Orono Community Education

My name is Billie. I am a mom of three, teacher, active member of the community and creator of The STEM Lab LLC. I believe all kids are natural scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians! Their curiosity, questions and desire to tinker are the backbone of my company.

As an award winning science educator (2019 Teacher of the Year, 2019 WEM Synergy Outstanding Educator Award in Teacher Achievement, and 2020 Education Minnesota Teacher of the Year Candidate) with more than 10 years of experience, a degree in BioChemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology and a Masters of Arts in Education, I know the power of STEM.

STEM teaches critical thinking skills and instills a passion for innovation. Beyond the benefit of learning science, technology, engineering, and math, STEM assists in the problem-solving and exploratory learning that fuel success across a variety of tasks and disciplines. STEM also cultivates the child's interests and builds on their unique value to promote a deeper understanding. Developing self-awareness, belief in self, creative thinking, decision making, problem solving, effective communication and a positive mindset also result from immersion in STEM.

As a teacher, I frequently notice my students easily follow directions, but have great difficulty when it comes to thinking openly and critically. I am very passionate about not only developing these skills in my kids, but also in children of every age.

The STEM Lab classes are designed as a starting point for building confidence, honing essential critical thinking and problem solving skills, investigating real world STEM applications and a path towards a well rounded education.