Founder: Jamie Hand
Jamie Hand is a STEAM consultant, certified art instructor and innovation learning coach with over 12 years of education experience.
Jamie helps teachers incorporate STEAM learning experiences into the classroom through her membership program, the Member Lab and transformational framework, the Preschool STEAM Experience. Jamie is passionate about helping educators at all levels step into a new era of creating student-centric learning experiences.
Customer Success Manager: Cheryl Gansner
Cheryl Gansner has a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and throughout her career has enjoyed working with children the most. She is also the mother of a kindergartner and 2-year-old. STEAM is widely integrated throughout her home and she enjoys creating STEAM-based activities for her girls.
Writing Contributors (Current and Past):
Christie Shirnian
My name is Christie Shirinian and I am a STEAM and process art teacher at a private preschool. I have about 140 students come to my class every week and I love my job! I started in education by volunteering for years and eventually was asked to become a certified paraprofessional. I was a reading tutor to K-3 and also was a substitute teacher. I moved to Texas and went to apply for a teaching job at a preschool but after the interview was offered the STEAM lab and art teacher job. I was a little anxious but I do love all art and STEAM was intriguing to me. Through trial and error, I began to understand that STEAM can be a lesson on anything. I figured out that through the simple questions students naturally ask are many opportunities to engage, excite, and teach through play. Teaching using STEAM has been amazing and the students love my class! I absolutely love writing for Preschool Steam and am excited with every lesson and integration.
Jen Cole
Jen Cole is a certified Early Childhood Educator with experience in public schools, STEAM labs, museums, and state parks. She currently homeschools her two children and has established a local child-led outdoor playgroup. Jen has a Bachelor’s Degree in Earth Science, Biology, and Public Administration and writes to create experiences that unite literature and STEAM. She hopes her work fosters a love of learning and nurtures the wonders of childhood.
Laura Novotny
Hello, I’m Laura, a PreK-4 teacher with 17 years of experience teaching in various grades. I am the mother of three young children who learn through play and by exploring the world around them.
My favorite children’s literature, songs, and children’s interests are my inspiration while writing for Preschool STEAM. Creating new STEAM lessons and also integrating STEAMier changes to my former lessons, have challenged me to be a more effective teacher. Each new day provides me with opportunities to offer positive hands-on experiences while encouraging curiosity and problem-solving skills with my young thinkers.
Heather Mac Neil
Heather is a former preschool teacher and founder of preschooltoolkit.com, a website providing early learning resources for teachers and parents. She focuses on creating fun crafts and activities that engage developmental skills while promoting hands-on learning through play. Follow her on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ and Linkedin.
