Summary
In this conversation, Theresa Montenarello shares her journey from growing up in New York to becoming a teacher and entrepreneur in Aruba. She discusses her experiences in the Peace Corps, her transition to teaching at an international school, and the founding of Makerpedia with her husband. The conversation highlights the challenges of building a family business, the importance of involving their children in their work, and their commitment to innovation and community engagement.
Takeaways
- Theresa’s journey began in New York and led her to Thailand and Aruba.
- Teaching at an international school allowed for creative freedom in education.
- Makerpedia started as summer camps and evolved into a social impact business.
- Navigating the shift from free services to charging for their offerings was challenging.
- Involving their children in their work fosters a sense of responsibility and empowerment.
- The couple balances each other’s strengths and weaknesses in their business.
- Building partnerships was crucial for the growth of Makerpedia.
- The family values of production over consumption are instilled in their children.
- Theresa’s master’s in STEAM helped shape their educational approach through entrepreneurship.
- Innovation and community engagement are central to their mission.
Moments
Links
https://www.facebook.com/Makerpedia
https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresamontenarello
Instagram:
@makerpedia
About Theresa
Theresa Montenarello is an innovative educator and skilled digital designer who thrives at the intersection of creativity and technology. Originally from New York, her educational journey has taken her from enriching young minds in Thailand as a Peace Corps Volunteer to her current role at The bina School. Her previous roles encompass curriculum design, ed-tech integration, and policy development, all aimed at fostering inclusive and empowering educational environments.
Having once led the pioneering efforts at ISAonline, where she directed the integration of digital tools and project based learning into robust online learning frameworks, Theresa developed a passion for creating accessible and engaging learning environments. This experience has made her adept at tailoring educational content to diverse student needs across the globe, enhancing both engagement and learning outcomes.
Theresa is also the co-founder of Makerpedia, a vibrant platform she launched with her husband to empower creators. At Makerpedia, she leads workshops in digital design and fabrication, supports start-ups and small businesses in enhancing their digital presence and spearheads professional development sessions that equip individuals and teams with cutting-edge technologies. Rooted in their core values of curiosity, collaboration, and lifelong learning, Theresa and her husband hope to inspire a generation of makers to reshape the future.
Balancing professional achievements with personal roles, Theresa is also a proud mom of four empowered daughters. This role, her favorite role, fuels her drive to be the best version of herself personally and professionally so that she can be a role model for her daughters.
Keywords
education, entrepreneurship, family, teaching, makerspace, innovation, social impact, community, empowerment, reinvention, entrepreneur
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