Our Teaming

HOW DEGENSTEAM WORKS

DegenSTEAM is a dynamic network of shared
ownership and distributed leadership.

Every member has the opportunity to step into roles that address emerging needs based on their passions, strengths, experiences, and capacity. Rather than assigning authority from the top down, we cultivate an environment where people take ownership of the work they are best positioned to lead and support. As our understanding deepens and our community evolves, so do our roles, strengthening our collective capacity to think, learn, and serve.

Teaming: the intentional practice of bringing the right people together around a shared Vision.

Our DegenSTEAM Team

Our Strategic Liaison

Brie Apfelbaum Kula

Our Advisory Team

Heather Powell

Josh Nespoli

Joanne Troutman

Joanne Troutman

Dr. Kathleen Schofield

Dr. Kathleen Schofield

Mark Stankiewicz

Our Operations Team

Colleen Bowman

Technology Coordinator

Doug Fessler

Programs Innovation Lead

Joanne Sloneem

Joanne Sloneem

Financial Liaison

Meng Zhan

Meng Zhan

Data Collection & Partner Engagement Supervisor

Nicole Peterson

Nicole Peterson

Operations & Grants Coordinator

Our Student Interns Team

Alexis Shaner

Penn State University

Luke Brokenshire

Commonwealth University Bloomsburg

John W. Compton III

Susquehanna University

Our Capacity Partners

Capacity Partners strengthen the foundation that makes our work possible. Through expertise, infrastructure, resources, and strategic support, they expand DegenSTEAM’s ability to innovate, grow, and create lasting impact across the communities we serve.

Our Funding Partners

Funding Partners fuel the mission that drives our work forward. Through financial investment and shared commitment, they provide the resources that enable DegenSTEAM to invest in innovative initiatives, empower regional partners, and create lasting impact across the communities we serve.

Our emPOWERED Partners

emPOWERED Partners advance the mission through action. Empowered by DegenSTEAM funding, they design and deliver initiatives, programs, and experiences that expand learning, strengthen the workforce, and create meaningful impact throughout our community.

Our Sense-Makers

Sense-Makers shape the regional view that guides our work. As embedded observers and practitioners across learning, workforce, and community services, they contribute grounded insights, identify emerging patterns, help DegenSTEAM make informed strategic decisions, and contribute to the collected work need to accomplish our shared vision of the region.

What can we do together?

Together, we can ensure that every learner in Central Pennsylvania participates in hands-on, co-designed learning experiences — and that every county in the region is part of a connected ecosystem of discovery and opportunity.