Curriculum Team

Senior Program Instructors

Tim Cleasby

Education:
Guilford College, BA - Political Science

Hometown:
Washington, DC

“The most exciting part of being a Close Up program instructor is the ability to interact with students from diverse backgrounds who are passionate about political issues. It’s rewarding to play a role in inspiring them to be civically engaged adults.”

Ian Hendrie

Education:
Mount St. Mary’s University, BA - Political Science

Hometown:
Potomac, MD

“Working at Close Up allows me to meet students from a multitude of backgrounds, and to facilitate the development of civic skills that empower those students to shape the world around them.”

George Kronlage

Education:
University of Virginia, BA - History and Foreign Affairs

Hometown:
Fairfax, VA

“Close Up’s mission is important because democracies rely on an active and informed citizenry. By informing, inspiring, and empowering American youth to be those active citizens for life, Close Up can supplement the vital role of public education in fostering positive citizenship.”

Kateri Kuhn

Education:
The Catholic University of America, BA - Drama and History

Hometown:
Wauwatosa, WI

“I’m super excited to use DC as a classroom because it encompasses both our nation’s past and present, as it continues to move forward.”

Michael Rasor

Education:
University of Arizona, BA - History and French Language and Literature

Hometown:
Mesa, AZ

"Close Up allows for students to form their political voice alongside a diverse set of individuals from every corner of the nation, in a truly unique and vibrant setting. Being a program instructor teaches me something every week, as I see students empower each other and stand up for themselves and their communities."

Jessica Shainker

Education:
Rhodes College, BA - Public History

Hometown:
Sandy Springs, GA

“What I like most about Close Up is its uniqueness. Its programs allow students to come together for respectful, productive debate that is focused, not on partisanship, but on policy itself.”

Joe Winn

Education:
James Madison University, BA - Political Science

Hometown:
Winchester, VA

“Close Up's mission forms the foundation that makes great citizens and future leaders.”

Program Instructors

Leroy F. Bennett

Education:
Benedict College, BS - Child and Family Development

Hometown:
Newark, NJ

"Close Up allows me the opportunity to work with young people who are interested in learning about government and the democratic institution."

Erin Burney

Education:
University of Central Arkansas, BA - History

Hometown:
Little Rock, AR

"I’m excited to teach students about our nation’s history in Washington, DC, and prepare them to have influential discussions with their Senators."

Christopher Campos-Pérez

Education:
George Mason University, BA - Communication

Hometown:
Warrenton, VA

“I am excited about working at Close Up to be able to give students an experiential learning environment. No day is the same, and it is exciting to have students engage with the lesson plans.”

D Croom

Education:
Salisbury University, BS - Marketing; University of Maryland, MBA - Public Relations

Hometown:
Washington, DC

“I am excited to be working at Close Up because I believe in the mission of helping to inform and empower students. Also, Washington, DC, is a unique and extraordinary landscape to use as a classroom.”

Liz Feeser

Education:
University of Virginia, BA - Art History, Courtauld Institute of Art; MA - Art History

Hometown:
Baltimore, MD

“The Close Up Mission is important because participation in a democratic society takes many forms and it’s important to recognize that your voice matters today and all days, not just during election years.”

Andrew Gelsinger

Education:
University of Maryland, BA - History: Concentration in African History

Hometown:
Laurel, MD

"I think that young people have been ignored in the political process for too long and their voices should be heard more within the political process. They have great ideas and will be able to gain new insights with Close Up."

José González

Education:
Syracuse University, BA - Anthropology

Hometown:
San Diego, CA

“I am excited about the opportunity to work with students from all around the country and help them know they have a voice that can create change”

Carlton J. Johnson

Education:
Washington Adventist University, BA - English; Minor - History and Philosophy

Hometown:
Washington, DC

"I am excited about working with students and helping them develop their own political voice."

Ryan Johnson

Education:
Cleveland State University, BA - History and Social Studies

Hometown:
Hudson, OH

"I believe this is a critical time in a young person’s life and having these students experience and interact with different ideas and beliefs that would challenge them is extremely beneficial."

