CEO

Prior to joining the Learn Design Apply team, Andrew (Andy) Henshaw worked in various roles in customer service, supply chain, credit services, program management, consulting and philanthropy. After writing his first distance learning and telemedicine grant in 2014, Andy became increasingly interested in bridging the gap between underserved communities and the funding sources available to them.

Upon graduation from University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business, Andy joined the LDA team as the Director of Business Development and Operations. At school, he majored in Marketing and Strategy, and focused on healthcare and public health initiatives. As part of the company, he intends to forge strategic partnerships between funding providers, private and public businesses, and underserved communities to maximize impact for all involved.

President

Dana Satterwhite has been with the company from its inception. She joined her first grants team at Tandberg, a video conferencing manufacturer, and has since spent her career at the intersection of collaboration technology and public funding. Her unique path has afforded her access and insight into organizations across the spectrum, from small, rural communities to tech giants such as Cisco, Poly, and Zoom. Over the years, she has helped organizations throughout the country unlock millions in funding. As LDA continues to grow and explore new fields and funding programs, Dana is thrilled to continue this work of aligning funding with innovative technology initiatives and projects.

Dana and her family live in Seattle, WA where they enjoy the great outdoors and all things Seattle sports.

Funding Strategist

Elizabeth Kennedy Bayer joined LDA in 2022 after working at the Arizona Community Foundation in project management and process improvement/development. Elizabeth has a long history working on all sides of the granting process as a writer, adjudicator, and administrator. Their experience in founding and leading the non-profit arts organization, Oh My Ears, from 2014-2021 has solidified Elizabeth's passion for approachable and human-focused project management. Elizabeth enjoys working for highly adaptive mission-driven organizations. Elizabeth received their master's in music composition from Arizona State University and currently performs with Josué Kinter in Phoenix, AZ. When not on stage, Elizabeth can be found with their two dogs, Wilson and Lore.

Director, Infrastructure Programs

Megan joined the Learn Design Apply team in 2021. She leads the infrastructure team in assisting clients identify and secure monetary resources for large and small scale projects.

Previously, she worked as a meeting planner in Washington, D.C., where she hosted events to help state and federal officials address pressing issues, from emergency preparedness to healthcare equity. She has spent time managing pubs and prior to that worked as an English teacher. After finishing her first novel in 2020, Megan turned her passion for words to grant writing. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from Illinois College

Megan has lived in San Francisco, Poland, New Zealand, and Washington D.C.. She now calls Denver home.

Manager, Safety and Security Programs

Graham joined the LDA team in 2022 after serving as co-founder and vice president of operations at Oak Row Custom Trim, an architectural manufacturing business in Georgia. At Oak Row, he managed all aspects of daily operations and company strategy. Prior to Oak Row, Graham lived in Washington, D.C. doing freelance Arabic-English translation. He also worked in Alaska as a commercial fisherman. Graham holds a B.A. in Arab Studies from Davidson College. He conducted research in the Middle East and wrote a thesis entitled Positionality, Narrative, and the Jordanian Honor Crime. His experience prepares him to work with diverse stakeholders in pursuit of federal funding.

Joining Learn Design Apply in 2023, Peter brings a background in technical writing and journalism to the funding strategy team. After graduating from Hamilton College with a BA in History in 2019, Peter taught English in Bulgaria and Turkey for a year before returning to the States. He then moved into the fields of whistleblower journalism and business writing. For the past few years, he has managed technical writing for startups and fintech businesses. He is committed to providing clients with an open-minded experience based on their unique needs and goals. Outside of work, Peter loves to ski, bike, and play music when possible. He now lives in Southwest Montana and enjoys sunsets from his porch and easy access to all things outdoors.

Funding Strategist

Kate joined the infrastructure team in 2023. With a background in Community and Economic Development and as an AmeriCorps VISTA alumna, Kate is passionate about rebuilding our society and systems to be equitable for all. Growing up in a lower income, working class family and in a rural community, Kate’s access to a college degree was never guaranteed. But through the privileges she had, her hard work, and the support from assistance programs and mentors, she was able to graduate with honors, travel around the world, and complete her master’s degree. These first-hand experiences showed her how transformative it can be for individuals and communities when we provide support and empowerment to those who are often undervalued and disregarded in our communities.

Director of Operations

Zach joined the Learn Design Apply team in the summer of 2020. Over the last decade, he has written dozens of successful grant proposals and garnered over $14 million in Federal awards for public and non-profit institutions. Prior to joining the LDA team, he was the Grant Writer for Brazosport College where he managed all pre-award activities and served on numerous committees, including co-chair of the college’s CARES Act task force. He has researched and developed projects across education, telecommunications, law enforcement, social work, healthcare, and workforce development and training. Zach graduated from Texas State University with a B.A. in English and Theatre and earned a graduate certificate in Program Evaluation from the University of Connecticut.

