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FableVision Opens D.C. Office to Expand Development of Creative Ed Tech and Grow Public and Private Partnerships

(Boston, MA – January 18, 2018) – FableVision Studios is pleased to announce the opening of its Washington, D.C.-based office to be led by James Collins who, as Director of Strategic Partnerships and Government Relations, will support and accelerate FableVision’s growing roster of public and private collaborations around new technologies, digital storytelling, and pedagogically-progressive learning models.

"I’m thrilled to have James join the FableVision team and look forward to working with them to support best-in-class partners who are innovating media-rich ed tech," said FableVision President and Co-Founder Gary Goldberger, who made the announcement this week. "James is already playing a key role in forging alliances that will benefit the education technology and game-based education community."

James joins FableVision after their tenure at the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology and the Smithsonian Institution’s Center for Learning and Digital Access where they focused on learning games, as well as education technology policy and research. They have aggressive plans to grow FableVision’s reach in the federal sector.

"When I first got to know FableVision at the Smithsonian, I knew that I had found a special group of people," Collins said. "It is an organization that has discovered how to mix pedagogy, storytelling, technology, and wonder fueled by a sense of mission. It is an honor to take these transformative experiences to scale."

James has a history of bringing together stakeholders to create change including co- founding the first federal Climate Change Game Jam, leading the Equity team for former President Obama’s National Maker Faire, and supporting the Department of Education’s #GoOpen campaign. James has also taught Computer Science in university and afterschool settings and is currently a member of the Montgomery College Game Degree Program’s Advisory Board. They hold a dual Bachelor’s of Science from DePaul University and a Juris Doctor from Washington & Lee Law School.

"So many of our creative collaborators committed to innovative ed tech and positive change are already based in D.C. – PBS Kids, Smithsonian, National Archives, Reading Is Fundamental, National Academy of Science," CEO and Co-Founder Paul Reynolds said. “I’m excited that James will help us build out our operations and shape the direction of how ed tech can truly serve all learners in more effective ways."

About FableVision

FableVision Studios has earned national and global recognition for its award-winning websites, games, animated films, museum kiosks, and apps. Its roster of clients includes educational publishers, broadcasters, nonprofits, museums, researchers, and institutions such as PBS KIDS, Smithsonian Institution, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Nick Jr., and National Geographic Society. FableVision is dedicated to helping all learners reach their full potential and telling “stories that matter, stories that move.”

For more information about FableVision Studios visit: www.fablevisionstudios.com.

 
 

Media Contact

Sarah Ditkoff
FableVision Studios
sarah@fablevision.com
617.956.5700

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January FableFriday: Sarah Ditkoff, Communications Director

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Sarah Ditkoff is fearless in her willingness to drive change. She’s naturally iterative,  experimenting with new ideas, platforms, and technologies, and understands how to “fail fast” and move on. As the head of marketing and key member of the proposals team, Sarah knows FableVision’s portfolio and in-house talent inside out and back again, and her deep knowledge of the company is matched only by her passion for the studio’s mission. Her eloquence and flair for language shines in every communication, written and spoken, and her voice has become synonymous with FableVision’s.

Ascending the studio leadership ladder to her current role as Communications Director, Sarah has built a seamless bridge between the marketing and sales departments—the engines of FableVision Studios. In addition to managing the direction of the marketing department and the highly competitive marketing internship program that she has carefully grown and cultivated over the years, Sarah is part of two different teams that help shape the culture and strategy of the company, and strives to present and consider a diversity of viewpoints to ensure that everyone—from staff to clients—is heard.

“I’m an open ear and an objective point of view—both for our production team, and for the client. Part of my job is to help ensure a project’s success at every stage: from proposal, to production, to launch—and beyond,” shares Sarah. “I hold my own work and the work of my team to a high standard. FableVision is a special place and each encounter a person has with our studio should have that ‘special’ quality that’s in our brand’s backbone.”

