Aligned Learning champions learners of all ages to courageously grow into the explorers, creators, revolutionaries, thinkers, poets and mavericks they are destined to become.
We collaborate with individuals, institutions, experts, companies, and schools around the world in order to create aligned learning ecosystems for our clients. We have developed online accountability mechanisms with “good work” principles in mind to track client progress, to encourage fluid communication with client teams, and to ensure utilization of current research for best results.
OUR in house TEAM
Suzanne Lettrick, M.Ed., Ed.M.
Founding CEO / Head Learning Strategist
Suzanne is our CEO and head learning and growth management strategist. Mavericks--whether in literature or real life--have inspired her since she was a teen. She has worked with and learned from mavericks such as Steve Jobs, Neal Baer, Stephen Stills and Soraya Salti. Her time with Queen Noor, Donna Karan, Quincy Jones, David Gergen and other inspirational people motivated her to investigate how each of us can courageously develop our own inner maverick. Learning (not just in the classroom) is a key component in this process of becoming.
Initially a journalist, Suzanne began developing her specialty “deep dive learning process” in the ‘90s when assisting Smithsonian folklorists with their research-to-schools program. She applied this anthropological method of learning when hired as private enrichment educator for Steve Jobs’ family in the late 90’s. At the same time, she founded the non-profit company GLEAN and developed over 20 research expeditions for teens to explore topics of interest in remote regions of the world. Through this unique work and her work in private practice as an educator and strategist, Suzanne furthered her skill in developing personalized learning programs both outside –and in tandem with--U.S. classrooms. In 2010, Suzanne studied neuroscience and psychology in Harvard University's Mind, Brain and Education master's program in order to incorporate the science of learning into her process. With Howard Gardner as her mentor, she focused her thesis on the effect various architectures and spaces (including physical, cyber, virtual, and real world) have on human physiology and neurology and how this in turn hinders or enhances our ability to learn. Since returning to the Bay Area in 2012, Suzanne created the unique Aligned Learning model with her team.
Jyl Barnett Nolan, B.A, M.A.
Director of Educational Operations, Executive Function Coach
Jyl Barnett Nolan has been engaged with both traditional and experiential education for more than 20 years. Initially an outdoor and field educator, Jyl's enthusiasm for teaching comes from her experiences in teaching nature-based programs and classes for youth throughout California, Michigan, Arizona and Nevada. During that time, she also helped guide and lead three international GLEAN expeditions, which sparked her curiosity and interest in global education.
Jyl has taught in both public and private institutions in the US and Europe, and has spent many years teaching environmental and agricultural education to young people. Combining her love for global learning, history, food and agriculture, Jyl started her own culinary school called A Curious Kitchen, which focuses on learning practical culinary skills and the importance of celebrating the seasons in cooking. She has been a classroom teacher for many years, and is passionate about her work as an executive function coach for learners of all ages.
Jyl has her B.A. in Environmental Journalism from Michigan State University, an M.A. in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences from Humboldt State University in California, and multiple teaching credentials for grades K-12.
Deep Dive Quest Developers
Suzanne Lettrick, Lucy Pecora, and Catherine Stratton make up our team of quest developers. Aligned Learning develops learning quests for clients on topics of personal interest that, in many cases, dovetail with school curriculum. In 2018, our clients have embarked on quests in the SF Bay, London, Australia and New Zealand with in-the-field guidance from real world experts. Quest themes: quantum physics innovations, calculus, character development in literature, leadership, and environmental science.
Lucy Pecora
Lucy Pecora has completed three research expeditions with Aligned Learning’s sister organization GLEAN expeditions. Through these Aligned Learning affiliated expeditions, Lucy co-founded the Timbuktu Music Project (TMP) in 2007 supporting local musicians in Mali and raising awareness of current cultural issues through traditional music via fundraising, collection of musical instruments and community outreach. TMP is now recognized globally. Lucy finds limitless inspiration in developing Aligned Learning Quests with our clients. Outside of Aligned Learning, Lucy is a local artist and curator. She has exhibited her own art and produced the annual “Marin County Mudshow”.
Executive Function Coaches
Catherine Stratton, B.A.
Executive Function Coach, Writing Specialist
Catherine is a Marin County native. As a Deep Dive Quest researcher and Executive Function Coach, Catherine is excited to mentor people of all ages and help them achieve their potential. Her love of critical thinking, writing and ballet led her to receive degrees in English and Dance at Skidmore College in upstate New York.
Other Experts
Kala Venugopal Shah, B.A, M.P.P.
