Excellence in
Teaching
Our distinguished faculty brings together decades of experience, innovative teaching methods, and a shared passion for nurturing young minds. Each educator is carefully selected not only for their expertise but for their ability to inspire, challenge, and support students on their unique learning journeys.
Julie Liu
Executive Director
Julie brings visionary leadership and a deep commitment to innovative education. With extensive experience in developing cutting-edge curricula and fostering inclusive learning environments, she guides our school's mission to prepare students for tomorrow's challenges.
Julie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley, an MBA in Analytic Finance and Marketing from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and a Master of Science in Education Entrepreneurship from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education.
Julie believes in reimagining education to empower students as confident, creative problem-solvers equipped to navigate and shape a rapidly evolving world. Through the Incubator School, she champions a project-based, passion-driven approach that emphasizes real-world skills, entrepreneurship, and student agency. Her philosophy blends academic rigor with innovative, flexible learning experiences that inspire students to explore their interests, tackle meaningful challenges, and turn their ideas into impact.
Areas of Expertise
Jenny Zapf, Ph.D.
Board Member
An expert in pedagogical innovation and curriculum development, Jenny provides strategic guidance on our educational approach and helps ensure our programs meet the highest standards of academic excellence.
Dr. Zapf is a Senior Fellow and Founding Director of the world's first MSEd and MSEd-MBA in Education Entrepreneurship at the Graduate School of Education and the Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania. She also serves as Faculty Director of Penn's virtual certificate program in Global Education Entrepreneurship & Innovation and the Managing Director of the Jacobs Foundation's Social Impact Entrepreneurial Project @ PennGSE. She has served as a program and research advisor on entrepreneurial projects in 30 countries and has trained thousands of industry leaders to build, test, manage, and scale new models.
Dr. Zapf routinely speaks on the future of learning. Jenny Zapf has 25+ years of experience leading innovation in education, business, and entrepreneurship.
Areas of Expertise
Rita Ferrandino
Board Member
Rita brings decades of experience in educational leadership and student development. She is Founding Partner of Arc Capital Development and Innovation Consultant for Catalyst@PennGSE for the University of Pennsylvania.
Recognized internationally as a dynamic leader and one of the most effective strategists and coalition-builders in the education industry, spanning K-12, Higher Education, and Workforce Development. With a proven ability to drive organizational success, she excels in solving complex problems, building partnerships, and motivating teams to achieve peak performance.
Rita's expertise lies in helping education companies achieve transformative growth through strategic development, investment alignment, revenue acceleration, cost optimization, and holistic organizational strategies. Rita's focus is on fostering impactful, research-driven solutions that improve educational outcomes while advancing the mission of transforming learning for a global audience.
Areas of Expertise
Rob Wake
Division Co-Head
Robert Wake is a passionate educator from Newcastle, England, with over 15 years of experience in progressive education across diverse learning environments. He holds a BA in Economics from Northumbria University and brings an International Baccalaureate (IB) lens to his global, inquiry-driven teaching, supported by extensive professional development in student-centered learning and curriculum innovation.
Robert's career spans early childhood education, school leadership, and innovative online learning, where his IB expertise has positioned him as a trailblazer. As Head of English for a primary and early years IB institution, he led curriculum integration, built strong school communities, and guided a team of educators in developing a forward-thinking curriculum. Most recently, at AEON School, he played a key role in NEASC accreditation, shaping a dynamic online learning environment centered on inclusion and engagement. He held multiple leadership roles, including Grade 5 Dean of Students, and led both the Grade 4 and 5 cohorts as well as the Tutorial Pathway program, supporting students through personalized, project-based learning models.
Known for his ability to connect with students and foster collaborative, empowering classrooms, Robert champions voice, choice, and ownership in learning, helping students grow into confident, self-directed individuals. He is deeply committed to building inclusive communities where every child can thrive.
Areas of Expertise
Cherrelaine "Cher" Buenaventura
K-9 Educator & Mathematics Specialist
Cher is a licensed educator and mentor with over 20 years of experience in classroom teaching and tutoring across diverse educational settings, delivering engaging, learner-centered instruction to students from K-9.
Cher holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from De La Salle University-Manila, as well as two master's degrees: a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education (with High Distinction) from De La Salle University-Manila, and a Master of Arts in Mathematics Education from Pacific InterContinental College. She has worked as a 9th grade math public school teacher, an academic tutor in both in-person and online settings, and a tutorial center owner. Across these roles, she is known for her warm, patient, and consultative approach, which cultivates both academic growth and genuine student confidence.
