The Science-Backed Team Behind reFramed
Meet the educators, technologists, and behavioral scientists who are making evidence-based growth accessible to everyone.
Scott Manthey
Founder, Creator of reFramed
Scott Manthey is a lifelong martial artist, creative technologist, and entrepreneur who has spent decades turning complex ideas into simple tools people can use. As the founder of SMAT Designs and co-owner of SMASH Holdings, Scott has launched multiple consumer brands, patented innovations, and digital platforms.
Raised in the Bay Area, Scott was an early adopter of technology - from running his first email account in 1991 (sponsored by Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak) to building e-commerce ecosystems, SaaS products, and creative educational tools. He is also the holder of a utility patent in video advertising systems and has developed global licensing partnerships in health, wellness, and entertainment.
The reFramed card system brings together Scott's deep background in martial arts discipline, behavioral science, and design thinking. His mission is to make the science of growth and communication accessible to everyone - from children and families to educators, therapists, and workplaces.
Ariel Tourner
Co-Founder, Chief Learning Designer
Ariel Tourner is a learning designer, educator, and 3D artist with a passion for helping people grow through creativity and practice. She holds a degree in Kinesiology from Indiana University and has extensive experience teaching across age groups, from AmeriCorps City Year tutoring in math and science to creating STEAM curricula for middle schoolers.
Ariel has taught physical education, coached students in science and math, and developed innovative 3D modeling courses using Blender and Tinkercad. Her teaching philosophy centers on adapting to different learning styles - making complex concepts simple, visual, and engaging for learners of all ages.
As co-founder of reFramed, Ariel brings her blend of educational expertise, design skill, and empathy to ensure the cards work equally well for children, adults, and professionals. She designs with the principle that learning should feel safe, practical, and creative - giving players a way to practice real skills that stick.
George Manthey, Ed.D.
Educational Advisor
After 40 years in education George Manthey retired as the Assistant Executive Director, Educational Services, of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA). He taught elementary school as a regular classroom teacher and taught both elementary and middle school students as a special day class teacher and resource specialist.
He was an elementary school principal for 10 years in the San Francisco Bay Area. George was selected by ACSA to lead the Bay Area School Leadership Center, funded as a project of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. He served as the director of ACSA's external evaluator program, which served over 150 schools through the Immediate Intervention for Underperforming Schools Program.
Awards & Recognition: George has received numerous awards including the Whitney Foundation Award for Outstanding Contributions to Education (1984), the California Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development's Helen Heffernan Award for Outstanding Instructional Leadership (2012), and the Ferd J. Kiesel Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor granted to an individual by the Association of California School Administrators (2024).
Education & Publications: George earned his BA from Willamette University, his MA from the University of San Francisco, and his EdD from the University of California, Santa Cruz. He is a co-author of Becoming an Evocative Coach; Corwin Press, 2021.
Our Mission: Making Science Accessible
At reFramed, we believe that everyone deserves access to the best that behavioral science has to offer. Our mission is to translate decades of peer-reviewed research into simple, actionable tools that work in real life - whether you're 8 or 80.
We're committed to evidence-based design, practical application, and inclusive accessibility. Every card, every technique, and every interaction is grounded in research and designed for real-world use.
Frequently Asked Questions About reFramed
What is behavioral psychology?
Behavioral psychology studies how environmental factors influence human behavior. It focuses on observable actions and how they can be modified through specific techniques and practice.
How long does habit formation take?
Research by Phillippa Lally shows it takes an average of 66 days to form a new habit, ranging from 18 to 254 days depending on complexity and individual factors.
What is cognitive reappraisal?
Cognitive reappraisal is a technique for changing how you think about a situation to alter its emotional impact. It's a core strategy in cognitive behavioral therapy.
ReFramed by the Numbers
460
Total science-backed cards
100+
Peer-reviewed research studies cited
66
Average days to form new habits
4
Core behavioral pillars (THINK, SPEAK, ACT, RELATE)