Our Purpose

We believe every organization doing good work deserves the tools to do it better.

Whether that means building smarter online learning experiences, helping a nonprofit tell its story in a way that actually moves donors, or giving an educator the courage to embrace AI without losing their humanity — Train and Inspire exists to make that happen.

Human-Centered Globally Minded Education-First AI-Fluent
The Founders

Meet the Team

Decades of combined experience in filmmaking, educational technology, international nonprofit storytelling, and AI-assisted learning.

Wesley Dean, Co-Founder of Train and Inspire WD
Co-Founder · Nonprofit Storytelling & Video Strategy

Wesley Dean

"The most complex ideas become clear when told through the right story."

Wesley Dean is a storyteller and videographer with a gift for making the hard stuff make sense. He spent 9 years in the Washington D.C. area helping a wide variety of nonprofits raise money through impactful stories of transformation — learning firsthand what moves donors from interest to investment.

During that time, Wesley led a team responsible for creating all video content for the U.S. Institute of Peace's Online Global Academy, working in partnership with international agencies including the United Nations, World Bank, and USAID. His global production credits span dozens of countries across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia — giving him a uniquely cross-cultural lens on human storytelling.

In 2022, Wesley relocated with his family to Split, Croatia, where he now works remotely with creative teams, helping them stay focused, aligned, and working in their strengths. He studied international relations and intercultural studies and is fluent in English and Spanish with intermediate French. Outside of work, Wesley hand-crafts unique coffee tables from local olive wood and epoxy — a hobby that speaks to his love of combining natural materials with skilled craft.

Nonprofit Video Donor Storytelling UN / World Bank / USAID Global Production Team Leadership International Relations Spanish / French
Work with Wesley
Aaron Fussner, Co-Founder of Train and Inspire AF
Co-Founder · Documentary Filmmaker & Creative Director

Aaron Fussner

"Thoughtful, collaborative, and dedicated — from the first frame to the final cut."

Aaron Fussner is a Producer, Director of Photography, and Editor whose documentary focus and storytelling instincts have made him a trusted creative partner for nonprofits and institutions that need their stories told with integrity and impact.

Aaron's career spans Media Director at Oklahoma Wesleyan University, Creative Director at The Wesleyan Church, and Digital Storyteller roles where he produced short-form documentaries, organizational promotions, and international travel shoots. He has directed denominational livestream events, led in-house and freelance creative teams, and managed the full production lifecycle — from story development and scripting through post-production and online distribution.

His work as a Media Producer for Intermotion Media focused on nonprofit commercial documentaries and promotional videos. He is a licensed FAA Part 107 drone operator, adding aerial production capability to any project. Aaron earned his B.A. in Media Communication from Indiana Wesleyan University and is based in Dearborn, Michigan.

Documentary Film Director of Photography Post-Production / Editing FAA Drone Operator Creative Direction Livestream Production Nonprofit Video
Work with Aaron
Michael Jones, Co-Founder of Train and Inspire MJ
Co-Founder · Education & AI Innovation Lead

Michael Jones, MFA

"I walk across first, then turn around and coach others across."

Michael is a media professional, educator, and AI implementation specialist with 20+ years spanning documentary films, short films, commercials, and multi-platform storytelling. He brings a collaborative, workshop-driven approach to everything he does — whether that's designing a fully online video production course or coaching 200+ faculty members through their first AI integration.

Michael spent 15 years at Indiana Wesleyan University as a Video Studio Manager, Mixed Media Producer, XR Developer, AI Specialist, and — most recently — as the Assistant Director of the Future Learning Lab. In that role, he conducted applied research on AI literacy, developed a complete web-based poverty simulation game, built immersive VR environments, and designed custom AI bots that saved the institution over $1M in vendor costs while improving learning outcomes.

He has presented at international and national educational technology conferences on the Future of Education, Academic AI Game Design, XR and the Metaverse, and Gamified Curriculum Development. Michael co-founded Train and Inspire after leaving IWU's Future Learning Lab to dedicate his full attention to helping nonprofits and higher education institutions build better learning and tell better stories. He is a U.S. Army veteran, earning the Louisiana War Cross for Desert Storm service.

AI Integration Gamification XR / VR Development Branched Video Course Design Screenwriting (MFA) Documentary Film U.S. Army Veteran
Work with Michael
How We Work

Our Values in Practice

These aren't wall posters. They're how we show up every single day.

Bridge Building

We walk across first. Every tool, technology, and technique we recommend is one we've used ourselves and can model — then coach you through.

People Before Process

Learners are not paper delivery vehicles. Donors are not data points. We keep the human being at the center of everything we design and produce.

Honest Craft

We tell the truth — about what a story can and can't do, about what AI should and shouldn't handle, about what your organization is actually ready for.

Growth Mindset

Making mistakes is part of the process, not a permanent mark. We build learning environments and creative partnerships that reward trying, not just succeeding.

Ethical Compass

From AI use policies to story consent processes, we bring a clear ethical framework to every project — one that protects your people and your mission.

Courageous Innovation

We call it AI Bravery for a reason. We help organizations face new tools with confidence — not reckless adoption, but thoughtful, purposeful innovation.

Ready to Work With Us?

Every great partnership starts with a conversation. Tell us about your organization and what you're trying to accomplish.

Start the Conversation