About Us - NHLI | New Hampshire Learning Initiative

Why NHLI?

It’s all about the students. We came together because we believe every student deserves access to a high-quality education system that creates pathways for a bright future. To foster that student success, we work hard to support educators, district leaders, and building administrators in learning and implementing a student-centered system of learning.

We believe in...

Pathways for Personalized Learning

Every student learns differently, which is why student-centered learning helps districts and schools meet students where they are and give them agency over their education. Empowered students lead to successful, confident adults.

Career, College, and Life Readiness Pathways

A student’s learning experience should empower them to create pathways to their college and career futures. We provide the tools and support through student-centered learning to transform how students view and apply their education.

Making Change Together

Our partners and collaborative relationships help schools deliver truly beneficial learning initiatives that lead to proven outcomes, and are backed by research.

How We’re Organized

NHLI operates with a two-tiered business model. We receive grant funding from the federal and state levels, as well as private foundations who support our mission, and we conduct fee-for-service professional development.

A National Footprint for a Local Issue

What began as a New Hampshire-based initiative to introduce an innovative assessment model for districts, has grown into a national effort to rethink education and assessment. We are proud to partner with states and organizations across the country to build a more equitable assessment system for students.

Meet the Team

Ellen Hume-Howard

Executive Director

Ellen Hume-Howard has served as NHLI’s executive director since 2017. In this role, she leads NHLI to assist New Hampshire schools and districts to deepen their innovative practices in education and improve learning for all students. More Info >

Jonathan G. Vander Els

Director of Collaborative Learning

Jonathan serves as Director of Collaborative Learning for the New Hampshire Learning Initiative, overseeing and participating in the personalized and competency-based work throughout the State of NH. More Info >

Mariane Gfroerer

Director of Advanced Studies

Mariane is Director of Advanced Studies for the New Hampshire Learning Initiative. In this role she assists schools and districts to build transformational educator leadership in competency education More Info >

Carolyn Eastman

Director of Learning Pathways

Carolyn is the Director of Learning Pathways for NHLI. She has over 30 years in education. She was an Assistant Superintendent of the Oyster River School District in Durham, NH. She has taught Middle School mathematics. More Info >

Kathy White

Director of Deeper Learning

Kathy White joined the NHLI team in 2020 and serves as the Director of Deeper Learning, continuing her work as the project lead on the Deeper Learning and Diffusion of Innovation and Scaled Impact in New Hampshire as a vital member of the JFF/NHLI RPP team. More Info >

Debbie Metcalfe Quint

Business Administrator

Debbie joined NHLI part-time in 2019 to support the important work being done by NHLI and its outstanding staff. More Info >

Jodi Kincaid Tamayoshi

Technology Advisor

Jodi Kincaid Tamayoshi has worked with NHLI since 2017, managing the website and other communications tools. More Info >

Deb Bamforth

Consultant

Since retiring from the Sanborn School District in June 2017, Deb Bamforth is working as a consultant and administrative mentor to help schools across the country develop strong collaborative learning communities. More Info >

Rob Scully

Consultant

As consultant and administrative mentor, Rob Scully works to support schools in their development and implementation of innovative practice, personalized, competency-based learning, and student agency. More Info >

NHLI Board of Directors

Val Zanchuk

NHLI President

Val is President of Graphicast, Inc., a Jaffrey based manufacturer of precision-machined zinc alloy castings. Val has been active in STEM education and workforce development issues for almost 20 years. More Info >

Dr. Mark Joyce

NHLI Treasurer

Mark is the executive director of the New Hampshire School Administrator’s Association, a private not-for-profit organization that represents all New Hampshire school system administrators and advocates on behalf of all children and public education. More Info >

Christine Rath

Board Member

Christine is the former Superintendent of Schools in Concord, New Hampshire, where she served in administrative roles for 30 years, as middle school principal, high school principal, assistant superintendent before becoming superintendent. More Info >

Irv Richardson

Board Member

Irv is currently the Coordinator for Public Education and School Support at NEA- New Hampshire. In this role, he provides professional learning opportunities for New Hampshire educators. Irv also teaches at Southern New Hampshire University in the Educational Leadership Doctoral Program. More Info >

Will Arvelo

Board Member

Will Arvelo brings over 30 years of leadership experience within higher education and economic development. A former President of Great Bay Community College, Will worked tirelessly to bridge higher education […] More Info >

Support for Success

We couldn’t do what we do without the support – both financially and in efforts and activities – of other like-minded organizations.

In It Together: Organizations Involved in CBL Work

There are many organizations that are aligned with our mission and
conducting similar activities and efforts in districts and schools across
the country.

The Center for Innovation in Education

New Hampshire School Administrators Association

NHASP

Aurora Institute

EDUCAUSE

New Hampshire Department of Education

Next Generation Learning Challenges

Future Focused Education

Learning Policy Institute

Portrait of a Graduate

School Retool

NEA NH