David Croft
Founder & CEO
A retired teacher and coach with over 30 years of experience. Born in Buffalo New York, growing up in Orchard Park. Dave spent most of his higher education on East coast before coming to Colorado to attend the University of Denver to get his license to become a principal and superintendent.
David began the building Teachers Rising Up in 2017 and officially incorporated the organization in 2019
On Memorial Day in 2017, The Today show headlined what a group of Veterans were doing to support one another. The Veterans were making wooden flags and sending them to families who had lost family members in our wars. This was that moment I knew I could do more…
It took me right to where we are now. Teachers need to take care of each other as our Police, Firefighters and Veterans groups do. Teachers Rising Up was born of a need to service teachers, families and students. In these unfortunate times, support is needed more than ever to all those impacted by school violence and mass shootings. With this I understood that teachers and retired teachers need to become one to continue servicing our communities.
Click here for David’s LinkedIn Profile to see his experience
Jake Nguyen
Founder & COO
Jake initially started his career in early childhood education, after a few years, he shifted focus and found success in corporate IT. After nearly 20 years in the industry; Jake found himself back in education with a nonprofit as the IT Director. These experiences have made being a part of Teachers Rising Up an ideal fit.
Click here for Jake’s LinkedIn Profile to see his experience
Amy Warner Geiger
Social Media
Amy initially began her career performing in NYC for 10 yrs in Musical Theatre. With a degree in Music and certification in Digital Marketing, she loves to combine her creative and marketing knowledge to grow small businesses’ social media. She started volunteering with the nonprofit Opportunity Camp in 1992, which helps high-risk youth in the Bay Area of California. Teacher’s Rising Up has such a passion for children and the community that she hopes to help create change.
Click here for Amy’s LinkedIn Profile to see her experience
Joseph Cimo
Ambassador Program Director
A Physical Education teacher and coach at Leonia High School in New Jersey. Aside from teaching, Joe is the owner of a custom woodworking business that he started in his garage. Joe reached out to Teachers Rising Up and wanted to get involved! Because of Joe, we have a lead on building programs that help schools all across the country get involved with Teacher’s Rising Up!
Sara-Jessica Dilks
PR
Sara-Jessica (or “SJ”) is a Chicago-based public relations specialist with a focus on social impact and sustainability issues. SJ is passionate about #TRU’s mission because she has seen the value of mental health support following trauma. In both her professional and social lives alike, SJ values curiosity, communication, and collaboration.
Graduated from the University of Missouri’s School of Journalism with focuses on strategic communications and sociology. She is originally from Kansas City, MO, and has spent much time visiting family in New Jersey and England.
Click here for her LinkedIn profile to learn more about her experience.