Damon Neiser serves as the Regional Vice President of Partnerships for Texas at MIND Research Institute. Damon has been helping districts across the nation bridge the gap in educational equity for more than a decade. Damon brings his passion for sparking curiosity in mathematics to Texas to ensure that every student can reach their highest potential regardless of their zip code. Damon has been a featured speaker at SXSWedu, Ole Miss, University of Arkansas, and more with a focus on how technology can empower educators, inspire creative thinkers, and prepare students to be successful in the 21st Century. Damon’s role at MIND spans from helping districts to solve the challenges of today to empowering his team to anticipate the needs in education tomorrow.

Sandra is the Director of Education Success, Texas, at MIND Education. Prior to joining MIND, she served Brazosport ISD as the K-12 Math Director. During that time, she actively managed to leverage ST Math with the best math instructional practices which resulted in incredible results for the schools she served. As MIND’s Director of Education Success in Texas, including Texas Home Learning and Math Innovation Zones (MIZ), Sandra guides districts and her team to ensure fidelity of implementation and full compliance with TEA requirements, as well as planning to maximize the impact ST Math will have for students and teachers. In addition, she provides support, coaching and collaboration to team members at MIND as a subject matter expert. Professional development, on-boarding experiences, and certification/coaching experiences are also part of Sandra’s skill set in working with adult learners. With over 20 years as a Texas public educator, Sandra has vast experiences with instructional design, educational leadership, curriculum management, educational technology, and large-scale project management.

Garrett Girouard, Sr. Education Partnerships Manager, has been part of the MIND Education team for over 12 years. In his role, he consults with district instructional leadership to ensure their ST Math and Professional Learning solutions are aligned with district priorities and delivering student achievement growth. He also helps districts secure funding for ST Math through philanthropic partners, grant opportunities, and ensures that ST Math is represented at mathematics and instructional leadership events across the state. Prior to his move to Texas, he supported hundreds of ST Math schools (and thousands of teachers) across the country through technical implementation, onsite professional learning, and ongoing coaching and program support. Previously, he was an elementary teacher in Denver Public Schools where he led instructional technology and data analysis professional learning for his peers.

Dr. Kristi Dorman’s educational career spans 19 years serving in multiple teaching and administrative roles including high school mathematics, instructional technologist, and administrator. Kristi holds a Texas Principal and Secondary Mathematics certification. Her education includes a B.S. in Math, M.S. in Math, and a Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. Since leaving the district office Kristi has been consulting with district leadership across Texas to develop plans to address HB4545 and help accelerate math learning in Texas.

Ann Tutor is the Regional Implementation Manager working with districts across the state of Texas as they get started with ST Math.  She got her Masters in Teaching with certification in Early Childhood from the University of Memphis and taught for Shelby County Schools for 12 years in grades K, 2, and 3. While Ann worked with the Math and Language Arts Departments on curriculum development and the summer STEM program for Middle School students, it was her love of teaching students and teachers how to use technology to integrate curriculum that resulted in her being recruited by the district’s Technology Department, where she worked as a Curriculum Technology Trainer for 5 years. Currently Ann’s passion is to use her experience to ensure that Districts are supported in getting the best start possible as they implement ST Math with fidelity and purpose, resulting in what we at MIND know is possible – ensuring that all students become mathematically equipped to solve the world’s most challenging problems!

Kayla Merritt is the Program Manager for Phillips 66 for MIND Research Institute. Kayla has worked with MIND for three years supporting schools in 6 different states. Kayla started her career teaching middle school math in Albuquerque, NM where she was introduced to ST Math. In addition to teaching, Kayla coached tennis and soccer. Her love for technology and math made moving to MIND a perfect fit. As Program Manager with Phillips 66, she gets to work with districts and communities who partner with Phillips 66 to provide trainings, support, and community engagement.

Lance Matus serves as Inside Partnerships Manager for Texas at MIND Research Institute who supports the ST Math Texas Education Partnerships Managers as they support Texas schools and districts. Lance has been at MIND for over a year but has also spent almost 4 years with educational software companies. Before moving to the business world, Lance spent 24 years in public elementary education in the Austin Area. He mainly taught fifth grade but also spent some time as an assistant principal and technology coordinator. Lance holds a Bachelor's of Science Degree from the University of Texas at Austin in Applied Learning and Development and a Master’s Degree in Education Administration from Concordia University at Austin. He is Texas Educator Certified lifetime in Elementary Self-Contained (1-8) and Elementary Mathematics (1-8). He also has a Texas Principal Certification (EC-12).

Mary Jane Smith serves as Inside Partnerships Manager for Texas at MIND Research Institute. While MJ joined MIND on July 1st of last year, she has been working with schools across the US for over two decades through many different educational technology companies. In Texas, she ended her almost 20-year public school career as the Elementary Mathematics Coordinator in Fort Bend ISD in 1996. MJ brings years of experience in elementary mathematics education and a passion for getting all students able to solve the hard problems that face us as a nation and world. MJ’s role at MIND for Texas consists of supporting ST Math partners to renew and expand their use. She supports all three ST Math Texas Education Partnerships Managers as they support Texas schools and districts.

Shahnaj Ahmad is an Education Success Manager, serving districts across the state of Texas. Shahnaj has been an educator since her student teaching days at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, TX. Shahnaj began her professional teaching career in an elementary school in 2006 and has most recently been an elementary school principal. Shahnaj joins the team from Dallas, Texas, which is her second home after moving there from sunny Southern California in 2000. Shahnaj received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in education from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas; she completed her Instructional Leadership Certification at Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas in 2013. Shahnaj is dedicated to use her experiences in education to support district with successful implementation of ST Math.