Cher believes that meaningful learning happens when students feel heard, valued, and supported. She also believes that learning is most effective when there is strong collaboration between home and school, and when everyone involved in a child's growth works together as a team. She is passionate about helping students develop not only strong academic skills but also the confidence, resilience, and growth mindset they need to thrive.
Areas of Expertise
Hilary Nelson
Literacy & English Language Arts
Hilary Nelson is a Pennsylvania Level II certified educator and Reading Specialist who brings a strategic, student-centered approach to literacy instruction. With experience spanning both traditional and digital learning environments, she designs rigorous, inquiry-driven instruction that cultivates confident readers, critical thinkers, and articulate communicators.
Hilary holds a Master's degree in Reading and Literacy from Point Park University and a Bachelor of Science in Childhood Education from Nyack College. Her expertise includes curriculum design, standards alignment, diagnostic assessment, and targeted literacy intervention. She is known for translating data into actionable instructional strategy while maintaining a classroom culture rooted in intellectual curiosity, accountability, and belonging.
Beyond direct instruction, Hilary is deeply committed to cultivating a learning environment that reflects Incubator School's emphasis on creativity, leadership, and academic excellence. She believes literacy is the foundation of agency — empowering students not only to achieve academically but also to think independently and lead thoughtfully in an evolving world.
Areas of Expertise
Amy Hopkins
Curriculum Designer
Amy Hopkins is an education entrepreneur and founder of the National Society of Professional Home Educators (NSPHE), an organization dedicated to elevating and professionalizing the role of home educators across the nation. A lifelong advocate for learner-centered education, Amy has spent over 20 years teaching, mentoring, and designing innovative curricula that bridge academic excellence with real-world readiness.
After earning her Bachelor of Business Administration from McKendree University, Amy lived and taught in Europe, where she developed an integrated humanities and science program that highlights human achievement through a chronological lens. She later completed her Master of Science in Education at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, where her capstone focused on creating equitable education and employment pathways that foster inclusion, opportunity, and accessibility for youth and families.
Through NSPHE and her broader work in education entrepreneurship, Amy continues to empower families, educators, and students to reimagine what learning can be; professional, personalized, and purpose-driven.
Areas of Expertise
Tommy Scanlon
Mathematics & STEM
Tommy is a certified educator with experience teaching hundreds of students in STEM topics online and in classrooms across several countries. With an MA in Philosophy and Artificial Intelligence from Northeastern University London and a BA from Georgetown University in economics, music, and mathematics, he brings a wide range of expertise to his teaching.
Tommy has taught students at many grade levels in primary and secondary schools and works to utilize project-based and student-centered activities to facilitate the development of creative problem-solving and critical thinking skills. His prior classes and learning activities have involved an array of topics in mathematics, science, and technology, including Python coding, AI literacy, virtual reality, data visualization, astronomy, and digital audio production.
With a focus on personalized instruction and student development of comprehensive understandings, Tommy is dedicated to improving student outcomes and ensuring student success inside and outside of the classroom. He is passionate about increasing his students' digital literacy and enabling them to live lives benefited by technological tools.
Areas of Expertise
Yerlan Uteulin
Mathematics
Yerlan is an experienced mathematics educator with over a decade of distinguished service in developing advanced STEM education across Central Asia and Europe. During his tenure at the prestigious National Schools of Physics and Mathematics in Kazakhstan, one of the region's top-tier educational institutions, he specialized in preparing students for the most rigorous academic challenges in mathematics and the sciences.
His expertise encompasses advanced mathematics instruction, having successfully tutored students in preparation for admission to top boarding schools in Kazakhstan. He brings significant experience in economics education, having taught Advanced Placement Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, demonstrating his ability to bridge mathematical concepts with real-world applications and interdisciplinary learning. As a strategic educational leader, he played a pivotal role in building a comprehensive network of STEM schools across Central Asia and Europe, working to elevate mathematics and science education standards throughout the region. His academic credentials include a Master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, where he deepened his understanding of educational theory, pedagogy, and curriculum development.
His teaching philosophy centers on making advanced mathematical concepts accessible while maintaining the rigor necessary for student success in higher education and professional pursuits. He is committed to fostering analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deep appreciation for the beauty and utility of mathematics in students of all levels.
Areas of Expertise
Jade Peterson
Literacy & English Language Arts
Jade Peterson is a certified educator who brings creativity, theater, and real-world connections into the classroom to support students as confident readers, writers, and problem solvers.
