The People Behind the Mission

Providing the leadership and vision that drives the organization’s mission forward, Brian Gaines has served as Learning Undefeated’s Chief Executive Officer since 2012. Brian joined Learning Undefeated after serving as Executive Director of the Washington Commanders Charitable Foundation. He has spent most of his professional career creating and working for several entrepreneurial endeavors at the intersection of the for-profit and nonprofit worlds.

In previous roles, Brian has held leadership positions with two of America’s most effective social change organizations, including Peer Forward and KaBOOM! In his business career, he was the CEO and Managing Partner of a chain of Ben & Jerry’s retail outlets in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Overseeing Learning Undefeated’s brand, events, advocacy, culture, and digital engagement, Janeé Pelletier has been part of the organization’s growth trajectory for nearly a decade. Janeé brings creative marketing and communications expertise honed through many years of successful multinational events, product launches, and innovative content development. An advocate for equity in education and a strong believer in empowering students through innovative programs, Janeé’s teaching experience includes 10 years in the college classroom. Janeé is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and Georgetown University.

Janeé is often disinvited from meetings for saying, we haven’t yet but I’m sure we could…

A thought leader in innovative education delivery and disruption, Jennifer Colvin provides strategic direction for the country’s largest fleet of mobile STEM Labs at nonprofit Learning Undefeated. Jen’s work accelerates access to groundbreaking career experiences, empowering students to step into the future before traditional education can catch up.

She has built and launched more than 20 successful mobile laboratory programs – including the award-winning Drop Anywhere Labs and Mobile eXploration Lab – and pioneered delivery of hands-on STEM exploration directly to the school parking lot.  Deeply committed to equity and access to STEM opportunities for all students, Jen’s scientific background includes biology, genomics and DNA sequencing research.

Jen maintains an active satellite workshop in her garage and has hosted several of Learning Undefeated’s mobile labs in her driveway.

Joe Wilkerson oversees Learning Undefeated’s Texas-based programs. He joined Learning Undefeated in 2015 as an educator and has since led complex, statewide and community-based projects focused on expanding programs and increasing access to high-quality education. Along the way, he has helped partners across the country design, launch, and scale mobile lab programs that meet the needs of their communities. Joe is a PMP-certified leader with a practical, collaborative approach to growing impact.

An active dad and sport fisherman, Joe can’t remember the last time he had free time.

Alejandro Cardemil oversees the organization’s partnership development and fundraising functions. After starting in the private sector with SAVVIS Communications, Alejandro has since dedicated his career to making a difference in the lives of children across the country, having spent more than a decade with the non-profit organization KaBOOM! in a variety of roles prior to joining the Learning Undefeated team in 2018.

A DC area native and passionate local sports fan (go Commanders!), Alejandro currently resides in Rockville, Maryland with his wife Julianne and daughters Talía and Elena. Most weekends, Alejandro can be found on the road chauffeuring his kids to their soccer games or squeezing in a tennis or pickleball match when possible!

As Learning Undefeated’s Director, Events & Technical Experiences, Ali manages large-scale event logistics, supports local teams, oversees scheduling, leads product design, develops game-based experiences, and manages technical assets. Her passion for educating youth and creating memorable events brought her to the team in 2017.

Benedetta Naglieri serves as Learning Undefeated’s Director of Education, overseeing multiple laboratory and deep-impact programs that serve middle and high school students. She received her Ph.D. in molecular biology from Columbia University and worked as a post-doctorate researcher at the National Institutes of Health studying gene regulation. She developed a passion for informal science education while volunteering as a science instructor. She has since worked with numerous organizations promoting STEM education including the Children’s Science Center in Herndon, Virginia and the Liberty Science Center. In her free time, she enjoys running and is a rabid fan of classic movies.

Kamryn Anderson was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, and holds a B.S in Biology from Texas A&M University–Commerce. She brings a rich mix of experiences to her work: serving as a Summer ACE Program Aide and a volunteer with For Oak Cliff. On campus, Kamryn has been a Lion Ambassador, Roar Leader, and Secretary of the Campus Activities Board roles that reflect her dedication to mentorship, leadership, and student engagement.With Kamryn’s passion for finding ways to connect scientific concepts to real-world applications; her main focus is to spark curiosity, inspire confidence, and show students how STEM can open doors to meaningful careers and community impact.With a growing portfolio of outreach and education initiatives, Kamryn is committed to creating opportunities that bridge the gap between classroom learning and lived experienced helping the next generation of learners see themselves as scientists, innovators, and leaders. When she’s not working, you can usually find her spending time with family and friends, volunteering in her community, or hunting for the perfect shopping find.

