Today we’d like to introduce you to JoAnn Nolte.
Hi JoAnn, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
You said:
You said:
i have been ask to do an interview here is the email corrresponances gabriel@voyagedallas.com via esteamlearninglabs.com
Sun, Oct 5, 8:03 AM (2 days ago)
to director
Hi Joann
I’m on the editorial team of VoyageDallas Magazine and we’re interviewing local entrepreneurs, creatives and community leaders for our Inspiring Stories series.
Please let me know if you are available for an interview in the coming weeks.
We’re excited to learn more about you and share your story with our readers. There is no cost involved, but we’ll of course need some of your time for the interview.
I’m sure our readers would love hearing your story and many would benefit from learning from your experiences.
Thanks,
Gabriel
JoAnn Nolte <joann@esteamedu.com>
Oct 6, 2025, 10:20 AM (1 day ago)
to gabriel
Hi Gabriel,
Thank you for reaching out and considering me for the VoyageDallas Magazine “Inspiring Stories” series. I am interested in learning more about the interview process and would appreciate the opportunity to discuss the details further.
Could we arrange a brief call or video meeting to connect and confirm the next steps? I look forward to understanding more about your editorial approach, your role with VoyageDallas, and the intended audience for this feature.
Thank you again for the opportunity. I look forward to your response.
Best regards,
JoAnn Nolte
Director of Operations
ESTEAM Learning Labs
Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators
📍 Main Address: 12a Lake Dr, Round Rock, TX
📍 Satellite Locations: Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Temple, Grapevine, and Tampa, FL
📧 Email: joann@esteamedu.com
🌐 Website: www.esteamlearninglabs.com
Our Mission: Empowering students to discover their passions and become leaders challenging and inspiring the world.
Our Vision: Building educational communities that foster confidence, critical thinking, and collaboration.
📣 Follow Us:
Facebook
Offering hands-on ESTEAM learning in entrepreneurship, science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.
Gabriel Torres
12:08 AM (21 hours ago)
to me
Hi JoAnn,
Thanks for your email! Sure – please let me know if you have any specific questions so I can connect you with the right person on the team.
We’re based in LA – our flagship publication is VoyageLA and we’ve expanded to different cities like Houston, Dallas, Miami, San Diego, Baltimore, and Atlanta with the help of our amazing network of local influencers, foodies, etc. We receive around 300,000+ monthly visitors across our network, mostly creative professionals, entrepreneurs, artists, and changemakers in North America. While we don’t have specific tracking on individual articles, your story remains live and accessible to our audience. Many of our contributors find that visibility builds over time as readers discover their work through searches and shares.
Process-wise, we use a questionnaire to conduct the interview – in written form, so you can complete it whenever it’s easy / convenient and then we’ll review and reach out with follow ups, etc.
You’ll find more information about our mission, goal, etc. here:
You can find the questions I’ve prepared for the article here:
https://www.hiddengeminterviews.com/voyageinterview/dallas
You’ll need one good personal photo and a few (say 4-8) other relevant images – so I’d recommend collecting those before starting the questionnaire. Timing-wise, we’d appreciate it if you could have this back to us within 2 weeks.
If you have any questions, let me know. Looking forward to the story!
Thanks,
Gabriel
JoAnn Nolte <joann@esteamedu.com>
7:14 AM (14 hours ago)
to Gabriel
Hi Gabriel,
Thanks for the information and the links. The questionnaire sounds good, and I’ll plan to get that back to you within the two-week timeframe. I’ll gather the photos needed as well.
Could you let me know who on your team would be the best point of contact for any follow-up questions regarding the content or the publication process?
Best regards,
JoAnn Nolte
here is the question
Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today. You can include as little or as much detail as you’d like
ChatGPT said:
Perfect — this looks like a legitimate outreach from VoyageDallas, which is part of Voyage Media Group (they also run VoyageLA, VoyageHouston, etc.). Their “Inspiring Stories” series features community leaders and entrepreneurs, and they typically use a written Q&A format like the link you were given.
