The Art of Science
MEET OUR TEAM
Egle Mateo is a local artist specializing in many mediums, including drawing, painting, and cookie decorating. She received her degree in Interior Decorating from the School of Applied Arts at Stepo Zuko College of Arts in Lithuania. Egle has exhibited her art work in various galleries, including the Morean Arts Center and the Holocaust Museum. She is in charge of creating the art curriculum for The Art of Science. She has a daughter in college and an energetic 3rd grader.
Teresa Restom Gaskill has a Ph.D. in Botany from the University of Hawaii and a Masters in Ecology from Brazil. In addition to designing the science curriculum at The Art of Science, she teaches Biology at Saint Petersburg College as a full time faculty. Besides education, she loves gardening and kayaking. She is mother to two young adults.
Christina Miller has a degree in Elementary Education from Saint Petersburg College. She is a dedicated, student-focused professional, who is committed to providing a well-balanced, supportive, and engaging environment for all students. She is mother to a beautiful girl, and has been teaching with us since 2021.
Bridget Newell has an Associate in Art degree from Bergen Community College, and is a certified Yoga teacher from YogaMatrix, Orlando. She has taught as a volunteer at Eola Charter School, Lakeview Fundamental, and at the YMCA. Bridget is a mother of two young adults. She has been teaching with us since 2017.
Michelle Burks is a professional photographer who studied at the Ringling College of Art and at Saint Petersburg College, focusing on Darkroom Film Photography and Digital imaging. She is drawn to creativity in all its forms and loves working with her hands, from exploring ceramics and crafting, to decorating cakes, part styling, photoshoot design and wardrobe styling. She has been a part of our team since 2023 and teaches our Homeschool classes Monday-Wednesday and our afterschool enrichment program at Jamerson Elementary.
Magdalena Chytra grew up in the Czech Republic where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Banking Management. After spending 5 years as a stay at home mom with her two kids, she found the passion in making arts and crafts with kids, brightening their faces with new ideas and learning through play. She is known for speaking French, baking, running, taking care of others and always having a smile on her face. She also loves to travel in an RV with her family exploring new places. She has been a part of our team since 2023.
Sofia Restom Gaskill has degrees in English and Theatre Arts from Florida Southern College. She loves working with kids and has worked with Pinellas County to help kids develop early reading skills. She has been working with us as a teaching assistant and a teacher since 2021. She also runs our Instagram social media page.
Mayumi Beckwith is originally from Japan. She has degrees in nursing and health care education from Ozawa College of Nursing and the National Yamagata University. She worked as a school nurse in elementary and middle schools in Japan, and as a pastry cook at Cassis Bakery in St. Pete. She is a clay artist and a seamstress, and makes clay items and clothes not only for her family, but also sells them at local markets. Mayumi has a 9-year-old girl and a 3-year-old boy. They speak Japanese at home, so the kids are able to maintain the language and knowledge of their culture.
Kristen Stuart studied Biomedical Sciences at the University of South Florida and was a pharmacy technician for many years. She is a mom of two young children in elementary school. She has always enjoyed working with children of all ages through child care or teaching and has a natural love for learning, helping others, and creativity. She loves running, baking and reading as well as friendships and travel. "I believe anytime a child can learn concepts through creativity they are given the opportunity to not just memorize the concept but truly learn through originality and problem solving"
Reese Ammons is a graduate from Shorecrest Preparatory school. She is currently a student at St. Petersburg College studying elementary education. Throughout high school she worked with children in many different ways such as being in the classroom as a teacher aid, teaching summer camps and helping with afterschool activities. She has been teaching with us since 2025.
Camilla Lima is originally from Sergipe, Brazil, and a greduate of St. Petersburg Collegiate High School, currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration at St. Petersburg College. She has experience tutoring kids and as a babysitter. She is joining our team as a Brazilian Language & Culture teacher, but we are looking forward to her joining our enrichment program in the near future!
Eden Mateo is a recent graduate of Florida State University with a B.S. in Interior Architecture and Design, and she is currently beginning her Master's degree in the subject. As the daughter of co-owner Egle Mateo, she has been working with The Art of Science since 2021, helping students with art projects in the classroom and making promotional flyers. In her spare time she loves to read, do yoga and work as a costume designer for the FSU Circus.
Olivia Willimon is currently a student at St. Petersburg College pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. She has had a passion for art from a young age and believes that creativity plays an important role in how children learn and express themselves. She is excited to help students as they discover new ideas through art and science.
Stacey Diaz is a local Science educator with nearly 20 years of teaching experience and is the founder of Philanthrolab Science Shop. Since Summer 2024 Stacey has collaborated with The Art of Science to provide a week-long camp called Be Brave Like a Scientist! A graduate from USF in Elementary Education, she has taught in both informal and formal education, and has provided engaging activities at many community events within Tampa Bay. When not teaching, Stacey is spending time with her 3rd grade daughter. She loves to visit new places, nature trails, and the beach.
Chloe Mirlenbrink is a senior at Wellmont Academy and is dual enrolled at St. Petersburg College. Throughout high school, she gained experience working as a teacher’s assistant, volunteering at summer camps, and serving at Faith Fellowship. After graduating, she plans to study Speech-Language Pathology and is passionate about helping others. Outside of school, Chloe enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, going for walks, and playing with her two dogs.
