Science Discovery
Team
Our Inspiring Education Team
Tosha Punches
Tosha graduated from the University of La Verne with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and later earned a multiple-subject teaching credential. She is a passionate teacher with experience developing and implementing curricula in a wide range of topics. Tosha enjoys teaching science-related issues and has over a decade of experience working with students of all ages. Tosha teaches about recycling, composting, and all the resource conservation topics that Science Discovery delivers to schools.
Stacey Beveridge
Stacey is beginning her 17th year with Science Discovery. She has a BS in education from Eastern Michigan University and a California teaching credential. Stacey teaches all in-class and virtual programs that Science Discovery offers. Her wealth of experience and outstanding teaching skills earn glowing reviews from teachers at all grade levels. Stacey has presented an impressive 5,000+ class programs and field trips during her years at Science Discovery! Stacey also coordinates the scheduling of all class programs for the balance of our staff, over 1,500 per year. When she catches her breath from teaching and scheduling, Stacey loves editing the many beautiful videos we put out for teachers and students. Stacey is an avid runner and usually wins, or places in the top three of her age category in 10K runs. She also enjoys going to her son Bodhi's roller hockey games and supporting his interest in sports.
TRICIA NGUYEN
Tricia is joining our education team this year as she finishes her masters in Biological Science at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She currently holds a B.S. in Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology from UC Davis. Tricia discovered her passion for education while working as an instructional assistant.
JULIAN FARNSWORTH
Julian graduated from Humboldt State University with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Management. His concentration at Humboldt was Environmental Education & Interpretation, providing Julian with the skills and background to be an outstanding educator. Julian currently teaches a variety of recycling-related programs with Science Discovery. Before joining our education team, Julian worked at the Pacific Science Center in Seattle as a lead teacher providing instruction and leadership for interactive week-long science camps for school-age children. Julian most recently worked for the California State Parks Department as an Interpretive Specialist, where he planned and conducted Jr. Ranger programs.
Dean Thompson
Dean has over 34 years of experience teaching environmental education along the central coast of California. He received his B.S. in Natural Resources Management from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Dean shares a wealth of experience and enthusiasm with his education team members and teaches all solid waste, recycling, and composting programs. In 2012 he was presented with the Howard Bell Award for Outstanding Contribution in the field of Environmental Education by the Association of Environmental and Outdoor Educators. In 2019 Dean was recognized by the Kern County Superintendent of Schools by receiving the Outstanding Service to Education Award. Dean has a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.
Mike Di Milo
Mike is the principal of Science Discovery and has been involved in environmental education for over 25 years. He has a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Management from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Mike works with all Science Discovery team members assuring that both the school education, public outreach, and business programs provide exemplary levels of inspiration, innovation, and service, to students, teachers, and business people. Mike enjoys riding his motorcycle and watching his favorite ice hockey team when he’s not at work.
CAROLYN ERICKSON
Carolyn is starting her first year with Science Discovery. She holds a BS in Marine Science from California State University, Monterey Bay. Carolyn is passionate about promoting educational equity and has experience in developing curricula and teaching Ocean Education programs to underserved youth.
Nicole Yerena
Nicole holds a Bachelor of Science in Earth Sciences from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She enjoys educating students about the world around them, and has previously worked at Moss Landing Marine Labs and has mentored high school students in a summer camp focused on science. Nicole teaches a variety of elementary education programs for students who receive outreach from the Science Discovery education program.
Dana Dragon
Coming Soon
Our Inspiring Commercial Recycling Team
Kendra Foley
Coming Soon
Tanya Amaro
Tanya graduated from California State University, Monterey Bay. She holds a BA in Environmental Studies with Science for Sustainable Communities. Tanya joined the commercial recycling team in 2024 from a similar position with GreenWaste Recovery in Marina, California Tanya is bilingual in English and Spanish and is a great asset to our team!
Nicole Yerena
Nicole leads our commercial recycling team and holds a Bachelor of Science in Earth Sciences from the University of California, Santa Cruz and works a dual role as an educator and with our Commercial Recycling Team. Nicole enjoys the challenge of helping businesses get on board with recycling and composting their waste. Nicole is highly organized and passionate about her work. On the weekends, Nicole enjoys searching for and collecting rocks on the central coast.