Meet the Joy Team
Dori Larea
CEO
Dori is the Founder and CEO of Nexplore USA. His vision is to spread the Joy of Learning and to develop a culture of thinking through game-play. Upon his arrival in the United States, Dori has successfully implemented Nexplore’s diverse programs in over 700 schools in 8 states.
Dori holds an M.A. degree in Educational Management and Leadership from the University of Tel Aviv, Israel. His professional specialization is in the field of educational research. For three years, he worked as a researcher in the Department of Educational Innovation and Experiment in Israel’s Office of Education while completing his Master’s thesis on Educational Change in the 21st Century.
Dori also has 6 years of management experience as a commander and a captain of various combat units in the IDF.
Finds Joy in Learning: beach volleyball, chess, and strategy games of any kind
Claire Finders
COO
Claire’s passion for equity and excellence in education inspire her work building Nexplore systems in support of spreading the Joy of Learning nationally. With a background in Special Education, School Leadership, and Education Management, Claire brings a unique perspective to her work developing internal Nexplore operations. When not collaborating with the team or geeking out in spreadsheets, Claire enjoys walking in nature, practicing yoga, doing puzzles, dancing, and traveling with her husband and 2 children.
Claire holds an M.Ed from University of Washington, an M.S.T. from Pace University, and B.A. in Communication from University of Southern California.
Finds Joy in Learning: American Sign Language, dance choreography, and new recipes
Vanesa Sragowicz
Director of Operations
Vanesa’s fun and playful personality, combined with her strong organizational skills, are key to Nexplore’s operational success. Originally from Argentina, she brings an impeccable work ethic that allows for easy-going and smooth interactions with Nexplore’s team and clients.
Outside of her supportive work at Nexplore, Vanesa enjoys spending time at the beach, strengthening relationships, and walking daily.
Finds Joy in Learning: sharing with friends and family
Emily Gregory
VP of Customer Experience
With over 20 years of experience in education, spanning from classroom teaching to leadership roles in edTech, Emily stands out as a passionate advocate for student and educator success. Her journey as a mom to two very different kids has honed her unique ability to quickly pivot and adapt to diverse situations, a skill she seamlessly applies in both her personal and professional life. Emily brings a genuine obsession with understanding customer needs, coupled with an unwavering commitment to bringing joy and innovation to students and educators alike.
Emily holds a BS in Elementary Education from Oakland University and is a Certificated K – 8 teacher in California.
Finds Joy in Learning: cooking, gardening, and running
Nisan Abarbanel
Regional Relationship Manager
Nisan’s passion for communication, forming relationships, and team building motivate him to connect with existing and new sites and districts. He is committed to building and managing the Nexplore sales team to find new opportunities and serve Nexplore partners in the best way possible.
Additionally, Nisan volunteers in the Miami Israeli community and runs an Atidim course for young entrepreneurs. He loves all kinds of sports including tennis, soccer, basketball, and water sports; but his true love is for cats.
Finds Joy in Learning: new skills, business & entrepreneurship strategies, and networking
Christine Barnatchea
Lead Generation Representative
Christine specializes in analyzing data and is responsible for conducting market research and providing leads at Nexplore. Her background as a Quality Analyst in the corporate world for 10 years led her to Nexplore. She’s keen and organized with details and data.
Christine is inspired daily by her son and family. In her free time, she loves cooking and exploring new ideas for small businesses.
Finds Joy in Learning: new recipes, unique business ideas, fashion, and travel
Morisea Lloyd
Business Development Representative
Morisea Lloyd has a passion for helping others and wants to make a difference in their lives. In her role as a Sales Representative at Nexplore, she spreads the joy of learning by making new connections across the USA. Morisea loves meeting new people, reading, and baking in her spare time.
Finds Joy in Learning: cooking new dishes and exploring new places and cultures
Ferdinand Perocho
Lead Generation Representative
Ferdinand is a results-oriented marketing professional with 12+ years of experience in the BPO industry. With a Marketing Management degree and deep understanding of consumer behavior, he brings to Nexplore a proven track record of success in driving lead generation.
Thriving in dynamic environments, Ferdinand possesses excellent communication and analytical skills. His passion for learning new things ensures staying ahead of industry trends.
