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Our Team
Gemm Learning was founded based on personal experience. Our program managers have educational backgrounds and years of experience working with students of different ages, abilities, and needs. One staff member joined Gemm Learning after seeing results as a client.
Meet Program Management
Combined 70+ years of experience providing Fast ForWord.
Dani Sokol
Director of Education
B.S., Human Development & Family Studies
Danielle Sokol feels most fortunate to be able to work with students of diverse abilities. She joined Gemm Learning in 2014 from a role at Lindamood-Bell.
She has been deeply impressed by the success and support offered by our online platform and its power to positively impact the lives of our students and their families.
Outside of work: Dani loves spending time with her three children and taking long walks in the woods with her crazy pup!
Sheila Driller
Program Manager
B.S., Special Education and Teaching
Sheila Driller joined Gemm Learning in 2022 after 24 years as a Fast ForWord clinician and provider. She was the first Tennessee classroom teacher trained in Fast ForWord, where she saw many lives change for students and families alike.
Following her career in public schools, Sheila continued her passion for brain fitness, supporting Fast ForWord in schools and districts nationwide. She has witnessed its impact firsthand—from her brother with traumatic brain injuries to her own children and step-children.
Outside of work, she enjoys games with her grandchildren and hanging out with my husband. She also enjoys healthy food and Pilates workouts.
Lindsay Hockman
Program Manager
B.S., Human Development and Family Studies
Lindsay Hockman joined Gemm Learning in 2024 with teaching experience, a degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Connecticut, and a teaching license from Southern Utah University. After 10+ years of teaching and training in outdoor sports (such as skydiving), she transitioned into a traditional teaching role, specifically 5th grade, at a private school. She loves that Gemm Learning allows her to make a difference in students’ learning in a unique way.
Outside of work, Lindsay can be found hiking with her two vizslas and her son, as well as enjoying long bike rides, camping trips, or time on a yoga mat.
Kelly Ward
Program Manager
M.Ed., Reading Interventionist
Kelly Ward joined Gemm Learning in 2025 with a Master’s Degree in Education and teaching licenses in Elementary and Early Childhood Education.
Prior to joining the Gemm Learning team, she spent the last 15 years as a kindergarten teacher and reading interventionist. Kelly loves helping children discover the joy of reading and experience a sense of accomplishment, working through challenges they may face. She’s grateful to continue this work with Gemm Learning.
Outside of work, Kelly loves to spend time with her wife and five children, watching their hockey and baseball games, cooking, reading, and spending time outdoors.
Meet Our Educational Consultants
We require a 1-on-1 consultation with every family before signing, making our consultants’ role crucial. They have had many years of experience – they know who we can help and who we can’t.
Christine Robinson
Educational Consultant (M.B.A.)
Christine Robinson joined Gemm Learning after experiencing fantastic results as a client. The changes she saw in her son, who was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder at age 6, inspired her to make a career change.
Finding a program to reduce his auditory processing delays was a massive challenge until she turned to Fast ForWord. Based on the transformational impact the program made for him, she committed to helping other families seek the same changes.
Phone: (630) 352-4873
Cindy Kupfer
Educational Consultant & Former Classroom Teacher
Cindy Kupfer joined Gemm Learning in 2020 after 10 years at Scientific Learning, supporting families using the Fast ForWord program. She began her education career teaching in Dade County Public Schools in Miami, Florida. Cindy’s daughter, brother, nephew, and mother have all completed the program, allowing her to witness firsthand the power of transformation when learners finally feel capable.
Outside of work, Cindy enjoys traveling, camping, volunteering in her community, painting, and gardening.
Phone: (203) 635-6619
Ingrid Davis
Educational Consultant, Former Dean of Instruction & Literacy Specialist
Ingrid Davis joined Gemm Learning in 2025 and brings over 15 years of experience in literacy, instructional leadership, and family support to her role. As a former Dean of Instruction, Literacy Specialist, and Content & Curriculum Manager, she has coached educators nationwide and helped schools strengthen reading outcomes through evidence-based practices.
Outside of work, Ingrid loves spending time with her husband and four children and staying active through tennis, yoga, and mahjong.
Phone: (203) 292-5412
Anne McCool
University of Delaware Graduate
Operations & Billing
Anne McCool handles the books and billing at Gemm Learning, including the state scholarship funding. Anne spent her career primarily in finance, including a long tenure at Price Waterhouse as an auditor. As a Gemm parent, she saw close-up the amazing impact Fast ForWord had on her own 7-year-old son.
Outside of work, Anne is active in Hearts & Homes for Refugees in Pelham, NY, and is an avid reader.