Cody Lestelle

Cody Lestelle is a dedicated advocate for alternative education and social justice, deeply committed to making the world a more equitable place. His work reflects a passion for understanding and addressing colonial conflicts and societal wounds, consistently drawing inspiration from his personal struggles and finding common cause with others to re-imagine and actively articulate alternatives to dominant discourses. He focuses on healing and regenerating through innovative educational approaches outside traditional systems, exploring layers of reality often disguised by everyday life. washington

As the founder of the Academy for Gameful & Immersive Learning Experiences (AGILE), Cody pioneered a 'multiversity' concept that uses video games like Minecraft as dynamic, interactive classrooms. This initiative successfully bridges digital and place-based education, enabling students to explore indigenous cultures, simulate sustainable practices, and develop critical 21st-century skills by building and interacting within virtual worlds. His work with AGILE, including the 'Islands LIVE' Minecraft project that won 12th place in a global contest, demonstrates a unique pedagogical approach that transmutes mundane learning into magical, engaging experiences, rooted in the belief that play and gaming are powerful tools for holistic education. alignable+2

Cody Lestelle, also known as Jeruviel Stardust, is an innovative game designer with a focus on immersive and narrative-driven experiences. His creation, 'CrySword SAGA RPG,' an intergalactic space opera game about world-building for refugees, exemplifies his unique approach to game design. This project, alongside his role as Chief Experience Optimizer at TimeKnot Games & Media, highlights his expertise in blending the wonder of gaming with community empowerment and imaginative storytelling. kickstarter

He is deeply involved in interdisciplinary academic pursuits, holding multiple master's degrees in Alternative Futures and Indigenous Politics, Learning Sciences, and Autonomous Organization, following a Bachelor's in Comparative History of Ideas. His academic journey, including studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Unitierra Oaxaca, is characterized by a commitment to critical thought, decolonization, and exploring how education can be a tool for liberation and self-determination, further demonstrated through his involvement with '206 Free Skool' and 'Free UniversE-ity'. academia+2