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 1st 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 has a daughter in college and a son in high school.
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 mom to a boy and a professional photographer. "Joining The Art of Science team was a no brainer for me as I love both art and science and have experience working with children of various ages since my teen years. From volunteering at the Children’s Art Museum in the summers to nannying triplets on the weekends, as well as being in a club that helped underprivileged children at school, kids have always been a huge part of my life." In her spare time, she loves baking, party planning/decorating, trying out new restaurants around town, going on hikes and traveling. She has been a part of our team since 2023.
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 is currently a college student pursuing degrees in English and Theatre Arts at 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 the Art of Science Instagram.
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 an 8-year-old girl and a 2-year-old boy. They speak Japanese at home, so the kids are able to maintain the language and knowledge of their culture.
Nicholas Calise is an ecologist, musician and mushroom educator dedicated to the biosphere. He has devoted over ten years of service to growing food forests and foraging around the country to better the scope of ecological literacy for those around him. He is currently on track to become a Registered Nurse through Saint Petersburg College. He loves taking care of people and empowering individuals to utilize critical thinking for the betterment of their community.
Wendy Vaughn is a devoted mother to two daughters and a proud grandmother to four grandchildren. After spending most of her adult life working in corporate America, she built a successful janitorial business, which she owned and operated for 16 years. She is now embracing a new chapter—one filled with joy, creativity, and connection. "My love for children and passion for art inspire me every day, and I’m truly excited to bring that energy and enthusiasm to this team. Life is about purpose and fun, and I’m grateful to be part of a community that celebrates both!"
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 is looking forward to working with each and every child at The Art of Science.
Camilla Lima is originally from Sergipe, Brazil, and is now a senior at 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!
Faith Woodson is currently a junior at Hollins High School for the Arts. As the oldest of three siblings, Faith has experience in babysitting, cooking, and homework assistance. She was also a student assistant for the YMCA in elementary school. Faith also has a natural love for art and creativity. When she was 6 years old, drawing was a hobby that she pursued when she was bored, but now she is aiming for a degree in Fine Arts, Character Design, or entrepreneurship.