Here’s how you can approach that first question effectively:
💬 Question
Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today?
✍️ Suggested Framework for Your Response
You want to blend authenticity, purpose, and impact. The publication’s tone is conversational and motivational, so it’s best to sound human and heartfelt rather than overly polished or promotional.
1. Opening – The Spark
Start with a warm, story-like opener that captures what motivated your journey.
“My story began with a deep desire to make learning meaningful, hands-on, and inspiring for kids. As a homeschooling mom and lifelong learner, I saw how curiosity could be the foundation for real education — not just memorization.”
2. The Turning Point – Founding ESTEAM Learning Labs
Explain how your experiences led to the creation of ESTEAM Learning Labs.
“After years of homeschooling and leading co-ops, robotics teams, and theater productions, I realized families needed more opportunities for collaborative, project-based learning that nurtured both creativity and critical thinking. That’s what inspired me to help build ESTEAM Learning Labs — a place where students can explore entrepreneurship, science, technology, engineering, arts, and math in a fun, hands-on environment.”
3. Growth and Impact
Highlight your progress and how your mission has evolved.
“What started as one small learning community has grown into multiple locations across Texas and Florida, serving thousands of students. We’ve created programs that help young people discover their passions and develop leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills — the tools they’ll need to shape their future.”
4. Challenges and Lessons
Voyage loves human stories — including challenges.
“There have been plenty of challenges along the way — from launching as a small startup to balancing growth with purpose. But every obstacle has reinforced my belief that innovation begins with courage and community.”
5. Today and Tomorrow
End with a hopeful, forward-looking note.
“Today, my mission is to empower the next generation of innovators while inspiring parents and educators to reimagine what learning can look like. I’m excited to continue expanding ESTEAM Learning Labs and sharing creative ways for families to connect through curiosity and adventure.”
🪄 Optional Touch (Personal Connection)
If you want to weave in your “Momo” identity or storytelling angle:
“Outside of ESTEAM, I’m also known as ‘Momo’ — an adventuring grandmother who writes children’s books about exploring the national parks. Everything I do — from teaching to storytelling — is about sparking curiosity and wonder.”
Would you like me to help you polish this into a ready-to-submit paragraph version that matches the tone and length Voyage usually publishes (about 300–400 words)?
You said:
love this yes
ChatGPT said:
Wonderful! 💫 Here’s a polished, ready-to-submit version of your response — written in the warm, authentic, and inspiring tone that VoyageDallas features in their Inspiring Stories series. It balances your personal journey, purpose, and impact while keeping it conversational and heartfelt:
✨ Interview Response: “Walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.”
My story began with a simple but powerful question: What if learning could be an adventure? As a homeschooling mom, I spent years watching curiosity light up my children’s eyes when lessons connected to real life — whether we were building robots, performing musicals, or exploring science outdoors. I saw firsthand how hands-on, passion-driven learning could transform not just what kids know, but who they become.
That spark led me to co-found ESTEAM Learning Labs, where we combine Entrepreneurship, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math into experiences that are creative, collaborative, and confidence-building. Our mission is to empower students to discover their passions and become leaders who challenge and inspire the world.
What began as a small, local effort has now grown into multiple locations across Texas and Florida, serving students through camps, after-school programs, and community partnerships. Every day, I’m inspired by the creativity and curiosity I see in our learners — from the child who builds their first robot to the teen who launches a business prototype.
The journey hasn’t been without challenges. Building something new in education means learning to adapt, innovate, and persevere — especially when resources are tight or the vision feels bigger than the moment. But every challenge has deepened my faith and reminded me why this work matters.
Beyond the classroom, I’m also known as “Momo,” an adventurous grandmother and author of The Miss Adventures of Momo children’s book series. My stories follow a grandmother and her grandkids as they travel the national parks in a converted school bus, learning about science, art, history, and wonder along the way. Whether through storytelling or education, my purpose is the same — to help families rediscover curiosity, creativity, and connection.
