About

My name is Alexis Wiersema*. I am a STEAM educator committed to supporting PK–10 students of all backgrounds with high-quality, equitable learning experiences. My teaching and research focus on identifying and removing barriers to STEAM success.

I approach STEM education through a public-health lens: my background in sociology and maternal/child/minority health informs the design of learning environments that foster both academic growth and student well-being. By treating educational access as a social determinant of health, I use STEM instruction as an early intervention to support cognitive development, mental health, and long-term equity. I integrate trauma-informed practices, brain breaks, and multisensory strategies to create inclusive spaces where all students feel seen and supported.

Collaboration is central to my approach. I work with parents, educators, counselors, therapists, and community partners to connect families with resources, ensuring learning environments are engaging, effective, and responsive to broader family and community needs. I have taught in a variety of settings—learning centers, private and public schools, nonprofit programs—both in-person and virtually.