The former special education teacher, administrator, and edtech leader is poised to lead RoboKind’s next phase of growth

(Dallas, TX) Nov. 14, 2019 – RoboKind, the only US-based developer and manufacturer of Advanced Social Robots™, today announced the appointment of Valorie Brown Loomer as its new CEO.

RoboKind holds patents for and manufactures robots that are paired with innovative software as a service (SaaS) learning programs focused on social-emotional and vocational learning for people on the autism spectrum, as well as STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and coding programs to help all students become more college- and career-ready in an age of rapidly advancing robotic technology across industries.

For Loomer, this role is a culmination of the past 25 years of her work in education and education technology. After being diagnosed with a speech impediment and having a special education IEP (individual education plan), herself, she overcame the communication challenges she faced in the classroom, going on to become a Baylor University Presidential Scholar. Loomer began her career as a special education teacher and proponent of assistive technology, working at both the elementary and secondary levels as a teacher in New York and Texas, working for Round Rock ISD, Austin ISD, and as a New York City Board of Education Scholar.

She has since worked as an advocate and senior management leader with a variety of learning, technology, and publishing companies, including partnering in projects like the IDEAWorks! Digital Curriculum Software from Harcourt (now Houghton Mifflin Harcourt), Dell’s Connected Classroom initiative, Microsoft’s Global Education Partner Network, and CDW-G’s K-12 Classroom Technology Program.

Loomer has held various senior management roles in education technology. She has seen first-hand the benefits of leveraging technology, accompanied by strong instructional content and professional development for educators, to accelerate and enhance learning and growth for all students. She begins her new role at RoboKind at a key tipping point in the company’s growth, bringing her knowledge and expertise in working with schools, districts, state departments of education, and ministries of education all over the world.

“We have an incredibly brilliant, diverse, and dedicated team here at RoboKind,” said Loomer, “and I’m looking forward to leading the company through the next phase of growth as we continue to develop new technologies, expand our team, and broaden our partnerships.”

As the new CEO of a company that designs innovative educational technology, Loomer looks forward to serving as a role model for young women, especially those who are pushing through challenges and obstacles to pursue their passions through careers in business, technology, and education. “As a former special education student, teacher, and parent, I’m both honored and humbled to be in this role and to have the opportunity to build on the ‘innovative teaching and learning for all’ approach that guides everything we do at RoboKind.”

“Valorie has firsthand experience with the challenges and rewards of educating students with special needs,” said Richard Margolin, RoboKind’s chief technology officer and co-Founder, and the EY 2019 Southwest Region Entrepreneur of the Year in the Social Impact category. “The combination of that teaching experience and her impressive track record of leadership in edtech C-suites makes her uniquely equipped to lead RoboKind and help shape the future of education.”

Fred Margolin, RoboKind’s former CEO and co-founder, will be transitioning into a role on RoboKind’s Board of Directors. “We’ve spent years researching, designing, and proving the efficacy of the world’s most advanced social robot and making it available to learners worldwide,” said Fred Margolin, “and we believe that Valorie’s knowledge of the complex legislative requirements, funding opportunities, and learning standards will help us expand our success with even more students, schools, and communities throughout the world.”

About RoboKind

RoboKind is a Dallas, Texas-based company whose mission is to use innovative robotic, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality technology with software-based instructional content solutions that help create lifelong and inclusive learning opportunities for all. RoboKind has developed expressive humanoid robots and avatars, including Milo, who was named in the 2019 Game Changers: Tech & Learning’s Most Inspiring in EdTech in 2019. RoboKind is committed to partnering with PK-12 educational organizations, colleges/universities, foundations, and other organizations to conduct high quality research and development that support continuous growth and positive impact.

To learn more about RoboKind’s extensive research or for research opportunities, please contact research@robokind.com.  For partnership opportunities, please contact partners@robokind.com.

Media Contact (RoboKind)

Jacob Hanson
PR with Panache!
Jacob@prwithpanache.com
(970) 560-0856