Our mission:
Leading Hands is working to communicate and provoke dialogue on understanding, gaining awareness and obtaining knowledge on how we can safely use the Internet and its other communication mediums such as email, instant messaging and chat rooms. Our purpose is to educate parents and teachers on the continually changing face of technology and how it impacts children.
Staff of volunteers:
Todd Bertsch
Todd Bertsch is the Editor/Creative Director of Design Dump. Todd received a Bachelors degree in Fine and Applied Arts, with a concentration in Graphic Design, from the University of Akron. He is currently Interactive Media Director for Triad Communications, an advertising agency located in Akron, OH. Todd has 10 years experience in Web and user-centered design. Todd is a published author and teacher. He has taught graphic design courses at Cuyahoga Community College for 5 years, and is currently teaching graphic design at the University of Akron. He is a member of Northeast Ohio Usability Professionals’ Association and The Web Association. When Todd's not involved in design projects, you may find him spinning on his head at a local talent show.
Scott M. Billy
Scott is a graduate of Holy Name High School in Parma Heights, Ohio. He is currently a student at Baldwin-Wallace College where he majors in Biology and he is currently involved in the Pre-Medical Society. Scott is currently employed as an assistant disc jockey.
Stephen J. Herron
Stephen is a native of Belfast, Northern Ireland. He moved to Ohio in 2000, and currently lives in Cleveland with his wife, Sara. He is a graduate of the University of Ulster, and was awarded the John Braidwood Research Fellowship in 1997 in order to study Ulster-Scots literature on behalf of the Cultural Traditions Group in Northern Ireland. Over the years, Stephen has been involved in developing web content for a number of companies in both the UK and US, and he currently works as a copywriter and user analyst at Insurance.com in Solon, Ohio. His interests include television writing and production, game design and publishing.
Stephen enjoys going to the movies, playing computer games, and willingly accepts gifts of technology from wealthy patrons who read these kind of things in bios.
Marc A. Majers
Marc A. Majers is the founder of Leading Hands. He started this organization to protect children and inform adults of the constantly changing technology we embrace. For over 10 years now, this Northeast Ohio native found his true calling as a web designer. His digital design experience includes tenure at Progressive Insurance, Hits Network and Peerlis. He has also consulted with advertising agencies such as Wyse Advertising, Adpro, Liggett-Stashower and Arras Group.
Marc's achievements include winning the 2001 TechKnow Award for innovative multi-media design for GliddenColor @ Home. He has published both interactive and web design articles in local publications.
Todd Packer
Author and Principal Consultant of Todd Packer and Associates, LLC, launched his consulting practice on January 17, 1999, Benjamin Franklin's birthday, a personal hero. Todd's commitment to strategic innovation excellence uses research–based, outcome–focused research, development and creative problem–solving services to help organizations and leaders to identify needs, develop ideas, improve workers' lives and find new sources of growth and profit. With a Master’s Degree from the University of Chicago and over fifteen years experience of improving performance in international, multi-cultural environments, he uses dynamic new approaches to coaching, communication and creativity at work. His innovative training techniques—which use finger–paints, music, poetry and soap bubbles—have helped individuals from corporations, universities, non–profit institutions and health–care facilities in the U.S., Canada and India. A published author and top–rated presenter, his organizational development approach integrates innovation coaching, research, writing, training and consulting to inspire ideas that work.
Ralph Solonitz
As an illustrator and graphic designer, Ralph writes, draws, thinks and feels. He is the owner of Solonitz Graphic Design Inc. http://ralphstuff.com
Cathleen Zapata
Cathleen Zapata is currently a User Experience Manager for Brulant, an online solutions firm in Cleveland, Ohio. Cathy has over 10 years experience in quantitative and qualitative research, specializing in Web site Usability. Her background includes a wealth of experience in usability testing, heuristic evaluations, user research and conversion enhancement strategies. Cathy has received extensive usability training from the Neilson Norman Group and frequently teaches on topics of Web Usability at local colleges and at community events. She is also the Vice President of NEOUPA, the local chapter of the Usability Professionals' Association.
