LPS Teachers

Aisha Nurredin

Mrs. Nurredin teaches 6th grade at College Hill Fundamental Academy located in Cincinnati, Ohio. She has been teaching for 13 years and this is her second year participating in LPS. When she's not teaching, she can be found spending time with her family and providing community outreach with her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. She is so excited to provide an opportunity for her students to have an another adult in their lives to help support their future dreams. Science and math have always been passions in her life, so she loves providing students with other opportunities to connect their learning to the real world. She is excited that her students will have the opportunities to hear from real scientists and start to consider a future in science.

Abra Pitters

Mrs. Pitters is thrilled that her students will be participating in the Letters to a Pre-Scientist Program this year! This initiative offers valuable insights into STEM careers and aims to inspire students to explore and discover something new. Mrs. Abra Pitters is a passionate 7th-grade General Science teacher in San Diego, California, with 13 years of teaching experience. This year marks her exciting first year hosting LPS in her classroom. Abra thrives on creating a learning environment where kindness and respect are foundational, and she loves designing lessons that empower students to take charge of their own learning. There's nothing more inspiring to her than watching her students achieve what they once thought was impossible. Outside the classroom, Abra enjoys hiking and playing beach volleyball with her family. #MayanStrong

Amanda Haney

Mrs. Haney teaches 5th grade gifted students at Chardon Hills STEM School in Euclid, Ohio. This is her 13th year teaching and 9th year working with gifted students. Gifted students have their own unique brand of fun, and are the reason she loves her job! Mrs. Haney teaches all the academic subjects, but science is by far her favorite. Science lends itself to hands-on experiences that 5th grade students just love. Science class is always a favorite for the kids! This is Mrs. Haney's 6th year with LPS, and each year gets better and better. LPS is a great way for students to be connected with a mentor, especially someone more ‘exciting’ than their parents and teachers. Mrs. Haney hopes the scientists understand how much of an impact their letters can truly make, and how exciting it is for the kids to get a letter from a real scientist! Mrs. Haney loves to read, travel, and hike, but lately she's been spending more time exploring local parks and playgrounds with her 3 young sons.

Amy Wert

Mrs. Wert teaches 5th and 6th grade in National City, California. This is her 17th year teaching and she is excited to participate in the LPS program for the first time this year. Mrs. Wert is eager to bring LPS into her classroom to expose students to a wide variety of STEM careers and the diverse community within those fields. When she is not teaching, Mrs. Wert can be found reading, watching hockey, traveling, or on an adventure with her 8 year old daughter and husband. Fun facts...Mrs. Wert spent her childhood living in Canada (hence the love of hockey) and her favorite season is Autumn. @AmyWert4 on Twitter

Ariana Afshari

Ms. Afshari is an 8th grade science teacher at KIPP Excelencia Community Prep in Redwood City, California. Although this is her second year teaching as a Teach for America Corps member in Northern California, this is her first year rolling out Letters to a Pre-scientist with her students. Ms. Afshari is a dedicated STEM advocate for her students and has a core value that all her students are capable of great success. In her classroom: joy, curiosity, and grit are at the forefront of student's minds and can be felt when you walk in her room anytime of the year. Her instructional vision is to teach with rigor and to hold the bar high because most of the time students will rise to the occasion. Ms. Afshari is the kind of teacher that never leaves any student behind and holds her promise to follow them through the many years it takes to be scientist themself. In a unique position, she is an aspiring physician who will hopefully be the scientist to future 8th graders at her school one day in a full circle moment.

Miss Aurora Johnson

Miss Johnson is located at Vista Heights Middle School in Moreno Valley, CA and is part of the Inland Empire. Miss Johnson teaches 7th grade Next Generation Science Standards to five classes of students (165 kids). She has been teaching for 25+ years and has hosted Letters to a Pre-Scientist for 4 years. Miss Johnson enjoys participating in the LPS program because her students become better writers, learn about mistakes and perseverance, and share a bond with their pen pal that encourages them throughout the year. In the classroom, Miss Johnson values participation in learning and making attempts at everything. “Do, there is no try.” Science and STEAM/STEM are taught because modern students struggle with these ideas the most. The modern student does not see the purpose of learning due to the advancement of technology. Instead of technology improving one's individual talents, it is used as a crutch that allows students to think what is on Google or the internet is factual and no errors can be made. When Miss Johnson is not teaching, she enjoys watching movies and reading fictional novels in Science, Thrillers, or Romance, while also enjoying visiting family and friends.

