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Our Board
Nick Gangestad
Caryn Royer
Rod Morss
John Pedicone - President & MathBee Director
John has a Masters degree in computer and systems engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Upon graduation John worked at the General Electric Research and Development Center and was part of the team that developed computer chips for their first medical ultrasound system. While at GE John earned 10 patents. John then worked at Lockheed Martin where he designed chips for computer graphics including Sega game consoles and received two more patents. For the past 27 years, John has worked for Synopsys creating computer chips for advanced technologies including ultrasound, cell phones, the internet, satellites, radar, and computer graphics. Customers included Intel, Apple, Amazon, and Microsoft. John held technical and leadership roles in the industry while at General Electric, Lockheed Martin, and Synopsys.
Fred White - Vice President
Fred brings with him over forty years of executive HR experience in a corporate environment. In 2018 he retired as Senior Director and Ombudsperson at Universal Orlando Resort. Fred held numerous leadership positions specializing in Human Resources and developed and designed strategic programs that supported and promoted a high performing and inclusive workforce. His extensive work experience, leadership and prior community service involvements provides tremendous positive contribution to GFS and added value both as a collaborator and as a role model.
Fred is committed to supporting under-served youth especially in providing opportunities to enhance their STEM related skills and knowledge. He believes in the great opportunity of GFS to reach kids that may have no other avenue to enhance their knowledge of STEAM programs.
Fred is a U.S. Veteran having served in the U.S. Army. Fred also has many years of volunteer service with organizations such as Give Kids the World, Second Harvest Food Bank, The Mustard Seed, U.S. Hunger (formerly known as Feeding Children Everywhere), United Against Poverty, Habitat for Humanity and more. He has also served on the board of the Central Florida Urban League and The African American Chamber of Commerce, Central Florida.
Dave Russell - Treasurer
David brings with him over 45 years of executive work experience primarily focused on international marketing and business development with General Electric and Lockheed Martin. His last 24 years with Lockheed Martin focused on identifying and implementing creative economic solutions that would benefit and encourage foreign governments to purchase US defense products. His work experience encompassed engagement and coordination across finance, legal, logistics, compliance, regulatory, engineering, and other internal disciplines that give him a broad perspective and better understanding of the importance of good communication working with a high-performance inclusive team. David retired from Lockheed Martin in July 2021 and is focused on identifying various ways he can give back to his community. As a new volunteer of Go Full STEAM, he became active supporting the 2022 MathBee activities and looks forward to expanding his engagement with this and other Go Full STEAM initiatives.
David currently serves as a reading tutor to second grade students and is a mentor to a fifth grader at Maxey Elementary School in Winter Garden. He is committed to working with disadvantaged youth and in any other ways that will benefit the Orlando/Winter Garden area. In addition, he actively supports a variety of local and national charities through volunteering and financial support including 2nd Harvest Food Bank, National Cathedral, USO, Michael J Fox Foundation and others.
Kellie Brinker - Secretary
Kellie Brinker is excited to be a board member with Go Full STEAM. Although she is new to the board, she has been active with the organization for many years as a volunteer assisting with MathBee, ArtWorks and Robotics.
With a background in finance and urban and regional planning, Kellie is currently working in the real estate industry assisting people with managing the purchase and sale of homes and land. Kellie has over 30 years of volunteer experience with Orange County Public Schools in the classroom as well as PTA boards, Kids Who Care, multiple sports teams and numerous local non-profits including Habitat for Humanity, Clean the World, Second Harvest Food Bank, Coalition for the Homeless, Give Kids the World, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Circles USA, Faith Re-Entry Enterprise (FREE) , Dave’s House and Family Promise.
She is also a Stephen’s Minister and volunteers in many areas within St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. Kellie is looking forward to working with the board to expand the offerings and quality of programming through Go Full STEAM.
Renée Schneider - ArtWorks Director
Renee has served as a board member of Go Full STEAM since April 2020. Renée is the founder and developer of ArtWorks-Orlando and has been the chief officer and instructor of ArtWorks since 2003. Renée is a proud member of the Go Full STEAM Founder’s Circle
Renee spent six years as a public-school teacher before leaving teaching to attend Virginia Commonwealth University and pursue a degree in Communication Arts and Design. Upon completion Renée was hired by the Walt Disney Company and spent over ten years working first as an Art Director then as a Design Manager. As Design Manager she hired, supervised and art directed a staff of ten designers and managed a million-dollar design budget. Renée and her team completed projects for the Disney Parks and Resorts, and Disney Cruise Line.
