Team Bios
Jim has over 25 years of experience working to improve STEM education for all students. As executive director, Jim leads day-to-day operations, partner relationships, finance, strategic planning, and oversees Advisory Board meetings. Previously, he was the STEM Executive Director for San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) where he oversaw the development and implementation of core curricula in math, science, and computer science. Prior he served in several leadership roles at Key Curriculum Press, a leading publisher of mathematics and science tools and curricula, where he led the creation of a new division focused on supporting the implementation of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for Mathematics. Jim also worked as an analyst, programmer, and team lead for Apple Computers. He started his education career as a high school teacher and site administrator.
Sarah Delaney brings over 18 years of experience as a middle school science teacher, professional learning facilitator, curriculum reviewer, instructional coach, and communications specialist. As Senior Director of Operations, Sarah leads the collaboration and communication with core partner states and developers consortia and oversees the communications release strategy for completed materials. Previously, she led the development and implementation of an NGSS-aligned K-12 Science Core Curriculum for San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD). She has been involved in state-level work through leading professional learning for science teachers across all grade bands on a variety of science education topics and was a committee member for California’s development of an Environmental Literacy Blueprint. Sarah started her career as a science teacher in San Franscisco where she taught middle school science for six years.
Matt Krehbiel has worked to revolutionize science education and empower teachers for the past two decades. As Senior Director of Strategy and Growth, Matt supports the use of OpenSciEd materials and professional learning across the globe. Previously, Matt was the director for science at Achieve where he coordinated efforts to develop the supply of and demand for high quality instructional materials designed for the NGSS. He also worked with the Kansas State Department of Education as the state science supervisor where he led Kansas’ participation as a lead state in developing the Next Generation Science Standards. In this role, he managed the standards adoption process that led to Kansa becoming one of the earliest adopters of the NGSS. Matt coordinated the state-wide effort to use the implementation of NGSS standards as an opportunity to advance science education for all students. He was awarded the Kansas Association for Teachers of Science Outstanding Contributions to Science Education Award in 2013, was elected President of the Council of State Science Supervisors in 2014, was selected by Bethel College for their Young Alumnus Award in 2015, and served on the Board on Science Education at the National Academies for Science, Engineering, & Medicine from 2013 through 2019. Matt began his career in science education as a high school science teacher where he taught for over ten years.
As the Operations Associate, Theresa is responsible for the general operations of the organization. She will play a vital role in orchestrating the growth of OpenSciEd as a market leader in science education.
Theresa is deeply committed to her work in education and helping at-risk communities. Her most recent role in education was supporting Project Based Learning at PBLWorks as the Publications and Production Manager. For ten years she brought her project management skills to their publications department, while also meeting the e-commerce demands of a continually involving education community.
Prior to her current work in education, Theresa has an extensive history of supporting non-profits in the areas of humanitarian aid, physical disabilities, criminal justice, and homelessness. In her role as executive assistant, she mastered the art of office management, system implementation, teamwork, and customer service.
In addition to being passionate about providing a high quality education to marginalized communities, Theresa is excited about challenging her own limits and trying new experiences. She especially enjoys traveling to new destinations with her camera in hand to capture the land and people she meets along the way.
Yanira has over 20 years of experience working to improve student educational STEM outcomes. As the Elementary Curriculum Project Manager, Yanira manages the development of our elementary curriculum and professional learning. Previously, she was the state supervisor for math and science in New Mexico, where she oversaw the adoption of the Next Generation Science Standards and the NM Computer Science Standards, and supported professional learning for educators in all areas of STEM. Under her leadership, the state added teacher license endorsements for elementary math specialists and computer science for secondary educators, and supported implementation of high quality math and science instructional materials. Yanira was the New Mexico state representative in the OpenSciEd State Steering Committee. Before joining the state agency, Yanira spent over 10 years working at the district level as an elementary school teacher, instructional coach, and school administrator.
Daniel joins OpenSciEd with prior experience leading sales/revenue teams in AI-driven sports technology, STEM publishing, and Educational Technology platforms. He was active in the science community serving Colorado’s science teacher conference for 5 years and leading afterschool STEM initiatives through Colorado States extension program. Daniel started his career as a middle science teacher working in schools in Ohio and Colorado. He loves following and staying up to date on new trends and emerging technologies in both formal and informal education and is excited to expand OpenSciEd’s impact through our partners to reach more students and teachers.
Erika brings experience as a classroom teacher, teacher leader, education consultant, and professional learning facilitator to her role with OpenSciEd. Erika is passionate about making quality science education accessible and attainable for all teachers and students. As Project Manager, Erika maintains the success of OpenSciEd Professional Learning events and the Facilitator Team and organizes the execution of various special initiatives. Previously, Erika worked with OpenSciEd as a member of the Professional Learning Facilitator team and as a Quality Review Consultant. While Department Chair in Evanston, IL, Erika supported teachers through a multi-year process of evaluating and piloting science curriculum – ultimately adopting OpenSciEd across all middle schools. Erika started her education career as a middle school science teacher in Evanston, IL where she taught NextGen Science Storylines and OpenSciEd in her 6th grade classroom.
Erica Fraser is the Marketing Manager at OpenSciEd. In this role, she is responsible for executing the marketing and communications plan for the organization. Erica has worked in education for over 5 years and served in various positions. Most recently, she served as the Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications at George Mason University and the Assistant Director of Communications and Health Promotion at Georgetown University.Erica is excited to bring high quality science education to underserved communities. She is committed to serving students and is excited to expand OpenSciEd’s reach so that teachers have access to the information and resources they need to help their students feel excited about science!