About Us

The Art of S.T.E.M. was created by Kristin Schmalzbauer, a former elementary school teacher. After recognizing the steady removal of visual and performance arts from the classroom, Kristin was determined to create a safe space where kids could have fun building their confidence through art and science. Today, our educator-designed track out camps, summer camps, and Parents Night Out events build unforgettable experiences that drive kids in grades K-5 in the Apex area to think while having a smile on their faces.

Each week, our older campers perform a short reader's theater skit, practicing their lines, creating their characters, and making simple costumes and set pieces. Younger campers perform a choreographed dance. They have an amazing time without realizing they are building their reading fluence and confidence.

Throughout the week, campers create their own pieces of art through structured art projects, participate in hands-on STEM activities and experiments, and move their bodies. We believe in the power of free play, where children develop social skills while exploring their creative sides.

“Our program is run by educators, providing a variety of activities every week.”

— Kristin, Founder of The Art of S.T.E.M.

Abstract artwork featuring colorful hand-painted brushstroke patterns in green, purple, blue, pink, and yellow arranged in four panels.

Our Rooms and Rotations

  • Children crafting a cardboard and paper project with scissors, paint, and recycled materials in a classroom

    Art and Science Room

    Work on creative art projects or challenges that are tied to elementary STEM skills. Create costumes and simple sets for the Friday Reader’s Theatre performance and taping. Experiment with various materials for science exploration.

  • Five children sit on a carpeted classroom floor using tablets around a small blue educational robot and colorful balls.

    Engineering and Technology Room

    Build forts, pet hospitals, and anything their imagination leads to, using magnet tiles, LEGO, and various building materials. Explore coding Dash and Sphero robots, simple animation, and creating stop-motion film with a variety of programs. Use iPads to draw, play Minecraft, and explore engineering challenges.

  • Three children posing in colorful costumes at a costume playroom, including a fox mask, pig nose, wigs, and dresses.

    Drama and Movement Room

    Work together practicing a simple reader's theater skit. The script is adjusted for all reading levels. There is also time for unstructured dramatic play and dress-up, fun and non-competitive yoga, dancing, obstacle courses, singing, structured games and free play.

Meet the Team

  • Portrait of a smiling woman with shoulder-length gray hair wearing a sleeveless gray top in front of a brick wall

    Kristin Schmalzbauer

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR and FOUNDER
    NBCT, MS Education

    Kristin is the founder of The Art of STEM Enrichment Track-Out Camp, which she launched in 2018 after more than 20 years as an educator. With a master’s degree and National Board Certification, Kristin brings deep expertise in early childhood education, as well as firsthand experience navigating the Year-Round School calendar. Her program blends art, STEM, drama, and reader’s theater to foster both creativity and confidence, supporting children’s social-emotional growth in a fun, nurturing environment.

  • Smiling woman with long blonde hair wearing a patterned blouse in front of a brick wall

    Lauren Field

    DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
    BS in Human Services and QMHP

    Lauren brings a strong background in mental health and child development to her role at The Art of STEM. She began her career as a case manager in therapeutic foster care before transitioning to early childhood education, where she supervised the toddler room at the Taylor YMCA and later taught preschool. For the past seven years, she’s been an integral part of The Art of STEM, watching the program grow and thrive. A proud mom of two, Lauren enjoys reading, staying active, and spending time with her family—especially at the beach.

  • Smiling woman with long dark hair wearing a black lace top in front of a brick wall

    Jasmeen Bagga

    DIRECTOR OF CURRICULUM
    M.Ed in Art Education

    Jasmeen grew up in New Jersey and earned her degree in Graphic Design from Drexel University before realizing her true passion—teaching. She went on to complete her master’s in Art Education from Temple University and has taught at both the high school and preschool levels. After a few cross-country moves and becoming a mom of two, Jasmeen settled in Cary and joined The Art of STEM during a summer break. From the very first week, she knew she had found her place. With a love for art, education, and inclusive spaces, Jasmeen is excited to inspire curiosity and creativity in every child she meets.

