Our Growth Story
Seed and Stem Learning Center was created to make a difference in the lives of students. Created by Bailey Nelson and Kenneth Kirk, Seed and Stem Learning center aims to take their love of math and science and create a program that allows students to connect across the globe through STEM education.
Although students take classes virtually, they will be inspired through hands-on and real-world applications and problems.
Our courses are aligned with Common Core Standards, students will develop (or enhance) their love of math, science, and engineering.
Teachers and tutors are all vetted and trained through a rigorous process that focuses on scientific inquiry, problem-based learning, and hands-on pedagogy. Teachers come from a variety of backgrounds including education, economics, engineering, and computer science.
Who We Are
Bailey Nelson
Kenneth Kirk
We're dedicated & it shows!
Meet Our Teachers
Sarah Stoltzfus
Math and Science
Sarah Stoltzfus is a passionate STEM educator who enjoys sharing her enthusiasm for math and science. She graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with a BS in Biomedical Engineering. A few years after graduation, she found her passion for teaching while subbing in an 8th grade science classroom. Ever since Sarah has shared her interest and curiosity with students of many ages through interactive and positive classroom environments. She is currently pursuing her M.Ed in Adolescent Mathematics at SUNY Brockport. When she isn't teaching, Sarah enjoys gardening, traveling, and spending time with her family and dog.
Stephanie Quinones
Math and Science
Hello! I’m Ms Steph. I’m an enthusiastic educator focused on instilling my students with a passion to explore the world around us. I aim to show students the scientific concepts involved in our everyday life. I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Rehabilitation Science and am now pursuing my Master of Education degree in Learning, Cognition and Development. In addition, I am TEFL certified and worked abroad for 2 years as an elementary and middle school science and math teacher. I also tutor high school students, both online and in-person, in biology, chemistry, and literature. I really enjoy working with my students to meet their goals! In my free time, I like to cook and read as well as spend time with my family. My favorite food is noodles (of any kind) and my favorite color is purple. I’m looking forward to seeing you all in class!
Miranda Barker
Science
An educator with over 10 years in the classroom. Today, I work as an online teacher for 4th and 5th grade science students. I have a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a Master's degree in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in technology.
My last year in the classroom, I developed a STEM program for kindergarten through 8th grade and facilitated stem learning.
In my free time I love to spend as much time outdoors as possible. I love to garden, Whitewater raft, snowboard, and camp.
Jillian Estes
Math and Science
Hello! I am Jillian Estes and I have been in education for 10 years. In that time I have taught kindergarten, 5th grade math, math intervention as well as subbing. I love to teach and learn new things. My bachelor's degree is in elementary education, I also have a master’s degree in educational technology along with hours towards my math specialist. I always struggled with math which is why I enjoy teaching it so much!
I live in Kansas City with my husband and 16 year old son. Most of our time is spent watching our son play baseball. When I have free time I love to travel, listen to audiobooks and enjoy bbq.
Go Chiefs!
Jonathan Stone M.A.T.
Mathematics
Hey there! My name is Jonathan Stone and I find immense joy in helping students understand mathematics and how it applies to the world around them. I have 12 years of experience as a professional tutor and 5 years experience teaching mathematics at the local community college. I didn't always want to be an educator, but I found my calling when working as a math tutor while completing pursuing my undergraduate degree. I have worked in various K-12, college, and homeschool settings and am very comfortable teaching in remote, hybrid, and in-person formats. I strive to help students develop an appreciation for mathematics through exploration and guidance. I try to promote a safe learning environment where everyone can make mistakes and learn and grow as mathematicians.
I earned a Bachelor's of Science in Applied Mathematics at Western Washington University in 2016 and a Master's of Arts in Teaching Mathematics Education (Secondary) in 2023. I've been working in academia since 2011 and haven't looked back!
When I'm not teaching, I enjoy playing board games, walking/playing with my husky, watching live theater and music, and creating zero-budget horror films with my friends. Also, I love music, whether I'm singing karaoke or playing an instrument. A goal I currently have is to audition for a local wind ensemble or orchestra in the near future.
Emily Lindberg, MS. ED
Social Science
I received my Bachelor of Science in Education with a focus in Secondary Social Sciences from Western Oregon University in 2016. At this time, I also obtained my Oregon State teaching license in Secondary Social Sciences. After graduating with my BS, I spent some time substitute teaching at all levels and subject areas in schools across Oregon. While substituting, I also attended graduate school and achieved my Master of Science in Social Science Education from Western Oregon University in 2019.
After graduating with my MS, I held a full-time high school social studies position at a virtual charter school in Oregon, for 3 years. My joy in teaching is encouraging critical thinking, exploration of the world around us, and to see my students find meaningful connections to the things they learn about.
I have been with Seed and Stem Learning Center since August of 2023, and enjoy teaching a variety of subject areas to upper elementary through high school aged students. I also do work as a social studies subject matter expert in creating assessments for leading virtual school platforms. Beyond my work, I continue my own education through taking graduate level courses in Educational Technology and Curriculum Design and participate in professional development though organizations such as the Center for Geography Education, and the Civics Learning Project.
In my free-time, I love to explore the outdoors with my dog, hang out at home with my cats, move with activities such as yoga, and explore artistic endeavors such as photography and video.
Kimberly Terry
Elementary Education
My name is Kimberly Terry. I have been teaching for over 15 years in
various class settings. I thrive watching my students learn! Watching
student growth throughout the school year brings me immense joy. I have
earned my undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice and also my Masters
in Early Education. I am a private tutor to students from K-6 grade.