Zach hails from Lake Jackson, Texas but now calls Apex, North Carolina home. He and his wife are the doting parents of two furry, four-legged children, their whippets Scholar and Oxford. When not in front of the computer, Zach can be found behind a good book, at a coffee shop, or walking the pups on one of the many trails and parks near his home.

Funding Strategist

Victoria joined the Learn Design Apply Grants team in 2020. Prior to LDA, Victoria worked in client and project management at a number of technology startups in the Los Angeles area. She is extremely passionate about ensuring that her clients reach their goals with maximum ease and efficiency. Outside of work, Victoria enjoys searching for her next good meal, watching reality television, and cheering for her favorite basketball team, the Dallas Mavericks. She holds a B.A. with Honors in Psychology from the University of Chicago.

Funding Strategist

Leslie joined the team in 2023 as a Funding Strategist following his experience at an education non-profit in NYC, where he was a Program Director for their College Success department. Having worked to support underserved students for 6 years, mission-driven work has been a critical part of his professional career and he aims to continue having an impact on high-need communities here at LDA.

Leslie earned a B.A. in Political Science from Davidson College and is a native of Brooklyn, New York, which is where he is currently based. Outside of work, his hobbies include perfecting breakfast omelets and seeking out the city's best soup dumplings.

Director, Collaboration Team

Melissa joined the Learn Design Apply team in 2018. Her passion for people and effective communication lead her to careers in human resources, sales, and now to the team of LDA. Melissa resides in Mooresville, NC and is a lover of good wine, her husband, her 4 children, and Netflix — not necessarily in that order. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and is an avid Tarheel fan.

Funding Strategist

Megan joined the Learn Design Apply team in 2021, after working as a Registered Nurse at a large acute care hospital. Megan has five years of experience in the healthcare industry working in a variety of specialties at multiple hospital organizations, including a major healthcare organization with rural hospitals and clinics. Her healthcare experience was preceded by a role as an account manager where she assisted clients with their marketing and strategy needs.

Megan graduated from Mercy College of Health Sciences in Des Moines, IA with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and from the University of Kansas with a degree in Political Science. In addition to working in healthcare, Megan spent time in New Mexico, Florida, Iowa and Washington, D.C. working in political operations, grassroots campaigning and fundraising.

Megan lives in Estero, FL with her husband and three children.

Grants Research and Operations Specialist

Sophie Laettner is a Grants Research and Operations Specialist with Learn Design Apply Inc. She serves as Membership Chair for the Jacksonville Global Shaper’s Hub, an initiative of the World Economic Forum, and she is also a member of the Jacksonville Beaches Rotaract Club.

Sophie has a B.A. from Duke University, with double majors in Public Policy and French studies, and a minor in English studies. She studied in France for two semesters and has proficient command of the French language. Her poetry has been published in multiple magazines, including Z Publishing House's Florida's Best Emerging Poets 2019: An Anthology and Duke University's Archive Spring 2018. Sophie is the recipient of Duke University's Terry Welby Tyler, Jr. Award for Poetry. She is also a scholarship recipient for the European Forum Alpbach in Austria.

Manager, Infrastructure Programs

Brooke joined the infrastructure team in 2020. Before working with LDA, Brooke worked in client and project management at a startup in Encinitas, California. She brings joy and passion to every project she is involved in. Outside of work, Brooke is an avid surfer and lover of the ocean. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Whitman College.

Funding Strategist

Kimberly Newman has worked in logistical project management for over 15 years, specializing in VIP programs and C-suite initiatives. Prior to joining the LDA Grants team, Kimberly worked on sales and marketing focused event planning for tech giants including Facebook, LinkedIn, Intuit, Uber and Slack. Kimberly lives in the suburbs of Los Angeles where she enjoys hiking, beach days, and pool-side-living with her husband and two daughters. She holds a B.S. in Business Marketing from ASU's WP Carey School of Business and a minor in Art History.

Funding Strategist

Peter joined the Learn Design Apply team in 2022 after graduating from the Ohio State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in business administration. He double majored in finance and psychology and aims to use aspects of each in order to give grants the highest possible chances of funding. He was previously a sailing camp director and has taught hundreds of kids new skills during the summer. Peter was born and raised in Nashville, TN, but now resides in Cleveland, OH where he enjoys the winter snow and vicinity of local parks.