Since leaving Disney Renée has used her artistic talents and teaching skills to help children who are hurting, launching ArtWorks-Orlando in 2003. Since 2003 ArtWorks has brought the healing power of the arts to over 1,500 disadvantaged children. Renée formerly served on the board for the Winter Garden Art Association and initiated, developed and leads their community outreach for disadvantaged children. Renée’s work has been recognized by a Jefferson Award for Outstanding Community Service, a Women of Distinction Award and a $23,000 grant from Dr. Phillips Charities.
Barnett Warren - Robotics Director
Barnett has been a Robotics volunteer since 2015 and is a member of the Go Full STEAM Founder’s Circle.
Barnett graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering. He served as a USAF officer for 4 years prior to entering the civilian workforce. Barnett is now retired, having completed a successful 45 year career in the defense and aerospace industry. He worked in a variety of positions, including aircraft and missile systems testing, hardware design, hardware production, and program management.
Barnett works closely with Robotics area volunteers to start-up and expand robotics teams in Orange County Title I* schools. Barnett knows that students who come from backgrounds without the resources of more affluent families face a large opportunity gap in education and technical career fields. The Go Full STEAM Robotics programs are helping bridge that gap and provide exciting, hands-on experiences for students in Title I schools here in Orange County.
*Title I schools have a high percentage of economically disadvantaged students.
Ke'Lee Pernell - Arts After 5 Director
Ke'Lee Pernell is a licensed Musikgarten instructor. She studied at Wright State University where she majored in vocal performance. Ke'Lee is certified in early childhood music and movement. Since 2006 she has taught early childhood music classes, vocal lessons, and acting at various daycare centers, performing arts schools, and private homes in the Orlando area. Ke'Lee performs everything from opera to gospel music. She has been a featured artist with Encore Theater Company and performed with Dayton Opera, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, and many more. Ke'Lee is also an accomplished theatre director in the Orlando area. Projects that she has directed have been seen at Orlando Family Stage (formerly Orlando Repertory Theatre), Theatre at St Luke’s, and Orlando Shakes.
As a teacher, Ke’Lee’s great joy is watching her students progress and thrive. Her students have appeared on X Factor, The Voice, and America's Got Talent. Ke’Lee has been the director of education for several performing arts schools and currently runs Creative Arts from the Heart which offers mobile performing arts programs. She has been the program director for Arts After 5 since 2015.
Hunter “Bud” Brinker
Bud joins Go Full STEAM after many years of attending and contributing to the MathBee and Go Full STEAM fundraiser. Even though Bud is an Orlando native he bleeds purple and gold for LSU – Geaux Tigers! Bud attained a degree in building construction management and was a varsity swimmer for four years as a Tiger. He is a licensed general contractor and has been in the construction field for over 40 years building unique commercial projects throughout Florida and high-end residential homes in the Central Florida area. Recognizing the importance of math throughout his career, Bud especially appreciates how the MathBee sparks interest and passion in students who may become future builders and engineers.
As a father of three boys, Bud was involved with numerous organizations that supported the growth and mentorship of children, including coaching and supporting many sporting teams, teaching Sunday school and Confirmation classes, and participating in Indian Guides. Additionally, Bud has volunteered for Circles, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Second Harvest Food Bank, Give Kids the World, Habitat for Humanity, Coalition for the Homeless, Clean the World, and Family Promise. He also served on the St. Luke’s United Methodist Church planning council.
Bud is excited to serve on the Go Full STEAM board of directors and looks forward to being part of the growth and expansion of Go Full STEAM.
Gareth Edwards
Gareth Edwards is an arts leader, curator, gallery owner, and longtime public-service professional who recently joined the Go Full STEAM Board of Directors.
Before relocating to Central Florida, Gareth served New York City government for more than 32 years, developing extensive management and leadership experience across operations, finance, and information technology. He is a graduate of Wesleyan University, where he earned a degree in Biology and Psychology.
Following his early retirement, Gareth was able to pursue his lifelong passion for art. He founded A Perfect Union Art Gallery, a fine-art gallery that also serves as a cultural hub and platform for local and emerging artists. He later created the Global Heritage Series, an ambitious curatorial initiative that presents exhibitions featuring artists and cultural traditions representing every region of the world.
Gareth also serves as Visual Arts Curator for FusionFest, where his work includes curating exhibitions and artistic programming at notable cultural venues throughout the Orlando area. Through his leadership, Gareth is committed to expanding opportunities for artists, celebrating cultural diversity, and using creativity and education to strengthen communities.
