Our Community
Our dynamic international learning community includes scholars, industry experts, artists, and activists. Students co-design our courses and our job is to find mentors to support them while they take a deep dive and explore their interests. Our founder and board members also teach courses, when they align with students’ interests.
Meet the Founder and Director!
Robin Harwick, Ph.D.
Robin Harwick is an author, scholar, and consultant dedicated to improving the lives of children and families through research, teaching, and service. She earned a Master of Science in Special Education and Doctorate in Secondary Special Education and Transition from the University of Oregon.
Dr. Harwick has been a member of academic, governmental, and private research teams since 1995. She also worked extensively in direct service of children and families as a parent educator, home visitor, and therapeutic foster parent. She has taught at the graduate and high school levels.
“Dr. Harwick’s understanding of the course content was excellent and she was able to reference real-life examples to support our reading and learning” -doctoral student.
After almost a decade of searching for a democratic learning environment for her son, he gave her the idea of starting her own school. She listened and The Pearl Remote Democratic School was born. Dr. Harwick will be teaching the foundations course at The Pearl, and other courses at student request.
“I’ve come to the conclusion that you are the best teacher I’ve ever had…you seriously rock”– high school student.
For more information about Dr. Harwick’s experience you can review her full CV.
Youth Advisory Board
Joseph
Hello! I’m Joseph. I’m 17, and I am the Director of the Youth Board. I like playing sports, leading debates, and racing cars. I’m excited to be part of the youth board and help amplify my fellow classmates’ voices in important decisions here at The Pearl!
Katie
I’m interested in all things humanities, from history and language to psychology and sociology. I’ve also always had an interest in animals, specifically birds and reptiles (mainly snakes), and photograph animals as a hobby. I spend a lot of my free time playing video games, watching TV shows, listening to music, and writing.
Juan Lucas
I am 16 years old, and I was born in Guatemala, but I live in El Salvador right now. Some of my hobbies are playing video games, obviously, playing guitar, which I have done for about a year now, and drawing. I specifically like to draw in more anime-style drawings, but I have been getting into more standard and realistic ways of drawing. As for sports, I practice BMX, which stands for bicycle motocross. I have done it for about 6 years and plan to practice it professionally for the next few years. I have been a student at the pearl for about 3 years I believe, almost since it started I was a pre-teenager back then.
I am looking forward to being in the Youth Advisory Board this term, we have a lot of stuff planned to work on to make the Pearl community a better place!
Team Members
Nao Takeda, BA
Nao Takeda was born and raised in Japan and describes herself as a progressive and innovative educator. She was trained to become a Japanese Language Instructor in 2004 and has taught Japanese language, culture, customs, and etiquette to children, teens, and adults in numerous schools internationally.
She is also a passionate, certified, Montessori teacher who values student-centered education and a learning environment where students can make creative and responsible choices in their learning.
Nao learned and grew tremendously personally and professionally when she led a diverse and progressive school in Guatemala as Academic Director from 2018 to 2022, where she advocated for cultivating lifelong learners through project-based learning and environmental education. She is eager to share her experiences with the learning community of The Pearl.
In her free time, Nao likes to hike, practice yoga & dance, and travel with her children.
Nao shares her wealth of experience with our community through her roles as our Japanese Teacher and Assistant Director.
Hande Togrul, Ph.D.
Hande was born and grown as young adult in Türkiye. She followed her ex-deceased spouse to North America for his graduate studies in 1991. She got accepted into the same graduate studies in economics as her spouse. Her Ph.D. dissertation fieldwork took place in Türkiye, her native land. She explored the dynamics of gender, class, race/ethnicity, while listening to domestic workers’ life stories. She has been learning, teaching, researching, advocating and community building for 30 years. She worked as a Research Fellow/Program Officer for the United Nations Development Fund for Women (currently U.N. Women) 1998-2005. She taught classes in higher education, Westminster College, and at the Department of Economics, University of Utah. She taught multidisciplinary classes such as feminist economics, gender and development, poverty and inequality, and urban economics (2005-2009). She co-taught classes titled Exploring Communities and International Development at Westminster College. She was the Program Director at the Inclusion Center for Community and Justice, 2009-2016. She designed and facilitated hundreds of group workshops and directed residential retreats for youth and adults. The objective was to find understanding own biases and prejudices and having conversations and finding action in communities. Her passion is to integrate self-awareness and systems awareness in anything she does.
After leaving formal teaching and non-profit sector, she has been visioning to start a workers’ owned collective. She piloted one as a landscaping/gardening group for a year and a half. She spearheaded applying worker collective principles at the Journey of Hope, a local not profit. Last two years, she has gained experience working in schools, mostly in K-8. She reinforces and supports learning K-8. She can support any topic while integrating pillars of social justice in every step of the way. She joined Restoring Ancestral Winds as a consultant in the spring of 2021, a regional coalition for the healing of native communities.
