Meet the Team Behind the Mission
At Pressbooks, our team is made up of passionate individuals who bring creativity, curiosity, and a sense of storytelling to everything we do. We’re all about making a difference in education, but we never forget to bring a little fun into the mix. Whether we’re connecting remotely or collaborating on big projects, we work together to make the world a better place through learning. Meet the incredible team behind it all below.
Our Team
Hugh McGuire
Hugh has spent two decades (!) trying to figure out ways to get the worlds of books, open content, open web, and community collaboration to play nicely together. He is the founder of LibriVox.org, Pressbooks, and Rebus Foundation, among other things. Hugh started playing the ukulele at age 47 and finally quit playing rugby at age 49, an injury-related retirement just as he was reaching his competitive peak!
Hugh McGuire
Hugh has spent two decades (!) trying to figure out ways to get the worlds of books, open content, open web, and community collaboration to play nicely together. He is the founder of LibriVox.org, Pressbooks, and Rebus Foundation, among other things. Hugh started playing the ukulele at age 47 and finally quit playing rugby at age 49, an injury-related retirement just as he was reaching his competitive peak!
Hugh McGuire
Hugh has spent two decades (!) trying to figure out ways to get the worlds of books, open content, open web, and community collaboration to play nicely together. He is the founder of LibriVox.org, Pressbooks, and Rebus Foundation, among other things. Hugh started playing the ukulele at age 47 and finally quit playing rugby at age 49, an injury-related retirement just as he was reaching his competitive peak!
Başak Büyükçelen
A lifelong lover of books, Başak is always in search of the next story to immerse herself in, whether in pages or through the people she meets. As someone who speaks four languages and thrives on experiencing different cultures, she considers herself a world citizen. Her curiosity drives her to learn constantly, and she finds peace by the sea, where she can reflect on how to make her life meaningful. After serving as COO of Pressbooks for 5 years, Başak took on the CEO role in September 2024, proud to lead a mission-driven team that helps others share their stories with the world.
Başak Büyükçelen
A lifelong lover of books, Başak is always in search of the next story to immerse herself in, whether in pages or through the people she meets. As someone who speaks four languages and thrives on experiencing different cultures, she considers herself a world citizen. Her curiosity drives her to learn constantly, and she finds peace by the sea, where she can reflect on how to make her life meaningful. After serving as COO of Pressbooks for 5 years, Başak took on the CEO role in September 2024, proud to lead a mission-driven team that helps others share their stories with the world.
Başak Büyükçelen
A lifelong lover of books, Başak is always in search of the next story to immerse herself in, whether in pages or through the people she meets. As someone who speaks four languages and thrives on experiencing different cultures, she considers herself a world citizen. Her curiosity drives her to learn constantly, and she finds peace by the sea, where she can reflect on how to make her life meaningful. After serving as COO of Pressbooks for 5 years, Başak took on the CEO role in September 2024, proud to lead a mission-driven team that helps others share their stories with the world.
Julie Curtis
Julie learned early that in work as in life, relationships are the most important things to carry with you. Her lifelong passions for marvelous people, storytelling and learning led to a career in education technology, focused on brand, marketing and growth strategy. She joined Pressbooks in 2022 to lead its customer-facing teams, where her treasured identities of English major, writer, and book-lover feel right at home. Being a parent of twins keeps her on her toes. She finds particular joy in travel, hiking wild places, cooking, and hosting an annual strawberry pie party.
Julie Curtis
Julie learned early that in work as in life, relationships are the most important things to carry with you. Her lifelong passions for marvelous people, storytelling and learning led to a career in education technology, focused on brand, marketing and growth strategy. She joined Pressbooks in 2022 to lead its customer-facing teams, where her treasured identities of English major, writer, and book-lover feel right at home. Being a parent of twins keeps her on her toes. She finds particular joy in travel, hiking wild places, cooking, and hosting an annual strawberry pie party.
Julie Curtis
Julie learned early that in work as in life, relationships are the most important things to carry with you. Her lifelong passions for marvelous people, storytelling and learning led to a career in education technology, focused on brand, marketing and growth strategy. She joined Pressbooks in 2022 to lead its customer-facing teams, where her treasured identities of English major, writer, and book-lover feel right at home. Being a parent of twins keeps her on her toes. She finds particular joy in travel, hiking wild places, cooking, and hosting an annual strawberry pie party.