Originally from Iowa and now based in Philadelphia, Jade earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Iowa, with endorsements in Reading, Language Arts, and Science, along with a business degree in Marketing and minors in Film and Rhetoric. She later completed her master's degree in Education and Entrepreneurship at the University of Pennsylvania. Jade has taught in a variety of settings, including online middle school science and special education, summer school Algebra 2, and K–12 substitute teaching. Working with diverse learners has shaped her belief that strong literacy skills are foundational to communication, critical thinking, and confidence.
In addition to teaching, Jade is the founder of Jolt Education, an edtech tool that helps teachers integrate short, engaging educational videos into their lessons to spark curiosity and discussion. She also previously launched Funny Nuggets, a comedy clubhouse for kids, reflecting her passion for blending entertainment and education to make learning fun! Jade is excited to learn alongside her students and to be part of the Incubator School community.
Areas of Expertise
David Fu
Entrepreneurship & AI Coach
David Fu is an education entrepreneur and builder who has spent over a decade launching and growing mission-driven organizations across the US and Africa. He co-founded Streetlight Schools, an award-winning nonprofit school network in South Africa, and helped scale a pan-African developer training program and talent marketplace with the African Leadership Group.
Today, David leads Learning By Design, an AI- and go-to-market–focused organization that helps teams automate workflows, experiment rapidly, and use AI to unlock new revenue and impact. As a coach and fractional product/GTM leader, David has supported dozens of founders and early-stage teams in clarifying their ideas, talking to real users, testing quickly, and turning concepts into sustainable products and businesses. David holds a BBA in Finance from the University of Georgia and teaches in the Education Entrepreneurship program at the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education.
At Incubator School, he brings this 'builder's toolkit' into the classroom—treating students like real entrepreneurs, emphasizing problem-finding before solution-building, and using AI as a creative collaborator rather than a shortcut. He is passionate about helping young people see themselves as creators, not just consumers, and learn how to launch things that matter in the real world.
Areas of Expertise
Roger Osorio
Mentor & Coach
Roger Osorio is an Ivy League professor, executive coach, and former math teacher who specializes in helping people—from senior executives to middle school students—discover their passion and turn it into a real-world, impactful project.
Roger's approach is built on a deep and authentic foundation in K-12 education. He spent over a decade as a middle and high school math teacher and private tutor, where he became known for his innovative methods of reinventing assessments to reduce student anxiety, build confidence, and accelerate learning. This passion for unlocking each student's unique potential is the common thread in his career, from the K-12 classroom to his current role as a Professor of Entrepreneurship at the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education. As a mentor for the Incubator School, Roger is uniquely equipped to guide students through their 'Launch Passion Projects.' He is a best-selling author and host of the acclaimed The School of Reinvention podcast, and his entire career is built on the same principles as the Incubator School: helping people 'discover who they are' and build something that matters.
Roger brings a diverse, real-world toolkit to his mentorship. Students will benefit from his experience as an international keynote speaker (with engagements at CES, The World Bank, and Google) who can coach them in public speaking and communication, a Techstars startup mentor who can guide them in launching their first entrepreneurial venture, and a podcast producer and host who can help them find their voice and share their message with the world. Roger believes that every student is a change maker. He is dedicated to serving as an expert guide and empathetic coach, providing the strategic framework and authentic connection to help students transform their deepest interests into their greatest impact.
Areas of Expertise
Patrick Shipley
AI Electives Instructor
Patrick Shipley is a dedicated educator and technologist with a passion for empowering young people through the creative and responsible use of artificial intelligence. As the Chair of the Computer Science Department at Gonzaga College High School, Patrick designs and delivers cutting-edge courses that introduce students to real-world applications of AI, programming, and automation.
With a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Seattle University and a Master's degree in Education from the University of Pennsylvania, Patrick bridges technical expertise with a deep commitment to educational innovation. His career includes experience as a full stack developer, Python coding instructor, and robotics coach, and he holds advanced certifications in robotic process automation (RPA). Patrick has led student-centered projects across a range of settings—from after-school engineering clubs to online platforms—and consistently creates inclusive, hands-on learning environments where curiosity and creativity thrive.
Outside the classroom, Patrick has worked in software development roles with organizations like PotomacWave and Barn2Door, gaining firsthand insight into the tools and challenges shaping today's tech landscape. His background in both education and industry enables him to mentor students in developing thoughtful, future-ready solutions to real-world problems. Patrick believes deeply in the power of student voice and inquiry, and he's excited to guide learners in exploring AI as a tool for discovery, expression, and impact.
