I was born in New York City, raised in Buena Park, CA; and schooled at U. C. Berkeley. I am married, the parent of 3, & grandparent of 11; currently living in Pleasant Hill, CA. My personal interests include education, reading, photography, travel, & sports.

After 25 years of developing software technology solutions for major corporations, I am currently the Chief Executive, InteraQuest, a company focused on applying the most advanced electronic gaming technology to assist individuals in improving interpersonal skills. (An overview of the background and concept can be found in the Applying Advanced Gaming Technology to Help Improve Society thread.) The project webiste can be found at http://www.InteraQuest.com.

The InteraQuest team consists of individuals with extensive expertise in software design and development, video game development and programming, marketing and business development, educators, well-known clinical & research psychologists, and parents of individuals who deal with the interpersonal skills issues and their effects.

Having a teen who is severely challenged in the interpersonal skills arena, partially as a result of his being Bi-Polar, and having a Non-Verbal Learning Disorder (NLD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), much of my spare time has been invested in working with teachers and therapists to find ways to assist children with both academic and interpersonal skills.

I am also a member of the Nonverbal Learning Disorders Association (NLDA) and the Community Advisory Committee on Special Education for the Mt. Diablo Unified School District.

The InteraQuest project concept of blending the most immersing principles of video gaming (Action, Personal Involvement and Play) with interpersonal and academic skills to create engaging software games focused on positive human values is a direct result of this ongoing work with educators, therapists, and these types of children.

Application of the technology required to make this project a reality will not only require all of the existing team’s expertise, but the acquisition/licensing of cutting-edge technology, experts in technically applying those technologies, focus and clinical testing groups and finally production and distribution resources.

We are looking for partners who believe, as we do, that improving interpersonal skills is a key to improving society as a whole and would like to be part of the solution. At this juncture the project can go forward as either a non-profit or commercial venture depending on the nature and restrictions of source funds.

Anyone who can provide direct or indirect financing for this project or who would like to share their expertise in the development, testing, production, and/or distribution for this project is encouraged to get in touch with me via this forum, by phone at 925-682-7007, or by email at RCohen@InteraQuest.com or InteraQuest@comcast.net.