MEET THE TEAM

As a mission based individual, my focus has always been to serve low income communities and providing quality STEM programming to everyone- not just those that can afford it. Education is proven to be the fastest and most effective way to close the gender and wealth gap. As a first generation graduate, I saw firsthand how educational resources can sky rocket ones access to opportunities. I wanted to create that same pathway for children of color, just like me. S.T.E.A.M. careers are projected to grow by 13% between 2017-2027, compared to 9% for non-S.T.E.A.M. related jobs. Educating communities and getting them excited about these employment opportunities is what I do!

Heather is a founding member of Snapology NYC and has two young school-aged daughters who are obsessed with S.T.E.A.M. She has a positive, hard-working mindset and is passionate about helping find solutions to any challenges. After a shortchange of scenery she returned to support Snapology & The After School Collective in 2021 and handles the daily matters of the business such as banking, client billing, and serving as a contact point for families. She is most excited about introducing new and exciting programs and watching the children’s natural aptitudes flourish as they grow with us

Pianist, GRAMMY® winner, and Latin GRAMMY® nominee Gabriel Chakarji redefines the relationship between jazz and Afro-South American/Caribbean music with his innovative compositions and playing. As Venezuelan musician Juanma Trujillo notes, Gabriel's compositions are designed to operate within the intersection of jazz and Afro-South American/Caribbean idioms rather than a crude juxtaposition of something jazzy over an Afro-Venezuelan beat or vice-versa. Chakarji has gone to great lengths to find the structural relationships between these worlds in order to generate the musical resources he needed to create this book of music.

Rebecca has been an instructor with Afterschool Collective since 2022 and has a background in the arts and entertainment as well as childcare. She brings a lively and engaging spirit to camp and the classroom. Becky enjoys fostering growth through thoughtful S.T.E.M. and art activities. She loves a good theme and shares her excitement for each new unit with eager junior engineers and artists.

B.S in Early Childhood Education from CUNY

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Ms. Teresa has been an instructor with Snapology since 2021 and has extensive experience working with students with extra needs through art expression. She prides herself on bringing a motherly warmth to our programs, with the gentleness and attentiviness each child deserves. 

Bachelor of Science in Game Art & Design from the Art Institute of Atlanta

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Working with people and teams from all over the world has taught me the value of focusing different minds on the same problem and mutual support. Efficiency, a can-do attitude, and the ability to strategically prioritize allow for a maximized day both in and out of the classroom. I am currently the Mentoring Site Leader for Afterschool Collective, traveling to all our partnered locations to ensure our team is delivering the energetic, educational, and FUN experience we are known for.

Meia Santiago is an experienced music educator with over 15 years of teaching students of all ages, from young children to teenagers and adults. With a background that spans both local and international experience, Meia served as the head of the voice department at a music school in Barcelona before moving to the U.S. Locally, she has taught at various music schools across New Jersey and New York.