Today, I’m focused on growing ESTEAM’s impact, mentoring other educators, and continuing to inspire both kids and adults to see learning as a lifelong adventure.
Would you like me to create a shorter version (about 150–200 words) too? Voyage sometimes uses condensed intros at the top of the feature, and having both can make your submission stronger.
You said:
with expansion in minnesota this year and lead with learing fun 101 and expanign to ESTEAM learing labs dont for get the microschools and the newe camp mentor that is designed to help microschool founders, homeschollers and teacher bring summer camps to their community. I have also created the non profit fire foundationt hat is currently in central teax with its children’s businees fair and will partner with childrens business fairs in the dfw area
ChatGPT said:
Perfect — that’s an exciting expansion, JoAnn! Let’s weave in all those new elements (Minnesota expansion, Learning Fun 101 roots, microschools, Camp Mentor, and The F.I.R.E. Foundation) while keeping the tone warm, genuine, and inspiring — just the way VoyageDallas loves.
Here’s a beautifully polished and publication-ready version of your interview answer, updated with all those details and transitions that make your story shine:
✨ Interview Response: “Walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.”
My story began with a simple but powerful question: What if learning could be fun again? As a homeschooling mom, I discovered that curiosity is the greatest teacher — watching my kids come alive when lessons turned into projects, performances, and adventures. That passion for hands-on learning inspired me to start Learning Fun 101, a small but mighty program that brought robotics and STEM education to families who wanted something more engaging and meaningful.
Over time, that spark grew into ESTEAM Learning Labs, where we combine Entrepreneurship, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math to create immersive, confidence-building experiences for students. What began with a few local classes has now expanded across Texas, Florida, and Minnesota, serving thousands of learners through after-school programs, summer camps, and community partnerships.
Along the way, I’ve also helped launch microschools — small, innovative learning communities that reimagine education on a more personal scale. Most recently, I created Camp Mentor, a program designed to empower microschool founders, homeschool leaders, and teachers to build and run their own summer camps, bringing creative learning opportunities to their communities.
My heart for community also led me to establish The F.I.R.E. Foundation, a nonprofit based in Central Texas that partners with Children’s Business Fairs to help kids launch their own businesses and discover the joy of entrepreneurship. We’re now expanding into the DFW area, connecting even more families and young innovators through these empowering events.
The journey has been full of growth, grace, and grit. Each step — from homeschooling mom to founder, mentor, and now nonprofit leader — has reaffirmed my belief that learning should spark curiosity, creativity, and courage. Today, I’m focused on expanding ESTEAM’s impact, supporting educators through mentorship, and continuing to inspire kids and families to see learning as a lifelong adventure.
Would you like me to craft a shorter companion version (around 150–200 words) for the intro paragraph VoyageDallas usually uses before the full feature? It would summarize your story in a quick, engaging snapshot for readers scrolling through.
You said:
we will start with the question and maybe add aother beccause that is and will be my thing socratic questions from givign agency tot he children in the classroom to my book series. wever this in naturally
ChatGPT said:
Perfect — that’s such a brilliant way to set yourself apart, JoAnn. The Socratic question framework ties together your entire philosophy — from education to entrepreneurship to storytelling — and it gives your feature real depth. I’ll revise your VoyageDallas answer to begin with a question, weave your Socratic approach throughout, and connect it beautifully to ESTEAM Learning Labs, microschools, Camp Mentor, and The Miss Adventures of Momo series.
Here’s the updated, publication-ready version that naturally integrates your love for asking questions and giving agency to learners — while keeping the tone warm, reflective, and engaging:
✨ Interview Response: “Walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.”
It all began with a question — the same kind of question I now encourage children, parents, and educators to ask every day: What if learning felt like discovery again?
As a homeschooling mom, I watched my kids light up when curiosity led the way — when lessons turned into projects, experiments, and adventures. That joy in learning inspired me to start Learning Fun 101, where hands-on robotics and STEM experiences brought education to life. I quickly realized that when we empower children to ask their own questions, we give them ownership of their learning — and that changes everything.
