CEO, STEM, & Curriculum Director

Hello! I’m Nicole Burbank, founder of STEAM Studios, educator, homeschool parent, and mother of three.

I hold degrees in Elementary Education and Educational Leadership and have worked as a teacher, curriculum writer, and school administrator. Those experiences shaped my belief that students learn best when they are encouraged to ask questions, make connections, create, and explore ideas in meaningful ways.

Homeschooling my own children has given me an even deeper appreciation for flexible education and the importance of finding a community where children feel known, supported, and excited to learn. Outside of STEAM Studios, I enjoy traveling, going to Disney, exercising, playing video games, and learning new skills alongside my family.

Music Director

Shawna Wolf is a dedicated and compassionate music educator who has been teaching since 2008. She graduated in 2010 from the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance and a Bachelor of Science in K–12 Vocal and Instrumental Music Education. Shawna taught K–12 music in North Dakota public schools and currently teaches students of all ages through her private studio, SW Music Studio LLC, located in Surprise, Arizona.

Shawna believes deeply in meeting each student where they are, and recognizing that no two students learn, grow, or express themselves in the same way. Her teaching approach is individualized, encouraging students to build skills at their own pace while developing confidence, creativity, and a genuine love for music.

Shawna is the proud mother of three wonderful children, who are the light of her life. Shawna homeschools her children, and her family is actively involved in the Phoenix-metro homeschooling community.

Art Director

Hi there! I’m Kristina Gatewood (or Mrs. Kat) and if you can’t tell already I love Color and Art! I’m a mom to one amazing kiddo with my husband of almost 17 years.  We live on a small grassy patch of land with a gaggle of different animals including horses, goats, chickens, two dogs, a turkey, and a small snake. 

I wanted to share my love of Art with kids and really help them grow and explore their creativity. Seeing them each week excited to start class has really been an amazing feeling! I’m really looking forward to helping all students build confidence with their work and have fun with their art . 

6th-12th Grade World Academy

Hello everyone! My name is Chantell Mendon. I’m a mother of 2 awesome kids and wife to a great husband of 16 years. I also have two fur babies, my cavapoo pups Buster and Oakley, who are big parts of my life. Some of my hobbies include, exercising, cooking, organizing, cleaning, watching baseball, and my favorite thing of all- hiking! I have been a substitute teacher for the past five school years. I enjoy teaching but substitute teaching has left me wanting more; I am looking forward to teaching your awesome kids, building relationships with them, and watching them learn and grow!

Chantell has her degree in mathematics.

3rd-5th Grade World Academy & STEM

Hello Steam Community! I am Renee Sargent. I teach Scholars and Scribes and Lego Robotics for Steam Studios in Surprise. I have taught for 30 years in the Peoria School District in grades 2nd-4th. I am newly retired and enjoy teaching at STEAM. Writing has always been a passion of mine, and I tell my students we all have a story to tell. 

I have two adult children, two cats and a dog. In my free time my husband and I enjoy road trips, hiking, and singing. 

K-2nd Grade World Academy

Hi! I'm Katelyn a mom of three and lover of nature and exploring! As a former 1st and 3rd grade teacher I have developed a love for helping children learn, grow, and gain confidence in their abilities. I have homeschooled for the past two years which has given me a strong appreciation for adapting learning to meet individual needs. I enjoy creating engaging, hands-on lessons that make learning both meaningful and fun.

I look forward to partnering with families to help students thrive both academically and personally. When I’m not teaching you can find me reading a good mystery book, exploring a new hiking trail, or creating a new recipe in the kitchen!

STEM

Media and Operations Support

Front Desk Support

Curriculum Designer

Curriculum Designer