Barbara Cojescu

Mrs. Cojescu is a dedicated 5th grade teacher at Moffit Elementary School in Norwalk, CA. With over 26 years of teaching experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her classroom. This year marks her first time hosting the LPS program, and she is thrilled to embark on this new journey. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Cojescu enjoys traveling, biking, gardening, and spending quality time with her friends and family. Mrs. Cojescu is excited to bring the LPS program to her classroom because it offers a unique opportunity to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. She believes that the program’s innovative approach will help her students develop critical thinking skills and a love for learning. The interactive and hands-on nature of LPS aligns perfectly with her teaching philosophy, making learning both fun and effective. Her instructional vision is to create a dynamic and inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued and motivated to achieve their full potential. She aims to foster a classroom culture that encourages curiosity, collaboration, and a growth mindset. By integrating technology and real-world applications into her lessons, she strives to make learning relevant and meaningful for her students. Mrs. Cojescu is inspired by the opportunity to make a positive impact on her students’ lives. She finds joy in witnessing their growth and development, both academically and personally. The moments when a student grasps a challenging concept or shows enthusiasm for a new topic are what fuel her passion for teaching. She believes that education is a powerful tool for shaping the future and is honored to be a part of that journey. She teaches STEM subjects because she recognizes the importance of these fields in today’s world. She wants to equip her students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a rapidly changing technological landscape. By teaching STEM, she hopes to inspire a sense of wonder and curiosity about the natural world and to encourage her students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. In the classroom, Mrs. Cojescu values respect, collaboration, and a positive learning environment. She believes that every student has unique strengths and contributions to offer, and she strives to create a space where all voices are heard and appreciated. She also values continuous improvement and encourages her students to embrace challenges and learn from their mistakes. By fostering a supportive and inclusive classroom community, she aims to help her students develop both academically and socially.

Christina Benson

Mrs. Benson is a 5th grade teacher at Central School in National City. A product of the school district, this year she will be going into year seventeen, and second-year implementing LPS. In her spare time, she plays co-ed softball with her husband and runs around with her 3 dogs & 2 cats. Mrs. Benson is a big believer in giving back to her community & continues her career with this principle. For the past 11-years she has taken her students to Paradise Creek wetland, and wants to instill a sense of autonomy & responsibility in helping improve National City in the 21st century. Science, sustainability, mathematics, leadership, and community service can play a huge role in what students pursue as adults. She would like STEM professionals to help foster this in her students, as well as, help to ignite the things they are passionate about (art, music, dance, or theater). An instructional goal this year for Mrs. Benson is to get her students to THINK. STEM professionals can support by providing students real-life examples of the challenges they experienced in the journey to their profession, and the ones they may face daily. (Her students LOVE stickers, plushies, fidget toys, puzzles, and riddles)

Essence Perry

Originally born and raised in NYC, Ms. Perry is spreading love the Brooklyn way by teaching 7th and 8th grade science in San Francisco, CA. This is her 6th year teaching, but second year joining LPS. Ms. Perry teaches so that she can educate and inspire every children in her classroom daily. Ms. Perry credits her science teacher from Middle School for the great memories and shaping where she is now. By participating in LPS, Ms. Perry hopes to change the stereotypes students have about Science and expose them to other STEm professions besides her own. When Ms. Perry is not teaching, she can be found playing video games, traveling around the world, or reading a book.

Danae Crownover

Mrs. Crownover teaches at Coalinga Middle School in Coalinga, CA, which is in the central valley of California, south west of Fresno. This is her 8th year teaching and her first implementing LPS in her classroom. Mrs. Crownover teaches mostly 7th grade science and math but also has a STEM class. Mrs. Crownover loves to read and hang out with her daughters and granddaughter on her off time. She also is the coach for Coalinga Middle Schools softball team. She loves teaching science because her family has instilled in her a sense of wonder that she wants to pass on to future generations. Her family would regularly go up to Kings Canyon National Park and hike and explore the wilderness. She thinks that the LPS program is an excellent way for underserved populations to learn more about STEM careers and to not be afraid to explore the many opportunities that STEM has to offer.

Gary Boulier

Coach Boulier is in his 27th year of teaching middle school. He has been a science and math teacher at South Central/Red Top middle school in Emerson, Georgia for his entire career. When not teaching he coaches basketball and other sports, as well as traveling as often as possible with his family. Coach Boulier enjoys teaching science because he wants to help prepare his students for the future and help them to have a better life than the previous generations and participating in the LPS with STEM professionals will help them realize what it takes to do that in their lives.

Holly Spivey

Mrs. Spivey teaches 8th grade physical science in Emerson, Georgia at Red Top Middle School. She has been teaching for 30 years and this is her 3rd year for hosting LPS. She enjoys reading and trying new things. Holly recently got her real estate license and is looking forward to trying this out for a possible future career. She is excited about continuing the LPS program with her students because it provides them with another way to look at their lives and future. It opens up windows for them to possibly explore. She loves to show how science is already part of students' lives, they just need to understand it as such. She strives to show students how to set goals and work to make their dreams come true.

