Prior to working at One8 Applied Learning Hub, Jake worked as a teacher, coach, and administrator in charter schools for twelve years. He taught mathematics and economics, coached basketball and soccer, and served as athletic director, math department chair, and principal. Jake earned a BA in Political Science from Duke University and a Masters in Effective teaching from the Charles Sposato Graduate School of Education. He lives in Charlestown and loves running, college basketball, and spending time with family.

Katherine joined Applied Learning Hub in September 2016 to lead our efforts to provide high quality STEM and applied learning options that authentically engage students so they gain critical thinking, complex problem solving and collaboration skills, critical to their success in a rapidly changing world. Applied Learning Hub helps school leaders and teachers navigate the increasing demands of ensuring college and career readiness by offering up relevant curriculum, resources, ongoing training, and connection to industry. Prior to joining Applied Learning Hub, Katherine taught high school math and coached varsity basketball at Boston Prep in Hyde Park. Previous to teaching, Katherine was a consultant at Bain & Company and the District Management Group a local firm focused exclusively on consulting in the K-12 education sector. Katherine received a BA in American Studies from Amherst College and her Masters of Education from Boston University.

“Mrs. Felps – my high school math teacher – was the educator who had the biggest impact on me. Not only did she convince me of the beauty and power of math, but she constantly pushed me to dream bigger and do more. Mrs. Felps is one of the smartest and humblest people I know and the reason I work in education today.”

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Victoria joined Applied Learning Hub in October 2023. Victoria is excited to create a space for educators, students and industry professionals to connect and form relationships to continually break barriers and improve education for all. Prior to joining Applied Learning Hub, Victoria was a Development Officer – Events at McLean Hospital, managing logistics for donor events and working with the affinity groups serving the hospital. Victoria received a BS in Business Administration and Marketing from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Claire joined Applied Learning Hub in July 2020. Claire manages strategic planning and operations so that Applied Learning Hub can fulfill its mission of preparing students to succeed in a high-tech world. Prior to joining Applied Learning Hub, Claire was an English Language Arts teacher and assistant volleyball coach at Booker T. Washington Senior High School in Miami, FL. Claire previously worked for the District Management Group, supporting public school districts across the U.S. with strategic planning initiatives. Claire earned a BA in Asian Languages and Civilizations from Amherst College and a Masters of Education from the University of Miami.

“I always thought of myself as a ‘humanities person’ and felt intimidated by STEM subjects. My college advisor pushed me to take at least one science or math class per semester and opened my eyes to the interconnectedness of scientific and humanities disciplines. His name, Art Zajonc (pronounced “science” with a “Z”), perfectly represents this relationship!”

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Julia Kostro joined the One8 Foundation as a member the Applied Learning Hub team in 2023 as a Teaching & Learning Associate. Julia is committed to making a meaningful impact on education and empowering both students and teachers alike. In this role, she collaborates with educators, providing valuable insight and support to enhance teaching practices and optimize learning outcomes. By fostering a growth mindset and promoting interdisciplinary learning, she aims to create a nurturing environment where students can reach their full potential.

Prior to working at One8, Julia worked as a 7th and 8th grade Science & Engineering teacher at KIPP Academy Lynn. By leveraging her background in education, she brings her knowledge in curriculum development, instructional design, and classroom management to her current role. Julia graduated from Colby College majoring in Education & Human Development. During her time at Colby, Julia studied educational theories, human behavior, and child development, gaining valuable insights into the foundations of effective teaching and learning. After graduation, Julia joined Teach For America as a corps member while pursuing a Master’s degree in Science Curriculum & Methods at Boston University.

My grandmother was a lifelong teacher, and I’m driven to inspire students through STEM education, just as she inspired me. Her impact fuels my passion to empower young minds with the tools to explore, learn, and make a difference in the world.

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Heather Haines joined the Applied Learning Hub Teaching & Learning team in 2022.  Heather strives to help all students find joy in persistence, collaboration, and discovery to develop skills and habits they will use beyond the classroom in their lives.  She loves to bring the spirit of scientific thinking and engineering design to discussions of teaching practice: observing, analyzing data, iterating, communicating, and celebrating the successes and mistakes of the learning process.

Prior to working at Applied Learning Hub, Heather worked as a teacher & administrator in traditional public, charter, and private school education for thirteen years.  She has taught Chemistry and Physics, served as Science & Tech/Engineering Department Chair, and worked in school data analytics.  Heather earned a B.A. in Chemistry from Wellesley College and an M.Ed from Boston College in Secondary Education.  She is also a Senior Fellow with the Knowles Teacher Initiative.

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Erica joined Applied Learning Hub in July 2021.  Erica provides administrative and operations support to the Applied Learning Hub Director and staff to maximize our impact for students and schools.  Prior to joining Applied Learning Hub, Erica was an Impact Manager for City Year Boston, managing teams of AmeriCorps members serving in BPS elementary and middle schools.  She also completed a 2-year AmeriCorps teaching program at a middle school in Dorchester, MA.

Erica received a BA in International Affairs from Northeastern University.

“Working with the Jumpstart at Northeastern early education program opened my eyes to the importance of fostering a love of learning with students from an early age.  With Jumpstart, I was able to see students as young as three years old light up at the opportunity to explore STEM through planting seeds, constructing paper airplanes, and more.  This experience showed me it’s never too soon to engage children with hands-on learning experiences in STEM!”

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