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.
Mike Sammartano
Co-Founder, Director of Technology
Mike Sammartano
Mike Sammartano is a staff developer for the Katonah-Lewisboro School District, with his work focused on instructional technology and science curriculum development. Before joining the team in Katonah, Mike served as the Director of Technology and Innovation in the Garrison Union Free School District, and before that was an instructional technology coach and coordinator, in the Mamaroneck Schools. Additionally, Mike also has more than a dozen years of experience as a classroom science teacher.
He holds an advanced certificate in Educational Leadership from Manhattan College and Masters degrees in science education and instruction technology from Lehman College and the New York Institute of Technology respectively. Mike is an Apple Distinguished Educator, Apple Learning Coach, Google Certified Train and expert in adult learning and instructional design.
Michael Garcia-Wing
Director of Curriculum
Michael Garcia-Wing
Michael is an experienced 8th grade Earth Science teacher with 22 years of classroom experience. He has been part of the S.L.C since 2014 and is the Director of Curriculum Development. He has 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 for his 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 Teachers Association Outstanding Earth Science Teacher Award.
Geoffrey Schiffner
Instructor
Geoffrey Schiffner
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
Instructor
Alyssa Mongelli
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.
Robert Fischer
Instructor
Robert Fischer
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.