This month, we’re kicking off the New Year with a feature on one of FableVision’s leaders. Step into Sarah’s shoes to learn more about her leadership style, her tenacity to think strategically and on her feet, and the array of talent she brings to every project her hand touches. From creative insight to a strong head for business to superb interpersonal skills, see how Sarah does it all. 

With over five years at FableVision Studios working alongside the various departments, how has the marketing department evolved during your time at FableVision?
We have a small team that handles the strategy and implementation of the studio’s marketing and communications efforts. With a group that nimble, it’s to be expected that our marketing efforts mature and evolve based on whose hand is touching which campaign and platform.

Sarah and Mitul at FableVision's 20th Anniversary Party

Sarah and Mitul at FableVision's 20th Anniversary Party

FableVision’s Communications Strategist, Mitul Daiyan, has brought a great sense of order to our marketing efforts by creating a more formal way of tracking long-term and short-term campaigns. Under her eye, we monitor, interpret, and report back on what’s working and what could be better next time. This helps us shape our efforts in thinking about how each campaign funnels into FableVision’s larger story and mission.

We’ve also been lucky to have creative, passionate, ambitious marketing interns during my time here. Their talents diversify our team’s skillset and we love to have voices come in with new ideas that are both innovative and actionable.

In what ways does your position as Communications Director expand on your previous role? How does a more external approach to communications influence your relationship with clients?
We use the word “communications” broadly at FableVision. On the marketing side of my role, I direct the studio’s communications efforts for the services side of our business. That covers everything from social media and campaign strategy to submitting conference session proposals for thought leadership opportunities. I’m also the primary marketing contact for our clients, and consult with them to identify opportunities to amplify their marketing and outreach efforts through studio channels.

On the business development side of my role, I work to streamline the proposal to production process. If you’re a client and you communicated with me during the proposal phase, I’ll be with you at the project kickoff to ensure that all the knowledge I have about your project’s goals are transferred to the team that will actually be doing the development work. You’ll also hear my voice on big deliverable calls. In addition to having the project’s producer as your day-to-day contact, I’m always available to the client for praise or concerns.

How do you juggle being part of both the marketing and business development / proposal team at FableVision? Is there any insight to be found in having a hand in both departments?
As with many small companies, there’s a lot of crossover between departments. To do my job, I need to be especially fluent in our portfolio, which gives me a unique vault of knowledge to pull from when I’m communicating with potential clients and in thinking about content, scope, or audience overlaps when I’m putting together proposals.

Every client gets personalized attention and everything we make is custom-created to match their vision—but it helps to have some touchstones in mind, especially in those early discovery phases and conversations.

Sarah with Amelia Earhart's Lockheed Vega at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC

Sarah with Amelia Earhart's Lockheed Vega at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC

If you had the opportunity to work with any client on any project what would it be?
I recently vacationed in DC and was reminded by how much I love that city as a place of learning, history, and knowledge. I’d love to continue to do work with the Smithsonian, and maybe one day with the Newseum.

I’ve always had a soft spot for museums. Informal learning spaces are so valuable—no matter who you are or which walk of life you come from, those doors are open to you.

You mentioned that you’re always thinking about what’s next. What would you like to see over the next few years from FableVision?
We could always use more kindness in the world. I’d like our portfolio to continue to contain projects that have themes of inclusivity, empathy, and diversity. Additionally, it will be important to do work that promotes growth mindset and teaches all learners critical thinking skills so that people understand not just what to think, but how to think. We strive to fuel others to do their part in moving the world to a better place.

Sarah with FableVision's former Executive Producer, Karen Bresnahan

Sarah with FableVision's former Executive Producer, Karen Bresnahan

You’ve impressively risen through the ranks in a matter of a few years. What advice would you give to other hardworking women like yourself?
One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was, “no one is going to take you seriously if you don’t take yourself seriously.” Believe in the validity of your own unique voice. You are valuable. You are talented. There is room for you at the table. Stay focused. Pick your battles. Be kind to yourself. Do the work.

Sarah’s Favorites:

Favorite personality to follow on social media: Simone Giertz

Favorite cooks: Ladies know what’s up. I will forever love:

Also if you’re not watching A Chef’s Life on PBS featuring Vivian Howard, you are seriously missing out.

