Meet the Leadership Team
About Al Gomez, PhD
Alan Gomez, Ph.D, is President and Chief Executive Officer of the STEM Academy (STEM 101). Dr. Gomez – or “Al” as he is known – leads the STEM 101 team, overseeing program and curriculum development and implementation, and partnerships. Al believes that all students can succeed in education and in life with proper guidance and mentorship. A highly regarded educator with a background in engineering and CTE, Dr. Gomez is the principal author of “Engineering Your Future: A Project-Based Introduction to Engineering” and of “Survey of Engineering,” textbooks for use at the college freshman/high school and middle school levels. He has also published materials in professional journals including the Proceedings for the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) and keynoted or presented at major conventions and conferences in more than 40 states. In addition, he has reviewed conference proceedings for the American Society for Engineering Education and the National Science Foundation. A former NASA Astronaut Candidate, Al holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and a Ph.D. in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
About Jess Boon
Jessica Boon, the Director of Operations for STEM 101, is a seasoned professional whose career journey reflects a commitment to excellence in leadership, community engagement, and youth mentorship. With a foundation in successful restaurant ownership and management, Jessica's stores were not only recognized for Legendary Guest Service but also acclaimed at the national brand level for Exceptional Leadership Training. Her passion for creating exceptional experiences extended beyond the business realm, as she led her establishments to become some of the highest-performing in community involvement and fundraising efforts. In her current role at STEM 101, Jessica brings her multifaceted expertise to oversee the operational aspects of a dynamic organization dedicated to STEM education. Her strategic leadership ensures the smooth execution of STEM programs, fostering an environment where innovation and education thrive. A standout aspect of Jessica's commitment lies in her dedication to STEM 101's vision of providing quality STEM educational opportunities to every student, anywhere. She actively works towards refining processes, searching for new areas of opportunity, and collaborating with educators to continuously improve STEM resources and make them more accessible to the schools that need them. Before joining STEM 101, Jessica made significant contributions to a national restaurant brand, where she played a pivotal role in crafting training and culture content. Her dedication to fostering a positive work environment and prioritizing both guest and team experiences set her apart in the industry. Academically, Jessica pursued studies at UW Fond du Lac and holds an associate degree from UW Oshkosh. Beyond her professional achievements, Jessica finds joy in exploring the outdoors with her family. Her holistic approach to life, blending professional excellence with personal fulfillment, makes Jessica Boon a notable figure in the realm of operations, community engagement, and leadership within the STEM education sector.
About Tom DiCamillo
Thomas DiCamillo leads STEM 101 as its Chief Technology Officer. Tom and his team are responsible for STEM 101’s web site and digital content, which ranges from the corporate Connections program to STEM 101’s Learning Management System and STEM 101 curriculum. Tom’s long career in Information Technology Systems includes working for an Autodesk Educational Reseller where he trained and consulted with universities, colleges and high schools promoting and maintaining Computer Aided Drafting programs. He attended Glendale Community College and Arizona State University studying CAD technology in its infancy. He likes to spend free time traveling, off-roading, and motorcycle riding around the southwestern states.
About Russ Hermann
Director of Academic Programs for STEM 101, Russ Hermann works closely with numerous institutions throughout the country. His responsibilities include consulting, onboarding, curriculum development, support and professional development. Russ comes from a long career in secondary education. He is currently in his 27th year teaching CTE at a Wisconsin high school whose district adopted the STEM 101 curriculum in 2010. In 2012, his department was named Wisconsin’s high school Technology and Engineering Department of the year. Russ also earned the “Award of Excellence” from the WTEA (Wisconsin’s Technology Education Association) in 2017. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Technology and Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and a master’s degree in Educational Technology from Marian University. Russ serves as a regular presenter at various state and national conferences, including the WTEA conference as well as the Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers (WSST) conference.
