Michelle “Starburst” Klos-Gonzalez –
Program Supervisor
Ms. Klos-Gonzalez comes to us from the Milwaukee Public School System where she most recently worked as a Planning Assistant of Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO). She has also worked as a STEM Integrator and sixth-grade educator, a STEM Instructor at STARBASE, an after-school support teacher (all at or near the Milwaukee Metropolitan Area) and possesses several years of experience as a 4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator and Lecturer with the University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension Program.
Kenny “Motown Philly” Jones –
Deputy Director
Mr. Kenneth “KJ” Jones is originally from North Philadelphia and has served as a youth servant for the past 25 plus years. In Philadelphia, he served as the Director of programs and operations for the City Wide Youth Leadership program supporting middle and high school students. In addition, he has been a part of the Greater Milwaukee community serving our youth since 2014. KJ joined the STARBASE Wisconsin Academy in 2020 after serving six years as the Site Director for the Bradley Tech High School Boys and Girls Club. KJ’s catchphrase is, “I’m just a Kid from North Philly and excited about this new journey as a STEM Instructor.” His energy captures the hearts and minds of his students.
Adam “Gonzo” Gonzalez – Instructor
Mr. Adam Gonzalez grew up ten blocks away from the STARBASE Wisconsin Academy. He received his undergraduate degree in Secondary Education from Cardinal Stritch University. Education has always been important to Mr. Gonzalez as he has taught in Milwaukee schools for 15 years. He was awarded the MMABSE Teacher of the Year award in 2017. He enjoys all things sports related, having coached basketball, track, football, and forensics during his teaching career. Additionally, he enjoys camping and traveling with his wife and daughters. Mr. Gonzalez is excited to be working at STARBASE Wisconsin and bringing the excitement of STEM to elementary students.
Amanda “Storm” Jacobs – Instructor
Ms. Amanda Jacobs grew up in the Milwaukee area and is excited to be back in the city teaching 5 th graders at STARBASE Wisconsin. Prior to this position, she graduated from Syracuse University with bachelor’s degrees in biology, geography, and sustainability. She also holds a master’s degree in geography from Syracuse University. Ms. Jacobs has spent many years studying, researching, and teaching many STEM topics. Her past teaching experiences include teaching at Syracuse University and at the Field Museum in Chicago, Illinois. Outside of work, Ms. Jacobs enjoys playing trivia, swimming, hiking, and watching movies.
Felecia “Cyclone” Thomas-Mack – Instructor
Felecia joined STARBASE Wisconsin in 2023. The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is where she received her Bachelor of Science in Education. Felecia was sole proprietor of a business tailored to the scholastic readiness of kindergarteners. She also is the organizer of a grant-funded program, designed for the social development and inclusion of adults on the spectrum. Felecia finds teaching, personally rewarding. Daily, she looks forward to stimulating positive experiences, that will inspire and empower the next generation of scholars.
Valencia Caldwell – Instructor
Caldwell “Private” has worked in education for over a decade, spanning from STEM to District level administration. She was named teacher of the year in 2021 by the “Why you teach campaign” and recognized by DPI, Department of Public Instruction for her commitment to inclusion as a committee member to rewrite the Essential Elements standards for Mathematics in 2020. Her devotion to education and technology is rooted in a belief that everyone should and can succeed with the right tools and resources. She is a proud business owner of an organization that bridges the gap between education and technology. She holds a Bachelor’s earned at Indiana Tech in Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Management with a minor in Business and a Masters of Arts from Cardinal Stritch in the field of Education. She is a board committee member at GPS Education. She is excited to continue to spark the joys of innovation with the next generation through aviation and science, the place that she was once inspired as well.
