Summer Discovery kicks off shortly, and it’s time to meet the heart and soul of the program—the instructors. These educators and mentors play a vital role in guiding students as they explore college and career pathways, engage in hands-on learning, and grow as leaders. This year’s team is a dynamic mix of returning instructors and new faces, each with unique perspectives and experiences.
Get to know the people who will be leading the way this summer in Pittsburgh and Central PA!
Kayleigh Gaborek
Start on Success Educator
Pittsburgh Westinghouse Academy 6-12 (Pittsburgh Public Schools)
What are you most looking forward to this summer with Readiness Institute Summer Discovery?
Meeting my new cohort! The team really does a great job of building out the cohorts. I can’t wait to get to know everyone’s personality and see the friendships develop!
What is one must-have in the classroom?
ClearTouch Board—literally the best tech upgrade ever!
What is your dream vacation?
Going to a gorgeous beach, preferably in the Caribbean (I really want to go to Cuba and the Virgin Islands!), or Morocco
Favorite subject when you were in high school?
French. Our teachers were so kind and fun, and we had a chocolate fountain every year!
What is the biggest lesson you learned in high school or post-graduation?
The plot twists and course corrections in your story are what makes you human, relatable, and interesting. Perfect and according-to-plan are boring, unrelatable, and unattainable.
What is your favorite memory from a past Summer Discovery program?
Last year is honestly going to be difficult to top! Cohort C really meshed well and had so much fun, no matter what we doing or where we were! I really enjoyed getting to see my learners be kids and have fun at the Carnegie Science Center Sports Works. We also had fun bus rides with the learners singing to songs.
Tracey Grier
English Teacher
Pittsburgh Sunnyside K-8 (Pittsburgh Public Schools)
What are you most looking forward to this summer with Readiness Institute Summer Discovery?
I am most looking forward to meeting the new students and learning alongside them. I am also looking forward to watching their growth over the next few months and hopefully seeing their confidence by the end of the summer as they prepare to begin their senior year of high school.
What is one must-have in the classroom?
SNACKS! During the Summer Discovery, it feels very homey in the classroom, and when you’re that comfortable, for some reason it makes you snacky. The snacks tame hunger, make you feel good, and give you a little brain-power.
What is your dream vacation?
I’m a simple lady. I just want to be on a beach! Currently, Jamaica is on my bucket list.
Favorite subject when you were in high school?
My favorite subject was English (go figure, I became an English teacher), followed by art and gym.
What is the biggest lesson you learned in high school or post-graduation?
Lots! Not everyone is your friend! Be nice to your teachers and pay attention.
What is your favorite memory from a past Summer Discovery program?
Again, I have many. Some of my favorites include when we were gardening on the Northside, also when we went to Junior Achievement BizTown and students had to pitch a random product. It was hilarious and a lot of fun!
Jay D’Ambrosio
History Teacher
Hampton Township School District
What are you most looking forward to this summer with Readiness Institute Summer Discovery?
I’m looking forward to guiding students as they imagine what’s possible and set purposeful goals for the road ahead.
What is one must-have in the classroom?
A big screen TV that can be used for student and teacher presentations.
What is your dream vacation?
This is a difficult one. I’m a history guy, so there are so many places that I would like to visit. One place I would love to go to would be Guatemala to see the Mayan ruins at Tikal.
Favorite subject when you were in high school?
English literature, anatomy, and physiology
What is the biggest lesson you learned in high school or post-graduation?
Get to know your teachers and professors. You never know how their advice or connections might help you down the road.
What is your favorite memory from a past Summer Discovery program?
One of the most rewarding parts of our cohort experience was seeing students from all walks of life come together and form lasting bonds.
Audrey Sasala
School Counselor, Grades 5–12
Steel Valley Middle and High School
What are you most looking forward to this summer with Readiness Institute Summer Discovery?
I’m looking forward to meeting all the new students and the field trips that are planned!
What is one must-have in the classroom?
Lamps are a must have in my office. I hate the florescent lights in schools, so my lamps bring a much more calming and relaxed atmosphere. However, my students would probably say Jolly Ranchers because I always keep them stocked in my office for them.
What is your dream vacation?
I have been fortunate enough to get to travel to many tropical areas so a dream vacation for me would be Europe to explore and see different cultural and historic areas.
Favorite subject when you were in high school?
Math
What is the biggest lesson you learned in high school or post-graduation?
Everyone makes mistakes, we’re human, but allow yourself to learn from it to grow, develop, and flourish.