That spark grew into ESTEAM Learning Labs, combining Entrepreneurship, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math to inspire the next generation of innovators. What began as a local idea has expanded across Texas, Florida, and now Minnesota, reaching thousands of students through after-school programs, camps, and collaborative partnerships.
Along the way, I’ve helped launch microschools — intimate, learner-centered communities that bring education back to its roots: connection, curiosity, and confidence. To support this movement, I recently developed Camp Mentor, a program that equips microschool founders, homeschool leaders, and teachers to design and host summer camps that bring learning to life in their own neighborhoods.
My passion for empowering young minds also inspired the creation of The F.I.R.E. Foundation, a nonprofit based in Central Texas that partners with Children’s Business Fairs to help kids launch their own ventures and discover the joy of entrepreneurship. We’re now expanding into the DFW area, continuing to spark that same curiosity and courage in communities across the region.
And because stories are one of the most powerful ways to teach, I’m also known as “Momo” — the adventurous grandmother in my children’s book series, The Miss Adventures of Momo. The series uses storytelling and Socratic questions to help kids explore the world through wonder, wisdom, and imagination.
At the heart of everything I do — from teaching and mentoring to writing and leading — is the belief that asking better questions leads to deeper learning, stronger communities, and a life full of discovery.
Would you like me to help you choose or refine the next interview question to continue the feature (for example, “What inspires your work?” or “What challenges have you faced along the way?”) — and tailor your answer to follow this same Socratic, storytelling style?
You said:
lead witht eh question leave out the intor just the question
ChatGPT said:
Absolutely — here’s your updated version starting directly with the question, just as VoyageDallas will print it in their Q&A format. It keeps your signature Socratic style while highlighting your story, philosophy, and impact in one seamless narrative:
Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today?
What if learning felt like discovery again? That’s the question that has guided every part of my journey — from homeschooling mom to educator, founder, mentor, and storyteller.
I saw early on that when children are given agency — the freedom to ask, explore, and wonder — learning becomes something they own, not something that’s done to them. That belief led me to start Learning Fun 101, where hands-on robotics and STEM programs helped kids connect curiosity with confidence.
That spark grew into ESTEAM Learning Labs, where we combine Entrepreneurship, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math to empower students to think critically, create boldly, and lead with purpose. What began as a local project has expanded across Texas, Florida, and now Minnesota, reaching thousands of learners through after-school programs, summer camps, and partnerships that strengthen communities.
As the vision evolved, I became passionate about helping others bring learning to life in their own way. That’s where microschools and Camp Mentor were born — giving founders, homeschool leaders, and teachers the tools to create meaningful learning environments and summer camps in their own communities.
I also founded The F.I.R.E. Foundation, a nonprofit that partners with Children’s Business Fairs to inspire young entrepreneurs. We’re currently based in Central Texas and expanding into the DFW area, helping children turn creativity into confidence through real-world business experiences.
And through my children’s book series, The Miss Adventures of Momo, I continue to ask questions — this time through the eyes of a curious grandmother and her grandkids as they explore the national parks. Whether in the classroom, in business, or on the page, my mission remains the same: to ignite curiosity, empower creativity, and remind us all that the best learning begins with a question.
Would you like me to craft the next interview question and response (for example, “What inspires your work?” or “What challenges have you faced?”) so it flows naturally after this one — keeping your Socratic theme running throughout?
You said:
it iwll be mis adventures of momo
ChatGPT said:
Perfect — that’s a beautiful and cohesive way to frame it, JoAnn. Using The Miss Adventures of Momo as both your storytelling anchor and your philosophical throughline will make your VoyageDallas feature feel unified and deeply personal.
Here’s your updated version of the interview answer, starting with the question and integrating The Miss Adventures of Momo as your central theme — showing how your teaching philosophy, entrepreneurship, and storytelling all grow from the same heart of curiosity and wonder:
Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today?