Anil Joseph

Education:
Florida International University, BA - International Relations and Political Science

Hometown:
Ft. Lauderdale, FL

"Being able to bring students to monuments and museums to explain the meaning and symbolism behind them. It is a unique experience that students would get since most of them live outside the Washington DC area. I’m excited to open their eyes to the true meaning behind the symbols and have the students actively learning."

Christian Kearney

Education:
Longwood University, BA - Political Science; Concentration in Global Politics; Minor - Homeland Security

Hometown:
Norfolk, VA

"The most exciting thing about using Washington, DC as my classroom is being able to show students a living breathing city that is full of amazing history past and present."

Kerry Kennedy

Education:
Hampton University, BA - Psychology; Virginia Commonwealth University, MA - Art History

Hometown:
Richmond, VA

“I am excited to work at Close Up because you get to hear what students think and see them connect the information given to them in real time.”

Maureen T. Koeftz, Esq.

Education:
American University, BA - Political Science; Washington College of Law, JD

Hometown:
Jamaica, NY

“What is most exciting about using Washington, DC, as a classroom is the richness, diversity, and capacity to induce thought and remembrance”

Alexis Kurtz

Education:
Salisbury University, BA - Secondary Education History

Hometown:
Howard County, MD

"The most exciting part of being a Close Up instructor is empowering the next generation’s political efficacy so that we can all build a better world."

Thomas Lee

Education:
Utah State University, BA - English

Hometown:
Logan, UT

“The most exciting thing about being a Close Up instructor is seeing students have engaging conversations about political issues. I enjoy using DC as a classroom to teach students about our political system in the place where it all happens.”

Abby Manning

Education:
Alfred University, BA - Global Studies: Concentration in International relations; Minor - Political Science and History

Hometown:
Brattleboro, VT

“I think our mission is important because it helps students realize the power and influence that they have to make change and participate in politics. I am passionate about experiential learning because I remember the impact it had on my own experiences.”

Carlton McGee

Education:
Knoxville College, BA - Political Science

Hometown:
St. Louis, MO

“I am excited to be working at Close Up for the opportunity to teach students about government, and provide students the opportunity to engage in the political process.”

Raven Moore

Education:
The College at Brockport, SUNY

Hometown:
Middletown, NY

"The most exciting part of being a Close Up instructor is having impactful conversations with students who are passionate about varying issues. These discussions are important because student’s opinions about pressing issues can be discounted because of their youth."

Matthew Palla

Education:
Miami University Ohio, BA - Political Science

Hometown:
Akron, OH

"Using DC as a classroom let’s us show students what we are teaching them first-hand. There’s so much history to this city that’s important in understanding our country’s politics."

Katie Proctor

Education:
Kennesaw State University, BA - History

Hometown:
Allegan, MI

“I believe the mission is important so students can become active participants in their future. The most exciting thing about using DC as a classroom is being able to experience history.''

Rob Richardson

Education:
Tufts University, BA - Urban Studies; MA - Education

Hometown:
Narberth, PA

"Working with Close Up gives me the opportunity to continually learn from others and to engage youth in the wonders and challenges of living responsibly in a democracy."

Matthew Riyler

Education:
West Virginia University, BA - Political Science

Hometown:
Bowie, MD

“The most exciting part about being a Close Up instructor is seeing the future of our democracy be truly passionate about a policy issue; using their backgrounds as the foundation for their opinions.”

Kaye Savage

Education:
Howard University, BS - Developmental Psychology; MS - Developmental Psychology; USC, MA - Public Administration; Harvard University, Certificate in Nonprofit Management

Hometown:
Richmond, VA

"We need the voices of informed young people to help actualize a brighter future for our country and our citizens. When students are inspired and empowered, they will become self-directed learners creating a new future. The Close Up experience will have a lifelong impact on students."

Josh Siems

Education:
Dickinson College, BA - Political Science

Hometown:
Baltimore, MD

"Apathy among young people is understandable, but needs to be challenged. For students to feel they have agency in creating a democracy for them, by them, is critical for their outlook on the possibilities for change and our collective future."

Nicoletta Skaggs

Education:
University of CA, San Diego, BA - History; BA - Political Science; Minor - Environmental Studies

Hometown:
Los Angeles, CA

"The most exciting thing about using Washington, DC, as a classroom is the rich history, the ever changing landscape, and the iconic national monuments!"

