Member of the Month: Allison DeVries
Every month, NASAGA features one of our members who is doing great things in games-based learning. The Member of the Month for January 2026 is Allison DeVries (she/her), Founder and CEO, The Big Thinking Box.
What kind of work do you do?
I am the founder of The Big Thinking Box and the creator of the world of Brave Thinking, a playful learning ecosystem made up of stories, tools, and experiences designed to build confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking. My work blends story, hands on activities, and just enough structure to help kids, educators, facilitators, and teams build confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking. Think less “sit and get” and more “try this, talk about it, laugh a little, then realize you just learned something important.”
Why are you a NASAGA member?
It is one of the few places where play is taken seriously, curiosity is welcome and asking “What if we tried it this way?” is encouraged. Being part of NASAGA keeps me inspired, and reminds that playful learning is not extra. It is essential.
What’s your favorite NASAGA memory?
One of my favorite NASAGA memories is the immediate sense of community. From the start, it felt like being welcomed into a family of people who genuinely care about learning, play, and each other. That feeling was cemented the first time I played Blood on the Clocktower. It was my first experience with that kind of immersive, social role play, and it reminded me how powerful shared storytelling, trust, and a little mystery can be in bringing people together even when someone you fully trust turns out to be lying. You know who you are. 🙂
NASAGA’s theme for the 2025 Conference was “A Path to Playful Learning.” What does “Playful Learning” look like in your space?
In my space, playful learning looks like storytelling, choice, and permission to experiment. It’s creating environments where curiosity leads, failure is safe, and laughter is usually a good sign you are on the right track. Whether it is a kid discovering they can lead or an adult having a surprise “aha” moment, playful learning is about helping people feel brave enough to explore, reflect, and try again!
