Mark Maples from Floodgate was once quoted in an article in Forbes saying that the E-Learning market is very compelling, but very, very crowded. Companies with E-learning, will struggle unless they have a truly disruptive idea and a structural advantage. So I ask you, what is more disruptive in todays society than kids just teaching kids, parents being invested in their children, where the out of pocket cost is low and the high return is self efficacy. Now that is disruptive, because it is such a simple, humble concept.
Mollie Verdier
Mission and Vision
I am an Occupational Therapy Practitioner and mother to 6 kids who have all had their own special need throughout the years.
For the past 8 years I have been running a company called Therapals.com where I have matched children with special needs up across the world based on their interest and abilities for friendship and then I had them teach each other life skills through video based learning. Through this program friendships have been made, skills have been mastered and products have been patented. But what has made the biggest impact on me as a mom , Is how these kids feel when they know that they have helped someone and really made a difference in their life. I have worked in the school system for 13 years. I have realized what an enormous impact children have on each other. I cannot tell you how many times I have worked and worked on shoe tying with a child and then their friend teaches them out on by the swings at recess in less than 5 minutes. Children just know how to relate to other children.
“Peer-to-peer learning is so powerful if it is done in a safe way.” – Mollie
And that is why I have decided to create a platform called UpperHand Edge. An all inclusive, online entrepreneurial program for children of all ages and all levels of abilities. From the very basic life skills to the high end of technology, STEM and innovation. Everyone can be a teacher, everyone has a skill to share, everyone has a need that needs filled. And UpperHand Edge is here to level the playing field for young entrepreneurs 18 and under that are ready to start their own business.
David Sahakyan
Business and Technology
Technology+Innovations is the magic elixir that keeps me up late at night and wakes me up in the morning. I believe in making a better world for the next generations through technological innovations and teamwork.
As for my own education, I have graduated the most prestigious Art School in Armenia (graphics, watercolor, sculpture, and history of art), played violin for 5 years, earned two Graduate degrees and completed many self-taught classes and still counting. Fluent in three languages and working on Spanish and French.
Today, I am relentlessly passionate and enthusiastic technologist, entrepreneur and innovator. I am a Software and Technology Architect, Product Manager with knowledge of current Mega-trends and understanding of Information Technology landscape and unwavering desire to bring any meaningful and positive change to life!