the gruenbaums
MICHAEL GRUENBAUM
After getting his BSCE in civil engineering from MIT and his MCP from Yale University, he had an illustratious career for many decades in the traffic engineering and transportation planning field in the Boston area, during which time he authored the pioneering book, “Transportation Facts for the Boston Region.” Now retired, he recently co-wrote a book about his early childhood experiences during the Holocaust in Czechoslovakia entitled: “Somewhere There Is Still a Sun”. He now spends time to promote it as well as his late wife Thelma Gruenbaum’s book, “Nesarim: Child Survivors of Terezin.” To date his book is available in 13 different languages. He has lived in his house in Brookline, Massachusetts for the past 52 years.
THELMA GRUENBAUM
Thelma Gruenbaum was Michael’s wife for 50 years until she succumbed to ALS in 2006. She was born in Springfield, Illinois and attended the University of Chicago for seven years for her undergraduate as well as graduate work toward a PhD in Human Development.
For 25 years she represented the University of Chicago in the Boston area in many capacities and was recognized for her work by the University, when she was awarded the 2001 Alumni Service Medal. She was the author of several books: “Before 1776: the Massachusetts Bay Colony from Founding to Revolution”; “ To Music and Children with Love, Reflections for Parents and Teachers” and “Nesarim: Child Survivors of Terezin.”
DAVID BENJAMIN GRUENBAUM
David Benjamin Gruenbaum is the founder and co-owner of Ahead of the Class, a private education and college preparation company. A nationally-recognized SAT/ACT and test taking expert, Gruenbaum is a published author and regularly featured as an industry expert in the media.
He received his BA in Economics and Psychology from the University of Chicago and lives in Santa Rosa, California.
Gruenbaum is a composer and founder of Smoke Soldiers, a world-wide community dedicated to supporting and honoring firefighters and first responders.
HEATHER CHAGNON GRUENBAUM
Heather Chagnon Gruenbaum is the co-owner of Ahead of the Class, a private education and college preparation company. Gruenbaum is a published author and editor whose focus is the field of college admissions, helping students with college applications and personal statements.
She received her BA and MA in History from the University of California, Irvine, and lives in Santa Rosa, California.
PETER GRUENBAUM
President of SDK Bridge, a company that specializes in developing software for clean energy and energy efficiency. He received his BA in Physics from the University of Chicago and his PhD in Applied Physics from Stanford University. He lives in Seattle, WA.
Writer of audio and graphic fiction.
SARAH PIERCE
Sarah Pierce is a research scientist at University of Washington in the field of human genetics. She uses various experimental techniques to investigate the genetic causes of human diseases, including breast cancer and infertility.
She received her PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Washington.
LEON GRUENBAUM
Leon Gruenbaum graduated from Harvard University with a BA in Mathematics. He is the inventor of the Samchillian, a relativistic keyboard controller, and lives in New York City where he works as a professional musician. Leon worked with electronic musical device manufacturer, Eventide, to create Misha, an interval-based Eurorack instrument and sequencer, based on the ideas of the Samchillian, and they had a very successful launch in Summer 2022.
SIMONE CASSAS
Simone Cassas graduated with a degree in Fine Arts and a postgraduate degree in Graphic Design and Semiotics in Sao Paulo - Brazil.
She works as a video editor and graphic designer. She has been based in New York City since 2013.
DAPELE
In 1978, the three Gruenbaum brothers released an album of their music, "Bop'N'Pop and all that Jazz". You can hear it at the link below
ADAM GRUENBAUM
Software engineer at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation in Seattle.
He received his BA in Computer Science and Biology from the University of Chicago. He lives in Seattle, WA.
BEN GRUENBAUM
Freelance animator, specializing in 2D and stop-motion animation. His animation The Teddy Bear is a collaboration with Michael Gruenbaum, bringingMichael's Holocaust story to life.
He lives in Seattle, WA.
CAROLINE GRUENBAUM
Caroline is a student and daughter of David and Heather Gruenbaum.
RACHEL GRUENBAUM
Rachel is a student and daughter of David and Heather Gruenbaum.
© 2020 by The Gruenbaums