Favorite calligraphy resource: Calligrafile, founded by my favorite calligrapher, Molly Suber Thorpe. I was able to take a class with her last year at GrayMist Studio in Cambridge, which was so incredibly cool.

Favorite books: This is a terribly unfair question. How about a current favorite author? Roxane Gay killed it in 2017 (and earlier than that, but she had such a good year last year). My favorite “coffee table book” from last year is In The Company of Women by Grace Bonney of Design*Sponge, which I read cover to cover.

Favorite podcast: Current listens include More Perfect, How I Built This, Death, Sex & Money, and Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!

Favorite pun: I ate too much Middle Eastern food. Now I falafel.

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FableVision's Top 10 Moments of 2017

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A banner year for FableVision! 2017 had us look to the stars as FableVisionaries reached new heights across our industry and our community. Let’s turn back time and take a look back at the year with our Top 10 highlights of 2017.

1. Building A Dedicated Community
FableVision fans, friends, and staff unite! 2017 was a year for community building within and outside of the studio. Our annual Building Learning Communities (BLC) event brought over 200 creative educators to our studio, a passion for science took the team outside to witness the stunning phenomenon of the eclipse, artists and admirers came together for an incredible Creative Juices Art Show centered around the theme of time, and our chorus of “Game On!” resounded as we took on our fifth annual Extra Life gameathon event and beat our goal of raising $6,000 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

2. An Award-Winning Year!
Make room in the awards case because FableVision brought home the gold! We’re honored to share these highlights:

In addition to the publication of Happy Dreamer, Sydney and Simon: To the Moon!, and the announcement of a new book series from Scholastic, FableVision Founder Peter H. Reynolds was awarded the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award from The Boy Scouts of America and National Eagle Scout Association!

FableVision's Tone Thyne with Nina Hunter at the Make-A-Wish Gala in New York City. 

FableVision's Tone Thyne with Nina Hunter at the Make-A-Wish Gala in New York City. 

3. FableVision on the Red Carpet
Butter up that popcorn because FableVision Studios is coming to a theater near you! Marc Colagiovanni’s The Reflection in Me screened at Mill Valley Film Festival, Great Lakes International Film Festival, Skyline Indie Film Fest, Auburn International Film Festival for Children and Young Adults (AIFF),and Boston Kids International Film Festival! What a perfectly perfect year for this inspiring animated short.

Our work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York and Western New York flourished this year as we saw Neshama Ryman’s The Klumz screen at Milwaukee Film Festival, HollyShorts Film Festival, and TIFF Kids International Film Festival. FableVision and Nina Hunter took to the stage at the Make-A-Wish Gala, where we premiered The Adventures of the Blue Cowgirl starring Nina Hunter. The film brings to life Nina’s trip to a ranch in Texas where she was able to fulfill her wish of becoming a blue cowgirl.

Global Tinker’s The Paper Girls is also lighting up the children’s media stage! Along with the launch of their new YouTube page, the series went home as a winner of the 2017 MIPTV Digital Short Form Series Pitch, competing against the industry’s top series developers, and it was awarded Best TV Series Animated Short at the 2017 Palm Springs International Animation Festival.

Stay tuned as we announce more FableVision film festival happenings in 2018!

4. New Partnerships

New year, new partnerships! We were excited to create new characters, stories, and songs with these great organizations.

 
 

5. Continuing Partnerships
Our partners mean so much to us, and we love when we can continue collaborating with old friends. 2017 was a great year for strengthening relationships, and we’re looking forward to strengthening them further in the new year.

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6. FableFridays with FableVision Friends

We’ve put the spotlight on our fantastic partners with new, client-centered FableFridays. Hear from them on what it was like working with us on an array of projects covering STEAM, SEL, literacy, career readiness, and much more!

7. Studio Thought Leaders
We’re proud of our team for reaching across the industry and their fields this year to share our take of what’s working and what we’d like to see more of. Our thought leaders are giving talks, teaching seminars, writing articles, and making headlines!

