Two Roads, One Epic Journey
A family adventure of innovation, transformation, and a dream that became reality
Shared Beginnings
We were raised in a home where service wasn't just something you did — it was something you lived.
Our mom, the founder of Heart of the Hamptons, showed us how to serve others with humility and heart.
Our dad spent 13 years on the local school board, making sure every student had a voice.
From them, we learned that education is not about test scores — it's about showing up, caring deeply, and building a better future for every child.
Brian's Path — The EdTech Pioneer
What began as a student council advisor role blossomed into a journey of educational innovation. I found my passion in bringing technology and authentic service learning together.
I accepted a position helping launch a new international school in Global Education City, Jeju Island, South Korea, where I completed my Master's in Educational Technology.
My student council leadership experience shaped how I approached education abroad—focusing on student agency, real-world impact, and technology integration.
During the pandemic, I leveraged both my student leadership background and tech expertise to build the International School of America, helping families worldwide navigate a new world of learning.
Jeff's Path — The Coach & Leader
For over 25 years, Jeff has blended classroom teaching with athletic coaching and educational leadership, building deep roots in our community.
As both a dedicated teacher and transformative coach, he developed a unique approach to meeting students where they are and bringing out their best.
His leadership extended beyond the classroom into curriculum development and professional mentorship, always guided by the principle that every child deserves personalized attention.
Through years of coaching athletics, Jeff mastered the art of building confidence, teamwork, and resilience—skills that translate perfectly to effective learning experiences.
Two Roads Converge
Brian's edtech innovation and student leadership expertise converged with Jeff's coaching methodology and educational leadership experience.
The pandemic became our catalyst—revealing both the gaps in education and the possibilities for something better.
With the award-winning ISA Library behind us, we created The Giving Classroom—merging Jeff's classroom and coaching wisdom with Brian's edtech and service learning approach.
Our complementary journeys—one steeped in community connection, one exploring global education—created the perfect foundation for our shared vision.
Our Vision for Personalized Learning
We laid out our vision for what personalized learning could look like. This vision would eventually become the foundation of The Giving Classroom's approach to education—combining Jeff's coaching methodology with Brian's edtech and service learning expertise.
This isn't just a curriculum. It's our promise — to students, families, tutors, and every learner looking for a better way. A promise built on the perfect blend of coaching wisdom, EdTech innovation, and service learning.