Michelle 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.
Nile “Left Seat” Bridges – Instructor
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.
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.
Emily “Chief” Cichoski – Instructor
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.
Felecia 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.
Amanda Kallie
Amanda Kallie holds an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration earned at Colorado Technical University. She served the public as a state employee for five years with the Department of Health Services prior to joining the STARBASE Wisconsin program. She is excited to join the STARBASE Wisconsin team. She values education. She takes pride in working with children as they are the future, and their education is an investment. She feels that “the STARBASE program is amazing with its hands-on training along with the feel for the core math and sciences [subjects].”
