Academy of Thought and Industry at San Francisco

Jessica Stewart is a seasoned education and youth leadership professional with a passion for empowering students to unlock their full potential. With over 25 years of experience in the field, Jessica's dedication to modern teaching methods and creating nurturing environments has made her a respected figure in education circles. She holds a Masters of Education and specializes in modern teaching methods. She has served as a trusted consultant to teachers, an instructional coach, Director of Education, Area Director of Youth, ESL teacher, and English Professor. Her diverse professional background includes working in various countries such as Italy, the UK, and Australia which bring a global perspective to her work. Jessica spent the last 12 years in Italy, where she established a private English school tailored to students' individual needs and as a founding member of the Mantova Montessori Association. Jessica is now eagerly embarking on the next chapter of her career at ATI, where she intends to leverage her extensive background and passion for educational leadership. Her belief in education as a harmonious puzzle, combining the right environment, dedicated guides, and effective leadership, propels her enthusiasm for making a lasting impact. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Jessica cherishes her role as a loving mother to her vibrant daughter and in her free time, enjoys painting, playing bass guitar, and exploring new cultures through travel.

After Jessica Lane received a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism and Documentary Film with a Minor in Peace Studies from Chapman University, she became dedicated to exploring the process of personal-growth and the gap in adolescent self-development support. Jessica became certified in mindfulness, integrative wellness and life coaching, yoga, and therapeutic drumming, and began teaching youth using these techniques. She then decided to earn her Masters in Teaching and her Single Subject Credential in English from Loyola Marymount University. Jessica is currently a student in the LMU Masters in Education program. She has worked one-on-one and in class settings with diverse groups of students from Montessori Schools to Boys and Girls Clubs to homeschool organizations. Jessica now focuses on creating course curricula from the lens of mindfulness and individualized learning to produce an atmosphere of thriving individual development, and integrative, improved education programs. She is excited to be guiding Humanities at Academy of Thought and Industry in San Francisco. She looks forward to providing self-directed, activity-based lessons that encourage self-exploration and community awareness along with a culture of work and knowledge so that the next generation can cultivate thriving communities and healthy change.

Thomas earned his B.S. in Bioenginering - with a minor in math - from California Lutheran University, and his PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Connecticut. Before starting at the Academy of Thought and Industry, he served as a Submarine Officer in the United States Navy. He is an avid musician and loves teaching interdisciplinary projects to help develop confidence, and autonomy in his students.

Nick Wagner is an alumni of K-8 Montessori education and has received a Bachelor’s of Applied Sciences in Environmental and Outdoor Education from the University of Minnesota Duluth. During his studies, he worked with schools, community centers, and private entities providing opportunities for students to explore the natural world and further their knowledge of the sciences and themselves. As a Program Director for an Environmental Learning Center, a Wilderness Therapy Instructor, and an Environmental Science Educator, Nick has guided students of all levels to better understand life sciences, earth and space sciences, ecosystems, engineering, climate and Social-Emotional Learning through adventure education, therapeutic education, and hands-on science curriculum. By learning and inspiring students, he has found his love for teaching through inquiry-based experiential and kinesthetic methods that engage all learners and inspire lifelong learning. Nick is excited to foster the skills, knowledge and experiences that the Montessori model has brought him for his students and future generations.