Meet the Directors, Board, and the Advisory Board

Craig (left), an educator and former STEAM director, and Lori (right), an educator and literacy expert, both hold the Dementia Practitioner Certification from NCCDP.  

Craig Gingerich has over 30 years of experience in education, having taught internationally since 1999 in countries such as Korea, Brazil, the United States, China, Qatar, and Vietnam. His passion lies in inspiring the next generation of problem solvers, leaders, and makers. Throughout his career, Craig has developed middle school STEAM electives, co-directed the Jinqiao Mini Maker Faire in Shanghai, assisted with the American School of Doha School Maker Faire, and presented at various conferences focused on Big Data, Making, and Aerospace. He was also a founder of the International Schools of Shanghai Area Schools FLL Robotics League. Craig believes that STEAM courses encourage students to ask questions, seek innovative solutions, and create. He emphasizes the importance of intergenerational connectivity by integrating the humanities with STEAM, using storytelling to communicate data effectively through reading, writing, and visuals. Most recently, he served as the STEAM Director at a new bilingual school in Vietnam. Craig holds an M.Ed. in Administration, an MS in Science Education, and has experience in design thinking from Stanford d.School.  

Lori Gingerich, with over 30 years of educational experience, specializes in teaching elementary students. Her career spans the United States, Korea, Brazil, China, Qatar, and Vietnam, where her 21 years in international settings have heightened her awareness of diverse cultural and linguistic learning needs. Lori is dedicated to fostering strong literacy skills and enjoys incorporating STEAM activities that actively engage students' minds through inquiry. She has co-led after-school programs like FIRST LEGO League Junior and Mountains of Data. Recently, Lori co-presented at an educator’s data conference in Greenwich, England, focusing on after-school data analytics for elementary students. Additionally, she has served as a team leader, supervised student teachers, and collaborated on curriculum writing. Most recently, Lori was an ELA specialist at a new bilingual STEAM school in Vietnam. She holds an MA in Curriculum and Instruction, embodying the principles of lifelong learning.

Life Enrichment Coordinator and Dementia Education Trainer

Amy Bisterfeldt is married to her husband, Bobby, and together they have four adult children. As a dedicated life enrichment coordinator and dementia education trainer at Schowalter Villa, she holds a Dementia Practitioner Certification, which enhances her ability to serve both memory care residents and their families. Living in the country near Wichita, Kansas, Amy is deeply committed to serving others in her professional role and within the community. She volunteers as a Wish Granter with Make-A-Wish and as a mentor with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), emphasizing intergenerational connectivity through her outreach. Amy is also actively involved in local efforts supporting girls' and boys' homes. In her personal time, she enjoys spending quality moments with family and friends, walking trails, and being with her dog, Memphis. Her commitment to lifelong learning continues to shape her compassion for others, reflecting the love of Jesus in all she does.

University Psychology Professor, Family Counselor

Dr. Kim Brenneman - 30+ years in higher education. Kim Brenneman, Professor Emerita of Psychology, received her Ph.D. in Developmental and Educational Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh (PA) and an Ed.S. in Counseling from James Madison University (VA). After working as a child, adolescent, and family counselor, Kim began teaching in the psychology department at Eastern Mennonite University (VA). There she served as department chair, faculty senator, and collaborative program developer. Her research focused on cross-cultural experiential learning, hopeful thinking, and multicultural adaptation, emphasizing the importance of intergenerational connectivity and lifelong learning, particularly in the application of positive psychological principles to higher education. While at EMU, Kim organized and led groups of undergraduates to India for a semester-long cross-cultural educational experience. Brenneman has also served with several non-profit organizations, including her current role on the board of Friends of Woodstock School Foundation (India). Previously, she was the board president of the Family Life Resource Center (VA). Kim retired after 30 years at EMU and is now training and competing in agility competitions with her pup, Jampa. Kim and Jampa are a certified pet therapy team through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, and several times a week, they volunteer with a local hospice agency and visit retirement centers. Additionally, Kim is pursuing a Dementia Practitioner Certification to further enhance her skills in supporting families affected by dementia.

Elementary Educator

Alli Gingerich - A creative teacher with experience teaching in public schools in Oregon and most recently, an international school in Malaysia. She also specializes in creating STEAM activities for upper elementary students, fostering intergenerational connectivity through collaborative projects, and building an ELL (English Language Learning) program. Alli is committed to lifelong learning, holding an M.A. in Reading, a B.S. in Elementary Education, and endorsements in ESOL and middle-level science. Additionally, she is pursuing a Dementia Practitioner Certification to enhance her understanding and support for diverse learning needs.