We’re delighted to welcome Dr. Kelly Siegel-Stechler to the Interactivity Foundation as the new Director of the Collaborative Discussion Project (CDP).
At a time when public discourse can feel more divisive than productive, the need for spaces to practice thoughtful, inclusive dialogue is more urgent than ever. The Collaborative Discussion Project supports educators, students, and community members in doing just that—by building the discussion skills and habits of mind that we call “collaborative intelligence”.
As Director, Kelly will lead the next phase of the CDP’s growth—supporting our coach training and certificate programs, collaborating with partners across sectors, and developing new tools and strategies to bring collaborative discussion into more classrooms, campuses, and communities.
Kelly brings deep experience in civic education and engagement. She was most recently Senior Researcher at Tufts University’s Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE), where she studied civic development in K–12 education and youth participation in public life. Her work to date has focused on expanding equitable access to civic learning opportunities, ensuring that young people are supported in developing the skills they need to engage meaningfully in democracy.
Kelly earned her Ph.D. in Education from Johns Hopkins University. She has worked with the Institute for Education Policy, co-founded the nonprofit Foundations for Leadership, and led youth programming with the Louis August Jonas Foundation and the United Nations Foundation.
We’re excited to learn with and from Kelly as she steps into this new role. Please join us in giving her a very warm welcome to the Interactivity Foundation team!
About the Collaborative Discussion Project
The Collaborative Discussion Project is an initiative of the Interactivity Foundation that helps people build the skills and confidence to engage in inclusive, thoughtful, and productive conversations. Through training, free resources, and specialized certificate programs, the CDP supports educators, students, and community leaders in fostering a culture of dialogue.
Want to learn more?
👉 Start using the free Collaborative Discussion Toolkit
👉 Join a free webinar for an Introduction to the Toolkit, or a workshop to deepen your skills
👉 Attend our July or September online CDP coach training to become a CDP Coach and deliver customized certificate programs
👉 Contact us for support running a workshop for your team or group
👉 Subscribe to the Collaborative Discussion Project newsletter for Toolkit activities, tips and tricks every Monday
👉 Donate to the Interactivity Foundation to keep supporting valuable dialogue work and programs