What if learning could be an adventure? That’s the question that started it all — and it continues to guide everything I do, from the classroom to my book series, The Miss Adventures of Momo.
As a homeschooling mom, I saw how learning came alive when my kids had the freedom to explore, ask questions, and make discoveries for themselves. That love of curiosity led me to create Learning Fun 101, where we introduced hands-on robotics and STEM education to families who wanted something more engaging than traditional instruction.
From there, the journey grew into ESTEAM Learning Labs, a place where Entrepreneurship, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math come together to empower young innovators. What began with one local program has now expanded across Texas, Florida, and Minnesota, reaching thousands of students through after-school programs, summer camps, and partnerships with schools and community organizations.
That same spirit of discovery led me to support the growth of microschools, intimate learning communities designed to give children agency and belonging. To help more educators and families launch their own programs, I created Camp Mentor — a training and resource initiative that equips teachers, homeschool leaders, and microschool founders to build summer camps that reflect their unique vision for learning.
I also founded The F.I.R.E. Foundation, a nonprofit that partners with Children’s Business Fairs to ignite entrepreneurship in kids. We’re currently active in Central Texas and expanding into the DFW area, helping children experience the excitement of turning ideas into action.
Through all of this, The Miss Adventures of Momo has become more than a children’s book series — it’s a reflection of my belief that learning is meant to be hands-on, heart-centered, and full of wonder. Whether I’m mentoring educators, building learning communities, or writing stories about a curious grandmother and her adventurous grandkids, my mission remains the same: to spark curiosity, nurture courage, and remind families that the greatest lessons in life begin with a question.
Would you like me to help you craft the next interview question response — something like “Tell us more about The Miss Adventures of Momo and what inspired it” — to build on this flow and keep your story cohesive?
You said:
misadventrues
ChatGPT said:
Got it — thank you for clarifying! We’ll use your preferred title spelling: The MisAdventures of Momo throughout, since that reflects your brand and the spirit of playful learning at the heart of your work.
Here’s your fully updated and polished VoyageDallas interview answer, with your Socratic-question opening, consistent branding for The MisAdventures of Momo, and a clear, inspiring flow that ties together your educational philosophy, entrepreneurship, and storytelling.
Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today?
What if learning could be an adventure? That’s the question that started it all — and it continues to guide everything I do, from the classroom to my book series, The MisAdventures of Momo.
As a homeschooling mom, I watched my kids light up when they had the freedom to explore, ask questions, and make discoveries for themselves. That passion for curiosity-driven learning inspired me to create Learning Fun 101, where hands-on robotics and STEM experiences helped children see that learning could be both meaningful and fun.
From there, the journey grew into ESTEAM Learning Labs, where Entrepreneurship, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math come together to empower young innovators. What began with one small local program has now expanded across Texas, Florida, and Minnesota, serving thousands of students through after-school programs, summer camps, and creative community partnerships.
That same love of discovery led me to champion microschools, small and flexible learning communities designed to give children agency and belonging. To support others doing this important work, I launched Camp Mentor — a program that helps microschool founders, homeschoolers, and teachers design and run their own summer camps, bringing high-quality, hands-on learning to their local communities.
I also founded The F.I.R.E. Foundation, a nonprofit that partners with Children’s Business Fairs to ignite entrepreneurship in kids. We’re currently active in Central Texas and expanding into the DFW area, helping children turn creativity into confidence by launching their very first businesses.
Through it all, The MisAdventures of Momo has become a living symbol of my philosophy — that learning should be filled with wonder, courage, and joy. Whether through education, mentorship, or storytelling, my mission remains the same: to spark curiosity, empower creativity, and remind families that the greatest adventures begin with a question.
Would you like me to draft the next interview question and response (for example: “Tell us about The MisAdventures of Momo and what inspired it” or “What drives your passion for education and entrepreneurship?”) so your feature reads like a cohesive, engaging conversation?