Christopher Murtagh
Christopher has 25 years of experience in technology, from software development to system architecture. He was the web system architect at McGill University, where he co-developed a custom web publishing system. As an IT consultant specializing in open-source software, he contributed with the team that brought Linux to the PlayStation at the request of Sony Entertainment. Christopher also has over a decade of formal training in music theory, classical and jazz trombone and has studied mathematics, philosophy, computer science, sound recording, and music technology.
.
Christopher Murtagh
Christopher has 25 years of experience in technology, from software development to system architecture. He was the web system architect at McGill University, where he co-developed a custom web publishing system. As an IT consultant specializing in open-source software, he contributed with the team that brought Linux to the PlayStation at the request of Sony Entertainment. Christopher also has over a decade of formal training in music theory, classical and jazz trombone and has studied mathematics, philosophy, computer science, sound recording, and music technology.
.
Christopher Murtagh
Christopher has 25 years of experience in technology, from software development to system architecture. He was the web system architect at McGill University, where he co-developed a custom web publishing system. As an IT consultant specializing in open-source software, he contributed with the team that brought Linux to the PlayStation at the request of Sony Entertainment. Christopher also has over a decade of formal training in music theory, classical and jazz trombone and has studied mathematics, philosophy, computer science, sound recording, and music technology.
.
Steel Wagstaff
Steel joined Pressbooks after a decade at a large public university because he wanted to help even more people create books and freely share their ideas. Nothing has given him more joy at work than seeing the Pressbooks Directory flourish (over 7000 open access books and counting!). Steel loves visiting libraries, being a dad, playing pickup soccer, relaxing in a hammock with a good book of poems, and the abundant wild fruits of the Pacific Northwest.
Steel Wagstaff
Steel joined Pressbooks after a decade at a large public university because he wanted to help even more people create books and freely share their ideas. Nothing has given him more joy at work than seeing the Pressbooks Directory flourish (over 7000 open access books and counting!). Steel loves visiting libraries, being a dad, playing pickup soccer, relaxing in a hammock with a good book of poems, and the abundant wild fruits of the Pacific Northwest.
Steel Wagstaff
Steel joined Pressbooks after a decade at a large public university because he wanted to help even more people create books and freely share their ideas. Nothing has given him more joy at work than seeing the Pressbooks Directory flourish (over 7000 open access books and counting!). Steel loves visiting libraries, being a dad, playing pickup soccer, relaxing in a hammock with a good book of poems, and the abundant wild fruits of the Pacific Northwest.
Ricardo Aragón
Ricardo believes technology should serve people, not the other way around. With over 15 years in the tech industry, he’s taken on roles from Software Developer, Project Manager, Lead Developer to Advanced Certified Scrum Master, always focused on helping teams create meaningful and impactful solutions. When he’s not guiding his team through the nuances of Agile practices, he’s likely absorbed in the sophisticated harmonies of Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays, reflecting his deep passion for music that challenges and inspires.
Ricardo Aragón
Ricardo believes technology should serve people, not the other way around. With over 15 years in the tech industry, he’s taken on roles from Software Developer, Project Manager, Lead Developer to Advanced Certified Scrum Master, always focused on helping teams create meaningful and impactful solutions. When he’s not guiding his team through the nuances of Agile practices, he’s likely absorbed in the sophisticated harmonies of Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays, reflecting his deep passion for music that challenges and inspires.
Ricardo Aragón
Ricardo believes technology should serve people, not the other way around. With over 15 years in the tech industry, he’s taken on roles from Software Developer, Project Manager, Lead Developer to Advanced Certified Scrum Master, always focused on helping teams create meaningful and impactful solutions. When he’s not guiding his team through the nuances of Agile practices, he’s likely absorbed in the sophisticated harmonies of Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays, reflecting his deep passion for music that challenges and inspires.
John McLeod
John has spent most of his career supporting students, faculty, and staff of higher education institutions. Starting as a student working the back-to-school rush at the University of Alberta Bookstore, John’s career in higher ed spans four decades. When he isn’t working, he can be found in the kitchen preparing meals for friends and loved ones or at the curling rink trying to find his draw weight.
John McLeod
John has spent most of his career supporting students, faculty, and staff of higher education institutions. Starting as a student working the back-to-school rush at the University of Alberta Bookstore, John’s career in higher ed spans four decades. When he isn’t working, he can be found in the kitchen preparing meals for friends and loved ones or at the curling rink trying to find his draw weight.
