Meet the Directors, Board, and the Advisory Board

Craig (left) - Educator, STEAM Director / Lori (right) - Educator, Literacy Expert

• Craig Gingerich - 30+ years in education. He has been teaching overseas on and off since 1999, working in Korea, Brazil, the United States, China, Qatar, and Vietnam. He has a passion to inspire the next generation of problem solvers, leaders, and makers. Over the years, he has helped develop middle school STEAM electives, co-directed the Jinqiao Mini Maker Faire in Shanghai, assisted with the American School of Doha School Maker Faire, and presented at Big Data, Making, and Aerospace conferences. Craig was also one of the founders of the International Schools of Shanghai Area Schools FLL Robotics League. He believes that STEAM courses inspire students to ask questions, look for solutions, innovate, and create. Craig also believes the humanities also have a place alongside STEAM because of its potential to connect storytelling with data and communicate that through reading, writing, and visuals. Most recently, Craig is the STEAM Director of a new STEAM bilingual school in Vietnam. Craig has an M.Ed in Administration, an MS in Science Education, and is trained in design thinking by Stanford d.School. 

• Lori Gingerich - 30+ years in education. She has a wealth of experience and knowledge in teaching elementary-aged students. She has taught for over 30 years in the United States, Korea, Brazil, China, Qatar, and Vietnam. Working in international settings for 21 years has helped her become aware of the differences in learning that need to be considered in dealing with cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Lori's heart is in developing strong literacy skills in her students. She also enjoys STEAM activities that engage students' minds in active ways through inquiry. Lori has co-led elementary after-school programs like FIRST LEGO League Junior and Mountains of Data. Recently, Lori co-presented at an educator's data conference on after-school data analytics for elementary students in Greenwich, England. Lori has served as a team leader, supervised student teachers, and actively worked with teams in writing curricula. Most recently, she is an ELA specialist in a new bilingual STEAM school in Vietnam. Lori has an MA in Curriculum and Instruction. 

• Learn about us in the news. 

STEM Coordinator, STARBASE Program Director, Department of Education Grant Writer, Maker

• Brian Wright - 20+ years in education, primarily in upper elementary and middle school positions. Most recently, he is the STEM coordinator for a middle school. He has also organized and directed several Maker Fairs. Before teaching, he was the Director of The STARBASE Academy in collaboration with the Wyoming Military Department. He also worked for the Wyoming Department of Education as a grant writer. He has an M.Ed in School Administration and holds a Science Education Specialist Certificate. In his free time, he loves making ciders and working on various crafts. 

University Psychology Professor, Family Counselor

• Dr. Kim Brenneman - 30+ years in higher education. Kim Brenneman, Professor Emerita of Psychology, received her Ph.D. in Developmental and Educational Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh (PA) and an Ed.S. in Counseling from James Madison University (VA).  After working as a child, adolescent, and family counselor, Kim began teaching in the psychology department at Eastern Mennonite University (VA). There she served as department chair, faculty senator, and collaborative program developer. She conducted research in cross-cultural experiential learning, hopeful thinking, and multicultural adaptation as well as in the application of positive psychological principles to higher education learning. While at EMU Kim organized and led groups of undergraduates to India for a semester-long cross-cultural educational experience. Brenneman has served with several non-profit organizations. Currently, she is on the board of Friends of Woodstock School Foundation (India). Previously she served as board president of the Family Life Resource Center (VA). Kim retired after 30 years at EMU and is now training and competing in agility competitions with her pup, Jampa.  Kim and Jampa are also a certified pet therapy team through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Several times a week, they volunteer with a local hospice agency and visit retirement centers.

Mechanical Engineer - High-end filtration and aerospace

• Nathan Gingerich -A career-driven engineer with an interest in teaching later in life. Expert in high purity gas filtration products and aerospace design components. He has past experience in ultra-high purity gas filtration, from which one of his designs has a pending patent. He is currently working in the aerospace field as a structural design engineer. He has an extensive background in design, rapid prototyping, and programming.  Nathan has an M.E. in Mechanical Engineering.