Amanda Asher is an award-winning educator with a proven record of creating impactful, hands-on learning experiences that connect students to science, community, and the natural world. As an Education Program Manager and founder of the Summer Adventure-cational Education Camp, she facilitates innovative programs that inspire curiosity, foster collaboration, and empower students through real-world exploration.With over a decade of experience in informal and experiential education, Amanda has led initiatives ranging from  large-scale school events and community partnerships to museum-style engagements and environmental camps. Her work has earned recognition as Teacher of the Year at Boerne ISD, where she also participated in district-wide enrichment programs, pioneered Run Clubs, and immersive science learning opportunities. Amanda holds a B.A. in Psychology from Colorado Christian University and multiple Texas teaching certifications, including EC-6 Core Subjects, Physical Education, ESL, and Science of Teaching Reading. She is passionate about building inclusive, engaging environments where all learners thrive and about sparking lifelong learning through creativity, connection, and discovery.

Katie Askelson is an Education Programs & Engagement Specialist working as a part of the Texas Mobile STEM Lab team and our Engagement team. Katie has a diverse background in working at non-profits and worked closely with youth and volunteers. Katie has had experience as a Teaching Assistant, AmeriCorps After-School Educator, K-12 Youth Education Coordinator, Boy Scouts of America District Executive, and a 4-H Youth Development Director. She’s earned a bachelor of science in animal science from Texas A&M University and a master’s in education at Tarleton State University. In addition to her impressive work, she enjoys several hobbies including powerlifting, hiking, traveling, and cuddling animals of all shapes and sizes.

Tori was born and raised in Mississippi, but Texas has always held a special place in her heart and remains her home away from home. She serves as an Education Director for our Texas Mobile STEM Labs and PORT-Able Learning Lab, where she thrives on turning ideas into hands-on learning experiences that challenge students to think critically about the real-world issues they see in their communities and lives.

With a background in social work (MSW) and a passion for mental health, Tori brings a people-first approach to STEM, program design, and management. When she’s not building programs, she’s building things—from DIY projects and woodworking to 3D printing—because for her, making is where curiosity comes to life.

Nora Bransom is a born and raised Texan, dedicated to the care of her coastal community. She is an outspoken advocate for anti-violence and anti-oppression movements within the Coastal Bend, from conducting local news interviews to raising awareness through art showcases. After graduating from Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi with a B.A. in Psychology, Nora discovered her passion for social justice and youth education through years of work within social services. Both in and out of the classroom, Nora aims to educate and interact with the world through a lens of compassion, accountability, and growth. Outside of the office, Nora loves to spend her days on the beach with her dogs.

Jaida Burch is a Florida native and current Texas resident who brings a diverse education, public health, and community outreach background to her current role. With experience ranging from substitute teaching in Hillsborough County Public Schools to serving as a Traveling Regional Outreach Representative for Full Sail University, Jaida has honed her communication, instructional support, and student engagement skills. She has also contributed to public health initiatives with Harris County Public Health, developing strategies to improve community outreach and education. Jaida holds a Bachelor of Science in Sports & Exercise Science from the University of Central Florida, as well as a Master of Science in Human Nutrition & Functional Medicine from the University of Western States. Her multidisciplinary expertise and passion for education drive her commitment to making a meaningful impact.

Hailey Burleson is an Education Outreach Coordinator for the Texas Mobile STEM Labs at Learning Undefeated, where they bring hands-on STEM experiences to students across Texas. A native of Houston, Texas, Hailey holds a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of North Texas.
With a strong background in youth education through nonprofit organizations, Hailey has led career exploration simulations that help students identify their strengths and envision future opportunities. They have also taught digital literacy and coding, equipping young learners with both technical skills and the confidence to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Passionate about expanding equitable access to STEM education, Hailey is deeply committed to empowering students to connect classroom learning with real-world success. Known for their upbeat energy, curiosity, and approachable teaching style, Hailey thrives on making STEM fun and relatable. They love sparking “aha” moments in students, encouraging creativity, and creating inclusive spaces where every learner feels capable of exploring big ideas.

Alexis Dailey is a South Florida native from Fort Lauderdale with a B.S. in Marketing and a passion for hands-on education. She has experience working as an academic interventionist and STEM science camp instructor, where she combined creativity with curiosity to make learning fun and accessible. Outside of the lab, Alexis enjoys cooking, baking, and hosting unforgettable events that bring people together.