Executive Producer Peter Stidwill brings his expertise in gaming and research to Linkedin Pulse for two thought-provoking articles:

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Creative Director Leigh Hallisey took to Linkedin Pulse to write about the power of teaching empathy through games, shined in the spotlight as she was interviewed by Boston Voyager, and provided an inside look into her life and career for Funimation.

Our Director of Art and Animation, Bob Flynn, and his creative space were featured in Kidscreen! FableVisionaries Shelby Marshall and Sarah Ditkoff hosted several AgileEd professional development webinars in 2017.

Watch this fascinating talk from longtime FableVision partner, Dr. Jodi Asbell-Clarke, co-founder and co-director of Educational Gaming Environments Group (EdGE) at TERC. FableVision worked with TERC to relaunch the classic, beloved ’90s game Logical Journey of Zoombinis, for today’s generation.

As a member of the Content in Context (CIC) conference planning committee, FableVision's Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Product Solutions, Shelby Marshall, lead three sessions in planning, producing, and navigating the development of educational technology. 

FableVision founders Paul Reynolds and Peter H. Reynolds brought us another STEAM winner with Sydney and Simon's latest adventure in Sydney and Simon: To the Moon!

In 2018, FableVision’s Senior Developer Jordan Bach will host a session with Full Stack Boston to talk about making games with HTML5. You can also find us at SXSW EDU 2018! FableVision’s Peter Stidwill will join Georgia Public Broadcasting’s Andrew MacCartney and Laura Evans to present a case study titled Immersive Learning: Teaching History through GBL, selected from the competitive, crowd-sourced PanelPicker program. Register to attend!

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8. A Mission-Match Year
We continued to give back in all sorts of fun ways! Associate Producer Mikaela Johnson and Executive Vice President Adam Landry put the pedal to the metal for the Pan-Mass Challenge, and the studio went “quackers” for JumpStart’s annual Read for the Record.

We sponsored a delicious breakfast at this year’s Prix Jeunesse Suitcase at WGBH in Boston, and FableVisionaries represented at this year’s MICE expo and at the ESA Foundation’s #WeAre event. 

The holiday season is in full swing with Team FableVision running to raise funds for Cambridge Family and Children’s Service at the Cambridge 5k Yulefest. In the spirit of the holidays, this year the entire studio is taking part in the Adopt-A-Family program with The Home for Little Wanderers.

9. Movers and Shakers
Our lineup of FableVisionaries created a buzz around the studio in 2017 with new faces and new roles.

We said a tearful goodbye to our former Executive Producer Karen Bresnahan as she retires from 20 years of service at FableVision and embarks on her next adventure. Peter Stidwill has stepped into Karen’s role as our new Executive Producer. Congratulations to Karen and Peter!

Samantha Bissonnette returns to FableVision after her tenure teaching, working at PBS, and going to school at HGSE. We are thrilled to have her rejoin the team as a producer.

10. Fab Intern Projects
This year’s all-star interns put their heads together and came up with an incredible array of independent projects. From animated comics to games to food to unexpected playmates to creative videography, this portfolio of intern-produced projects is chock full of inspiration!

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November FableFriday: Looking Back on 20 Years with Karen Bresnahan

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FableVision has never known a day without Karen Bresnahan, our much-admired executive producer for the last 20 years. As EP, Karen has touched and guided every one of the hundreds of projects that have come through our door, but more than that, she has touched the lives of every person lucky enough to have worked with her. Under her tutelage, our staff has grown, matured, and thrived.

“FableVisionaries,” as we have dubbed ourselves, are a creative, talented, passionate lot. We can get a bit messy and rowdy in the throes of production, mostly because we care so much about the work we are doing and the people we are doing it for. In every project, the creative vision, beautiful artwork, and slick technology needs to be balanced with the budget, schedule, and client’s vision. It’s a bit of a dance, a blend of reality and magic, and through it all, Karen has been the perfect dance partner.

“It’s been 20 years of laughter and learning, challenges and successes, creating and collaborating—such a rewarding place to come to every day,” shares Karen. “I turn 70 years old this month, and although I will miss FableVision, now seems like the right time to hand over the reins.”

