Meet our 2026 Faculty
Amy Kakaley
7th-grade Science Teacher, Parkland School District
Hello, future Mars explorers! I am thrilled to welcome you to the STEM Youth Explorer Academy! Get ready to launch into an unforgettable experience as we prepare to explore the Red Planet together.
I'm Amy Kakaley, and I bring a passion for discovery to this mission. With over 24 years of experience teaching 7th-grade science in the Parkland School District, I specialize in bringing complex concepts down to earth—and out into space! I hold a BS in Education and certifications in Middle Level Science from Kutztown University, as well as Master's degrees in Educational Leadership (Wilkes University) and STEM.
When I'm not teaching, you might find me on the pool deck as the Parkland High School Diving Coach or organizing my biennial "Splash into Science" trip to the Florida Keys. I love working with students of all ages and can't wait to ignite your curiosity this summer!
Mr. Joseph McClelland
8th Grade Science Teacher, Boyertown Area School District Middle School East
Hello youth explorers! My name is Mr. Joseph McClelland and this will be my first year at the Youth Explorer Academy here at Kutztown. I have a varied background in STEM. I started out by enlisting in the U.S. Navy right after high school. The navy trained me in maintaining computer systems and managing networks. I spent 22 years working on different ships and information systems and retired from the navy as a Senior Chief.
The Navy kept me busy and I was constantly learning new things because technology changes fast; that is what makes it exciting. During my time in the navy, I completed my undergraduate work at Southern Illinois University earning a bachelor’s degree in vocational education. I went on to complete my graduate work at Webster University, earning a master’s degree in computer resources, Information Management, and Human Resource Development. Near the end of my career in the navy, I finally figured out what I wanted to do and attended Old Dominion University, earning a master’s degree in Secondary Science Education. This is what I used to become an 8th grade science teacher and have been teaching for the last 21 years.
My wife and I have four children, and I’ve coached numerous sports and educational teams with them and for my school. I am very excited to meet each one of you and see what we can learn from each other as we explore the world of STEM.
Mr. Andrew Reaman
7th Grade Spanish Teacher, Parkland School District
Hello young scientists! My name is Mr. Andrew Reaman and I am looking forward to our summer STEM YEA. I graduated from West Chester University majoring in French & Spanish. I earned my masters degree from Wilkes University where I studied Classroom Technology. I have taught languages for over 20 years in the Parkland School District. I currently teach 7th grade Spanish and after school I often tutor students in many subjects including science in Parkland's After School Assistance Program (ASAP) in 7th and 8th grade.
My favorite seasons are spring, summer and fall because I love being outdoors. I enjoy working in my gardens and going to the local parks, especially with my dog. We enjoy walking and getting exercise. I love to travel and have been to many countries in the Caribbean and Europe. When not teaching or traveling I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
Leonard Reed
8th Grade Science Teacher, Fleetwood Area School District
Leonard Reed is an 8th grade science teacher in the Fleetwood Area School District, member of the Emmaus Rotary Club, and current member of the Rotary District Environmental Sustainability Committee, focusing on local, state, and international environmental programs and grants.
Mrs. Brandy Solomon
7th Grade Science Department Leader Boyertown Middle School East
Hello scientists! My name is Mrs. Brandy Solomon and I am excited to be working with the STEM YEA this summer. I am a graduate of Moravian College, earning a BS in Biology, and Lebanon Valley College, earning a Master of Science Education.
I have taught science for over 20 years, mostly in the Boyertown Area School District, as a seventh-grade science teacher. In addition to teaching, I work with science education companies including Discovery Education and Legends of Learning to help review and develop lessons, labs, and virtual activities for science students K-12.
I love being outdoors whether I am hiking, fishing or traveling with my husband and 3 children. Additionally, I enjoy coaching youth sports, and am often found at the softball field. I look forward to seeing everyone this summer at Kutztown University!
Meet our STEM Interns
Aditi Mangal
DREXEL University student
Greetings, future STEM leaders! My name is Aditi Mangal, and I am excited to work with all of you and the talented team that makes STEM YEA possible.
I currently attend Drexel University, studying biological sciences with provisional acceptance into DUCOM. I'm deeply passionate about selfless service and leadership, values that align with those of Rotary. I also love STEM greatly, hence I have chosen to pursue it in my professional life.
I was born and raised in Phoenixville, PA. I have graduated from Spring-Ford High School, where I was the Student Representative to the School Board, representing the voices of nearly 12,000 students throughout the district in board meetings. I also founded my Non-Profit during my time as a student there, connecting students who were interested in the sciences with one another, providing tutoring to underprivileged students. Over the last four years, I have been actively tutoring students in the sciences and serve as a mentor to budding high school seniors.
I look forward to bringing this experience to the Academy and seeing you all in July!
Serena Choi
Springfield Township High School Student
Hi STEM Changemakers! My name is Serena Choi, and I am so excited to work with a visionary group of scientists. I am a senior at Springfield Township High School, with a passion for science and government. I hope to study Global Management and Public Policy on a track to Pre-Med in college. I have immersed myself in the leadership and youth advocacy communities and can’t wait to share my passion and interest with you all.
I currently serve as Pennsylvania’s Gold Speaker of the House in Youth and Government, and attended the Conference on National Affairs, representing over 800 delegates on international issues. I co-founded my school’s local UNICEF chapter and served as the Co-district Student Representative, where I addressed issues my peers faced in my local community. I also had the opportunity to partake in Pennsylvania’s Junior Volunteer Program, undertaking medical responsibilities in a fast-paced environment. I can’t wait to intern at STEM YEA and meet equally motivated leaders!
Jaslene Ortiz
Northwestern Lehigh High School Student
Jaslene is a student at NWLHS with a passion for science and community engagement. She serves as President of her school’s Interact Club, working closely with the Allentown West Rotary Club, and is President of the Science National Honor Society, Captain of Science Olympiad, and President of the Foreign Languages and International Cultures Club. She also participates in Debate Club, National Honor Society, and Theater. Having attended Camp Neidig in the past, she is excited to intern at STEMYEA and lead hands-on science experiments. She plans to pursue a major in bioengineering at a four-year college.
Riley Pier
Boyertown Area High School Student
Hello youth STEM leaders! My name is Riley Pier, and I am so excited to meet and work with all of you this summer!
I am currently a senior at Boyertown Area High School, with a love for chemistry, the environment, and serving my community. I take several advanced science courses at my school and spend lots of time tutoring younger students and assisting with chem labs. In the fall, I will be attending the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh, and I will also be studying in the Frederick Honors College.
As for my school and community involvement, I currently serve as Student Council Vice-President of BASH, where I plan events like Homecoming, Wish Week, and Fundraising February. I am also an executive board member on the PASC Region I Student Council Board, where I represent over twenty councils and hundreds of students at both the regional and state levels. I dedicate lots of time to helping out my community as a member of Green Cord and Key Club, with over 250 volunteer hours. I also had the honor of being captain of the varsity golf team my senior year and playing all four years.