The Academy of Science Team

Kate Polokonis (she/her) is the Executive Director of The Academy of Science of St. Louis, where she leads the organization’s efforts to connect the public with science, expand opportunities for science education, and strengthen the region’s science ecosystem. 

A lifelong St. Louisan and experienced nonprofit and education leader, Kate brings extensive experience in STEM education, workforce development, and systems change to her role. Before joining the Academy in 2024, she served as Executive Director of STEMSTL, where she helped advance regional strategies for STEM learning and career pathways and strengthened collaboration among educators, employers, and community organizations. Kate began her career as a teacher in St. Louis Public Schools and holds a Master of Social Work from Washington University’s Brown School, with a focus on social and economic development and policy. Her vision for St. Louis is a transformed STEM education and workforce ecosystem where every child can see themselves as a scientist, receive the resources needed to develop their scientific knowledge and skill set, and join a welcoming community of St. Louis scientists.

When she’s not at work, Kate’s usually making some bad pottery in her basement studio or planning an overly ambitious, multi-state road trip that she’ll cajole her husband and two teenage children into doing with her.

Christina Carlson (she/her) is the Chief Programs and Partnerships Officer at The Academy of Science of St. Louis. Over the course of her career, Christina has been thrilled to wear just about every hat the field of informal science education has to offer: from program and exhibit development to event planning to project management, evaluation, strategic planning, communications, and fundraising. She holds graduate degrees in history and public administration with a specialization in nonprofit leadership.

At the Academy, Christina champions high-quality, meaningful science learning experiences designed to reach every learner. She’s driven by a passion for connecting people to dream and build the future of St. Louis together.

Outside of work, you’ll find Christina outdoors with her husband and son, camera in hand, chasing the perfect light to illuminate a spiderweb or native flower.

Krysta Grangeno (she/her) serves as the Director of Operations at the Academy of Science of St. Louis, bringing a background in nonprofit leadership, organizational development, and team growth to support the Academy’s mission of inspiring curiosity through science.

Across her career, she has helped mission-driven organizations strengthen their operations, adapt to change, and build the internal capacity needed to serve their communities well.  Her experience in roles such as Operations Director, Sr. Manager of Statewide Initiatives, and leadership coach has shaped her belief that strong organizations are built through clarity, trust, and a shared commitment to purpose.

At the Academy, she is focused on creating a strong foundation so educators, staff, and partners can expand access to meaningful science experiences for learners of all ages. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Saint Louis University, a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management from Fontbonne University, and is an ICF-certified Life, Leadership, and Executive Coach. 

Denise Charles (she/her) is the Financial Officer for the St. Louis Academy of Science, supporting the Academy’s leadership and Board of Directors by preparing and streamlining financial workflows. She has served in this role for over 20 years. Prior to this current position, Denise served as Administrator for a multi-provider Pediatric practice, helping scale economic efficiencies and financial growth. Denise began her career at the public accounting firm, Baird, Kurtz and Dobson, St. Louis branch, conducting organizational audits for a variety of businesses and entities. Denise’s favorite activities are spending time with her daughters and her best friends.

Elly Walsh-Rock (she/they) is Youth Programs Manager at the Academy of Science – St. Louis and serves as the STL Science Fair Director. She holds a BS in Biology and Secondary Education, an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, and a STEM Teaching Certificate from the NASA Endeavor Program. Before joining the Academy, Elly taught middle and high school in Ferguson-Florissant School District for eight years. In 2021, she was recognized as a National PLTW Biomedical Science Outstanding Educator and a Loeb Prize for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching Finalist. She is a vocal advocate for supporting anti-racist and LGBTQ+ safe spaces in Science Education. 

John Nahon (he/him) is the Development Manager at The Academy of Science – St. Louis. In his current role, John cultivates and stewards donor relationships, manages outreach initiatives, and helps secure philanthropic support through strategic engagement and relationship building. His background includes experience as a Development Officer at WashU and educational roles at the St. Louis Science Center and the Denver Zoological Foundation, where he developed educational programs, managed public-facing initiatives, and connected diverse audiences with science and conservation.

A graduate of Washington University in St. Louis with a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, John combines scientific curiosity with a passion for community impact, philanthropy, and lifelong learning

Ashley Seiss (she/her) is the Education Programs Coordinator at The Academy of Science of St. Louis. As a former high school teacher, she is excited to apply her skills and passions to the organization’s mission to inspire and support future generations of young scientists in the St. Louis area. 

Ashley earned her B.A. in English from the University of Alabama and her M.Ed in Secondary Education from Vanderbilt University. She taught for four years in Metro Nashville Public Schools before moving to St. Charles and the Francis Howell School District, where she was a finalist for teacher of the year two out of the three years she was there. Most recently, Ashley served as a School Partnership Coordinator for Eye Thrive, a non-profit that provides free, comprehensive vision services and glasses to children in the greater St. Louis area. She is a firm believer that through sharing skills, knowledge, and stories; in addition to nurturing curiosity and creativity is how we will achieve a more equitable and just world. 

Ashley is a certified Master Naturalist and is actively involved in her local chapter, focusing on work involving pollinators, children, and organization support. When she is not at work, she can be found digging in her garden, trying out new recipes, hiking somewhere new, or going to a local theater production with her wife.