Bridget Heneghan

Ms. Heneghan is a 6th grade math and science teacher at Hibbard Elementary in Chicago, Illinois. She loves teaching science mainly because she loves learning about science, especially anything to do with astronomy and space exploration. This is her sixth year with LPS and loves the opportunity it gives her students to connect with scientists in professions and places that they never would have considered before. The best part watching the students' expand their understanding of what it means to be a scientist as well as what it means to be a good person. Ms. Heneghan loves teaching at Hibbard because of the way it embraces and celebrates its cultural diversity. With students from all over the world, many of whom speak languages other than English at home (from Spanish to Romanian to Arabic to specific dialects of Swahili), students come to Hibbard with a wide variety of background knowledge and experiences that makes it such a wonderful community. Follow her class on Twitter @msheneghansroom.

Jackie Ma

Ms. Ma teaches 6th grade at Lincoln Acres Elementary located in National City, California. She has been teaching for 9 years and this is her second year participating in LPS. When she's not teaching, she can be found on a hiking trail with her golden retriever, Waffles, and husband. She is so excited to provide an opportunity for her students to have another adult in their lives to help support their needs. Science and math have always been passions in her life, so naturally it transferred over to her teaching. She has been able to watch students develop their communication, become problem solvers, and practice perseverance through engaging science content. Now her students will be able to hear from real scientists, continue to foster a love for science, and have them start considering a future in science.

Jamie Radford

Mrs. Radford teaches 6th grade science and social studies at Independence Leadership Academy in Independence, Louisiana, which is about an hour north of New Orleans. She earned her masters degree in STEM curriculum and instruction this summer from Louisiana State University at Shreveport. This is her 14th year teaching, but her first year in Tangipahoa Parish. She has facilitated LPS for several years, but is excited to bring the program to a new school. Her instructional vision is to help kids find what helps them learn the best. Helping to inspire a love of learning and science is why she teaches. She values creativity, sharing, and hands-on learning opportunities.

Jenna Biggs

Mrs. Biggs teaches 8th grade physical science at Red Top Middle School in Emerson, Georgia. This will be her 13th year in education. She is excited to be hosting LPS in her classroom for the first time this year! Mrs. Biggs received her Bachelors in Biology from Georgia Southern University, her Masters in Science Education from Georgia State University and will graduate with her Specialist degree in Instructional Technology from Kennesaw State University in December 2022! When she is not in the classroom, Mrs. Biggs enjoys spending quality time with her husband and daughters, playing with her dogs, tending to her chickens, and boating on the lake. You can follow Mrs. Biggs on Twitter @jenna_lynn986.

Jamie Hill

Ms. Hill is a fifth grade teacher at Las Palmas Elementary in National City, California. She has been teaching elementary school for 23 years. She strives to build a community in her classroom that feels like a family, so students will feel safe challenging themselves and taking academic risks. She is committed to helping students succeed by building a foundation for academic conversations. A common phrase you will hear in her classroom is: “I politely disagree with you because…”. Ms. Hill’s passions outside of school include reading, scuba diving and going to the beach with her beautiful dog, Hope. You can often find her hiking in Mission Trails or curled up in a quiet corner with a good book. Ms. Hill is excited to join the LPS program this year because she knows science holds the answers to the universe. She believes this is a great opportunity to help our future leaders unleash or discover their passion for science.

Jennifer Holland

Ms. Holland is a 6th grade science teacher at Anacapa Middle School in Ventura, CA. She has been teaching for 13 years and this is her third year participating in LPS. When she isn’t teaching, she can be found hiking with her dog, nature journaling, and camping on the Channel Islands. Ms.Holland believes students learn science by doing science, and strives to provide as many real world, hands-on experiences for her students as possible. From engineering challenges to raising trout in the classroom, she tries to make her science classroom an engaging place to be. Ms.Holland is excited to bring LPS to her classroom and provide her students with the opportunity to connect with scientists around the world. She believes this will not only help get her students excited about science, but will help make STEM careers more accessible to all of her students.

Jessica Gastelum

Mrs. Gastelum teaches 6th grade multiple subjects at Lincoln Acres Elementary in National City, California. This is her 15th year teaching and her 3rd year hosting LPS in her classroom. When she isn’t teaching, you can find her at the beach! She is so excited to watch her students engage in authentic writing through LPS while also broadening their horizons with STEM careers. In her classroom, Mrs. Gastelum is passionate about empathy, kindness, and perseverance.

Josie Hess

Ms. Hess is currently a 5th grade math and science teacher in Laddonia, MO. This will be her 8th year teaching. In her first 6 years she taught all 5th grade subjects and this will be her 2nd year getting go focus on just math and science! This is her first year hosting LPS. She is so excited to use the program to integrate math and science with language arts! She is the junior high and high school cross country coach and the junior high track coach at her school. She loves running, hiking, gardening, and reading. She's looking forward to helping kids become life long learners who find true excitement in STEM inside and outside of school!

