Jessica DeGroot, Founder and PresidentJessica founded ThirdPath Institute so employees at all stages in their lives could follow a “third path” – one that allows success at work while creating time and energy for their lives outside of work. Starting with “shared care,” Jessica, with the help of staff, developed a variety of resources for parents interested in sharing in the care of their children while also both earning an income. Since then, ThirdPath’s work has expanded to provide support to “integrated leaders” – leaders who have succeeded at work while also carving out time for their lives outside of work. Her work has now expanded to include work with small to mid-size organizations interested in creating a “21st Century Workplace” where everyone – from entry level to executive level – can create an integrated work/life solution. Jessica and ThirdPath Institute have been featured in national newspapers and radio shows, including the Sunday New York Times Magazine, Working Mother and Fast Company magazines, the National Public Radio show “The Parents Journal,” and a number of local and regional cable and television shows. After completing her undergraduate degree at Hampshire College in Massachusetts, Jessica received an MBA from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, where she co-founded the Wharton Work/Life Roundtable. She’s published articles in The Harvard Business Review, Sloan Work and Family Encyclopedia, The American Woman 2003-2004, and is co-author of the Wharton Work/Life Resource Guide. Jessica and her husband live in Philadelphia and share in the care of their teenage son and daughter who is now in college.
Bonnie Peters – ProgramsBonnie works with Jessica to provide a wide range of support to the organizational structure, ThirdPath resources, and ThirdPath community members. She utilizes her passion for adult education in the design, editing, and facilitation of ThirdPath presentations and workshops. Bonnie began her career as a teacher in the Akron City Schools in Ohio. Her first child was born in the midst of relocating to the Philadelphia area. In a mutual decision, Bonnie stayed home as a full time parent, adding a son to the family a few years later. During that time, she actively volunteered in numerous nonprofit organizations. Her husband left the corporate world to work on his own and then with a small company to avoid further relocations and to allow a more active role with youth activities. As their older child graduated from high school, Bonnie returned to the workforce in a telecommuting position, later accepting an office-based Adult Development Director position, and continued in several additional office-based management positions. Bonnie completed an Appreciative Inquiry course and is certified as an Instructor of Trainers. She completed a BS from the University of Findlay and an MA in Liberal Studies from Villanova University where her research focused on nonprofit organizations and female leadership. With both children now in their 20’s and college graduates, she and her husband enjoy domestic and international travel.
Andy Agnew – Marketing and Communication Andy’s activities with ThirdPath encompass marketing, strategy and communications. Andy became involved with ThirdPath after relocating to the US with his wife and two boys from the UK as a result of a promotion at work for his wife. Andy has been a flexing dad and then primary parent for a number of years. With his children a little older, he was looking for a community he could connect with as he re-launched himself back into the world of work – ThirdPath provided just that option. Previously his career included sales and marketing roles in a number of business areas including telecommunications and finance before a move into management research and teaching at several UK universities. When his children were very young he combined working as a freelance business consultant with university teaching as a way to stay actively involved in the care of his two boys. Andy has a BA in History and International Relations from the University of Stafford and received his MBA from Keele University.
Matt Schneider – AdvisorMatt is working with ThirdPath to on a number of projects including our 5 year growth strategy. For the last six years, Matt has been an at-home dad, living with his wife and two boys in lower Manhattan. Matt is a founding member and co-organizer for the NYC Dads Group. Matt plans workshops, screenings, and lectures with parenting, family, and education experts on behalf of the group. Matt completed a Bachelors degree in Economics from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania and a Masters in Early Childhood Education from Mercy College. Prior to fatherhood, Matt was a teacher and a product manager for a major telecommunications company.
Elaine Chaney – AdvisorElaine works with Jessica coordinating and planning the work ThirdPath does with organizations and leaders. She is an organization consultant who provides facilitation, strategic planning and change consulting to non-profits. She is also a coach who specializes in working with individuals and groups who want to make positive changes in their life. Elaine completed a BS in Medical Technology from the University of Delaware, an MS in Laboratory Administration from the Georgia State University, and an MBA in Human Resource Management/Development at Kennesaw State University. Elaine’s son is now a young adult, but when he was in pre-school Elaine left a more traditional job to begin her own business. Then, throughout the K-12 years she and her husband coordinated their schedules to both work and share taking care of their son after school.