Finds Joy in Learning: new recipes, exploring unique business ideas, and traveling
Fiorella Molero Garibay
Senior Design Manager
Fiorella’s passion for art has allowed her to immerse herself and develop in areas such as Brand Identity, Content Creation for social media, and her personal favorites, photography and video production. With more than 7 years of experience in graphic design, she is committed to support and grow with the Nexplore creative team.
Fiorella holds an B.A. and a professional title in Graphic Design with a major in photography from San Ignacio de Loyola University, Peru. In her free time, she loves to go riding her bike and discover new places where she can fly her drone and take short videos with it.
Finds Joy in Learning: art, travel, puzzles and drone piloting
Amanda Meeks
RFP Manager
As the RFP Manager at Nexplore, Amanda brings a deep commitment to academic excellence. With a background in teaching, educational leadership, and strategic improvement, she is dedicated to ensuring positive outcomes for all students. When Amanda is away from the office, you can most likely find her at a baseball field anywhere from Florida to North Dakota watching her kids play baseball. Amanda also enjoys entertaining friends and family with her husband and three children, shopping, and traveling.
Amanda holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Florida State University and earned her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Phoenix.
Finds Joy in Learning: new technology, youth sports, and fashion
Praise Sunday
Business Development Representative
Praise excels in building genuine connections with clients, prioritizing their needs, and showcasing the value of Nexplore offerings. Her focus lies in guiding and assisting children to celebrate their unique identities and diverse perspectives, infusing creativity into the sales approach. In moments away from work, Praise is often found engrossed in documentaries, particularly on NatGeoWild, and enjoys indulging in singing and adventurous activities.
Praise holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sales from Prince Audu Abubakar University (PAAU) and a Master’s degree in Educational Marketing and Communications, demonstrating a solid foundation in both sales and marketing strategies.
Finds Joy in Learning: the art of persuasion, the intricacies of human interaction, the psychology behind decision-making, and the challenge of finding the perfect solution for each client
Jewels Franz
Sales Representative
Jewels’ never-ending ambition, drive, and compassion for building up local communities through education guide her work with Nexplore to further distribute the joy of learning to as many groups as possible. From her previous experience working with kids with disabilities, to her current work teaching in classroom settings, Jewels provides a well-rounded perspective on many aspects of Nexplore’s operations on the ground. In her free time, Jewels enjoys creating original artwork, powerlifting, and going to concerts featuring her favorite bands.
Jewels holds a B.F.A in Textiles from Kutztown University and hopes to acquire her Master’s in the coming years.
Finds Joy in Learning: Textile Art, Athletic Science, and Nutrition
Amy Smith
Regional Relationship Manager
Amy is a seasoned educator with 15 years of experience, dedicated to fostering growth and learning in diverse educational settings. Her background includes a Master of Science in Education specializing in Therapeutic Recreation, which has equipped her with a unique perspective on student well-being and engagement. Currently pursuing an MBA in Business Analytics, Amy is expanding her expertise to merge data-driven decision-making with her passion for education.
Certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP) and a Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO), Amy brings a strategic approach to her roles, blending project management skills with agile methodologies. Her commitment to lifelong learning is evident in her continuous pursuit of new knowledge and personal growth.
Outside of her professional life, Amy is a Pro/Am International Latin dancer, a pursuit that highlights her passion for rhythm, culture, and self-expression. She also enjoys her roles as a mom and a newlywed, balancing her personal and professional life with enthusiasm and joy.
Finds Joy in Learning: dancing, improving her Spanish, traveling, and exploring entrepreneurial opportunities
Renee Rudolph
RFP Coordinator & Regional Relationship Manager
Renee’s dedication to interdisciplinary collaboration and integrated systems drives her support of the Nexplore RFP Team in crafting high-quality, compliant proposals that promote the Joy of Learning nationwide. With a background in education, holistic health, and nonprofit and business management, Renee brings over 15 years of experience in assessing and improving business processes to enhance efficiency and quality. She leverages technology and teamwork to streamline operations, improve communication, and boost productivity. When not collaborating or improving operations, Renee enjoys cooking, hiking, mountain biking, and yoga.
Renee holds a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Colorado and has pursued studies in counseling, yoga therapy, holistic health, and nutrition.
Finds Joy in Learning: philosophy, silversmithing, nutrition, and discovering new trails
Muhammad Amir A.
