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Meet the team
Keith Ahrens
I strive to develop partnerships with schools, administrators and teachers so we can collaborate to positively impact children. As an educational consultant for over 20 years, I bring a wealth of experience and resources to help educators with almost any challenge. I live in the Fox Valley with my wife Elisa. My two daughters Olivia and Andie are current students at University of Wisconsin La Crosse. Growing up in Wisconsin I have a good handle on our school systems, budgets, and educational priorities. I pride myself in taking the time to listen to your needs, understand your goals and recommend the right resources. If I don't have them, I'll refer you to someone that does.
Sean Carosello
Growing up in a family of teachers, I have always believed in the valuable and essential work done in the classroom. I have spent the last 12 years as a dedicated partner to the educators I work with, providing solutions to help them realize the goals they have set for their students' success. As a lifelong learner (and voracious reader) myself, I am deeply passionate about education in all of the forms it takes, and understand that instruction is not a "one size fits all" endeavor. I am committed to connecting you with the resources you need to build our future.
Jim Burnette
I started my career in educational publishing over 30 years ago. Shortly after graduating from East Carolina University, I reentered the world of classroom instruction and have never left. Though I have served in a variety of roles in the publishing industry, none have given me the personal satisfaction of helping a teacher impart the love of learning to a child. I realized that working with only one publisher limited the range of resources I could offer schools. As a result, I founded Grace Educational Resources in 2007 with the mission to provide the best educational resources and support their implementation. Our partnership with Ahrens Education Group greatly enhances our product offerings in the area of handwriting, literacy and mathematics. My wife and I live in Chicago and our daughter, Grace, is in her second year at DePaul University.
Melissa Hoff
When I was young, I knew I wanted to be a teacher and a Mom. I have a degree in Exceptional Education with a Specialization in Emotional Disturbance. Over the course of 25 years I have taught in the Appleton Area School District as an Autism Specialist, stayed at home with my girls, worked as a Behavioral Consultant at a facility for children and adults with special needs, and a Parent Educator for a nonprofit organization. Working for Ahrens Education Group allows me to feel connected to education and family. I have two daughters; Olivia (19) attends UW-LaCrosse and Evelyn (16) is a Sophomore in high school. Last but not least, we have Rue (10), our German Short Haired Pointer.