Our StaffFor communities around the world to achieve sustained economic growth, social development, and poverty reduction, education is critical. Since 2000, our staff and alliance partners have been working to help individuals and communities achieve these ends through the design and development of customized learning solutions. Here are the people who make Seward International a success:
Greg's entire adult life has been devoted to education. This includes nine years as an elementary school teacher in rural Alaska and twelve years as a university professor teaching instructional design and technology. He left his tenured university faculty position to found and run Seward in 1995. Through Seward he has had the opportunity to work on curriculum development, teacher training, and technology integration and evaluation in Asia, Oceania, North America, and Africa. Greg has a B.Ed. in Elementary Education from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, a M.Ed. in Mathematics Education from Miami University and a Ph.D. in Instructional Design and Technology from the University of Minnesota. Interact with Greg: Slideshare, LinkedIn, Delicious Bookmarks
Vicky has over 25 years' experience in international business, business management, and marketing management. She has held senior management positions in multinational companies engaged in international shipping, highperformance computing, and worldwide food distribution. At Seward, Vicky works K-12 and higher education institutions to embrace the use of technology for distance learning, support teacher professional development, and engage students in the new venue of social learning. Vicky received a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Minnesota where she also studied French and Russian. Interact with Vicky: Follow on Twitter, Slideshare, LinkedIn, Delicious Bookmarks Matt Finholt-Daniel is a systems analyst and computer programmer proficient in many programming languages, development tools and environments. He has led the company's development efforts for a range of clients, including projects for use in Africa and throughout the Pacific region. For example, Matt provided professional development for teachers in the Republic of Palau, teaching them how to use digital cameras and digital video, and how to publish their work on the Internet. Matt holds a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota.
Melanie has over 25 years of experience in education and instructional technology. She began her career as an elementary school teacher and later taught literacy skills to adults. In her current role with Seward, Melanie has designed elearning and printbased curricula for K12 students and teachers, as well as for adults in business settings. Among her projects, she coordinated the development of a DVDbased teacher training program for school leaders in the Marshall Islands. Melanie holds a B.A. in Elementary Education from the College of St. Catherine and an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instructional Systems from the University of Minnesota.
David Porcaro
Absalom has 29 years of experience in teaching primary school students and training teachers in Malawi. He was a science teacher trainer at Malawi’s Primary Teachers’ Colleges for 15 years. Most recently, he served in Malawi’s Ministry of Education as the training manager for secondary school science and mathematics teachers. Absalom will be leading Seward’s teacher training efforts for the Malawi Teacher Professional Development Support project.
Nick creates compelling designs and illustrations for Seward clients. He realizes project concepts with energy, elegance, and efficiency. Attention to detail and creativity are hallmarks of his work for Seward clients. Nick holds a B.A. in Fine Arts from the University of Minnesota.
Brian constantly evaluates his development process to find the best approach for each project. Recent projects include developing a Learning Content Management System for the Sultanate of Oman, Ministry of Education. Brian graduated with a B.S. in computer science from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Paul has worked in a variety of different industries designing, implementing and supporting software: airline accounting, mainframe support, medical devices, energy trading, and now, educational software. Paul finds Seward a rewarding environment that fosters personal initiative and creative thinking.
Susan keeps the office running smoothly for Seward clients and employees. She has over 25 years of experience in office management, accounting, and administration. Before Seward, Susan worked in the building management, new home construction, and remodeling industries.
Jessica brings efficiency and professionalism to Seward’s office operations. She has lived and traveled abroad in London and Oxford. Before Seward, Jessica held administrative positions in the accounting and financial planning industries. She is working on her bachelor’s degree in business management.
Elizabeth Banda Elizabeth ensures the effective and efficient coordination of Seward Inc’s administrative and financial matters in the Malawi office. She tracks and reconciles Continuous Professional Development (CPD) project related expenses besides liaising with clients and District Education Offices in Malawi. With a business administration background among her many qualifications, Elizabeth provided outstanding service to United Nations and European Union funded programs, before coming to Seward Inc. She also boasts of vast experience in local Non-Governmental Organizations in Malawi.
Faisal Al Hinai Faisal brings organization to Seward's administration and assists employees with client operations. He recently graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Economics and Political Science. He is originally from Oman, and provides support for Seward projects in the Middle East. |
Seward Incorporated
Greg Sales
Vicky Frank
Matt Finholt-Daniel
Melanie Ruda
Absalom Phiri
Steve Sharra
Master Kalulu
Nick Wanserski
Brian Thompson
Paul Johnson
Susan Soppeland
Jessica Bryson
