Passion Meets Expertise in EdTech
Combining deep EdTech knowledge with a passion for education, we excel at crafting innovative digital learning experiences tailored to specific client needs. From instructional design and technology integration to customized professional learning, we craft solutions to exceed your goals – grounded in rigorous analysis, built for long-term impact, and proven to improve learning outcomes and operational efficiency.
About Us: Our Commitment, Vision, and Values
Mission Statement: Our mission is to leverage our deep passion for numbers, logic, education, and technology to deliver data-driven, well-researched solutions that are both creative and effective. As accomplished leaders with experience across various industries, we are dedicated to providing exceptional service to our clients. We prioritize our learners’ needs and go above and beyond to support their success.
Vision Statement: Our vision is to be a leading provider of innovative, technology-driven solutions that empower learners and organizations to achieve their full potential. We strive to create a positive impact through thoughtful, data-driven decisions and a commitment to excellence.
Equity Statement: At EdLighten Solutions, we are committed to fostering a culture of equity and inclusion by providing fair opportunities for all, ensuring our products and services are accessible and welcoming, valuing diversity, and creating an environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential; we prioritize fairness and equity in everything we do, delivering inclusive and accessible solutions that support the diverse needs of all learners, ensuring every learner has the opportunity to succeed.
SDP Certified: As a certified Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE), EdLighten is proud to be recognized for our commitment to diversity and inclusion. Our WBE certification reflects our dedication to fostering equitable business practices, supporting women’s leadership, and driving innovative solutions across industries. Partnering with a WBE-certified organization like ours allows your company to contribute to supplier diversity goals while benefiting from our expertise and creative problem-solving.
SBPP certified: Our certification demonstrates our capability to meet state procurement needs while delivering cost-effective, innovative solutions. Partnering with us supports small business initiatives and helps build a more inclusive and thriving economy.
Leadership: Industry Expertise with Proven Results
As former math professors, we love numbers and logic and ensure all decisions are well researched and data-driven. As successful entrepreneurs, we understand the need for effective, actionable solutions based on creative, problem-solving. As proud nerds, we have enthusiastically developed our own software and love everything from the big picture to the fine details with technology. As accomplished leaders, we have worked for small and large companies and across varied industries from K-12, higher-ed, construction, real estate, and supply chain. As well-trained individuals with masters degrees and additional certifications, we have the necessary skill set to go above and beyond for our clients. As kids at heart, we know how to make every interaction fun and enjoyable. As loving parents and community volunteers, we believe in always putting the needs of our learners above all else.
Mary Stephens - CEO - mary@edlightensolutions.com
EdTech enthusiast, entrepreneur, educator, executive, and engineer. For 15 years, Mary served as founder and CEO of PrepForward (acquired by Public Consulting Group), a leading provider of online K-12 teacher preparation solutions used by institutions nationwide, including MA DESE, Teach for America, universities, and school districts. In addition, Mary has extensive teaching experience, including TAing Discrete Math at MIT, serving as adjunct faculty at UMass Boston and Elms College, and designing curriculum and teaching K-12 computers and math. This is coupled with her EdTech expertise from serving as research and development manager at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, founder of Omega Teaching, program manager of Edusoft, product marketing and strategy manager of Vizional, professional math consultant at Merrimack College, and founding board member of Alpha Public Schools. Her technical expertise started with her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from MIT in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering.
Her passion for education continues outside of work as she serves on the MIT Educational Council, was elected to her local school council and school committee, is a children’s book author, and is active in the community where she raises her three children.
Annie Schultz - annie@edlightensolutions.com
Annie brings a wealth of experience to the education industry, boasting over 15 years of expertise in teaching, educational leadership, curriculum design, instructional design, and technology integration. She started her career as a math instructor at Alverno College. She wrote and implemented multiple courses there while working with students preparing for Praxis, medication calculation and NCLEX exams. Annie also served as the System Division Chair of General Education for four years, overseeing learning development, curriculum, and assessment of the general education department at Herzing University. Her focus centers on crafting dynamic online learning experiences that align with industry best practices, particularly accessibility and engagement that align to learning outcomes. Recently, her curriculum development focus has been licensure preparation for teachers and continuing education courses for Construction professions. Developing courses in conjunction with Educational Learning Services and courses approved by contractor licensing boards in multiple states.
Annie has a master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and is certified in Instructional design and accessibility. Her multifaceted educational background, encompassing online learning expertise and administrative leadership, positions her as a valuable asset in pursuing innovative and effective educational experiences. She is also a dedicated mother with a deep passion for animals, sports, photography, and an insatiable curiosity for learning new things.
Experience: Delivering Impactful and Transformative Projects
We bring deep experience across education and workforce development, partnering with organizations to design innovative solutions that create meaningful outcomes. From advancing evidence-based literacy practices to building accessible, scalable learning programs, our work reflects a commitment to driving educational excellence and equipping every partner with strategies that last.
Our collaborations with leaders such as the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency illustrate the breadth and impact of our work.