Jamie Radford

Mrs. Radford teaches 6th - 8th grade science at Phoenix High School in Braithwaite, Louisiana. This is her 12th year teaching and her 3rd year hosting LPS in her classroom. She is excited to provide her students with an opportunity to be able to connect with scientists and explore the world outside of their small community through this pen pal program. Mrs. Radford values hard work and perseverance in her classroom. She enjoys teaching science and watching her students become better problem solvers and creative thinkers during the investigation process. When not teaching, you can find Mrs. Radford spending quality time with her family.

Julie Nelson

Ms. Nelson is a 5th grade science and social studies teacher who has been a teacher for 25 years. This will be her 9th year hosting LPS and her 10th year in her current position at Chardon Hills STEM School in the Euclid City School in Ohio. SHe has five daughters ranging from 17 to 27 years old, including a set of 20 year old identical twins. When she is not teaching, she ejoys traveling with her family, reading, hiking, running, and walking her dog. I. love teaching science and social studies because it allows students to connect what they are learning inside the classroom with the outside world around them.

Kelsey Watt

Mrs. Watt has been teaching middle school science in Santa Ana, CA for 10 years. She chooses to teach science because it is exciting, and she hopes her own interest in science sparks new curiosities for her 6th grade students. She is thankful to partner with Letters to a Pre-Scientist for a 5th year because she has seen how STEM pen pals have opened her students’ eyes to ideas, careers, and possibilities beyond what a traditional classroom can teach alone. When she is not in the classroom, Ms. Cronmiller enjoys cooking, reading, and hanging out with her two cats.

Katelyn Moreno (Ruiz)

Mrs. Moreno is in her 17th year of teaching, and is currently teaching 5th grade at Butterfield Language Academy in Moreno Valley, Ca. This is her first year with LPS and she is most excited for her students to learn about all the possibilities out there for them! Science is a fun subject that students enjoy but don't always know how this could be a future career. In the classroom it is important that 5th graders understand how to treat one another and themselves. They are about to be in middle school and its important that they remember kindness always. When students are in an environment that they feel safe and supported they will always give their best. With LPS helps this classroom vision because it gives them a chance to talk to a professional that they can talk to and learn from. This will help motivate them as they move throughout their educational career. Katelyn taught in Catholic Education for 10 years and is now currently teaching in public school. Katelyn likes to go places with her husband and three boys, they enjoy hiking, going to the beach and museums. Her favorite thing to do is cook with her husband who is always creating new recipes.

Kelly Ramirez

Ms. Ramirez is entering her 11th year in teaching. She is a math coach as well as an Algebra teacher and a STEM teacher for Project Lead the Way. She currently teaches in Tampa, Florida. This will be her first year hosting LPS and she is beyond excited for this opportunity. Outside of teaching she enjoys spending time with her husband and son as well as being an avid reader. She has been passionate about enhancing student exposure to STEM for all of her students.

Kevin Ohama

Mr. Ohama is a 6th grade teacher at Marion Mix Elementary School in Elk Grove, CA. This year could be year 22 for Mr. Ohama's teaching career, but he's not sure. He's doesn't organize his internal hard drive by date. With that said, this could be year 8 of hosting LPS. It has been a while, anyway. "I teach every student at their level in every subject every day," says Mr. Ohama, summing up his instructional philosophy. Adding, "LPS fits in perfectly with that mindset." Teaching aside, Mr. Ohama dabbles: guitar, chess, robotics, coding, watercolor, bread baking, home brewing, but mostly he likes to read.

Kim Jones

Ms. Jones teaches sixth grade science, math, and Food: From Farm to Face at Thomas Starr King Middle School's Environmental STEAM Magnet in Los Angeles, California. Ms. Jones is entering her 26th year of teaching for Los Angeles School District. The 2022-23 school year will be Ms. Jones's first year hosting LPS. She and her students are looking forward to meeting scientists through letter writing. In her spare time, Ms. Jones spends time cooking and eating good food with her friends and family. She loves movies (in theaters) and hiking. Also, Ms. Jones writes grants to study science in different places. She travels during summer break. This past year, she traveled to Jordan to learn about how water scarcity impacts and changes cultural traditions. Ms. Jones grew up on a farm in Tennessee and has always loved science. She didn't love the way science was taught to her in school, ""Read chapter six and answer the questions at the end of the chapter."" However, the observations on the farm were the inspiration for her science learning. Being part of an environmental program and spending time in the school garden with students is the best part of teaching for Ms. Jones.

Laura Rapsawich

Mrs. Rapsawich teaches 7th grade science at Euclid Middle School outside of Cleveland, OH. This school year will be her 19th year teaching and her third year with LPS. She is very excited to bring LPS to her classroom and connect her 7th grade students with STEM professionals to widen their horizons about STEM careers and opportunities. She values connections with students and providing a science classroom where students can explore and think critically. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband and three kids, traveling, getting outdoors and staying active.

