The Art of Science
MEET OUR TEAM
Egle Mateo has a degree in Arts from Lithuania. She specializes in drawing, painting, basket weaving, glass and pottery. She teaches private classes for all ages. She is also known for her cookie decorating arts. She has a daughter in college and an energetic toddler.
Teresa Restom Gaskill has a Ph.D. in Botany from the University of Hawaii and a Masters in Ecology from Brazil. 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.
Karina Mudafort is a local entrepreneur, artist, gardener, writer, and lifetime member of learning. She is pursuing her bachelors in Education at Saint Petersburg College."I am passionate about creating with my community with mindfulness, knowledge, and love. I solely strive to bring light into the world of my viewers. We all hold a value that is unique and necessary in our world today.".
Amari’ Williams is a photographer, painter, and graphic designer. She is pursuing her associates in Mass Communications at Saint Petersburg College. She enjoys traveling, creating, and spending time with friends and family.
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 started with us as a volunteer in our afterschool program at Lakeview Fundamental. 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.
Laura Castro is an aspiring medical illustrator. She majored in Studio Art at the University of Central Florida and is currently completing a Lab Specialist certificate at St. Petersburg College. Laura holds in high regard the value of art instruction for personal growth and the value of science instruction to understand the world.
Originally from Brazil, Marinez MacMichael holds a BS degree in Psychology from Hawaii Pacific University and a Masters in Education from Northern Arizona University. She has extensive experience in childhood education and brings her life-long love of art to all of her classes. She has a grown son working in STEM in Colorado.
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 who are now preschoolers, 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 smile on her face. She also loves to travel in an RV with her family exploring new places.
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 teachers with us during summer and holidays when in town visiting family.
