Meet the Team

Lawrence Peretto

CEO

Lawrence is a distinguished science educator and nationally recognized leader in classroom instruction and education reform. A scientist turned science teacher, Lawrence is a pioneer of STEM teaching methods and curriculum design. He excels at designing science programs that effectively integrate science, technology, engineering and mathematics in formal and informal classroom settings.

His vision for reforming science education links classroom and professional science with college readiness and workforce development. A natural teacher, Lawrence has won numerous awards and recognitions at the state and national levels for his innate ability to develop curriculum and engage students in learning experiences that inspire and promote interest in science and engineering.

He is a NASA Endeavor Distinguished Teaching Fellow (2012), Siemens Foundation Research Fellow (2012), NYS finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching, (PAEMST-2016) and Empire State Excellence in Teaching Award, (2017) His teaching methods were featured in a documentary video that aired nationally on PBS in 2012. Lawrence is active in the community and has served on the advisory board for the Westchester County Youth Bureau, the Workforce Diversity Board for the non profit, Today’s Students Tomorrow’s Teachers, the Youth Workforce Development Board for the Business Council of Westchester and as consultant for the Westchester Bioscience & Technology Center.

Lawrence serves on multiple science teacher certification committees at NYSED including chemistry and Earth science certification. In 2013, Lawrence founded the STEM Leadership Center to grow beyond his classroom, to redefine teacher leadership and to promote the development of a local STEM workforce in partnership with stakeholders in education, government and the business community. Lawrence earned a Masters certificate in STEM Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University, Master of Arts in Teaching and Bachelor of Arts in History from Manhattanville College, A.A.S. in Wildlife Science at SUNY Morrisville.

Joseph Connolly

Board of Directors

Mr. Connolly is the President and CEO of Servsix US, a senior business executive with a 30+ year career in the Industrial Diamond Industry, servicing customers in manufacturing, primarily in the Automotive, Aerospace and Oil and Gas industries.

Synthetic Industrial Diamonds are used in a wide variety of specialist applications for high volume applications in cutting, drilling, polishing operations where the superhard mechanical properties of Diamond are utilized to give very long tool life and high degrees of accuracy compared to conventional materials.

Joseph has a strong background in Business Development, Strategic Marketing and B2B Sales Management as well Corporate Business General management in the Mechanical Engineering fields. Servsix US is the exclusive US distributor for Element Six Limited, a global leader in the manufacture of Superhard Diamond and CBN products. Servsix has an experienced team of Industry specialists who service and support the medium sized specialist tooling manufacturer across the US.

Most recently, he served as Regional General Manager Americas, Element Six Advanced Materials responsible for the P&L in the Region. Prior to moving to the US, he lived worked in various roles in the Industry in Australia, and Europe. Mr. Connolly graduated from the University of Galway, Ireland with a B.Eng degree in Industrial Engineering.

Dennis Lantier

Board of Directors

Mr. Lantier is the Senior Executive for Healthcare Marketing Communications and has spent 40+ years in the healthcare communications sector playing major roles on both the marketing and creative sides of the industry. Working first as an account director for mayor healthcare communications agencies in the metro New York area, Dennis’ initial focus was the successful launching of over-the-counter medications including vitamins, anti-fungals and home diagnostic tests.

He played significant roles in a variety of competitive new business initiatives and presentations. Significant other experience includes medical education programing targeted to physicians for a variety of disease states including AIDS and cardiovascular disorders.

In 1997 Mr. Lantier launched NorStar Communications Group Inc. NorStar specialized in prescription gastroenterology medications. As president/owner of NorStar, Dennis’ responsibilities included creative director and executive copywriter. Mr. Lantier graduated from Syracuse University Newhouse School of Public Communications with a bachelors degree in science.

Peter Gapp

Board of Directors

Mr. Gapp is a senior information technology executive with a 30+ year fast track career in the technology, manufacturing, healthcare, energy and financial services industries. Peter has a strong background in IT strategy and governance in a global enterprise with focus on digitalization, information technology, customer relationship management, cloud transformation, business process harmonization, enterprise architecture and IT delivery services.

His progressive career includes major accomplishments in sales, strategic partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, business integrations, finance, cyber security, compliance, offshoring and corporate reorganizations. As the Vice President of Sales Technologies at Smart Infrastructure Sales, Siemens AG, Mr. Gapp is currently driving the digital transformation of the global sales organization of the Digital Industries division at Siemens. He is driving the implementation of a data-driven strategic technology ecosystem based on based on best-in-class IT platforms and a cloud-based data foundation.

Most recently, as the VP of CRM IT, Peter managed the global transformation of customer relationship management in Siemens and managed the implementation of a strategic CRM platform across multiple divisions in over 100 countries for over 25,000 sales agents. Mr. Gapp drove further integrations of applications with the clear focus on delivering business value and enhanced customer experience.

Mr. Gapp held various other IT leadership positions for Siemens in North America and Europe. Peter held the position of VP for Application and Data Governance responsible for the strategy and governance over all global business applications at Siemens AG. Prior to that, he was appointed to the CIO for Siemens in Canada, and before to the SVP and CIO for Siemens Financial Services, Inc.

Mr. Gapp graduated from the University of Technology in Graz, Austria with a Master Degree in Computer Science and Engineering. He received a MBA degree while he ran his own software and hardware development company, servicing customers in the Automotive and Healthcare industry.

