Pittsburgh-based nonprofit Fred Rogers Productions (FRP) has appointed Mallory Mbalia as director of learning and education.

In her newly created position, she will be responsible for bringing in educational advisors to oversee the learning goals of series such as Alma’s Way and Donkey Hodie. Mbalia—who began her career as a kindergarten teacher—most recently served as director of education at PBS North Carolina.

She officially stepped into her new role at FRP this month, and reports to president and CEO Paul Siefken.

“As FRP’s catalogue has grown, we’ve recognized the need for a person to work across departments to ensure that we’re accurately incorporating the core messages of the shows into everything we do—from marketing and engagement, to licensing and fundraising,” Siefken tells Kidscreen.

Most recently, the studio greenlit puppet series Donkey Hodie (80 x 11 minutes) and 2D toon Alma’s Way (40 x 30 minutes)⁠ for second seasons in April and August respectively. Both shows feature problem-solving protagonists and impart lessons about perseverance, empathy and critical thinking.

Mbalia’s remit also covers soliciting feedback/guidance for new concepts being explored in scripts, along with the recruitment of project-specific subject matter experts and diverse academic voices.

This hire plays into a continuing expansion of the executive leadership at Fred Rogers Productions. This year alone, Gabrielle Howard joined as creative development manager in July, and Aleya Crable Jennings came on board in February to lead fundraising initiatives.