Meet the STEM Staff

Samantha Miller

STEM Center Director

With over eight years of diverse teaching experience in K-8 classrooms across Pueblo, Sam has developed a deep passion for blending Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) into engaging, hands-on learning experiences. As a former media specialist and classroom teacher, she transformed an elementary media center by establishing a dynamic Makerspace, providing students with the opportunity to explore robotics, engineering, and creative problem-solving. Her innovative approach to education has earned her a reputation for fostering curiosity and critical thinking in young learners. 

Now serving as the Director of PCC’s STEM Center, Sam helps the coordination of STEM education programs at Pueblo Community College, including assisting with the Space Grant and the college’s STEAM Club at the Pueblo Campus. In this role, she is committed to expanding opportunities for students to explore STEM fields, encouraging a new generation of innovators and leaders. Her aim is to fully direct and coordinate these programs within the STEM Center, and continuing to grow the impact of STEAM education within the community. 

With a master’s degree in Curriculum Design for STEAM Education and a wealth of hands-on experience, Sam brings a unique blend of leadership, creativity, and expertise to her work. Her dedication to education extends beyond the classroom, as she actively collaborates with colleagues and students to cultivate a vibrant learning environment that promotes exploration and discovery. 

Outside of their professional role, Sam enjoys spending time with her family and their beloved “fur babies,” as well as pursuing personal art and crafting projects that allow them to express their creativity and passion for lifelong learning. 

Cassie Aubuchon

Cassie Aubuchon is the STEM Coordinator for the STEM EDGE Title III grant at Pueblo Community College. Prior to her current position, Cassie worked as a laboratory technician for the community college system, as well as administrative staff in Student Services.

As the first in her family to attend college, she understands the tremendous dedication and perseverance that is required to obtain a higher education.  Cassie received her Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from Pikes Peak State College and her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. 

In her free time, Cassie enjoys spending time with her husband, Matthew, and their two wonderful dogs. Whether it be hiking, traveling, or trying something new, Cassie appreciates any opportunity to expand her horizons and broaden her world view. 

Miranda Caro

Academic Career Expert STEM Programs Pueblo & Fremont Campus

Miranda is an extremely outgoing individual who thrives in environments where she can positively influence people to reach their goals and dreams. She has a BA in English and is currently pursuing her MA in English Literature. Additionally, she also briefly lived in DC where she was an intern for the Smithsonian Libraries housed in the National Museum of Natural History. Miranda's strengths lie in her ability to communicate with others, and her optimistic mindset. She is a firm believer in developing the Pueblo community through education. This mindset has led her to establish a career within higher education with experience as a paraprofessional, college preparedness instructor (University Tracks Centers Coordinator), and now an Academic Career Expert for STEM Edge.  

Despite her love for classic literature, Miranda also has a passion for modern pop culture including, but not limited to: Star Wars, Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, Anime, and KPop. 

Melissa Watters, M.S.

Melissa Watters is the STEM academic and career expert (ACE) at the PCC Southwest campus. Originally from Chicago, Melissa earned her B.S. in civil engineering from the University of Illinois and her M.S. in environmental engineering from Northwestern University. After working as an engineer for Argonne National Laboratory, Melissa realized that she most enjoyed engaging students and inspiring the next generations of STEM professionals, so she changed careers and became a math and science educator, incorporating the engineering design process into all her classes. In the last several years before joining PCC Southwest, Melissa found another passion in helping students understand their strengths and interests as they relate to careers and helping them find their way on their career paths. You can see why STEM ACE really is the perfect job for her! Melissa lives in Dolores with her husband and two dogs. They’re often found exploring the beautiful Southwest landscape together.

Chris LaRose

Chris LaRose is the STEM outreach coordinator for the STEM EDGE Title III grant at PCC Southwest. Chris has been in education for 21 years, specializing primarily in science, math and STEM education. He had a variety of roles including coordinator, director, teacher, volunteer and mentor. Chris has worked in a wide range of educational settings including science schools, public schools, charter schools, international schools, health and technology centers and summer camps.

Chris created and implemented lesson plans using STEM education including Sumo Bots, cryptography, bioengineering, science fair, environmental science and biomimicry. He has a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s in science education. He holds a professional teaching license in the state of Colorado.

Chris is passionate about STEM. He enjoys sharing knowledge and helping students explore and discover the world around them. He understands the importance of developing a student’s love for learning through positive experiences. Chris loves to see students use their imagination to create new inventions because we need student inventors to help solve real-world challenges.
   
When Chris is not doing STEM activities, you can find him outside enjoying the mountains, deserts, rivers and lakes. He likes to whitewater kayak and snowboard; he recently started learning how to sail. He also loves to travel with his family and explore different cultures. Chris lives in Dolores with his wife, Maggie, and four children – Taylor, Keira, Ranger and Johanna. 

Sativa Beedy
Hometown: Pueblo 
Year started at PCC: 2020 
Major: Cyber Security 
Clubs/ Programs: STEM EDGE, STEM Club
One sentenced fun fact.: Some people call me Steve 

Preston J. Terrell-Hefty
Hometown: Del Norte-Pueblo
Year started at PCC:  2022
Major:  Engineering
Clubs/ Programs:  Space Grant
One sentenced fun fact: I love God, golf and the gym.

Nick Knezevich
Hometown: Pueblo 
Year started at PCC: 2022 
Major: Associates of Science, Biology 
Clubs/ Programs: Space Grant, STEM Club, History Club, STEM Edge 
One sentence fun fact: I have been socially groomed (primate social behavior) by ring-tailed lemurs. 

Luciano Varos
Hometown: Pueblo  
Year started at PCC: 2022 
Major: Engineering 
Clubs/ Programs: Space Grant, STEM Edge, STEM Club
One sentenced fun fact: I love building fun motorized Projects like electric longboards