Business Development Representative
Muhammad brings 8 years of experience in market research, list building, targeted audience development, and B2B lead generation. With a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Muhammad applies a structured and analytical approach to drive business growth and build valuable client relationships. Passionate about understanding market trends and customer needs, Muhammad consistently delivers tailored solutions that help Nexplore achieve its strategic goals.
Finds Joy in Learning: swimming, science, and exploring new locations
Tomi Ologunleko
HR & Recruiting Coordinator
Tomi is a talented and dedicated HR professional with 3 years of experience in Human Resources. Known for her exceptional organizational skills, she ensures that all recruitment processes run smoothly and efficiently, leading to successful outcomes at Nexplore. Passionate about her work, she strives for excellence. One of her greatest strengths is her ability to connect with people. She is a true “people’s person”.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Tomi has an adventurous spirit. She embraces new experiences and enjoys exploring different cultures and environments.
Tomi holds a B.A. in International Relations from Houdegbe North America University.
Finds Joy in Learning: badminton, travel, research, and creative pursuits
Kayiri Owuna
Executive Assistant
Kayiri is a highly skilled professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Calabar, Nigeria. As a certified teacher holding a national certificate in education, Kayiri has a strong background in educational practices and coaching.
With over 5 years of experience in the banking sector, Kayiri has excelled in managing operations, optimizing productivity, and facilitating communication for busy executives.
At Nexplore, Kayiri’s expertise lies in streamlining tasks, handling administrative duties, bookkeeping, and providing HR support. Kayiri’s dedication and proficiency contribute to the success of the organization.
Finds Joy in Learning: coaching, problem solving, and learning new languages
Janise Duboue
HR & Recruiting Coordinator
Janise’s passion for teaching and sparking learning stems from her belief in the transformative power of education. With years of experience in teaching electives, Janise has honed her skills in creating engaging and interactive lessons that inspire students to explore new ideas and concepts. Her dedication to fostering a love of learning is evident in her innovative approach to curriculum and her ability to connect with students on a personal level. Janise’s commitment to professional development ensures that she stays current with best practices in education, making her a valuable asset to any learning community. Her enthusiasm for teaching not only brings joy to herself but also ignites a lifelong love of learning in her students.
Finds Joy in Learning: Portuguese, new books, and her grandmother’s recipes
Ryan Villard
Director of Curriculum & PD
Ryan is passionate about empowering people to achieve their educational goals so that they can change their lives, whether by obtaining a degree to unlock career goals or learning for fun. He brings his experience in curriculum development to guide how instructors take Nexplore’s diverse programs into the classroom. As a lifelong learner himself, Ryan loves traveling and learning about different cultures’ art, history, and language.
Ryan holds a B.A. in Anthropology and a B.A. in English Literature from The University of California, Davis. He has worked in EdTech for 5 years, managing online educational materials development.
Finds Joy in Learning: language, music, reading, and sports
Jennifer Garstang
Technical Writer
Jennifer joined Nexplore as an After School Instructor and soon began applying her skills in art, design, and marketing to help share the joy of learning with more and more students. She now uses her over a decade of experience in educational enrichment to create exciting, engaging learning programs and train up-and-coming instructors. Outside of her role at Nexplore, Jennifer spends much of her time on digital painting, wire-sculpting miniature trees, creative writing, songwriting, and turning recycled styrofoam into works of art through the power of materials science.
Jennifer holds a B.A. in Creative Writing, with a minor in Entrepreneurial Studies, from the University of Southern California.
Finds Joy in Learning: art, music, writing, and just about everything else
Maria Derenzo
Curriculum Support Specialist
Maria’s drive towards accessibility for all students and passion for learning by exploring have grounded her work as a Nexplore Instructor and Curriculum Developer. Maria uses her background in Science, Literacy Education, Teaching for Diverse Learners, Theatre, the Arts, and Psychology to bring creative and unique solutions to Nexplore’s curriculum team and foster the Joy of Learning through a wide variety of Nexplore programs in Los Angeles County. Maria lives by the motto “A Jack of all trades but a master of none is far better than a master of one” and uses that philosophy to guide her passions in expanding her niches and impact. When not diving headfirst into new programs, Maria enjoys gaming, discovering new stories, and exploring new sources of music, dance, and film.
