Built by Education Leaders, For Education Leaders
For over 30 years, we’ve been reducing operational complexity so school districts can focus on what matters most — student success.
Three Decades of Education Innovation
From solving compliance challenges to transforming operations
1994: Founded on Real-World Insight
Pathwise began as Pathwise Communications, founded by an entrepreneur who saw the challenges school districts faced in meeting regulatory requirements and managing complex district operations.
Early Innovation: ELL Solutions
Our first product supported English Language Learner (ELL) departments by helping districts meet federal Parent and Family Engagement requirements — one of the first tools of its kind online.
30 Years of Expanding Impact
We’ve supported over 25 State Departments of Education, leveraging those partnerships to expand and refine our solutions across student transportation, after-school program management, McKinney-Vento coordination, parent communication, and board governance.
2021: Transportation Expertise Grows
In 2021, we acquired The App Garden, a student transportation software leader with 27+ years of experience, expanding our reach and deepening our capabilities in this critical area.
2025: Becoming Pathwise
Now Pathwise, our name reflects our commitment to guiding K–12 schools through operational complexity toward smarter, more student-centered systems. Our comprehensive solution portfolio addresses diverse school operational needs so districts can reduce complexity and stay focused on student success.
The Guiding Principles That Drive Everything We Do
Our Mission
Clear the path to operational efficiency for K-12 school districts through intelligent technology solutions that streamline complex processes and create more time and resources for what matters most — student success.
Our Values
Trailblazers in Education
We hire former district leaders with real-world K-12 experience because we believe the best solutions come from those who have walked in your shoes.
From Complexity to Clarity
We transform overwhelming operational tasks into clear, manageable processes that save time and reduce stress for administration professionals.
Pathways to Student Success
Every efficiency we create serves our highest purpose: giving administrators more time and resources to focus on students.
Partners on the Journey
We deliver more than software — we provide comprehensive training, responsive support, and a true partnership approach to ensure your success.
Leadership Team
Professionals with decades of combined experience
Our team combines extensive K-12 operational experience with technology expertise. We understand education and the challenges you face.
- More than 30 years serving K-12 operations
- Deep expertise in federal programs compliance
- Proven track record in education technology innovation
Nate is honored to serve as CEO and Board Member at Pathwise, having joined the team in January 2024. Nate’s passion for serving the needs of K-12 school operations started more than 25 years ago when he co-founded SchoolMessenger, an EdTech company he led for two decades through periods of tremendous growth. After leaving SchoolMessenger, he spent several years in GovTech/Public Safety C-level leadership roles with Intrado. Nate earned a BS in Economics from Oregon State University.
Kris serves as President & Chief Operating Officer at Pathwise, where she draws on over two decades of global leadership experience spanning K-12 education, healthcare, government, and Fortune 100 technology companies. Known for her ability to guide organizations through complex integrations while maintaining a people-centered approach, Kris excels at building high-performing teams and implementing scalable operations that drive sustainable growth. Her career has been marked by successful initiatives that enhance client experiences, expand market reach, and foster operational excellence. She earned her MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and holds a BA from the University of Virginia.
Jon is a seasoned executive with a track record of driving growth through product strategy, transformative marketing, and brand development. With leadership roles at Verizon, Intrado, and high-growth private equity ventures, Jon has scaled global teams, launched award-winning products, and led digital transformations that deliver measurable impact. He blends creative vision with data-driven discipline to position companies for sustainable success. As Chief Product and Marketing Officer at Pathwise, Jon leads innovation, go-to-market strategy, and customer experience, aligning product development with brand and revenue growth.
Bjørn serves as Chief Technology Officer at Pathwise, joining the company in June 2025. With over two decades of enterprise software leadership, he has driven technology transformation across the library automation, retail, automotive, fitness, and wellness sectors. Bjørn has held senior roles at SirsiDynix, AlphaBay, DealerSocket, Life Time Fitness, and Daxko, delivering innovative solutions, scaling global teams, and guiding organizations through rapid growth and acquisitions. At Pathwise, he leads the technology team in building best-in-class transportation solutions for the K-12 industry. He earned a BS in Finance and Economics from the University of Utah.
Anjali joined the team in June 2022. She believes that education is the great equalizer, empowering individuals and benefiting the community, and she is proud to be part of this team. She began her career at Deloitte, working primarily in Canada with a two-year transfer to New Zealand. She has more than 20 years of experience leading finance and accounting teams in high-growth companies. When not in the office, she can be found on the trails throughout the Pacific Northwest. Anjali graduated from Simon Fraser University with a degree in Business Administration and is a CPA, CA, in Canada.
Donovan brings over 25 years of sales leadership and education market expertise to his role as VP of Sales at Pathwise. His passion for education and leadership began during his 8 years as a high school educator and coach. Prior to Pathwise, Donovan served as Vice President of Sales at Creative Learning Systems, where his leadership contributed to record growth that helped attract a successful private equity purchase in 2023. His proven track record includes recognition as a top Sales Manager at Discovery Education and President’s Circle Awards at Pearson and Blackboard. Donovan earned a BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Jim has had the privilege of serving Pathwise in multiple capacities since 2018; as VP-Finance and Operations, as Chief Operating Officer, and currently as Senior Corporate Advisor and a Member of the Board of Directors. Jim’s 40+ years of experience have spanned numerous industries. However, the EdTech ecosystem is his favorite. The education of young people is of utmost importance, and Pathwise contributes in a positive way to this ongoing mission. Jim began his career with Ernst & Young after graduating from the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington.
Tammy brings more than 30 years of expertise in the transportation and education technology sector to her role of Senior Transportation Advisor and Board Member at Pathwise. Beginning her career in K-12 education with Cook Consulting, she went on to found The App-Garden, an innovative EdTech company specializing in K-12 transportation solutions. Following Pathwise’s acquisition of The App-Garden in 2020, she remains committed to advancing transportation solutions that improve safety and efficiency for school districts across the country.
The Latest From Pathwise
Press Release
March 4, 2026
Pathwise, a leading provider of operational solutions for K-12 schools, today announced the promotion of Kris Laseter to President and Chief Operating Officer.
Press Release
October 8, 2025
Pathwise (formerly TransAct), a leading provider of operational and compliance solutions for K–12 education, today released the results of its third annual Nationwide McKinney-Vento Study, documenting the realities faced by district liaisons supporting students experiencing homelessness.
Press Release
September 10, 2025
Pathwise, a leading provider of operational solutions for schools, today announced it has completed the build out of its executive team.
Trusted Partners in Smarter School Operations
At Pathwise, we believe meaningful impact comes from collaboration. That’s why we work with leading educational organizations, state agencies, and mission-aligned nonprofits to strengthen our solutions and support school districts nationwide.
Together, we make it easier for schools to operate efficiently and focus on what matters most.
30 Years of Operational Innovation Leadership
With decades of experience and a nationwide footprint, Pathwise delivers the operational backbone behind thousands of school districts and dozens of state departments of education.
30+ Years
Serving the education community
3,000+ Districts
Count on us every day
99% Uptime
Reliable, cloud-based technology
Ready to Partner with Us?
Join thousands of districts who trust Pathwise to streamline their operations so they can focus on student success.