CHICAGO, IL – Smarty Pants market research and strategic consulting firm announced today that Arielle Shanker has joined the organization as an “Insights Illuminator” supporting the company’s most prominent children’s media and entertainment groups. Shanker brings to the organization more than a decade of experience in the kid and family research space as a qualitative researcher, discussion moderator and business consultant.
Shanker was most recently the founder and principal of Shanker Education Consulting, where she championed children’s perspectives and ensured their ideas shaped the products and media created for them. She has conducted and led countless end-to-end custom studies for companies in edtech, children’s media and toys & games.
Prior, Shanker spent several years as a preschool teacher in the Chicago public school system, where she developed an aptitude for engaging with young children and building their trust. This experience continues to guide her research philosophies and methods.
“Arielle is a savvy, ambidextrous researcher whose confidence and methodological know-how enable her to have a positive impact at every step of the research process,” states Smarty Pants Business Visionary, Dr. Kara Liebeskind. “We are thrilled she has joined our ranks.”
Shanker holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational studies from the University of Michigan. She later earned her Master of Education from Dominican University.
Shanker is based in Chicago, Illinois.
