ABOUT TINKRWORKS
Our Approach
OUR APPROACH
Built on project-based learning theory
Target CCSS, NGSS, and CSTA learning objectives
Engineered to engage students in unprecedented ways
Our Approach
OUR APPROACH
TinkRworks is a K-8 supplemental STEAM solution for educators that provides standards-rich curriculum and hands-on project kits designed to transform learners into innovators.
To transform learners into innovators and create opportunities for all children to envision themselves as future STEAM leaders by providing educators with quality resources to effectively deliver STEAM to their students.
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Foundational Principles
OUR FIVE CORE BELIFES
STEAM IS ESSENTIAL
EFFECTIVE TEACHING IS KEY
FAILURE CAN BE PRODUCTIVE
SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL LEARNING MATTERS
THE FUTURE NEEDS PROBLEM SOLVERS
Our Leadership Team
OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Dr. Anu Mahajan | Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Anu Mahajan is the co-founder and CEO of TinkRworks, an organization focused on providing exceptional and enriching STEAM programs for our children that allow them to reinforce and augment foundational concepts taught by our wonderful and dedicated school teachers. Academically, Dr. Mahajan has a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and an M.B.A. Prior to TinkRworks, Dr. Mahajan led innovation teams at Owens Corning and served in senior executive roles in a couple of different healthcare companies. Dr. Mahajan also spent several years in the world of management consulting, including time with McKinsey & Company where he focused on serving high-tech clients and also clients who used “big data analytics” to make decisions. Outside of work, Dr. Mahajan LOVES (triple underlined) to spend time with his wife and two kids, most notably on Sunday mornings watching Formula 1 grand-prix races and cheering on Scuderia Ferrari.
Gil Levendel | Co-Founder and Chief Product & Technology Officer
Gil is the co-founder and Chief Product & Technology Officer of TinkRworks. As a child, Gil loved building. He often stacked wood blocks into tall, complex structures (which his older sister would invariably topple, probably on purpose). He also built all sorts of self-designed contraptions using Lego Technics parts, often sending instant photos of his models to Lego for their review and then hoping for their inclusion into a future Lego set. One day while he was playing with his Legos, his older sister came home from school with an assignment that required help. As their dad and she worked together, Gil observed their interaction and immediately became interested in the subject matter—computer programming.
Phil Stevens | Director of Operations
Phil has a wealth of hands-on experience shaping and transforming ideas across different industries and has grown multiple start-ups into highly successful large companies, but it is his deep knowledge of and passion for education that led him to TinkRworks. Outside of work, Phil believes that nothing can top traveling and spending time with his family. He has a strong interest in all things sports and has never turned down a day on the golf course.
Jeff Bonebrake | Director of Sales
Jeff is a former high school history teacher and successful baseball and basketball coach with his MA in American History and an MBA. After 10 years as a sales leader and manager in Ed Tech, he joined the TinkRworks team to support educators by providing easy-to-implement STEM/STEAM resources. Outside of the office, Jeff loves to watch sports, especially college football, and cheer on his favorite teams from the stands during football season (Roll Tide!). He also enjoys coaching his son in youth sports and spending time with his family.
Ketki Shah | Implementation Manager
From childhood, Ketki’s father instilled the importance of learning and the right to education for social and economic growth. This, along with volunteering at schools and being a mom, inspired her to bring STEAM education to students at an early age. Her experience in engineering, managing, and passion for education is what led her to TinkRworks. She enjoys supporting STEAM learning and believes in TinkRworks vision to transform learners into innovators. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, baking with her kids, and exploring different cuisines in Chicago.
Brian Sorich | Product Development Manager
Brian’s passion for tinkering started when he was a kid in his family’s workshop. After earning degrees in Physics and Materials Engineering, he found his way back to the shop where he collaborated with family and friends on projects and continued to build on his experience with new tools and technology. What started as tinkering evolved into a love for product development and design. His goal is to make TinkRworks projects and curriculum approachable, impactful, and accessible to all students and educators. Outside of the shop Brian enjoys golf, tennis, and experimenting in the kitchen.
Bethany Henderson | Marketing Manager
Bethany received her bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management from Indiana University and has a background in art history, museum studies, and photography. After 8 years in marketing communications for various organizations, she joined the TinkRworks team for the opportunity to support educators and young learners. As an art lover, her favorite part of STEAM is the “A” and her favorite STEAM innovator (and Ninja Turtle) is Renaissance artist Leonardo Da Vinci. Outside of the office, you’ll find her biking along the lakefront or making pottery.
Briana Tyler | Product Fulfillment Leader
Briana’s enthusiasm for STEAM began early — with math and science being her favorite subjects throughout school. This and her love of problem solving led her to pursue engineering. After earning her master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology, she joined TinkRworks to help provide opportunities for young learners to connect with engineering and develop a passion for STEAM. A longtime team member, Briana started off as an instructor and content developer back when TinkRworks was hosting classes and camps in Hinsdale. Today, she oversees the national and international fulfillment of TinkRworks’ catalog of STEAM project kits. Her favorite project is Smart Lamp because of the linkage to SEL and how the project ties back to students’ self-expression. In her free time, you’ll often find her biking in the city or spending a weekend away camping.
Briana Tyler | Product Fulfillment Lead
In the News
In the News
Partners & Organizations
PARTNERS & ORGANIZATIONS
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In the News
IN THE NEWS
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CAREERS
STEAM EDUCATION BLOG
