Meet the Amazing Educators that make STEAM! Possible
Jessamyn Miller (she/her/hers)- Founder, Artistic Director, STEAM! Central and STEAM Junior Director In 2015, STEAM Camp started as a dream to combine the worlds of STEM and Arts that so clearly went together in Mrs. Miller's mind. STEAM has grown into an incredibly popular summer camp that provides a space for all types of students to build community and create. Mrs. Miller attended The University of Northern Colorado for her BA in Theatre Education and Acting and again for her MA in Theatre Ed. She worked at Sky Vista Middle School for eleven years and is currently at Eaglecrest High School. Mrs. Miller loves all things theatre including directing, Shakespearean theatre, film production, and deep dives into the art of acting.
Caroline Kerswill (she/her/hers)- Musical Director for STEAM! Central and STEAM! Junior, Director for STEAM! North Ms. Kerswill has been a part of the STEAM Camp dream team since 2018, and looks forward to singing and dancing with the campers every summer! She is the theater teacher at the Denver Center for International Studies in DPS and was grad school roomies with Ms. Miller at UNC. Ms. Kerswill is in her final semester of her master's degree in counseling from The University of Denver.
Lauren Inman (she/her/hers)- STEM Director/Coordinator Lauren Inman has been the Technical Director of STEAM camp since 2017. She spent eleven years in education: four years as a high school science teacher, seven years designing and instructing STEM courses for grades 6-8. Now, Mrs. Inman currently works at the University of Denver. She received her M.Ed: STEM Curriculum and Instruction from Adams State University and her B.S in Biology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She also completed a NASA Endeavor fellowship from Columbia University Teacher’s College. She currently holds a professional Colorado Career and Technical Education certification and has experience teaching woodshop, programmable hardware and robotics. Lauren will be creating and implementing STEM activities throughout camp as well as leading the technical direction of our production including set design and construction.
Eric Eidson (he/him/his)- P.I.E Coordinator/Director, Session 2 Director for STEAM! Central and STEAM Junior Eric Eidson teaches theatre at Eaglecrest High School alongside the esteemed Mrs. Jessamyn Miller. Before teaching at Eaglecrest, Eric taught theatre at Texas Tech University and Overland High School. Mr. Eidson attended UNC where he received a B.A. in Theatre Education and Acting. Additionally, he earned an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Concordia University - Portland, an M.F.A in Playwriting from Hollins University, and he is currently working on his Ph.D. at Texas Tech University. Eric is thrilled to be a part of the STEAM Camp team. He loves Pokemon, tacos, and frisbee!
Michelle Leisy (she/her/hers)- STEAM! South Director Michelle Leisy is in her 10th year as a theatre educator and director. She has a B.A. in Musical Theatre from The University of Northern Colorado and an M.A. in Applied Theatre from The City University of New York. Michelle taught and directed previously at Sky Vista Middle School (Aurora, CO), Legend High School (Parker, CO), Democracy Prep Charter High School (NYC, NY), The East Harlem School at Exodus House (NYC, NY), as well as a variety of New York City Public Schools as a teaching artist. She currently teaches Elementary Musical Theatre at Parker Performing Arts School. Michelle has worked professionally as an actor-educator for Factory 55, Marquis Studios, Girls Leadership, New York City Children’s Theatre, Missoula Children’s Theatre, and Healing Arts Initiative. Some of her past directing credits include: The Addams Family (SVMS), Cinderella (STEAM Camp), Love/Sick (Legend), Urinetown (Legend), The Magical Land of OZ (Inspire-PACE), Freaky Friday (Inspire-PACE), The Addams Family (Parker Performing Arts), The Sound of Music (Legend), Into The Woods (Legend), Almost, Maine (Legend), Bye Bye Birdie (Inspire-PACE), Fiddler on the Roof (Legend), The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 (Legend), Aida, Emotional Creature, Once On This Island Jr., and Annie Jr. (NYC).
Kayleigh Schadwinkel-Hickman (she/her/hers)- Featured Choreographer, Owner of KASH Dance & Choreography Kayleigh Schadwinkel-Hickman is a successful multi-branch dance entrepreneur and award-winning professional traveling choreographer with over 25 years of dance training and 13 years of choreography experience. Kayleigh is the founder and owner of POYDS Dance Company and KASH Dance & Choreography. Kayleigh made her choreographic Broadway debut in June 2022 with her work being featured in the Arts For Autism Broadway Cabaret Production in New York City. In just six years of establishing her own businesses, Kayleigh has choreographed over 450+ dances and 45+ musicals across the Midwest portion of the US including her choreographed work being featured in over 7 states including. Kayleigh currently operates four branches located in two states, Nebraska and Colorado, along with her full-service Online Dance Studio. Kayleigh is most proud and humbled to have the opportunity every day to put on her dancing shoes alongside individuals of all ages, dance backgrounds, and skill levels to enjoy the wonderful art of dance.
If you are interested in franchising your own STEAM! Camp, please reach out to jmiller101@cherrycreekschools.org