The LearnPoint Team
Brian Kissman
Founder & President
Chief Education Officer
Brian Kissman is a passionate creative. To create something out of nothing is what drives him.
A lifelong professional educator, his passion and creativity have brought him expertise for all things best practice literacy and learning.
This project is his magnum opus. The result of decades of research and innovative solutions through the design thinking process, it is a disruptive work aiming to revolutionize literacy and learning worldwide.
Brian is recognized internationally for his expertise, experience, and innovation. He has authored two groundbreaking books for ‘Learning to Read’ and ‘Reading to Learn’ (both praised by Dr. Tim Rasinski, Kent State University, one of the most noted literacy experts in the world).
Phonics Things and Literacy Mats, provide content for the LearnPoint project.
Praveen G Prabhu
Chief Business and Operations Officer
Praveen G Prabhu earned a Master's Degree from the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, India, which according to the Financial Times, The Economist, and Forbes, is the highest-ranked business school in India.
Praveen has 10 years of experience in the Children’s YouTube niche, including guiding the children’s show Gummy Bears to achieve 7 figures annual revenue.
Choy Salonga
Creative Director: Concept & Visual Branding, Graphics & Storyboard Illustrator
Choy has more than 15 years of experience in handling different projects that involve visual designs, illustrations, storyboards for advertisements, film, and documentary.
In 2020, his design for the National Museum of Qatar official mascot was chosen and in 2022, his written story and illustrated comic/manga entry for Qatar-Japan Friendship won 3rd place.
Choy brings vision to life in creative ways. He listens, enhances, and delivers.
Ground Animation Studios
Peter Marszalek, Michael Plängsken, and Florian Siebert
Animation and Film Production
Ground Studios is a visual effects & animation company based in Düsseldorf, Germany.
Founded in 2000, the company specializes in 3D animation, visual effects (VFX), 3D visualization, and virtual reality (VR).
Notable Projects and Collaborations
Ground Studios has worked on various projects, including developing a digital avatar named "Emma" for the technology company Evocento.
Creating the well-known 3D character “Ferdi Fuchs” for Westfälische Fleischwarenfabrik Stockmeyer GmbH. Producing photo-realistic CG images for Boxine’s Tonieboxes. Collaborating on immersive VR experiences, such as a project for Vodafone showcasing 5G technology.
Industry Impact
Ground Studios has made significant contributions to the fields of animation and visual effects, providing high-quality productions that enhance brand storytelling and consumer engagement through innovative technology.
Fusion Design Group, Ltd.
Tim Rogers
Creative Director: Marketing Technologist, SEO Strategist, Web Developer
Tim Rogers is the Owner and Creative Director of Fusion Design Group, a company he founded in 1998 after honing his skills as a designer and Art Director at several prominent advertising agencies. A 1987 graduate of Ferris State University, Tim brings close to four decades of expertise to the fields of graphic and digital design. His talent for developing and leading high-impact projects, including print media, web and online marketing, product brochures, media kits, and comprehensive marketing campaigns, has made him a trusted partner for industry leaders. His portfolio includes multimillion-dollar accounts with globally recognized brands such as Whirlpool, KitchenAid, John Deere, Microsoft, and Honda.
Tim’s vision for Fusion Design Group has always been clear: deliver creative, research-driven solutions that produce measurable results. Under his leadership, Fusion has grown into a full-service graphic and digital design studio, renowned for its collaborative, partnership-first approach to business.
In addition to his work at Fusion, Tim is an active consultant within the graphic design industry and shares his expertise as a digital media production instructor. His industry contributions include beta testing for software giants like Adobe and Macromedia, ensuring tools meet the evolving needs of design professionals.
Shigi Studio
Rrita Reka and Nita Qahili
Coms and Design Studio
SHIGI Studio—founded by Rrita Reka and Nita Qahili—is a Prishtina-based creative powerhouse dedicated to transforming ideas into impactful designs and strategies. By seamlessly blending brand strategy, art direction, and media expertise, SHIGI crafts personalized solutions that bring brands to life.
Driven by creativity, collaboration, and a passion for the unique, SHIGI works closely with clients to develop bold identities and unforgettable experiences. Whether it’s a distinctive brand identity, striking design, or a dynamic media strategy, SHIGI Studio is where ideas take shape and make a lasting impact."
Antonis Ioannidis
Business Advisor
Antonis Ioannidis is a business innovator and entrepreneur. His first venture, Navtech, was bought out by QUALCOMM as a new East Coast Headquarters.
In recent years he served as VP of Development of SAIC's positioning strategy in the FAA through early engagement of customers in areas with potential for growth securing multimillion dollar contracts. He has won multi-million dollar bids for SAIC.
He is an artist; he is a triathlete. He is a diverse lifelong learner.
Martha Cares
Musical Director
Martha Cares believes in the Arts, Education, and Creativity. Since childhood and throughout her life and career, Martha continues to inspire, educate, and spark imagination as a professional vocalist and through her contributions as a visual artist.
