Real Educators. Real Support. Real Impact.
Catalyst is more than a product. It is a mission led by educators who are redefining what learning platforms can be. Our team combines deep classroom experience with expert guidance and personal support.
When you need help, you are speaking with someone who understands teaching and is committed to your success.
Founded by Educators Like You
JAMES CARAS, Ph.D.
CEO
A passionate educator and entrepreneur, former biochemistry professor at UT Austin, founder of Sapling Learning, and former STEM and product leader at Macmillan.
BRIAN ARNESON, Ph.D.
CPO
A chemical educator who created UT Austin’s ChemBridge program and microscale labs, and led the development of the most widely used STEM education products in the world at Sapling Learning and Macmillan.
TONY SHROUT, Ph.D.
Director of Labs
A dedicated tutor and advocate for lab-based learning, with deep teaching experience and a track record of creating impactful learning tools at Sapling Learning.
TIM SMITH
CTO
Led technology at Macmillan, Sapling Learning, and Uprise Publishing, building scalable learning platforms that power education at scale.
GREG BENSON, CPA
CFO
Led finance at Macmillan, Sapling Learning, and Yonder, driving strategic planning, forecasting, and business growth in collaboration with senior leadership.
Partnered With
Institutions You Trust
Our mission has earned recognition from leading partners and programs. We were selected for the ACC Bioscience Incubator, named a 2019 MassChallenge Texas finalist, and partner with OpenStax to advance affordability in lab learning. Catalyst is TX-RAMP and 1EdTech certified, ensuring secure, high-quality LMS integrations. We are partnered with Ablr to assure that when you work with us, you meet the highest of accessibility standards and are more than ready for the new DOJ ADA Title II rules.