About Hannah Degrow
Hannah DeGrow is the dedicated Director of Academic Relations for our newest division at STEM 101. In this role, she plays a pivotal part in supporting educators, administrators, and partner schools by providing essential data and tailored assistance. Her efforts are crucial in ensuring that our educational programs are effectively implemented and that our partners receive the necessary support to succeed. With 20 years of experience in business and finance, Hannah brings a wealth of expertise to her role. She holds a degree in Humanities from Maranatha Baptist University, where she developed a strong foundation in analytical thinking and problem-solving. Her keen attention to detail and her passion for supporting others are evident in her work at STEM 101, where she continually strives to enhance the educational experience for both teachers and students. Outside of her professional responsibilities, Hannah is a devoted mother who enjoys sharing her enthusiasm for science and exploration with her family. She values the opportunity to engage her children in discovering the world around them, reflecting her commitment to fostering a love of learning both at home and in her career.
About Justin Wilke
Justin Wilke actively supports STEM 101’s mission in his role as a Finance Operations Specialist. Drawing from experience in cost accounting, financial analysis, and management, he contributes a wealth of expertise to the team. Holding a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Justin has honed his expertise in financial operations, contributing to the success of various initiatives. Beyond the professional realm, Justin is an avid sports enthusiast. His love for snowboarding, basketball, and tennis reflects a passion for both thrill-seeking and team dynamics. Justin’s dedication to the Milwaukee Bucks goes beyond cheering; he humorously considers himself eligible to coach, having invested significant time supporting the team. Justin embraces a mamba mentality in his approach to challenges, valuing the relentless pursuit of excellence and continuous improvement. He believes in learning from failures and past experiences, fostering a mindset that fuels personal and professional growth. In his current role, Justin enjoys leveraging his diverse experiences to contribute to the growth of Stem 101, channeling his expertise to make a positive impact on the students the organization supports on a daily basis. His commitment to excellence, combined with his passion for sports and sustainability, shapes Justin as a dynamic and forward-thinking professional.
About Danielle Flouro
As a Mathematics Content Specialist for STEM 101, Danielle Flouro brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the field of mathematics education. With a background in instructional delivery, and a passion for teaching how rewarding the practical applications of math can be, she is dedicated to creating engaging and effective resources for educators and students. Danielle holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Marian University and has three years of experience as a teacher. Her passion for mathematics and commitment to quality education make her an invaluable asset to the team. Danielle creates innovative math content that aligns with curriculum standards and enhances hands-on learning experience for students. Beyond her professional achievements, Danielle loves to be outdoors whether it’s fishing or playing sports. Danielle is a soccer enthusiast, who plays, referees and coaches’ soccer. She embodies hard work, discipline, and a never-give-up attitude, all of which she has learned through the beautiful game.
About Jennifer Steiner
Jennifer Steiner serves as an Academic Advisor on the STEM 101 leadership team. In this capacity, she collaborates with teachers and school teams to support the implementation of STEM 101 programs. Her experience teaching the middle level STEM 101 courses, her previous work as a STEM 101 curriculum consultant, and her instructional coaching experience has provided her with an extensive knowledge of innovative pedagogical methods for project-based learning. Jennifer earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from The Ohio State University where she specialized in middle level math and science education. She earned a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University, and is currently working on her Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership at Liberty University. Today Jennifer is an assistant principal at White Knoll High School where she heads the Office of Accountability. Previously, she taught middle school math and science at White Knoll Middle School, was a STEM teacher and robotics coach at Meadow Glen Middle School, and digital learning coach at River Bluff High School. While at River Bluff High School, she served as an instructional coach, assisting teachers with the impactful use of technology, and led professional development on EL Education strategies. She also sponsored the Girls Who Code club, hosted Women in Science and Engineering conferences for students, presented at International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), was a pilot member of Digital Promise’s Dynamic Learning Project, and became a Google for Education Certified Coach.
Meet the Board
Dr. Bryan Albrecht
Board Chairman
Gateway Technical College
President Emeritus
Khalil Jackson
Vice President (2015-Present)
New York Federal Reserve
Chief Information Security Officer
Scott Gutschow
Secretary
Howard Suamico School District
Department Chair
Carlos Medina
Treasurer
Shine Medical
Director of Finance
Al Gomez, PhD
Board Member (2009-Present)
The STEM Academy
President and CEO
Joseph Patrick
Board Member (2021-Present)
Charter School Compliance
COO
Joe Schmidt
Board Member (2022-Present)
Selzer-Ornst
Pre-Construction Executive