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What We Do

We break down ideas floating around parenting circles and educator professional networks into digestible and actionable resources. Check out the KEN Blog for the latest topics and discussions.

What We Believe

Click through the slides to learn about why we do the work we do and the purpose of the Knowledge Exchange Network (KEN).

Bridging the Gap:

Learning from Each Other

Caregivers and educators each possess unique knowledge and expertise that, when combined, can significantly enhance the holistic development of children. Parents and other caregivers bring experiential and intuitive wisdom, understanding their children’s needs, strengths, and challenges on a personal level. Educators offer professional insights into child and adolescent development, grounded in research and practical experience in academic settings.

The K.E.N. Behind KEN

Dr. Kristen Ellison Nguyen

KEN was founded by Dr. Kristen Ellison Nguyen (she/her). Dr. Nguyen has worn many hats as an educator, including classroom teaching (grades 3-12), curriculum development, and instructional coaching. She is currently the manager of curriculum and professional learning at Success Bound, a company enhancing the middle school experience in partnership with educators. Previously, she supported the Chicago Public School district as a social and emotional learning (SEL) instructional specialist.

 

She earned a bachelor of arts in English for secondary education from Grand Valley State University in Michigan, a master of arts in adventure/experiential education from Prescott College in Arizona, and a doctor of education from Northeastern University in Boston.  In March 2023, just a month after successfully defending her doctoral dissertation, Dr. Nguyen took on an even greater challenge: motherhood.

 

In the sleep-deprived and emotionally-draining months after the arrival of her daughter, Dr. Nguyen realized that being a parent provided some unexpected and invaluable lessons for her professional life. And now, she is finding that skills she learned in the classroom come in handy when negotiating with a toddler!  This adventure is ultimately what inspired Dr. Nguyen to create the Knowledge Exchange Network, where she could blend the wisdom gained from both roles and connect with others doing the good work of teaching and raising our young people.​

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​To consult or collaborate with Dr. Nguyen, contact us today. 

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