Illinois

Misha Vilenchuk

Director – Midwest

His background as a chess master and coach led him to Nexplore, where he discovered programs that, like chess, inspire children to build important life skills. Growing up in Columbus as a first-generation immigrant, Misha did not have access to hands-on enrichment programs, and he is proud to now bring these programs to so many sites.

Misha also holds an M.A. degree in Non-Profit Service from Brandeis University.

Finds Joy in Learning: chess, history, and philosophy

Betia Vilenchuk

Program Success Manager – Midwest

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

Jesse Stephens

Regional Excellence Coordinator – Chicago

Jesse’s love for teaching comes from his grandmother, a lifelong teacher, who invited Jesse to assist her with some of the students struggling in her class. This is when he found a passion for teaching and guiding children to find excitement in learning math, literature, and even science! Nothing brings him more joy than seeing a student’s face light up when the thing they were struggling with finally clicks and the pride they feel in themselves for figuring it out.

Jesse started at Nexplore USA as a Nexplore instructor. With that amazing experience, he is excited to see where else I can help inspire students to grow and seek new knowledge.

Finds Joy in Learning: History, Science, Literature/Creative Writing and Social Sciences

Samuel Rodriguez

Business Development Representative

Samuel is a professional with experience in sales, digital marketing, and customer service, with a strong background in chemistry. He has worked across various sectors, developing skills in team management, customer service, and process optimization. Samuel’s a committed, proactive individual with the ability to adapt quickly to new challenges.

Dani Hernandez

Business Development Representative

Dani’s love for learning and the value it brings to others inspire her work at Nexplore. With a background in communications and sales, she brings a unique perspective to her role, helping to create meaningful connections and opportunities for growth. When not collaborating with the team, Dani enjoys gaming, watching movies, and spending time with her five cats.

Dani earned her degree in Broadcast Communication from Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Finds Joy in Learning: Journalism, Gaming, New Recipe

Zach Flax

Regional Relationship Manager

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

Monique Alar

Business Development Representative

Monique finds joy in building connections and helping schools bring Nexplore’s exciting programs to life. With a background in real estate cold calling and telemarketing, she love sparking conversations and creating opportunities for students to explore STEM, digital tech, arts, life skills, and fitness. Her greatest inspiration comes from her daughter and family. In her free time, she love watching movies, getting lost in a good book, and cooking delicious meals.

Monique holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from Mindanao Arts & Technological Institute, combining technical expertise with a passion for connecting people and ideas.

Finds Joy in Learning: New recipes, Heartwarming Stories, and Meaningful Connections.

Omi Sarda

HR & Recruiting Coordinator – Midwest

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

Bookkeeper

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