Libby Bertacchi

Ms. Bertacchi teaches 6th grade in Elk Grove California teaching all subjects. Her favorite subjects to teach are writing and social studies. Lots of her students learn to write in all subject areas thought the year, and LPS has given her students another amazing opportunity to write! This year will be her 10th year teaching and 4th year hosting LPS! Libby loves to travel, and is currently trying to see more of the US before she takes big trips outside the country. She loves her dog Tucker who goes everywhere with her, well not school, although she wishes. She is obsessed with 49ers football and Sacramento Kings Basketball as well as anything Disney! Disneyland really is her happiest place on Earth! With her joy for those things, she tried to bring them into the classroom to stay relevant with her students but also using them as ways to engage in learning. Seeing students ah-ha moments and students that show inquiry are just two things that inspire her to teach. She is excited for this year and can’t wait to get started with the LPS pen pals and participating teachers!

Lisa Balazs

Ms. Balazs teaches 8th grade math and physical science in Homewood, Alabama. She has been teaching for 20+ years, and this is the 3rd year her students will participate in LPS. She also runs the school garden and greenhouse, and mentors the gardening club at MCAA. She LOVES STEM and is super excited to be teaching both math and science this year as she hopes to weave the two subjects together so her students see the connections between the two topics! She values her students' strengths and talents, and expect them to be creative and brave learners in her classroom. She is also very pleased they will be writing letters to their penpals again this year!

Mark Leeper

Mr. Leeper teaches at Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School in Philadelphia, PA. Mark teaches 6th and 7th grade STEM and is entering his 3rd year after a career change mid pandemic. This will be his first year hosting LPS and is excited to share the enthusiasm with his 6th graders. Mark can be found hiking, walking his dog, working out or going to concerts (working them as an audio technician or seeing them for pleasure). LPS seems like such an amazing opportunity for the students to see the relevance in STEM to their interests and how they can attain their goals. It will be so inspiring for Mr. Leeper and his students to connect with professionals around the world.

Michelle Davis

Mrs. Davis teaches 7th grade science in Euclid, Ohio. This is her 26th year teaching and 4th year hosting LPS. Outside of teaching she enjoys spending time with her children and husband. She also takes long walks daily, mostly in the parks. A fun fact is that in the years 2024-25 she has many celebrations- 25th wedding anniversary, her and husband both turn 50, oldest two children graduate from college, youngest child will turn 16! Students often think science is 'hard' or 'boring'. Bringing real life science and connections to the classroom has always been her vision. Her goal is to have students end the year with more appreciation for science then they started. LPS has been amazing in fostering that appreciation. When students connect with real scientists that may have had similar life experiences or interests, many doors open up. They see themselves going to college or working in the same field as their pen pal or just have someone to communicate with. It does matter!!

Michele Zollars

Ms. Zollars teaches 4th to 8th grades (multi-subjects) at a small rural school near Redding, California. This is her 5th year hosting LPS, and she's been involved in education for many years, but six years at her current school. When not teaching, she's singing, playing with pets (1 dog, 2 cats, & neighbor's chickens), traveling or kayaking. She loves teaching students about the world around them and all the possibilities available to them. Successful teaching not only prepares them for adult life, but inspires them to consider all avenues. Despite growing up in other small rural towns, Ms. Zollars has lived in Japan, on both American coasts, and visited several countries and cities. She hopes science professionals, exposure to their science and varied locations will inspire her students to dream big!

Melissa Kwan

Mrs. Kwan teaches 6th grade multiple subjects at Lincoln Acres Elementary in National City, California. This is her 23nd year teaching and her 4rd year hosting LPS in her classroom. When she isn’t teaching, you can find her practicing yoga or hanging out with her two kids. She is so excited to watch her students engage in authentic writing through LPS while also broadening their horizons with STEM careers. In her classroom, Mrs. Kwan is passionate about perseverance, kindness, and integrity.

Morgan Denkert

Mrs. Denkert is a 7-year seasoned educator who recently became a self-contained 6th-8th grade teacher. Hailing from a Suring, Wisconsin, a town of just 500 residents, Morgan brings a close-knit community spirit to her classroom. She is excited to participate in the LPS for the second year, fostering global connections and a love of STEM for her students. Recently, Morgan joined the wonderful world of motherhood, adding a new layer of joy and excitement to her life. In her free time, Morgan cherishes moments of reading, enjoys a good cup of coffee, and indulges in a variety of crafting projects.

Mr. Murray

"Mr. Murray is a 7th/8th grade science teacher in Ventura County California. Mr. Murray has more than 7 years of teaching experience and this will be his first year with LPS. Mr. Murray enjoys creating music and working out at the gym with his friends. Mr. Murray looks forward to any opportunity that will help motivate his students to pursue careers in the STEM fields. Mr. Murray believes that every student should be given the resources necessary to explore careers in science. As a middle school student, Mr. Murray loved science but felt discouraged at times because the right supports were not in place. Mr. Murray now takes every opportunity to motivate his students in the STEM fields within his classroom. Mr. Murray is very optimistic about working with LPS and the opportunity to motivate future scientists."

