OUR TEAM

CAROLYN CHEN

Chief Relationship Officer

In her role, Carolyn builds strong internal and external relationships grounded by common purpose and values, and helps to design, plan, and staff professional learning pathways that achieve a shared vision for success. She brings 15 years experience helping education organizations start up and scale up, set clear vision and strategy, attract and develop talent, build strong teams, and cultivate pipelines and partnerships. Her previous work has been vital in the growth of Boston Teacher Residency, Boston Plan for Excellence, Generation Teach, and HGSE.

MICHAEL FIGUEROA, ED.L.D.

Senior Consultant & Improvement Specialist

Dr. Figueroa is a strategist and coach committed to transforming public education, especially for the most marginalized student populations. As a part-time Senior Consultant with Koru, he works with district and school leaders to implement strategies that improve behavioral and academic supports for students, with a focus on supporting rural districts in California. Dr. Figueroa earned a doctor of education leadership from HGSE and has worked with Harvard's Public Education Leadership Program and HGSE Professional Education.

JORGE PEÑA, ED.D.

Senior Consultant & Improvement Specialist

Dr. Peña brings a wealth of diverse experience nationally and globally to his role.  Prior to joining Koru full time, he served as faculty and in administration at Loyola University of Chicago, and taught graduate students how to use evidence for continuous improvement. He has also served as Director of School Improvement for the Archdiocese of Chicago, and as a coach, facilitator, and mentor for the Harvard Data Wise  Project. He has worked with leaders and teams across the US, Puerto Rico, South America, and Australia.

KAREN SHOELSON

Senior Director, Outreach and Operations

In her role, Karen provides expertise in project management and implementation; outreach and marketing; relationships and talent; and finance and operations. Karen brings to Koru 9+ years of diverse marketing, project management, and education experience. She has worked in marketing agencies, as an after-school coordinator and Kindergarten teacher in Thailand, and, most recently, at HGSE Professional Education leading the Marketing and Admissions teams.

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KATIE SKALKA

Assistant to the CEO

In her role, Katie supports the CEO in managing tasks, calendars, and communications.  She is a former outdoor educator, math and science teacher, director of curriculum and instruction, and after-school and summer programs director, with a particular focus on students with disabilities and struggling teens. Katie is a Data Wise Certified Coach, a professional tutor, and an entrepreneur; she has held multiple roles with Koru throughout its growth, bringing her diverse talents to a variety of priorities for our team.

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ROBERT WESSMAN, ED.L.D.

Founder & CEO

In 2014, Dr. Wessman founded Koru with a desire to facilitate deep and meaningful change in school systems through teaming, evidence, and transformational learning. He serves as an executive coach, strategist, critical friend, lead facilitator, instructional designer, coach, and mentor across a diverse portfolio of projects, ensuring each partner meets shared goals for improvement. Dr. Wessman spent 9 years as a teacher, school leader, and transformation specialist in Utah prior to earning a doctor of education leadership at HGSE. He is a Data Wise Certified Coach and mentor.