Celebrating our 40th year in 2020
Project Think is a non-profit organization, committed to supporting and enriching the lives of children in the surrounding communities through excellence in education.
Project THINK was founded in 1980 by master educators Kay Conley, MS and Susan Warren, Ph.D. with the goal of academically motivating students. Ms. Conley retired in 2015 but Dr. Warren still has direct involvement and participation in all aspects of the program. She has over 40 years of experience as a teacher and administrator at the TK-12 and university levels and understands the importance education has on helping all children reach their full potential.
Included in the mission of Project Think is the goal of preparing students for the school year ahead, excelling them beyond their grade level, and motivating them to love learning. Dr. Warren believes in offering the best education to students by providing credentialed teachers who are hand selected based on their experience, expertise, accomplishments, and ability to engage all learners through exceptional classroom curriculum and instruction.
Project Think Rocks!
But don't just take our word for it...
Students Love
Project Think
"The teachers and staff are really nice. I've learned a lot of new things at Project Think, especially in the computer, drama, art and language arts classes. I also love the mystery animal of the week!"
- Lena Shapiro, 5th Grade
- Lena Shapiro, 5th Grade
Dr. Susan Warren
Project Think Co-Founder and Director
Developing, inspiring, teaching, and directing children and educational research, curriculum and courses for over
40 years.
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Served 22 years as a K-8 teacher, mentor teacher, and principal in 3 Southern California districts
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Developed MA programs in Education and taught MA & Doctoral Courses 17 years at Claremont Graduate University (CGU) and Azusa Pacific University
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Trained school administrators and provided science professional development to schools in two state programs
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Serves as a senior research associate at CGU evaluating education programs in TK-12 and higher education institutions
Meet The Master Educators
Project Think is proud of its highly qualified teachers, administrators, and support staff who are not only content experts but understand how to engage and excite all children. The program is supervised by a diverse staff comprised of teachers and administrators with advanced degrees and/or credentials from the State of California, trained and experienced instructional assistants, friendly office staff, and gifted high school volunteers. All employees are screened and undergo a background check as part of the selection process.
Darren Alcala
Darren Alcala
Technology Advisor
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Taught elementary over 15 years, Leads Technology at his district as a coach, Selected as Teacher of the Year twice, instructed computer & makerspace classes at Project THINK over 10 years
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Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, Administrative Credential, MA in Education, Selected 2 years as Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert
Mary Lucas
Advanced Thinkers
A.M. & P.M. Drama Teacher
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Taught Drama and Film Studies for 8 Years
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· Directed and produced 4 Full-Length Youth Musical Theater Productions
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· Is new to Project Think but excited to join this wonderful program
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· Over two decade of performance experience and directing in San Diego, Orange County, and Los Angeles
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· Professional performer at Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood
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· BA in Theater, MA in Film Studies
Zef Neemuchwala
Advanced Thinkers
Technology Coordinator
A.M. & P.M. Computer & Makerspace Classes
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Founded, directs, and instructs – Be a Maker Club, Upland, CA – children’s makerspace that teaches STEAM through making
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Consulted on gamification for education technology
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MS with Distinction in Design and Manufacture, MBA, awards for teaching at University of Leeds, UK
Erick Lenaburg
Young Thinkers Technology Coordinator
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Taught K-6 over 12 years, current technology coach at his elementary school, selected as his school district’s 2017 Teacher of the Year
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Multiple subject teaching credential, MA in Education, & BA in Graphic Design
Susan Rogers
Young Thinkers
Art Specialist
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Instructed children and adults in mixed media & paper crafts and Young THINKERS at Project THINK
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BA in Fine Arts with an emphasis in drawing and painting, BA in Art History, Certification in Textile & Surface Design
Joatomis Stevenson
Advanced Thinkers
A.M. & P.M. Makerspace Instructor
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Taught various Makerspace classes at Be a Maker Cluband Project THINK
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Master prototyper/developer with experience designing complex physical product systems such as commercial electric vehicle charging stations
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Studied Mechanical Engineering at the university
Yash Gupta
Advanced Thinkers
A.M. Computer Teacher
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Taught projects incorporating electronics, crafts, and sculpting in several children’s educational programs
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Creative instructor and former user experience designer for Esri whose GIS software will be used in the a.m. computer class
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BA in Fine Arts
Ian Kirkpatrick
Advanced Thinkers
Art Teacher
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Taught art to children and adults over 5 years at Purple Easel Studios and Project THINK
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BA in Illustration, Awarded Best Print Ad Campaign by Applied Arts Magazine, Featured artists at the Academy of Arts University