Who We Are
Building confidence and connection for students
Positive role models for middle school students struggling with anxiety and motivation through near peer mentorship. Our programs are designed to foster social emotional learning and inspire the leaders of tomorrow.
Our Purpose
Teen Innovators knows that older high school age teens need a hands-on learning experience to be successful in our new digital world. Our peer mentors help write program curriculum, lead our clubs, contribute to our marketing and digital design.
While middle school students crave the attention, advice and leadership from older positive role models who have recently walked in their shoes.
Together, TI Students and Peer Mentors grow alongside each other and learn life skills that provide a foundation for success as a purpose-driven leader of tomorrow.
Our Founder
As a corporate warrior, serial entrepreneur, and mother of two boys, founder Christine Hutchison understands the importance of instilling creativity, confidence and connection in young teens.
Exposing her boys to the innovative startup world inspired them to see an example of what they might become one day. With the help of a few teachers, Christine developed clubs for teens by teens, that will enable future leaders to harness the power of learning from accomplished older teens who recently walked in the young teens' shoes, that support both their inevitable failures and impended successes and dreams.
Our Staff
Tara Pendleton
Manager of Curriculum and Training
Tara is a Business Teacher and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) adviser at Normal Community High School. Her educational ideal is to support youth as they pursue their own passions and achieve their personal excellence – whatever shape that may take.
Evan Trad
Program Outreach Coordinator
Evan Trad teaches diverse learners in Chicago. Outside of teaching he has a passion for entrepreneurship where he has built and ran several successful businesses. He loves to read, cook, travel and spend time with his two dogs.
Advisory Board
Our Mentors
Teen Innovator Peer Mentors are hand-picked by our staff with the highest expectations based on recommendations, past mentorship experience, and passion for helping young teens. Our peer mentors begin their mentorship journey with a dedicated training program and regularly participate in additional training opportunities, all coordinated by certified teachers.
Clark P.
College Freshman | Loves Math | Plays Baseball, Golf & Video Games
Stephany F.
College Freshman | Entrepreneurship & Reading | Business
Charlie P.
High School Junior | Stem & Math | Loves Video Games & Books
Kate B.
Junior at Northwestern | Computer Science & Biology | Loves baking
Oliver S.
Sophomore at USC | International Business | Enjoys Hiking
Sydney C.
Junior in High School | Summer Tech Camp Leader | Enjoys Reading
Sebastian W.
Junior in HS | STEM, Math, Science & Music | Collects Comic Books
Jackson
Sophomore in High School | Summer Tech Camp Leader | Golf & Baseball
Hannah S
Sophomore at Clemson University | Marketing Intern for Teen Innovatos