Zachary Tanner

Education:
North Carolina A&T, BS - Political Science

Hometown:
Washington, DC

"Using Washington DC as my classroom is so exciting because it allows what students learn to come alive before them. Students get a tangible experience with government which they might not get in the classroom."

Adé Tate

Education:
Howard University, BS - Psychology

Hometown:
Halifax, VA

“The most exciting part about being a Close Up instructor is I am able to help young people realize how important their voices and concerns are. I love that Washington, DC, is our active classroom because it allows students to recognize that history surrounds them and learning is not limited to a classroom.”

Noel Twagiramungu

Education:
Tufts University, Ph.D. - International Relations

Hometown:
Indian Orchard, MA

"The most exciting part of being a Close Up instructor is to lead a group of learners who come from various backgrounds and different parts of the country and see them work together to learn about American core values, share their experiences, and discuss candidly some of the most consequential political issues of our time."

Darrion M. Willis

Education:
University of Vermont, BA - Political Science and English

Hometown:
Washington, DC

“The most exciting part about being a Close Up instructor is watching students work together in workshops to discover their voices. It’s beautiful to see students having conversations about opposing views and still remain friends.”

Teacher Program Specialists

Michael Kofi Boateng

Education:
Brigham Young University (Hawaii), BA - Political Science

Norwich University, MA - Diplomacy

Hometown:
Koforidua, Ghana

“My favorite part of Close Up is the unique non-partisan approach to teaching.”

John Cheeseman

Education:
George Mason University, BA - History

Hometown:
Alexandria, VA

“The best part of being a TPS is working with teachers from all across the country and overseas, imparting knowledge of our history and government, and learning from them in return.”

Olivia Dumboski

Education:
University of Arkansas, BA - International Relations

Hometown:
Little Rock, Arkansas

“As a former educator, I enjoy working with Close Up teachers from all over the country as they continue to enrich their dedication to civic education in the classroom.”

Ian Fried

Education:
The College of Wooster (OH), BA - Political Science

The Johns Hopkins University, MA - Political Science

Hometown:
Highland Park, IL

“It is so rewarding to engage Close Up teachers in political and historical discussions as we use the sights and sounds of Washington as our classroom.”

Joe Geraghty

Education:
Le Moyne College, BA - Religious Studies

Hometown:
Yorktown Heights, NY

“I love working at Close Up because I believe that our mission to inform, inspire, and empower the youth of America is vitally important for the future of our great country.”

Molly Ryan

Education:
Shippensburg University, BS - Education in History and Secondary Education

Hometown:
Gettysburg, PA

"The best part of working with teachers who come on Close Up is demonstrating how everywhere you go can become your classroom and a place to teach invaluable lessons to your students."

Dr. Daniel Audwin Wallace

Education:
City College of New York, BA - Political Science

Teachers College at Columbia University, M.Ed. and Ed.D.

Hometown:
Queens/ Brooklyn, NY

“I have worked in all levels of education. What I love about Close Up is creating learning spaces in which teachers can create new ideas and new stories, rethink methodologies, ignite new passions, and use their local communities as living classrooms."

Jacob Israel Chilton

Education:
American River College, AA - Jazz Studies

University of California – Davis, BA - English

Johns Hopkins University, MA - English

Hometown:
Baltimore, MD

“Washington, DC, is rich with history, symbols, power, and contradiction–all ideal objects of examination and analysis. I couldn’t ask for a better classroom to teach in.”

Lauren Ebersole

Education:
Catawba College, BA - Political Science

American University, MA - Ethics, Peace, and Global Studies

Hometown:
Hagerstown, MD

“The best part of working at Close Up is hearing and seeing those moments when students make connections between what they’re learning on program and their own lives back in their communities.”

Julianne Forzano

Education:
West Virginia University, BA - Interdisciplinary Studies; MA - Secondary Social Studies Education

Hometown:
Wheeling, WV

“The best part of working at Close Up is being able to work with and impact students from all over the country with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, especially since youth engagement is so important to our democracy.”

Emily Gibson

Education:
Northern Arizona University, BA - History and Art History

University of Pennsylvania, Teaching Certification

Hometown:
San Leandro, CA, and Phoenix, AZ

“I love working for Close Up because I believe that young people are a vital part of the American political environment. Every week we get to help students to become actively engaged in their communities and the country.”

