TLC Studios: Meet the TLC Crew

Jonathan Todd is the author/illustrator of TIMID, a semi-autobiographical, middle grade graphic novel about overcoming shyness and finding belonging within a black community. TIMID is a 2024 New England Book Award winner. Jonathan teaches cartooning and creative writing at libraries, schools and at the GrubStreet Center for Creative Writing. For information on Jonathan's author talks, workshops and camps, visit JTstories.com.

Website: JTstories.com

Instagram: @jonathanjtodd

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Jan Brogan is an award-winning journalist and novelist with decades of teaching experience at Boston University’s Summer Journalism Academy and other institutions. She has authored four murder mysteries and the narrative nonfiction book, "The Combat Zone: Murder, Race and Boston’s Struggle for Justice," shortlisted for Agatha and Anthony awards in 2021. Recently, she completed a historical nonfiction novel about women who went whaling in the 1860s and is writing a memoir for renowned whale scientist Nan Hauser.

Website: JanBrogan.com

Facebook: jan.brogan.07

X: @JanBrogan

Instagram: @JanBrogan_

Dr. Rayna Freedman is a 5th grade teacher at Jordan/Jackson Elementary School in Mansfield, MA, with experience teaching grades 3-5. She is a Google for Education Certified Trainer, Google Level 1 and 2 certified educator, BrainPOP consultant and certified educator, Magic School AI Pioneer, Trainer, and Certified Educator, Fablevision Ambassador, and Wakelet Ambassador. Rayna has presented at numerous conferences, including ISTE, Ed Tech Teacher, MassCUE, and the Vietnam Technology Conference. She values student agency and the importance of building relationships and community.

Website: drfreedmanagent24.blogspot.com

Spotify Podcasters: secretagents

X: @rlfreedm

Elizabeth Dorgan is a dedicated STEM educator with extensive experience in teaching, program management, curriculum development, and online instruction. She holds a Master's in Instructional Technology from Lesley University and is a Google Certified Educator and Engineer is Elementary Certified Educator. A finalist for the Patriots STEM Teacher of the Year, she manages afterschool computer science clubs, mentors a First Robotics team, and serves as a Lifeguard Director. Elizabeth, a recipient of the Scituate Education Foundation Grant, is committed to fostering an innovative and inclusive learning environment.

X: @lizteach13

With a career trajectory encompassing elementary classroom teaching, technology integration, and UDL Amy is a seasoned educator with a profound understanding of student needs. Her ability to seamlessly blend these experiences has equipped her with a unique interdisciplinary perspective in working to meet the needs of all learners. Amy earned her Ed.D. in Education Leadership from the University of New England and is currently an Assistant Professor of Special Education at Bridgewater State University.

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Tori Cameron is an innovative educator & author and she is Massachusetts' 2020 STEM teacher of the year. She is a doctoral student at the University of South Carolina and teaches elementary education undergraduate and graduate courses at Bridgewater State University and graduate education courses at Fitchburg State University. She is passionate about integrating meaningful technology, STEAM, and UDL practices into every classroom. Tori is also a Magic School AI Trainer, an author, a mom, and an avid reader.

Website: Portfolio

X: @steamuptheclsrm

Instagram: @steamuptheclassroom

Zeba McGibbon is a kindergarten teacher, podcaster, children's book author, and founder of Kindergarten Cafe. Through Kindergarten Cafe, Zeba shares teaching ideas, activities, and strategies to support teachers in teaching the whole child. Zeba loves supporting early childhood teachers with classroom-tested strategies and materials that help take stress off their plates, support their students better from arrival to dismissal, and find the kindergarten magic.

Website: KindergartenCafe.org

Facebook: Kindergarten Cafe

Sarah Ling is a efficiency-minded tech wizard, but is a creative at heart and has been using art forms such as drawing, watercolor and oil painting, woodblock and intaglio printmaking, and Jazz piano as mediums for her wacky stories. More importantly, she understands that art is most meaningful when it is given or shared, whether a postcard, a song, or a silly dance. Join her in making the world a brighter place of compassion and cheerfulness in her creative workshops.

Instagram: @boredom_into_art

Matt Porter as been a digital storyteller for more than 15 years. He worked as an award-winning journalist in spots across the United States and filing reports internationally from Turkey. He continues his work as a storyteller for the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation as its Associate Director for Communications. He also helps teach the next generation of storytellers as an adjunct faculty member at his alma mater, Boston College.

LinkedIn

Instagram: @MPReports

Melissa Milner is a veteran teacher with over 32 years of experience in elementary classrooms. She is the host of The Teacher As...Podcast which explores metaphors to education. She also produces The Birch Meadow Way Podcast with teachers and students in her school. Melissa recently produced and cohosted a ten episode podcast called Ponzinomics 101 with Robert FitzPatrick. Melissa is thrilled to be on the TLC Studios faculty.

