about IE sTEM
“ How do top-performing students get ahead in the fast-changing world? ”
About Innovation & Exploration
They start early—at a place where curiosity is cherished, science is second nature, and children are nurtured to think big from the very beginning.
Our Mission & Philosophy
At Innovation & Exploration STEM Early Learning Center, we believe early childhood isn’t just a stage—it’s the starting line for a lifetime of discovery.
- Founded by educator Norda Overpeck, M.Ed., LBS, our school was born from a passionate belief: STEM education doesn’t belong to the future—it begins right now.
- We don’t wait for middle school to teach innovation. Here, toddlers explore physics through play, and preschoolers experiment with real-world problems. Our mission is simple but powerful:
- To ignite curiosity, empower young minds, and equip every child with the skills to succeed in a rapidly changing world—socially, emotionally, and intellectually.
- From classrooms to gardens, every space is built with intention. Every moment is an opportunity. And every child is seen, heard, and celebrated.
Our teachers are more than educators they’re dream igniters.
Our expert team blends passion, experience, and warmth to inspire a love for STEM. More than teachers, they’re mentors who guide, cheer, and grow alongside your child.
Norda Overpeck, M.Ed., LBS
Huntingdon Valley
With over 15 years in early childhood education, Norda brings deep expertise and passion to her role. She holds a Master’s in Education with a focus on Special Education, a graduate certificate in Autism, and is a licensed Behavior Specialist in Pennsylvania. Norda has led STEM workshops at state conferences and serves on multiple advisory boards, including the PA State Advisory Council on Early Childhood. Her master’s thesis focused on implementing STEM in preschool, and her dedication to hands-on, inquiry-based learning continues to inspire both students and educators alike.
Virginia Ruschelle Lindsay
Director – Elkins Park
Known affectionately as Ms. Ruschelle, she brings 19 years of experience and a deep love for her Elkins Park community, where she’s lived for over 27 years. A proud mother of two and a passionate early childhood educator, she is currently furthering her studies in ECE. Ms. Ruschelle brings warmth, creativity, and a love for hands-on STEM learning into every classroom moment, nurturing each child with care and intention.
Jennifer Moser
Director – Warrington
Miss Jen brings over a decade of experience and a vibrant energy to her role as Director. From teacher to leader, she has grown with IE, combining her dual degrees in Early Childhood and Special Education from Temple University with her passion for STEM. Her mission is simple: help every child thrive—academically, emotionally, and socially. Her joy in teaching shines through her dedication, mentorship, and commitment to excellence.
Robyn Hilliard
Lead Teacher
Robyn combines her scientific background in Marine Biology and Chemistry with a Master’s in STEM Education to create dynamic, real-world learning experiences. Her career spans pre-K to high school, and she thrives on fostering creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking. At home and school, she’s a natural teacher—supported by her active family, who often share in the learning journey.
Janice Lelis-Petrenko
Lead Teacher
Janice earned her Bachelor’s in Secondary Education and brings seven years of joyful teaching experience. She’s passionate about helping children bring their ideas to life through creative expression. Whether it’s building with blocks or painting with purpose, Janice celebrates every milestone. Outside the classroom, she enjoys gardening, cooking, and family walks in the park.
Cindy
Lead Teacher
With over 25 years of teaching experience, Cindy brings a gentle, nurturing presence to her classroom. A certified Child Development Associate, she is passionate about literacy, photography, and connecting with children and families. As a proud grandmother, Cindy shares her love of learning and joy for life every day at IE.
Regina Agrusa
Teacher
Known by her students as Miss Gina, Miss G, or Miss Gigi, Regina has nearly a decade of classroom experience and a degree in Social Work. Her journey has included roles as an infant teacher, nanny, and early childhood counselor. Her warmth, energy, and love for children shine through in everything she does. She’s committed to ensuring every child feels seen, heard, and loved.
Rezika Ait Mohammed
Teacher
Rezika brings 10+ years of teaching experience, fluency in four languages (French, Arabic, English, and Tamazight), and a lifelong passion for education. Originally from Algeria, she has taught science and French abroad and worked with preschoolers in the U.S. Her work as an interpreter during the pandemic highlights her deep care for community and communication. She currently teaches at IE while working as a paraprofessional at a special education high school.
Nayana Puttaswamy
Teacher
Nayana is a dynamic blend of creativity and compassion. A preschool teacher, actor, and influencer, she brings artistic flair and heartfelt enthusiasm into her classroom. She’s passionate about inspiring young minds through play, storytelling, and imagination—all while being a devoted mom to her toddler.
Mrs. Trudy
STEM Learning Center
Pending bio details
Mrs. Joyce
Spanish Language Teacher
A native of Ecuador, Mrs. Joyce holds a Master’s in Education and a degree in Economics from Queens College. She has over 13 years of experience teaching Spanish from pre-K through high school, including honors-level classes. Her passion for language and culture brings vibrant, meaningful learning to every classroom she leads.
Our Gardens & Classrooms
Preschool & Butterfly Gardens
Nature is one of our greatest teachers. That’s why our children dig, plant, water, and learn in hands-on gardens where STEM concepts come to life.
- In our Preschool Garden, children discover where food comes from, how things grow, and why it matters—combining science, math, art, and health in joyful ways.
- Our Butterfly Garden gives children the chance to witness the transformation firsthand, nurturing their understanding of biology, ecosystems, and empathy.
Our Gardens & Classrooms
Classroom Setup
Our classrooms are intentionally designed to feel like a second home—a place that’s safe, inspiring, and rich with opportunity.
- Learning Zones: Science stations, sensory play, art areas, and quiet corners—all encouraging hands-on exploration.
- STEM Integration: From building structures to coding toys, STEM is woven into everyday play.
- Warmth & Structure: We believe children learn best in environments that combine emotional security with intellectual challenge.
Our Gardens & Classrooms
Classroom Setup
Our classrooms are intentionally designed to feel like a second home—a place that’s safe, inspiring, and rich with opportunity.
- Learning Zones: Science stations, sensory play, art areas, and quiet corners—all encouraging hands-on exploration.
- STEM Integration: From building structures to coding toys, STEM is woven into everyday play.
- Warmth & Structure: We believe children learn best in environments that combine emotional security with intellectual challenge.
Our Locations
We proudly serve families across the region with multiple convenient locations, each upholding the same high standard of excellence:
warrington, PA
978 Valley Rd
Jenkintown, PA
400 Old York Rd
huntingdon valley, PA
1810 County Line Rd, Building 400 Suite 414
Our Locations
We proudly serve families across the region with multiple convenient locations, each upholding the same high standard of excellence:
warrington, PA
978 Valley Rd
Jenkintown, PA
400 Old York Rd
huntingdon valley, PA
1810 County Line Rd, Building 400 Suite 414
Why Parents Choose Us?
Ready to join a learning community that prepares your child for a brilliant future?
- Real STEM education—starting from infancy
- Educators who are deeply trained and truly care
- Safe, structured, and joy-filled environments
- A place where children love to learn—and parents feel proud
Why Parents Choose Us?
Ready to join a learning community that prepares your child for a brilliant future?
- Real STEM education—starting from infancy
- Educators who are deeply trained and truly care
- Safe, structured, and joy-filled environments
- A place where children love to learn—and parents feel proud