She was a professional team handball player from her early teens until she moved to the USA in 1991. She continued her team sports love with playing futbol (a.k.a soccer in North America) in the U.S. When not working, she plays team sports, and enjoys outdoor activities; gardening, walking, hiking with their four legged relative Yama. She has been a bike commuter since 2005. She loves to move. Last three years, she has been challenging herself to learn Afro-Brazilian dance, music, drumming. Participated at a Samba Queen contest in 2020, a few days before covid outbreak. She finds energy, peace, justice and constant learning in human/non-human animal and plant relations. For more information about Dr. Togrul’s experience you can view her full CV.
Paulino Ordóñez- MPC
Now, he combines his consultation sessions with teaching. Before The Pearl, he taught high school and college students in private and public universities. Most of all, Paulino enjoys being a vehicle for teenagers to find what they like in life as they open their eyes to the world. Introspection is a main factor in his classes, and by doing so, students make connections between themselves and the people, communities, and circumstances around them.
For more information about Paulino’s experience, you can review his full CV or on his website: www.paulinoo.mx
Issac Azure- Ph.D.
Dr. Isaac Azure is an accomplished educator and applied mathematician with a robust academic background and over two decades of teaching experience across basic, secondary, and tertiary levels. He holds a Ph.D. in Computational Mathematics, an M.Sc. in Industrial Mathematics, a B.Sc. in Mathematics and Statistics, and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Education.
Dr. Azure’s teaching career has been marked by a steadfast commitment to fostering academic excellence and personal growth among his students. As a Senior Lecturer, Adjunct Instructor, and former Registrar, he has designed and delivered a wide range of mathematics courses, integrating theoretical foundations with practical applications. His teaching philosophy emphasizes clarity, engagement, and mentorship. He is passionate about empowering students to apply mathematical concepts to real-life problems, instilling in them the confidence and critical thinking skills necessary to excel in both academia and industry.
As a researcher, Dr. Azure has made significant contributions to the fields of Numerical Methods and Mathematics Education. His work spans predictive modeling, iterative methods, parameter estimation for renewable energy systems, and innovative applications of artificial intelligence in solving nonlinear systems. His ongoing research explores advanced mathematical concepts in deep learning, partial differential equations, and Fourier analysis. Beyond academics, Dr. Azure finds inspiration in songwriting and musical composition, a creative outlet that complements his analytical pursuits. His ability to balance rigorous mathematical research with artistic expression reflects his multifaceted approach to problem-solving and innovation.
Dr. Azure’s career reflects a harmonious blend of teaching, research, and mentorship, driven by a profound desire to nurture talent and contribute to the advancement of mathematics as a practical and transformative discipline.
I believe that with the right opportunities and guidance, every child can discover and realize their full potential.
Brittaney Drake - MA
Brittaney is an illustrator interested in comics and digital painting. Her main focuses are graphic medicine and scientific visualization.
“This class was even better than I expected it to be and overall was really fun and enjoyable. Brittaney was really kind and I think she is a great mentor.” – Pearl Student
Brittaney completed her Master’s degree in design at Aalto University in Helsinki Finland. During this time she experimented with graphic medicine as a way of processing chronic illness. Illustration is an important part of her life. She believes in creating and opportunities for exploring art and creative expression.
“I loved the fact that we just try stuff. Doesn’t matter if we’re good or not, we just try stuff any way
that is comfortable to the individual.” – Pearl Student
For more information about Brittaney’s experience you can review her full CV or see some of her artwork on Instagram.
Andrea Cruz, MA
Andrea Cruz is a certified Master Educator with over 23 years of teaching STEM classes with an emphasis in Science. Her ability to incorporate life learning skills in the lessons has proven effective as evidenced from the numerous Science Fair contests her students have won over the years. Her training from NASA to teach Science to minority students has proven to be another attribute she brings to the table. Discovery learning, hands on approach to teaching the lesson, open ended questioning, and critical thinking are part of the different skills students build from their experience in her classroom. Her students will become lifelong learners because she is open to mistakes, supportive, and knowledgeable
of her field.
Andrea has participated in science Expos nationwide with her extensive research in puffer fish and coral extracts that could be used to cure Cancer. She has also assisted in conservation and preservation of the Marianas Crow, a bird nearly extinct because of the Brown tree snake epidemic. She has knowledge and experience working in the lab, out in the field and in the classroom that students can benefit from when they start her course.
“Ms. Cruz taught us the parts of a cell when I was 6th grade” says Inas Tainatongo, 37 years old, Maintenance Supervisor GDOE. “I will never forget the parts of the cell and their functions because of the way she had us learn it. We were tasked to build a model of a chocolate factory and discuss the different functions of the factory, before we knew it we were discussing the conveyor belt for the chocolate factory was similar to the Endoplasmic Reticulum because the primary function is to transport chocolate or transport proteins in the cell. She provided us support as we struggled to learn the parts and functions of a cell using familiarization of the factory and how it worked as her way of helping us learn the concepts better… Teachers like her played a significant role in who I am today and I am glad she asked me to share my learning experience because I am excited that the Pearl will be able to experience her as a Science teacher.”
