KATIE HAHN & DJ HARTIGAN

CO-CEOS

Katie Hahn and DJ Hartigan met in 2012 while serving as AmeriCorps members in a public high school. They are a married couple with two children. In 2020, they had the wild idea to start a new charter school. They each have over 15 years of experience working in public education.

DJ primarily oversees Kindle’s programming, leading the effort to fundamentally alter how learning happens in public schools. He brings years of experience designing systems, coaching educators, and studying the most forward-thinking school models.

Before launching Kindle Education, DJ served in key roles as a former AmeriCorps member, classroom instructor, school leader, and network director. He is an advocate for educational methods that prioritize competency-based learning, project-based instruction, whole-child development, and making school meaningful.

DJ explores opportunities for growth and engagement outside of education. He is a Miyao Jiu-jitsu purple belt and a dedicated father of two. He is drawn to psychology/philosophy, surreal fiction, and destabilizing TV, movies, and anime.

Katie primarily oversees Kindle’s operations and finances. Her work centers on bolstering learning environments where young people feel known, valued, and capable of shaping their futures. She is committed to school design that prioritizes student agency, strong relationships, and meaningful, interdisciplinary learning.

Katie began her career in youth development and mental health before becoming a Community School Director, where she led a team of educators and partner organizations to expand student supports and strengthen family engagement.

She later supported a portfolio of NYC public schools in advancing holistic student and family strategies at the system level.

Katie is a Jersey City mom of two who enjoys art, reading, and spending time with her family.

Both have an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from the High Tech High Graduate School of Education. Katie also holds an AB in Social Studies from Harvard University and an LMSW from NYU’s Silver School of Social Work. DJ earned a BA in Economics from Johns Hopkins University.