Our Team » Britannica

Meet Our Team

Get to know the dynamic global team behind Britannica Education’s robust selection of digital instructional support resources and professional learning programs.

Joan Jacobsen
VP of Product Development

Joan brings more than 25 years of experience developing award-winning products for the classroom. She began her career as a classroom teacher before focusing on educational technology and product development. She has been instrumental in developing many high-quality, engaging solutions that support teachers and drive student success including CODE and EdTech Breakthrough Award winners.

Joan Jacobson

VP, Product Development

Lori Lynch, M.Ed.
VP, PROFESSIONAL LEARNING

Lori has a mission to bring effective, and engaging learning to educators in all settings and styles. A former early childhood educator and school leader, Lori took a leap of faith into the world of professional learning, after 11 years working in classrooms and schools. Since then, and for the past nearly 20 years, her mission for professional learning is to provide relevant, and effective learning and coaching opportunities for the 21st-century educator. This means the content must be focused on best practices, cutting-edge technological advances, and meet educators where they are in the world today. As she embarks on the work here at Britannica Education, her approach to global learning is done with purpose, so that educators everywhere will receive consistent, trusted, and well-researched approaches to pedagogy in today's classrooms.

Lori Lynch, M.Ed.

VP, Professional Learning

Marcelo Zanon
Head of Curriculum

With over twenty years expertise dedicated to shaping engaging educational experiences, Marcelo stands as a passionate education strategist. As Head of Curriculum at Britannica, his leadership fosters collaboration and drives continuous improvement through data-driven insights, ensuring evidence-based content empowers educators and students. Previously, Marcelo spearheaded the expansion of Oxford University Press mission of excellence in education by publishing the highest quality educational resources and services across Asia and Latin America. A Master's degree in Educational Assessment fuels his commitment to measurable impact. Marcelo is an educator driven by the belief that technology can empower educators and students, paving the way for a transformed future of learning.

Marcelo Zanon

Head of Curriculum, Brazil

Satoshi Aoki
Head of Content Development, Japan

Satoshi Aoki has worked for a video production company and a national textbook publisher before joining Britannica Japan as Head of Content Development. Satoshi has previously worked in the planning and development of educational software, digital textbooks, and as the production chief for textbooks and instruction manuals. He utilizes the knowledge and know-how he acquired through over 20 years of experience in the education industry to promote the development of teaching materials that contribute to new learning. Satoshi also handles project management, including content production for the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's "STEAM Library", management of online databases, and production of the Britannica International Yearbook.

Satoshi Aoki

Head of Content Development, Japan

Keri Gregersen
Curriculum Learning Specialist

With over 20 years in education, Keri is a valued member of the Britannica Education team. Her background in ELA instruction, students with disabilities, and gifted education informs her approach to curriculum development. Keri has notably developed custom curriculums tailored for Texas, Florida, Chicago Public Schools, and the NYC Department of Education. These specialized curriculums are designed to meet the diverse needs of all students, while simultaneously maintaining the complexity and high expectations of academic standards. In addition to her curriculum work, Keri has a knack for designing comprehensive professional development materials and implementation guides. Committed to quality and research, Keri aims to provide both students and teachers with effective educational tools.

Keri Gregersen

Curriculum & Instruction Learning Specialist

Kristie Bangali
Curriculum Learning Specialist

Kristie, a Curriculum Learning Specialist at Britannica Education, has over 20 years of experience in pedagogy and curriculum development. She specializes in aligning educational content with academic standards and adapting to diverse student needs. Kristie's proficiency with digital learning platforms was pivotal during the Covid-19 pandemic, earning her the 2020 LHRIC TELL Award and 2021 Teacher of the Year. She authored a chapter in "Gamify Literacy: Boost Collaboration and Learning," published by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), showcasing her innovative approach in education. Her impact extends beyond direct teaching, influencing the broader educational landscape.