Michael Garcia-Wing

Director of After School Programming & Curriculum Development

Michael is an experienced 8th grade Earth Science teacher that has been teaching since 2001 in the Mamaroneck School district. He has been part of the STEM Leadership Team since 2014. He has a Masters of Science degrees in secondary education and geoscience education. Michael is a pioneer in the integration of education technologies in classroom instruction.

He has written and assisted in writing over $125,000 in technology grants forms science department. He continuously develops interactive lessons that currently align with the new NGSS Science standards, In 2013, Michael was awarded the National Association of Geoscience Teachers Outstanding Earth Science Teacher of the Year award for New York State. In 2017, the Westchester County Youth Bureau awarded Michael with the W.I.S.E. award, recognizing him for his contribution to K-12 education. That same year, he was also awarded the New York Earth Science Teacher Association Outstanding Earth Science Teacher Award

Robert Fischer

Staff Teacher

Rob has been a school counselor for 9 years and part of the STEM Leadership Team since 2020. He earned a Masters of Science in Education with a Specialization in Counseling, in addition to a Masters of Science in Childhood Education/Special Education for grades 1-6. Utilizing his background of working with young scholars academically, while supporting their social, emotional, and behavior skills has allowed him to enhance students’ abilities to work together and increase their thirst to learn.

Rob has worked in 4/5 boroughs in the NYC D.O.E., and is currently a school counselor in the Mamaroneck School District. He has a plethora of experience supporting students of different cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds. Rob’s goal is to build a positive rapport with students and stimulate their knowledge and interest of the ever-growing world of sciences through the STEM Leadership Center.

Dan Fernandez

Staff Teacher

Dan has been a member of the STEM Leadership team since 2015. He is currently an Earth Science Teacher in the Mamaroneck School District and has been teaching since 2014. After obtaining a Bachelors degree in geology, he pursued his Masters of Science in both Education and Special Education for grades 7-12. Dan has used his experience to help create and implement interactive lessons for students in the S.L.C. programs.

Jordan Breslaw

Staff Teacher

Jordan has been part of the STEM Leadership Team since 2024. Jordan is a middle school educator that has been teaching since 2023. He teaches both math and science and holds a Middle School Certification. Jordan is currently pursuing his Masters degree in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology, deepening his expertise in designing and engaging student-centered learning experiences.

Scott Peterson

Staff Teacher

Scott Peterson is a dedicated Earth and Space Science educator who began his career in 2020. Since beginning his career, he has taught students across grades 7–12 throughout Westchester County, gaining extensive experience in both middle and high school settings.

Scott joined the STEM Leadership Center team in 2024, where he brings his passion for scientific inquiry, data-driven instruction, and real-world application of Earth Science concepts. Scott currently serves as a Regents Earth Science teacher at Hommocks Middle School, where he is committed to helping all learners build scientific literacy and the confidence to engage with complex Earth systems. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Adolescent Education from SUNY New Paltz and a Master’s degree in Secondary Earth Science Education from SUNY Brockport. His blend of content expertise, instructional experience, and dedication to student success supports his work in fostering dynamic and inclusive STEM learning experiences.

Geoffrey Schiffner

Staff Teacher

Geoffrey Schiffner is a middle school Special Education teacher entering his fourth year of teaching. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a Masters of Science in Childhood Education and Students with Disabilities from LIU Post. Geoff brings experience in 6th and 7th grade Life Science as well as 8th grade Earth Science, as both a general education and special education instructor, to the STEM Leadership Center.

This unique blend allows Geoff to ensure students of all needs and ability levels are able to excel under his guidance. Prior to teaching Geoff spent a decade as an Assistant Controller for a New York City real estate developer.

Alyssa Mongelli

Staff Teacher

Alyssa is a middle school educator with 12 years of classroom teaching experience. She has served ten of these years as an instructional leader in the Mamaroneck Union Free School District. As a Google Certified Trainer, Alyssa has used her technology experience to create interactive, hands-on lessons for her students. She eagerly shares her technological expertise with her colleagues and during other professional development activities.

She was instrumental in developing the Inquiry Model used to facilitate students’ authentic research at Hommocks Middle School. As a mom of three young children, youth sports coach and summer camp supervisor, Alyssa is passionate about informal science education in Pre-K and early elementary. And has an affinity for inspiring girls to explore opportunities in STEM. Alyssa earned a Bachelor’s degree in History and a Master’s degree in Educational Technology at Stony Brook University. She has been with the STEM Leadership Center since 2018.

Jennifer Cheng

Staff Teacher

Jennifer has been teaching middle school ELA since 2021. Drawing from experience in both ELA and science, she excels at teaching students to analyze information, communicate clearly, and support their ideas with evidence. She prioritizes helping learners build strong critical thinking and writing skills across disciplines.

Prior to teaching, she studied Pastry Arts at the Institute for Culinary Education, gaining hands-on experience in advanced baking and dessert preparation. Jennifer is a motived educator with a passion for nurturing students’ creativity and self expression. She Inspires students to realize their full potential in the classroom. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English for grades 7-12 and is currently pursuing her Masters degreed in Family and Consumer Sciences. Her dedication to students in high-need communities was recognized through the NYCDOE Teachers of Tomorrow (TOT) Award, a selective grant supporting newly hired certified teachers.