LaToye adams, MA
Founder & President
LaToye is a media researcher and learning consultant. She drives a youth-centered design process by integrating formative research throughout the production lifecycle for television content and educational technology. LaToye has worked on teams at Nickelodeon, Michael Cohen Group, LLC (MCG), and with global edtech developers. She has conducted user experience research on learning management software, virtual reality educational content and creativity tools, and 3D modeling software. At MCG, LaToye served as Director of Research for Nickelodeon's Bubble Guppies. She also ushered new production teams at YouTube Originals Kids & Learning through the content research process. Before joining MCG, LaToye was a researcher at Nickelodeon where she contributed to the production and formative testing of award-winning series, including The Backyardigans and Team Umizoomi. LaToye has had the great joy of exploring the classroom and the playground as a Teachers Aide at Margaret's House Childcare Center. Learn more
Maritza Moulite, MS
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Maritza is a research assistant who is passionate about how diversity in children’s media influences kids' perception of themselves and the world. At WonderWhy, Maritza supports researchers in executing research projects on story content, including early childhood literacy, socioemotional development, and the arts. Prior to joining WonderWhy, she was a Head Start literacy tutor and pre-k teacher assistant. She is a PhD student in Education at the University of Pennsylvania with a concentration in Reading/Writing/Literacy. Maritza graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor’s in women’s studies and the University of Southern California with a Master’s in journalism. She is also a published author of well-received young adult novels, including Dear Haiti, Love Alaine.
Julissa Cardoza, BA
RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Julissa is a research assistant with a strong interest in child development, particularly the effects of early life adversities and their impact on behavior and cognitive functions. At WonderWhy, she contributes to projects focusing on cultural awareness and racial equity. Before joining the team at WonderWhy, Julissa worked as a literacy tutor for Jumpstart. She also was a lead researcher on a project at LaGuardia Community College investigating the effects of light color on mood and perception. She is a Master’s student at New York University, majoring in Psychology with a focus in Clinical Neuroscience. Julissa graduated from Montclair State University with a Bachelor’s in Psychology. Upon completing her Master’s Degree, she wishes to pursue a PhD in Neuroscience.
Collaborators
Jessica Brauksieck, MSE
Educator & Educational Consultant
Jessica is an independent educator and curriculum developer passionate about inspiring children to become lifelong learners who respect and care for one another. She was a classroom teacher for seven years in grades two and four. Jessica partnered with community members to extend classroom learning through STEM lessons, real world experiences and arts integration. Her school leadership experience includes Lead Teacher, Science Lead Teacher, Cooperating Teacher and Educational Technology Coach. Jessica’s instruction experience also includes private tutoring, extended learning programming, and substitute teaching for pre-kindergarten to grade six. Jessica earned a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from Rochester Institute of Technology and a Master of Science in Education from Nazareth College of Rochester. She is a Nationally Board Certified Middle Childhood Generalist and holds Maryland and New York State Professional Certifications in Childhood and Special Education.
Abigail torRes, MS
Consulting Community manager
Abigail is an independent educational technologist who is passionate about communication design. She owns Lunula, LLC, where her design and community management services help clients increase brand awareness, program enrollment, and learning. Her mission is to ensure WonderWhy families and educators are prepared, informed, and cared for throughout the research process. She supports research participants through engaging communications, thoughtful technical assistance, and secure database management. As an instructional designer at CUNY Hunter College, she develops video tutorials and online workshops and trains faculty to use internal programs. Abigail had the pleasure of serving children ages three to ten as an after-school counselor and assistant site coordinator at the YMCA after-school program at P.S. 93. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies & Communication from CUNY Hunter College and a Masters of Science in Information Design & Technology from SUNY Polytechnic Institute.
Advisors
Ed Greene, Ph.d.
Advisor, outreach & Partnerships
Ed’s passion is focused on building culturally relevant partnerships, policies and program practices that benefit children and families in the digital age. He formerly served as VP, Children, Youth and Digital Media Literacy Initiatives at the Hispanic Information and Telecommunications Network (HITN), and is currently a senior consultant with HITN Learning. His diverse experience includes roles as a senior adviser and consultant to Cito, the Netherlands, and its Piramide Approach to Early Learning; and director of global outreach for Sesame Workshop. Ed is a former elected board member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the HighScope Educational Research Foundation, the American Camp Association, and currently serves as a trustee of the Coalition for Quality Children’s Media.
Jordan Morris, Ph.D.
Advisor, Research & Evaluation
Jordan G. Morris, PhD is a passionate advocate for racial equity and diversity, focusing on the meaning-making and resilience of BIPOC youth. With over 15 years of experience as a Research and Program Evaluation Consultant, her leadership in strategic planning, data visualization, and culturally competent program design helps organizations create inclusive, enriching experiences for youth, families, and communities worldwide. Jordan emphasizes using narrative-based media, analyzing the autobiographical digital stories of vulnerable groups to explore identity development and digital literacy. Her approach combines academic research with hands-on program development, empowering under-resourced individuals to critically examine and challenge oppressive power structures. Her scholarship has been published in leading journals, including The International Journal of Restorative Justice, Visual Communication, Computers in Human Behavior, and Community Psychology.
Tamara nolte, mba
Advisor, Business Development
Tamara has a passion for engaging audiences, both young and old, to inspire their imaginations and deepen their understanding of the world. She’s served as the educational director of an international franchise company, developed interactive multi-media instructional design experiences and built two start-ups from the ground-up. She is currently the CEO/CFO of a Montessori School in Philadelphia. She owns an organization called Improv Creatives, where she designs and executes improvisation-based corporate training and keynotes focusing on communication skills, active listening, team building, risk-taking, public speaking, storytelling, and idea generation. Tamara holds an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management.