who is gamepossible learning?
The short answer? Sandra Schwarzkopf, Kate Cotter, and a curated network of designers, developers, and dreamers. We met in Salem, Massachusetts, home of Halloween and Friendship (no, really!), and we finally figured out what we want to be when we grow up! The idea for gamepossible learning was born at a local coffee shop, when Sandra and Kate met to casually discuss some workshops. Sparks flew, jaws dropped, plans were made, and here we are!
kate cotter:
Kate’s first laptop was the size of a suitcase with a teensy green screen. She was 6 years old. Back then the best thing on that “laptop” was Space Invaders—a pretty damn good game, but it was the only game. Which was stupid. So Kate started out in digital media making games. Really fun educational games.
Kate spent the next decade producing and managing large, multifaceted digital media projects for clients including Simon & Schuster, Crayola, The National Archives, Boston Children’s Hospital, Leapfrog, and Sesame Workshop. And then Kate moved into digital marketing, and spent the last 10+ years learning everything there is to know about how to get all those amazing works to their intended audiences. She implemented marketing strategies for clients such as Weill-Cornell Medical School, Hologic, YMCA of Greater Boston, BioGen and many more.
Kate’s favorite part of all of this? Working closely with clients to make sure the overall vision and strategic end goals are aligned and seamlessly achieved. And when she’s not doing that she’s driving her two hilarious kiddos around, riding horses, and sometimes even playing Space Invaders.
sandra schwarzkopf:
After a wonderful experience in the classroom as a learner, Sandra couldn’t wait to stay there as a teacher. She taught at the high school level for over 10 years with a focus in social studies and civic responsibility, over the years also becoming an expert in the glory of teenage-hood. Sandra was appointed the Technology Integration Specialist and spent years evaluating and implementing software both school and district-wide, working closely with administrators and teachers in how to effectively use technology in the classroom. Sandra prides herself on her relationships with both her students and her colleagues and still meets with former students as they make their way through college and beyond.
In 2022, Sandra moved full-time into curriculum development, staying current and innovative in her love for game-based learning while adding real-world applications and opportunities for students to engage with the community. Her ability to create an honest, fun classroom where students want to spend their time is reflected in all of Sandra’s work, and she wouldn’t want it any other way.
Sandra has two incredible kids who inspire her work on a daily basis and yes, she also uses them as beta testers!