We build learning around what students need

StrongMind is a learning experience company. We bring together curriculum, technology, and human insight to help schools create meaningful K-12 learning that builds students’ knowledge, skills, and confidence. Our standard is simple: when the learning experience isn’t good enough, we make it better.

Our story

Damian Creamer

CEO and founder

One phone call changed how we thought about learning.

The story of StrongMind begins with a phone call from a very frustrated mom.

More than two decades ago, our founder, Damian Creamer, heard from a mother whose daughter wasn’t getting the learning experience she needed. He was working in online education, relying on curriculum and technology built by others.

That call was hard to hear. But she was right. Students deserved better.

So, instead of continuing to accept the limitations of those tools, Damian and his team started building their own. That decision planted the seed for StrongMind.

What began with one student’s experience grew into a broader purpose: making learning better for more students. We’ve spent the years since building digital curriculum, learning technology, and tools around what students, educators, and families actually need.

But the principle behind our work hasn’t changed: when the learning experience isn’t good enough, we make it better.

When the learning experience isn't good enough, we don't defend it. We listen, take responsibility, and build something better.

Our history

2000

The beginning of StrongMind.
Founded as the Institute for Educational Development, we began a journey that would grow into StrongMind—bringing together curriculum, technology, and a commitment to better learning experiences.

2014

A more connected foundation.
We launched StrongMind Central, our unified operating platform, bringing key operations together in one place and laying the groundwork for a more connected learning experience.

2015

A new name for our next chapter.
We rebranded as StrongMind, giving our work a new identity and bringing our curriculum and technology together under a name that reflects our focus: helping students build stronger futures through learning.

2026 and beyond

We’re building on more than two decades of K–12 experience with StrongMind Intelligence™, bringing educational context to AI-powered tools. With StrongMind CoursePro™ supporting course creation and StrongMind Campus™ on the horizon, we’re shaping a more connected future for how learning is built, delivered, and experienced.

Awards and recognition

For more than two decades, StrongMind has been recognized for its work in creating better learning experiences for students, families, and educators. Explore our awards and recognition to see some of the honors our work has earned.

View awards and recognition

What drives us

Our mission

We empower learners with innovative tools, flexible learning experiences, and a deeply supportive community.

Our vision

To unleash the full potential of every learner.

Our values

How we work matters as much as what we build.

These values guide how we treat people, make decisions, and move learning forward.

Kindness

We listen with care, assume good intent, and treat people with respect even when conversations are difficult.

Accountability

We take ownership of our work, follow through on commitments, and act when something needs to be better.

Collaboration

We bring different perspectives together, share what we know, and work toward outcomes we couldn’t achieve alone.

Innovation

We question what isn’t working, explore new possibilities, and turn thoughtful ideas into meaningful improvements.

Grit

We stay committed when the work gets hard, learn from setbacks, and adapt to keep moving forward.

Meet the faces behind StrongMind

Damian Creamer

CEO and founder

Cassie Carpenter

Chief Operating Officer

Scott Neil, Ph.D.

Chief Learning Officer

Rui Costa

Chief Technology and Product Officer

Noelle Creamer

Chief People Officer

Howard Marzolf

Vice President, Finance

Adam Wilkerson

Vice President, Marketing

Mike Kunz

Vice President, Data and Technology Operations

Rhiannon Spetrini

Vice President, Customer Experience

Brad Seiber

Executive Director, Partnerships

Vanessa Yazzie

Executive Director, Operations

Rusty Brandt

Director, Learning Design and Development

Trent Hess

Director, Admissions

Jennifer Southall

Director, User Experience

Mike Holmes

Director, Marketing Operations

Nick Grogg

Director, Managed Schools Marketing

Jennifer Stephens

Director, Product Marketing and Partnerships

Paul Luevano

Director, Facilities

We're building what's next for StrongMind and we're looking for people who want to build it with us. If you want to be part of it, see our open roles.

See open roles

Frequently asked questions

What is StrongMind?

StrongMind is a K-12 EdTech company that brings education expertise and technology together to build better ways to learn. We create digital curriculum, course creation tools, and learning technology for schools and districts.

Who founded StrongMind?

StrongMind was founded by Damian Creamer. Damian saw a gap between what students needed and the curriculum and technology available to them—and built something better.

Does StrongMind work with schools of any size?

StrongMind works with a range of school types and sizes, from small charter schools to large public school districts.

What makes StrongMind different from other digital curriculum providers?

StrongMind is built by people with direct experience in education and online learning, not just software. We were founded in response to a real family’s experience with online learning falling short, and that same standard still shapes how we build today: when the learning experience isn’t good enough, we listen, take responsibility, and make it better.

Is StrongMind's curriculum accredited or certified?

StrongMind’s curriculum is Quality Matters certified and Digital Promise Research-Based certified, and the company is COPPA and FERPA compliant.