The Development Team
In partnership with H-A-P-P-Y!!! Productions, Inc. and Mr. Jim Atkinson, this product was developed with a team of industry scientists, educators and recreation professionals.
Our objective through this partnership was to support our academic institutions by developing enrichment products for the informal education industry that help motivate children to want to learn more about science through physically active, fun, relevant, recreational games.
The leadership team includes:
Jim Atkinson
In the past 22 years, Jim has presented over 1,200 workshops, keynotes, and consultations for organizations and associations across the United States including State Parks and Recreation Associations, YMCA and YWCA, Girls and Boys Clubs, LaPetite Academies, State Resource and Referral Agencies, State and County Education Departments, United States Air Force, United States Navy, United States Army, Foster Grandparents, Carnival Cruise Lines, Resort and Commercial Recreation Association, 4-H, Head Start, 21st Century, and more.
Currently the President of H-A-P-P-Y!!! Productions, Inc., Jim has also served as a Board Member and past President of FSACCC (1989-97), Conference Chair and Board Member for NSACA (1996-97), Youth Programs Coordinator for the City of Maitland (1987-96), Seminar Trainer for Steps to Greatness, Inc.(1981-1989), and Recreation Program/Facility Specialist in the City of Winter Park (1984-87). He served as Keynote/Presenter at the National YMCA Conferences (98,00, 02) and he has been a Keynote Speaker/Presenter at State Conferences - training at 45 of the 50 States in the U.S. Jim is the author of ten books.
Jim has conducted extensive training tours for the U.S. Air Force and Navy in Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, Japan, and South Korea. He is best known for his motivational games and workshops, although he does workshops and presentations on just about every facet of recreational programming including staff issues, team development, club/activity development, behavior modification, summer programs, sports programs and after school program development.
Donna Burrow
With 28 years experience in the technology field, Donna has developed and implemented many successful programs with large corporations, academic institutions and non-profits. She has extensive experience in new program development, business analysis, technology integration, business process design, project management, feasibility studies, cost/benefit analysis, outcome metrics and training.
She received her M.B.A. from Ball state University and her B.S. in Park and Recreation Administration from Western Illinois University. She has developed and taught many successful recreation programs in park districts, YMCA's and private clubs. Donna is currently an independent consultant working on national and international projects.
Cynthia Paulsen
With 30 years experience in the education field, Cynthia currently teaches science at Wheaton North High School in Illinois. She received her B.S. in Education and Special Education from Illinois State University, a Certification in Learning Disabilities from the University of Chicago, and an M.A. in Social Policy from DePaul University. She holds certifications in High School Earth Science, Chemistry, General Science, Biology, Sociology, all areas of Special Education (learning disabled, emotionally disturbed, educable mentally handicapped and trainable mentally handicapped) along with an endorcement in Gifted Education.
Currently teaching Phys/Chem and Geology at Wheaton North High School as well as senior English at the Academy, she is a mentor for new teachers and a cooperating teacher for student teachers from Illinois State University. Cynthia has experience in the management of summer school and day camps.
Recent projects include: Phys/Chem remedial and college-bound cirriculum for Wheaton North High School, Academy curriculum (alternative school for Community Unit School District 200), study skills curriculum, recreational science for youth and the development of new science playground equipment. She also worked as a graphic drafter, quality control auditor and chemist for Motorola.
Richard Gallagher
With 30 years experience in various under-the-hood automotive component product engineering positions for General Motors including extensive work in battery development for the electric vehicle, Richard held positions including Sr. Experimental Chemist, Manager of Materials Analysis Laboratories, Sr. Project Engineer, and Purchase Specification Responsible Engineer for Materials Engineering. He also worked in the hazardous materials area as the Process Specification Responsible Engineer for various manufacturing processes.
His areas of expertise include analytical chemistry, applied spectroscopy, materials analysis, and battery chemistry. Rich has been party to several patents including a new chemical process in the manufacturing of the nickel-zinc battery. Rich has given national technical presentations on battery chemistry through membership in the GM Materials Analysis Committee. He also served on the Battery Council International (BCI), an industry sponsored international organization.
Richard served as a volunteer grand awards judge for the 2006 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. He received his M.B.A. from Ball State University and a B.S. in Chemistry from Iowa State University. Rich is currently an independent consultant. Recent projects include research on the development of thermal diode coating materials, rapid pulse charging technologies for batteries and carbon nanotube applications.