You said:
i likes the first write up i want this to breifly touch on the book series at the end and hlep with the foundation of fire i am on the advisory board this is our second year in in the dfw area
ChatGPT said:
Excellent — that’s a great direction, JoAnn. We’ll return to the tone and structure of the first long-form write-up (the one you loved), since it had the perfect flow and warmth for VoyageDallas. Then, we’ll update the final section to:
✅ Mention your role on the Advisory Board of The F.I.R.E. Foundation,
✅ Clarify that it’s now in its second year in the DFW area,
✅ Briefly and naturally touch on The MisAdventures of Momo at the end — as a reflection of your educational philosophy, not a separate focus.
Here’s your revised, publication-ready version — blending all of that seamlessly:
Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today?
What if learning felt like discovery again? That’s the question that has guided every part of my journey — from homeschooling mom to educator, founder, mentor, and storyteller.
I saw early on that when children are given agency — the freedom to ask, explore, and wonder — learning becomes something they own, not something that’s done to them. That belief led me to start Learning Fun 101, where hands-on robotics and STEM programs helped kids connect curiosity with confidence.
That spark grew into ESTEAM Learning Labs, where we combine Entrepreneurship, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math to empower students to think critically, create boldly, and lead with purpose. What began as a local project has expanded across Texas, Florida, and now Minnesota, reaching thousands of learners through after-school programs, summer camps, and partnerships that strengthen communities.
As the vision evolved, I became passionate about helping others bring learning to life in their own way. That’s where microschools and Camp Mentor were born — giving founders, homeschool leaders, and teachers the tools to create meaningful learning environments and summer camps in their own communities.
I also serve on the Advisory Board of The F.I.R.E. Foundation, a nonprofit that partners with Children’s Business Fairs to inspire young entrepreneurs. Now in its second year in the DFW area, the foundation continues to help kids turn ideas into action, building confidence, creativity, and a sense of purpose through real-world experiences.
And at the heart of everything I do — from teaching to mentoring to writing — is the belief that learning should be filled with wonder. My children’s book series, The MisAdventures of Momo, captures that same spirit, following a grandmother and her grandkids as they explore the world with curiosity and courage. Whether in education or storytelling, my mission is to remind families that every great adventure begins with a question.
Would you like me to write your next interview answer (for a follow-up question like “What inspires your work?” or “What challenges have you faced?”) in this same tone — weaving in your love of the Socratic method and your heart for community-building?
You said:
i love this dont change it just add to the second paragragh learning at their own pace the spark grew into esteam academy a microschoo and esteam learning labs, the camp mentor paragraph needs micros scholl private schools, homeschool and educators I’d like to add, when I’m not expanding programs, creating curriculum, writing curriculum, I’m writing for my series, The Misadventures of MoMo and MoMo’s Grand Adventures, where learning and discovery happen outside of the classroom, in nature.
ChatGPT said:
Perfect, JoAnn — that’s a beautiful evolution of your story. I’ll keep everything exactly as written in the version you loved, only refining the two sections you mentioned:
Second paragraph: add the “learning at their own pace” concept and mention ESTEAM Academy as the microschool that grew alongside ESTEAM Learning Labs.
Camp Mentor paragraph: expand to include microschools, private schools, homeschool, and educators.
Add your closing sentence about The MisAdventures of MoMo and MoMo’s Grand Adventures, connecting them to outdoor learning and discovery.
Here’s your final, polished version — ready for submission to VoyageDallas:
Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today?
What if learning felt like discovery again? That’s the question that has guided every part of my journey — from homeschooling mom to educator, founder, mentor, and storyteller.
I saw early on that when children are given agency — the freedom to ask, explore, and wonder — learning becomes something they own, not something that’s done to them. That belief led me to start Learning Fun 101, where hands-on robotics and STEM programs helped kids connect curiosity with confidence and learn at their own pace. That spark grew into ESTEAM Academy, a microschool designed to nurture individualized learning, and ESTEAM Learning Labs, where we combine Entrepreneurship, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math to empower students to think critically, create boldly, and lead with purpose. What began as a local project has expanded across Texas, Florida, and now Minnesota, reaching thousands of learners through after-school programs, summer camps, and partnerships that strengthen communities.