And we are going to miss her; not just Karen the executive producer who always knows the right thing to do, even though it might not be the easy thing, but Karen the incredible, caring, funny, and loyal person who is so completely and eternally a part of the FableVision fabric.

Looking ahead, FableVision’s senior producer, Peter Stidwill, will take the reins as executive producer later this month. Peter was first introduced to us as one of FableVision’s clients, and then joined our staff in 2016. We are fortunate to have such a familiar face and brilliant mind taking on this crucial role

We’ll be forever grateful for the time Karen spent with us. Her delight in taking a summertime lunch-time stroll to James Hook for a lobster roll, her exhaustive knowledge of rock ‘n’ roll music, unabashed fandom for The Stones and Elvis, and dedication to her Red Sox are just a few of the fond memories she leaves with us. We share her excitement for the next phase of her journey. Read on in this special-edition FableFriday to hear Karen look back on her last two decades at our studio.

What’s your journey to FableVision story?
In March 1977, I started my media career as a production assistant at a Boston video studio. I was working as a freelance producer for Paul Reynolds at CF Video in 1996, when Peter Reynolds started FableVision in the same location. I produced some early FableVision projects, and joined the staff as the executive producer in 2000.

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For over 40 years I have been a part of Boston’s media production community, a community filled with talented folks who helped make working enjoyable. I produced videos, films, interactive videodiscs, CD-ROMs, websites, games, apps, and exhibits, and loved every job I had. But the position that brought me the most joy is here at FableVision.

After over 20 years of being a FableVisionary, what has collaborative storytelling come to mean to you?
To me, collaborative storytelling is telling stories or integrating stories into media in a way that learners feel they are taking part or collaborating, and their experience is more meaningful.

How is FableVision unique in the world of media production studios?
FableVision is mission driven, creating stories that matter, stories that move. Peter Reynolds founded the company with this mission, and it’s still the driving force behind all we do. It’s unique and such a good feeling when your work is designed to help move the world to a better place.

In the 20 years since its inception, how has FableVision evolved? What elements have stayed the same?
So much has evolved over these 20 years. FableVision started with no programmers and now has an entire technology department. We started with a studio manager plus one freelance producer, and now have a six-person producer team. The art style on day one was only Peter’s and now we have multiple visual styles to offer. The staff expanded. We moved to Boston. But just as many things have remained the same like the focus on storytelling, team collaboration, emphasis on learning, company culture, and being part of a family.

Share a memorable learning moment from your experience working at FableVision.
This is going to sound trite, but I have learned something every day that I’ve been here.

What are some of your favorite studio traditions?
Music playing all day, valentines made by hand, the holiday book swap party, Kaizen days, homemade waffle breakfasts, team members’ art in the studio, FableFun days, and I even love taking part in our weekly staff meetings. A short-lived but special tradition was when Peter Reynolds drew illustrations on our paycheck envelopes.

As executive producer, what has been your most meaningful accomplishment? What are you proud of?
I’m aware I have my own style of leading and managing that involves a mix of honesty, trust, attitude, caring, and intuition. So most meaningful to me are the team members who have considered me a mentor, and are now leading with their own version of that style.

I’m most proud of the production processes and standards we have at FableVision. I started 20 years ago with a goal of setting up procedures for budgeting and scheduling, and with the help of great team members, we established best practices over the years and continue to improve the process.

How has the FableVision team shaped your path and shaped your growth as a creative professional?
The executive team always respected my ideas and allowed me to make final production decisions. I am so appreciative of Gary Goldberger, our president and executive creative. We each contribute our unique knowledge and vision, and the blending that results has led to a path of success.  As a creative professional, I was allowed to grow by managing teams that include all types of personalities and skills, trying to bring out what’s best for FableVision from everyone.

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Over the years, you have helped FableVision adopt technology to enhance learning. What were some key milestones and pivot points?
Probably the key milestone was when we hired Brian Grossman as technical director. Prior to that, I managed the developers as part of our project teams. Brian on our team equaled adopting technology.

