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What We Do

We break down ideas floating around parenting circles and educator professional networks into digestible and actionable resources. Check out the KEN Blog for the latest topics and discussions.

What We Believe

Click through the slides to learn about why we do the work we do and the purpose of the Knowledge Exchange Network (KEN).

Bridging the Gap:

Learning from Each Other

Caregivers and educators each possess unique knowledge and expertise that, when combined, can significantly enhance the holistic development of children. Parents and other caregivers bring experiential and intuitive wisdom, understanding their children’s needs, strengths, and challenges on a personal level. Educators offer professional insights into child and adolescent development, grounded in research and practical experience in academic settings.

The K.E.N. Behind KEN

Dr. Kristen Ellison Nguyen

Knowledge Exchange Network (KEN) was founded by Dr. Kristen Ellison Nguyen (she/her), an educator, curriculum designer, researcher, and consultant dedicated to helping educators, caregivers, and organizations create meaningful learning experiences for young people. Throughout her career, Dr. Nguyen has worn many hats, including classroom teacher (grades 3–12), instructional coach, curriculum developer, and educational leader. Most recently, she served as Director of Curriculum and Evaluation at Success Bound, where she partnered with middle school educators to strengthen teaching, learning, and student outcomes. Prior to that, she supported Chicago Public Schools as a social and emotional learning (SEL) instructional specialist.

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Dr. Nguyen earned a Bachelor of Arts in English for Secondary Education from Grand Valley State University, a Master of Arts in Adventure/Experiential Education from Prescott College, and a Doctor of Education from Northeastern University. In March 2023, just one month after successfully defending her doctoral dissertation, she embarked on another transformative journey: motherhood.

 

Now the proud mother of two daughters, Dr. Nguyen has discovered that the lessons of parenting and teaching are deeply intertwined. The patience, curiosity, empathy, and adaptability required in one role continually strengthen the other. Whether facilitating professional learning, designing curriculum, or navigating life with two young children, she believes that our greatest growth often happens through the relationships we build and the challenges we embrace.

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That belief inspired the creation of the Knowledge Exchange Network—a space where research meets real life, where educators and caregivers can learn from one another, and where evidence-based practices are translated into practical tools for classrooms, homes, and communities. Through KEN and her consulting work, Dr. Nguyen partners with schools, nonprofits, and educational organizations to develop engaging curriculum, strengthen professional learning, and support the adults who shape the lives of young people.

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To consult or collaborate with Dr. Nguyen, contact us today.

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