Our People
Meet the People of ACASE
Jason Brechko
Director, Professional Development
Jason brings nearly thirty years of science teaching experience, a deep understanding of Practical Educational Science, and a dynamic personality to ACASE. Inspired by the impact, relationships, and communities he builds through his work at ACASE, his mission is to bring Practical Educational Science to life through the teachers, schools, and organizations he works with. Jason enjoys his family, and spending time in the mountains.
Paul Zachos, Ph.D
Director, Research & Evaluation
Dr. Paul Zachos is a founder of ACASE. He has been working in the field of education since the 1970s as a teacher, researcher, policy analyst, and program evaluator. His special area of interest is in helping teachers to develop innovative alternatives to destructive testing practices. He is currently working with teachers designing ways to find out what their students are actually learning…and what they are not learning.
Leah Cozzolino
Office Manager
Leah Cozzolino brings a balance of structure and approachability to her role as an office manager. Detail-oriented and organized, she creates efficient systems, while fostering a positive, team-centered workplace. She values strong relationships, clear communication, and consistency, and enjoys building genuine connections with those she works with. In her free time, Leah enjoys family time and gardening.
Colleen Vignola
Institute Facilitator
Colleen has been teaching Earth and Space Science at the high school level for nearly 13 years. For the past four years, she has been implementing the principles of Practical Educational Science in her instruction and assessment practices. Colleen enjoys working with teachers across grade levels to deepen their understanding of NGSS, enabling them to create fully-aligned instruction and assessment that is accessible and engaging for all students.
Research
Tom Hick
Anoopa Singh
PanPan Yang
Unpacking Team
Jason Brechko
Mike Delmont
Lisa Fort
Meagan Hughes
Jessica Narkiewicz
Sonal Patel Dame
Christina Prokopienko
Derek Srygley
Colleen Vignola
IPES Mentors
Jessica Narkiewicz
Susan Pienta
Christina Prokopienko
Judy Seleg
Derek Srygley
Chrono Content Support Specialist
Heather Shoudy Brechko
Content Editor
Lexy Fowler (Blue Dot Writing)
Graphic Design
Caroline Bracken
Engineer
Sol Vitkin
Web Systems/Data Specialist
Hunter Johns
UX
Kirsten Segeren
Special thanks to…
- Paul Goodman
- Mauritz Johnson
- Will Doane
- Jean Piaget
- Barbel Inhelder
- Cindy Sargent
- Jane Capiello
- John Delano
- Monica De Tuya
- Deborah Newlen
- Diane Stage
- Jon Fowler
- Tom Hick
- Robert M. Pruzek
- John Dewey
- Rudolf Steiner
- Maria Montessori
- Yeshayahu Ben Aharon