As the vision evolved, I became passionate about helping others bring learning to life in their own way. That’s where microschools and Camp Mentor were born — giving microschools, private schools, homeschool families, and educators the tools to create meaningful learning environments and summer camps in their own communities.
I also serve on the Advisory Board of The F.I.R.E. Foundation, a nonprofit that partners with Children’s Business Fairs to inspire young entrepreneurs. Now in its second year in the DFW area, the foundation continues to help kids turn ideas into action, building confidence, creativity, and a sense of purpose through real-world experiences.
And when I’m not expanding programs or creating curriculum, I’m writing for my children’s book series, The MisAdventures of MoMo and MoMo’s Grand Adventures, where learning and discovery happen outside the classroom — in nature, through curiosity, courage, and connection. Whether in education or storytelling, my mission is to remind families that every great adventure begins with a question.
Would you like me to help you create your next interview question and answer to follow this one — perhaps “What inspires your work?” or “What do you hope readers and students take away from your approach to learning?” — written in this same inspiring and cohesive style?
You said:
Microschools and Camp Mentor don’t mix. That’s just where Camp Mentor was born, giving microschools, private schools, homeschools, families, and educators the opportunity to create meaningful learning environments in summer camps in their communities. I’m not sure about the advisory board. Because at one point you had put, whether it’s children building robots to young adults starting a new business. That’s where the Children’s Business Fair came in. I’m not sure if some of these things just need to be bullet-pointed as opposed to a full-on sentence. I’d like to keep the integrity of it without too much twaddle. And we can take out Minnesota since we haven’t expanded that yet. We can set up with future projects, being Minnesota and Colorado.
ChatGPT said:
Excellent notes, JoAnn — you’re absolutely right.
Your story is strongest when it feels clear, confident, and purposeful, without drifting into fluff (“twaddle,” as you perfectly put it!).
Here’s what I’ve done based on your direction:
✅ Tightened the flow and removed extra filler.
✅ Clarified that Camp Mentor was born out of your experience, not mixed with microschools.
✅ Simplified the Children’s Business Fair / F.I.R.E. Foundation connection and folded it naturally into the narrative.
✅ Removed Minnesota (since it’s in progress) and added future projects in Minnesota and Colorado at the end.
✅ Kept everything in your authentic voice and rhythm — purposeful, visionary, and relatable.
✅ Replaced long descriptive phrases with clean, powerful statements and light transitions.
Here’s your refined, publication-ready version — balanced, polished, and true to your voice:
Can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today?
What if learning felt like discovery again? That question has guided every part of my journey — from homeschooling mom to educator, founder, and storyteller.
I saw early on that when children are given agency — the freedom to ask, explore, and learn at their own pace — education transforms. That belief led me to start Learning Fun 101, where hands-on robotics and STEM programs helped kids connect curiosity with confidence. That spark grew into ESTEAM Academy, a microschool focused on individualized, project-based learning, and ESTEAM Learning Labs, where Entrepreneurship, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math come together to inspire young innovators.
As the vision evolved, I became passionate about helping others bring learning to life in their own way. That’s where Camp Mentor was born — giving microschools, private schools, homeschool families, and educators the opportunity to design meaningful learning environments through summer camps in their own communities.
Beyond the classroom, I’ve worked to connect learning with real-world purpose. Through partnerships with Children’s Business Fairs and the F.I.R.E. Foundation, we’ve seen everything from children building their first robots to young entrepreneurs launching their very first businesses — all experiences that teach creativity, confidence, and courage.
And when I’m not expanding programs or developing curriculum, I’m writing for my children’s book series, The MisAdventures of MoMo and MoMo’s Grand Adventures, where learning and discovery happen outside the classroom — in nature, through curiosity and connection.