Maria holds an M.S.T. from the State University of New York at Oswego, a B.A. in Psychology with endorsements in Trauma Studies and Cognitive Science, and a minor in Theatre and Theatre Tech, also from SUNY Oswego.
Finds Joy in Learning: Science Fiction/Horror stories, new craft projects, and video games, especially Pokémon
Alissa Dolan
Curriculum Developer
Alissa is passionate about bringing creativity and energy into her role as a Curriculum Developer. With a background in literacy and language teaching and curriculum development, Alissa has worked in education for over ten years. She has experience working in many educational contexts and loves helping students develop a passion for learning. Outside of work, Alissa enjoys practicing yoga, traveling, and reading.
Alissa holds an M.Ed and an M.A. in English from the University of Missouri and a B.A. in English from Truman State University.
Finds Joy in Learning: Spanish, ukulele, and culture
Sabrina Paola De Vita
Program Success Manager – California
Sabrina’s passion for technology in education has inspired her work with Nexplore to spread the Joy of Learning nationwide. With a background in teaching English as a Second Language, Robotics, and Programming, Sabrina brings a unique perspective to her work developing her Nexplore team. She has worked in multiple educational institutions in Argentina training and accompanying teachers in the incorporation of ICT, Robotics, and Programming to their lessons. She is the author of original content for multiple self-paced courses and has been the Pedagogical Coordinator and Quality Control Manager at Conev Ceibal Computational Thinking Program in Uruguay. When not supporting her instructors and sites, Sabrina enjoys traveling, reading, watching series, and spending time with her son, Lino.
Sabrina has graduated as an English as a Second Language Teacher from the Joaquín V Gonzalez Teaching Training College. She has specialized in Programming and Educational Robotics at the Universidad Tecnologica Nacional and in the use of technology applied to education at the INFOD.
Finds Joy in Learning: watercolor painting and coding
Mary McCormick
Program Success Manager – Colorado
Mary has over 25 years experience in teaching, directing, and administration of arts programs. She stays current with graphic design trends, which was her past career focus. Mary’s artistic pursuits include drawing, printmaking, and painting. She is inspired by our resilient youth, who have endured the pandemic amongst other challenges. She truly enjoys seeing the learning process unfold in so many different ways, while teaching and overseeing Nexplore’s numerous programs.
Outside of the classroom, she has a passion for barns and post and beam homes. Her largest project to date was designing, sourcing, and building (with a carpenter), her own post and beam barn home. She also loves wood-block printing, exhibiting, and selling her prints (when she has time!).
Additionally, Mary holds a B.F.A. in Graphic Design from East Carolina University, Greenville, NC.
Finds Joy in Learning: art, piano, and tiny home design
Rachel Rosenthal
Program Success Manager – Florida & Georgia
As a source of solutions for her Nexplore team, Rachel’s impact extends beyond the classroom and into the community. Her passion for excellence in education and creating relationships makes her a valuable asset at Nexplore. Rachel has worked with youth for over 5 years counseling, coaching, and teaching on the East Coast. She mentors and motivates children to embrace physical education and learn to take care of their health and bodies. When not completing her studies in child development and physical education, Rachel enjoys spending time with her family and four legged friends.
Finds Joy in Learning: roller skating and yoga on the beach, scrapbooking, and DIY projects.
Maria Derenzo
Regional Excellence Coordinator
Maria’s drive towards accessibility for all students and passion for learning by exploring have grounded her work as a Nexplore Instructor and Curriculum Developer. Maria uses her background in Science, Literacy Education, Teaching for Diverse Learners, Theatre, the Arts, and Psychology to bring creative and unique solutions to Nexplore’s curriculum team and foster the Joy of Learning through a wide variety of Nexplore programs in Los Angeles County. Maria lives by the motto “A Jack of all trades but a master of none is far better than a master of one” and uses that philosophy to guide her passions in expanding her niches and impact. When not diving headfirst into new programs, Maria enjoys gaming, discovering new stories, and exploring new sources of music, dance, and film.
Maria holds an M.S.T. from the State University of New York at Oswego, a B.A. in Psychology with endorsements in Trauma Studies and Cognitive Science, and a minor in Theatre and Theatre Tech, also from SUNY Oswego.