When we first started creating interactive programs, content was presented via video or text, and activities or games were designed so users could practice or be tested on that content. All that changed when we collaborated to produce the Lure of the Labyrinth game with Maryland Public Television and the MIT Education Arcade. It was designed so users explored content through story-based gameplay with the goal of learning. That was one of the studio’s first forays into game-based learning, now a key product and service at FableVision.

What are three common characteristics in a FableVisionary?
Creative. Dedicated. Kind.

Peter Stidwill, FableVision's Senior Producer

Peter Stidwill, FableVision's Senior Producer

Peter Stidwill will be taking over the reins at FableVision as executive producer. What has your experience been like working together?
Oh wow. Working with Peter has been a highlight. I am sorry that my time working with him was so short, and he is a big reason I leave feeling so positive about the future of FableVision.

What are you most looking forward to about retirement?
Sleeping in, drinking my morning tea at home while looking out at the river, going to yoga classes, spending time with my family and friends, and eventually discovering what I want to do for my next life adventure.

You’re FableVision’s rock star. You know we can’t let you go without having you contribute to our creativity playlist. Share your top five picks for songs we should play to keep our productivity flowing.
Nope. Instead I’m sharing all my Spotify playlists with you, and I’ll keep updating them so you can listen to Karen Faves, Chuck Berry Covered, 60’s Deep Cuts, Random Faves, etc. I hope when you all miss me and want inspiration from the roots of Rock ‘n’ Roll, you’ll put one of my playlists on in the studio. And when I stop by for a visit, I’ll be listening.

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September FableFriday: Sam Bissonnette, Producer

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Samantha “Sam” Bissonnette is holding educational media to a high standard – and it’s an interactive one. The newest producer at the studio, Sam is no stranger to FableVision, having spent time honing her skills as a 2013 intern in our marketing department. Since then, Sam has ventured deeper into media production, managing streaming content on the digital team at PBS KIDS, working as a production assistant on shows like WordGirl and Astroblast!, and consulting with Sesame Workshop on innovating in the early education field. After graduating from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education (HGSE), Sam returns to FableVision armed with a renewed passion for producing educational media. Among other things, she’s constantly thinking about how our favorite properties positively impact our lives – no matter your age.

“I’m really excited about interactive experiences through streaming media. Specifically, there’s a lot of conversation that says TV is a passive experience, and I disagree – the best shows and stories start conversation and action,” Sam shares. “People feel moved to make fan art, express their thoughts about characters online, or host viewing parties. I’m really excited to be able to think about harnessing this excitement at FableVision Studios and make it easier for people to interact with media, especially in an educational space.”

Pull up a chair and get to know Sam’s thoughts on personalized learning, rich production past, and her enthusiastic love for food, Pokémon, and a certain BIG puppy in this month’s FableFriday.

Sam, tell us about your journey to FableVision story!
My journey (back!) to FableVision started after my internship with the marketing team here in 2013. Inspired to continue working in the edtech industry, I worked several different jobs in the children’s media space and finished graduate school. I heard there was a job opening at FableVision Studios so I interviewed with Executive Producer Karen Bresnahan and Senior Producer Peter Stidwill. Before I knew it, I was welcomed back into the FableVision team!

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The role of producer is often mysterious as they’re creatively working behind the scenes to pull everything together. Can you give us a crash course on your role at FableVision?
Producers at FableVision have the exciting task of managing projects that come in all shapes and sizes. We think about the project as a whole and work to keep the client’s vision at the forefront of the team’s mind every step of the way. Producers have a hand in shaping and guiding each project towards delivery. I get to constantly learn more about art, tech, and design – all things I love! At FableVision, we’re fortunate to work on a broad range of media, so every day and every project feels different.

As a producer you have to stay organized, what’s your trick?
I like to record everything as much as possible – I have three notebooks, one schedule book, and lots of calendars! I can type pretty quickly too, so I tend to transcribe meetings and conversations whenever possible.