My goal is to help my students understand the foundational skills in reading, writing and mathematics.
In my free time, I enjoy being with my family, I have a French Bulldog, two boys, and husband. We spend a lot of time outside and on the football field! I am very excited to be a part of Seed and Stem learning center and I look forward to meeting you in my class.
Sara Neidigh
Elementary Education
Hello, My name is Sara, and I love kids! From a very early age, I knew I wanted to work with children. The young mind is a wonderous thing. I love seeing their eyes light up when the topic finally "clicks". I have been working with kids for 20+ years in different capacities from mentoring, to behavioral health education, to academic teaching and tutoring. I am a lifelong learner always seeking out new opportunities to learn. I am from small town Indiana, but my favorite place to be is the beach! My other favorites are animals, books, and nature. I look forward to seeing you in class!
Victoria Larsen, M. ED
Full Curriculum/Science/Health
Greetings from the Sunshine State. I am Victoria. I have been an educator for more than 10 years. Seven of those years were dedicated solely to teaching Special Education. I received both my undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of West Florida. My most recent area of study is Instructional Design with a concentration in Performance Technology.
I chose that level of mastery because I thoroughly love the science of learning. Teaching has always been my passion.
Currently, I serve as an officer on the board for Autism Down, a not for profit charitable organization for individuals with special needs. I currently participate in other local organizations such as Relay for Life, and Keep Florida Beautiful.
I am very happy to have the opportunity to be part of this organization and I look forward to the many wonderful days ahead.
Amanda Mucci
Elementary and Middle School Math and Science
Hi, I’m Amanda Mucci and as an educator I love to see students engaging in their learning, asking questions, and making connections to the world.
I have over 10 years of experience in the education field. I have a BS in Elementary Education from Elizabethtown College and a M.Ed. in Elementary Science Education from Lesley University. I have taught in classrooms in Massachusetts and Colorado; teaching kindergarten through sixth grade. I also have experience teaching toddlers and preschoolers in child care centers in Colorado and Florida. Since leaving the brick and mortar classrooms, I have worked virtually with homeschooled students and tutoring elementary and middle school students in math and reading.
When not teaching, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family. We enjoy spending our weekends at the beautiful Gulf beaches of Northwest Florida. We love to travel and visit new places. Most days though, I’m chasing after my toddler and helping her to learn about the world around her.
Amanda Zanzano
Elementary and Special Education
My name is Ms. Amanda. I love teaching young learners through fun and engaging activities. I received my Bachelor's of Science in Integrated Elementary and Special Education through the University of Hartford. I received my Master's of Science in Special Education through Fordham University. I was a Special Education teacher in a public school setting for 6 years. I worked with students in Kindergarten through 4th Grade. Through my teaching experience, I have a well-rounded knowledge of the different ways students may learn. My goal is to help all of my students understand the foundational skills in reading, writing and mathematics. For the past 2 years, I have been teaching virtually so I can stay home with my son. When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family - including our Westie dog named Molly, reading and traveling. I am very excited to be a part of Seed and Stem Learning Center. I look forward to meeting you and being a part of your child's academic success.
Giorgia Soloman
Math and Science
Hello from Texas! My name is Giorgia Solomon and I have 7 years of public school teaching experience. After graduating from Texas A&M University (BS), I began teaching 7th grade Life Science in Texas while coaching 7th/8th grade girls in volleyball, basketball and track. After four years I moved to the PNW where I taught 8th Grade Math and Algebra. Before moving back home, I spent a year in the Bay Area of California. While I miss the west coast, it’s good to be back in Texas surrounded by friends and family!
While teaching, my goal is to empower and inspire each learner to challenge themselves and grow to love math and science in a new way! When I'm not on teaching, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two daughters,
gardening, knitting challenging sweaters, and watching any sporting event from swimming to football and car racing.
Lacey Ferguson
Elementary and Middle School
Hello! I’m Ms. Lacey, and I hold a K-8 Multiple Subject Credential with an English Learner Authorization. I have five years of online teaching experience, as well as five years of teaching in my local elementary school. I’m passionate about making learning exciting and meaningful by connecting what we learn to the students’ own lives. My goal is to help each student develop essential skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. I understand that every student has their own unique learning style, so I use a variety of teaching methods to meet their diverse needs. I look forward to building strong relationships with my students and their families and embarking on this learning adventure together!
Theresa Norris
Elementary and Middle School
Hello! My name is Theresa and I’ve been teaching online since 2018. I first earned my bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and after years of working as an environmental scientist, I found my true passion for education and earned my master’s degree in Elementary Education. I am now a K-6 state-certified educator with my QTS award, TEFL and Google Educator certifications, and experience teaching both in-person and online, locally and internationally. I also have experience tutoring students one-on-one in Math and English. I absolutely love both teaching and learning and am grateful to have been part of the Seed & Stem team since 2022.
Aside from safety, creating a positive learning environment is my number one priority. That’s because when students feel safe and appreciated, not only do we have more fun in class but learners can reach better academic and social outcomes, such as developing a positive attitude about themselves and their work. I aim to encourage my students to be confident, self-motivated, life-long learners both inside and outside of the classroom. Aside from teaching, some of my interests include traveling the world, camping, gardening, DIY home improvement, reading, and homeschooling my two little sons. I look forward to connecting with you and your students and being a part of their learning journey!
