Briana Allen is a Chicago transplant. Formerly from a small city in Iowa, Briana moved to Chicago after being offered a scholarship to study theatre at Roosevelt University.

As a child and teenager, Briana spent most of her time working with children as a babysitter, daycare teacher and performer. Briana was a KidChem presenter during high school, where she traveled to elementary schools to present chemistry and physics concepts in a kid-friendly manner. Additionally, Briana traveled with her theatre troupe presenting a variety of dramatic performances for elementary students and community groups.

Upon coming to Chicago, Briana studied theatre at Roosevelt, but the desire to teach was stronger. During her sophomore year, Briana entered the College of Education at Northeastern Illinois University. While there she received her BA in Elementary Education.

Since graduating, Briana has worked as a Science teacher, kindergarten teacher and as a Technology Coordinator and instructor. Briana has also worked as an adjunct instructor for Cable in the Classroom and provided a variety of professional development workshops for teachers. Most recently, she had been asked to teach a Digital Storytelling workshop and week-long Web 2.0 workshop series at National-Louis University.

In March of 2008, Briana earned her Masters of Education in Technology in Education and is awating her Technology Specialist certification. With her new certification, Briana hopes to enhance the skills of teachers through professional development workshops and the creation of a technology curriculum that focuses on the integration of technology rather than technology as a separate class. Additionally, Briana hopes to expose students to the multitude of new technologies available to them, in return, she hopes they will help keep her on her technological toes.

When not involved with teaching responsibilities and club duties, Briana strives to improve her physical and mental well being. Weekends and summers are spent biking, hiking, camping and being in nature. During the cabin fever inducing winter months, Briana spends time reading, visiting with friends and family and cuddling up with her fuzzy boys, Izzy and Opie. Winter months, in particular, are spent practicing yoga and taking other classes.

Creativity is one quality which Briana nurtures. She spends time improving her photography skills and takes a multitude of pictures, especially on trips. Another favorite craft is creating handmade invitations and cards. Briana combines a variety of techniques to design one of a kind creations. When she has nothing else to do, Briana likes to turn her creativity to decorating her home and creating unique pieces to personalize her space.