Meet Our Team

Ms. Sam (she/they)

Founder and CEO of AWE &
Co-Director of Microschool

Sam has been a STEAM Educator in New Orleans since 2007. She has a ​M.Ed in Educational Leadership with an emphasis in STEAM, and is currently working on her Doctorate at Xavier University in Educational Leadership.  Previously she has been a classroom math and science teacher in grades 6-12 for 13 years, and a school administrator for 7 years in grades PreK-12, and a collegiate professor.  Sam is also trauma yoga certified. Sam believes that access to STEM education is essential to the growth and development of an explorer's critical thinking and their social and emotional well-being. 

Find more information about Sam at 
​www.samanthakreuscher.com/ 
and a clear demonstration of her teaching and energy on her YouTube Channel

Ms. Angela (she/her) 

Co-Director of Microschool

Angela is a native of Chalmette, LA, but currently resides in Slidell, La. She has been a math educator in public schools across the country for l7 years. She has two master's degrees, one in the Ari of Teaching and Learning from Xavier University Louisiana and the other in International Affairs & Development from Clark Atlanta University. She is currently a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership at Xavier University Louisiana. She is certified to teach math in grades 4-8. Angela is an avid reader and aspires to be a professor of math education. She is married to a retired Navy veteran and has three daughters.

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Ms. Cheyenne (she/her)

K-3 Educator 

Cheyenne is a St.Bernard Parish native who has aspired to teach and explore the minds of young children. She has always dreamed of becoming an elementary school educator. While working at a preschool academy she took many courses and obtain certifications in Childhood Education. One course regarding positive reinforcement and redirection lead to her interest in Child Psychology which she studied at a local college. She is committed to the mental and educational development of all children she encounters. She is a married mother of two, a beautiful daughter and handsome son. ​

Ms. Raji (she/they)

K-8 Educator

Raji has been a youth educator in and outside of traditional school settings for 7 years, with focuses in expressive & healing arts, STEM, and ecological education. Outside of working with young people, she spends her time urban farming, being an artist, making herbal medicines, and reading. She believes that alternatives to traditional school – rooted in exploration, social justice, and holistic health – are necessary for young people and families to have the support and confidence they need to thrive. She is so excited to be a part of the AWE team!

Ms. Gio (she/her)

Sub Educator​​

Gio is a Creative, Art Director and Business & Life Coach. She has an under degree in Fine Arts, Product Design and Graphic Design with minors in Communication and Photography and a Master Degree in Sustainable Fashion & Trends. Gio has worked as an Art Director for Marketing and Advertising for 10+ years for major global companies and recently opened her own Boutique Marketing Agency. Her dream is to inspire people to know themselves, be happier, and reach their own dreams. She has experience teaching Scientific Method & Analysis for College freshman. She supports STEM education and believes in practice changes to better the school system in New Orleans. In her free time she volunteers in different non-profit groups to help the homeless, and various minorities.​​

"The fundamental essence of science, is poking something with a stick and seeing what happens.  Embrace that process of inquiry."

- Philippe Cousteau, Jr.