Websites: Birch Meadow Way, Ponzimonics 101, The Teacher As…

Facebook: theteacheras

X: @melissabmilner

Instagram: @melissabmilner

With 25 years of experience as a pediatric occupational therapist, I have worked with Westwood Public Schools and run my private practice, Capable Hands and Associates. As an associate professor at Boston University and an adjunct professor at Framingham and Worcester State University, I taught graduate-level courses and lectured nationally on topics such as sensory diets, executive function skills, and self-regulation. Additionally, with a BA in art, I taught elementary students, including a sculpture class called “Living Books” that connected art projects to book themes.

Website: Capable Hands and Associates

A mentor, video editor, and content creator, Jaysen Bass brings his expertise in storytelling and technical prowess in media to the Reynolds TLC team with a focus on digital media production Growing up, he was always enamored by digital media and production, which led him to constantly strive to learn more and expand his skillset. While at Boston College, Jaysen was awarded the Digital Media Field Production Best Editor Award and second place in the Leonard Persuasive Speaking Contest. He also honed his leadership and creative problem solving skills as president of Writer’s Circle. He graduated with a B.A. Communication, Minor in Sociology and a heart for community.

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A creative spirit, Michelle is a Play Coach dedicated to empowering others in self-care, stress management, and living with intention. She founded ReSillyance.com, offering engaging programs that enhance wellbeing. Michelle embodies her teachings and continually seeks new ways of learning. Michelle serves on the Board of New England LEGO User Group (NELUG), a non-profit club for adult fans of LEGO who collaborate together and build awesome community displays. As much as possible, Michelle enjoys time with loved ones and finding flow in creative endeavors including photography, painting and creating with LEGO®.

Websites: ReSillyance.com

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Jessica Garbowski is an educator with over 15 years of experience. She has worked in Massachusetts as a public school teacher in many roles and various subject areas. Her current role is at the middle school level, teaching media and AI literacy to students. In addition, Jessica is the school librarian and the instructional technology facilitator. Jessica has a passion for creating curriculum and supporting digital literacy education at all ages. She is a Google for Education Certified Trainer and has presented at various conferences.

Website: Mrs. G Teaching

Linkedin

Social Media: MrsG_Techie

Joel is an Adjunct Faculty member, teaching classes in Design and Illustration at Suffolk University School of Art and Design. He has worked as Graphic Designer and Illustrator in the publishing industry for over 15 years, designing book covers and book interiors. Joel grew up teaching his cousins and friends how to create and draw with different techniques. He lives in Dedham with his family and their dog Marlow.

Instagram: @s_t_u_d_i_o_7_7

Jimmy, an unwavering seeker of uncharted territories, ignites insightful discussions with straightforward queries. Embracing a nine-year journey in Montessori spaces, he excels at disrupting and reshaping cultural norms as a seasoned consultant and facilitator. Jimmy's influence extends to over 30 organizations across Massachusetts and the wider U.S. At the core of his practice lies the liberation of self, employing diverse methods from somatic work to hypnosis and facilitative mediation. Facilitation, a transformative modality for meaning-making, empowers participants to express themselves authentically and boldly. Being a living commitment to imagination involves silencing the world enough to heed the soft, authoritative voice, reminding individuals of their essence and purpose.

Website: InnerveConsulting.com

Taylor Tyng is a children's author, visual artist, and arts educator. His career spans decades, working in advertising and entertainment as a designer, animator, creative director, film editor, software maker, and entrepreneur. Taylor's debut series, CLARA POOLE AND THE LONG WAY ROUND, was called "an engrossing and inventive flight through the skies" by Kirkus Reviews and a "soaring debut with echoes of Jules Verne and Roald Dahl" by Booklist. His next book, SPROUT (Random House Children's Books), a middle-grade contemporary fantasy novel about a girl searching for the truth behind her strange abnormality, publishes in 2026. Taylor also teaches 3D art and design at Dedham Country Day School.

Website: TaylorTyng.com

Instagram: @taylortyng

Colin Meltzer is passionate about using technology to help students think critically and become problem solvers. With years of experience in the classroom and building a school makerspace, he founded MakeShift EdTech to empower educators with hands-on learning tools. He has developed a 3D printing curriculum, led engaging professional development, and created CheckIn AI—a platform that values thinking over memorization through personalized student conversations. Colin is dedicated to helping teachers bring innovation into their classrooms and prepare students for the future.

Websites: MakeShiftedTech.com, CheckIn-AI.com

Grace Landy is an artistically-minded, passionately multidisciplinary creator. She explores bold usage of color, texture, and symbolism in order to evoke emotion and tell stories with her art. To Grace, creativity is a tool that can be used to express, communicate, and appreciate the world around her. Join her in her Thursday workshops to explore new techniques and view art from a different angle.

Steven Cerce is a dedicated math teacher with over 25 years of experience, known for his passion for problem-solving and a constant drive to take on new challenges. With more than 45 seasons as a junior varsity softball and soccer coach, he has made a lasting impact on his teams. Steven also volunteers with School on Wheels of Massachusetts, showing his commitment to giving back to the community. Outside of the classroom, he enjoys playing softball and engaging in strategy games with friends, always seeking to challenge himself further.