About Us

Dorothy Velez, Owner, Director, Middle/High School Instructor
Dorothy is a mom of 3 and has homeschooled her younger kids, one high schooler and one in college, from the beginning. She holds degrees in Biology and Marketing from Thomas Edison State University, and Elementary Education from Kean University.
She has spent over 30 years sharing her love of science with children, as a docent at a local zoo and as a 4H leader running STEM and Robotics clubs. Opening the Science Center was a natural way to bring together her experience homeschooling and her love for teaching science.
Ms. Dorothy teaches all our Middle School/High School classes as well as the MSHS Hybrid Program at the Science Center.

Jennifer (Jen) Pankowski, Head Teacher, Elementary Instructor
Jen is a family-first mother of 3 amazing kids. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Science from the University at Buffalo and holds teaching certificates in New Jersey for Elementary Education and as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities.
Jen has previously worked as a teacher in a school for children with autism, as an in-home tutor and coordinator of home programs for children with autism, and as a teacher in a private preschool.
She loves to do hands-on activities and teach based on the students in her class and their interests. Every child is an individual and should learn as such.
Jen is proficient in American Sign Language.
Ms. Jen teaches many of our Elementary science classes as well as the Upper Elementary Hybrid Program at the Science Center.

Jaime Ferry, Office Manager, PreK Teacher
Jaime has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from William Paterson University, graduated Magna Cum Laude. She left her finance job on Wall Street many years ago to stay home with her oldest child. She’s since homeschooled all three of her children, with her oldest graduating and continuing their educational career in college. She’s loved homeschooling her kids as it allows her to grow and learn right alongside them. She also loves being a part of what Dorothy offers to the homeschooling community through the Science Center.
​Jaime is a 4H leader and takes yearly Working with Minors training through Rutgers University.
Ms. Jaime teaches PreK at the Science Center and is the Science Center Office Manager.

Johanna Pipoli, Junior and Elementary Instructor
Johanna is currently a student at County College of Morris studying Early Childhood Education and Child Psychology. She is extensively involved in youth mentoring with 4H including serving as a counselor at 4H sleep-away camp, assisting and running programs at Science-sational Day, serving as a mentor for the small animal club, and providing children’s activities at Cloverbud Corner at the 4H Fair. As a 4H leader, Johanna takes yearly Working with Minors training through Rutgers University.
Johanna is proficient in American Sign Language.
Ms. Johanna teaches many of our Junior Science classes and Elementary electives as well as the Lower Elementary Hybrid Program at the Science Center.

Agnieszka Golasik, Junior Instructor
Agnieszka brings over a decade of homeschooling experience and a passion for creative, choice-based, and interest-led learning. With a background spanning forest schools, democratic free schools, co-ops, nonprofits, and holistic learning centers, she offers a rich educational perspective. Her homeschooling journey began when her young daughter feared school would “kill her creativity,” inspiring Agnieszka’s ongoing commitment to nurturing curiosity, creativity, and hands-on learning in every child.
Ms. Agnieszka teaches many of our Junior Science classes.

Tori Velez, PreK Instructor
Tori is a life-long homeschooler and has been a student at the Science Center since it’s inception.
She enjoys creating art, writing fiction, and loves visiting zoos and aquariums, and exploring nature.
Ms. Tori has been a counselor for the Science Center summer camp program for 3 years and is excited to now teach PreK at the Science Center.

Vivian Kluth, PreK Instructor
Vivian, homeschooled since kindergarten, has led outdoor education, storytelling, and nature-based crafts at summer camps, and worked as a part-time ice skating instructor before joining the NJHSC teaching team as a summer camp counselor.
Ms. Vivian is now teaching PreK at the Science Center.