Kristin Diamantides is an educator and curriculum designer dedicated to creating hands-on and immersive STEM learning experiences that bring complex concepts to life. She began her journey with Learning Undefeated as an educator on the organization’s mobile labs, where she spent five years inspiring students through experiential learning. Her time in the classroom sparked a passion for designing engaging programs that help students connect what they’re learning to real-world applications and the skills needed in future STEM careers.

Now serving as the Director of Learning Experiences, Kristin creates mobile lab curriculum as well as interactive, game-based experiences that merge storytelling, technology, and problem-solving. Drawing on her background in science and experience in informal education, she works to design meaningful learning experiences that empower students to see themselves as capable innovators and future STEM  professionals.

Adi Garza holds a B.A. in Biosciences with a concentration in Ecology and Evolution from Rice University and is a Lead Education Outreach Coordinator for the Texas Mobile STEM Lab. Born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, Adi now travels across Texas, bringing hands-on STEM experiences directly to students. She is passionate about making complex topics like engineering, biology, and ecology exciting and accessible for young learners, inspiring curiosity and a love of science in every classroom she visits.
Adi’s journey in science education began with her work at the Houston Zoo, where she served as a Conservation Education Camp Counselor and Overnight Programs Guide. It was there that she discovered her passion for teaching families and students about ecology and conservation. Along the way, she gained diverse experience in greenhouse management, laboratory work at citrus facilities, and even tutoring students for the SAT and ACT, always focusing on helping others reach their potential.
Outside of her work with the Texas Mobile STEM Lab, Adi enjoys staying active at the gym, immersing herself in her favorite video games, and spoiling her beloved cat. Whether in the field, the lab, or at home, Adi is dedicated to learning, teaching, and sparking curiosity wherever she goes.

Aubrey graduated from Texas Wesleyan University with a B.S. in Education and is certified as an EC-6 Generalist with ESL Certification. She is a nationally certified STEM educator with 14 years of experience in elementary education, primarily teaching 3rd grade. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences that spark curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and inspire a love of discovery. Now, as an Education Outreach Coordinator for Learning Undefeated and the Texas Mobile STEM Labs Program, Aubrey is excited to bring innovative STEM experiences to students across Texas, empowering the next generation of scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers. When she’s not traveling to schools, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, exploring new coffee shops and restaurants, and discovering new adventures.

Melissa joined Learning Undefeated in 2026 as Senior Manager, Partnerships. Melissa serves as a bridge between internal teams and the organization’s foundation, corporate and strategic partners through building trust, communicating impact, and identifying new ways to deepen collaboration.

Before joining Learning Undefeated, Melissa spent nearly a decade with FirstHand, an informal STEM education program in Philadelphia, where she started as an educator and most recently led the program’s impact and evaluation efforts. Prior to her work in nonprofits, Melissa was a marine ecologist studying how critical species like giant kelp and deep-sea corals adapt to climate change. She earned her B.S. in Biology from Temple University and her M.S. in Biology from California State University, Northridge. In her free time, Melissa loves cooking, camping, and hiking with her dog, Monty.

Marcos was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. He holds a B.S. in Genetics and Biotechnology from New Mexico State University and an M.S. in Biomedical Sciences from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. His graduate research in Molecular Translational Medicine focused on identifying alternative targets for HER2-positive breast cancer.Bilingual in English and Spanish, Marcos has a strong background in outreach with underserved populations. He has worked postpartum with patients, volunteered at free health clinics as a Spanish interpreter, completed an internship at the county medical examiner’s office, and led EP HEAT, an initiative dedicated to educating the community on health topics such as nutrition. These experiences strengthened his ability to connect with diverse communities and understand the real-world impact of science and healthcare.At Learning Undefeated, Marcos teaches hands-on STEM programs that spark curiosity, build confidence, and inspire students to see themselves as scientists, innovators, and leaders. Outside of work, he enjoys going to the gym, hiking, reading, and finding creative ways to make biochemistry and science engaging and fun.

Ashley joined Learning Undefeated in 2024 as the Education Program Lead. With a strong background in informal science education, Ashley spent five years managing a mobile lab program, bringing hands-on STEM experiences to students across South Carolina. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Educational Psychology and Research at the University of South Carolina, focusing on STEM access, career awareness, and student confidence/self-efficacy.

Originally from New York and an alum of NYU, Ashley is passionate about creating equitable opportunities in STEM education. Outside of work, she enjoys Thai food, going to the movies, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Desurae Matthews serves as the Director of the Texas Mobile STEM Labs program, a statewide fleet of mobile labs serving all Texas K-8 schools. A native of Wharton, Texas, and a graduate of Wharton ISD, Desurae is deeply involved in the local community and a well-recognized advocate for youth education programs within the local area. Desurae has a passion for working with disadvantaged youth, serving as a program director for the Just Do It Now community center in Wharton, program mentor for Boys and Girls Club, assistant teacher, and camp counselor. Ms. Matthews has both a M.S. and a B.S. from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. In her free time, Desurae coaches multiple youth sports teams and also runs a nonprofit girls’ empowerment program in her hometown.

