Meet Our Team
At Modern Learners, our team comprises systems thinkers, educators, and strategic partners who are dedicated to bridging the gap between theory and practice. We work across disciplines and contexts, but a shared commitment to learning, sense-making, and equity unites us. Our culture is built on curiosity, collaboration, and clarity. We bring deep expertise in implementation science, leadership development, instructional design, and coaching. Most importantly, we’re good listeners and critical friends. We learn alongside the people we serve.
Melissa Emler
CEO and Owner
Melissa Emler leads Modern Learners with a sharp eye for systems and a deep commitment to helping learning organizations align their beliefs with their practices. Known for her ability to see patterns across projects, people, and policy, Melissa brings clarity and cohesion to complex work. She specializes in implementation science and supports state departments, universities, and school districts with large-scale change initiatives. Melissa is a former special education teacher with expertise in literacy and leadership development. Whether coaching executive teams or designing licensure-aligned programming, she makes learning the central strategy for growth and change.
Ray Schink
Chief Financial Officer
Ray Schink serves as the Chief Financial Officer at Modern Learners, where he leads financial strategy and operations to ensure fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability. He manages budgets, forecasts, and funding models with precision, allowing the team to focus on high-impact work. Ray also plays a key role in building and maintaining the relationships that make this work possible, including those with partners, funders, and local stakeholders. His steady approach and strong financial stewardship keep the organization grounded and growing.
Kristin Galle
Chief Operations Officer
Kristin Galle is the Chief Operations Officer at Modern Learners and brings a rare combination of precision, systems thinking, and calm execution to everything she touches. She has worked alongside Melissa for over 15 years and now officially joins the team after years of behind-the-scenes collaboration. Kristin excels at designing operational systems, improving efficiency, and documenting processes so that good ideas turn into repeatable practices. She also consults directly with schools and districts, especially in the areas of instructional technology and math systems. Her ability to see what needs to happen next and ensure it gets done makes her an essential counterbalance to the visionary pace of the organization.
Kimberly Moritz
Executive Director of New York State Partnerships
Kimberly Moritz leads Modern Learners’ work across New York State, serving as the executive-level partner for the PLAN Pilot and the ongoing performance-based learning and assessment initiatives. A retired superintendent from New York, Kim is known for her no-nonsense leadership style and her track record of improving student outcomes. She brings deep credibility to the work through decades of experience navigating school systems, state policy, and instructional improvement. At Modern Learners, Kim supports district leaders in aligning their vision for learning with the day-to-day practices that drive results.
Dr. Jody Britten
Research and Innovation Partner
Dr. Jody Britten leads research and innovation at Modern Learners, where she ensures projects are grounded in evidence, aligned to systems, and centered on learner growth. With more than two decades of experience in education, technology, and strategy, Jody supports the design and implementation of future-ready learning models in schools, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. She brings expertise in AI policy, digital fluency, and implementation science, and is known for translating complex ideas into practical solutions. Jody is also a published researcher and frequent speaker who helps leaders build learning ecosystems that prioritize equity, clarity, and impact. Jody is the Co-Founder of the AI and Education Studio.
Gil Flores
AI in Education Technical Lead
Gil Flores leads Modern Learners’ work at the intersection of artificial intelligence and education. With a background in building and scaling technology systems, Gil brings both technical expertise and a deep understanding of how tools can support meaningful learning. He collaborates with educators, researchers, and developers to ensure AI-enabled solutions are responsible, ethical, and designed with schools in mind. Gil focuses on practical implementation that respects educator agency, student privacy, and system-level needs. His work helps bridge the gap between innovation and impact, making sure technology supports the people doing the work of learning. Gil is the Co-Founder of CoGrader.com
Lyn Hilt
Instructional Design Lead
Lyn Hilt leads instructional design at Modern Learners, bringing a sharp eye for how people learn and what makes professional development stick. A former school principal and instructional technology coach, Lyn designs learning experiences that are practical, engaging, and grounded in the realities of school leadership. She is especially skilled at turning big ideas into accessible pathways for educators. Whether she’s developing curriculum or coaching teams, Lyn keeps the focus on empowering educators to navigate change with confidence and clarity. Her work ensures that everything we design reflects the needs of real people in real schools.
Hazel Mason
Learning Systems Lead
Hazel Mason leads learning systems design at Modern Learners, where she focuses on building the infrastructure that makes large-scale learning meaningful and sustainable. With deep experience in school leadership, coaching, and systems change, Hazel helps organizations move from vision to implementation. She designs programs, processes, and pathways that work in context, especially in rural and under-resourced communities. Hazel is known for her ability to bring clarity to complex systems and keep teams aligned on what matters most. Her work helps create the conditions where people can learn, grow, and lead together.
Andi Simonini
Fiscal Support
Andi Simonini manages day-to-day fiscal operations at Modern Learners, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll. She brings consistency and attention to detail that keep our financial systems running smoothly. Andi plays a key role in supporting both our internal team and external partners by ensuring transactions are handled efficiently and transparently. Her work provides the operational backbone that allows us to stay focused on impact.
Lexie Whitaker
Local Retail Leader
Lexie Whitaker leads local retail operations at Pages and Parcels, the community retail space powered by Modern Learners. She manages inventory, curates the in-store experience, and ensures that the shop reflects the values of learning, connection, and community. Lexie brings a sharp sense of what people need and a deep commitment to serving both locals and visitors. Her work helps translate the vision of Modern Learners into a tangible, welcoming place for everyone who walks through the door.
Mariah Meier
Event Planner and Community Manager
Mariah Meier leads events and community engagement for Modern Learners and The Hub. She designs and coordinates experiences that bring people together — from professional learning gatherings to local celebrations. With a strong background in education and hospitality, Mariah focuses on creating welcoming, well-run events that build belonging and spark learning. She also supports community outreach and helps foster the relationships that keep our spaces vibrant and inclusive.