About

Georgia STEM’s Mission

Georgia STEM is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to the ubiquitous advancement of STEM conceptual understandings for students of all ages, educators, parents and community members in Georgia. Our mission is funded from donations, grants, cooperative agreements and sale of STEM kits and supplies.  Partnerships with the Athens Clarke County Library System, Piedmont Regional Library System, Georgia Association of Teacher Educators, public and private school systems in Georgia and other civic organizations make it possible to provide STEM labs and experiences.

Georgia STEM Leaders

400101_4997652380876_715351367_nDirector of Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Kelly Pilgrim Cassidy, has a background in cancer research and providing instruction to all ages pre-K through college level.  Kelly works with the summer reading theme to develop lessons and printables for IMG_8914kids. Kelly also authors articles in her fields of expertise on Georgia STEM and provides tutorials and training sessions for teachers. You can reach her on Twitter or Instagram @jklcassidy 
She is a science instructor, having taught at the high school and college level.  She is an avid reader and photographer, enjoys camping, kayaking and swimming and creating and collecting Ecological Artwork.   

Children’s LitIMG_8922erary SpecialistJennifer Fisher, the Madison County Library Director and former Children’s Librarian plans and delivers critical literary programs which connect to the STEM concepts.  IMG_8920She visits preschools and elementary schools in the area to promote the library and the STEM collaborative.
Jennifer is instrumental in the community outreach and making sure that all students are being served bridging the digital divide. It isn’t unusual to see her dressed up as a “Fox in Socks” or the “Cat in the Hat” or even a “Super Hero”. You can keep up with her ambitious reading goals and reviews on Goodreads!

IMG_8912Animal and Critter Coordinator, John Cassidy, who is the Supervisor of Surgery, Orthopedics and Internal Medicine at the  UGA Vet school,  brings his knowledge of critters and the Veterinary profession. He participates and leads summer sessions at the area libraries and visits area elementary schools to 

IMG_8915demonstrate and promote STEM careers with animals.
His love of everything nature related and naturalistic point of view is critical to reaching all students.  When he is not coaching one of the numerous sports his 3 sons play, you can find him casting a line somewhere, in a duck blind or in the stands cheering on the Georgia Bulldog Football team.  He also has recently taken on the role of CFO for Georgia STEM, taking over the position on the board.  

Art Integration Specialist  6760900_origAs Georgia STEM moves towards STEAM education, it was only natural to recruit artists to help with this endeavor. McKenzie Smith brings her artistic talents to the team.  McKenzie’s resume also includes teaching classes for the surrounding community and providing painting parties.  She utilizes her degree in marketing as a consultant for several companies and works on art installations all while being a mom. Check out the gallery on her webpage for samples of McKenzie’s work.  Want to have a birthday party and make art with science?  Use the contact page to make inquires about painting party or to have the Georgia STEM team visit to help your school integrate the arts and STEM concepts. McKenzie spend most of her time chasing after 3 very active little boys while completing volunteer work and art installations.

Other Georgia STEM Contributors and Supporters

IMG_8910Science Specialist, Dr. Andy Felt, initiator of the MCHS STEM program, enlightens kids with exploding chemicals and fun reactions. He currently teaches at the High School level, is the Director at Foothills Education Charter High School and
Adjunct Professor at Piedmont College.   Andy IMG_8909enjoys a good game of chess and is a master of Periodic Table Battleship. Sometimes he has been mistaken for a Super Hero teacher who haunts the halls of MCHS on a scooter wearing a cape.  There is no proof that he is the infamous “Science Man” but they have never been seen in the same place at the same time!

Numerous other scientists and educators contribute articles.  Would you like to contribute an article or present a program?  Would you like to request a training session for your teachers? If you would like more information about the opportunities available participate in our outreach program or to request a program, click on the the contact page and one of us will contact you! You can also apply to be a guest author here. 

Thank you for visiting and remember:

Curiosity is the Beginning of Wisdom

kellycartoonify.de.johnJenniferandy mckenziejohn

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