Dr. Brandy P.

Dr. Brandy S. Pickens is a distinguished biochemist and dedicated educator with extensive experience in scientific research and environmental advocacy. Having earned a BA in Biochemistry from Oberlin College and a Ph.D. from Temple University School of Medicine, Dr. Pickens is proficient in making complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging to diverse audiences.

Dr. Pickens has dedicated over 15 years to biomedical research, specializing in biomedical research studies at institutions including the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. This background equips her with a robust understanding of the STEM disciplines, which she brings to the classroom to inspire and educate future scientists and STEM professionals.

Currently, Dr. Pickens serves as a Toxicologist at the United States Environmental Protection Agency, where she conducts technical analyses and reviews concerning the cleanup of hazardous waste sites. Her role at the EPA underscores her commitment to public health and safety, themes she emphasizes in her educational outreach.

Passionate about fostering a love for science and environmental stewardship among young people, Dr. Pickens actively engages with community groups and schools. She organizes and leads educational programs and STEM initiatives, aiming to instill a sense of enthusiasm for STEM disciplines, particularly environmental science, and stewardship in the younger generation.

Dr. Pickens is not only a scientist and advocate but also a mentor who strives to encourage students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to pursue careers in STEM and public service. Her commitment to education, combined with her expertise in biomedical sciences and environmental sustainability, makes her a great match for organizations dedicated to cultivating knowledgeable, responsible, and motivated students.

Kate R.

Kate is a certified teacher with her Bachelor’s degree in Special Education and certifications in Special Education K-8 and Early Childhood PK-4. Along with her Bachelor’s degree, Kate recently obtained her Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. Kate has always had a love for supporting various learners inside and outside of the classroom.

She has worked in various settings, including preschools, mental health settings and alternative learning settings. Kate loves sports and the outdoors, she takes her passions and creates hands-on and engaging lessons geared to all learners.

Joe M.

Joseph (“Joe” to everyone except priests and nuns) Myers is a lifelong Philadelphia resident who graduated college with Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops. Well, he is not THAT old, but due to completing undergraduate studies in 2001 from Saint Joseph’s University (The Hawk will never die!!!) and graduate work eight years later through Arcadia University, he has acquired a good amount of experience in the educational and publishing realms. His time within them has reaffirmed the belief that everyone exists as a teacher with abundant lessons to teach. He happens to consider himself fortunate to be a literal educator with unwavering devotion to reading, writing (Poetry rules!), and history. Music and pop culture are other topics where he can hold his own, and he likes to weave them into discussions so as to contextualize material. When these pursuits have had enough of his dedication to them and he is not in stitches from time with his wife and son, this left-hander frustrates foes on tennis courts and nerds out on chess.

Dr. John J.

John Jaros is a highly experienced mathematics teacher with an AS in Respiratory Therapy, a BA in Mathematics, an MS in Physics, and a PhD in Computer Science. His extensive teaching background includes helping students in elementary school, middle school, high school, and college. If you are having difficulty with arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, or calculus, he is confident that he can answer your questions, eliminate your confusion, and set you on the road to mathematics excellency. Dr. J. loves math because it is one of the few areas of knowledge that has both practical applications as well as theoretical investigations. In addition to enjoying teaching, Dr. J. is an avid computer programmer, a big admirer of his and his wife’s cat Copernicus, and an “exercise junky” on his home treadmill.

James O.

James earned a BS in World History from Temple University and has been working in education for the past 16 years. He values the connections he makes with students and enjoys helping students understand their learning profiles. His academic expertise is with ELA, essay writing, college essay writing, SAT prep specifically in Reading and Writing sections and executive functioning skills. He is remarkable at supporting students in learning to rely on their strengths. He also has a knack for product design, graphic design, and loves panda bears.