Kathy Van Benthuysen, our esteemed Director of Curriculum, dedicated nearly three decades to teaching before embracing her new calling in enhancing communication and connectivity, amidst the ever-present distractions of technology.

Her expertise in instructional design and profound insights into children's needs have been pivotal in shaping Converlation from its early days. Kathy's leadership has driven its development through meticulous testing and adaptation, reflecting valuable user feedback and fostering deeper engagement.

Kathy, an alumna of Rider University with advanced studies at Purdue University, cherishes family time at the beach, stays active with workouts, and shines both as a competitive softball player and a coach.

Mary Coughlin is currently a Certified Converlation Coach, a Licensed Massage Therapist and a Pastry Chef. She earned her bachelor's degree from Roger Williams University in Psychology, and studied for a semester abroad in London. She is the youngest of 8 children hailing from Westport, CT.

Mary is the proud mother of three children and two grandchildren. Mary loves to read, write, and serve others. She loves to travel, be active outdoors and is passionate about her faith In God, her family and all her loved ones. Mary is involved in her church community and loves to volunteer. 

I have deep concerns about the adverse effects technology is having on all of humanity. I believe with all my heart and soul and am so excited to be a part of Converlation and what it has to offer.

I know this work will help to change so many people's lives one person at a time.

Erica Trowbridge is currently the Secondary Library Media Specialist at Oakridge Public Schools in Muskegon, Michigan. She earned a B.A. in Social Studies and Elementary Education and a M.Ed in Educational Technology both from Grand Valley State University.

Erica is a Past President (2022) of the Michigan Association of School Librarians, former Teacher Leader for new Library Technology Specialists at National Heritage Academies for 4 years, and served as Director of the Specialist Interest Group for school librarians at MACUL (Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning) for several years.

Having grown up in west Michigan, Erica loves hiking the dunes, bike riding on scenic trials, kayaking, knitting & crocheting, and spending quality time with family & friends.

Samantha Allen is currently a Certified Converlation Coach and a Director of Worship at her local church. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Liberty University in Music and Worship Leadership in May of 2022. Sam is a driven young individual building her professional career with a passion to help and serve others.

Though an only child, Sam has always played the role as the older sibling with her extended family often taking care of her cousins. Sam loves to sing, read, exercise and spend time with her family. She is deeply rooted in her faith in Christ and has served in multiple ministries throughout her life including kids’ ministry.

Through her work and care with kids, Sam is aware of technology's effects on today’s youth and feels strongly towards contributing to the development of this generation. The vision of Converlation is her opportunity to follow through.

Adrian Barajas is currently a Certified Converlation Coach and works in Division I college athletics as the Communications Assistant with the Northeast Conference. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology and double minored in Digital Media Marketing and Advertising from Fairleigh Dickinson University in December of 2021. Adrian played Division I soccer for the Knights in his five-year studies at the institution.

Adrian has three other siblings and a large extended family. He grew up an athlete playing soccer, baseball, basketball, track & field which developed Adrian to be a major team player who seeks unity and harmony among peers. Adrian loves sports, exercising, reading, writing, spending time with loved ones. He is passionate about his faith in God and has a heart to serve others.

Through athletics, he has trained and coached soccer players at the youth level and through ministry, Adrian served as a youth leader. He enjoys pouring back into the next generation to be equipped for success.

Adrian found Converlation as an inspiring opportunity to execute the vision of success for the next generation.

Erin Eberle Quilinquin is an experienced educator, specializing in adolescence. She earned a Master of Education from North Carolina State University. She lived most of her life in North Carolina and relocated to Pennsylvania in 2022. Most of her work focuses on digital education and advocating for balanced and safe technology use. In her free time, she enjoys gaming, writing, and hiking with her husband and dog.