Looking ahead, we’re preparing for future projects in Minnesota and Colorado, expanding opportunities for families and educators to reimagine what learning can be. Whether through robotics, entrepreneurship, or storytelling, my mission remains the same: to remind families that every great adventure begins with a question.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Honestly, there have been a lot of bumps — and a few brick walls — along the way. Even when my kids were little and I was homeschooling while running programs, there were days I wondered how on earth I was going to balance it all. Being a single mom, building something from scratch, and trying to do right by my kids was both beautiful and exhausting.
Then came another big transition — my kids grew up, moved out, and started families of their own. I have twelve grandkids now, which is such a blessing, but it also meant I had to rediscover who I was in this new season of life. Around that time, menopause hit, and it’s amazing what stress can do to your body. I’ve lived at a level of stress that could probably kill a horse — and I don’t say that lightly. Between hormone changes, long workdays, and constant pressure, my body finally said, “enough.”
It all kind of came crashing in at once. I hit a wall — hard. There were months where I physically couldn’t get out of bed for days at a time. We spent almost eight months going through tests, doctors, and more doctors before we finally started getting some answers. It wasn’t quick or easy, but eventually, things started to turn around.
During that season, I took a much-needed sabbatical — and honestly, it saved me. It gave me time to breathe, heal, and realign. That’s also when I realized how much I missed writing. The MisAdventures of Momo had started as an idea about five years ago, tucked away on a shelf, but during that downtime, it came back to life. It was reborn in that quiet space where I had nothing to give but words and reflection.
Now, my health is better, my focus is clearer, and I’ve learned to slow down — to say no to the “shiny things” I want to chase tomorrow and just be present today. I’ve found a better rhythm between work and rest, and I’ve reconnected with my local community through The House of Shine, which has been such a gift.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned through all of it, it’s that rest isn’t quitting — it’s part of the work. Those hard seasons taught me grace, patience, and how to rebuild, one day at a time.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At ESTEAM EDU, we’re creating learning communities — from microschools to summer camp programs — where curiosity and creativity drive education.
We have two microschools, ESTEAM Academy and Apollo Academy, that give parents and communities an alternative learning option. Our schools are built on a Socratic, engaging environment where students learn at their own pace, take ownership of their education, and grow in both confidence and curiosity.
Through ESTEAM Learning Labs, we partner with organizations, private schools, microschools, and public schools to bring learning to life through pop-up summer camps. We’re a mobile summer camp organization, and one of our most popular programs is our LEGO Robotics BattleBots camp — our number-one seller. It’s hands-on, exciting, and teaches students problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork in a fun, competitive format.
Through Camp Mentor, I work with microschools, private schools, and homeschool educators to help them design and run their own summer camps. It’s a way to share what I’ve learned in the industry and help others build sustainable, high-quality programs that serve their communities.
With The MisAdventures of Momo series, I’m writing stories that blend education and adventure. The books follow a grandmother and her grandkids as they travel through America’s national parks, discovering nature, science, and history along the way. The stories remind families that learning doesn’t just happen in a classroom — it happens everywhere, especially out in nature.
What sets us apart is our heart for community. Whether it’s through education, mentorship, or storytelling, everything we do is about helping people rediscover the joy of learning — together. I’m most proud that our work inspires curiosity, creativity, and connection across generations.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about the DFW area are the pockets of community you can find everywhere. It’s such a large metroplex, but when you take the time to connect, you discover how easy it is to build real relationships. I’ve met so many people who are creative, kind, and genuinely invested in helping others grow — it’s a great place to collaborate and belong.
I also have to say — I actually like the roadway system here. It’s one of the few big cities where I feel like I can get almost anywhere without too much trouble once you learn the routes.
What I like least is that it can feel overwhelming at times — it’s big, busy, and constantly moving. But even with that, I’ve found that if you put yourself out there, you can always find your people. DFW has a way of making a big city feel small once you find your community.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.esteamlearninglabs.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esteam_learning_labs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ESTEAMLearninglabsDallasFortWorth
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joann-nolte-030759381/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjLaRbFqng8wPcoIAezRY9A/playlists