Finds Joy in Learning: Science Fiction/Horror stories, new craft projects, and video games, especially Pokémon
Fernanda Colla
Administrative Assistant
Fernanda has brought her expertise in administrative, technological, and process improvement to the education industry for over 15 years. She is a proactive, responsible, and organized member of the Nexplore Joy Team and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations. Fernanda enjoys traveling, scuba diving, and spending time with her family, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Finds Joy in Learning: dancing to Argentine folk music and discovering new places.
Adam Goldweitz
Logistics Manager
As the Logistic Manager at Nexplore, Adam is confident that his unique experiences and passion will support the logistics team. With a strong attention to detail and organization skills, Adam is inspired by the various programs being offered to children at Nexplore. His passion for film and 3D printing support his work with Nexplore’s diverse programs.
Adam holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Film and has worked in retail and customer service for many years.
Finds joy in learning: movies of any genre, all things Marvel, DC, and Star Wars, Dungeons and Dragons, and 3-D printing
Misha Vilenchuk
Director – Midwest
Misha Vilenchuk spends most of his free time with family and learning new skills. His background as a chess master led him to Nexplore, where he discovered programs that, like chess, inspire children to build important life skills. Misha has been giving private and group lessons for the last 16 years, and has driven excellence by helping 7 students attain Ohio grade level titles.
Misha also holds an M.A. degree in Non-Profit Service from Brandeis University.
Finds Joy in Learning: chess, history, and philosophy
Zach Flax
Midwest Relationship Director
Zach Flax comes from a family of educators and is proud to follow in their footsteps with Nexplore. He has traveled all throughout the U.S. bringing educational enrichment to kids from kindergarten to seniors in high school. With his background in child education, sales, and theatre, Zach is excited to expand and spread the joy of learning as the Midwest Director of Partnerships. Zach is passionate about making an impact on students with in depth discussions on history, science, and technology.
Finds Joy in Learning: traveling with his wife, swimming, board games
Edward Congco
Program Success Manager
Edward loves to provide high-quality education through developing curriculum and assisting Nexplore to spread the Joy of Learning. With a background in teaching specialty classes, summer camps, and after-school programs, Edward provides various points of view to help Nexplore’s managerial operations. Outside of working with his peers, Edwards loves to spend time with his loved ones and cook dishes from different cultures.
Edward holds a B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Finds Joy in Learning: cooking, basketball, and teaching
Omi Sarda
Director of Operations
Omaira’s biggest passion is helping others to develop their own potential for building their happiness. Teamwork, clear and fluid communication, and a strong understanding of processes and data are part of the key skills that Omaira brings to build day-to-day internal Nexplore operations. As a Chemical Engineer who graduated from the Universidad Simón Bolívar, Venezuela, one of her core values is excellence and learning to develop problem-solving skills.
Music is one of her passions, Omaira has played the piano since she was 11 years old and also, studies opera singing and plays the cuatro, which is a traditional instrument from Venezuela (like a small 4-string guitar). She also loves trekking, cycling, dancing, and traveling.
Finds Joy in Learning: Helping others to develop their inner creative potential, learning new things, and sharing with family and friends.
Susan Bano
Accountant – Midwest
Susan has a passion for learning about life. From psychology, health, and wellness to hatching and raising chickens and growing their own food, she loves the more simple country life in contrast with her fascination with numbers and accounting. Susan loves to dabble in painting, do brain teasers, crosswords and sudoku, and gardening. A polyglot, she speaks 6 languages. Swimming in the sea is her favorite activity in the summer.
Susan has an Honors Bachelor of Commerce degree from Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada and is a Certified Management Accountant (CMA). She has many years of accounting and administrative experience in various industries working in several countries over the years.
Finds Joy in Learning: QiGong and new skills
Misha Vilenchuk
Director – Midwest
Misha Vilenchuk spends most of his free time with family and learning new skills. His background as a chess master led him to Nexplore, where he discovered programs that, like chess, inspire children to build important life skills. Misha has been giving private and group lessons for the last 16 years, and has driven excellence by helping 7 students attain Ohio grade level titles.
Misha also holds an M.A. degree in Non-Profit Service from Brandeis University.
