Jen Gibson, Co-Founder
WHAT CAN I ASK JEN ABOUT?
Sales Strategy | Implementation | Customer Journies Tacos | Professional Development | Project Management Connecting Awesome People | RFPs | Talent Retention
With more than 25 years of experience in education, public policy, edtech, and K12 business development, Jen specializes in strategic thinking and unique approaches to work on behalf of Buoy’s clients. Jen is a partner to clients with a passion for learning, combined with innovative strategies that provide growth opportunities, powerfully designed programs, future visioning, diagnostics and analytics that drive success.
Jen’s education background includes service in public education as a teacher, administrator and school board member. Additionally, she was a faculty member at Chapman University’s teaching credential program. Jen has participated as an active member on a number of boards and associations with a mission for education.
Before co-launching Buoy Consultants, Jen co-founded PD Learning Network, a platform for online professional development services for K12 educators, was the Chief Learning Officer for Lesson Planet and provided strategic consulting services for Districts and Organizations.
Jen earned her M.A. in holds an M.A. in Teaching with a focus on technology from Chapman University.
Cate Tolnai, Co-Founder
WHAT CAN I ASK CATE ABOUT?
Professional Development & Implementation | Strategy Speaking & Keynotes | Organization | Chips & Salsa
Partnership | Gamification | Leadership & Empowerment
In her 17th year in education, Cate Tolnai’s professional experience spans strategic social marketing and communications, customer engagement, K-12 education, and both district and county level administration. As co-founder of Buoy Consultants, her deep interest in professional learning and development coupled with her communication skills positions her to successfully partner with both private and public clients.
Cate’s education background includes classroom instruction, teacher-leadership, and administration. She served on regional non-profit boards for educational technology integration and infrastructure. She currently works as Adjunct Faculty at the Krause Center for Innovation at Foothills College supporting online and blended learning needs of professional educators and presents on these topics regularly.
Cate’s recent co-authored publication, “Power Up Your Classroom: Reimagine Learning Through Gameplay,” (ISTE, 2019) presents frameworks for learning engagement and instructional design. She works to deepen the perceived value of instructional play, game-based learning, and exploration for both K-16 and adult learners.
Cate earned her M.A. in Teaching from the University of San Francisco. Her post-graduate studies in marketing strategy (Cornell, 2017) and educational technology (Boise State University, 2013) arm Cate with a specific skill set that helps her connect to her clients’ needs and assist them as they take their next professional step.
