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 kindergartner.
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. 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 teens. She has been teaching with us since 2017.
Amber Schiavo is a committed college student pursuing a degree in Secondary Science Education while working as a server in a local restaurant and a teacher at The Art of Science. While her passion for science stems from her interest in sustainability, her commitment to education has always come naturally to her. You can always find Amber reading a book or enjoying nature in her free time.
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.
Michael Rogers has a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and has taught in public schools for over 20 years. He is currently a STEM Specialist in charge of his school district's Outdoor Learning Center in Texas. He enjoys singing, drawing, reading, sports, and outdoor activities with his wife, and 4 boys who range in age from 11 to 27. He teaches with us during summer, when he is in town visiting family.
Libby Smith is an English Education major at Florida State University. She loves working with kids and encouraging them to be creative and critical thinkers. Libby has experience with working and teaching for St. Petersburg City Parks and Recreation as a teen, and she has been a teacher with us since 2022.
Reese More is a local artist and a Biology major at St. Petersburg College. She has been drawing and creating art since she could hold a pencil. She has a big passion for nature and animals, and she wants to share her passion with as many people as possible through her art. She specializes in pyrography (wood burning), but also enjoys sketching, painting, and working with clay.
Susan Rogers earned a BA in Psychology and a MS in Gerontology. A mother of four boys, she enjoys spending time with her family, watercolor painting, curating books for her little Free Library, and other creative ventures. She teaches with us during summer and holidays when in town visiting family.
Brian Jacob has art degrees from Davidson College and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He taught art for 12 years in public and private elementary schools. He also has museum experience and worked on an archaeological dig. He has three kids who are now young adults. His art skills include painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, sculpture and graphic design.