Dr. Jermaine James
Jermaine has a true heart for children and has dedicated most of his career to working with and advocating for youth from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds. Jermaine has taught middle and high school students in the Central Florida area and abroad, teaching in Orange, Osceola, and Polk County public schools and in the United Arab Emirates. American and world history are subjects he especially enjoys teaching. Jermaine currently teaches at Riggs College of Allied Health and serves as the Learning Program Specialist for Osceola County public schools. Jermaine has extensive experience in curriculum development, data collection and assessment, and has implemented numerous programs to improve student and teacher success. Jermaine has also led professional development sessions for the state of Florida. Prior to his teaching career Jermaine worked with the Department of Children and Families as an investigator.
Jermaine has a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from Capella University, a masters degree from Troy University, and a bachelor's degree from Florida State University. Jermaine serves on the board of directors for the Osceola Historical Society and has assisted Discovery Education, Ohio State University, and C-SPAN with history related projects. Jermaine also enjoys volunteering with the Arts After 5 theater program. He looks forward to serving on the board and hopes to expand Go Full STEAM's positive impact on children and their communities.
Tita Parham
Tita Parham began her career as a nonprofit communications professional and spent more than 30 years sharing information that matters, with an emphasis on positive messaging and brand journalism.
Her communications career began at Heart of Florida United Way in Orlando, where working within the realities of nonprofit budgets and staffing meant wearing many hats. Her years there provided a well-rounded education and hands-on experience across the communications field, including message development, brand management, special event planning, media relations, and more.
She went on to serve as director of communications for the Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church, principal consultant for a communications company she launched, and an account executive at Sara Brady Public Relations in Winter Park, where she expanded her corporate communications experience. She later served as vice president of communications and marketing for the Florida United Methodist Foundation. Tita concluded her communications career as director of marketing and communications for Embrace Families/Family Partnerships of Central Florida, the state-funded child welfare agency serving four Central Florida counties.
Today, Tita has shifted her professional focus to health care, working as an electrocardiograph (EKG) technician. While the field has changed, her purpose remains the same: using her gifts in service to others.
Tita is a lifelong United Methodist and the daughter of United Methodist missionaries and a Florida Conference pastor. Her faith tradition has deeply shaped both her life and the work she has chosen to pursue. She and her husband, Tom, are partners at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Orlando.
Ben Witten
Ben Witten joins the board of Go Full STEAM bringing over 35 years of experience in strategic planning and financial oversight. A long-time Windermere resident, Ben spent his corporate career as a Senior Director of Finance for PepsiCo's bottling and operational divisions. In this role, he managed multi-billion-dollar portfolios, annual planning processes, and major capital investments while leading teams of financial professionals. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Florida State University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Central Florida. Ben looks forward to applying his deep expertise in budgeting, financial modeling, and long-term planning to help Go Full STEAM maximize its resources and expand educational opportunities for underserved children throughout Orange County.
Beyond his corporate career, Ben has a proven track record of local civic leadership and organizational governance. He currently serves as the Finance Chairperson for St. Luke's United Methodist Church, a role he also held from 2016 to 2018, where he guides the organization's financial health, policy drafting, and compliance. Now retired, Ben focuses his time on community advocacy and fiduciary management. Outside of his volunteer commitments, he is an active outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking, biking, and beach activities. He also loves traveling, camping, and sharing family vacations with his wife, their three children, and their significant others.
Teri Zayas
Teri brings over 35 years of dedicated experience empowering youth through education and the arts. She has seen firsthand how opportunity builds confidence, watching underserved children beam with pride upon discovering new talents. Teri is deeply committed to expanding the outreach of Go Full STEAM so that more students can benefit from these experiences.
Since 2018, Teri has served as an ArtWorks volunteer at Edgewood Children's Ranch, the Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families, and local community centers. Her long-standing dedication to Central Florida youth includes volunteering with Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) since 1990 as a classroom assistant, art volunteer, and math and reading tutor. Additionally, she served for four years with Shepherd’s Hope and spent five years mentoring families out of poverty with West Orange Circles.
Teri has also served on the Church Council and various committees at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, including participating in two capital campaigns. She further demonstrated her leadership skills as President of the Bay Hill Women’s Golf Association. Teri brings this powerful combination of leadership, passion for mentorship, and deep community roots to her role on the Go Full STEAM Board.