Kerry McDonald works at the intersection of education and enterprise, spotlighting the entrepreneurs who are building joyful learning models across the U.S. She is a senior fellow at the Foundation for Economic Education, where she leads the Education Entrepreneurship Lab and hosts the LiberatED podcast. She is also the Velinda Jonson Family Education Fellow at State Policy Network, an adjunct scholar at the Cato Institute, and a regular contributor at Forbes.com and The 74. The bestselling author of Unschooled: Raising Curious, Well-Educated Children Outside the Conventional Classroom (Chicago Review Press, 2019), Kerry’s latest book is Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling (PublicAffairs, 2025). She has a B.A. in economics from Bowdoin College and a Master’s degree in education policy from Harvard University. A mom of four, Kerry lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Ron Matus is a writer, storyteller, myth buster, narrative driver. More than 30 years experience as a professional writer. Spent 25 years in journalism, including 10 years as an award-winning reporter at the Tampa Bay Times, one of the best newspapers in America. Skilled in communications strategy, digital content creation, social media and media relations. Firmly believe the best “spin” is telling the truth. Nominated for two Pulitzer Prizes. Helped establish the Tampa Bay Times’ Gradebook as one of the best education blogs in America. Served as editor of the redefinED education policy blog. Based in Tampa Bay.

Johnny Outing is an ordained minister and Community School Director for Orange County Public Schools Community School initiatives. He has intentionally served both the local Church and public education spaces for 13 years. He brings extensive experience in children’s advocacy, curriculum writing, Holistic education instruction, and preaching. He currently serves on the board of Otem Collective, a nonprofit organization that conducts family reunification work in Uganda, and is a volunteer chaplain at the 33rd Street Orlando Correctional Facility. In his free time, he enjoys making art with his children, playing basketball, and watching new shows with his lovely wife, Alicia Outing. 

Tiffany Thenor is the CEO and co-founder of WonderHere and co-creator of The WonderHere Method—a proven, child-centered approach to project-based learning. A former educator turned education innovator, Tiffany stepped out of the traditional classroom to explore bold, creative models for how children learn best.

Today, she leads the WonderHere ecosystem—including its nonprofit arm, WonderHere Education Foundation; its publishing branch, WonderHere Press; and its growing network of WonderHere Groups, small-scale school models rooted in joy, connection, and curiosity. Tiffany spearheads development, partnerships, and strategic vision—advancing a movement to bring meaningful, wonder-filled learning to all children.

Jessica Zivkovich is co-founder of WonderHere, and CEO of WonderHere Press, a play & project based curriculum company. Jessica left the public school classroom in search of an answer to the question: can learning be fun again? A decade and three WonderHere campuses later, the answer is a resounding YES! Learning can be not only fun… but also meaningful, practical, and long-lasting.

Jessica now focuses her efforts on developing curriculum and resources that spread the wonder to schols, co-ops, and dining room tables both nationaly and internationally. When she’s not dreaming up new Unit Studies or scheming with friend and co-founder Tiffany Thenor on ways to make wonder grow… you can find her chasing her three little boys around, enjoying a night on the town with her husband George, or simply relaxing with a good book in hand.

Follow Jessica on Instagram @jessica.zivkovich!