Meet Our Team

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.

Mr. Dante Donelson is a Milwaukee native who has worked many years with youth in education. Prior to joining STARBASE WI in 2022 as an instructor, Mr. Donelson was employed to teach at Horizon Science Academy-Belmont, Milwaukee College Preparatory School, and The Museum of Science and Industry. His career has ranged from teaching pre-school students their alphabet, to leading young adults during live open-heart surgery, or even conducting learning labs with NASA. In Mr. Donelson free time, he is a sports fanatic, previously coaching volleyball and luge. He is also an avid motorsports fan who enjoys watching Formula One and IndyCar. Overall, Mr. Donelson understands the importance of science education to young learners. He is eager to teach the importance of STEM education through exploration, curiosity, and learning.

Milwaukee native, Mr. Nile Bridges, is our 2.0 Program Coordinator and STEM Instructor. Mr. Bridges is also a licensed pilot with experience ranging from building flight simulators, developing curriculum, teaching, and so much more. Before joining STARBASE Wisconsin in 2022, Nile spent time flying airplanes in the mountains of Utah. After noticing the lack of diversity in the field, Bridges returned to Milwaukee and founded Left Seat Club, a company committed to increasing diversity in Aviation.  In his free time Nile enjoys flying, carpentry, and agriculture. Nile Bridges passion for aviation, education, and community outreach makes him a valued member of our STARBASE team.

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.

Mrs. Emily Cichoski has worked in both the education and aviation arenas. Mrs. Cichoski’s aviation career began in 2012 when she enlisted with the Air National Guard as a Crew Chief. During this time, she worked as an aircraft maintainer for 6 years and received, “Crew Chief of the Year” in 2015. Upon the completion of her service, she obtained her Associate’s Degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology with the Community College of the Air Force. In 2019, she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Carthage College in Kenosha, WI. Since then, she has taught elementary, middle, and high school students and has had a variety of roles in education. She has taught General Education, English Language Arts, and Health. In 2021, she received her Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Mrs. Cichoski is enthusiastic to be an instructor at STARBASE Wisconsin. Her favorite part of this job is working with the students and challenging them to reach their highest potential within a safe and positive learning environment.