Faculty
Gabrielle Palermo
Gabrielle Palermo graduated from Mars Area High School and attended the University of Pittsburgh, completing her undergrad in Criminology. She continued her education to receive her Masters in the Art of Teaching. After completing her Masters, she became a Behavior Specialist Consultant for several wraparound companies. In 2013, she completed all her trainings and clinical hours to become a State Licensed Behavior Specialist. Through visiting multiple daycares and schools, she has observed a huge deficiency in a student’s ability to problem solve and process information. After seeing the need for schools to be more hands on she co-founded STEMsteps in 2015.
Heather Tetmyer
Heather Tetmyer graduated from Pine-Richland high school and attended Clarion University of Pennsylvania, majoring in Elementary Education. Upon graduation, she moved to Arizona where she taught kindergarten, third grade, and fifth grade. Upon completing her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction: Reading and earning her Reading Specialist endorsement, she accepted a position with University of Phoenix and later Grand Canyon University. After working as a full-time faculty member in the College of Education for four years, Heather returned to her hometown of Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, in 2013 and she co-founded STEMsteps in 2015.
Emily Spronatti
Emily grew up in Erie, PA and received her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Pennsylvania State University. She then went on to receive her Master's degree in Early Childhood Education and dual certification in Special Education and Early Childhood Education from the University of Pittsburgh. She has been teaching for ten years and has worked with a variety of students from all abilities and backgrounds. Emily is dedicated to instilling a love of learning and curiosity in her students and has been the Pre-K teacher with STEMsteps for three years. She loves being outside and spending time with her husband, three girls, and can't wait to meet their baby due in May.
Caroline DiNicola
Caroline received her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Pennsylvania State University and has over fifteen years of teaching experience. She has taught a variety of age levels, ranging from preschool children to adults. However, educating the “little learners” is truly her passion. Caroline married her high school sweetheart and currently resides in Cranberry Township with her three children. She enjoys reading, traveling, and trying new recipes. She is dedicated to providing a warm and welcoming environment in the classroom and is eager to help instill the love of learning through exploration and discovery.
Yvonne Shick
Yvonne has always had a love for helping others and knowing that she has made a positive impact on a child's life is the most fulfilling feeling for her. She has many years experience in the school environment, from organizing galas, walkathons, fundraisers, and helping teach in the classroom. Yvonne has two beautiful children and a Cava-Tzu puppy, whom she enjoys spending time with. She enjoys painting, cooking, watching movies, and anything having to do with the beach and the sun!
Sue Fritz
Sue has over 25 years experience working in childcare, ages ranging from preschool through kindergarten. During her years, she enjoyed music, singing, dancing, and fingerplays with the children. She also enjoys being able to teach the children daily skills and helping them to have fun while learning. Although she loves all age groups, her true passion has always been with preschoolers. Sue lives in Gibsonia with her husband. The have two grown daughters and two wonderful grandchildren. In her spare time, Sue enjoys spending time with family and friends, baking, cooking, swimming, beach vacations, and other travels.
Tammy Curic
Tammy originally hails from Cleveland, Ohio. She earned a bachelor of arts in English Literature from The Ohio State University and her Elementary Education degree from John Carroll University. She has over 20 years of experience teaching children from Pre-K through 8th grade. Tammy and her husband recently moved to Gibsonia and are gladly taking restaurant and walking path recommendations. She loves reading and spending time with her cat, Vincent, her niece and nephew and her husband. She is looking forward to becoming a part of the STEMsteps family and getting to know the children and their families.
Kristy Burja
Toddler
Hannah Cress
Toddler Assistant