The STEM course she teaches will engage and learner-friendly strategies, use data like test scores, student strengths and weaknesses, and family life to inform their decisions about lesson planning.
Andrea enjoys singing and playing drums when she is not in the classroom she puts her learner hat on and becomes a student herself. She continues to strive to perfect her skills in drumming and hopes to one day drum like LARS, Metallica.
Sara Caldiero, MFA.
Sara Caldiero is a writer, book artist, dancer, costume maker, and creative arts instructor. They hold an MFA in Creative Writing from Naropa University. Sara brings poetry to people in classrooms, on desert white water river adventures, and to drifters on the street. They are the creator and director of Hunger for the Arts, an art program that provides workshops and food for unhoused teens in Salt Lake City. They are the founder of Salt Lake Samba where they teach and perform. Notable performances include being a featured poet at the Utah Arts Festival annually from 1996 to 2014, and the Great Salt Lake Book Festival.
Lorena De la Vega Aguirre, BA
Lore is passionate about learning, education, art, communication and languages.
She has over fifteen years of experience as a Spanish and literature teacher and has gathered a wide range of experiences; including working in the Sierra Gorda rural area and an art focused school managed by INBAL (Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes y Literatura) in her native México. She has also taught a diversity of Spanish students from different nationalities as well as cultural and academic backgrounds.
As our Community Engagement Specialist and Spanish Teacher at The Pearl, she brings with her a collaborative spirit and a keen interest in community building, which brings her great joy.
Adult Board of Directors
Rachel Pearl - President
Rachel Pearl has developed programs in the juvenile justice system for 20 years. Her background consists of program design and implementation in the areas of youth empowerment, family engagement and self-sufficiency. She is an expert in strength-based, asset-based program development with an emphasis on youth voice and empowerment. Rachel is currently the Chief Program Officer for Friends of the Children-Portland where she has worked for the past 2.5 years. She loves the intentional, unconditional and true investment in the lives of young people that Friends of the Children provides through their commitment of 12.5 years of mentoring, no matter what.
A skilled trainer in restorative principles in program design and community-based interventions. Prevention has always been Rachel’s focus, and she is inspired to work at Friends of the Children – Portland alongside a talented and diverse group of people to refine and enhance our proven program model. Rachel is inspired by the long-term and unconditional where the Friend/youth relationship remains constant for 12+ years – no matter what. Such intentional, youth-focused support is critical for youth in a world which often alienates children who are navigating challenging life experiences. Rachel is committed to strengthening family economic stability and engaging communities as a catalyst to help youth reach their full potential.
Rachel has demonstrated content expertise, a passion for service, and a commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. As the daughter of Art Pearl, Rachel is passionate about Democratic Education and creating an optimal learning environment where youth have voice, choice and the lead role in designing and defining their education
Kimberly Douglass, Ph.D - Vice President
Kimberly Douglass is the President and CEO of Remote Learning Solutions. As an entrepreneur, Dr Douglass develops online courses for/with businesses and individuals who want to monetize their content and skills. Also, she uses online courses as tools to revolutionize education for African American Boys ages 4 to 9 to help them reach their highest potential. Her notable achievements include: opening up a space in the Beauty Industry (Cosmetology, Barbering, Massage, Esthetics/Aesthetics) to discuss the needs of individuals who have Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), a condition common among people who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Additionally, Dr. Douglass was a working group leader in the earliest development of National Science Foundation (NSF) – funded (science) data infrastructure, DataONE. Additionally, Dr. Douglass led the School of Information Science (SIS) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in the American Libraries Association’s (ALA) regular review of the School’s accreditation. She was Interim Associate Director of the School and an Associate Professor in the School. Dr Douglass is currently an Associate Professor at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) in the Master of Library Science Program.
Dr. Douglass is married to Dean Tate. She is the Mom of Jackson Douglass- Tate. Jackson has been one of her most powerful spiritual teachers.
Alethea Barlowe, MS EI/ECSE - Secretary/Treasurer
Alethea is the new On Track OHSU! Program Coordinator for the Klamath/Chiloquin site. She is an enrolled Klamath Tribal member and graduated from Western Oregon University and the University of Oregon, then returned home to work with tribal youth in 2011. Alethea will be working with our program to support tribal youth in exposing and encouraging a pathway to the sciences and healthcare field. She is excited to learn more about the program and eager to implement a positive program within the Klamath County area.
Alethea Barlowe is currently raising her three children in her homelands of Chiloquin, OR, she is an enrolled Klamath Tribal member. Alethea graduated from Western Oregon University with a Bachelors in Criminal Justice and Developmental Psychology and worked in research at the UO. In 2011, she graduated from the University of Oregon with a Masters in Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education including a Teaching License in SPED.
Alethea returned home with the intention of working with tribal students and changing the educational system to fit their needs. Since being home she has briefly worked K-12th grade in the Special Education field, but has worked the majority of the time with the Klamath Tribes Education Department Pre-K through 12th grade and beyond. She has started working for Oregon Health & Science University as the Program coordinator with an emphasis on creating a pathway program to encourage tribal youth to go into the healthcare/science field.