Areas of Expertise
Abelardo (Lalo) Mazari
Spanish Teacher & Project-Based Learning Specialist
Abelardo 'Lalo' Mazari is an accomplished educator, engineer, and school founder with over two decades of experience designing transformative learning environments rooted in inquiry, independence, and creativity. With a Master's in Education, a Bachelor's in Electronics and Communications Engineering, and multiple international teaching certifications, Lalo brings deep pedagogical knowledge, technical skill, and a global perspective to every classroom he leads.
Lalo began his professional journey as an engineer and university athletics director before discovering his passion for education. Since then, he has built two schools in Mexico from the ground up, literally, handcrafting furniture and materials, developing immersive bilingual curricula, and training staff in student-centered methods. His unique fusion of academic rigor and hands-on creativity empowers students to learn by doing, think critically, and find joy in discovery. Lalo's experience is a perfect match for Incubator School's mission. He brings a maker's mindset, fluency in project-based learning, and a passion for building inclusive environments where students explore big ideas through real-world work.
His teaching style blends scientific thinking, creative expression, and cultural literacy that offers learners a rich, interdisciplinary experience that goes far beyond traditional schooling. Whether he's developing math manipulatives, leading bilingual workshops, or mentoring educators, Lalo approaches education as something to be co-created with students. At Incubator School, he helps children grow as thinkers, collaborators, and innovators that are ready to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Areas of Expertise
Trystan Miles
English Language Arts
Trystan Miles is an engaging English teacher with a deep background in reading comprehension, writing, and literacy instruction. With experience teaching AP English Literature, AP English Language, and AP U.S. History, he specializes in helping students grow as clear thinkers and confident communicators.
Trystan brings extensive test-prep experience, including the SAT, ACT, SSAT, SHSAT, and ISEE. As a 99th-percentile scorer, he teaches strategies that help students strengthen critical thinking skills and reduce anxiety around standardized exams. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy from the University of Toronto and completed the Cambridge CEFR program, achieving C2 Proficiency, the highest level of English mastery.
Trystan aligns beautifully with our flexible, project-based learning model. He understands how to support students who train, travel, perform, or study across time zones, and he provides consistent, thoughtful feedback that supports a true growth mindset. His patient, encouraging approach fits seamlessly into our community.
Areas of Expertise
Shiv Nadkarni, MD
Wellness Program Dean
Shiv is a trained physician, filmmaker, and creative entrepreneur whose work sits at the intersection of mental health, education, and the arts. He understands health as a state of being well, a state which requires learning skills in mindfulness, breathwork, nutrition, and movement. He has 8+ years of experience working with children and adolescents as an arts mentor, music teacher, dance therapy facilitator, and a medical trainee.
He earned his BA in Neuroscience from the University of Pennsylvania, an MA in Dance Anthropology from the University of Roehampton-London, and his MD from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. His work has been supported by the Fulbright Program, the Hammer Museum, SONY Music, and the City of Los Angeles.
Shiv's approach to wellness education integrates mindfulness practices, creative expression, and scientific understanding to help students develop a holistic relationship with their physical and mental health.
Areas of Expertise
Nicholas Fok
CTO
Nicholas Fok brings deep experience building technology and decision systems at the intersection of artificial intelligence, capital markets, and scalable product design. As CTO of Incubator School, he architects the all-in-one platform that powers the school.
Nick's background spans institutional investment leadership and applied AI product development. He has designed enterprise-grade agentic workflows, multi-agent orchestration systems, and retrieval and memory architectures for institutional research and education platforms. His work at OWL AI, where he is Head of Product, reflects the same systems-thinking he applies to Incubator School: converting complex information into clear, reliable, scalable action. He holds an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business with concentrations in Analytic Finance and Econometrics, a Master of Financial Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology, and a BSc in Economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Nick believes the future of learning is built on agency, precision, and adaptability, giving students and educators tools that understand context, respond intelligently, and scale with curiosity. At Incubator School, he is building the technology backbone that turns ambitious educational ideas into reliable, real-world impact.
Areas of Expertise
Mandarin, Powered by Motherly Notes
Our Mandarin program is proudly provided by Motherly Notes, a globally recognized online language school known for helping students achieve native-level fluency through engaging, high-impact learning. For Incubator School, Motherly Notes is providing a proprietary, project-based Mandarin curriculum designed exclusively for our students. Aligned with our hands-on, inquiry-driven model, this curriculum blends comics, pop culture, storytelling, and real-world application that helps students master over 500 characters a year while having fun and building confidence.