Who we are

Our Founder: Dr. Kelly Leahy Ellerton

Dr. Kelly Leahy Ellerton is in the third act of her career, serving as a researcher and professor of Television, Radio, and Film at Syracuse University's Newhouse School of Communications. She loves teaching the next generation of media creators about storytelling for impact. She teaches production, business, and research classes to graduate and undergraduate students,

Production Expertise

Kelly has shaped children's media and educational technology at the industry's most respected companies:

• Nickelodeon – series development and production for Nick Jr.

• Discovery Kids – original animated and documentary series development and production

• PBS – leading curriculum and content strategy for PBS Education

• iCivics – leading product and partnerships in the development of award-winning educational games that reach 10 million students annually

Academic Credentials

Currently on faculty at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications.

• Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Harvard University

• Master of Education (M.Ed.), Harvard University

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Northwestern University

• Fred Rogers Scholar, Academy of Television Arts & Sciences

Research & Innovation

Kelly has secured over $2 million in federal grants across multiple branches and departments including the National Endowment for the Humanities, Library of Congress, and Department of Homeland Security.

Advisory Leadership

Kelly has served on national boards and advisory committees including:

• Library of Congress, Teaching with Primary Sources Advisory Board

• National Association for Media Literacy Education, Governing Board

• The White House, Office of Domestic Policy and Office of Science and Technology Policy special committees

• American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on Media and Technology

• The Wilson Center, Roundtables on Emerging Technology and Social Impact