Finds Joy in Learning: chess, history, and philosophy
Zach Flax
Midwest Relationship Director
Zach Flax comes from a family of educators and is proud to follow in their footsteps with Nexplore. He has traveled all throughout the U.S. bringing educational enrichment to kids from kindergarten to seniors in high school. With his background in child education, sales, and theatre, Zach is excited to expand and spread the joy of learning as the Midwest Director of Partnerships. Zach is passionate about making an impact on students with in depth discussions on history, science, and technology.
Finds Joy in Learning: traveling with his wife, swimming, board games
Misha Vilenchuk
Director – Midwest
Misha Vilenchuk spends most of his free time with family and learning new skills. His background as a chess master led him to Nexplore, where he discovered programs that, like chess, inspire children to build important life skills. Misha has been giving private and group lessons for the last 16 years, and has driven excellence by helping 7 students attain Ohio grade level titles.
Misha also holds an M.A. degree in Non-Profit Service from Brandeis University.
Finds Joy in Learning: chess, history, and philosophy
Zach Flax
Midwest Relationship Director
Zach Flax comes from a family of educators and is proud to follow in their footsteps with Nexplore. He has traveled all throughout the U.S. bringing educational enrichment to kids from kindergarten to seniors in high school. With his background in child education, sales, and theatre, Zach is excited to expand and spread the joy of learning as the Midwest Director of Partnerships. Zach is passionate about making an impact on students with in depth discussions on history, science, and technology.
Finds Joy in Learning: traveling with his wife, swimming, board games
Samantha Krasinski
Assistant Director – St. Louis
Samantha brings a unique perspective to Nexplore as a former client and Chicago Public School Program coordinator. Samantha’s teaching experience includes students in special education with a variety of needs from grades Pre-K through 8th grade. She has a strong emphasis on personalized learning for each student while also incorporating life skills. Her mission for education is equity and providing every student with the opportunity for high quality instruction.
Samantha holds a M.Ed in Literacy from Northeastern Illinois University and a B.S. in Elementary and Special Education from Bradley University.
Finds Joy in Learning: Reading, yoga, traveling, and helping others
Marc Anthony Rice
Director & Franchise Partner – Philly
Marc Anthony is a highly driven and results-oriented professional with an extensive background in driving franchise growth and corporate team development. His expertise in operations, sales, recruiting, training, and communication in customer-focused businesses have largely contributed to some of the most successful franchise systems.
“I’m passionate about growing and scaling businesses by implementing systems and processes as well as developing core values, building teams, and impacting company culture.”
Finds Joy in Learning: new recipes to cook for his family almost weekly!
Alan Luchnick
Franchise Partner – Philly
Alan believes in the motto: “Make it fun and they will learn.” His background in delivering a complete customer experience is second to none. Most recently, Alan managed 45 OrangeTheory Fitness stores. He is eager to bring his business background to expanding Nexplore and fostering the joy of learning in Philly.
Finds Joy in Learning: biking and kayaking
Christine Blake
Business Development Representative
Christine enjoys being part of a team that strives to build the core function of business development. She has 4 years experience in the childcare industry and has adored every moment of it. Christine believes children are our future and it is imperative for us to provide them with the greatest opportunities. She also has 7 years experience in sales, supporting executive assistants and establishing fundamental practices for company growth.
Christine is currently enrolled in University of Phoenix, earning her Bachelors of Science in Accounting.
Finds Joy in Learning: self improvement, new skills, and (as Christine is a mom) having the opportunity to learn to grow into a better parent everyday!
Esther Ramos
Office Director
Esther is a dynamic leader with a passion for innovation and growth. With a background in law and a MSc degree in International & Comparative Law, Esther’s journey began in compliance and banking supervision in Venezuela. Since immigrating to the United States, she has thrived as a corporate manager, specializing in franchise development. Esther believes in organic intelligence, constantly analyzing structures, and seeking new solutions through questioning and innovation.
A forever student and visionary, she inspires her team to push boundaries and embrace creativity. With Esther’s leadership, the future is bright, and possibilities are endless.
Finds Joy in Learning: music, literature, science, and culinary arts
Leah Romano
Lead Generator Associate
Leah is a spirited professional who finds immense joy in creating enduring connections and fostering a never-ending world of learning. With an eclectic background that includes experiences in finance, media, real estate, and marketing, Leah brings a dynamic and results-driven approach to her role as a Lead Generator Associate at Nexplore, where she is dedicated to expanding the company’s reach through innovative business development strategies. Outside the realm of work, Leah indulges in exploring the vibrant restaurant scene, participates in lively group fitness classes, and channels her creativity into crafting engaging content for her social media community. Her passion for continuous growth and creating a positive impact aligns seamlessly with Nexplore’s mission to foster the Joy of Learning.
