Inspired by her parents' dedication to education and curiosity, Nikki’s career as a STEAM educator reflects her commitment to sparking creativity and resilience in her students. As an elementary teacher in Council Rock for over a decade, she has impacted countless young lives with her warmth and genuine care, treating each student as her own. Nikki breaks stereotypes daily, showing her students that women are powerful leaders in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. She goes beyond words, tackling hands-on DIY renovations at home and modeling that women can do anything they set their minds to.

In addition to her full-time teaching role, Nikki is also a doctoral student at Penn State, furthering her education to create an innovative classroom that combines STEAM learning with community-focused philanthropy. Her passion for lifelong learning and giving back to her community is at the heart of everything she does. Her dissertation research is dedicated to finding new ways to help her students make a positive impact on the community.

Nikki’s resilience is all the more remarkable given her personal journey as a type-1 diabetic for over 30 years. She faces daily health challenges with strength, inspiring her students to thrive through their own battles. Nikki embodies compassion, strength, and a love for her community that shines through in everything she does. She deserves every bit of recognition, though she would never ask for it herself.

What inspired you to pursue your current career or passion?

My parents, 100%. My mom, an elementary teacher, and my dad, an aerospace engineer, always fostered a sense of curiosity and a love for learning in my siblings and me. They encouraged us to explore new ideas and passions, even when those ideas seemed impossible. They’ve been the best role models in showing me what’s possible when you pursue your passions with determination. Watching them build their coffee roastery, Old Village Roastery, where they forge roast coffee using a wood-burning fire, has been a true inspiration both in creativity and work. It showed me that no matter how unconventional or challenging a dream might be, it’s worth pursuing. That’s a lesson I carry with me every day in my role as an educator and student.

Can you share a defining moment in your life that shaped your path?

I’ve always known that I wanted to be a teacher, but a defining moment came when I realized that education could be a powerful way to make a difference beyond the classroom. When I saw the impact I could have by encouraging my students to explore, question, and believe in their own potential, it solidified my purpose. It became clear that teaching wasn’t just about sharing knowledge, it was about inspiring the next generation to shape their futures with confidence and creativity. There wasn’t exactly just one moment in time that did that for me; however, a defining moment in my journey to becoming specifically an Elementary STEAM teacher was actually when I was a toddler, and my dad let me paint the house with him. Owning my own paintbrush as a 4-year-old gave me an “I can do anything” attitude. Even 25+ years later, that attitude drives me as I knock down literal walls to build bathrooms and custom cabinetry in my house, all by my 5-foot-tall self!

Who or what has been your greatest mentor or influence, and why?

My education has been my greatest influence, from the incredible teachers I had growing up to the experiences I’ve had and continue to have at Penn State. As a child, my teachers went beyond the curriculum; they taught me how to be a kind, resilient person. It’s those small, personal touches, like my fourth-grade teacher (Miss Palmeri, now married Mrs. Jones) helping me embrace my curly hair, that shaped me profoundly. At Penn State, I continued to grow, learning from professors who pushed me out of my shell. Being involved with the Alumni Board and interacting with undergraduates has been a full-circle moment for me. I now get to be that guiding presence for others. It’s a constant reminder of the impact we can have on each other’s lives, and it is those influences that propel me forward to try to be one myself.

What values guide you in your personal and professional decisions?

Honesty, perseverance, and effort are at the core of everything I do. In my teaching, I’m transparent with my students, sharing my own challenges and failures as well as successes. I believe that showing my own imperfections helps them see that learning is a journey: mistakes are part of it, and so is trying again. My personal journey with Type-1 Diabetes has taught me that while life can be unpredictable, our struggles can become sources of strength if we approach them with the right mindset. I openly share that with others. Effort is another guiding principle for me. I’m pursuing my Doctorate in Education because I believe that true growth comes from pushing beyond what feels comfortable. If it’s easy, then maybe the goal isn’t big enough. Balancing my mind, body, and soul has been central to my personal growth and focusing on my own values in decision making over the past few years. Through pursuing my doctorate, I’ve pushed myself to new heights academically, while reading for pleasure helps keep my mind fresh. Managing my Type-1 diabetes has led me to focus more on my physical well-being, like incorporating yoga. For my soul, I’ve embraced meditation and gratitude, appreciating the people and life I get to live. I’ve found that nurturing one aspect naturally enhances the others and allows me to stick to who I am in my values when making decisions.

What impact do you hope to leave on the world through your work?

I hope to inspire others to embrace challenges and pursue what they’re passionate about, even if it feels daunting. For my students, I want to ignite a love for learning so deep that they carry it with them throughout their lives, whether it leads them to become educators or follow a passion that creatively solves problems. My advocacy for Type-1 Diabetes is another way I hope to make an impact; if I can be a source of support for just one person or family navigating this journey, it would mean everything to me. My goal is to show that while we can’t always choose our challenges, we can choose how we grow from them.

I tell my students that my number one goal in life is to inspire at least one person and that they’ll let me know I made a difference for them someday. It’s a lofty dream, but it’s my way of honoring those who have inspired me. I hope to be a living example of resilience, not just for my students but for anyone facing obstacles. Whether it’s earning my doctorate, managing Type-1 Diabetes, or learning how to renovate my home with my own two hands, I want to show that strength and determination can take you far. It’s about using challenges as opportunities to grow, learn, and create something meaningful, and that’s the legacy I hope to leave behind.

How do you foster creativity and innovation in your work?

In my role as a STEAM teacher, I believe a focus is in creating challenges that push my students to think creatively and adapt to new situations. I often introduce a twist in my lessons, forcing them to alter their approach and look at problems from a fresh perspective. My goal is to help them become resourceful problem-solvers who can apply these skills in the real world, because in life, we’re not always given everything we need upfront. I especially love highlighting the unique ideas from students who might not always get the spotlight in a traditional classroom setting. It helps build a classroom environment where every student feels safe taking risks and exploring new paths as well as building individual confidence.
One of my favorite ways to foster creativity is through hands-on coding projects where students learn to program robots. On day one of a robotics unit, I give them basic instructions for the new device and then step back, letting them explore and discover what the robots can do. As I walk around, I’ll playfully ask questions like, “I wonder if it can talk?” This gives students just enough of a hint to keep them curious and excited to discover on their own. My real passion for creativity comes during engineering challenges. In a recent activity, where students were building boats with limited materials and only a few inches of tape, I noticed one group peeling a serial number sticker from under a table to use as adhesive, since I never specified they couldn’t. It was a cleaver solution that had everyone laughing, but it also made me smile with pride. It’s these moments that show me they’re learning to think outside the box and adapt creatively.

What’s one thing you wish more people knew about you or your work?

I wish more people knew that while I may be small, I am mighty. I tackle challenges head-on, whether it’s pursuing my doctorate, renovating my home on my own, or navigating life as a Type-1 Diabetic. I’ve learned that integrity and resilience are my greatest strengths. When faced with doubt, I don’t just rise to the occasion, I excel. Those moments of challenge fuel my determination, reminding me, and hopefully others, that no matter the obstacle, you have the power to shape your own path.

Photography by Alison Dunlap