IDEATE is an educational workshop concept centered on interactive, research-based learning across a variety of subjects. We founded IDEATE in early 2024 — launching with our Math workshop — to explore our mutual passion for a growth mindset, lifelong learning, and inspiring confidence in people of all ages.
Current Workshops
Specifically targeted to elementary school children to gain a conceptual understanding and the “whys” of math, and to middle school children as they prepare for algebra, IDEATE BrainGames is based on the YouCubed® curriculum developed by Professor Jo Boaler and a team of cognitive scientists and educators at Stanford University.
About Us
MEGAN MCNALLY ROBERTS Co-Founder
After graduating from the University of Notre Dame, I spent five years at CapGemini Consulting specializing in financial services. The constant travel pushed me to pursue business school to pivot my career path. Since then, I've worked at Discover Card, Orbitz, Infospace, and Lou Malnati’s in marketing, strategy, operations, and data analytics. I've also taken on various independent consulting and passion projects.
My love for math began in high school and continued through university, where I even tutored calculus. I've always enjoyed crunching numbers, and did so confidently . But becoming a parent opened my eyes to the struggles many kids face with math. Studies show that all it takes is one incident, one teacher or comments from a parent for kids to believe that they aren't good at math. After discovering Jo Boaler's work, I became determined to understand why so many lack confidence in math and how to help them.
I currently live in Wilmette with my husband and three kids. I'm all about family, friends, good food, travel, and racquet sports. Coaching my kids’ teams, driving carpools, and cheering them on at their games are some of my favorite pastimes.
As for my education, I have a BBA from the University of Notre Dame - Go Irish!, and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
BETHANY WENNER CROCKER Co-Founder
I’ve always been drawn to building things—businesses, brands, teams, and communities. Throughout my career, I’ve worked across marketing, brand management, operations, and entrepreneurship, with a particular focus on bringing people together around a shared vision and making good ideas happen. I served as COO of the venture-funded children’s clothing company Monica + Andy, and held leadership roles with Vosges Haut-Chocolat, Abercrombie & Kent, LVMH, Apple, Kraft Foods, and American Express.
I’m now based on Chicago’s North Shore with my husband and three children. When I’m not chauffeuring kids around, you might find me producing community theater, balancing the books for local nonprofits, or elbow-deep in my garden.
I co-founded IDEATE with Megan because I’m passionate about learning—not just in school, but in the workplace, in our communities, and throughout our lives. I love the idea that there’s rarely just one way to solve a problem, and that some of the best learning happens when we’re curious, willing to try something different, and not afraid to get it wrong. With IDEATE, we hope to give kids the opportunity to think creatively, stretch themselves, and build confidence.
I’m a proud Commodore and Wildcat, with a BA from Vanderbilt University and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
JOANNA FLINTZ Lead Teacher
I’ve been a middle school math teacher for 29 years, with the last 23 spent at Highcrest Middle School. I grew up in Wilmette, attended D39 schools, and earned my BA in Elementary Education from the University of Iowa and an MA in Math Education from National Louis University.
In my classroom, I focus on building conceptual understanding and encouraging a growth mindset. I believe every student can be a “math person” and often use Jo Boaler’s Youcubed tasks to spark curiosity and confidence—especially after meeting her at a D39 Professional Development day in 2016.
I now live in Skokie with my husband and our two daughters. We love going to concerts together, and this past summer I even worked as an usher at Ravinia—being around live music every night was a dream. I’m also fluent in American Sign Language and work as a freelance interpreter with the Chicago Hearing Society.
SUZANNE GAYLE Marketing & Education Specialist
Fostering a love for learning and creating a safe environment where students rise to challenges and build confidence has always been my top priority. After spending over fourteen years in the classroom as a 6th grade teacher at Highcrest Middle School in Wilmette and serving as an academic tutor for over twenty years, I’ve had the privilege of helping countless students develop a growth mindset and unlock their full potential. My passion for education drives me to create a space where every student feels supported, empowered, and inspired to reach their goals.
When I’m not working with students, you’ll find me running around town with my husband and three children, volunteering, or walking my five pound dog who truly believes he is extremely intimidating.
I’m a proud graduate of Bradley University, where I first nurtured my passion for education and lifelong learning, and I carry that same dedication and enthusiasm into every part of my work.
ELLIE ROBERTS Student Teacher
Ellie hasn’t always been confident in math, but after changing her mindset, she now considers herself a math person and wants to help younger students feel the same confidence. A senior at New Trier, Ellie loves basketball, travel, scary movies, and time with friends. This is her third year teaching with IDEATE, in the classroom and as a private coach.
SIENNA NIELSEN Student Teacher
Sienna has always loved math. As she encountered more challenging levels in high school, however, she began to wonder whether she was really a “math person”. Over time, she embraced a growth mindset and learned that success in math isn’t just about being naturally gifted—it’s about being willing to work through challenges. This perspective helped her grow both as a student and in her confidence, and she’s excited to keep pushing herself. Outside the classroom, Sienna loves running track, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Testimonials
FAQs
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IDEATE’s features Dr. Jo Boaler’s proven YouCubed® curriculum that promotes a hands-on approach to learning and encourages a positive growth mindset. All kids can learn math at high levels, so it is important for them to understand that mistakes, struggle, and persistence are all important elements to learning. Unlike other programs, IDEATE is not about timed computation or worksheets. Our curriculum encourages kids to work together, to think creatively and to understand concepts more deeply. And most importantly, we make math FUN! View our testimonial and gallery sections to see what makes IDEATE different.
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IDEATE uses the YouCubed® curriculum, which is designed to have kids of all levels of math work together. Kids who are not as confident in math (or who have lost their confidence) will gain deeper knowledge of foundational concepts and will learn the benefits of persistence and learning from mistakes.
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Our curriculum from YouCubed® is truly designed to engage all levels of math achievement. The types of problems we will tackle in the camp are non-traditional; high achievers will benefit from the hands-on approach, creative thinking and the ability to fundamentally understand (and explain!) how and why a math concept works. We also encourage mistakes - so high achievers learn it’s ok to not be perfect.
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Each session will feel very different from a school day. It will involve a number sense activity, games and movement, and group projects!
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If our current dates don’t work for you, please email us at megan.ideate@gmail.com. We are working on additional offerings and your input will help!
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Your registration can be cancelled and refunded (less any processing and set-up fees) up to a week before camp start. Due to the time and care we take to tailor curriculum and groupings for each session, cancellations following that window will not be refunded.