About Us
eleSTEMary Mission:
The purpose of eleSTEMary is to promote greater STEM education awareness among elementary educators as they work to incorporate 21st Century Skills contributing to the preparation of scientifically and technologically literate citizens and future workforce.
Meet the eleSTEMary Lead Team:
The purpose of eleSTEMary is to promote greater STEM education awareness among elementary educators as they work to incorporate 21st Century Skills contributing to the preparation of scientifically and technologically literate citizens and future workforce.
Meet the eleSTEMary Lead Team:
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All members of the eleSTEMary Lead Team are passionate and dedicated educators in the Pikes Peak Region. Lead Team members represent Colorado Springs School District 11, Lewis-Palmer District 38, and District 49.
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Lead Team Biographies
Katie Poulsen is a founding member of eleSTEMary. She has a Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education K-8 with a minor in Early Childhood Education from Montana State University-Bozeman and a Master's in Educational Administration from Argosy University-Denver. She is an IB PYP workshop leader, site visitor, and consultant. She currently teaches 6th grade Science in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Lisa Schott has been an eleSTEMary team member for five years. She has worked as an elementary Library Technology Educator in Colorado Springs School District 11 for 19 years. A maker-space can be found in her library and STEM activities are incorporated in her K-5 lessons and after school clubs.
Neva Nardone is a Board Member of eleSTEMary. She has a MA in Curriculum and Instruction, and a BA in Elementary Education K-6 with minors in Fine Arts and Language Arts, plus extensive work in GE and EL. She is an Adjunct Professor for the University of Northern Colorado’s Master of Education Science Methods Course. She is also active as a Space Foundation Teacher Liaison. Currently she teaches 6th grade science and social studies and coordinates the before/after school enrichment program for her school in Monument, Colorado.
DeLene Hoffner taught elementary science K-5 and K-4 for Districts 11 and 20 for 33 years in Colorado Springs, Colorado, retiring from School in the Woods in 2019. She led the LEGACY program at USAFA the next year. She currently serves on several STEM projects, national projects, and committees.
Christine was a certified IRA Professional at Ent Credit Union for over 10 years. She wrote IRA curriculum and procedures and assisted with training. She has been preschool/kindergarten teacher in a private setting for thirty-plus years. She has a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Northern Colorado and Master of Nonprofit Management from Regis University.
Lisa Schott has been an eleSTEMary team member for five years. She has worked as an elementary Library Technology Educator in Colorado Springs School District 11 for 19 years. A maker-space can be found in her library and STEM activities are incorporated in her K-5 lessons and after school clubs.
Neva Nardone is a Board Member of eleSTEMary. She has a MA in Curriculum and Instruction, and a BA in Elementary Education K-6 with minors in Fine Arts and Language Arts, plus extensive work in GE and EL. She is an Adjunct Professor for the University of Northern Colorado’s Master of Education Science Methods Course. She is also active as a Space Foundation Teacher Liaison. Currently she teaches 6th grade science and social studies and coordinates the before/after school enrichment program for her school in Monument, Colorado.
DeLene Hoffner taught elementary science K-5 and K-4 for Districts 11 and 20 for 33 years in Colorado Springs, Colorado, retiring from School in the Woods in 2019. She led the LEGACY program at USAFA the next year. She currently serves on several STEM projects, national projects, and committees.
Christine was a certified IRA Professional at Ent Credit Union for over 10 years. She wrote IRA curriculum and procedures and assisted with training. She has been preschool/kindergarten teacher in a private setting for thirty-plus years. She has a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Northern Colorado and Master of Nonprofit Management from Regis University.
eleSTEMary Teachers Awards and Accolades
- 2019 CAST Excellence in Science Teaching for Elementary Level - Katie Poulsen
- 2018 CAST Excellence in Science Teaching for Elementary Level - Neva Nardone
- CAST Excellence in Science Teaching for Elementary Level - DeLene Hoffner
- Presidential Awardee for Teaching Excellence in Science - DeLene Hoffner
- Academy District 20 Teacher of the Year - DeLene Hoffner
- NSTA/NCTM STEM Ambassador - DeLene Hoffner
- Congratulations to Katie Poulsen, interviewed by the Gazette on ways to challenge students through STEM (published March 2014)