Martha’s formal training is highlighted by a Master of Music degree with Distinction from the University of Michigan School of Music in Vocal Performance, she is a Grand Prize winner of the International Bel Canto Opera Competition and studied at the acclaimed Interlochen Arts Academy. Martha is an alumna of the prestigious Lyric Opera Center for American Artists in Chicago.
In addition to performing in opera and concert, Martha’s professional stage career includes singing over 1000 performances on Broadway of the national production of
The Phantom of the Opera, directed by the legendary Harold Prince. She is a Clio Award-winning studio soloist singing in commercials that have aired worldwide. Martha is the solo artist of choice for numerous releases and anthologies distributed and recorded by Hal Leonard Corporation, the largest music publisher in the world.
Tim Rasinski, Ph. D.
Education Content Advisor
Timothy Rasinski, Ph.D. Professor Literacy Education Kent State University Kent, Ohio, USA.
Dr. Rasinski is a leading authority in the United States on teaching reading. He has served on the National Reading Panel and the board of the International Reading Association.
Arthur Stashak
Choreographer / Lead Dancer
Arthur Stashak is an inspired mover. To listen to music and explore the space around him is what has been his motivation throughout his professional career. From classical ballet to modern dance to hip-hop to improvisation, he has developed a wide array of movement techique.
With many years teaching dance to all ages, he has shifted his focus to impassioning children to explore movement. The connection of body and brain is of vital importance as children learn and develop. Dance is what unlocks this creative potential.
Through his professional career in Poland and Germany, Arthur has danced pieces from some of the most prestigious choreographers the profession has to offer including, William Forsythe, Ohad Naharin, Paul Taylor, Martin Schlaepfer, Marius Petipa, George Balanchine, and many more. Currently, he continues as a freelance artist and teacher always searching for new ways to create and move.
Marie Shimada
Choreographer / Lead Dancer
Marie Shimada is a dancer at heart. From the studio to the stage, the transformation of an idea into reality is her passion. Having quite a long and successful career in classical and modern dance the depth of her movement knowledge is immense.
Children are what give the most joy to her. Teaching and understanding what gets them to move and stay engaged has been a driving force throughout her career, as well as future endeavors.
With almost 20 years of professional dance and teaching experience in France, Germany, and Japan, Marie has worked with world renown choreographers such as George Balanchine, William Forsythe, Paul Lightfoot, Martha Graham, Jiri Killian, and many more. Currently, she is solely focused on building the next generation of dancers as a teacher.
Brian Kissman
Founder & President
Chief Education Officer
Brian Kissman is a passionate creative. To create something out of nothing is what drives him.
A lifelong professional educator, his passion and creativity have brought him expertise for all things best practice literacy and learning.
This project is his magnum opus. The result of decades of research and innovative solutions through the design thinking process, it is a disruptive work aiming to revolutionize literacy and learning worldwide.
Brian is recognized internationally for his expertise, experience, and innovation. He has authored two groundbreaking books for ‘Learning to Read’ and ‘Reading to Learn’ (both praised by Dr. Tim Rasinski, Kent State University, one of the most noted literacy experts in the world).
Phonics Things and Literacy Mats, provide content for the LearnPoint project.
Praveen G Prabhu
Chief Business and Operations Officer
Praveen G Prabhu earned a Master's Degree from the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, India, which according to the Financial Times, The Economist, and Forbes, is the highest-ranked business school in India.
Praveen has 10 years of experience in the Children’s YouTube niche, including guiding the children’s show Gummy Bears to achieve 7 figures annual revenue.
Choy Salonga
Creative Director: Concept & Visual Branding, Graphics & Storyboard Illustrator
Choy has more than 15 years of experience in handling different projects that involve visual designs, illustrations, storyboards for advertisements, film, and documentary.
In 2020, his design for the National Museum of Qatar official mascot was chosen and in 2022, his written story and illustrated comic/manga entry for Qatar-Japan Friendship won 3rd place.
Choy brings vision to life in creative ways. He listens, enhances, and delivers.
Ground Animation Studios
Peter Marszalek, Michael Plängsken, and Florian Siebert
Animation and Film Production
Ground Studios is a visual effects & animation company based in Düsseldorf, Germany.
Founded in 2000, the company specializes in 3D animation, visual effects (VFX), 3D visualization, and virtual reality (VR).
Notable Projects and Collaborations
Ground Studios has worked on various projects, including developing a digital avatar named "Emma" for the technology company Evocento.
Creating the well-known 3D character “Ferdi Fuchs” for Westfälische Fleischwarenfabrik Stockmeyer GmbH. Producing photo-realistic CG images for Boxine’s Tonieboxes. Collaborating on immersive VR experiences, such as a project for Vodafone showcasing 5G technology.
Industry Impact
Ground Studios has made significant contributions to the fields of animation and visual effects, providing high-quality productions that enhance brand storytelling and consumer engagement through innovative technology.
Fusion Design Group, Ltd.
