STEM Forward connects students, educators, STEM professionals, and community leaders to strengthen STEM education across Metro Atlanta.
Through collaboration, schools develop sustainable programs, pursue certification, and expand community engagement — creating impact that lasts beyond the classroom.
We’re thrilled to celebrate Krista Stuckey of Rex Mill Middle School—a powerhouse STEM advocate and a returning champion in the STEM Forward program! 🎉 Krista’s passion for empowering students and building bridges between schools and STEM professionals is nothing short of inspiring.
This year, Krista is being honored with our K-12 STEM Community Builder Award for her outstanding work with the Georgia Chief Science Officers Program, the STEM Professional School Partnership Program, and her ongoing leadership with Science ATL initiatives. Her dedication to elevating student voice and creating lasting STEM partnerships is making a profound impact across Georgia. Congrats, Krista! 👏🔬💡 #STEMForward #STEMCommunityBuilder #ScienceATL
STEM Forward unites schools across the region — each advancing STEM in their own community. Explore who’s part of the network below.
Meet the STEM Forward facilitators—educators, industry professionals, and community leaders who support schools through each track with experience, insight, and hands-on guidance.
Eric Knapp is an education consultant and workforce development leader specializing in engineering education, real-world learning, and industry-aligned STEM programming. He currently serves as Workforce Development Manager at Team Rubicon and is the founder of Education Enhanced, where he designs innovative curricula and experiential learning initiatives for K–12 districts and community partners across Georgia. Eric has led districtwide engineering and robotics initiatives, authored state-level teacher support guides for the Georgia Department of Education, and helped launch workforce pipelines in construction, manufacturing, and resilient trades. As a Track 1 facilitator, he supports schools in building strong STEM programs that connect classroom learning to real career pathways, empowering both students and teachers through authentic, hands-on experiences.
Ashley Shaver Nylin, PhD, is the Founder and CEO of The Whittaker Group, a strategic consulting firm focused on CTAE and STEM education. With more than 15 years of experience in coaching, instructional design, data analysis, and project management, Ashley supports schools and organizations in designing intentional, high-quality STEM programs from the ground up. An Atlanta native, her connection to STEM runs deep—she grew up visiting Fernbank Science Center, where her curiosity was first sparked. As a Track 1 facilitator, Ashley helps schools turn ideas into structured, sustainable STEM programs, blending strategic planning with a practitioner’s mindset. Outside of work, she balances professional life with marathon training—often while chasing after her toddler.
Greg Crafter is the founder and CEO of Produce’d, a Black-owned hydroponics company based in Atlanta that blends engineering, innovation, and community impact. With a background in electrical engineering and more than eight years of hands-on hydroponics experience, Greg focuses on expanding food access through indoor farming technology and STEM education. He is the creator of Produce’d GrowBlocks, a scalable solution that helps families and schools grow fresh food year-round while learning core STEM concepts. As a Track 2 facilitator, Greg supports schools pursuing STEM certification by helping them integrate real-world engineering challenges, sustainability, and community partnerships into their STEM programs—bringing learning to life in tangible, impactful ways.
Jason Raines is an educational consultant and STEM innovator dedicated to helping schools build strong, sustainable pathways toward STEM certification and community partnership. With extensive experience supporting K–12 districts across Georgia, Jason has guided schools through GaDOE, Cognia, and district STEM certification processes by centering student leadership, teacher capacity-building, and authentic project-based learning. As a Track 2 facilitator for STEM Forward, Jason supports schools in planning, documenting, and implementing high-impact STEM initiatives that meet certification standards while strengthening connections with STEM professionals and industry partners. He believes that certification is most powerful when it serves as a catalyst for lasting change—opening doors for students to real-world problem solving, mentorship, and career exploration.
Antonio Semeco is a longtime STEM professional and volunteer with Science ATL who brings decades of experience—and curiosity—to the STEM Forward community. After coming to the United States in 1978 to pursue a postgraduate degree at Georgia Tech, Antonio built a career as a software engineer working primarily on scientific and engineering applications. Since retiring in 2021, he has embraced STEM outreach with renewed purpose, beginning his volunteer work in 2023. As a Track 3 facilitator, Antonio is passionate about sharing his enthusiasm for STEM and showing students what is possible through education, persistence, and hard work. He often jokes that Science ATL “saved him from retirement,” giving new meaning to his time and allowing him to continue learning, mentoring, and contributing to the next generation.
Antonio Ellis is a nationally recognized STEM and AI educator with 17 years of experience empowering students, educators, and communities through innovative, equity-driven learning. Born and raised in Griffin, Georgia, Antonio currently serves as the STEM Lead Teacher at Michelle Obama STEM Elementary Academy and is the founder of ITEACH Educational Consultants, where he partners with schools and organizations to deliver cutting-edge STEM and AI experiences. A pioneer in K–12 AI literacy, Antonio designs professional development, develops age-appropriate AI curricula, and advises districts on safe and effective AI integration. As a Track 3 facilitator, he brings deep expertise in community-based STEM engagement, hosting a free summer STEM camp for K–8 students and serving nationally as the Science Education Innovation Advisor for the National Engineering League. His work has earned numerous honors, including 2023 Science ATL Teacher of the Year and 2024 Boxlight STEM Educator of the Year, reflecting his ongoing commitment to inspiring the next generation of innovators.
This program is supported by generous funding from Google, Cox Enterprises, NCR Atleos Foundation, UPS, The Clorox Company, the Glenn W. Bailey Foundation, and Dow Chemical.
If you have any other questions or concerns, feel free to contact AJ Chestnut Raines via email at [email protected].
Ernest Ngirimana, MBA, serves as Chief Financial Officer for Emory Healthcare’s Physician Group Practice, overseeing financial strategy and performance for the Physician Division. With extensive experience in healthcare finance, Ernest previously held CFO and senior leadership roles at Temple Health, Oishei Children’s Hospital, UPMC, and Allegheny Health Network, driving significant revenue growth and operational improvements. Recognized as a “40 Under Forty” honoree by the Philadelphia Business Journal, he holds an MBA and Bachelor’s degree from Duquesne University and is an active member of ACHE and HFMA. Ernest is widely respected for his strategic vision, collaborative leadership, and commitment to health equity and institutional growth.
I am always wowed by how science can always explain the why and how behind everything we touch, see, feel, and even think.