What’s a favorite project that you’re working on now?
It’s so hard to choose! FableVision’s work with The Good Project is especially important to me. Through research-based concepts, frameworks, and resources, The Good Project seeks to help students reflect upon the ethical dilemmas that arise in everyday life and give them the tools to make thoughtful decisions. It was my first kickoff as a part of the FableVision team, and it ties perfectly with my experience at Harvard Graduate School of Education. Plus it involves a lot of content I feel passionate about, like social/emotional development.

Hats off to the new graduate! You recently matriculated from HGSE, tell us about what you studied in the Technology, Innovation, and Education (TIE) program?
As a member of the 2017 TIE cohort, I explored courses in design, entrepreneurship, animation, inclusive education, race and culture in education, and of course, children’s media! The program is really hands-on, so it involved a lot of awesome group projects and collaboration with students from a variety of professional backgrounds. I feel really fortunate to have spent a year growing professionally in such a supportive and creative environment.

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Before heading off to grad school, you managed the streaming content on the digital team at PBS KIDS. What are some of the insights you gleaned from curating digital content for kids?
The PBS KIDS Video app is so successful in part because it has such great design, and it’s really made with the target audience in mind. It was important for our team to constantly be thinking about how our young audience was seeing our videos. One interesting thing we realized was that marking a video as “new” didn’t necessarily alert kids to brand new content – partly because we have a lot of early readers as viewers. This meant that we could regularly repurpose content along with current pieces to maintain a level of variety.

You spent some time teaching in the classroom. Do you have any takeaways from your time as a teacher?
My time as a preschool teacher was so valuable and it shapes the way I understand, think about, and appreciate children and early educators. As a child development major in undergrad I had a firm understanding of why early education is so important, but being a part of that growth really brought it home for me. Children zero to five can do so much more than I had imagined. Plus, they’re imaginative, creative, honest, and fun. Early educators are smart, dedicated, and passionate people that deserve all our support. 

Who are some industry folks that you’re following these days and how do they inspire you to follow your North Star?Women in media like Rebecca Sugar, Issa Rae, and the ladies of Broad City and 2DopeQueens who are leading the way in their genres are all really inspiring to me. They let their own unique perspectives be their creative guide rather than trying to make more of what is already out there.

Last year's Extra Life team at FableVision Studios

Last year's Extra Life team at FableVision Studios

This is your first year gaming for good and raising funds for Boston Children’s Hospital with us for Extra Life! Why are you excited to join our team?
I’m super excited for Extra Life! Boston is my home and I’m proud that Boston Children’s Hospital is one of the best hospitals in the country. I’m excited to support an organization that brings so much necessity and good into the lives of kids and their families. I’m also looking forward to working with Team FableVision to beat our goal of $6,000!


 

Who is Kovu?
Kovu the dog! My fiancé Andy and I adopted Kovu as a rescue puppy a few years ago while we were living outside D.C. He’s nostalgically named after Kovu from Lion King 2, because we both happened to love the movie as kids and it’s such a great name! Kovu is about 90 lbs, and we think a Boxer, Great Pyrenees, Staffordshire mix. Maybe. He’s very lovable, strange, lazy, sleepy, and friendly. He loves belly rubs, playing with little kids, and swimming in lakes. He’s always making us laugh and we love him a lot!

As a traveling foodie, tell us about the top three international places to visit and eat our way through.

More about Sam!

Hogwarts house: I want to say Gryffindor, but I think I’m a Hufflepuff.
Your current jam: Bright Whites by Kishi Bashi
Current read: My professor’s book – The Diversity Bargain by Natasha Warikoo
Best Cartoon Ever: Ohhhhh, don’t make me choose! If I have to, my favorite anime is School Live! (Gakkō Gurashi!)
Food that makes you look like a cooking connoisseur: My Cincinnati Chili! (Thanks, America’s Test Kitchen!)
Greatest holiday: Halloween!!!!
Favorite Pokemon: Vulpix (fire types forever!) 
Tell us a joke: This is my favorite thing on the internet.
Hands-down the best sports team:  The Tufts Women’s Track and Field team!

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