernon
How would you describe yourself using three words?
Grounded, Loyal, Listener
What's on your bucket list?
Learning Spanish, Baking Croissants, Sleeping until 9 am
What is your favorite place in the world?
Outside on a cool, fall day.
Amy Vernon
Communications Specialist & Coordinator of Strategic Initiatives
Fun facts about
Lauren Seibert
How would you describe yourself using three words?
Determined, active, reliable
What is your favorite place in the world?
A tie between Disney World and anywhere my family is!
What is your favorite food?
Bread! I have never passed up a good dinner roll!
Lauren Seibert
Communications & Project Associate
Fun facts about
Megan Spacciapoli
What is the most unusual job you've ever had?
Sesame Workshop on a study that led to Sesame Street's Healthy Habit Initiative
How do you spend your weekends?
Hiking, snowshoeing and/or rock climbing. Sometimes it's spent binge-watching Netflix though!
What's on your bucket list?
See the northern lights in Iceland
Megan Spacciapoli
Director of Data and Evaluation
Fun facts about
Jillian Sullivan
What's on your bucket list?
Camping under the Aurora Borealis, touching the Egyptian pyramids, and experiencing zero-G
What inspires you?
The way young children experience the world around them
What is your coveted superpower (not including flight or invisibility)?
Teleportation (is that cheating?)
Jillian Sullivan
Lead Evaluation & Data Specialist
Fun facts about
Tia McCallum
What's on your bucket list?
Visit the castles in Ireland/Scotland; swim in the cenotes in Mexico; take a food/wine tour in Italy
How would you describe yourself using three words?
Ambitious, adventurous, empathetic
What is your favorite food?
Seafood—crabs, clams, shrimp, etc.
Tia McCallum
Research Specialist
Fun facts about
Mara Viana
What is your favorite quote?
"The tool is the love." —Japanese bicycle designer
What inspires you?
People driven to make the world a better place, nature, transformation
What is your coveted superpower (not including flight or invisibility)?
The ability to travel in time!
Mara Viana
Director of Systems, Operations & Innovation
Fun facts about
Abby Spooner
How would you describe yourself using three words?
Kind, adventurous, and empathetic
What is your favorite quote?
"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll
How do you spend your weekends?
Adventuring and foraging in the great outdoors of Maine!
Abby Spooner
Partnership Development Administrator
Fun facts about
Ashton Hankins
How would you describe yourself using three words?
Reliable, adaptable, curious
What is the most unusual job you've ever had?
I was a juvenile probation officer in a previous life
What is your coveted superpower (not including flight or invisibility)?
Probably a healing factor. I'm pretty clumsy, so it would come in handy.
Ashton Hankins
Technology & Systems Specialist
Fun facts about
Charlie Herrmann
How would you describe yourself using three words?
Optimistic loyal learner
What inspires you?
At a fundamental level, it's simply people who are excited about things and not worried about what others think or what they are 'supposed' to do. I find enthusiasm and authenticity very contagious.
What is your favorite place in the world?
Caribou Lake in Lutsen, MN
Charlie Herrmann
Sr. Database Manager
Fun facts about
Cindy Brown
How would you describe yourself using three words?
Friendly, generous, organized
What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning?
List my things to do
What is the most surprising thing about you?
I'm handy with tools
Cindy Brown
Business Development Analyst & Administrator
Fun facts about
Melissa Renzi
What is your favorite food?
How can I choose one?! Lasagne, avocado, and salmon, to name a few.
What is the most unusual job you've ever had?
Inventing new flavors for Gatorade.
How would you describe yourself using three words?
Creative, enthusiastic, soulful.
Melissa Renzi
Director of Content Development
Fun facts about
Angela Robinson
Who has been the most influential person in your life?
My mom, hands down
What is the most surprising thing about you?
I wrote a children's book about fairies. You can get it on Amazon!
What is your coveted superpower (not including flight or invisibility)?
To be in several places at once...so I can explore and learn about everything I want to!
Angela Robinson
Associate Director of Content Development
Fun facts about
David Brooke
What is your favorite quote?
“If you don’t like what’s being said, change the conversation.” —Don Draper
What is the most unusual job you've ever had?
Teaching English in Italy to 11-year-olds
What is your coveted superpower (not including flight or invisibility)?
Touch a book and know everything inside
David Brooke
Creative Development & Digital Marketing Manager
Fun facts about
Oliver Saunders Wilder
What is the most unusual job you've ever had?
Historical Interpreter at Old Sturbridge Village
What is your favorite place in the world?
The ocean
What is your favorite quote?
"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence." —Albert Einstein
Oliver Saunders Wilder
Director of Technology
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Fun facts about
David Hastings
If you had a song that played whenever you walked into a room what would it be?
Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd
How would you describe yourself using three words?
Loyal, personable, resourceful
What inspires you?
Feeling of achievement I get when I have accomplished a goal
David Hastings
Full Stack Developer
Fun facts about
Cyndi Cadigan
Who has been the most influential person in your life?
My mom
How would you describe yourself using three words?
Mother, environmentalist, passionate
How do you spend your weekends?
Camping, hiking, biking...or anything educational
Cyndi Cadigan
Associate Director of Finance and Administration
Fun facts about
Carolyn Erhart
What is the most unusual job you've ever had?
Body toning exercise instructor
What is your favorite food?
Dessert
What is your coveted superpower (not including flight or invisibility)?
Healer
Carolyn Erhart
Fiscal Assistant
Tools is the comprehensive early childhood program that develops every child’s self-regulation in every activity. Research shows that self-regulation is the biggest predictor of success in school and life.
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Tools of the Mind gives teachers the tools to ensure every child becomes a successful learner and reaches their highest potential.
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