Institute Team

Before joining the BRI team in 2024, Allison worked for 18 years as a middle and high school teacher. Her classroom experience includes World History, Economics, AP Government and AP U.S. History, among others. She prides herself on making content relatable and accessible to students and producing curriculum materials that are helpful to teachers. Allison has a M.Ed. from Wright State University and a M.A. in American History from Pace University.

Ally joined the Bill of Rights Institute team in the fall of 2022 after ten years working in public history and museum education. She has created and delivered educational programming to bring history to life for all ages. She is especially enthusiastic about teaching K-12 students and providing them with experiences that leave a real and lasting impact.  Ally is now eager to help BRI expand its base of support to allow our organization to create outstanding resources and programs for America’s civics and history educators and their students. Ally enjoys working at an organization whose mission is her passion. Contact Ally.

Amanda serves as the Creative Director at the Bill of Rights Institute, where she leads the in-house studio and collaborates with various teams to ensure the success of all video projects produced by BRI. Prior to joining the team in 2024, Amanda worked as a video producer in the field of online education, collaborating with academics from diverse disciplines to create video content for a wide range of programs. Additionally, she has contributed her video expertise within the nonprofit sector, serving as a producer at a government think tank and PBS. Amanda received her B.A. in Film – Video from Pennsylvania State University.

Becky joined BRI as an intern in Fall 2020 and has now joined the Development team where she works on data organization, moves management organization, and gift acknowledgement. She is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University with an MA in Museum Studies and Certificate in Nonprofit Management, and of Millersville University of Pennsylvania with a BA in History and German. Prior to her role at BRI, Becky worked for 5 years in the title insurance industry. Contact Becky at bleakway@mybri.org.

Chris graduated from West Virginia University in 2007 with a journalism degree and began his career as a newspaper reporter. He comes to the Bill of Rights Institute after spending nearly 10 years as a communications specialist and analyst at GEICO. In his spare time, Chris enjoys watching TV, exercising, and spending time with his friends, niece, and nephew. Contact Chris at chuntemann@mybri.org.

Before joining BRI full time in February of 2017, Chris worked for seventeen years in sales and marketing for The Washington Post’s Newspaper in Education program. He has also done marketing, public relations, and fundraising for several small theater companies in Washington, D.C., has worked as an education aide and consultant for The Smithsonian Institution’s National Portrait Gallery and has written curriculum for the U.S. Fund for UNICEF’s TeachUNICEF program. Chris has a B.A. in History and Drama from Thomas More College in his native state of Kentucky, and an M.A. in Theater History, Literature, and Criticism from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Contact Chris at cjanson@billofrightsinstitute.org

Cole joined the Bill of Rights Institute as an intern in 2023. The son of a K-12 librarian, Cole is thrilled to continue his work at the Institute, where he can pay forward his passions for education, history, and civil discourse. Cole is responsible for ensuring the Development team has the tools needed to expand funding for BRI’s growing number of programs and initiatives.   Cole is a recent graduate of Missouri State University’s Defense and Strategic Studies Master’s program, and earned his Bachelor’s with Distinction in History. He earned the university’s highest honor as a Citizen Scholar, spearheaded the creation of Missouri State’s History Club, volunteered as an intern for the United States Senate, and was a Graduate Fellow of the Rumsfeld Foundation.   

Danny became a part of the BRI team in Summer 2023. Prior to his association with BRI, he amassed over a decade of experience in web development. Holding several certifications in full-stack development, Danny is deeply committed to the craft of software engineering. He possesses an innate ability to navigate challenges and design optimal solutions. Beyond the realm of web development, Danny also brings to the table expertise in graphic design and interactive media production, showcasing his multifaceted skill set.

Derrick has almost a decade of experience fundraising for national non-profit organizations. After starting his career as a Social Studies teacher, Derrick transitioned in the field of education policy, serving as a education staffer and eventually transitioning to a fundraising role for the Council of Chief State School Officers. Before arriving at BRI, Derrick served as the corporate partnerships lead for the Heart Rhythm Society, a medical nonprofit. Derrick has a proven track record of developing strategic partnerships and mutually-beneficial relationships with industry that drive results and impact. Through his career, he has raised over $10m dollars from corporate partnerships and grant revenue across the education and medical fields. He has almost a decade of experience making major asks, and possesses a reputation amongst his colleagues as a strategic, open-minded, and fair thinker. Derrick is a graduate of Morehouse College. As a student, Derrick won several national championships in debate, and today is an active member in the international debate community as a judge and volunteer. When hes not debating or working, Derrick enjoys writing, live shows and concerts, and spending time with his Boston Terrier Ella and his Pit Bull Beverly. Derrick believes his fundraising background, debate, and teaching experience makes him a great match with BRI in his role. Contact Derrick Today!

Dominque joined BRI in the Summer of 2023. She is a 2017 graduate of Howard University with a degree in marketing. Her experience comes with a wealth of knowledge in the digital marketing space, specifically in the life sciences and marketing consulting industries. Dominque has remained passionate about history throughout her life. She is excited to merge her interests in history and marketing, adding to BRI’s mission and value.

Echo joined the Bill of Rights Institute in 2024, continuing her close partnership with Vice President, Civic Leadership Development, Gerald Gangaram. Known for her golden personality and passion for outreach, Echo encourages everyone to “paws” their day and give her a well-deserved pet while learning more about the Bill of Rights Institute’s impact. Studying under top experts, including two Marine Corps canine trainers, she graduated as a service dog in 2021. When not serving others, Echo’s favorite pastimes include playing tug, cuddling, and binge-watching her favorite shows starring Steve Harvey. She takes her role seriously, promoting joy and wagging her tail wherever she goes. Note: Echo has been observed fake sighing/snoring during speaking events when she feels she isn’t getting enough attention—this in no way signifies boredom on her part, but she will smile when you notice.

Emma joined the Bill of Rights Institute team in November 2024 to support student programs like MyImpact Challenge. She is passionate about supporting the next generation of learners as they develop strong civic identities and move toward civic action.  Before joining the Institute, Emma spent ten years as a museum educator at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History where she specialized in creating and implementing inquiry-driven experiences for learners of all ages. Emma holds a B.A. in History and Political Science from Bucknell University and an M.A. in Museum Studies from The George Washington University. Contact Emma.