Team Me
Robert M. Rucker II — Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Robert Rucker is an educator, musician, and nonprofit leader with more than 20 years of experience spanning K–12 education, higher education, curriculum development, and international cultural exchange. He earned a Master of Music from Manhattan School of Music and a Bachelor of Music from the University of North Florida. He holds New Jersey teaching and supervisory certifications and completed educational leadership study at Fairleigh Dickinson University. From 2022 to 2026, he served on the Fulbright Specialist Roster. At MIE, he leads music-centered STEAM and computer science learning, teacher training, partnerships, and community programs.
Timothy T. Childs, Ph.D. — Trustee and STEM Advisor
Dr. Timothy Childs is a physicist, technology entrepreneur, educator, and nonprofit leader. He earned a Ph.D. and M.S. in Physics from Stanford University as a Bell Laboratories Fellow and a B.S. in Physics, magna cum laude, from Florida A&M University. His career includes advanced research, technology commercialization, product development, and international operations. He has contributed to more than 20 patents and has extensive governance experience, including service as a university trustee and charter-school founder and board member. Through the TLC Education Foundation, he has supported tutoring, college preparation, scholarships, and internships for students.
Genevieve Kovacs Massaro — STEAM Education Team Member
Genevieve Kovacs Massaro is an experienced science, mathematics, STREAM, and educational technology educator. Her work includes physics instruction, curriculum development, family STREAM programming, professional development supporting implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards, and teaching students across elementary and secondary grades. She earned graduate credentials in teaching and learning physics and educational technology, along with undergraduate degrees in natural sciences and mathematics with a concentration in computer science and in elementary education. She was recognized as a 2017–2018 NJASA/BCEA Teacher Honoree.
Darleen L. Gearhart — Education/Governance Advisor
Darleen Gearhart brings experience in secondary education, organizational governance, and community-focused initiatives. In the founding-team materials, she identifies her role as advising on educational expectations, school operations, and academic and professional responsibilities. Her governance experience includes service with Essex IQ, Newark Yoga Movement, the New Jersey Green Schoolyards Task Force, and the PE²MT Project. Her stated priorities include strong governance, accountability, community engagement, rigorous educational design, family partnerships, and measurable student outcomes.
This public profile intentionally excludes private addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, signatures, and application-specific disclosures.
PUBLIC-PAGE NOTE
These profiles summarize professional information supplied by MIE’s founding team. Personal addresses, telephone numbers, private email addresses, signatures, and application-specific disclosures have been intentionally omitted.
Founder / CEO
Robert Rucker, also known as “Rook ” a highly skilled jazz musician, is not only a music educator, but also a certified music teacher licensed in both New Jersey and New York. Throughout his illustrious career, Mr. Rucker has collaborated and shared the stage with numerous distinguished artists, including the renowned Wynton Marsalis, esteemed Marcus Roberts, accomplished Wessell “Warm Daddy” Anderson, the exceptional Wycliffe Gordon, the talented Steve Marley, and the influential Dead Prez. These collaborations have allowed him to explore and showcase his musical prowess alongside some of the industry's most respected figures.
Currently, Robert Rucker is a valued member of the Quartet Trio, a group that features his exceptional talents alongside tenor saxophonist Dr. Todd Williams and Yuma Takagi. Together, they harmonize and create mesmerizing music that captivates audiences wherever they perform. Mr. Rucker's ability to connect with fellow musicians and effortlessly blend his skills with theirs is a testament to his collaborative nature and dedication to the art of jazz.
Moreover, Robert Rucker's impressive music production skills have caught the attention of Sony Pictures, who sought his expertise to enhance their projects. His keen understanding of music and its ability to enhance storytelling has made him an invaluable asset in the world of music production. Through his work with Sony Pictures, he has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. In addition to his collaborations and involvement in music production, Mr. Rucker leads his own jazz band, aptly named The Robert Rucker Project. This remarkable ensemble brings together talented musicians who share his passion for jazz and together they create an unforgettable musical experience for their audiences. With every performance, The Robert Rucker Project pushes the boundaries of the jazz genre, captivating listeners with their unique blend of talent, creativity, and passion.
Robert Rucker's contributions to the world of jazz go far beyond his exceptional musical abilities. As an educator, licensed teacher, collaborator, music producer, and band leader, he has established himself as a true force in the industry. Through his unwavering passion and dedication, Robert Rucker continues to shape the world of jazz, leaving an enduring legacy for future generations to admire and emulate.