Your Guides
for the Journey
We founded Verbal Eyes because we saw a crucial gap.
Life-changing information was often trapped in jargon, failing to connect with the communities that could benefit from it.
We knew there had to be a better way to map the path from information to understanding.
Our team operates as a collective of expert guides who blend:
Strategic mapping for better learning outcomes and higher ROI.
Storytelling and expert writing that honors preferences and needs of diverse audiences.
Intentional graphic design to boost engagement and knowledge retention.
With voice and vision, we map the path from best practice to daily habit, building learning experiences that connect ideas, people, and purpose.
We believe in strengthening communities.
Our work is most meaningful when it fosters connection, ensures access, and contributes to the well-being of people and the planet.
We believe in unlocking human potential.
A well-designed learning experience is a tool for empowerment. We are dedicated to creating environments where every individual has the opportunity to learn, contribute, and thrive.
We believe clarity is an act of service.
We are relentless in our pursuit of making the complex simple and the path obvious, ensuring that important ideas are accessible to all.
We believe in work with purpose.
Our background in research, evaluation, and education drives us to partner with organizations who, like us, are committed to building a healthier, more sustainable, and more connected future.
Our Guideposts
Meet the Team
Our team has decades of applied experience in design, education, community research, and state and federal contracting.
Melanie Chapin-Critz
Founder, Principal Guide
For three decades, Melanie has guided a diverse range of clients—from state agencies and universities to Fortune 500 companies—in transforming their expertise into action. She synthesizes expertise in instructional design with evidence-based insights from her work in educational research and public program evaluation. This unique vision allows her to lead the Verbal Eyes team in building learning journeys designed for measurable, real-world impact..
Christopher Bertram
Lead Instructional Guide
Christopher plans and writes our learning journeys with the mind of an academic and the heart of a teacher. His approach combines a deep commitment to research with a veteran educator's empathy, ensuring every path is both evidence-based and individually supportive. His two decades of experience with learners of all ages, from Arkansas to New York City, allow him to build adaptive and engaging materials for any environment, from the classroom to e-learning.
Mallory Sillavan
Creative Producer
Mallory shapes the visual narrative of our learning experiences with a unique blend of corporate professionalism and custom artistry. Honed from years as a successful freelance illustrator, her style brings a creative spark and a touch of levity to every project, making complex topics more accessible and enjoyable for learners. She is also the organizational backbone of our creative team, keeping our journeys on path and on time.
Rachel Johnson
Visual Guide
Rachel is a visual guide with an intuitive understanding of how to connect with contemporary audiences. She brings a fresh, modern aesthetic to our work, blending artistry and strategy to craft a visual language that feels current and compelling. Her background designing for education and non-profit campaigns ensures that every design is not just on-trend but also serves a deeper purpose.