Innovation Learning

Leadership

We have friends from across the country helping us deliver innovative curriculum to children in 11 different states. Our leadership team helps facilitate the entire process.

Meet Your Local Leaders

Our team has years of experience in education. As parents themselves, they understand the importance of developing programs for the whole child.

Dana Hill
Assistant Operations Director
dhill@innovationlearning.com

Passionate education management leader with a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education and Business Administration. Serving children, families, teachers and school communities since 1992. Loves family, friends, lake life and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Denise Ruffalo
Assistant Operations Director
druffalo@innovationlearning.com

Denise Ruffalo has her BA in Psychology with an emphasis in Child Development. She has worked in ECE as a Director for over 25 years and as a Compliance Officer and trainer for the State in AZ.

Elizabeth Kleinbeck
Assistant Operations Director
ekleinbeck@innovationlearning.com

Elizabeth Kleinbeck has dedicated over 15 years to empowering young people through her work in the youth development field. Her experience spans non-profit organizations, schools, and out-of-school time programs. Elizabeth holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Services and Family Studies and is currently advancing her expertise by pursuing an MBA. Her passion and commitment continue to drive her efforts to create meaningful opportunities for youth to thrive.

Traci Manoguerra
Arizona
tmanoguerra@innovationlearning.com

Traci brings 15+ years of before and after school administrative experience to Innovation Learning. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, with an emphasis in English, and holds an AZ K-8th grade teaching certificate as well. Her passion for education ranges from ages Pre-K to high school students. Traci truly loves what she does!

Kendra Evans
Arkansas
kevans@innovationlearning.com

Kendra Evans is an experienced curriculum developer and training specialist with over a decade of expertise in instructional design, the ADDIE process, and creating engaging learning experiences aligned with Adult Learning Theory. She is passionate about leveraging innovative strategies and technology to empower learners and drive meaningful outcomes in education and professional development.

Carlos Cruz-Arce
Colorado
ccruz-arce@innovationlearning.com

Born in the beautiful city of Durango, Mexico, and raised in the United States, I have dedicated my life to giving back to the communities that shaped me. With over 10 years of experience in educating, mentoring, and caring for children, I have explored diverse professional interests, from coaching soccer to astrophysics. This journey has led me back to a passion close to my heart: fostering growth and learning in childcare and education.

Born and raised in Arizona, I moved to Colorado to raise my children in these beautiful Rocky Mountains. Early Education and leadership has been my passion since I was a child. 25 years strong, and embracing every learning opportunity.

Kendall Roerdomp
Colorado
kroerdomp@innovationlearning.com

Kendall Roerdomp has 12 years of experience working in preschool/childcare programs in Colorado. She obtained her bachelor’s degree and Colorado state teaching license in 2018 for K-12 students, but discovered her passion is working with preschoolers, serving the community of kids and families, and empowering staff to create quality programs where every child feels a sense of belonging.

Shirley Koeller
Colorado
skoeller@innovationlearning.com

Shirley Koeller brings over 20 years of experience in education ranging from early childhood to school-age children in the classroom, before and after school care and summer camps. After receiving her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Colorado she spent 3 years teaching 2nd grade on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona before moving into the world of school age child care. Shirley is dedicated to delivering the highest quality programs and fostering relationships with children and families.

Trisha Kramer
Colorado
tkramer@innovationlearning.com

Kandice Turner
Georgia
kturner@innovationlearning.com

Hi, my name is Lisa Hansen, and I am the area director for Innovation Learning in Illinois. When I am not working, I love spending time with my family and friends. My education is in early childhood, and I have over 43 years of experience caring for preschool and before and after school-age students.

Richard Johnson
Maryland
rjohnson@innovationlearning.com

My name is Richard Johnson, and I am a dedicated leader with a passion for managing high-quality programs that support children's academic and personal growth. I have extensive experience in overseeing licensed childcare sites, implementing innovative curriculums, and building strong partnerships with schools and districts. I am committed to creating safe, engaging, and enriching environments where your children can thrive.

Jason Gilbertson
Missouri
jgilbertson@innovationlearning.com

My name is Jason Gilbertson, and I bring over 20 years of experience in child development, education administration, and program coordination to his role as Area Director at Innovation Learning & Education. Based in Kansas City, Missouri, I oversee the management, staffing, and licensing of before- and after-school programs across three elementary schools in the Smithville School District. I have been married to my wonderful wife Andrea for 22 years and we have one 12-year-old son, Tristin. My passions include spending as much time possible with my family and friends and cheering on my three teams, the Chiefs, Royals, and Jayhawks.

Jesse Durst
North Carolina/South Carolina
jdurst@innovationlearning.com

My name is Jesse Durst and I am honored to be the Area Director for the North and South Carolina region. As a father of two elementary school students, I am very passionate about ensuring our community has affordable and dynamic afterschool programing. In my free time, I am a youth minister who enjoys playing video games and playing ice hockey. I’m a goalie.

Grace Steinhauer
Washington
gsteinhauer@innovationlearning.com

I’m Grace Steinhauer, and I studied Biomedical Science at the University of Washington. My passion for working with kids and developing leadership skills grew during my undergraduate volunteer work at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital and with before-and-after-school organizations, which ultimately led me to Innovation Learning!

Work With Us!

Looking for a place to grow, advance, and have fun?

Meet Our Leadership Team

Dr. Brett Prilik
Executive Director
bprilik@innovationlearning.com

Bryan Foster
Chief Operating Officer
bfoster@innovationlearning.com

Christina Speciale
Human Resources Director
cspeciale@innovationlearning.com

Cindy Novy
Client Services Director
cnovy@innovationlearning.com

My name is Cindy Novy. I am the Customer Service Director for Innovation Learning, where I oversee all customer service operations and ensure the satisfaction of our community members. I was born and raised in Costa Rica and moved to Colorado in 2003, where I live with my husband and 2 children. It has been a joy to serve our Innovation Learning community over the past seven years, and I look forward to many more years of shared growth and success.

Kate Cleveland
National Director of Operations
kcleveland@innovationlearning.com

Rick Kone
Director of Program Analysis and Development
rkone@innovationlearning.com

Rick Kone holds a Master's degree in Education with a focus on Educational Psychology and brings over 25 years of experience in education across non-profit and for-profit sectors. His expertise includes curriculum design, development, and leadership, exemplified by his role as Executive Director of the New Hampshire Camp Director Association. As a co-founder of Innovation Learning, Rick has demonstrated a passion for creating innovative educational programs that foster growth and development in learners of all ages.

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