"Unity is strength. When there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved."
~Mattie Stepanek
Mr. Bob McCain
Science Department Supervisor
Bob has been in education in Connecticut for over 37 years. During this time, he taught at all three levels (High School, Middle School, and Elementary). For example, he taught Mathematics at the High School and Middle School levels and as an Elementary Teacher. Additionally, Bob spent 26 years as a school administrator at all three levels. Bob was the founding principal at two STEM High Schools and focused on writing curriculum, hiring all staff, marketing/recruiting, and creating pathways.
Bob has worked as an adjunct professor at three different colleges and universities in the Intermediate Administration or Supervision Certification program (092). In these programs, he has taught experienced educators how to shape a school’s organizational direction, influence school performance, and affect institutional development and planning.
Bob holds a BA and MA degree in Mathematics and a Sixth Year in Administrative Leadership. In addition, he has the following certifications: 093 (Superintendent), 092 (Administrator), 029 (Mathematics) and 006 (Grades 4 -6).
Mrs. Heather Toothaker
District Science Coach
Heather is a 15-year veteran of New Haven Public Schools and currently is a District Science Coach. Her goal is to support teachers in developing and implementing equitable and engaging science opportunities for all students.
Prior to coaching, Heather was a 6th grade Science Teacher and Science Department Chair at Engineering and Science University Magnet School (ESUMS). Before her teaching career, Heather worked for the National Ocean Service and Schooner, Inc.
Heather holds a BS in Marine Science and a MS in Education. In addition, she has a K-6 Elementary Certification (013) and is currently finishing the Intermediate Administration or Supervision Certification program (092).
Heather is looking forward to serving the teachers and students of New Haven as we pursue excellence in science education.
Dr. Andrea K. Gomez
District STEAM Coach
Dr. Gomez has been an educator in Connecticut Public Schools for over 10 years. She spent 9 years in Hartford Public Schools in school and district- based roles. In the school-based role, she was an Elementary Teacher for 7 years in 4th and 5th grade. Additionally, she spent 3 years as a Technology Education Teacher where she introduced students to design thinking, coding, robotics, and website and app development.
On the district level, Dr. Gomez served on the Hartford Public Schools Technology Committee and was a District Distance Learning Facilitator. Prior to coming to New Haven Public Schools, Dr. Gomez worked at CREC as a Capstone Advisor and Edgenuity Mentor.
Dr. Gomez holds a BA and MA in Psychology, MS in Education, and Ed.D. in Educational Technology Leadership. In addition, she has the following certifications: K-6 Elementary Education (013), Technology Education (047), Intermediate Administration or Supervision (092), and Computer Science (110).