Kristie Bangali

Curriculum & Instruction Learning Specialist

Sally Hood, PhD
English Language Learning Specialist

Sally J. Hood is an English Language Learning Specialist supporting the curriculum development of the new Britannica English product. Sally earned a Ph.D. in Language Education, with a minor in Teacher Education from Indiana University, Bloomington. Sally has 35 years of experience working in K-12 curriculum design and instruction focused on language learning and teaching. Sally spent many of those years developing and providing professional learning for K-12 language teachers (ESL, World Languages, Dual Language Immersion). Sally has experience in evaluating curriculum for multilingual learners and providing instructional recommendations based on research and best practices. Sally enjoys creating instructional activities that promote multilingualism and cross-cultural communication. Sally is a former high school French teacher, has experience teaching English as a Second and Foreign Language, and taught in teacher education programs at the university level for nineteen years.

Sally Hood, PhD

English Language Learning Specialist, US

Yumiko Maeda
Educational Content Manager, Japan

Yumiko Maeda joined Britannica Japan in 2015 after working for about 15 years in content production at a major Japanese company in the distance learning and educational materials production business. She has been previously involved in editing Japanese and Kanji dictionaries for elementary, junior high, and high school students, and producing digital Japanese language teaching materials for elementary and junior high schools. Since joining Britannica Japan, Yumiko has mainly been in charge of planning and editing "Britannica School Edition " and has been working on the production of content focused on research and collaborative/inquiry-based learning.

Yumiko Maeda

Educational Content Manager, Japan

Molly Rhoadhouse
Science Subject Matter Expert

After working in the field of molecular biology, Molly shifted her career focus to educational publishing. As an independent business owner for more than 20 years, she contributed to a vast number of products for clients such as McGraw Hill, Pearson/Savvas, and Twig Science. Molly joined Britannica in 2021, where she has led the Expedition: Learn science team since its inception. In addition to her degree in Life Science, Molly has a graduate certificate in Instructional Design from the University of Wisconsin.

Molly Rhoadhouse

Science Subject Matter Expert, US

Jane King
Science Subject Matter Expert

Jane has over twenty years of experience in teaching, educational publishing, education technology, and instructional design. She specializes in grades K–8 science curriculum development aligned to state and national standards. Jane has written and edited hundreds of books, passages, lesson plans, assessments, hands-on activities, and digital activities. She also managed the content of an award-winning learning platform for grades K–6 science instruction. Jane holds a Ph.D. in biological sciences from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Jane King

Science Subject Matter Expert, US

Janaina Marques
LATAM Education Consultant, ELL Specialist

Janaina is an Educational Consultant in Brazil with 17 years of experience in the field of Education. Throughout her career, she has held various roles, including ESL Teacher, ESL Pedagogical Coordinator, ESL Academic Advisor, and EdTech Advisor at language institutes, bilingual schools, and education companies. During her career, she contributed to numerous Teacher Education eLearning projects, where she was involved in developing content, structuring learning paths, moderating, and facilitating online teacher education programs. She holds a degree in pedagogy, a specialization in TESOL from Arizona State University, in Bilingual Education and in Instructional Design. Janaina is also a Google Certified Educator at Levels 1 and 2, and she has earned an Online Educator certificate from Macquarie University.

Janaina Marques

Education Consultant, ELL Specialist, Brazil

Robs Mesquite
Bilingual Education Consultant

Dedicated to shaping the future of language and bilingual education, Robs Mesquita brings over 27 years of invaluable experience to the table. With a decade devoted specifically to Bilingual Education, she is currently spearheading advancements in the educational landscape as a Teacher Developer while diligently pursuing a doctorate in Multilingualism, Language Policy, and Bilingual Education at UFMG. Her academic journey boasts an MFA, aligned with the title of her ongoing PhD, and includes four post-graduate degrees in Language Teaching Through Technology, Modern Education, and two in Bilingual Teaching. Robs's extensive background and certifications underscore her unwavering commitment to education and language instruction, marking her as a distinguished contributor to various educational institutions and organizations.

Roberta Mesquita

Bilingual Education Consultant, Brazil

Mike Benson
US Education Consultant

Mike has been in the education universe for over 20 years. His first 11 years were spent teaching various grades in elementary school in Dallas, TX. Now based in Colorado, Mike has spent the last 11 years in EdTech professional learning, helping teachers integrate technology into their classrooms and using the data to make instructional decisions.