Niamh Burke

Ms. Burke is a passionate 7th and 8th grade science teacher on the west side of Chicago, IL. This is her 12th year in the classroom and her 2nd year with LPS. She was born in Ireland and moved to the US as a child. Teaching followed from her commitment to social justice and a belief that education can be a powerful tool of change. She believes in the power of young people and hopes to equip them with the tools they need for sucess. She hopes that her students' minds open up to a whole new world of possibilities as they learn about places, people, jobs, and schools they've never heard of.

Nahdia Kchouri

Mrs. Kchouri has been teaching for the past 14 years and is currently a 7th grade teacher in Southern California. This is her third year hosting LPS. She enjoys cooking, baking, and spending time with her family. One fun fact: she had bright pink hair in high school and dyed her hair blue several years back. She is excited to host LPS this year because she hopes that participation for students will help to connect her scholars to STEM professions (that they may have never known existed!). Mrs. Kchouri is appreciative of the STEM professionals that become role models in her students’ lives!

Quenya Tuck

Ms. Tuck is a 6th grade teacher at Marion Mix Elementary School located in Elk Grove, CA. This is her 11th year in education, 3rd year hosting LPS, and she loves how positive the program is for her diverse students. Being able to connect and interact with REAL scientists shows young people that they too can be involved in STEM, and that it is a worthwhile pursuit- instead of just yearning to become a "YouTuber." Thank God for Science! When she isn't teaching or eating, you can find her at the beach reading a horror or sci-fi novel. She also is a part time cat- wrangler, pumpkin carver, and natural food forager.

Rebecca Colangelo

Mrs. Colangelo is an elementary teacher who is currently teaching grades fifth and sixth in National City, California. She has been teaching at the same school for 21 years. This will be her first year bringing LPS into her classroom. In Mrs. Colangelo's free time she loves spending time wither her family and two Newfoundland dogs, Bear and Lance. Her favorite way to relax is by reading fiction. Mrs. Colangelo believes that every student should feel valued and safe. She wants every student to feel like they have the potential and capability to succeed. Striving to implement equal-opportunity learning with the implementation of accommodations for students in need, she advocates for any student who needs a voice.

Rob Moore

Mr. Moore is a 6th grade Math, Science, and AVID Elective teacher at Sierra Vista Middle School in Baldwin Park, California. The 2024-25 school year will be his 28th year in education. He enjoys cooking plant-based meals for his family and attending concerts. He has earned a brown belt in Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu and teaches a weekly class for students 40 years and older. This is his third year hosting the LPS program. He is grateful for the experiences the LPS program creates for students to inspire a future for themselves in a STEM profession.

Robin Walsh

Ms. Walsh is a 7th grade science teacher at Busbee Creative Arts Academy in Cayce, South Carolina. She has taught for 25 years and is excited about participating in LPS. This is her third year hosting the pen pal program. When not teaching, Ms. Walsh coaches archery and participates in RunDisney 5k’s. Ms. Walsh expects LPS to assist her students in the realization that they themselves have no limitations on their future aspirations. Scientists, researchers and engineers come in every gender, ethnicity and age. Follow her class and their journey via Twitter @GerzemasClass.

Sarah Malec

Mrs. Malec teaches 8th grade Science, Flight & Space, Medical Detectives, and Art at Corvallis Middle School in Southern CA. This is her 17th year teaching. This will be her third year hosting the LPS program at her school site and is excited for her students to engage with STEM professionals and open up a new world of possibilities for them. Mrs. Malec focuses on building relationships in her classroom and fostering a safe and inclusive space for all of her students. She enjoys teaching science because it inspires a sense of curiosity about the world in her students. When she's not teaching, she can be found hanging out with her daughter at local amusement parks, reading, or playing board games with friends and family (fun fact: she owns over 300 hobby board games). Mrs. Malec has spent her whole life in Southern California and loves it there. You can follow her class on Instagram @SmartMalecScience

Silvia Cuevas

Ms. Cuevas is a 7th and 8th grade science teacher at Sycamore Junior High School in Anaheim, California. This will be her 9th year teaching middle school and first year hosting the LPS program. She is excited to connect students with STEM professionals and humanize them; show them that there are real people behind those titles. She is hoping that the STEM professionals inspire her students to pursue their dreams. As a first generation Latina in the sciences, Ms.Cuevas is passionate about encouraging female students to pursue a career in the sciences. Her students inspire her to continue to grow in her profession. When she is not teaching, Ms.Cuevas enjoys playing with her three year old son Lucas. She loves reading, baking, and spending time with her family.

Simran Sabharwal

Ms. Sabharwal has been teaching 8th Grade Science in San Jose, CA the past 5 years and partnered with LPS for the first time last school year (22-23). Before moving to San Jose she taught in Boston Public Schools for 2 years and got her Masters in Education. For undergrad Ms. Sabharwal studied Biology and Education Studies at Middlebury College in Vermont. She's loved all of the places she's lived, from the east to west coast, and has fond memories with each of the cohort of students she's worked with. Teaching science is never boring with constant new developments in STEM and always working with a diverse group of students who are in the midst of discovering themselves and the world around them.