Leah holds a B.S. in Business Management and Finance from Florida State University.
Finds Joy in Learning: Interior Design, at-home DIY projects, and cultural cuisines
Ashley Williams
Program Success Manager
Ashley is a vibrant, intentional educational leader with over 10 years of experience in early childhood curriculum development, instructional coaching, teaching, professional development, and leadership. She is passionate about developing innovative training sessions to share content expertise with her team and key stakeholders to enhance student learning. Her recent experience as a principal and program director gives her a visionary approach to her work at Nexplore. She believes that we all have an innate deposit of unique love and light to bring to this world.
Ashley holds a Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood Education from Temple University, Masters of Science in ODL (Organizational Development and Leadership) from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and K-12 Principal Certification in Pennsylvania.
In her flex time, she enjoys going to the beach with her husband and 4 daughters, roller skating, and watching the sunset.
Finds Joy in Learning: new recipes, natural hairstyles, and music
Misha Vilenchuk
Director – Midwest
Misha Vilenchuk spends most of his free time with family and learning new skills. His background as a chess master led him to Nexplore, where he discovered programs that, like chess, inspire children to build important life skills. Misha has been giving private and group lessons for the last 16 years, and has driven excellence by helping 7 students attain Ohio grade level titles.
Misha also holds an M.A. degree in Non-Profit Service from Brandeis University.
Finds Joy in Learning: chess, history, and philosophy
Zach Flax
Midwest Relationship Director
Zach Flax comes from a family of educators and is proud to follow in their footsteps with Nexplore. He has traveled all throughout the U.S. bringing educational enrichment to kids from kindergarten to seniors in high school. With his background in child education, sales, and theatre, Zach is excited to expand and spread the joy of learning as the Midwest Director of Partnerships. Zach is passionate about making an impact on students with in depth discussions on history, science, and technology.
Finds Joy in Learning: traveling with his wife, swimming, board games
Betia Vilenchuk
Assistant Director – Ohio
Betia Vilenchuk has an extensive background in dance and through the language of movement, she has discovered an avenue for nurturing the physical, emotional, and cognitive growth of young minds. Betia’s drive, passion, and strong belief that learning extends far beyond the textbook is what ultimately led her to join Nexplore and foster the joy of learning.
Betia holds a B.S. in Human Development and Family Science from The Ohio State University.
Finds Joy in Learning: dance, chess, and baking
Tyra McBride-Gerber
Program Success Manager – Cleveland-Akron
Tyra takes pride in being an educator and believes in making everything a teachable moment and a learning experience. With a background in Early Childhood, Special Education, and Administration in Early Childhood, Tyra strives to create problem solving techniques for a successful learning environment at Nexplore. Tyra has a passion for helping children reach their goals for success, while spreading the Joy of Learning in the Ohio (Cleveland/Akron) area. Tyra enjoys outdoors, traveling, dancing, cosmetology, beautiful scenery, cooking, and spending quality time with her two children. Tyra likes to stay involved in her community by being a part of Cleveland’s Bike-a-thon, Annual Autism Walk, and Church Fellowship. She spends time Coaching Cheerleading and Baseball every Spring.
Tyra holds an Associates of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education, Administration Concentration in Early Childhood, & Ohio Child Care Licensure.
Finds Joy in Learning: dance choreography, spirituality, new cooking recipes, and workshops
Susan Bano
Accountant – Midwest
Susan has a passion for learning about life. From psychology, health, and wellness to hatching and raising chickens and growing their own food, she loves the more simple country life in contrast with her fascination with numbers and accounting. Susan loves to dabble in painting, do brain teasers, crosswords and sudoku, and gardening. A polyglot, she speaks 6 languages. Swimming in the sea is her favorite activity in the summer.
Susan has an Honors Bachelor of Commerce degree from Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada and is a Certified Management Accountant (CMA). She has many years of accounting and administrative experience in various industries working in several countries over the years.
Finds Joy in Learning: QiGong and new skills