Larkin McGlothlin is an Education Outreach Coordinator working on the Texas Mobile STEM Lab Program at Learning Undefeated. Larkin is a Texas native, born and raised in San Antonio, currently living in El Paso. She holds a B.S. in Geographic Information Science and Technology from Texas A&M University and has experience volunteering in elementary schools and tutoring her peers. Through these educational pursuits, Larkin sparked her passion for equitable access to STEM education.
At Learning Undefeated Larkin helps to engage students in engineering design challenges, pushing students to solve real-world problems while working together. Her mission in this work is to show students their true potential and foster interest in future STEM careers.
In her free time, Larkin enjoys hands-on creative hobbies like crocheting, as well as educational hobbies such as improving her coding skills or studying a second language.

Megan McKie is an Education Outreach Coordinator with Learning Undefeated. She holds a B.S. in Exercise Science from the University of Central Florida and has several years of experience in early childhood education, most recently as a Pre-K teacher.

Alongside her work in education, she is a multi-passionate creative building her own beauty brand, creating digital content, and using storytelling to connect with diverse audiences. Megan is passionate about turning STEM into something students actually get excited about by creating hands-on experiences that make science feel fun and approachable. She loves blending her education background with her creativity to spark curiosity and inspire students to see themselves in STEM.

Originally from Manawatū–Whanganui, Aotearoa (Palmerston North, New Zealand), Oliver moved to the United States at a young age and grew up in the small town of Ardmore, Oklahoma. He obtained a B.S. in Data Science at the University of North Texas in Denton, where he has lived since beginning his studies.

Oliver loves rock climbing, Premier League football, college basketball, and, of course, teaching. At UNT, he participated in the Teach North Texas program, through which he taught biology lessons to 2nd- and 6th-grade students. During his sophomore summer, he worked as a summer camp teacher for technology courses in North Texas. In his final summer at the university, he served as an orientation leader, thriving in a role that allowed him to be both a cheerleader for the school and an advocate and teacher for incoming students.

Keely Patelski is an Education Outreach Coordinator from Lewisville, TX. She holds both a B.S. in Mathematics and a M.S. in Geography from Texas Tech University. During her sophmore summer, she participated in an engineering research program in Seattle, Washington. She has previous experience working as a first-year college student mentor, a Geography adjunct instructor, and teacher, creating each student individualized lessons for everything from biology to precalculus. She loves finding ways to make STEM education not only fun, but accessible for all ages.

In her free time, Keely is usually watching movies, reading, or keeping her cats Quinn and Leafy out of trouble.

Christina Pena serves as a STEM Education Outreach Coordinator at Learning Undefeated, where she leverages her teaching and coaching experience to support students and educators across Texas. Before joining Learning Undefeated, Christina taught in Head Start and spent three years as a co-teacher for English, science, and art. She also coached youth cheer and assisted with boys’ soccer, helping students develop confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills.

Christina earned a Bachelor of Science in Special Populations from Texas Woman’s University. She is passionate about creating engaging STEM experiences that are welcoming, inclusive, and accessible for all learners.

Martin Perez was born and raised in New Braunfels, Texas. He earned his Bachelor of Education from Texas State University in 2021 and completed his Master of Educational Leadership in 2026. Before joining Learning Undefeated, Martin spent five years as a public school educator in New Braunfels ISD, where he taught fifth-grade dual language math and science, helping students build strong academic foundations in both English and Spanish.

Martin currently serves as an Education Outreach Coordinator at Learning Undefeated, where he is passionate about expanding access to engaging STEM learning experiences for students. Outside of work, he enjoys swimming, playing video games, and attending concerts.

With nearly a decade of digital communications experience, Nicole Santoro joined Learning Undefeated in 2022 as a Senior Marketing Manager. She holds a master’s in Public Relations and Corporate Communications from Georgetown University and a B.A. in Public Relations from the University of Alabama. Nicole has received national recognition for her global campaigns, including two platinum awards from MarCom and a Global Communications Award of Excellence from PRSA.

Prior to joining the Learning Undefeated team, Nicole worked in-house as a Senior Account Executive at the world’s largest PR agency, executing the day-to-day digital communications efforts for three Fortune 500 companies. Nicole has a passion for helping brands leverage and harness the power of digital storytelling.

