LAUNCH PAD TEAM
Michael Conley
Director
Encouraging and building up people is at the foundation of all I do. Being in the moment, content with who you are and what you have, always looking for ways to make an impact on people is my life's aim. Launch Pad is a vision that has invited others to contribute and build opportunity that didn't previously exist. I'm excited about the future because of who I'm surrounded by. Join us in using your talents, skills, finances and gifts for the betterment of our communities.
Jessica Freeborn
Creative
I used to “play school” as a little girl and have always wanted to be a teacher because I love education, hand-crafting things, and being creative. I officially became a teacher when we decided to homeschool our two boys four years ago. Community was lacking in our homeschool experience, so I created a family forest school three years ago for children of all ages and their families. I am a certified herbalist, professional forager and fermenter, forest school educator, and formulator of wild-harvested herbal remedies. My mission is to connect people to wild plants to help heal the planet. I teach all about the edible and medicinal wild, native plants, harvest sustainably, and how to work with them.
Dan Pankratz
Challenge
Dan started his first company at 19 years old and has been an entrepreneur ever since. He is motivated by creating a company culture that would change people’s lives. Starting a business was more than just Profit and Loss it was making a difference. This is the same motivation Dan has with being a part of Launch pad. Dan’s vision is to build a nurturing and inspiring culture that will empower students to reach their full potential.
Dan is a true believer in the power of passion. Wherever he goes, passion leads the way. He approaches challenges with unwavering determination and will guide his students through obstacles so they will celebrate their achievements with thunderous applause. A father of two boys and two beautiful girls, some may say he’s crazy, but he knocks it up to healthy dose of passion and a good night’s sleep.
Erin Mayberry
1st and 2nd
My passion for education led me to Cal Poly to study Human Development with a concentration in early childhood education. After a few years in education, we started our family and decided to homeschool our children. After twenty-three years homeschooling our three children, I have completed that calling. I have discovered that I still have a passion for teaching. I love to do hands on projects that instill a love of learning in children. I look forward to being able to continue to do that with Launch Pad. In my free time I enjoy gardening, journaling, and walking on the beach with my husband.
Jared Olson
Collaboration
In my free time, I am a Senior Program Quality Engineer for Raytheon Intelligence & Space. I graduated from Cal Poly with my undergrad in industrial engineering and political science and my Master's degree in industrial engineering. I've especially loved working with kids and teaching them about how the world works ever since I started volunteering with AWANA in 2006. In my teaching, I embrace Cal Poly's "Learn By Doing" motto to help kids learn how to work together to overcome challenges while we have fun tackling complex STEM projects together.
Mary Ellen Pankratz
Creative
Bio Soon!