Ty Gabriel

Owner / Director

I have always been passionate about STEM education. My mother, taught in a day care center (until my siblings and I were old enough to be home alone) and a teacher in a NYC public school. She always stressed the importance of gaining STEM proficiency to have the tools to satisfy our natural curiosity *and* to thrive professionally in the world. These lessons were not lost on me, which is why I found my way to Stemtree.

I attended NYU, and worked in IT before joining the military after the events of September 11, 2001. I obtained my MBA at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and a MS in Biotechnology Entrepreneurship from Johns Hopkins University.

I am very happy to bring Stemtree services to the greater Miami community. Please reach out to me to see what Stemtree can offer your child -- to aide in their own journey of discovery and success.

Adrian Morton

Instructor

Hi! I’m Adrian, a B.S. Computer Science student at Florida International University. I specialize in back-end engineering and machine learning, and I’m proficient in Python, Java, and C. I like building reliable services and clear data systems, and I work on forecasting from time-based data by turning messy inputs into simple, useful predictions, like the weather forecasts that you see on your phone!

Beyond classes and projects, I love going to the gym, fishing, and playing video games. Most of all, I’m passionate about helping grow the next wave of software engineers, sharing what I’ve learned, building together, and pushing the edge of what we can create.

Neeka Abadi

Instructor

Hi I am Neeka! I am a biology student at the University of Miami, pursuing a career in medicine. I have a deep interest in chemistry, emergency medicine, mathematics, and body systems. I have spent much of my life exercising and playing sports, especially swimming. I taught kids how to swim for about 3 years, and I have been expanding my teaching experience here at Stemtree since August 2025. My interests span far past academics, and I love to share all of my passions with eager learners!

Leika Cesar

Instructor

My name is Leika Cesar, a 20 year old who is passionate for the arts. I'm majoring in both Drama Education and Business Marketing at Miami Dade College. I love writing, crocheting, learning new languages and most of all performing. I speak French, Haitian Creole, and English fluently and am still learning and practicing Spanish, Korean and Chinese. I am a fashion designer and an actress. I have made gowns for wedding guests and acted in plays and musicals and also won awards for my craft. I also love the beach, plants and animals with the exception of insects and reptiles.

Sigrid Ekeland

Instructor

Hi, I am Sigrid Ekeland. I am a Junior at the University of Miami majoring in Biology with minors in Psychology, Spanish, Chemistry, and Management. I'm originally from Brooklyn, NY, and my hobbies include baking, fostering cats, going for walks, and shopping. After graduation, I hope to pursue both an MBA and an MS in biotechnology. Eventually, I would to enter the medical research / biotechnology field professionally.

Stephanie Erickson

Instructor

My name is Stephanie Erickson and I am an undergraduate student at Florida International University (FIU). I am a biology major with a minor in a chemistry, and I am on the pre-medical track. In the future, I hope to go to medical school. Some of my favorite things to do outside of school are going to the beach and reading.

Amanda Guerra

Hi! I’m Amanda, a Health Science major on the pre-medical track at the University of Miami, where I am also pursuing a minor in Psychology. Before attending UM, I earned my Associate of Arts degree from Miami Dade College. I have always loved my academics, especially the sciences, and I plan to attend medical school in the future with the goal of becoming a physician, with a special interest in radiology. As the child of Cuban immigrants, I was raised with a strong appreciation for education and the value of hard work and curiosity. I am fluent in English and Spanish, and I enjoy working with children and helping them build confidence while discovering their own interests in science and learning.

Outside of academics, I enjoy drawing and creating art, working out, and playing sports with friends. I’m excited to share my enthusiasm for STEM and support students as they explore new ideas and develop their passions at Stemtree!