Funding Strategist

Lauren joined the LDA team in 2022 as a funding strategist. Before working at LDA she was an elementary educator and instructional coach for 14 years. Lauren believes in empowering educators by providing superior support and technology tools in order to empower their students. Lauren received her Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education as well as her Masters of Arts in Instructional Technology from Appalachian State University. As a proud Mountaineer Alumni, she enjoys visiting Boone and the Appalachian Mountains as often as she can. She resides in Mooresville, North Carolina with her two daughters and husband. Lauren enjoys spending time with family and friends, sharing good food and wine, and shopping at TJ Maxx and Target.

Funding Strategist

Sarah joined the infrastructure team in 2022. Her passion for research, writing, and community engagement led her to pursue a career in grant writing. Prior to her role with LDA, Sarah was a Program Coordinator for the Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council. She holds a B.S. in Environmental and Sustainability Studies, a minor in German, and an M.A. in Sustainable Communities from Northern Arizona University. Her academic background consists of Southwest water management, climate resilience, and community engagement. Outside of work, Sarah loves serving as a keys player at her church, playing with her two pups, and exploring local breweries. She currently resides in her beloved hometown of Gilbert, Arizona.

Funding Strategist

Jessica joined the Learn Design Apply team in 2021. She brings over 15 years of experience as a grant writer with her. In 2010 she established a grant consultancy business where she helped secure funding for organizations across a variety of sectors, including health care, education, public safety, and social work.

Jessica has a BA from University of Kansas and MSc from University of Edinburgh. She lives in Chicago with her husband and daughter, but her heart lives on the other side of the lake in Michigan where she goes hiking on the weekends. When not tackling ill-advised home renovations, Jessica also likes to travel and garden.

Funding Strategist

Catherine joined the LDA team in 2021.

Prior to joining LDA, Catherine worked as a teacher and mentor in Chicago, IL and Richmond, TX. Catherine’s first hand experience in Title One Schools led to her passion in helping underserved programs receive proper funding. She brings an educator’s perspective and organizational skills to all of her clients to ensure goals are met.

She graduated from the University of Kansas with a B.A. in Communications and History and completed her Masters in Education from National Lewis University.

Catherine resides in Naples, FL with her two sons and husband. She enjoys building sand castles, chasing her boys on their bikes and watching the sunset every chance she gets.

Funding Strategist

Shannon brings more than 20 years of grant management and writing experience to LDA. Through her work with health care organizations, educational institutions and nonprofits, Shannon has a thorough understanding of the intricacies of developing, writing and submitting complex federal grants, contracts and cooperative agreements.

Prior to joining the team, Shannon worked for over a decade as a grant services consultant and account manager, including the DC government relations firm, Strategic Health Care. For the past 21 years, Shannon has worked directly with hospitals and healthcare organizations to seek funding related to health professional development, health disparities, and rural health. From identifying needs and potential opportunities, to working directly with healthcare providers and writing successful grant applications, Shannon owns all aspects of the process.

Shannon’s success in both grants and contracts includes HEN/HIIN contracts from CMS Innovation Center, CMS Bundled Payment Model Two initiative, YOUTHBUILD, a multitude of HRSA opportunities and USDA DLT awards.

Funding Strategist

Annie Sirski joined the infrastructure team in 2023. Throughout her career, she has followed her passion for technology, community, and equity. She brings over five years of project management and consulting experience with enterprise technology clients. After-hours, she is completing a Master’s in Library and Information Science from the University of Washington. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree in French Language and Literature from Whitman College and served as a 2016/2017 California Capitol Fellow of Judicial Administration. Annie is based in Seattle, Washington, where you can often find her on a hiking trail, at a farmer’s market, or at a Husky game.

Funding Strategist

Jennifer has an earned reputation for being customer-obsessed — caring is at the core of everything she does. Her passion for video conferencing and collaboration is evident and comes from a history of 13+ years of enabling Tandberg & Cisco customers to understand the benefits of technology. She offers highly developed organizational, communication, and customer experience skills with a flair for creativity and fun. Jennifer lives in Leesburg, Virginia with her husband, family of four teens, and nearly 300 pounds of dogs! She graduated from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill and is an avid Tarheel fan, yep…her blood runs Carolina Blue!

Funding Strategist

Macy Cate joined the LDA team in 2022 after a decade of experience working as an elementary school teacher and professional development trainer. Macy Cate has a passion for helping educators see the benefit of using technology to engage students in the classroom, bringing tools and content to their schools that change the trajectory and interactivity of the students’ learning. Macy Cate has a Bachelors of Science in Interdisciplinary Teaching and Elementary Education and a Masters degree in Technology Integration. After graduation from Lipscomb University, Macy Cate moved from Nashville, TN back to sweet home Alabama. She currently lives in Montgomery, Alabama with her husband and three precious kiddos. She thoroughly enjoys lake days with her family, Mexican food, and any reason to go shopping!