Learn MoreAbout Our Mission

Noggin Builders Foundation’s mission is to develop and enhance the creative problem solving skills of youth through unique, hands-on STEM experiences.

Creative problem solving and critical thinking are keys to the future success of our children and to the creation of a better world. All children should have the opportunity to build these key skills. Noggin Builders Foundation provides low-cost or no-cost STEM programming to children who do not have ongoing access to STEM.

Meet OURStaff

Amy Torf, Executive Director

Amy is excited to bring her experience as an engineer, camp director, teacher, and mom of three to the diverse line-up of hands-on activities at Noggin Builders. For the past 25+ years, Amy has successfully created play- and learning-based curricula and worked directly with children of all ages in various group settings.

Amy’s advanced education, including a MS in mechanical engineering and robotics, led her to teach math and science using real world projects to engage her students. As a camp program director, Amy created innovative, fun learning opportunities for children to enjoy during the summer. Her classes and camp offerings have consistently exceeded the expectations of kids and parents. She is delighted to explore with your children at Noggin Builders!

Marta Cruz, Lead Teacher

Marta has over 27 years of experience working with and teaching children. Prior to joining the Noggin Builders team, Marta was the Director of Exploration and Education for Starland. Marta started out as a teacher’s aide in a full day parochial school for kindergartners. She loved working with children to such a great extent that she continued there for 6 years. Marta is bilingual in English and Spanish. She taught Spanish and crafts classes at the Park District of Oak Park. After that, Marta used her teaching experience and expertise to run a home-based day care for 7 years. Marta’s greatest teaching experience is through her love to her children and grandchildren! “It is the young child’s excitement for learning and their sense of wonder that keeps me drawn to early education.”

Emily Schwickerath, Lead Teacher

Emily, a graduate of Wartburg College, has enjoyed working with students as an elementary classroom teacher for 10 years. She brings experience teaching 5th, 3rd, and 2nd grades in the the Chicagoland area and Sioux City, IA.

She has a passion for STEM education and loves that she gets to help kids in low income communities explore what it means to be a scientist and engineer as a teacher for the Noggin Builders Foundation. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys playing with her son, painting, making music, and writing.

Meet OURBoard of Directors

Stuart Baum, President

Stuart Baum is President of LargerPond Consulting, which focuses on growth & revenue strategies for the entire customer journey, as well as leadership team development. He also serves on numerous boards, both for-profit and not-for-profit. He graduated from Vassar College with a B.A. in English/Psychology.

A father of three amazing kids, two with careers in Science, Stuart also writes fiction. You can see some of his children’s stories – and other writing games & activities – at StuartStories.com.

Stuart's LinkedIn • Stuart's Twitter

Matt Callahan, Vice President

Matt Callahan is the Engineering Director at Buehler, a global manufacturer of materials testing systems and a division of ITW. Over his career, Matt has held various roles within Operations, Marketing and Engineering. He has experience leading innovation, driving product strategy, optimizing operational processes and developing talent in technical functions. Matt holds a BS in General Engineering from the University of Illinois and a MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Through his education and career, Matt has seen the value of STEM skills and the need for talent in STEM careers. He is motivated to help all children become our future innovators. Matt lives in Northbrook with his wife and two young girls.

Matt's LinkedIn

Ron Niemaszyk, treasurer

Ron is a Partner in the Wealth and Asset Management group of Wipfli LLP, a large CPA and consulting firm. While an accountant by training that has built a reputation as an expert in the field of audit and tax matters related to investment partnerships, his true passion lies with helping business owners and entrepreneurs clarify and achieve their vision. He graduated from University of Illinois with a degree in accounting many, many years ago.
He and his wife Pat live in Barrington and are blessed with two lovely daughters and two annoying cats.

Zannah Smreker, Secretary

Zannah, a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, began her teaching career in 2011 when she moved abroad to South Korea. After three rewarding years as an English teacher, she relocated to New Zealand, where she spent one year teaching preschool. Following her time abroad, Zannah moved to Chicago and joined Noggin Builders in 2016 as a teacher and party lead. As Center Director, her primary roles include curriculum design, staffing, and making sure all the children are having a great time. She still enjoys spending time in the classroom, exploring, building, and making messes alongside the kids. In her free time, Zannah also enjoys drawing, doing ballet, and baking!

Nate Bowker

Steve Chaiken

Steve is a partner at the law firm of Adelman & Gettleman, Ltd. (“A&G”), a boutique commercial insolvency firm handling all aspects of debtor-creditor relations. At A&G, Steve has helped numerous businesses and business owners solve difficult financial situations. Steve received both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Illinois. He joined A&G in 2007 and became a partner in 2013.

Steve resides in Glenview, with his wife, two young children, their labradoodle, Shaggy, and mini golden doodle, Daphne. Having been a long time camper, counselor, and unit head at an overnight camp, Steve has a passion for encouraging the growth and development of today’s youth and tomorrow’s leaders: a passion that aligns perfectly with the mission of Noggin Builders Foundation.

Steve's LinkedIn

Andrea Dalinka

Andrea Dalinka has a background in Elementary Education and a Masters Degree in Educational Administration. As an educator, Andrea has always cared deeply about equal access to educational opportunities for all children. When her own daughter showed an interest in STEM, Andrea sought out fun experiences for her daughter that would allow her to explore that interest. She found a lack of engaging STEM programs for children, until she found Noggin Builders. That daughter, and now her son as well, have gained not only STEM skills, but also learned to be leaders, good team members, and creative problem solvers in Noggin Builders programs over the years. As an educator and a parent, Andrea is passionate about finding ways to help all children explore STEM. Andrea lives in Northbrook with her husband and three children.

Margaret Ferraro

Margaret Ferraro is an engineer who has spent her career in the Defense and Space industry working for one of the largest global aerospace companies. She holds a Bachelors degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering and a Masters in Engineering Management and Leadership from Purdue University. She is currently an Aerospace Sciences Ph.D. student at the University of North Dakota. Margaret has a passion for STEM outreach and enjoys being a high school volleyball coach in her free time. She resides in the Colorado mountains with her husband and flock of animals.

Mindi Uccetta

Mindi Uccetta, a dance teacher, fitness instructor, and devoted mother, brings a dynamic background of experiences in arts and education to the Noggin Builders Foundation.

Mindi's journey with Noggin Builders began when her son returned from a day of summer camp, beaming with excitement over a project he had created — a catapult. Mindi immediately recognized the alignment between her own family's STEM-forward lifestyle and how Noggin Builders could further fuel her son's curiosity in science.

With roots in early childhood education and holding a BA in English with a dance minor from Northeastern Illinois University (2006), Mindi is personally committed to making STEM and the Arts accessible and engaging for all children. Her unique blend of artistic and academic accomplishments positions her gracefully to contribute to Noggin Builders' mission of nurturing young minds in the world of science and technology.

Last Year
We supported 5,400 children
with 7,600 hours of STEM experiences.