Our StaffWe are proud of our history, committed to providing a great workplace for our loyal employees, and dedicated to providing clients with the highest quality products and services to meet the technology and training needs of their organization. Here are the people who make Seward a success: “Often organizations focus all of their energies on the development of eLearning. They assume that once the product is completed everything else will take care of itself. This is an unwise path. So, I educate organizations about the lifecycle of eLearning products.”
Interact with Greg: Slideshare, LinkedIn, Delicious Bookmarks Vicky FrankPresident Vicky has over 25 years’ experience in the area of business operations, marketing, and technology. Vicky works with corporate, non-profit, and educational organizations to expand and improve their use of information technology and, especially, the Internet. Since 1995, Vicky has overseen the design, development, and implementation of hundreds of information technology projects that support organizational growth, increase communication, promote training and education, and increase productivity. “Improved and expanded use of the Internet translates into better business, with more measureable results, at a more affordable price. Better qualified prospects, better prepared employees, quicker acquisition of customers, better customer relationships, and more valuable feedback that can be built back into the business strategy are the outcomes clients expect from Seward Inc.”
Interact with Vicky: Follow on Twitter, Slideshare, LinkedIn, Delicious Bookmarks Matt Finholt-DanielDirector of Technology Matt leads Seward’s technology team in the development of web-based systems for the creation and delivery of training and education, web-based business applications, and data-driven web sites. Matt also oversees development of Seward’s line of technology products designed for the academic and corporate markets. "Technology, when applied appropriately, can transform even the most complicated process into an intuitive and efficient experience. I ensure that our clients realize this end through the detailed analysis of their needs and by carefully crafting the most technologically appropriate solution."
Melanie RudaSenior Instructional Designer Melanie has 25 years of experience in education and instructional technology. She has designed and developed interactive multimedia training for the corporate market and educational software for grades K-8. Melanie has worked on projects for Ideal Learning, Reality Interactive, General Motors, Sundstrand Aerospace, Medtronic, Thomson University, Target, American Medical Systems, and the MN Department of Public Safety. "As an instructional designer, I see myself as an advocate for the learner. Two questions I return to again and again during the development process are these: 'What does the learner need to be able to do when they're finished?' and 'How can I clear the path to make learning efficient, effective, and engaging?'."
David Porcaro “There is great power in technology to transform the lives of people around the world and connect them in meaningful ways. But it has to be done right. For education this means collaborating to create new ways of teaching and learning, not simply forcing teachers to adopt ill-fitted designs. In my work I constantly seek ways to reach that level of collaboration with clients and partnering organizations, so that we can both learn together.”
Absalom PhiriMalawi Senior Teacher Training Advisor 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. "I am excited to combine my skills as a teacher educator, training manager, and experience in organizing professional development for primary school teachers for the Malawi project”
Steve SharraMalawi Education Specialist Steve is a teacher educator and a peace educator with research and teaching interests in teacher autobiography, critical literacy, gender studies, peace studies, and African studies. His teaching includes primary school in Malawi, and teacher education, peace studies and academic writing in a number of universities and colleges in the United States. A social media enthusiast, Steve follows Malawian bloggers, and posts on several blogs covering critical pedagogy, social justice and Pan-African issues. "My passion is working with teachers and social justice activists. I believe that all education should be peace education, promoting what I term 'global uMunthu-peace' at all levels from pre-school to the university classroom. And I believe teachers must be at the center of that effort." Master KaluluMalawi Education Specialist Master is a teacher educator and instructional materials developer. His teaching experience includes teacher training at both primary and secondary levels. He is a trained in-service teacher education facilitator. Master has 12 years experience managing non-governmental organization projects. He worked on high profile USAID–funded projects such as Quality Education through Supporting Teaching (QUEST), Malawi Education Support Activity (MESA), and Malawi Teacher Training Activity (MTTA). "My interest is in developing teachers and learners to be continuous and practical learners. I believe that with the rapid change in knowledge and technology, schools should be places for ‘learning to learn.’" Nick WanserskiGraphic Designer 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. "The visual dimension of any project is intensely important. A graphic interface can be bold and decisive, vitalizing a project; or it can be subtle and unobtrusive, working best by not dominating important information. My goals as a designer are creating visuals that whether they speak loudly or speak quietly, speak to the client."
Brian ThompsonProgrammer Brian constantly evaluates his development process to find the best approach for each project. Recent projects include work on Minnesota Transfer, a website for college transfer resources for Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU); The First 4000 Words, a multimedia system for ensuring that students in grades 1-4 incorporate the 4,000 most frequent words into their listening vocabularies; and Virtual Patient Clinician Training, a site aimed at training clinicians in the use of medical devices. "I'm constantly growing as a developer at Seward. Every new project impels me to expand my programming skills, whether it be picking up a new language, using new techniques in a language I already know, or even simply learning more about packaged web programming libraries."
Paul JohnsonProgrammer 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. "I love programming because it is a creation process: you start with nothing but a blank page and maybe some help from what another programmer did and build a useful application that will enrich the life of someone else." Susan SoppelandOffice Administrator 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. "I enjoy getting to know and working with Seward’s clients, helping make projects work behind the scenes."
Jessica BrysonReceptionist / Administrative Assistant 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. "I enjoy meeting Seward’s clients and contributing to projects."
Administrative Assistant – Malawi office 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. "My passion is assisting our CPD Project clients and smooth running of my office responsibilities is my everyday energizer.”
Administrative Assistant 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. "I enjoy working with the Seward family. I find great satisfaction in helping clients and working towards a meaningful cause such as furthering global education."
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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
