About Community Learning
Community Learning is a provider of interactive curriculum kits to schools and community centers. Our Course Kits include step-by-step Instructor’s Guides, Student Activity Books and complete supplies designed to engage students in active learning through a variety of high interest topics. With our Course Kits, program directors, staff and parents can lead interesting learning activities at the elementary, middle and high school levels. We currently focus on innovative approaches to Art, Music, Language Arts and Science that include in-depth and challenging “hands-on and minds-on” approaches presented thematically. Overall, our Course Kits are designed to immerse children in learning, reinforce core subjects, stimulate interest, and introduce career possibilities!
The Community Learning Team F. Michael DeBritz – Founder and President
Mike brings over 20 years of market experience in education and technology. Observing the growth in after school programs, while working for a national tutoring company, he discovered a gap in materials specifically designed for this unique time. Soon after, Mike formed Community Learning with the objective of creating unique and stimulating learning activities for after school and beyond. Mike started his career at Syracuse University and later moved to media firm Whittle Communications. The creator and distributor of the national news program for K-12 schools called Channel One. Mike holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications Studies. Stacy Rawlings DeBritz – Creative Director
Stacy brings a wealth of experience as an arts educator to our thematic courses and activities. She has extensive experience in managing partnerships with schools and supervising teaching artists while at the Studio in a School Association in NYC. Stacy has been an artist-in-residence in public schools and a consultant for numerous museums designing educational programs for docents, classroom teachers and elementary students. Her teaching experiences in K-12 as well college brings a wonderful sensibility of what works with students. Stacy’s primary focus is developing interesting concepts and working closely with subject area experts for Community Learning topics. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Fine Arts degree in Painting.
Cathy Rivera – Trainer
Cathy is an educator with a background in international studies and history, at the secondary level. In addition, she has over 10 years of experience working in youth development, leading educational and team building programs. Cathy lends her expertise by conducting in-service programs and providing on-going support for teachers in the field. She holds a Masters Degree in Education. Suzanne Robinson – Instructional Designer
Suzanne contributes her diverse experience in business as a marketer, technical writer and instructional designer to our content creation process. She is also lending her creative energies in drama and music for new products. Suzanne holds a Masters degree in English. In addition, Suzanne is a adjunct professor at Lord Fairfax Community College, where she teaches English composition. Shelly Rafferty Withers, Ph.D – Pedagogical Reviewer
Shelly is currently an adjunct professor at the University of Albany and SUC Oneonta, and holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. She is a much published short story writer and designer of online instruction. She has worked as a freelance writer and editor since 1998. Previously, she held the position of Marketing Manager at Oxford University Press. Melissa Bartlett – Educational Consultant
Melissa has over 20 years of management experience in human resources, with a special interest for recruiting, training and developing people. She has taught Art and Writing after school and also works as Literacy Volunteer. Melissa tests the many intricacies of building great activities for kids and making them workable for instructors. Melissa holds a Bachelor degree in Psychology. Anthony J. Bertino – Content Developer
Anthony Bertino has over 35 years of teaching experience and has authored a wide range of curriculum and laboratory experiments for students ranging from grades 3 through 12 on topics in biology, genetics, physical science, biotechnology and forensics. Anthony regularly conducts staff development in forensic science and has recently completed a forensic science textbook. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry and a Masters of Science in Education. Brian Melick – Content Developer
Brian has been actively involved with music for the past 25 years, developing a wide range of experience as a drummer, multi-hand percussionist, and as an educator. His personal interest in the origin and history of percussion instruments has been the focus of his educational programs. Brian holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music. Additionally, Brian conducts assemblies and workshops for schools, libraries and community centers. To learn more about all his endeavors, click here. | 
