Nicole is a former teacher and chemist at heart and believes in using the power of science to help people understand and appreciate this beautiful world. Nicole taught middle and high school science for 8 years – from life science and genetics to physics and chemistry – and uses that experience to develop curriculum at Estes. She has also led trainings for educators internationally in Nepal and Uganda to share best practices in instructional and classroom management strategies. Her hope is to get more students access to engaging and memorable learning experiences in rocketry while making the process as easy as possible for teachers.

Bela has been an advocate for STEM education and space exploration throughout her teaching career. With a background in special education and STEM, she has worked to bring space science to students with disabilities and those often underrepresented in STEM. As a lifelong learner, she recently received her master’s degree in Aviation and Space. She has served as an ambassador for the NASA Oklahoma Space Grant and is a Space Foundation International Teacher Liaison. After teaching special education and STEM for 4 years, she is excited to bring her knowledge of space and love of rocketry to Estes Education. Bela enjoys exploring new topics like future space missions, dark energy, and dark matter, and hopes to inspire the next generation to reach for the stars.

Lara is a seasoned educator with a BA in Chemistry from Wellesley College and an MA in Secondary Education, with an emphasis on English Learners, from San Francisco State University. With 20 years of experience teaching high school physics and chemistry, she now channels her passion for science education into her role at Estes, where she focuses on high school content curriculum development. In her previous roles, Lara held the titles of Science Department Chair and District Chemistry Curriculum Lead, while she also served on the Physics Curriculum Committee. It was in these curriculum positions that Lara discovered a passion for developing inclusive and engaging curriculum. In her free time, Lara indulges her adventurous spirit with off-roading, navigating the road less traveled. She also enjoys making pine needle baskets, reflecting her attention to detail and love of nature. In each of her roles - from creating dynamic curricula to navigating untamed trails and crafting intricate baskets - Lara consistently embraces adventure, precision, and a deep-rooted appreciation for the natural world.

Ellen is a National Board Certified physics teacher who has taught all levels of physics and various technology and science classes in NY and CA. A former mechanical engineer, she specialized in airfoil inspection and facilitated training for large and small groups. She also taught private music classes for more than 15 years. As STEM teachers, Ellen’s parents instilled in their children a passion for exploring their world, as she has done with her own children. She brings her diverse background to Estes with the goal of furthering the mission of making it possible for every K-12 student to experience a rocket launch. Ellen has recently immersed herself in learning about sustainable food.

Kelly has been working with kids for over 20 years. She started as a National Board- Certified teacher with North Carolina public schools and then got her Master’s degree in School Administration. She stepped away from the school system to open her own child development center, Sprouts, with her best friend in High Point, NC. There, she infuses movement and play into learning to help kids grow. Sprouts has piloted some of the rocketry summer camp programs that Estes has created. She loves working with the Estes crew and is excited to keep the learning flowing!