  • Smiling woman wearing cat-eye glasses and a black-and-white striped shirt in front of a gray wood-paneled wall

    Jenn Eldred

    INSTRUCTOR

    Jenn has been part of The Art of STEM team for two years and brings a lifelong love of creativity to the classroom. Before joining the camp, she spent 20 years in automotive retail, finishing her career as a general manager before shifting her focus to raising her children. Jenn homeschooled her kids, volunteered as a room mom for five years, and was drawn to The Art of STEM after seeing a job post that reignited her passion for working with children. Her favorite part of the job? Watching kids light up as they get creative, get messy, and most importantly—have fun!

  • Smiling woman with wavy brown hair posing for a portrait in an office

    Janis Harr

    INSTRUCTOR

    Janis joined The Art of STEM in October 2024 after more than 30 years of teaching elementary school in Georgia, Colorado, and North Carolina. She spent 19 of those years as a third-grade teacher in Wake County before retiring in 2023. When she’s not inspiring young learners, Janis loves traveling to visit her daughter in Honolulu and her son in San Diego. Reading and exploring new places are two of her favorite pastimes.

  • Smiling woman with curly dark hair and glasses wearing a pink shirt and necklace

    Suzanne D'Amico

    INSTRUCTOR

    Originally from Massachusetts, Suzanne brings a remarkable 29 years of teaching experience to The Art of STEM Track Out Camp. She’s worked with students from first through fifth grade and is known for her consistency, professionalism, and passion for helping kids grow through hands-on learning and clear expectations. A lifelong learner herself, Suzanne enjoys reading in her downtime, cheering on her favorite Boston sports teams, and spending time with family in Massachusetts and New York.

  • Megan Smith

    INSTRUCTOR
    Megan (she/her) is originally from Mississippi and now lives in Durham with her partner, three dogs, and a five-foot-tall monstera. She graduated in 2020 with a BA in Theatre and has a diverse background that includes teaching middle school English and high school theatre, working with yearbooks, leading art camps, and more. Her experience working with students of all ages brings a unique blend of creativity and education to The Art of STEM. Outside of work, Megan enjoys going to the movies, tackling escape rooms, taking lots of pictures, and caring for her extensive collection of tropical plants. She is excited to inspire creativity and help students explore their own artistic interests!

  • Smiling man wearing a dark T-shirt reading “School’s Out Forever, Retirement 2025” in front of a brick wall

    Steve Gursslin

    INSTRUCTOR

    Steve is a retired elementary PE teacher who spent over 30 years teaching and coaching with WCPSS. As a National Board Certified Teacher with a master’s degree, he brings decades of experience and a passion for working with children. In addition to joining The Art of STEM in Apex, Steve works part-time with the Town of Cary Parks and Recreation. He’s married to an art teacher and is a proud dad of three, with two dogs and two cats keeping the family busy! When he’s not working, Steve enjoys sports, traveling, and spending time with his family. He’s excited to bring his experience and enthusiasm to The Art of STEM and help children learn, grow, and have fun!

  • Close-up portrait of a smiling woman with long dark hair outdoors beside a tree.

    Leia Murray

    INSTRUCTOR

    Leia Buffaloe is a North Carolina native and mom of three with a background in homeschool and group learning environments, including leading her own co-op. She currently works as an instructor with The Art of STEM and as Lead Camp Counselor at We Rock The Spectrum. She has experience supporting children who are neurodivergent and those with physical disabilities, using structured, individualized approaches to help each child succeed. Outside of work, she enjoys yoga, home renovation projects, early 2000s video games, and reading non-fiction.

  • Close-up portrait of a smiling man with short brown hair and a mustache wearing a black T-shirt

    Matthew Gronke

    INSTRUCTOR

    Matthew has lived in Cary since 1992 and earned his BS in Physics from NC State University in 2013. In addition to working at AoS, he also works as a substitute teacher at Laurel Park Elementary, volunteers with the PTA, and supports two nonprofits: The Cary Free Bicycle Project and Triangle Off-Road Cyclists. In 2025, he was one of three finalists for the Cary Hometown Spirit Award. When he’s not busy with teaching and volunteering, Matthew enjoys dressing up as Bluey for children’s parties and events! He’s been with his wife for 22 years, and they have a 7-year-old son and two cats. Matthew enjoys staying involved in his community and bringing smiles to children through his many activities!

  • Jessica Cangelosi

    Coming soon