Who We Are
Mass Learning Project works with the 330+ Massachusetts schools implementing Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs to ensure that teachers and school leaders have the support they need to deliver classroom experiences of exceptional quality. Mass Learning Project offers robust supports to schools and educators, including grant funding in partnership with the One8 Foundation, implementation guidance, professional learning opportunities, and on-the-ground support.
MASS LEARNING PROJECT TEAM
Nick Boatwright
Professional Learning Lead
Nick Boatwright
Professional Learning Lead
Nick Boatwright joined the Mass Learning Project in January 2024. Before this, he led a team to create and coordinate large-scale teacher and school leader training programmes impacting over 2 million children globally. He is passionate about adult development and ensuring every student has access to excellent teaching and learning!
Nick began his career as an elementary school teacher in rural South Carolina, primarily teaching 5th-grade math and science. After a few years in the classroom, he transitioned to an instructional coaching role focusing on improving the quality of Upper Elementary STEM teaching and learning across the district. After leaving South Carolina, he honed his chops for supporting teachers across all grade levels, from pre-K through 12th grade, as Director of Coaching for a small graduate school in Boston.
Nick has a B.S. in Biology from the College of Charleston and an M.Ed from Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Jennifer Donais
Educator Community Specialist
Jennifer Donais
Educator Community Specialist
Jenn joined Mass Learning Project in August 2024. She began her career as a middle school math teacher before transitioning to a STEM Coach role, where she supported the implementation of Project Lead The Way across multiple schools, fostering a hands-on, project-based approach to STEM learning.
She has been recognized with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST), the 3rd place National Teacher of the Year award from the Air Force Association, and the AIAA Trailblazing STEM Educator Award, among others. Jenn is also the co-creator of the Massachusetts Teacher STEM Fair and impacts STEM education internationally by facilitating professional development from Florida to the United Arab Emirates. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Inclusive Elementary Education and Special Education from Syracuse University and a Master's in Curriculum and Teaching from Fitchburg University.
Anne Leslie
Operations Manager
Anne Leslie
Operations Manager
Anne has worked directly for or in partnership with social impact organizations for more than 15 years. In her various roles, she has worked across multiple departments, including operations, communications, and programs.
Before joining Mass Learning Project in April 2024, Anne was the Operations Manager at Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs, which engages youth in environmental conservation through the creative arts. She has also served as the Special Projects Assistant to the President at YouthBuild USA, and helped create corporate Cause Branding programs around social issues as an Account Supervisor at Cone Communications.
Anne earned a B.S. in Mass Communications from Boston University.
Christine Schepeler
Executive Director
Christine Schepeler
Executive Director
Christine started Mass Learning Project in 2023 to increase K-12 student access to high quality applied learning experiences in MA. Prior to this, Christine was a Director at TNTP where she coached school and district leaders nationally on developing instructional visions, selecting and implementing high quality instructional materials for math, science and STEM, and supported teachers and leaders to provide learning experiences centered on student thinking around complex, real-world problems.
Christine spent eight years as the Director of Math and Science for a teacher training program and Graduate school of education. She has taught secondary math, science, technology, and economics in Phoenix, AZ and Boston, and supported PLTW implementation at the middle and high school level while she served as a K-12 network science director in MA. Christine has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, a Master’s in Education from Arizona State University, and a Doctorate in Education from Northeastern University.
Amy Zapatka Cedin
Educator Community Specialist
Amy Zapatka Cedin
Educator Community Specialist
Amy joins Mass Learning Project with over 17 years of experience in public education and is dedicated to ensuring that all students have access to high quality, equitable instruction. She has had the privilege of serving teachers, students, and families across the United States as both a teacher and school leader. Prior to her role as Educator Community Specialist, she was a Senior Program Manager at Curriculum Associates, supporting district and school leaders nationwide in the use of i-Ready Classroom Mathematics, a discourse-based, core math program.
Amy holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from Keene State College, an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of San Diego, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Johnson and Wales University.
Stemie
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JOIN OUR TEAM: CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Looking for MA PLTW Support?
For PLTW adoption and implementation support, including school grants, MA PLTW professional learning events, educator community school support, and resources
For Applied Learning support beyond PLTW, including school grants, student programming and opportunities like Student Industry Connects and the Applied Learning Showcase, and industry connections
For supplies and ordering, MyPLTW access, rostering, KITE portal, and core training registration
For specific PLTW content support, contact one of our Community Leads!
Karen Ares
Shrewsbury High School, Career and Technical Education Coordinator
Karen Ares
Karen is the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Coordinator at Shrewsbury High School. She has a variety of experience in education, having spent time as a high school science teacher, district STEM curriculum director, Executive Director of a nonprofit vocational training center, and Innovation Career Pathways Coordinator at another local high school. Throughout her time in these roles, she has become passionate about providing students with real-world learning experiences and developing their skills and knowledge to aid their success in college and career. She served as a Peer Ambassador for DESE Innovation Career Pathways, and served four years as a School Committee member for the Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough. Karen holds a B.S. in Biology from Eckerd College and a M.S. in Environmental Health & Safety from Anna Maria College. In her free time, she loves to be outdoors and is an avid runner and hiker.
Chakara Cardillo
Randolph Middle School, Teacher &
PLTW Master Teacher
Bio coming soon!
Austin Velte
One8, Associate Portfolio Manager
Austin Velte
Austin is an Associate Portfolio Manager at the One8 Foundation, where he works on due diligence, strategic planning, and grantmaking across the Foundation’s education portfolio. He provides strategic guidance and operational support for Mass Learning Project and currently serves as Chair of its Advisory Committee.
Allen Wang
KIPP MA, Director of Academics
Allen Wang
Allen currently serves as a Director of Academics for Secondary Science, Technology, and Engineering at KIPP Massachusetts. Prior to his current role, he was a science/PLTW engineering teacher for eight years and an instructional coach. Driven by his core beliefs in education, he is passionate about fostering student-centered classrooms and transforming learning experiences.
Allen has received numerous teaching awards including the 2021 Harriett Ball Excellence in Teaching Award, the 2021 PLTW Massachusetts Standout Teacher of the Year Award, and was a state finalist for the 2023 Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Allen has a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Cornell University, a Master of Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a Master of Education from Boston University.