Tim Rogers
Creative Director: Marketing Technologist, SEO Strategist, Web Developer
Tim Rogers is the Owner and Creative Director of Fusion Design Group, a company he founded in 1998 after honing his skills as a designer and Art Director at several prominent advertising agencies. A 1987 graduate of Ferris State University, Tim brings close to four decades of expertise to the fields of graphic and digital design. His talent for developing and leading high-impact projects, including print media, web and online marketing, product brochures, media kits, and comprehensive marketing campaigns, has made him a trusted partner for industry leaders. His portfolio includes multimillion-dollar accounts with globally recognized brands such as Whirlpool, KitchenAid, John Deere, Microsoft, and Honda.
Tim’s vision for Fusion Design Group has always been clear: deliver creative, research-driven solutions that produce measurable results. Under his leadership, Fusion has grown into a full-service graphic and digital design studio, renowned for its collaborative, partnership-first approach to business.
In addition to his work at Fusion, Tim is an active consultant within the graphic design industry and shares his expertise as a digital media production instructor. His industry contributions include beta testing for software giants like Adobe and Macromedia, ensuring tools meet the evolving needs of design professionals.
Shigi Studio
Rrita Reka and Nita Qahili
Coms and Design Studio
SHIGI Studio—founded by Rrita Reka and Nita Qahili—is a Prishtina-based creative powerhouse dedicated to transforming ideas into impactful designs and strategies. By seamlessly blending brand strategy, art direction, and media expertise, SHIGI crafts personalized solutions that bring brands to life.
Driven by creativity, collaboration, and a passion for the unique, SHIGI works closely with clients to develop bold identities and unforgettable experiences. Whether it’s a distinctive brand identity, striking design, or a dynamic media strategy, SHIGI Studio is where ideas take shape and make a lasting impact."
Antonis Ioannidis
Business Advisor
Antonis Ioannidis is a business innovator and entrepreneur. His first venture, Navtech, was bought out by QUALCOMM as a new East Coast Headquarters.
In recent years he served as VP of Development of SAIC's positioning strategy in the FAA through early engagement of customers in areas with potential for growth securing multimillion dollar contracts. He has won multi-million dollar bids for SAIC.
He is an artist; he is a triathlete. He is a diverse lifelong learner.
Martha Cares
Musical Director
Martha Cares believes in the Arts, Education, and Creativity. Since childhood and throughout her life and career, Martha continues to inspire, educate, and spark imagination as a professional vocalist and through her contributions as a visual artist.
Martha’s formal training is highlighted by a Master of Music degree with Distinction from the University of Michigan School of Music in Vocal Performance, she is a Grand Prize winner of the International Bel Canto Opera Competition and studied at the acclaimed Interlochen Arts Academy. Martha is an alumna of the prestigious Lyric Opera Center for American Artists in Chicago.
In addition to performing in opera and concert, Martha’s professional stage career includes singing over 1000 performances on Broadway of the national production of
The Phantom of the Opera, directed by the legendary Harold Prince. She is a Clio Award-winning studio soloist singing in commercials that have aired worldwide. Martha is the solo artist of choice for numerous releases and anthologies distributed and recorded by Hal Leonard Corporation, the largest music publisher in the world.
Tim Rasinski, Ph. D.
Education Content Advisor
Timothy Rasinski, Ph.D. Professor Literacy Education Kent State University Kent, Ohio, USA.
Dr. Rasinski is a leading authority in the United States on teaching reading. He has served on the National Reading Panel and the board of the International Reading Association.
Arthur Stashak
Choreographer / Lead Dancer
Arthur Stashak is an inspired mover. To listen to music and explore the space around him is what has been his motivation throughout his professional career. From classical ballet to modern dance to hip-hop to improvisation, he has developed a wide array of movement techique.
With many years teaching dance to all ages, he has shifted his focus to impassioning children to explore movement. The connection of body and brain is of vital importance as children learn and develop. Dance is what unlocks this creative potential.
Through his professional career in Poland and Germany, Arthur has danced pieces from some of the most prestigious choreographers the profession has to offer including, William Forsythe, Ohad Naharin, Paul Taylor, Martin Schlaepfer, Marius Petipa, George Balanchine, and many more. Currently, he continues as a freelance artist and teacher always searching for new ways to create and move.
Marie Shimada
Choreographer / Lead Dancer
Marie Shimada is a dancer at heart. From the studio to the stage, the transformation of an idea into reality is her passion. Having quite a long and successful career in classical and modern dance the depth of her movement knowledge is immense.
Children are what give the most joy to her. Teaching and understanding what gets them to move and stay engaged has been a driving force throughout her career, as well as future endeavors.
With almost 20 years of professional dance and teaching experience in France, Germany, and Japan, Marie has worked with world renown choreographers such as George Balanchine, William Forsythe, Paul Lightfoot, Martha Graham, Jiri Killian, and many more. Currently, she is solely focused on building the next generation of dancers as a teacher.
