Staff

As Staff Attorney, Brendan works within the Policy Team to create a safer, less addicting world for children and teens online. He spends his time growing subject matter expertise in data privacy law and working alongside Fairplay’s partner organizations to develop and implement better online privacy protections for kids. Before joining Fairplay, Brendan worked as a research clerk for the Michigan Court of Appeals and as General Counsel for a custom software development and SaaS company. He studied journalism at Michigan State University and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Chicago-Kent College of Law. Most recently, Brendan took a mid-career break to travel the world full-time with his family, where he homeschooled his two school-aged children through cultural immersion and experiential learning.

Rebekah Cole joined Fairplay in early 2024 after witnessing firsthand the effects of social media on young people during her time as a public school educator. As Fairplay’s Communications Coordinator, she’s passionate about supporting the mission to protect kids online through engaging writing, creative design, and relationship-building. She is based in Denver, CO where she lives with her daughter, two cats, and many plants. In her free time, she reads obsessively, hikes Colorado’s beautiful trails, and cooks delicious vegan food.

Rachel (she/her) leads Fairplay’s Young Children Thrive Offiline program, an initiative to reduce young children’s screen use by holding companies accountable for manipulating children and their families beginning in infancy. Rachel brings a long history of work in the early childhood sector to Fairplay, ranging from experience as an infant, toddler, and preschool educator, Director of Education of an all-outdoor preschool, international speaker and consultant, and published author on topics ranging from consumerism to play to anti-racism in early childhood. With a deep commitment to anti-oppression, she has also been involved in advocacy work to increase equitable access to (screen-free!) outdoor play and learning for children in Washington State, which passed legislation to allow outdooor nature-based programs to become licensed. Rachel has an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education and a B.A. in Sustainability and also serves as an Adjunct Professor of Early Childhood Education at North Seattle College. Rachel lives in Seattle on unceded Duwamish land and can be found, unsurprisingly, outside with her partner, Sazzy, and dog, Polli!

Josh started at Fairplay as an intern in 2003 and has been with the organization ever since. He succeeded Founder Dr. Susan Linn as Executive Director in 2015.  Josh is passionate about creating a safer, less addictive internet for children where young people’s needs come before advertisers’ and big tech’s profits. Josh regularly speaks to parents, professionals, journalists, and policymakers about how to create a healthier media environment for children and teens. He lives in Vermont with his wife Jennifer, their 14-year-old daughter, and their hound Jolene.

As policy counsel, Haley is focused on Fairplay’s work advocating for laws and regulations that protect children and teens’ autonomy and safety online. Before joining Fairplay, Haley clerked for the Hon. Robert L. Miller, Jr. in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana. During law school, Haley worked on issues at the intersection of government surveillance technology and civil liberties. Haley studied law at Indiana University – Bloomington and journalism and political science at Northwestern University. She lives in Washington, DC, with her partner, Isaac, and their very spoiled cat, Cammie.

Michelle joined the team as Fairplay’s first Development Director during the summer of 2025 and leads all fundraising efforts to shield children and teens from targeted marketing and online manipulation. A champion of giving back from an early age, Michelle has more than 35 years of nonprofit experience helping drive positive and equitable change for a better world. Her career took shape early on as a Peace Corps volunteer and grew in program planning and strategic development for hundreds of New York City community-based nonprofits. From there she moved to fundraising, and eventually to running Development teams. Michelle holds Political Science and English Literature degrees from Boston University. She currently lives in Glens Falls, NY with her two guard cats, and enjoys gardening, participating in local community activities, and volunteering as a member of the Kiwanis Club of Glens Falls and a school board member of the St. Mary’s Academy.

Rene (he/him) is the Early Childhood Advocacy Campaign Organizer at Fairplay, where he works to support policies that help children and families thrive in a digital-first world. With a background in case work and community organizing, Rene brings a unique perspective to his role, combining direct service experience with a passion for systemic change. As a caseworker, Rene gained firsthand insight into the challenges families face, sparking his dedication to creating safer, more equitable opportunities for children. His later work in grassroots organizing strengthened his commitment to fostering collaboration and building community-driven solutions. At Fairplay, Rene continues to advocate for a healthier, more just future for children by engaging with policymakers, communities, and partners. He is driven by a belief in the power of collective action and a vision of a world where every child has the opportunity to grow and flourish.

Jean heads the Screen Time Action Network, using screen time research to help parents and professionals reduce children’s screen time and promote creative play. Previously, Jean worked as a writer and communications consultant both in high tech and nonprofit settings. She holds a Master’s in Education and a Certificate in Parenting Education from Wheelock College. She lives in Amherst, NH, with her husband Jim, and various combinations of their five children who come home from college and career.

Bzu is a believer that childhood should be a time composed of human connection and a natural curiosity for the world, without the heavy influence of a digital society. She is a passionate advocate for youth and is inspired to uplift young people to have the freedom of maintaining their own creativity and interests. Before becoming Fairplay’s Campaign Manager, she studied journalism and political science at Boston University. She has volunteered in various youth-based services, like running a summer camp for kids in Belize and as a peer mentor in Boston Public Schools. In her free time, she enjoys baking and creating homemade skin care products.

Ashwin Verghese joined Fairplay in the summer of 2024 after 15 years in nonprofits and journalism. He previously worked at the International Campaign for Tibet, where he helped get three bills passed by the US Congress. Earlier, Ashwin worked at The Pew Charitable Trusts and the US Agency for Global Media. As Fairplay’s Director of Communications, he’s passionate about helping to create a Childhood Beyond Brands, combating disinformation, and producing great writing and design. Ashwin lives between Washington, DC and Baltimore. In his free time, he writes poetry and watches snobby films.