About Us

We started this work as educators who had lived the same writing problems for years. Students were writing constantly. Teachers were buried in feedback. Districts kept trying new programs. And still, no one could truly say whether students were becoming better writers.

So, we focused on the part we knew best. We wanted writing instruction to be cleaner, feedback clearer, and the daily work lighter for teachers. New advances in AI finally made it possible to take a real shot at solving the problem we knew. That became Wisdom, and it made an immediate difference. Classrooms ran smoother, feedback was timely, and teachers had routines that helped instead of adding to the load.

But getting Wisdom into real classrooms opened conversations we’d never been able to have before. As we listened, a deeper problem surfaced. Even with better feedback, the same questions kept returning:

  • Are students growing as writers?

  • Are we seeing their real ability?

  • Does any of this connect across years?

The issue wasn’t new—it had simply been impossible to solve at scale until modern technology made it feasible. But recognizing the gap and defining what it required came from the people doing the work, not the tools.

This is where our team mattered. From the start, we brought different backgrounds—classrooms, leadership, literacy, assessment, research, operations, product, engineering. That range helped us see the larger pattern the moment it surfaced.

We didn’t end up here by accident. We followed the real problems until the truth became clear. And once it did, our mission was undeniable.

Meet the Team

Michael Marchionda

Chief Executive Officer

LinkedIn
“The fear that AI will make education impersonal and teachers obsolete is unfounded. Instead, AI, when used judiciously, can foster a deeper connection between student and teacher than is currently achievable in traditional classrooms.”

Teacher, Administrator, EdTech SaaS Executive

Our CEO of Wisdom brings an impressive blend of strategic leadership and hands-on experience in the EdTech sector. His professional journey is characterized by a successful track record in SaaS sales, business development, and a deep understanding of curriculum and instruction at the K-12 level. Marchionda’s career began as an English teacher, later escalating to the Director of Curriculum and Instruction where he oversaw K-12 curriculum development and staff professional development for over 3,000 students.

  • Mike’s shift into the corporate world began with The College Board. There, as a Regional Solutions Manager, he was responsible for state and district sales in the Northeast and Middle States Regions. His tenure at The College Board saw the closing of the largest deal in the company's history at that time with NYC Public Schools.

    Mike further showcased his leadership skills at Scantron, where he served as Vice President of K-12 Sales & Business Development. He developed and implemented national sales and marketing strategies for the SaaS Assessment & Analytics Division. Over his tenure at Scantron, he consistently exceeded quotas, generating over $150M in revenue, and closed the company's first statewide SaaS deal for over $10M with the State of Alabama.

Ruthie Robbins

Chief Learning Officer

LinkedIn
“It’s not just about the hours I’ve gained. It’s about how those hours are spent. I’ve got more time for my students, for my personal life, and even for professional development.”

Master Teacher, Author, Education Leader

Launching her education career in Pittsburgh, PA, Ruthie quickly distinguished herself as a formidable force in the field. Her dedication and talent earned her prestigious accolades such as the Western PA Teacher Excellence Center Teacher of Excellence (2006), inclusion in Disney's Top 100 Teachers (2004), and the title of Pittsburgh Post-Gazette All-Star Educator.

  • In 2012, Ruthie embarked on a new journey, moving to Buffalo to serve as an ELA/Literacy Instructional Facilitator for the Johns Hopkins University School of Education. Her impact was not limited to Buffalo, but spread across various cities including Detroit, Chicago, Boston, and San Antonio, showcasing her ability to adapt and excel in diverse educational landscapes.

    In February 2017, Ruthie began to teach again in Buffalo, NY. Her tireless work in enhancing the literacy skills of middle school students, preparing them for high school and beyond, emphasized her commitment to developing "real writers for real purposes." Ruthie believes firmly in the power of writing, whether to inform, persuade, or entertain, and she finds joy in helping students discover their unique writing voices.

Leadership Team

  • Patrick "Skip" Smith

    Chief Operating Officer

    With nearly two decades of entrepreneurial experience, Patrick Smith brings a thoughtful and steady hand to every venture he undertakes. He has built a career on strategy, innovation, and fostering sustainable growth. Patrick’s work with Wisdom is guided by a desire to support educators and students, inspired by the firsthand insights of his cousins who are dedicated teachers. His approach is grounded in collaboration and a belief that meaningful change comes from thoughtful, incremental progress.

  • Chuck "CR" Knight

    Chief Financial Officer

    Chuck “CR“ Knight has excelled in management consulting, starting as a “numbers geek” developing complex cost models for major IT acquisitions for agencies like the Navy, Intelligence Community, and FAA. He quickly rose to project leadership, fostering team and program success. Joining Cobec Consulting in 2017, CR leveraged his network to expand Cobec’s reach from one government agency to six, plus commercial clients, driving growth as Director of Business Development. Now a Senior Director, he oversees Business Development, Contracts, Finance, and Marketing, shaping strategy while ensuring teams have the tools to deliver top-notch services. His employee-first mindset remains central to his leadership.

Advisors

  • Lisa Carter

    Lisa Carter is a distinguished sales executive and strategic leader whose career spans high-profile roles in some of the most influential companies in technology and education. As a former Region Manager at Apple, Lisa was instrumental in defining the customer experience, leading her team to achieve groundbreaking results in sales and management. Her seasoned tenure includes Vice President positions at Amplify and Pearson K12 Solutions Group, where her strategic acumen in sales and partnerships significantly advanced each company's market position. Lisa's expertise in SaaS, combined with her executive management skills, has consistently fostered innovation and growth, cementing her reputation as a visionary in the industry. Her dynamic approach and proven track record in strategic sales have made her a valued leader and catalyst for success in the competitive tech and ed-tech landscapes.

  • Dorene Ciletti

    Dorene Ciletti, MBA, Ph.D., is an associate professor and director of the marketing and sales program at Point Park University’s Rowland School of Business. As H.J. Heinz Endowed Chair and co-director of Women in Industry, she champions inclusivity and innovation. Co-founder of Point Park’s Sales & Innovation Center and Duquesne University’s Center for Leadership in Professional Selling, Dr. Ciletti combines academic rigor with real-world expertise in marketing and sales. A mentor and curriculum innovator, she empowers students and organizations through experiential learning, strategic programs, and community engagement. Dr. Ciletti also publishes extensively and serves on nonprofit boards promoting inclusion and resilience.

  • Chris Hale

    Chris Hale, as CEO of Viqtory, leads the nation's top military marketing firm, bridging the gap between the military community and civilian opportunities. His pioneering efforts have culminated in the creation of influential initiatives like G.I. Jobs and Military Spouse media brands, fostering employment, entrepreneurship, and education for veterans and military spouses. A decorated Navy veteran, Chris's distinguished service includes numerous accolades, such as the Naval Flight Officer of the Year. His dynamic career, spanning venture capital and corporate leadership, is underpinned by a commitment to veteran support and community involvement, exemplifying a dedication to service and innovation.

  • Chris Kohan

    Entrepreneur, media guru, and angel investor Chris Kohan has made a significant mark on Pittsburgh's business landscape over the past three decades. His entrepreneurial journey includes the co-founding of The Healing Center, a trailblazer in Pennsylvania's medical cannabis industry. Before this, Chris excelled as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Steel City Media for 28 years, where he played a key role in the company's growth with innovative marketing strategies. His varied career also involves angel investing, providing valuable support and guidance to budding startups. This transition from a college radio intern to a multifaceted business leader showcases his diverse skills and visionary approach.