A dynamic team like no other, working together for over three years, our team has created a once-in-a-lifetime program that they’ve been wishing for
Katie Trowbridge has over two decades’ experience as a teacher and mentor. Before becoming a teacher, Katie worked in marketing, public relations, and event planning. Throughout her career, Katie has focused on helping her clients and students find their best selves. In addition, Katie uses creativity to teach…
Beth has spent time at every level of the education world, from Elementary to college, instructing minds in the tools and techniques of creativity. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Buffalo in History and Dance, a Social Studies Certification in Education from Buffalo State University…
Nathan Biggs has been working in the non-profit world for over 4 years now and has loved every minute. Specializing in creative Marketing and Media, Nathan knows how important being creative is and the impact it can bring to our everyday lives which is why he has enjoyed his time with Curiosity 2 Create immensely and is excited to help it reach new heights.
Jason Silva is a Creative Content Creator and Researcher at Curiosity 2 Create, where he focuses on furthering creativity and curiosity-based education in the classroom. His profound enthusiasm for fostering mental well-being can be seen in his pursuit of a degree from Boston University, majoring in psychology and minoring in education.
At Curiosity 2 Create, we provide professional development and community to teach educators how to integrate interactive creative thinking approaches into their classrooms, so that they’re empowered to engage students in dynamic learning experiences, improving student receptivity, academic performance, and teacher retention.
Nathan Biggs has been working in the non-profit world for over 4 years now and has loved every minute. Specializing in creative Marketing and Media, Nathan knows how important being creative is and the impact it can bring to our everyday lives which is why he has enjoyed his time with Curiosity 2 Create immensely and is excited to help it reach new heights.
Born in Naperville Illinois, Nathan has always had an interest in the arts and is happy to bring these elements alive through Curiosity 2 Creatr whether it is marketing purposes or working with the students, he enjoys every moment in which he can use his creativity. Nathan thanks you for supporting Curiosity 2 Create and the many students who have benefited from it.
Jenna Kmitch, our Outreach and Community Engagement Manager, has nearly 15 years in education as a teacher and reading specialist. Jenna is also the founder of Love Smiles, an Illinois-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to bringing awareness to pediatric cancer while partnering with children’s authors and publishers to share their stories and activities with pediatric cancer patients.
Jenna brings her passion for helping students AND teachers succeed, combined with her entrepreneurial spirit to the Curiosity 2 Create team where she works closely with our marketing and fundraising teams to build and maximize our relationships with school districts, and community and government organizations.
Jenna’s love for reading and passion for learning began at a young age, while she developed her love for teaching as she earned a B.A. in Elementary Education from St. Xavier University. Jenna later earned a Master’s in Children’s Literacy from the American College of Education in 2018, to allow her to better share her love for reading with her students.
In 2020 Jenna funded Love Smiles after her four-month old daughter was diagnosed with pediatric neuroblastoma, a cancer that develops from immature nerve cells. Since that time, Jenna has managed fundraising campaigns and planned events including an annual 5k run and holiday book drive.
Jenna lives in Oswego with her husband, daughter, and Beagle Charlie. In her free time she enjoys reading, sewing and cheering for the Cubs.
Jason Silva is a Creative Content Creator and Researcher at Curiosity 2 Create, where he focuses on furthering creativity and curiosity-based education in the classroom. His profound enthusiasm for fostering mental well-being can be seen in his pursuit of a degree from Boston University, majoring in psychology and minoring in education. This educational background has equipped him with a nuanced perspective on the interplay between mental health and learning environments, which he eagerly explores in his professional endeavors for Curiosity 2 Create.
Away from work, Jason is an avid reader and rock climber. Fueled by coffee, Jason can often be found reading in between climbing sessions, favoring non-fiction literature on education, psychology, and history.
Jason’s relentlessly positive outlook is the cornerstone of his approach to life and work. No challenge is too daunting, no mountain too high—whether in his rock climbing adventures or in his pursuit to make a tangible impact in the mental health community. With a spirit imbued with optimism and a mind sharpened by rigorous academic and professional experiences, Jason Silva is a burgeoning force in the intersection of creative content development, research, and mental health advocacy. His journey symbolizes a blend of intellectual rigor, creative zest, and an unwavering dedication to aiding others in navigating the intricacies of mental health.