What is your favorite memory from a past Summer Discovery program?
My favorite memory was getting to work in Sunny’s garden. It’s such an amazing thing to get to be a part of.
Eric Allen
Learning Support Teacher
Greenfield PreK-8 (Pittsburgh Public Schools)
What are you most looking forward to this summer with Readiness Institute Summer Discovery?
Meeting the new students and watching them grow due to the program experiences
What is one must-have in the classroom?
Writing utensils
What is your dream vacation?
All-expenses-paid vacation to Italy
Favorite subject when you were in high school?
Anything dealing with science
What is the biggest lesson you learned in high school or post-graduation?
The best teacher and classroom is life itself!
What is your favorite memory from a past Summer Discovery program?
Watching the cohort grow from day one to the very last day of the program — the individual personalities that came to the surface—was awesome to see and experience.
Kimberly Okeke
What are you most looking forward to this summer with Readiness Institute Summer Discovery?
This summer I am looking forward to getting to know the students I work with, meeting my cohort, and being inspired by everyone I cross paths with!
What is one must-have in the classroom?
A must have in the classroom are fictional books! I like to live vicariously through fictional characters!
What is your dream vacation?
My dream vacation is Italy! I am addicted to anything pasta.
Favorite subject when you were in high school?
My favorite subject in high-school was English! I loved writing historical fiction, fiction, and poetry.
What is the biggest lesson you learned in high school or post-graduation?
The biggest lesson I learned after graduation is that sometimes you have to be your own best friend. Your inner child depends on no one but yourself!
Chiara Coates
Junior InstructorCurrently attending Penn State
What are you most looking forward to this summer with Readiness Institute Summer Discovery?
I’m excited to gain hands-on experience working more closely with adolescents and helping guide them through a transformative summer. Watching young minds grow and discover their potential is very rewarding.
What is one must-have in the classroom?
A welcoming and inclusive energy as well as a little music to set the vibe! Creating a safe, uplifting space where students feel seen and supported.
What is your dream vacation?
Exploring another country, immersing myself in a new culture, trying unfamiliar foods, (because I’m a picky eater trying to grow), and learning how other people live. Whether it’s the streets of Tokyo, the coast of Ghana, or the villages of Italy—I want to experience it all firsthand.
Favorite subject when you were in high school?
English—hands down. It gave me the freedom to express myself, dive into powerful stories, and find my own voice through writing.
What is the biggest lesson you learned in high school or post-graduation?
Put yourself first—your peace, your goals, your healing. The world doesn’t slow down, so it’s up to you to prioritize your growth and make space for what truly matters.
What is your favorite memory from a past Summer Discovery program?
I was actually a student during the very first year of the program! Coming back now as a junior instructor feels like a full-circle moment. I’m eager to see how much the program has evolved—and even more excited to contribute to that growth from the other side.
Danielle Richard
Junior InstructorCurrently attending Penn State
What are you most looking forward to this summer with Readiness Institute Summer Discovery?
I look forward to getting to know my cohort and exploring the city.
What is one must-have in the classroom?
I believe in a well-stocked basket of fidget toys and fun gadgets. No matter your age, everyone can benefit from having something fun and stress-relieving nearby!
What is your dream vacation?
I would love to backpack through southeast Asia.
Favorite subject when you were in high school?
English has always been my favorite subject!
What is the biggest lesson you learned in high school or post-graduation?
Empathy is valuable in every situation and circumstance.
Carly Broucher
Chemistry Teacher
Somerset Area High School
What are you most looking forward to this summer with Readiness Institute Summer Discovery?
I’m most looking forward to meeting a new group of learners, helping them build confidence, and watching them discover their strengths through hands-on experiences.
What is one must-have in the classroom?
One must-have in my classroom is a coffee maker. I love my coffee in the morning when I wake up, before I eat lunch, after I eat lunch, after dinner. I love coffee!
What is your dream vacation?
My dream vacation would be any place where I can just sit on the beach and relax and someone else can do the cooking and cleaning!
Favorite subject when you were in high school?
My favorite subject in high school was history. My teacher was enthusiastic about teaching us. He was even asked to be an extra, along with our art teacher, in the movie The Last of the Mohicans.
What is the biggest lesson you learned in high school or post-graduation?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that your path doesn’t always go as planned—and that’s okay. When you feel stuck, pivot. Life doesn’t always follow a straight line, but it often leads you exactly where you’re meant to be.
What is your favorite memory from a past Summer Discovery program?
