Program Overview
Build to STEAM is a unique education program designed to introduce kids, ages 4 and up to the diverse fields of STEAM through fun lessons built around the world's most recognizable toy, LEGO®. The lessons are designed to integrate fun while encouraging students to learn about the rapidly changing world and how modern science and robotics can solve real-world problems. We offer a variety of group classes for students, activities to help strengthen family connections, and one-on-one learning for children with special needs. We also offer specialized and fun classes oriented to adults.
Adding the A to STEM
STEAM education, integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, is vital as it fosters innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills essential for the modern world. By combining these disciplines, STEAM encourages creativity and collaboration, preparing students to tackle complex real-world challenges. It nurtures curiosity and a love for learning, equipping students with the adaptability needed for the ever-evolving job market. Additionally, STEAM education promotes diversity by appealing to a wide range of interests, helping to bridge gaps in traditionally underrepresented fields and fostering a more inclusive and dynamic workforce.
Learning Through Play
"Learn Through Play" with LEGO® products is a dynamic component of Build to STEAM, an after-school robotics program aimed at sparking curiosity and education in young learners through engaging, hands-on activities. Utilizing the adaptable and captivating LEGO Education® kits such as LEGO SPIKE Prime® and LEGO SPIKE Essential®. The SPIKE program is the evolution of LEGO Mindstorms® which introduced the past generation to robotitcs. Our program introduces students to the basics of robotics, engineering, and coding. With a curriculum designed for various skill levels, students participate in themed projects and regular challenges, developing essential STEAM skills while also boosting creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. This method not only makes learning enjoyable and accessible but also cultivates a lasting interest in science and technology.
Becky Gorlin
Founder and Head Instructor
Becky Gorlin is a certified teacher for 8 years and has taught 1st- 8th Grade CTE and General Education Classes. She first started introducing LEGO® to her classroom to help connect with her students. This quickly evolved to using LEGO® to help with hands-on, active learning. Since then she has become a LEGO Education® Ambassador, giving her access to additional resources provided by LEGO®. She has introduced LEGO® Robotics programs to grades Kindergarten through 8th grade and started multiple successful after-school FIRST LEGO League Teams. The teams she coached have gone as far as Semi-Finals for the State of Washington and one of those teams taking home Tournament Champions for their qualifiers and top Core Values at the Semi-Finals. Becky currently teaches 1st/2nd grade in the Edmonds School District.
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Learning through play is her favorite style of teaching. Students see toys and start to play. Becky sees students practicing their problem-solving skills, learning how to work with others, being creative, as well as working on fine motor skills. All of this, while students are playing with the most recognizable toy.
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Boz Sears
Co-Founder, General Manager
Boz co‑founded Build to STEAM in 2024 and now serves as the organization’s General Manager. Before stepping into education, he spent years in the aerospace industry, bringing with him a deep understanding of engineering, systems thinking, and high‑precision problem‑solving. He also contributes marketing and web design expertise that helps Build to STEAM grow and connect with families and partners. A lifelong LEGO® builder, Boz learned robotics through LEGO Mindstorms® and even created stop‑motion films as a kid—experiences that shaped his belief in playful, hands‑on learning.​
Dan Kilker M.S.G, ADC, CCHC
LEGO Therapy Manager
Dan Kilker M.S.G. started his studies with a bachelor’s degree in Production and Design at Arts Center in Pasadena. After a life pivot, He attained a Masters Degree at Cal State Long Beach in Gerontology. While attaining his degree, Dan entered the world of eldercare rising fast within one of the biggest Assisted Living companies in the US eventually becoming a regional activity specialist. After leaving the company in 2010, He focused on research and was recruited by Claudia Kawas MD at UCI to consult on the 90+ Study in Laguna Woods, CA where he introduced brain stimulation through technology that is still being used today. After a brief hiatus from the industry, Dan returned in 2018 working in Skilled Nursing in WA and in 2020 started his research on “Enhancing VR Programming in Long-Term Care” with parallel studies at UCI, UW, and MIT. Starting in 2022, he started researching with colleagues in Ireland and Cambridge UK on Lego Therapy for people with dementia creating modified sessions based on Daniel LeGoff’s research. After success in the UK started bringing this therapy to the US starting in Washington State and is now working with Long Term Care communities throughout the country, while also being a guest lecturing at UBC.​
