About Us

First Responder Kids Academy, a program of Minds On Learning, provides free academic support for K–12 children of first responders. With tutoring, academic counseling, college preparation, and SAT/ACT test prep classes, First Responder Kids Academy helps students build the skills, confidence, and opportunities they’ll need for long term success. We’re committed to being a consistent presence in the educational lives of the children and families we serve.
Meet the Team

Co-Founder / Director of Education
David Greenwald, M.A.
Mr. G has a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California at San Diego (UCSD), a Master of Arts in Education from Pepperdine University, and a Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from the state of California.
Having taught in elementary and middle school classrooms for 34 years, Mr. G has gained much experience and developed his own personal style working with kids and has taught students the foundations of learning as a thinking process.
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Mr. G is an avid traveler and enjoys the adventure of the open road. During the 1990’s, he taught math, language arts, and social studies to fourth graders. As a middle school history teacher beginning in 2004, he taught classes in global and American studies, made trips to China and Belarus, and chaperoned countless students through historic Boston and Washington D.C.

Co-Founder / Business Affairs
Randall Greenwald
Randall has worked with non-profits for over 25 years, from HBO’s Comic Relief to his current consultant role for The National Volunteer Caregiving Network, The Hollywood Prayer Network and Caregivers of Ventura County, among others. Randall is inspired by the work he sees being done everyday by the organizations he works with. So much so that he and his brother, David, started Minds On Learning to offer educational services to First Responder Kids wherever they are.

College Counseling
Cindy Goodman
In addition to being a certified Independent Educational Consultant, Cindy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Cal State Northridge, a Master’s Degree in Human Development from Pacific Oaks College, and her Early Childhood Teaching and Administrative Credential. Cindy comes to Minds on Learning with over 20 years experience in independent school admissions. Over the years, she has worked with a wide variety of students, including those with diverse learning profiles, unique interests, and different educational needs.
Cindy will work closely with both students and parents to create a personalized and organized college prep plan that reflects the student’s strengths, goals, and values. She will guide our students and families through every step of the college admissions process—from building a thoughtful college list and crafting standout applications to evaluating admission decisions and making the final choice that feels right. Cindy takes great pride in meeting each student where they are and helping them find colleges that will support their academic, social, and personal growth. Her approach helps students stay on track, meet deadlines, and ease the pressure and stress on families.
As a member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), Cindy adheres to the highest ethical standards and conduct, making regular visits to college campuses to stay informed about the evolving admissions landscape and campus cultures. We are excited and wholeheartedly welcome Cindy to our Minds on Learning staff. With her depth of knowledge and expert guidance, students and their parents will have the support they need and the confidence to make informed decisions about the future.

Consultant / Community Liaison
Darlene Dwyer
Darlene Dwyer is a philanthropic advisor and fundraising professional known for building trusted partnerships and aligning organizations to mobilize resources and drive lasting impact. She is currently the producer of Savoring Hope: The 9/11 Stories, a feature documentary and multi-platform initiative.
She serves as Board Member and Director of Development at Minds On Learning (MOL), the organization behind First Responders Kids Academy (FRKA).
Darlene previously served as Managing Director of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation (U.S.A.), where she re-established U.S. operations and expanded national reach. She also co-founded and served as Executive Director of the Windows of Hope Family Relief Fund, a grassroots effort that grew into a global movement supporting hospitality families following 9/11.
Her work spans nonprofit and corporate sectors, collaborating with Fortune 500 companies, family offices, cultural institutions, and civic leaders.

Consultant / Community Liaison
Reeyan Raynes
Reeyan has a passion for public and community service, serving on several boards of civic and community-based organizations, including the Southern California Preparedness Foundation. He has actively been involved in civic government through the Los Angeles’ Neighborhood Council system.
In addition, Reeyan worked in government and with public affairs firms, including a national education campaign for airbag recalls conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). He has experience working for several Los Angeles City Council members on legislation related to public safety.
Reeyan has a FEMA certification and has worked with community based organizations in emergency management. He is also a volunteer first-responder with the Los Angeles Fire Department’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
We are excited to have Reeyan as a liaison between Minds on Learning, local governments, and the First Responder community.

Technology
Paul Dobbertin, BA, Rev.
Paul is Chief Technology Officer and founder at JuntoSoft. He has been working on software projects for over 35 years and is an expert in building effective and innovative software solutions. Paul has a deep understanding of product development, design, and software engineering principles. He is an expert in web application development and is a go-to resource for complex technical questions.
Paul holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Kalamazoo College where he majored in Economics & Business Administration and minored in Psychology and Religion. He holds several technical certifications and is an ordained minister.
Throughout his career, Paul has been involved in many successful technical projects for non-profit organizations, businesses, celebrities, and large-scale enterprises. Paul is based in Vernon Hills, Illinois, and in his free time, he enjoys his familly, hiking, cycling, and kayaking.