My favorite memory from a past RI Summer Discovery program is all the off-site adventures I was able to attend with both cohorts. I loved being able to interact with both cohorts. It’s hard to pick just one memory.
Mr. Nik
Health & Physical Education Teacher, Grades 9–12
Central Cambria High School
What are you most looking forward to this summer with Readiness Institute Summer Discovery?
I love having the opportunity of working with our youth outside of the classroom. I am very impressed with what the Readiness Institute has to offer to our students. I am anxious to see how the new recruits are going to process the information presented and utilize it to better their future plans.
What is one must-have in the classroom?
I really love not seeing phones out when speakers are presenting.
What is your dream vacation?
I don’t really care about traveling. I’m a “Homer.” My dream vacation is simply being in the area where I live. I’m very simple.
Favorite subject when you were in high school?
You and the Law
What is the biggest lesson you learned in high school or post-graduation?
Failure and hiccups are going to happen in life. One must utilize these failures and mistakes for their foundation of success.
What is your favorite memory from a past Summer Discovery program?
A podcast company came in for the students. I was unsure how they would respond, but the podcasts the students created were hysterical. I still find myself laughing at their material.
Nicole Hillegas
Fourth Grade Teacher
Everett Area School District
What are you most looking forward to this summer with Readiness Institute Summer Discovery?
I am most looking forward to learning new things in the Bedford/Blair cohort and seeing everyone from last year.
What is one must-have in the classroom?
Compassion, patience, kindness, and flexibility are amazing things to have in a classroom. I hope we all bring those. However teachers can’t function without the necessities. As bizarre as it sounds, the most important must have in the classroom is a working pencil sharpener. I go through about three a year. The fourth graders are very hard on them! Staplers, scissors, and garbage cans are also key to successfully running a classroom.
What is your dream vacation?
My dream vacation is Greece. I’d love to explore the islands.
Favorite subject when you were in high school?
My favorite subjects in high school were astronomy and English.
What is your favorite memory from a past Summer Discovery program?
I have so many memories of last year as a readiness instructor. I LOVED the trips and learning about new things. I loved touring all of the industries, farms, and businesses. I enjoyed meeting the students and the instructors. I liked needle pulling with wool at the Johnstown Bottle Works. We all just hung out and chatted while we worked. I enjoyed cleaning the fields in Johnstown and the bike trails. It was a fabulous experience start to finish.
Len Haduck
American History Teacher
Altoona Area School District
What are you most looking forward to this summer with Readiness Institute Summer Discovery?
Getting to work with a new group of students and to learn from them.
What is one must-have in the classroom?
A good attitude and willingness to learn.
What is your dream vacation?
Anywhere with my family that involves water, sunscreen, and no daily news.
Favorite subject when you were in high school?
Physics
What is the biggest lesson you learned in high school or post-graduation?
The biggest lesson that I learned is: Surround yourself with people that you trust and care about.
What is your favorite memory from a past Summer Discovery program?
There are two summers full of great memories, but my favorite was when our group helped each other pick out and wear costumes from the community theater. It was a wonderful bonding experience.
Nicholas Putt
Social Studies Teacher, Grades 7–8
Wendell Magnet Middle School (Wake County Public Schools)
What are you most looking forward to this summer with Readiness Institute Summer Discovery?
I am looking forward to meeting all the students and helping them gain critical experience during such a pivotal time in their lives.
What is one must-have in the classroom?
A smartboard of some sort. As a teacher, I love using technology in my lessons and really benefit from being able to use a smart board for games, presentations, videos, etc.
What is your dream vacation?
My dream vacation would be just an average beach trip (preferably Hilton Head Island) with my college buddies, playing golf and enjoying the sand and ocean every day with no other cares in the world.
Favorite subject where you were in high school?
My favorite subject was American history, specifically topics ranging from the Industrial Revolution to modern-day events.
What is the biggest lesson you learned in high school or post-graduation?
Don’t sit around and wait for opportunities to arise. Take the initiative to make them happen for yourself and go out and get it.
Madison Kim
Junior InstructorCurrently attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP)
What are you most looking forward to this summer with Readiness Institute Summer Discovery?
I’m excited to meet all of the students and to help guide them throughout this experience so that they learn more about themselves and who they want to be.
What is one must-have in the classroom?
I believe a classroom must have a positive, supportive, and engaging learning environment.
What is your dream vacation?
Greece
Favorite subject when you were in high school?
Mathematics
What is the biggest lesson you learned in high school or post-graduation?
Do not wish time away and enjoy every moment. It goes by so fast.