Kevin Gomes

Education:
Georgetown University, BA - English

Hometown:
Grand Island, NE

“The greatest reward of working with our instructors is witnessing the value of engaged citizens in action; their example inspires me as much as it inspires their students.”

Elisa Ferrara Gunduz

Education:
Boston University, BA - Political Science and History

Hometown:
Hackensack, NJ

“I love working with students through the Close Up Foundation because we are giving them the opportunity to engage in controversial public policy discussions that spark a passion to continue to be active participants in our democracy, while also instilling values of civil discourse and an understanding of how policy affects others.”

Katie Jones-Gray

Education:
University of Kansas, BA - Architectural Studies and History of Art

University of Texas at El Paso, M.Ed. - Special Education

Hometown:
Kansas City, MO

“It's so inspiring to see, week after week, that students can and do have engaging discussions, that they listen and learn from each other, and that they form a community where all members work together to solve the problems we face today.”

Daniel Hastings

Education:
Hobart and William Smith Colleges, BA - History

Hometown:
Geneva, NY

“I love working at Close Up because it uses the Washington, DC, as a classroom, which allows for hands-on learning.”

Moneka Lyons

Education:
Oklahoma State University - BSBA Marketing

Thomas Edison State University -MBA Management

Hometown:
Heidelberg, Germany

"Close Up’s mission is an important and valuable piece for our young people in today’s society. It lets our young people know that they can make a difference and provides them with the tools necessary to implement change within their own communities to make an impact!"

Sante Mastriana

Education:
University of Pennsylvania, BA - International Studies and Chinese Language and Culture

Hunter College, MA - TESOL Education

Hometown:
Philadelphia, PA

“Every day at Close Up I have the opportunity to change the lives of young people across the country and empower them to change the future. It’s hard to beat that.”

Allen Pinn

Education:
University of Virginia, BA - History

Hometown:
Lynchburg, VA

“I love working with students from all over the country. It’s interesting to see how they interact with one another and how their viewpoints differ.”

Meredith Polm

Education:
University of Maryland, BS - Psychology and Public Health

University of Missouri, MA - Education

Hometown:
Baltimore, Maryland

“I love meeting students with unique perspectives and seeing those perspectives grow as they engage with new people from across the country and experience Washington, DC, together.”

Shawn Ralston

Education:
Binghamton University, BA - English and Literature

Hometown:
Cattaraugus Indian Reservation, NY

“Close Up provides individuals with the opportunity to engage in challenging dialogue with people from all walks of life.”

Katie Whitmire

Education:
University of Virginia, BA - American Politics and History

Hometown:
Yorktown, VA

“I love working with students from across the country and seeing them exposed to different viewpoints that they may not hear in their own communities.”

Meadow Wiggington

Education:
James Madison University, BA - Political Science and Philosophy

Hometown:
Falls Church, VA

“The Close Up Foundation offers immensely impactful programs for students all over the U.S. and I love getting to lead diverse workshops of students who are committed to being open, brave, and honest about their political opinions.”

Our Curriculum Team

Close Up’s Program Instructors are the heart and soul of our programs and ensure students have a safe, rewarding, and fun experience!

Our instructors have over 120 hours of curriculum and methodology training and are certified in First Aid and CPR.

MEET OUR TEAM

Program Leaders

Senior Program Instructors

Program Instructors

Teacher Program Specialists

Curriculum Team

This is a GREAT way to experience other places…

Close Up is AMAZING…

Close Up gave me the chance to have my voice heard, …

Close Up is a positive experience for students…

Subscribe to Current Issues Blog

Our Curriculum Team

Close Up’s Program Instructors are the heart and soul of our programs and ensure students have a safe, rewarding, and fun experience!

Our instructors have over 120 hours of curriculum and methodology training and are certified in First Aid and CPR.

MEET OUR TEAM

Program Leaders

Senior Program Instructors

Program Instructors

Teacher Program Specialists

Curriculum Team

This is a GREAT way to experience other places…

Close Up is AMAZING…

Close Up gave me the chance to have my voice heard, …

Close Up is a positive experience for students…

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Subscribe to Current Issues Blog