Community Engagement Specialist
Kala is passionate about igniting individuals and groups to discover the deep joy in serving others and building vibrant, authentic connections through the process. In 2012, she launched Community Heroes to inspire and empower youth to channel their compassion for a higher purpose, become effective change agents and help drive a cultural shift from “ME” to “WE.” Kala infuses her enthusiasm for giving within others by providing resources, coaching and mentorship to emerging heart-centered leaders and facilitating meaningful real-world engagement opportunities, including producing the Community Heroes Annual Day of Giving for seven years running. In partnership with other organizations, “Hero Launch” programs include teen self-empowerment workshops: “Discover It” (storytelling), “Dream It” (visioning) and “Feel It” (mindfulness) and individual/small group coaching to “Do It” out in the real-world, aligned with students’ core interests. A mom of 3 teens, avid traveler, dancer, unabashed foodie who dabbles in teaching cooking classes, Kala also holds a Master’s in Public Policy from Georgetown University and a Bachelor of Arts in Government and French from the University of Texas.
Dr. Alyssa Steiger, Psy.D
Clinical Psychologist
Alyssa received her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2011 from the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco. For the past seven years she has been working as a psychotherapist as well as facilitating group therapies. She is passionate about working with women, adolescents and older adults. Alyssa is the mother of two girls and lives in Marin.
Cami Kline Pratt, MS, LEP, ABSNP
Educational Psychologist/Neuropsychological Evaluator
Cami has over 25 years of experience working with children with a variety of developmental, learning, social/emotional and behavioral needs. With board certification in School Neuropsychology, she specializes in conducting comprehensive school neuropsychological assessments to understand a person’s learning style as well as identifying specific psychological processing challenges which can interfere with learning. Cami has a degree in Psychology from UC, Davis (1987), a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from CSU, Sacramento (1990) and a Master’s degree in School Psychology from the University of Pacific (1997). She has Board Certification in School Neuropsychology from Texas Woman’s Univ. (2008).
Judee Karson
Portfolio Consultant and Digital Expert
While studying Graphic Design at Rhode Island School of Design and Advertising at Art Center College of Design, Judee established her focus on brand storytelling. Throughout her career, she has drawn upon both agency and in-house experiences. She launched her career at Digitas NYC, then joined Jcrew to help develop Madewell and its commerce brand site experience. At agency AKQA, she focused on expanding both Target Style & Beauty content and commerce and most notably helped build Sephora in their multi-digital channels and in-store digital. Judee currently consults for various consumer brands that range from beauty, fashion, beverages, and health. Judee helps our creative clients build out their portfolios whether for college applications or for deep dive learning projects. She also offers workshops in digital design and branding.
Karin Slezek, B.A. with multiple teaching credentials
Home School Consultant
Karin has a passion for and specializes in curriculum development, which has resulted in her ability to keenly understand students and tailor lessons and activities to each student's own particular needs. While homeschooling, she has become familiar with the most amazing teaching materials and curriculums that nurture and prompt children to love learning. One of Karin's strengths is to create lessons and activities that provide a holistic but rigorous learning experience that is individualized to a student's need. Karin graduated Suma Cum Laude from Sonoma State University with a multiple subject teaching credential after having received a bachelor's degree in liberal arts and education.
Meg Adelman, RN, BSN, MPH
Wellness and Nutrition Consultant
Meg co-founded Navitas Organics with her husband Zach in 2003. The company’s mission is to honor a healthy lifestyle through the innovation of nutrient dense superfoods and snacks. Her long-time passion for preventative medicine led her to a career in Nursing in 2008 where she worked to empower patients to embrace self-care and overcome common health problems. Although working in the surgical field for six years provided valuable training, it reaffirmed her commitment to prioritizing prevention strategies to mitigate the pitfalls of chronic disease. In 2017, she completed her Master’s in Public Health at the University of San Francisco while taking the majority of her courses in Public Health Nutrition from the University of Massachusetts. That same year, she launched a consulting and advocacy company, RN Health Stylist that focuses on population health education, corporate wellness programs and supporting food system reform, which she believes is responsible for many of the diseases that are crippling our healthcare system today. Meg is currently working to complete her CCMS Certification. Obtaining the Certified Culinary Medicine Specialist (CCMS) certification provides clinicians with the comprehensive knowledge and unique perspective to deliver the most informed, practical, and effective nutritional counseling for their patients.
CORPORATE COLLABORATORS/PARTNERS
Community Heroes
Creative Kid College Coach
Fathom Quests
Fusion Marin
GLEAN Expeditions
Go Inspire Go
Homeschool Teaching
Injaz al-Arab
Luminous 4D
Marin Stress and Anxiety Center
Pacific Discovery
Private and Public Schools Nationwide
Revival Strength
RN Health Stylist
Wisteria Project
Thought Partners is a boutique practice specializing in anxiety for women and their families in Marin and the San Francisco Bay Area. We are a team of qualified and compassionate psychologists who collectively are able to work with people of all ages and genders. Our work is holistic and solution-focused using evidence-based practices. We are currently offering both in-person and tele-health visits.