A little more than a month has passed since I took on the role of MAD-learn’s CEO, and I have to say that I am exactly where I am supposed to be! From the very first day, I was struck by the genuine warmth and passion this team brings to everything they do. MAD-learn is not just a company; it is a community of people who deeply believe that every student deserves the chance to think creatively, solve problems, and see themselves as designers of their future.
Meeting some of our customers this past month has been one of the greatest gifts of this role. Hearing directly from teachers and administrators about the impact MAD-learn has had in their classrooms, from the lightbulb moments and student breakthroughs to the pride on kids’ faces when they bring their ideas to life, is the kind of thing that reminds you exactly why this work matters. And the best is still ahead!
We are putting finishing touches on a new platform built entirely around design thinking, and I am genuinely excited for our educators and students to experience it. It is thoughtful, powerful, and unlike anything else in the K-12 space right now. I could not be more grateful to be leading this team into what I know will be a remarkable next chapter.
What is it really like to complete a virtual internship? On June 18, we’re bringing together former MAD-learn interns to share their experiences, from the projects they worked on and the skills they gained to the moments that challenged and inspired them. If you’ve ever wondered how internships can shape a student’s confidence, career goals, and future opportunities, this is your chance to hear the story straight from the source. Bring your questions and join the conversation; we think you’ll leave with a new perspective on what’s possible for students.
June is off to an exciting start for the MAD-learn team! We kicked things off with App Camps at DeKalb County Schools and Greeley GEAR UP, where students used design thinking to tackle real-world challenges, collaborate with their peers, and bring their ideas to life through app development. At the DeKalb County Schools App Camp, students impressed us with their creativity and innovation, and we’d like to extend a special congratulations to the winning teams: Study Success (1st Place), Hobbie Finders (2nd Place), and GeoLand (3rd Place). We also joined educators at Cobb County Schools’ STEMapalooza, sharing a fresh approach to design thinking, connecting with teachers, and offering a preview of exciting platform updates coming this summer. Most recently, we’ve been at the GACTE Conference, where we’ve enjoyed connecting with CTE educators, showcasing MAD-learn’s evolution into a full design thinking platform, participating in roundtable discussions, and introducing attendees to our new CEO, Chrissy Rebert-Long. We look forward to continuing the momentum and making more meaningful connections throughout the month.
… stopping by our booth at the 2026 NCCEP GEAR UP Annual Conference in Washington, DC July 19th-22nd. We can’t wait to share our new design thinking platform with you and how it aligns to GEAR UP!
