Carl VanderZee joined Communications by Design as an equity partner. Carl’s rich background and extensive experience in technology is impressive as well as effective. Carl’s unparalleled skills as a communicator and a project manager help ensure that all projects are completed on time and within budget – exceeding customer expectations. It can be difficult to find an individual with an engineer’s approach to detail and design, yet with an innate ability to communicate effectively with people – we found him!

Our clients might argue that Rebecca really runs the business. Rebecca’s skills in organization and communication make her a valuable member of the Communications by Design team. Rebecca is a graduate of Grand Valley State University and her background as a State of Michigan certified teacher enables her to blend her training and experience into practical classroom solutions. Rebecca focuses her energy on project management with our clients, internal operating responsibilities and human resources at Communications by Design.

Erik is a 10 year veteran of the classroom teaching Math and Science at Forest Hills Public Schools and a 2008 Milken Award Winner with a Masters Degree from Michigan State University in Educational Technology. Erik has been fundamental to the development of our Instructional Learning Center and has worked with thousands of teachers across the State. One of our clients said it best: “you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink…but Erik has a funny way of making you thirsty!”

Doug Ransom has a rich history supporting schools and educators. Before joining Communications by Design, Doug was the President of Tekkies Incorporated where he was actively involved in serving schools as an integrator for over 20 years. He maintains a strong reputation for exceeding expectations and consistently delivering on time and on budget. Doug earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Grand Valley State University. His attention to detail and love for spreadsheets combine well with his passion for better teaching and learning.

Zach Ripley earned his bachelor’s in ELA Secondary Education from Cornerstone University. Zach was a high school ELA and history teacher at West Michigan Aviation Academy for 5 years where he also developed curriculum, directed online learning, and coached cross country. As a member of our team, his thoughtful and thorough approach to teaching and learning is well grounded and effective with teachers.

Matt Tarrow has facilitated youth technology camps and worked with K-12 educators on integrating technology into classrooms. Matt was a member of a research team that developed an application designed to teach machine learning to middle school aged students. Matt used this experience to co-author a research paper that was published and presented at IDC (Interaction Design and Children). As a project manager with Communications by Design, Matt is organized and knowledgeable while being dedicated to each task as well as the project development plan.

Chris Meuser joined Communications by Design in 2022 after working for 5 years in security systems and 5 years as a design consultant supporting schools and colleges. Chris brings years of experience in the K-12 industry, managing details such as budgets, bids, and project design, as well as degrees in advertising and public relations from Grand Valley State University. Between his experience, competence, and engaging personality, Chris is an immediate asset in the Communications by Design team.

Scott Joined Communications By Design in 2023 as the Client Services Director. His primary role is to support districts in aligning training with their specific needs and district goals. Scott brings a rich background in education, having served as a teacher and building principal at multiple levels before spending 11 years in public education as an assistant superintendent for curriculum and state and federal programs. He has an innate passion for teacher development at all levels and enjoys working with people.

Justin Monit joined Communications by Design in 2024 after an extensive tenure with the Operations department at Wayne-Westland Community School District. With a history in operational and technological systems, Justin brings experience in both fields, with a specialty in security as a Senior Project Manager. Justin also maintains a passion for the students ultimately served by our work with school districts, as illustrated by his ongoing work as the Technical Director for theatrical productions at Wayne Memorial High School. Justin’s experience in these areas allows him to bring a very specific set of skills and knowledge base to the table, and paves the way for his well-informed and direct approach.

Sharayah Gariepy has been an elementary educator in Rockford Public Schools since 2012. In addition to teaching 2nd grade, she has served as a technology liaison, STEAM ambassador, and district representative for outdoor instruction. She has played a key role in developing curriculum and designing lessons that meaningfully integrate technology into core content areas. A passionate advocate for innovation in education, Sharayah empowers students to tinker, create, and think critically about how academic standards connect to the world beyond the classroom. As a current classroom teacher as well as part of the Communications by Design team, Sharayah brings these experiences and perspectives to the educators we support with energy, creativity, and a collaborative spirit.

Once a middle school teacher herself, Sara founded Communications by Design in 1991 to help connect teaching and learning to increasingly influential technologies. 34 years later, Sara retired after decades of supporting hundreds of schools and districts enhance teaching and learning for their students.

Though retired, Sara’s legacy endures: a rigorous pursuit of transformative ends for students, educators, and communities–all while treating educators with the care and dignity their noble profession deserves.