Our Commitment Runs Deep
Dana Center staff bring to our work a rich collective expertise in classroom teaching, instructional leadership, education administration, curriculum development, and national leadership in organizations
While we may come from a range of backgrounds and bring a range of experiences, each day we show up with a common purpose: to support the equitable access of all students to an excellent math and science education.
Our team understands the challenges, issues, and opportunities facing our nation’s education systems. Many of our staff have served firsthand as instructors, instructional leaders, curriculum developers, and K–12 or higher education administrators. We bring a deep, research-based approach to our work, and we continually push ourselves to innovate.
It is this visionary spirit that led to the creation of the Dana Center by our Executive Director Uri Treisman—and it’s what inspires us each day.
Dana Center Leadership
Uri Treisman, Executive Director
Philip Uri Treisman is a University Distinguished Teaching Professor, professor of mathematics, and professor of public affairs at The University of Texas at Austin.
Uri Treisman BioElisha Smith Arrillaga, Managing Director
Elisha works to enact the Center’s mission of ensuring that all students—particularly those who have traditionally been underserved—have equitable access to an excellent math and science education.
Elisha Smith Arrillaga BioRichard Blount, Chief Operating Officer
Richard leads the business affairs and operational functions of the Center, including accounting, finance, administration, communication and publications, human resources, and informational technology
RICHARD BLOUNT BIODavid Kung, Director, Policy
David leads the policy work at the Center, which includes in-depth policy analysis and the development of tools and briefs for systems, regions, and states.
David T. Kung BioAfi Y. Wiggins, Director, Strategy and Impact
Afi leads the strategic planning and evaluation of organizational impact and equity goals, and oversees our fundraising process.
Afi Wiggins BioClaire Hagen Alvarado, Director, Literacy First
Claire is the director of Literacy First, which is dedicated to ensuring that all students develop reading skills that allow them to realize their full potential.
Claire Hagen Alvarado BioMeet Our Teams
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Policy Team
David T. Kung, Director, Policy Team
Lindsay Fitzpatrick, Lead for Transition Initiatives
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Curriculum Team
Susan May, Manager, Curriculum Team
Sherri Jones, Course Program Specialist, Secondary Mathematics
Anne Joyoprayitno, Course Program Specialist, Secondary Mathematics
Josh Recio, Course Program Specialist, Secondary Mathematics
Connie Richardson, Manager, Higher Education Course Services
Frank Savina, Course Program Specialist, Postsecondary Mathematics
Joan Zoellner, Course Program Specialist, Postsecondary Mathematics
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Professional Learning Team
Shelly LeDoux, Manager, Professional Learning Team
Lisa Brown, Professional Learning Specialist, Higher Education
Mary Davis, Professional Learning Specialist, K–12 Mathematics
Molly Ewing, Professional Learning Specialist, K–12 Science
Michael Greenlee, Professional Learning Specialist, K–12 Mathematics
Jackie LeJeune, Professional Learning Specialist, K–12 Leadership
Denise Thornton, Professional Learning Specialist, K–12 Mathematics
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Strategy and Impact Team
Afi Wiggins, Director, Strategy and Impact Team
Steve Engler, Senior Writer/Editor
Courtney Howard, Project Coordinator
Carol Pazera, Senior Research Analyst
Rachele Seifert, Administrative Associate
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Operations Team
Richard Blount, Chief Operating Officer
Cynthia Flores, Manager, Finances
Bryan Kennel, Manager, Technology
Alison Kothe, Manager, Communications and Publishing
Megan Cantu, Grants and Contracts Specialist
Ophella Dano, Senior Writer/Editor
Jacqueline King, Administrative Associate
Despina Lambros, Accountant II
Laura Maldonado, Administrative Associate
Margaret McCook, Electronic Publications Specialist
Alisha Thompson, Grants and Contracts Coordinator
Melanie Zepp, Human Resources Coordinator
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Literacy First Team
Literacy First is an early childhood literacy program, providing low-income schools with highly trained tutors to ensure that children advance to grade level in reading before third grade.
Claire Hagen Alvarado, Director, Literacy First
Rachel Mallernee, Associate Director of Development
Gabriela Garcia-De Avila, Americorps Operation Manager
Jason Buckingham, Senior Program Coordinator
Stacy Foss, Senior Academic Coordinator
Sarah Lowery, Development Specialist
Barbara Lundquist, Training and Operations Coordinator
Monica Ortiz, Bilingual Program CoordinatorAnique Reese, Senior Program Coordinator
Whitney Wallace, Senior Program Coordinator
Sebastian Wren, Senior Program Coordinator
Get In Touch
We collaborate with state districts and teachers to develop innovative curricular, resources, and professional development.