Innovative Digital Tools to Stimulate Brains and Strengthen Bonds

Sharon Wood has worked with Fortune 100 companies such as Nabisco, MTV and Nickelodeon with their marketing initiatives and has been developing video games and serious games for years. Sharon launched the (first) Grand Theft Auto game, placed a video game on 150 Million packages of Fritos Corn Chips, and partnered with MTV to develop a branded video game. Sharon’s work in Serious Games began in 2009; she created Karizmac Luminous, an app to promote self-esteem amongst girls, which became a Top 5 app in 34 countries in its first four months. She is Principal Investigator for sexual assault prevention serious games for high school students, college students, and for adults.

Dr. Orchowski has worked on a number of behavior change programs for the Centers for Disease Control, the U.S. Department of Defense, and has collaborated with Happy People Games’ serious games, and led its research studies. Dr. Orchowski is an Associate Professor at the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at the Alpert Medical School of Brown University and is a staff psychologist and researcher at Rhode Island Hospital.

Christine Casey, Ed.D., has worked as an educator and school administrator for more than 40 years. Dr. Casey’s work was acknowledged by numerous awards, including a Congressional Award from the Congressional Black Caucus. She created a series of curricula that has been downloaded by more than 100,000 teachers for the innovative work of ByKidsForKids. She also created soft skills curriculum for the Office of Disability Education Policy.

Arthur W. Thomas III brings a wealth of experience at the intersection of finance, business, and mission-driven work. His experience includes strategic advice for emerging and existing businesses, nonprofits and municipalities. He has led strategies for various organizations, cultivating and managing high-value partnerships, and leading sales initiatives that drive revenue growth. Mr. Thomas has demonstrated expertise in sales, strategy, and fundraising through key leadership roles, including a $15M capital deployment strategy and raising funds for economic development.

Michelle Re has nearly 20 years of executive leadership experience and the strategic design and execution of creative and educational content initiatives. Michelle is an educator who has collaborated with Happy People Games’ serious games on numerous projects and served as Lead Producer at ONE GS MEDIA/CircleAround.com, a digital media site for women. Michelle’s experience with video games dates back to 1996.

With 30+ years of business management and growth expertise that have shaped industry standards, Steve provides strategic direction and leadership, guiding Happy People Games towards continued success. Steve’s business strategy skills include product capabilities, industry specialization, client strategies and more. Steve has led Fortune 500 companies and start-up organizations. His visionary leadership has led domestic and international service businesses, product businesses and technology companies to success.

Jennifer Deare is a marketing communications expert and an award-winning entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in the industry. Jennifer was the first female founder/owner of a promotion and direct marketing agency, which was sold to NW Ayer. She’s held senior roles at Cablevision Systems. Her vast network of Fortune 500 businesses spans Citi, Discovery Networks, eHarmony, Starz, DIRECTV and many more. She is a board member for a medical services startup and mentor at Techstars. She received a lifetime achievement award for her contributions to the field.