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Rick SleutarisDirector, Facilitator
Rick joined the Open Connections team in 2004 and now serves as the Director. A wearer of many hats, Rick works to infuse our mission into every aspect of the organization, supports the staff, facilitates in the Choice program, spearheads many OC community events, conducts admission tours, and oversees the financial side of OC.
Rick received his B.S. Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Penn State and an M.B.A. from the University of Delaware. Rick’s path towards learner-centered education began with his own wish to create a more meaningful life for himself. His first full-time job at W.L. Gore and Associates, a progressive for-profit company and the maker of Gore-Tex® products, inspired him to take more ownership over his life. Experiences as a Peace Corps volunteer in North Macedonia, at several mission-driven non-profit organizations, and the birth of his first child made him realize that a meaningful life, for him, includes assisting others in creating a meaningful life for themselves. This led him to Open Connections where he joined a community of individuals "living" at the intersection of learner-centered education and parenting. It's a wonderful, anxious, fulfilling, challenging place to live. Rick and his wife, Jane, delight in long walks and deep conversation. He enjoys supporting his daughter as she pursues her self-directed path and recently took up rock climbing with his son. An avid reader, Rick is currently diving deep into the works of Alan Watts, Marshall Rosenberg (Nonviolent Communication), Simon Sinek, and Joe Dispenza. Additionally, he always enjoys a good joke. Rick and Jane's youth attend or have attended OC. |
