About Us

Robert H. Waterman – Founder & Executive Producer

As owner/publisher of Pied Piper Media, Mr. Waterman produced and directed more than 100 educational films, sound filmstrips, and videos. During his sixteen years as an elementary teacher, he trained teachers as he taught in both upscale and inner-city schools. He holds an M.S. degree in instructional technology. The Waterman Foundation was formed to support the continued development of the Writing Skills Workout project.

Dolores Michaels – Curriculum Consultant

Ms. Michaels is a veteran educator who has been a classroom teacher, a Director of Curriculum, an Assistant Professor of Education at Gonzaga University and, in Washington State, a District Superintendent of three different districts. The breadth of her experience has been important to all aspects of the Writing Skills Workout project.

Ingvar Grimsgaard – Writer-Producer-Director

Mr. Grimsgaard has written, produced and directed scores of short informational and educational productions. His experience in devising creative, distinctive, and effective communication of content is vital to developing Writing Skills Workout. Mr. Grimsgaard has written and directed two all-dialogue language series for elementary schools: Word World, and Adventures in Grammar Galaxy.

Whatnot?! Entertainment, Inc. – Animation Design & Production

This cutting-edge animation company brings to every project a breadth of experience in the family entertainment business and expertise with innovative, multi-platform animation techniques. Having worked with Warner Brothers, DreamWorks, and Disney, Whatnot?! Entertainment is a key resource for the design and production of Writing Skills Workout lessons.

Tom Johnson – Creative Consultant

Mr. Johnson is a graduate of Stanford University and Los Angeles’ noted Art Center. His varied career in art and communication includes illustration and painting, advertising, educational film design, producing a nationally syndicated comic strip, corporate logo design, and creating and marketing a successful line of note cards. Mr. Johnson's talents are an important resource for lesson conception and design.

Janey Bennett – Editorial Consultant

Ms. Bennet is an award-winning novelist and short story writer whose background includes five years teaching English and literacy to young Buddhist nuns in Thailand. She has a master's degree in Architectural History and she is an editor and proofreader by profession.

Jared Gholston – Technical Design Consultant

Mr.Gholston is experienced as a game designer, as a Software Engineer with Classmates Online, Flowplay, and as a Senior Producer with Real Networks. He provides Waterman Foundation the technical expertise necessary to design, procure, and direct the programming required for Writing Skills Workout.

Les Birdsall – Policy Advisor

Les Birdsall has extensive background as a teacher, in curriculum design, and policy development. A published advocate of school reform, Mr. Birdsall’s experience at all levels of education has provided critical assistance in the genesis of this project.

Doug Grove, PhD. – Evaluation / Testing

Dr. Grove, President of CI Associates, an educational evaluation and professional development company, has been selected to evaluate control group testing of Writing Skills Workouts instructional performance. Dr. Grovecurrently serves as an external evaluator on state and federal educational research projects.