Mike Benson

Education Consultant, US

Zeina Chalich
APAC Education Consultant

Zeina is an experienced educational leader, learning designer, and award-winning international speaker. She is the co-founder of AussieED and the Network Lead for WomenED Australia. Zeina was recently named on the Australian Most Influential Educator List and was awarded finalist Principal of the Year (Non-Government) for leading innovative pedagogies with emerging technology, transforming learning experiences, and creating global communities of learners. Zeina holds a Bachelor of Education and Master’s in Education Leadership from ACU Australia. She is passionate about leadership, excellence, innovation, and STEM, often speaking about ways to inspire the next generation of creative, entrepreneurial, and innovative problem-solvers in a rapidly changing world.

Zeina Chalich

EDUCATION CONSULTANT, APAC

Criselda Dixon
Education Consultant

For the last decade, Criselda Dixon has been working as a Professional Learning Consultant, in the edtech industry, across the United States with schools and districts. Her goals as a learning consultant have been to impact educators by serving them through meaningful onsite, and virtual learning opportunities, and coaching on the importance of data-driven support and instructional strategies, to achieve academic success. Before having the chance to become a professional learning consultant, Cris spent over 3 decades working in public schools in Texas and Florida, as both a bilingual teacher and district administrator. Cris retired in 2013 from the public-school sector and began her career impacting educators through her work in professional learning. Cris is a passionate educator, with expertise in literacy, biliteracy, dual language, and more.

Criselda Dixon

Education Consultant, US

Jessica English, M.Ed.
US Education Consultant, DEI Specialist

Jessica has served in the field of education for over 18 years. As a DEI practitioner and educator, she has vast experience in supporting educators in curriculum, instruction, and school culture and climate with a specific focus on culturally responsive teaching and inclusive practices. She started off her career as a 7th-grade Social Studies teacher and has since served in several instructional and school leadership capacities. Jessica considers herself a lifelong learner and enjoys sharing her passion for learning, teaching, and leading with other educators!

Jessica English, M.Ed.

Education Consultant, DEI Specialist, US

Christopher Heintz
US EDUCATION CONSULTANT

Chris began his career in education as a high school Social Studies teacher in Chicago. Since then, he's served in various roles in education management helping teachers navigate the complex world of assessments, data, and curriculum and instruction. Throughout it all, he's been dedicated to one thing - providing teachers with the tools they need to create positive outcomes for the students in their care!

Christopher Heintz

Education Consultant, US

Zachary Linnert, M.Ed.
US Educational Consultant

With over 18 years of experience in diverse educational settings as an educator, administrator, and consultant across the country, he has had a front-row seat to the evolving educational landscape as it continues to adapt and serve the needs of children and adults of all ages. As an educational consultant with Britannica, Zachary is able to create and offer strong, relevant professional learning that champions innovative best practices, supports educators in their work, and integrates wonder, creativity, and joy.

Zachary Linnert, M.Ed.

Education Consultant, US

Mikaela Tennis
US/LATAM Education Consultant

Mickey Tennis is an Education Consultant and Bilingual Specialist. She is originally from Wisconsin but has worked and lived abroad for the past 9 years and currently lives in Mexico. She has been an English language teacher in Thailand, an Environmental Educator with the Peace Corps in Mexico, and an online educator to youth around the world. She is TESOL and TEFL certified, as well as a certified Environmental Educator.

Mikaela Tennis

Education Consultant, US/LATAM

Rhian Webb
UK Education Consultant, EFL Specialist

Rhian has over 19 years of international experience in EFL and teacher training. She has held roles at Macquarie University in Australia, and with the British Council in Sri Lanka, focusing on teacher development. From 2015-2017, she coordinated ICELT, a professional development program by English Language Assessment. In 2017, she trained in Education for Democracy & Human Rights in a program by The Council of Europe. Rhian has consulted for Australian NGO Skills for Inclusive Growth and contributed to policy papers by International Alert. She is currently developing a course on Critical Media Literacy for secondary educators.