Serrano to Lead Conference STEM Program

The Chesapeake Conference Education Department announced that Paty Serrano would be the new STEM coordinator for the conference beginning July 1.

Serrano currently serves as the full-time STEM coordinator for Spencerville (Md.) Adventist Academy (SAA). Serrano will share her time in her new role between the conference and the academy.

Serrano fills the position currently held by Ophelia Barizo, who is retiring this summer.

“[Paty] will continue the legacy that Mrs. Ophelia Barizo leaves behind as she retires this summer,” said Janesta Walker, Chesapeake Conference superintendent of schools. “In her new position, Paty will support our Chesapeake schools by providing in-person, hands-on STEM activities to our students, professional development opportunities and STEM resources to our teachers, and grant writing assistance to the Chesapeake Conference.”

Serrano holds a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University and an undergraduate degree from Washington Adventist University. In 2019, she received her Teacher STEM Certification from the National Institute of STEM Education. During her time at SAA, Serrano helped the academy become Chesapeake Conference’s second nationally certified STEM school.

“Paty is a Christ-centered and student-focused educational leader who possesses a strong commitment to equity, providing a nurturing and safe environment for students and staff,” Walker said. “She loves students of all ages, and most of all, she loves Jesus and wants to help students learn of Him through STEM.”