Meet Our Team

Steve Coxon, PhD, is professor of education and executive director of the Center for Access and Achievement (CA2) at Maryville University. The CA2 focuses on partnerships with schools and nonprofits to prepare teachers and annually more than 2,000 pre-collegiate students for postsecondary education and the careers of the future through Constructivist STEM education.
Steve conducts research on developing STEM talents, especially spatial ability, mathematics, and creativity with a special focus on talent development in populations traditionally underrepresented in gifted programs and STEM professions. He is the author of more than 60 publications including the book Serving Visual-Spatial Learners and has given more than 100 presentations and workshops on these topics.
Steve earned his PhD from the College of William and Mary in educational policy, planning, and leadership. He was the 2010 recipient of the Joyce VanTassel-Baska Award for Excellence in Gifted Education and the 2020 recipient of the Laura Joyner Award from the Mensa Foundation.

Dustin Nadler, PhD is associate professor of psychology and is the associate director of the Center for Access and Achievement at Maryville University. He holds his PhD in Applied psychology from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. His research focuses on factors that contribute to student success and learning, specifically focusing on issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the role of the learning environment, student self-efficacy, and the importance of play in learning. Dustin’s work with colleagues and students has been presented over 50 times at academic conferences and he has 13 peer reviewed journal publications. He also serves as an educational consultant, project and program evaluator in the St. Louis area and an adjunct faculty member at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and Washington University.

Gretchen Roberts, BA, is the Program Coordinator for the Center for Access and Achievement. She holds her BA in early childhood and elementary education from Maryville University. Previously, she provided gifted enrichment in mathematics and robotics in Ladue Schools and directed a preschool gymnastics program. Gretchen also served as the program manager for the Children using Robotics for Engineering, Science, Technology, and Math (CREST-M) and C3 grant project Monsanto Fund to create math curricula that engage diverse children in STEM fields through the use of robotics.

Mara G. Berry, MEd is an adjunct supervisor for student teachers in the School of Education at Maryville. Formerly, she was Director/Principal of Gifted and English Language Learners in the Hazelwood School District. Mara has presented at state and national level gifted conferences. She holds her BS from the University of Missouri-Columbia, her MEd from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, and certification in Special Education Administration from Lindenwood University. Mara managed the Science & Robotics Programs at Maryville University for the last 10 years. She also volunteers as a Master Gardener with Missouri Botanical Gardens.

Karen (BA, MEd, M Ed) is the Program Director for the LEGO Foundation Grant (Playful Engineering Based Learning with Tufts University) and the Program Manager for the National Science Foundation Grant with Tufts University (Integrating A.I. with Smart Engineering and English Language Arts in Upper Elementary Education).
Karen Engelkenjohn is an Educator with over 22 years experience in project-based learning as a Gifted Specialist, STEM Educator, and FIRST LEGO League coach and mentor. She participated in STEM training through Discovery Education.
As the program director for the Center for Access and Achievement’s PEBL grant project, Karen developed MAP MATS, materials for the elementary classroom designed to enhance math and science concepts through playful learning methods. MAP MATS uses LEGO DUPLO and a set of three vinyl floor maps to give students hands on STEM challenges to solve.
Karen is an EFOL (Educator Fan of LEGO) and AFOL (Adult Fan of LEGO).

Angie Moehlmann, EdD, is Program Director for the Summer Science and Robotics Program and the Program Director for the Interactive STEM Studio for the Maryville Center for Access and Achievement. She has 25+ years of experience in the field of Education with a passion for children, technology and STEM. Her previous roles include elementary classroom teacher, professional development coach, assistant principal and principal in the Lindbergh School District. She holds her BA in English from Truman State University, MAE from Truman State University, her EdSp in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and her EdD in Educational Leadership from Maryville University. Angie is also an adjunct professor for the Education Department at the University of Missouri.

Michelle Schoeck, Ed.S. is a program director for Maryville’s Center for Access and Achievement and
veteran educator and administrator. Currently, she manages several STEM focused grant programs including the STEM Certificate Program for teachers, directing Coding Camp for secondary students, working with teachers to sponsor STEM Clubs, and leading a STEM implementation at the Jackie Joyner Kersee Academy. Her previous roles include Director of Gifted Programs and teacher of the gifted in the Lindbergh Schools, and classroom teacher in Texas. Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in elementary education, a Master of Arts degree from Maryville University in gifted education and an Education Specialist degree from Webster University in administrative leadership.