John McLeod
John has spent most of his career supporting students, faculty, and staff of higher education institutions. Starting as a student working the back-to-school rush at the University of Alberta Bookstore, John’s career in higher ed spans four decades. When he isn’t working, he can be found in the kitchen preparing meals for friends and loved ones or at the curling rink trying to find his draw weight.
Thomas Weideman
Thomas joined Pressbooks in 2021. He leads the support team and works as a QA tester on the tech team. He is highly motivated to help people make the most of the software, listening to and anticipating their needs. He enjoys collaborating with team members on resolving issues and preparing new features for release. Outside of his work in tech, he loves music, reading, and playing tennis.
Thomas Weideman
Thomas joined Pressbooks in 2021. He leads the support team and works as a QA tester on the tech team. He is highly motivated to help people make the most of the software, listening to and anticipating their needs. He enjoys collaborating with team members on resolving issues and preparing new features for release. Outside of his work in tech, he loves music, reading, and playing tennis.
Thomas Weideman
Thomas joined Pressbooks in 2021. He leads the support team and works as a QA tester on the tech team. He is highly motivated to help people make the most of the software, listening to and anticipating their needs. He enjoys collaborating with team members on resolving issues and preparing new features for release. Outside of his work in tech, he loves music, reading, and playing tennis.
Oscar Arzola
Twenty years ago, Os began building annoying flash intros with mouse trailing animations preloaders and obtrusive techno background music loops. Before the WordPress era, he discovered PHP4 and went crazy building hundreds of web apps. Os has a Computer Science degree and Zend Certified Engineer PHP certification. He is in love with trip hop, acid jazz, and evocative key of C minor (Cm), which resonates deeply with his soul. He is also an active open source contributor.
Oscar Arzola
Twenty years ago, Os began building annoying flash intros with mouse trailing animations preloaders and obtrusive techno background music loops. Before the WordPress era, he discovered PHP4 and went crazy building hundreds of web apps. Os has a Computer Science degree and Zend Certified Engineer PHP certification. He is in love with trip hop, acid jazz, and evocative key of C minor (Cm), which resonates deeply with his soul. He is also an active open source contributor.
Oscar Arzola
Twenty years ago, Os began building annoying flash intros with mouse trailing animations preloaders and obtrusive techno background music loops. Before the WordPress era, he discovered PHP4 and went crazy building hundreds of web apps. Os has a Computer Science degree and Zend Certified Engineer PHP certification. He is in love with trip hop, acid jazz, and evocative key of C minor (Cm), which resonates deeply with his soul. He is also an active open source contributor.
Ho Man Chan
Ho Man's passion for technology began at 5, evolving from gaming to hacking and exploring system vulnerabilities. He loves building things, getting hands-on with projects, and contributing to society through his technical skills and volunteer work. Beyond tech, Ho Man enjoys recreating restaurant-quality dishes in his kitchen.
Ho Man Chan
Ho Man's passion for technology began at 5, evolving from gaming to hacking and exploring system vulnerabilities. He loves building things, getting hands-on with projects, and contributing to society through his technical skills and volunteer work. Beyond tech, Ho Man enjoys recreating restaurant-quality dishes in his kitchen.
Ho Man Chan
Ho Man's passion for technology began at 5, evolving from gaming to hacking and exploring system vulnerabilities. He loves building things, getting hands-on with projects, and contributing to society through his technical skills and volunteer work. Beyond tech, Ho Man enjoys recreating restaurant-quality dishes in his kitchen.
Sandra Chindalo
Sandra began her journey at the John Molson School of Business, where she studied marketing, but found her stride in sales. When she's not working, you can catch her with an audiobook in her ears or a tennis racket in hand. Sandra loves exploring new places, meeting new people, and unwinding by the water—it’s where she feels most at peace.
Sandra Chindalo
Sandra began her journey at the John Molson School of Business, where she studied marketing, but found her stride in sales. When she's not working, you can catch her with an audiobook in her ears or a tennis racket in hand. Sandra loves exploring new places, meeting new people, and unwinding by the water—it’s where she feels most at peace.
Sandra Chindalo
Sandra began her journey at the John Molson School of Business, where she studied marketing, but found her stride in sales. When she's not working, you can catch her with an audiobook in her ears or a tennis racket in hand. Sandra loves exploring new places, meeting new people, and unwinding by the water—it’s where she feels most at peace.
