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 MathCamp workshop — to explore our mutual passion for a growth mindset, lifelong learning, and inspiring confidence in people of all ages.

Current Workshops

Introducing IDEATE MathCamp. 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, our camp 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.

I currently reside 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—well, most of the time! Always up for a challenge, I'm currently honing my dance moves in a tap class with Bethany and a fabulous group of women, despite my two left feet.

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.

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 a builder with an entrepreneurial spirit—focused on team development, strategic planning, and operational excellence. I was most recently the COO of the venture-funded children’s clothing company Monica + Andy; prior to that was Director of Marketing for Vosges Haut-Chocolat and Abercrombie & Kent, in brand management for LVMH and Apple, and led advertising for Kraft Foods and American Express.

After many years of living and working in New York City and Chicago, I now call Chicago’s North Shore my home. Here, you'll find me amidst a busy household—husband, three kids, a playful golden retriever, and a shy rescue cat. 

When I'm not chauffeuring kids to rehearsals and practices, you might catch me producing a community theater musical, balancing the books for local non-profits, or elbow-deep in my garden. Oh, and I'm also renovating a 160-year-old home. Because who doesn't love a challenge…

I joined Megan to co-found IDEATE because I’m passionate about learning - in school, in the workplace, amongst our community and throughout our lives. With IDEATE, we hope to bring new and different methods and opportunities to grow and stretch our brains (and our confidence). 

Education-wise, 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.

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.

Testimonials

  • Loved the camp, I'm so impressed with how you made math fun! Well done!

    Ashley L., Parent

  • I loved learning how math is all around us - in art and nature - I see Fibonacci everywhere!

    Leigh B., 5th Grade

  • I thought MathCamp would be worksheets and working by yourself. But it was more puzzles and teamwork. You really bond with your teammates!

    Paree G., 5th Grade

  • My kids really liked the use of “outside the box” props.

    Brenna N., Parent

  • I thought it was really fun! It was more creative ways to solve math problems which I thought was really helpful!

    Bitty G., 6th Grade

  • My child rated this above lax camp!

    Erin C., Parent

  • It was really cool how we used very different strategies than we do at school.

    Chloe D., 6th Grade

  • What I loved about it was that it was very different from school math. We got to do puzzles, use our imaginations and use physical things to solve problems.

    Lina K., 5th Grade

FAQs

  • IDEATE’s Math Camp features Jo Boaler’s proven YouCubed® curriculum that promotes a hands-on approach to learning and encourages kids to develop 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, we are not about timed computation or worksheets. Our curriculum encourages kids to work together, to think creatively and to understand concepts more deeply. View our testimonial and gallery sections to see what makes IDEATE MathCamp different!

  • IDEATE uses the YouCubed® Summer Camp 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.

  • Our camp 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.

  • Each day will very different from a school day. It will involve a number sense activity, games and movement, multiple group projects and of course, snacks!

  • 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!