Stacie Cocca

Ms. Cocca is a 7th grade science teacher at Sierra Intermediate in Santa Ana, California. She became a teacher because she loves sparking curiosity and creativity in her students. While her students gain a passion for science in her class, they struggle to visualize themselves as future scientists because of their misconceptions of what scientists actually look like. This is why she is excited to bring LPS into her classroom. This is her 5th year with this program, and she is looking forward to watching her students realize that their goals are achievable and scientists are real people just like them.

Suzanne Ares

Mrs. Ares teaches 7th and 8th grade science to middle school students at Waite Middle School in Norwalk, California. While Mrs. Ares has been teaching students for 19 years, this is the first year she will be introducing LPS into all of her science classes. A colleague introduced Mrs. Ares to LPS, and while observing the excitement that her colleague had expressed about LPS, Mrs. Ares knew immediately that her students must be included in the fantastic program. Mrs. Ares’s educational philosophy is based on the fact that education is best taught to students, when students are allowed to participate in first hand experiences within the community that surrounds them. Through that community participation, students become invested during the learning process and often will try their very best. This year will be a very exciting one for all students and teachers participating with LPS!

Tami Siwiecki

Mrs. Siwiecki teaches 6th grade in La Puente, California. This is her 34th year of teaching and has been a career upper grade teacher. She has been privileged to serve the same community her entire career and now teaches children of students from early in her teaching! She teaches in a self-contained classroom and teaches multiple-subjects. This is Tami's first year hosting LPS! Tami was introduced to LPS by her daughter who is a pre-scientist penpal! Though Tami is a seasoned teacher, she enjoys keeping her teaching craft sharp and gets herself and her class involved in new experiences, like LPS! She likes to have a comfortable classroom and personable relationship with her students, a home away from home feeling. This is how Tami connects and builds relationships with her students as all share their interests like favorite recipes (chocolate chip cookies), being a sports fan (LA Dodgers), having hobbies (working out, crocheting, reading), enjoying music (Foo Fighters). Tami strives to be a teacher of the whole student to reach their fullest potential: their academics, their character and their dreams.

Travis Justice

Mr. Justice, and I teach 8th grade science at Fostoria Junior High School in Ohio. This is my 3rd year teaching and 2nd with LPS. I love spending time outside hiking and finding hidden gems. I have a deep desire to learn as much as I can. Outside of my science and nature based hobbies, I am learning to play guitar, I do my own book binding, and work on electronic circuits! My goals for the school year are to get my students more involved in our community, and create more student led activities. Our school just built a beautiful new green house that I am excited to use! I strive to instil a sense of community and passion in my students, and help them grow their critical thinking skills. At the end of the day I want my students to be the best versions of themselves.

Veronica Pozas Woods

Ms. Veronica Pozas Woods has been teaching at Gifft Hill School, a small independent school serving toddlers through twelfth graders, located on the beautiful island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands for the past ten years. During this time, she has taught a variety of subjects, including early childhood, Spanish, and math. Veronica currently teaches Geometry, Precalculus, and 6th-grade math, although, in previous years, she has also taught 7th-grade math, Intro to Algebra, Algebra 1, and Business Math. With a year-round island population of 4000 residents and a school population of 200 students, Veronica’s favorite thing about her community is the family-oriented atmosphere embedded in the school culture and the pride she feels in her relationships with students and their families. These personal relationships translate into the classroom, creating learning environments that allow students to feel safe, trusted, and eager to learn. This will be Veronica’s first year hosting LPS. She looks forward to connecting her 6th-grade students with professionals in various STEAM disciplines and expanding their awareness of future career opportunities in the connected fields. Outside of school, Veronica enjoys cooking, gardening, and reading. She regularly enjoys hiking, swimming, snorkeling, beachcombing, and chasing sunsets with her husband and daughter and their friends and family.

Stephanie Portillo-de Leon

Mrs. Portillo teaches 8th grade science at math in Montebello, California. This is her fourth year teaching and will be her first year implementing LPS. When she is not teaching, she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, playing soccer, and taking ballet classes. Mrs. Portillo is excited to introduce the LPS program to put a face/person to different STEM careers so her students can discover new career options and know that they have options. The discovery of new things is a big reason she teaches science as she likes to teach the students about the science that happens around them. Mrs. Portillo values collaboration, curiosity, and creativity.