Felipe Dalcin
Felipe, a.k.a Dalcin, is a food enthusiast who happens to work in software development. A graduate in computer science with a major in Big Data, he has a passion for learning and is always excited to create new things. In his free time, Dalcin loves to spend quality time with his wife and dog, play video games, and travel (always trying the local cuisine).
Felipe Dalcin
Felipe, a.k.a Dalcin, is a food enthusiast who happens to work in software development. A graduate in computer science with a major in Big Data, he has a passion for learning and is always excited to create new things. In his free time, Dalcin loves to spend quality time with his wife and dog, play video games, and travel (always trying the local cuisine).
Felipe Dalcin
Felipe, a.k.a Dalcin, is a food enthusiast who happens to work in software development. A graduate in computer science with a major in Big Data, he has a passion for learning and is always excited to create new things. In his free time, Dalcin loves to spend quality time with his wife and dog, play video games, and travel (always trying the local cuisine).
Caroline Johnson
Though she studied computer science, she charted a unique path, from crunching numbers in accounting and administration at an architectural and design firm to supporting a mission-driven non-profit in the education field. When not navigating spreadsheets and projects, you’ll find her enjoying quality time with family, exploring new destinations, or hitting the golf course. Her journey blends a passion for precision with a love for life’s little adventures.
Caroline Johnson
Though she studied computer science, she charted a unique path, from crunching numbers in accounting and administration at an architectural and design firm to supporting a mission-driven non-profit in the education field. When not navigating spreadsheets and projects, you’ll find her enjoying quality time with family, exploring new destinations, or hitting the golf course. Her journey blends a passion for precision with a love for life’s little adventures.
Caroline Johnson
Though she studied computer science, she charted a unique path, from crunching numbers in accounting and administration at an architectural and design firm to supporting a mission-driven non-profit in the education field. When not navigating spreadsheets and projects, you’ll find her enjoying quality time with family, exploring new destinations, or hitting the golf course. Her journey blends a passion for precision with a love for life’s little adventures.
Elsie Kluvia
Elsie has been in love with music since childhood, a passion that has woven its way through every part of her life. She thrives on meeting new people and discovering new places, which fuels her love for travel and learning about history and different cultures. A dedicated DIY enthusiast, Elsie even taught herself how to sew. She speaks three languages, each reflecting her curiosity about the world around her. At Pressbooks, Elsie brings her diverse passions together, enriching both her work and the connections she makes along the way.
Elsie Kluvia
Elsie has been in love with music since childhood, a passion that has woven its way through every part of her life. She thrives on meeting new people and discovering new places, which fuels her love for travel and learning about history and different cultures. A dedicated DIY enthusiast, Elsie even taught herself how to sew. She speaks three languages, each reflecting her curiosity about the world around her. At Pressbooks, Elsie brings her diverse passions together, enriching both her work and the connections she makes along the way.
Elsie Kluvia
Elsie has been in love with music since childhood, a passion that has woven its way through every part of her life. She thrives on meeting new people and discovering new places, which fuels her love for travel and learning about history and different cultures. A dedicated DIY enthusiast, Elsie even taught herself how to sew. She speaks three languages, each reflecting her curiosity about the world around her. At Pressbooks, Elsie brings her diverse passions together, enriching both her work and the connections she makes along the way.
Jenn Martin
Jenn has always been a storyteller and is forever grateful she could turn that passion into a career. Some professional highlights have included getting in on the ground floor of a tech startup, contributing content for her favourite consumer brand of all time (MEC), and of course joining the team at Pressbooks! Outside of work she’s passionate about travelling, choral music, and being active outside. Her overflowing bookshelf has been known to cause concern for her safety.
Jenn Martin
Jenn has always been a storyteller and is forever grateful she could turn that passion into a career. Some professional highlights have included getting in on the ground floor of a tech startup, contributing content for her favourite consumer brand of all time (MEC), and of course joining the team at Pressbooks! Outside of work she’s passionate about travelling, choral music, and being active outside. Her overflowing bookshelf has been known to cause concern for her safety.
Jenn Martin
Jenn has always been a storyteller and is forever grateful she could turn that passion into a career. Some professional highlights have included getting in on the ground floor of a tech startup, contributing content for her favourite consumer brand of all time (MEC), and of course joining the team at Pressbooks! Outside of work she’s passionate about travelling, choral music, and being active outside. Her overflowing bookshelf has been known to cause concern for her safety.
