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Mandi Sonnenberg
Director of STEAM Projects & Education at St. Teresa's Academy
Professional Background
Dr. Mandi Sonnenberg currently serves as the Director of STEAM Projects and Education at St. Teresa's Academy, where she passionately leads initiatives that blend science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics to create a holistic learning environment. With a rich background in education, Mandi transitioned to STA after an esteemed tenure as a professor at the School of Education at Rockhurst University. Her expertise and vision in educational methodologies and leadership reflect her commitment to enhancing students' learning experiences through innovative practices.
As the co-founder and a board member of the STEAM Studio, Dr. Sonnenberg contributes significantly to a dynamic, nonprofit educational space that serves as a pioneering platform for students and educators alike. The STEAM Studio acts as a collaborative laboratory where learners engage in hands-on experiences that harmonize creativity with critical thinking. Under her guidance, students from graduate, college, and high school levels can explore and implement the design thinking process, fortifying their educational journey and preparing them for real-world challenges. Locations at both Gould Evans Architectural Firm and Rockhurst University enhance the accessibility and impact of the STEAM Studio in the Kansas City metropolitan area and beyond.
In addition to her leadership roles, Dr. Sonnenberg remains deeply committed to academia, continuing to teach as an adjunct professor at Rockhurst University. There, she shares her insights on Design Thinking, Educational Assessment, and Technology Leadership with aspiring educators and professionals dedicated to fostering excellence in educational practices. Notably, she played a pivotal role in launching the STEAM Masters in Education Cohort at Rockhurst University in the summer of 2019, further solidifying her position as a leader in innovative educational reform.
Education and Achievements
Dr. Sonnenberg's educational background is a testament to her dedication to advancing learning methodologies. She earned her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Education Leadership from Saint Louis University, where she focused on transformational principles in education. Prior to that, she obtained a Master's degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, solidifying her expertise in administrative practices. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from the University of Missouri-Columbia, laying the foundation for her extensive teaching experience.
Throughout her career, Dr. Sonnenberg has received numerous accolades for her outstanding contributions to education. In 2016, she was honored with the prestigious Educator of the Year award by the American Institute of Architects, recognizing her innovative approach to integrating design into student learning. Additionally, she was awarded the 2015 Excellence in Community-Based Teaching & Scholarship Award from Missouri Campus Compact. This distinguished recognition, bestowed annually upon an exemplary faculty member in Missouri, underscores her impactful work within higher education and her commitment to community engagement.
Her scholarly contributions include co-authoring the 'STEAM Studio Curriculum for K-8,' which focuses on design thinking activities that inspire creativity and resilience in learners. Additionally, her co-authored book, 'Unleashing Creative Genius: STEAM Studio's Impact on Learning,' published in 2017, presents research-based strategies to amplify student engagement and success in STEAM education.
Achievements
Dr. Mandi Sonnenberg's extensive achievements reflect her dedication to improving educational practices and student outcomes. Below is a brief overview of her most notable accomplishments:
- Director of STEAM Projects and Education at St. Teresa's Academy, leading future-focused educational initiatives.
- Co-Founder and Board Member of STEAM Studio, providing a collaborative environment for innovative learning experiences.
- Adjunct Professor at Rockhurst University, teaching critical courses in Design Thinking and Educational Assessment.
- Co-Creator of the STEAM Masters in Education Cohort, launched successfully in 2019 at Rockhurst University.
- Co-Author of the STEAM Studio Curriculum for K-8 and the impactful book, 'Unleashing Creative Genius: STEAM Studio's Impact on Learning.'
- Recipient of the 2016 Educator of the Year award by the American Institute of Architects for her innovative teaching methodologies.
- Recognized with the 2015 Excellence in Community-Based Teaching & Scholarship Award by Missouri Campus Compact, highlighting her outstanding contributions to community-engaged scholarship.
- Achieved rank and tenure at Rockhurst University in April 2015, underscoring her commitment to academic excellence and leadership in education.
As a forward-thinking educational leader, Dr. Sonnenberg continues to seek innovative solutions to enhance teaching practices and broaden learning experiences, especially in the wake of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Her unwavering dedication to enriching education through STEAM initiatives and community engagement reflects her belief that all students deserve the opportunity to thrive in a nurturing and challenging academic environment.