Ron Ochoa

Mr.Ochoa has been teaching 5th/6th Grade for over 15 years. He now teaches 6th Grade at Marion Mix Elementary in Elk Grove, California. This is Mr. Ochoa's First Year participating in the LPS Program. When not teaching, Mr. Ochoa performs in a variety of Jazz/Latin bands in the Sacramento area, continues to study drum and percussion techniques/applications, practices Jeet Kune Do/WIng Chun/Escrima, and is preparing to learn how to surf. He is excited to demonstrate to students that the Sciences are a Multi-Disciplinary Field. He believes that the LPS program will help students realize that fact. Students in Mr. Ochoa's class will realize that every Inquiry about the World around them can lead to a multitude of Scientific pursuits. Mr. Ochoa looks forward to guiding students toward the realization that Science was never intended to be taught/learned explicitly through text books, tests, and one annual project. Instead, Students will be able to practice science through inquiry, experimentation, and communication with experts in the many fields of Science.

Salma Shehto

Ms. Shehto (pronounced Sha-ha-toe) is a high school science teacher in Moreno Valley, California. When not in the classroom or working, you will find Ms. Shehto spending time with family, cooking, or taking a walk. Ms. Shehto has been teaching for 13 years and is starting her third year with LPS. Ms. Shehto is excited about incorporating reading and writing in her classroom and exposing students to STEM careers and mentors. She is looking forward to the exciting LPS letter opening parties! She values discipline and self-growth. Incorporating 21 century skills such as collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity is important in her classroom.

Sindy Trieu

Ms. Trieu teaches predominantly 9th graders in the subject of Biology at Florin High School in the Elk Grove Unified School District, in Elk Grove Californian. This is her 17th year in education as a teacher and former administrator. This is her first year with LPS and she is super excited for the connections her students will be able to build with their Mentors. When Ms. Trieu is not teaching, you can find her with her hiking boots strapped on tight and her border collie, Hiro, by her side climbing up a hill taking selfies. Many high school students are not exposed to science and math as much as Ms. Trieu had hoped. By being part of LPS, she is able to introduce her students to other adults in science and math, where they can ask questions to build or further their interest in science. Extensive exposure to science is not common in elementary school. It is important that students get a good introduction to what science and STEM is like when the opportunity arises. Ms. Trieu finds satisfaction when her students come in not knowing or have an opinion about science and walk out of her class loving science or even walk out of her classroom asking questions and developing models.

Stacy Katzenstein

“Mrs. Katz” teaches physics and engineering at Valley View High School located in Moreno Valley, California. She has been teaching for 15 years and this is her 5th year bringing the LPS program to her engineering students. She is excited to be able to connect her high school engineering students to real-world working STEM professionals because she has seen how these connections between students and professionals help to spark interest, build confidence, and provide insights and guidance for the students as they create their own higher education/training and career path. When not teaching, Mrs. Katz enjoys spending time with her family and going to her kids’ activities. She also enjoys trying new recipes, traveling, watching movies, and reading. Anything astronomy, space, planetary science, or sci-fi are her favorite topics. She can be found on Facebook and Instagram at @STEM_Shindigs.

William Gabriel

Mr. Gabriel teaches 8th grade science in Los Angeles, California. He has been teaching middle school for 17 years and this will be his 4th year hosting LPS. When he is not teaching in the classroom, you can find him walking his two dogs around the neighborhood or trying to stay fit at his local gym. He is also trying to fill up his “Passport to Your National Parks” with a stamp from all of the established National Parks in the country. He is excited to bring LPS to his classroom this year because he wants to inspire his students to consider themselves in a career in STEM. Having wonderful teachers and education growing up inspired him to become a teacher and he hopes that he can do the same for his students.

Aisha Nurredin

Abra Pitters

Miss Walker

Amanda Haney

Amy Wert

Annette Licata

Ariana Afshari

Miss Aurora Johnson

Barbara Cojescu

Beverly Bernardino

Bill Cavanagh

Charles Patrick

Christina Benson

Cynthia Martin

Emily Goblirsch

Essence Perry

Danae Crownover

Gary Boulier

Holly Spivey

Bridget Heneghan

Cynthia Valle Lone

Jackie Ma

Jamie Radford

Jenna Biggs

Jamie Hill

Jennifer Holland

Jessica Gastelum

Josie Hess

Jamie Radford

Julie Sullivan

Julie Nelson

Kelsey Watt

Katelyn Moreno (Ruiz)

Kelly Ramirez

Kevin Ohama

Kim Jones

Kristen James

Laura Rapsawich

Libby Bertacchi

Lindsey Chervenak

Lisa Balazs

Mark Leeper

Mary Ann May

Michelle Davis

Michele Zollars

Melissa Kwan

Morgan Denkert

Mr. Murray

Neil Ritchie

Niamh Burke

Nahdia Kchouri

Olivia Scott

Quenya Tuck

Rebecca Colangelo

Rob Moore

Robin Walsh

Salma Shehto

Sam Farmer

Sarah Berk

Sarah Malec

Silvia Cuevas

Simran Sabharwal

Stacie Cocca

Suzanne Ares

Tami Siwiecki

Travis Justice

Veronica Pozas Woods

Stephanie Portillo-de Leon

Ron Ochoa

Salma Shehto

Sindy Trieu

Stacy Katzenstein

William Gabriel