Michele Marko grew up on the south shore of Long Island, NY. She received her Masters leading to stints as Chief Clinical Dietitian for the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; Associate Director of Clinical Nutrition and Director of the Dietetic Internship at Yale-New Haven Hospital; Instructor at Yale University; and Regional Vice President in the Midwest for the Compass Group, a position that entailed overseeing more than 1,000 food and nutrition employees in multiple states.
In 2006 Michele and her husband relocated to Naperville, IL where one of her many roles is as a SCORE Mentor, NNNC Treasurer, and HOA Board member, which includes editing the neighborhood newsletter. Michele is committed to the study of curiosity and creativity.
Noelani has been active in many cultural communities for over 20 years. She and the Love of her Life, Albert Hernandez Jr, live with their blended families, her daughter, and her three bonus children in San Jose, CA.
Noelani was the first Filipina America elected to the Santa Clara Unified School District Board of Education (Alviso, Santa Clara, and Sunnyvale). She served as the board’s first woman of color President. Noelani Pearl Hunt has over two decades of nonprofit and political campaign management experience. Her work in development, public relations, board management, nonprofit/ campaign strategy, civil rights, social justice, and diversity/ inclusion give her a broad lens view to help her clients’ organizations succeed.
John is a Professor Emeritus at the State University of New York and Buffalo State University’s Center for Applied Imagination. Additionally, he serves as a Visiting Professor at two universities in Colombia. He previously held the role of Program Director for his university’s Service-Learning and Civic Engagement program in Myanmar. In collaboration with his efforts, he co-founded a nonprofit organization to support Myanmar’s education reform and assist teachers who are in hiding due to their involvement in the civil disobedience movement. His commitment extends to working with Myanmar’s shadow Ministry of Education to facilitate transformative changes in the country’s education system.
Having earned the prestigious title of Fulbright Scholar, John fulfilled his Fulbright assignment at the Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga (UNAB) in Colombia. His influence was pivotal in reshaping UNAB’s organizational culture, making the university the first creative campus in Latin America. This transformation led to UNAB’s rapid ascent to the rank of the most innovative university in Colombia within a span of fewer than two years. In recognition of his excellence in teaching, he was honored with the State University of New York and Buffalo State University President’s Awards.
John’s expertise extends to his role as a Capacity Developer at Knowinnovation, a consulting firm dedicated to fostering engaging interdisciplinary discussions among scientists, thereby fostering groundbreaking research and innovation. Noteworthy organizations that have benefited from his adeptness in training and organizational development include IBM, the British Home Office, the National Science Foundation, NASA, Harvard University’s Department of Evolutionary Biology, the National Oceanographic Laboratory System, the U.S. Embassy in Myanmar, the United States Department of Agriculture, Georgia Tech, and the University of Michigan’s Department of Biosciences.
John’s academic journey includes earning a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology from the University of Manchester, England, and obtaining an M.S. in Creativity and Change Leadership from the State University of New York. His academic contributions are underscored by co-authored articles published in esteemed business, engineering, and innovation journals. In 2017, he co-authored a book titled ” Organizational Creativity: A Practical Guide for Innovators and Entrepreneurs,” which is a testament to his scholarly accomplishments.
Kim Petrasek is a lifelong advocate for student success, Kim’s career spans roles as a special education teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. Recognized as a 2022 IASA Superintendent of Distinction, she has dedicated her career to fostering inclusive, innovative learning environments.
Kim holds degrees from Western Michigan University (B.S. in Regular and Special Education), Michigan State University (M.A. in K-12 Reading), and Northern Illinois University (M.A. in Educational Leadership & Superintendent Endorsement). In addition to her extensive leadership experience, she continues to serve on various boards, mentor new superintendents, and champion initiatives that empower educators and students alike.
As a board member of Curiosity 2 Create, Kim is passionate about reimagining education to ignite curiosity, creativity, and deeper thinking in students and schools.
Madison is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a deep commitment to mental health advocacy and education. She holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work and began her career working with the homeless population, where she gained extensive experience addressing complex mental health diagnoses, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, and various mood and personality disorders.
Currently, she operates at a private practice, providing compassionate, evidence-based therapy to adolescents and adults. Her work focuses on anxiety, depression, postpartum and perinatal concerns, grief, self-esteem issues, and reproductive trauma. In addition to her clinical work, Madison is passionate about equipping educators and students with the tools to foster emotional well-being, resilience, and early intervention strategies within school settings.
Outside of her professional life, Madison lives in Oswego, IL, with her husband, their daughter, and two beloved dogs. She finds joy in staying active, working out, and getting lost in a good book.
