Presenter Biography

Innovation is the core belief of consultant Natalie Coleman.

Born and raised in Joliet, Illinois she has found that her desire to give back and help shape the next generation has brought her experiences as an educator, entrepreneur and philanthropist together and propelled her to continue her own education. She currently works full time as an administrator for a K-8 district in the Chicagoland area, owns and operates After the Peanut as well as After the Peanut Foundation. She has over 10 years of experience in education and also served as a Military Police Officer in the Armed Forces.

Some of her professional work and accolades include providing training on Next Generation Science Standards for the state of Illinois, National Geographic Educator of the Week, National Science Teacher Association National Conference Presenter, TED Innovative Educators, guest speaker at the Houston Aquarium Educator’s Open House and SXSWedu Mentor and Panelist. She believes that innovation, creativity, communication and collaboration can lead to a more productive and empathetic world where all people can grow. She is a proponent of global thinking, embracing change, inspiring the next generation, and solving problems through the lens of equity and design thinking.

Natalie holds a Masters of Education from Governors State University and a Bachelors in Chemistry from the University of Illinois and is currently working on her Educational Doctorate through the University of Illinois.

Additional Qualifications

Combat Military Veteran Talk Show Host Founder/President of Non-Profit

ROE/ISC Contact

Hallie Brenczewski
hbrenczewski@pdaonline.org
Will ROE 56