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Our esteemed Board of Advisors is comprised of educational leaders across the US. The board meets with our team throughout the school year to review our resources and services and provide us with insights, guidance, and direction on matters relevant to the efficacy, impacts, and reach of our programs and services.

As an administrative leader, my passion for serving on the Open Parachute Board is driven by Open Parachute's recognition that supporting student mental health, also means supporting teachers' mental health, and equipping parents, guardians, and other caregivers with resources as well. Though education practice struggles to properly leverage home-school-community partnership in student success, Open Parachute centers partnership as the foundation for supporting student mental health.

Executive Director of Secondary Education, Family & Student Services, and Inclusivity
Webster Central School District
Webster, NY

Dr. Robert C. Chalwell Jr.

Open Parachute provides much needed culturally responsive, generationally relevant, and easily accessible resources to support mental health in schools.  Not only are the video lessons engaging and high quality both in terms of production and content, Open Parachute's approach to Whole School Well-Being is so needed in today's education arena.  The library of resources equips both educators and caregivers to support students while prioritizing wellness for the adults in our students' lives.

Deputy Superintendent for School Improvement and Community Engagement
Fairport Central School District
Fairport, NY

Tanya Wilson-Thevanesan, Ed.D.

I'm excited about the opportunity to join this advisory board because I'm passionate about finding new, meaningful ways to support the well-being of students, parents, and teachers. There's something incredibly impactful about storytelling and relationship building?�it supports connecting with people on a deeper level, helping them feel seen and understood, while also providing practical tools and resources they can use in their everyday lives. By combining our expertise and creativity, we have a chance to develop programs that aren?�t just informative but truly transformative. In my work with educators, districts and across the educational sector, I?�ve seen firsthand how challenging it can be to meet the growing mental health needs of today's students.

As CEO of Distinctive Schools & LEAP Innovations, I have worked closely with educators and I know the importance of strong partnerships, relationships, trust, engagement and well-being. I?�m eager to collaborate and help design programs that provide them, as well as parents and students, with the tools they need to thrive, and to create lasting impact in our classrooms and schools.

President & Chief Executive Officer
Distinctive Schools
Chicago, IL

Scott Frauenheim

As a retired K?? teacher, former Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, and New Jersey's Commissioner of Education responsible for the development of the state's Social-Emotional Learning Competencies, I have spent my career ensuring that every child's academic and emotional well-being is equally valued. I am honored to serve on the Board of Open Parachute, an organization that aligns deeply with my lifelong commitment to equipping educators and students with the tools to build resilience, foster belonging, and nurture mental health through authentic connection and evidence-based practice.

Chief Education Officer
Education Advisors LLC
New York, NY

Dr. Kimberley Markus

As an educator committed to transformation and healing-centered leadership I am deeply passionate about serving on a board dedicated to mental health, wellness, and social-emotional learning (SEL) because I have seen firsthand the transformative power these areas have on individuals and communities. Throughout my career in education and leadership, I've witnessed how mental health and SEL are foundational to not only academic success but to personal growth and overall well-being. 

Serving on this board would allow me to contribute my expertise in creating spaces of belonging as well as inclusive, supportive systems that recognize the diverse needs of individuals. My commitment to promoting equity aligns with the belief that access to mental health resources and SEL education should be available to all, regardless of background. I am driven by the potential to help shape policies and practices that prioritize holistic wellness, and I am eager to collaborate with others who share this commitment to building healthier, more emotionally aware communities.

Director, Diversity, Equity, and Belonging
Syracuse City School District
Syracuse, NY

Dr. Reba Hodge

I am excited to serve on Open Parachute's Board of Advisors because I believe that a whole school approach to mental health is essential for ensuring students are emotionally prepared to learn and reach their full potential. Throughout my career, I've supported school leaders, teachers, and staff while implementing digital platforms, witnessing how well-developed programs can directly impact student engagement and outcomes. Open Parachute?�s mission to create generational change through tiered mental health curriculum resources for pre-K to grade 12 resonates with my commitment to fostering comprehensive mental health support. Their evidence-based programs and authentic peer role modeling provide essential skills for students while equipping teachers and parents with valuable resources. I look forward to contributing my expertise to help advance Open Parachute?�s mission of empowering schools with innovative well-being programs that ensure students thrive both emotionally and academically.

Assistant Superintendent for Instruction
Gates Chili Central School District
Gates Chili, NY

Troy Olin

I choose to serve on the advisory board for Open Parachute because of my deep commitment to educating and empowering the whole child. I believe that true learning goes beyond academics, it is about equipping students with the tools to understand, express, and navigate their emotions in healthy and constructive ways. Open Parachute aligns with my vision of creating a world where every child feels seen, supported, and capable of building resilience, connection, and confidence. Through this work, I am honored to contribute to shaping environments where children can thrive both emotionally and academically.

Open Parachute Board of Advisors

Meet our Board of Advisors

Dr. Robert C. Chalwell Jr.

Tanya Wilson-Thevanesan, Ed.D.

Scott Frauenheim

Dr. Kimberley Markus

Dr. Reba Hodge

Troy Olin

LaShundra Wilson

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