MEET THE SUMMER CAMP TEAM


CAMP LOCATION: THE AFTERSCHOOL COLLECTIVE | 1145 47TH AVE LONG ISLAND CITY NY 11101

JESSICA STASI M.ED


OWNER OF SNAPOLOGY NYC
FOUNDER OF THE AFTERSCHOOL COLLECTIVE CORP
CO-CHAIR OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS NY
POWER OF 3:00 AMBASSADOR FOR NEW YORK STATE NETWORK FOR YOUTH SUCCESS

As a mission based individual, my focus has always been to serve low income communities and providing quality STEM programming to everyone- not just those that can afford it. Education is proven to be the fastest and most effective way to close the gender and wealth gap. As a first generation graduate, I saw firsthand how educational resources can sky rocket ones access to opportunities. I wanted to create that same pathway for children of color, just like me. S.T.E.A.M. careers are projected to grow by 13% between 2017-2027, compared to 9% for non-S.T.E.A.M. related jobs. Educating communities and getting them excited about these employment opportunities is what I do! 

MS. MELISSA RIOS M.ED


DIRECTOR OF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

  • MASTER’S IN LEADERSHIP IN EDUCATION, CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY
  • BACHELOR OF ARTS, HUNTER COLLEGE CUNY | Double Major: Elementary Education & English Language Arts

A passionate educator with over 20 years experince working with children and families of those with Special Needs. Ms. Melissa thrives on cultivate a cooperative, teamworking environment for students of all ages and Snapology Team Members! 


MS. HEATHER SANDOVAL 


ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR
Heather is a founding member of Snapology NYC and has two young school-aged daughters who are obsessed with S.T.E.A.M. She has a positive, hard-working mindset and is passionate about helping find solutions to any challenges. After a short change of scenery she returned to support The After School Collective in 2021, and handles the daily matters of the business such as banking, client billing, and serving as a contact point for families. She is most excited about introducing new and exciting programs and watching the childrens’ natural aptitudes flourish as they grow with us.

MR. KEVIN SIMS

LEAD S.T.E.A.M / ROBOTIC TEACHER

  • BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN GAME ART & DESIGN| 2014 | ART INSTITUTE OF ATLANTA

Working with people and teams from all over the world has taught me the value of focusing different minds on the same problem and mutual support. Efficiency, a can do attitude, and the ability to strategically prioritize allow for a maximized day both in and out of the classroom. 

MS. TRACY DIZON


LEAD ARTIST
Formerly based in Manila, Tracy Dizon owns and directs the brand Tiara by Tracy Dizon which produces hats and fascinators for the local and international market. Tracy Dizon also works as an independent fashion designer niching on quirky street fashion.
  • Fashion Designer • Milliner • Fashion Illustrations
  • 2019 NHK World Japan Kawaii International 6th Kawaii Leader
  • 2018 3rd Place Winner Solis Magazine x FWBK Fashion Designer Competition New Yor
  • 2017 Grand Winner Rise Art & Design x FWBK Fashion Designer Competition New Yor
  • Tiara by Tracy Dizon Millinery
Ms. Tracy currently works as a Lead Afterschool Teacher for Snapology at PS 78 in Long Island City. 

CLICK HERE for media mentions of Tracy's past work including her stint on Project Runway!

MR. DYLAN NEARLY
SUBSTITUTE STEAM / ROBOTICS TEACHER


  • Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology
  • Degree: BS Mechanical Engineering (Aero) 

Mr. Dylan currently works as our Lead STEAM / Robotics Teacher at PS 78 Elementary School in Long Island City. He's also a METs fan - but lets not hold that against him 

MR. JUAN DIEGO VILLALOBOS
SUBSTITUTE ARTIST

Latin Grammy award winning, Juan Diego Villalobos, has developed a varied career as a composer, arranger, and performer making him one of the most sought-after vibraphone players in New York. His album, Perspectiva (2017), is his first step towards reimagining jazz and Afro-Veneuelan music to create an unique new sonority based on their common roots.

Mr. Juan is passionate about teaching Musical Arts and has worked with Snapology since 2021 in bringing his artistic flair to our afterschool programs.

CLICK HERE for Juan's full biography and media mentions!