About Our Instructors
Summer 2023 Verizon STEM Achievers Program
Ronkel Williams
Program Director
Camryn Hatch
Assistant Director
This is my second year working with the camp. In my first year, I had the privilege of teaching the 3D printing class. I am excited to take on the role as the Assistant Director this year as I am truly passionate about education and take pride in inspiring campers to explore the wonders of STEM. Outside of camp, I am the proud owner and operator of Busy Bee Laser and Design, a laser engraving business based in Plant City, Florida. I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Health Science, specializing in Emergency Management and Biological Sciences from the University of South Florida. I also hold a certificate in Emergency Management from Florida State University.
Bradley Watson
Digital Product Innovations (3D Printing) Instructor
Mr. Watson has 12 years of experience as a teacher with Hillsborough County Public schools and 5 years with the VIL Summer Program. He has primarily taught business technology STEAM related curriculums like Modeling and Simulation and AP Computer Science Principles focusing on 3D Modeling, Printing, Digital Design, Coding, Video Game, Application and Simulation Design. He currently teaches at Robinson Highschool. The students in his classes build skills with programs like TinkerCAD(AutoCAD), Blender, ScratchMIT and Unity3D, learning computer languages like JAVA and C#, many of them earning professional entry level certifications from Unity 3D Artist to ITS Cybersecurity.
Esque Dollar
Digital Product Innovations (3D Printing) Instructor
Karla Moore
Smart Solutions (Electronics) Instructor
Alex Romero
Smart Solutions (Electronics) Instructor
Kayla Pagan
Artificial Intelligence & Robotics Instructor
Hello, my name is Kayla Pagan! I am the Robotics/Artificial Intelligence Instructor for the Verzion STEM camp. I currently attend Florida Polytechnic University and study Mechanical Engineering. I also coach middle school robotics and have been coaching for 6 years. In my class, the campers will learn how to operate and program Sphero RVR robots, learn about the difference between robotics and Artificial Intelligence, and operate drones. I look forward for a great summer with all the campers!
Jasmely Rodriguez
Artificial Intelligence & Robotics Instructor
Harry Powers
Architecture Instructor
I have been teaching middle school and high school science in the Tampa Bay area and in upstate New York for the last 35 years. I have taught life and physical science, biology, chemistry, marine biology as well as several electives. Most recently, I taught biology and marine science and was the head of the science department at The Canterbury School in St. Petersburg. Next year I will be teaching biology at the Carrollwood Day School. I have also been teaching a variety of S.T.E.M. activities at camp during the last 35 years. A highlight of my S.T.E.M. instruction was being invited to teach S.T.E.M. for two weeks in China in 2018.
Arreanna Garrett
Immersive Media (AR/VR) Instructor
I’m Arreanna Garrett, an Immersive Media Instructor at Hillsborough Community College. As part of the Stem Achievers Program, my main focus is to introduce middle school students to technology tools in a fun and inspiring way. I love sparking imagination and fostering creativity by modifying lessons according to their interests.
At Verizon STEM Achievers, I have the opportunity to show students how to create Immersive Media using AR/VR technology. I also involve them in larger projects that incorporate 3D printing, Robotics/AI Technology, Architecture, and Coding. It’s incredibly fulfilling to witness their growth and enthusiasm as they develop their skills and take part in these hands-on experiences.
Before joining Verizon STEM Achievers, I worked at HCC Kids College as a Black Rocket Instructor for over four years. During this time, I guided groups of up to 20 students aged 8-14 in creating 3D and 2D video games, manipulating videos, streaming Esports and fostering teamwork to tackle final challenges. I also taught elementary and middle school students the fundamentals of HTML, Python, and JavaScript, empowering them to explore the world of programming.
Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about implementing technology in Education for both students and teachers. My goal is to inspire and empower students and teachers to reach their full potential, leveraging STEM skills and knowledge to make an impact in Education by advocating STEM technology tools in the classroom.
Justin Adams
Immersive Media (AR/VR) Instructor
My name is Justin Adams and I am one of the instructors for the AR/VR class. I recently graduated from the University of South Florida in the study of Psychology. I’ve taught middle school as a substitute teacher for the last 3 years and have tutored students for longer than that. In our class campers will learn how to use Virtual Reality to display things they never would have been able to on their own, whether it be their underwater aquarium creation or a virtual home blueprint they designed this summer. I am excited to see even more of their creations this summer!