In her free time, she loves reading, gardening, and spending time outdoors with her husband, son, and pup.

Hannah Schoeppner is an Education Outreach Coordinator for Learning Undefeated. She holds an M.S. in Criminology from St. Vincent College and a B.S. in Chemistry from Saint Francis University. While earning her degrees, Hannah volunteered with Rural Outreach Chemistry for Kids (R.O.C.K.) programs through Saint Francis University and worked as the Chemistry Specialist at Westmoreland County Community College in Youngwood, Pennsylvania. Since her graduation, Hannah has spent her time working in practical laboratory environments, but she has always been passionate about providing educational opportunities to all. Outside of the lab, Hannah enjoys bowling, traveling, and photography.

Shane Slaughter is a seasoned strategic leader in global event & logistics production, known for orchestrating high-impact programs that drive revenue growth and elevate brand prestige. With expertise in operational efficiency, financial management, and creative solutions, he has a proven track record of delivering exceptional event experiences.

Shane excels in strategic management, overseeing the planning and execution of large-scale events to maximize impact and ROI. By leveraging data-driven strategies and cutting-edge technologies, he ensures seamless and memorable experiences. His ability to anticipate trends and adapt to changes solidifies his reputation as a forward-thinking strategist.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Shane is a proud dad of two school-age children. Balancing his career with fatherhood, he provides a nurturing environment for his family and strives to be a positive role model, encouraging lifelong learning and passion pursuit in his children.

Ariel Steele joins Learning Undefeated as an Education Outreach Coordinator, combining fun with meaningful learning to help students discover just how much they’re capable of and assist others in accessing life-changing resources. A graduate of Tarleton State University, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies, which helped shape her gift for connecting with others and telling powerful, people-centered stories.

In addition to her background in non-profit youth programming and community collaboration, Ariel also brings curiosity, creativity, and lots of laughter. Humor is one of her favorite tools because sometimes a good laugh can be the bridge to trust, understanding, and showing up as your whole self.

Outside of work, you’ll find her charting the next adventure, looking for the best local eats, or capturing everyday magic with her handy, dandy camera.

Wintrice Stewart is a Florida native, born and raised in Fort Myers, who brings a diverse background in education, community outreach, nonprofit leadership, and program coordination. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences, building lasting community partnerships, and connecting students with opportunities that inspire growth both inside and outside the classroom.

Prior to joining Learning Undefeated as an Education Program Coordinator, Wintrice served as a Community Outreach Representative for Full Sail University, where she traveled nationwide facilitating educational workshops, cultivating partnerships with educators and school districts, and helping prospective students explore pathways to higher education. She also served as Executive Assistant for HBCU ELITE, supporting executive leadership while coordinating educational programs and initiatives that empowered HBCU student-athletes through leadership development, career readiness, and academic success.

Wintrice earned a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Central Florida, where she concentrated her studies in Health and Education with a minor in Nonprofit Management. She also earned a Bachelor of Science in Sports Marketing & Media from Full Sail University, further strengthening her background in communication, engagement, and experiential learning.

She is passionate about expanding access to meaningful educational experiences and believes every student deserves opportunities to discover their potential. Through collaboration, creativity, and relationship-building, Wintrice is committed to empowering learners, supporting educators, and developing programs that spark curiosity, build confidence, and inspire lifelong learning.

Passionate about improving processes, solving problems, and bringing structure so teams can focus on their highest priorities, Jill is an experienced administrative professional with a background in office management and executive support. She spent 10 years with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and later at Thermo Fisher Scientific, providing high-level executive and business support in both federal and corporate settings. Jill holds a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from American University and brings a strong combination of organizational, communication, problem-solving, and creative thinking skills. Outside of work, she enjoys music, art, and DIY projects that reflect her hands-on creative approach.

Ashlyn Stuberfield holds a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas at Dallas. Prior to joining Learning Undefeated, she spent three years as a secondary math teacher, where she developed a passion for making learning engaging, accessible, and fun for students. Ashlyn’s favorite part of education is generating excitement in the classroom and helping students build confidence in their learning. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active through yoga, pickleball, and time at the gym.

Ingra M. Williams was born and raised in Beaumont, Texas. She attended college at Texas A&M University and Lamar University, earning a bachelor’s degree in multidisciplinary studies and a master’s degree in special education. Family is a central part of her life; she and her husband have four children.

In her spare time, she enjoys watching movies, horticulture, and spending time outdoors. She has worked as an educator for six years, specializing in math. Her philosophy is that every student is capable of learning—some just need a little more water to grow!