Orit Naim Pery
Somewhere between beach walks and chasing new adventures, Orit found herself falling in love with digital marketing. When she is not travelling, playing team sports, or hanging out with friends, you’ll find her exploring new ways to connect people through creativity and strategy. Working at Pressbooks allows her to make her mark at a mission-driven organization, all while keeping life meaningful, fun, and full of discovery
Orit Naim Pery
Somewhere between beach walks and chasing new adventures, Orit found herself falling in love with digital marketing. When she is not travelling, playing team sports, or hanging out with friends, you’ll find her exploring new ways to connect people through creativity and strategy. Working at Pressbooks allows her to make her mark at a mission-driven organization, all while keeping life meaningful, fun, and full of discovery
Orit Naim Pery
Somewhere between beach walks and chasing new adventures, Orit found herself falling in love with digital marketing. When she is not travelling, playing team sports, or hanging out with friends, you’ll find her exploring new ways to connect people through creativity and strategy. Working at Pressbooks allows her to make her mark at a mission-driven organization, all while keeping life meaningful, fun, and full of discovery
Darrin Sabourin
Darrin began his publishing career in Higher Education many years ago helping faculty find the ultimate resources for their students. His natural curiosity and desire to help fix things have been at the core of his work and personal life. When Darrin is not working he enjoys cooking for his family, renovating with his wife, and working out at the gym.
Darrin Sabourin
Darrin began his publishing career in Higher Education many years ago helping faculty find the ultimate resources for their students. His natural curiosity and desire to help fix things have been at the core of his work and personal life. When Darrin is not working he enjoys cooking for his family, renovating with his wife, and working out at the gym.
Darrin Sabourin
Darrin began his publishing career in Higher Education many years ago helping faculty find the ultimate resources for their students. His natural curiosity and desire to help fix things have been at the core of his work and personal life. When Darrin is not working he enjoys cooking for his family, renovating with his wife, and working out at the gym.
Mich Spieler
Helping people get the best out of IT tools has been a constant in Mich’s professional pathway since their first job at a management consulting firm. Another common thread has been publishing, whether in a university administration, in community organizations or as a freelancer. When not answering support requests or facilitating scrum meetings, MIch enjoys travelling to women’s football games or discussing their favourite technology podcasts with friends.
Mich Spieler
Helping people get the best out of IT tools has been a constant in Mich’s professional pathway since their first job at a management consulting firm. Another common thread has been publishing, whether in a university administration, in community organizations or as a freelancer. When not answering support requests or facilitating scrum meetings, MIch enjoys travelling to women’s football games or discussing their favourite technology podcasts with friends.
Mich Spieler
Helping people get the best out of IT tools has been a constant in Mich’s professional pathway since their first job at a management consulting firm. Another common thread has been publishing, whether in a university administration, in community organizations or as a freelancer. When not answering support requests or facilitating scrum meetings, MIch enjoys travelling to women’s football games or discussing their favourite technology podcasts with friends.
Michelle Weremczuk
Michelle is a passionate designer who believes that great design can make life better for everyone. With a background in design and nearly a decade of experience working at museums, she brings a holistic approach to creating accessible and joyful designs, whether in physical spaces or online. Michelle’s work is rooted in empathy and collaboration, always striving to meet the needs of those who will use her designs. When she’s not designing, you can find her gardening, singing karaoke, or exploring the river valley, no matter the weather.
Michelle Weremczuk
Michelle is a passionate designer who believes that great design can make life better for everyone. With a background in design and nearly a decade of experience working at museums, she brings a holistic approach to creating accessible and joyful designs, whether in physical spaces or online. Michelle’s work is rooted in empathy and collaboration, always striving to meet the needs of those who will use her designs. When she’s not designing, you can find her gardening, singing karaoke, or exploring the river valley, no matter the weather.
Michelle Weremczuk
Michelle is a passionate designer who believes that great design can make life better for everyone. With a background in design and nearly a decade of experience working at museums, she brings a holistic approach to creating accessible and joyful designs, whether in physical spaces or online. Michelle’s work is rooted in empathy and collaboration, always striving to meet the needs of those who will use her designs. When she’s not designing, you can find her gardening, singing karaoke, or exploring the river valley, no matter the weather.