Dr. Beth Callaghan has been working in higher education for more than 15 years. Over the last decade, she has focused on curriculum design, incorporating the science of learning into pedagogy and promoting active learning in diverse classrooms. She received her B.A. in English and World Literature from UCLA, her M.A. in English from UC Irvine, and her Ph.D. in English from the University of Southern California. She has taught in high school and college classrooms in southern California and was previously an Assistant Professor and course designer at Minerva University. She helped build the program at Foundry College and served as the school's Dean. Most recently, she served as the Dean of the School of Innovation Foundations at Taejae University in South Korea, an international school that she helped build from scratch with the ALS team.
Maggie Hagen joined the ALS team in 2021, bringing her background in biology to the field of instructional design. With a Master's Degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology from Saint Louis University and a B.S. in Biology from Murray State University, Maggie transitioned from academic research to focus on creating dynamic and immersive learning experiences—particularly those that involve interacting with AI. Initially focused on STEM courses, her role has evolved alongside the company's growth to include a diverse variety of projects. Maggie is passionate about creating accessible and engaging learning experiences by incorporating evidence-based teaching strategies from the science of learning and using the latest technologies.
Anne has over twenty years of experience in research, education, and international development, focusing on advancing social equity and fostering well-being through effective collaboration, instructional design, and technology. She has led extensive work and authored papers, books, and reports on the intersection of digital technology and development, as well as restorative justice and citizenship. She is a featured speaker at universities, international conferences, museums, and civil society organizations on these topics. She holds degrees from McGill University and Harvard University, and is the author of the bestselling memoir Austrian Again: Reclaiming a Lost Legacy.
Rabbi Asher Crispe is a technology futurist with 20 years of experience consulting on emerging trends spanning AI, robotics, blockchain, biotech, AgTech, and EdTech. He advises multiple AI companies, including Brainyblaze, a French firm developing base-layer neuromorphic architecture for AGI. Crispe is also a consultant for Merkos 302, a branch of Chabad Lubavitch World Headquarters, where he has overseen the development of a blockchain-based Superapp integrated with large-scale AI solutions for education. He previously worked on early-stage venture placements for family offices and has been a guest speaker at universities and educational centers for over 30 years.
Joe Rousseau is the Chief Technology Officer of College Onramps, where he leads the technology and data behind the platform and builds the tools that make our accelerated path possible for families. A technologist and entrepreneur, Joe has spent his entire career — more than 15 years — building educational technology, designing and engineering learning platforms used by students and educators. He holds two bachelor's degrees and three master's degrees across the fields of economics and informatics. Over the years he has built multi-tenant software platforms end to end, from data and analytics engines to AI-powered learning tools, always with a focus on putting effective, research-backed learning experiences into the hands of the people who need them. He is driven by the belief that smart technology can open faster, more affordable routes into higher education.