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:
co-founder & director of digital
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, Massachusetts Film Office, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 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:
co-founder & director of learning
After a wonderful experience in the classroom as a learner, Sandra couldn’t wait to experience it 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.
While teaching, Sandra fell in love with place-based learning and looked for every opportunity to take learning beyond the four walls of the classroom. Whether it’s a school, museum, local library, or a city organization, she believes every space can become a playground for learning. Her goal? To embed game-based learning into every experience so seamlessly that you don’t even realize you’re learning.
In 2022, Sandra moved full-time into curriculum design and development, staying current and innovative in her love for outside-the-box learning experiences. Sandra has two curious kids who inspire her work on a daily basis - and yes, she also uses them as beta testers!
…and of course,
our astonishing board members
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Karen Bresnahan
Karen Bresnahan is a retired executive producer who worked in the Boston media, K-12 education, and gaming community for over 40 years. Karen’s professional goal was always to educate all learners in appealing, relevant ways, starting when she became a science teacher. After attending graduate school in communications, she created learning programs for organizations from NASA to Mass General Hospital to Boston Harbor Islands. Karen executive produced learning games for MIT, Carnegie Hall, the New England Aquarium, and PBS among others. She had the ability to manage a production team in ways that kept projects on schedule and budget, and result in creative and engaging learning experiences. Karen now enjoys retirement by learning every day, walking near the ocean, practicing yoga, and listening to rock music with roots in the ‘50s. Not to mention being a mentor and board member at gamepossible learning!
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Brian Grossman
Brian Grossman is one of those humans that is so humble he doesn’t even want to write his own bio. But he is also one of those humans who should be standing on the rooftop yelling about how insanely talented and brilliant he is. Because he is! Brian believes, REALLY believes, in educational technology and the positive effects that technology can have on learning. A double major at MIT, Brian’s learning journey as a student of computer science turned into a lifetime dedication to using technology in education. And his illustrious career with technical director, engineering, and teaching positions at MIT, Harvard Graduate School of Education, Fablevision, Boston University, and Seesaw shows this dedication to learners of all ages.
Brian has three remarkably talented young adult children and has been in love with his incredible wife since they were in the 6th grade. Those of us at gamepossible learning hope that we can convince him to love us for that long, too! -
Sadaf Hoda Weisenfeld
Sadaf Hoda Weisenfeld is the CEO of Sage Science Inc., where she’s on a mission to make molecular biology workflows less of a pain and a lot more precise. Since taking the helm in 2022, she’s been leading the charge to help scientists get better data, faster—with fewer headaches and more “aha!” moments.
Before stepping into the top spot, Sadaf built a career that zigzagged through clinical research, biotech innovation, and drug discovery. She kicked things off at Massachusetts General Hospital, tracking down genetic mutations linked to rare metabolic disorders—basically molecular detective work. From there, she dove into early-stage tech development at US Genomics and Ribonovix, where she got hands-on with some seriously cool science.
Sadaf joined Sage Science in 2009 and has been driving innovation ever since. Equal parts scientist and strategist, Sadaf is all about turning complex lab challenges into elegant, user-friendly solutions that raise the bar for research around the world.
Outside the lab (yes, she does leave it occasionally), Sadaf serves as Treasurer of Lynnfield for Love, a grassroots group promoting diversity, kindness, and justice in her community. She’s thrilled to join the board at Game Possible Learning, where the team pushes boundaries of what education can be—hopefully with fewer textbooks and more imagination.
Sadaf lives north of Boston with her husband, their daughter, and three spirited cats.