Alex Eckert is an Education Success Manager serving districts throughout the state of Texas.  Alex also serves as the Program Manager for Math Innovation Zones (MIZ), guiding districts to ensure fidelity of implementation and full compliance with MIZ requirements.  Prior to joining MIND Research Institute in 2019, Alex was public school educator in California for over 15 years, teaching high school math and serving as a site administrator at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.  Alex loves helping others achieve their potential and is passionate about working with all educators to improve instructional practices while providing equitable access to high levels of math education for all students.

Gabby Grossman is an Education Success Manager, serving districts across the state of Texas. She began her career in education at Northwestern State University of Louisiana when she completed her Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education. After college, Gabby spent 7 years teaching grades K-3 in both Louisiana and Texas. Most recently, she spent 3 years as an assistant principal and instructional coach at KIPP Texas. During her time as an assistant principal, she focused on supporting teachers in best practices of math instruction, implementing research-based curricula, and strategic use of data to improve student outcomes. Gabby is committed to the mission of MIND Research Institute and is so excited to be working towards removing all barriers for all kids.

Michelle Samford, is an Education Success Manager based in central TX. She kicked off her teaching career with 6 incredible years as a middle school math teacher and then dove into a 5-year stint as a campus Instructional Coach, supporting teachers in mastering math instruction techniques, implementing research-based curricula, and strategically using data to boost student achievements. Michelle is wholeheartedly dedicated to the MIND Research Institute's mission and is enthusiastic about breaking down barriers for all students.

When she's not on a math mission, Michelle's hanging out with her dynamic duo – her two boys Ethan and Gavin– and soaking up good vibes from Queso, her golden doodle sidekick. And let's not forget her game face for Steeler football and USWNT soccer! Life’s about embracing moments and creating memories.

Allison Morgan is a Customer Success Manager based out of Austin, TX. She worked as a teacher in New York, New Hampshire, and throughout Texas. Allison graduated from The University of North Texas with a degree in Elementary Education and SUNY Plattsburgh with  her M. Ed. and Literacy. Allison’s passion for DEI and closing the achievement gap for ALL learners  is what drew her to MIND. She loves continuing to work in the education field, helping teachers any way she can.  In her spare time, Allison loves spending time with her partner and two kids, experiencing all that Austin has to offer. She loves going to sporting events , walking trails, and visiting new restaurants.

Candace is an Education Success consultant based in Dallas, TX. Candace has a Master of Arts in Teaching and 6 years of experience in the education sector. She has worked in diverse communities across Texas and North Carolina as an early education teacher, a middle school after school program leader, and as a 2nd grade math and science teacher. She discovered her love of teaching math when she became a math teacher! Candace is excited to join the MIND team because she has seen first hand how their ST Math programming can revolutionize a math classroom and empower students to love math and she wants to give that opportunity to as many teachers and students across the country as possible. In her spare time, Candace enjoys reading, baking delicious treats, and hanging out at her parents’ farm.

Chelsea Staton serves as the Education Partnerships Associate for Texas. Prior to joining the MIND team, she spent eight years as an elementary math educator in West Texas. During her time in the classroom, Chelsea developed a love for sharing her knowledge of mathematical best practices and used ST Math with her own students. She is passionate about helping students love math and believes that every person is a “math person”. Chelsea holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Angelo State University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Texas Tech University. Chelsea enjoys connecting and building relationships with educators across the country to positively impact student learning.

Janna McIntyre is a Professional Learning Specialist based in Austin, serving districts across the state of Texas. Janna completed her undergraduate degree in Asheville, NC and then moved to Milwaukee, WI to attain her Masters in Education. After braving the cold she moved closer to her New Orleans roots and settled in Texas. Janna has taught for eight years and was most recently an instructional coach and elementary math lead. During this time, Janna developed a deep love of DEI in education, conceptual thinking, and implementing research-based mathematical practices. 

Janna is excited to join the MIND team and continue the work towards removing barriers for all kids!

In her spare time, Janna is most likely hiking with her dog, Gumbo, or trying new restaurants with her fiancée, Liz.

Allison Ross serves as a Professional Learning Design Lead for the great state of Texas and resides in Fort Worth. She spent six years as an elementary educator in Birdville ISD and nine years in the roles of Middle School Educator and Curriculum Coordinator & Coach at independent schools serving gifted and talented learners. Throughout her teaching journey, she honed her skills in differentiation for the gifted and talented population, developed several Project-Based Learning units, and revitalized her school’s service-learning and applied research programs. Additionally, she presented on topics related to executive functioning, digital citizenship, prosocial gameplay, giftedness & perfectionism, and Project-Based Learning. Allison holds a Bachelor’s degree Early Childhood Education from Texas Christian University and her Master’s degree in Gifted Education from Hardin-Simmons University. She has a passion for math, enjoys encouraging learners who possess or lack confidence in the subject matter, and supporting teachers as they do the same.

JiJi is a 3-foot-tall penguin on a journey through the world of ST Math. Students help JiJi overcome obstacles by solving math puzzles – and they associate JiJi with the thrill of challenge and success. JiJi crosses the screen every time a student successfully completes a puzzle, leading them to the next challenge. JiJi is curious, persistent, patient, and friendly.
JiJi’s name means “little chicken” in Mandarin.