The Primary School
Carson Cook's work experience begins in 2012 as a Disability Claims Case Manager at Liberty Mutual Insurance, where they consulted with employees, employers, and medical professionals regarding disability claims. In 2013, Cook worked as an Office Assistant at the Derek Bok Center, Harvard University, where they videotaped class sessions and assisted in running teaching conferences. From 2014 to 2015, Cook served as a Legal Intern at Greater Boston Legal Services, representing clients with claims related to government disability and health care coverage. Simultaneously, they worked as a Teaching Fellow at Harvard University, teaching undergraduate students and grading papers and exams. In 2015, Cook was a Research Assistant at the Program on International Law and Armed Conflict, conducting research and producing legal and policy documents. In the same year, they also held internships at the Essex County District Attorney's Office and the New York County District Attorney's Office. From 2016 to 2019, Cook worked as an Assistant District Attorney at the New York County District Attorney's Office, handling criminal prosecutions and conducting trials. In 2019, Cook co-founded Rough Cut Cinema and served as the Editor-in-chief, creating film content and maintaining the website and social media presence. Currently, since 2019, Cook is employed at The Primary School, initially as the Manager of Policy & Growth and then as the Senior Manager of Partnerships & Dissemination.
Carson Cook received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Arizona State University. Carson attended the university from 2009 to 2012. Later, they pursued a Doctor of Law (J.D.) degree from Harvard Law School, where they studied from 2013 to 2016.
The Primary School
We are creating a new school model that brings together all of the adults in a child’s life, including parents, educators, and medical and mental health providers, starting from a very early age. Our aim is that children and families most impacted by systemic poverty and racism receive the support they deserve to be well, learn, and thrive. Three key components make up our unique approach: We start early: We start working with parents and enroll children into our program as early as birth to reach them at their most critical stage in development. We work with - not around - families: We know that parents and caregivers are the most important people in a child’s life. We partner with them to enhance the education and health of their children. We integrate multiple systems to serve the whole child: Our unique model unites health care and education, building a multi-disciplinary team and holistic system of care around a child’s full needs. Our ultimate goal is to create a game-changing system of care for children that can be replicated across the country. To that end, we are building a model that can be effectively implemented in diverse communities and sustained on public funding. We currently operate two program sites in East Palo Alto and East Bay, California, which act as our primary centers of direct impact, innovation, and learning.