Vikas Maturi
President, TechHOUNDS Robotics Team
TechHOUNDS Robotics Team

Presenter biography: Vikas Maturi is a student at Carmel High School that is passionate about inspiring future leaders and innovators. After taking several PLTW classes, he co-founded Design for CHS, a social design firm dedicated to developing leaders that can create solutions to community and global problems through experience. Since 2013, he (independently) and his teams have initiated, developed, launched, and/or completed 15 large-scale projects, including a variety of biomedical innovations, educational enterprises, artistic design projects, homelessness programs, and more.
In addition, Vikas also leads the 114-person TechHOUNDS Robotics Team at Carmel High School that strives to promote awareness and involvement in STEM on a local and national level. The team participate annually in the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), in which we are given six weeks to design, prototype, and build a fully-functioning robot that competes at the state and international level. TechHOUNDS also takes an active role in the community, advocating STEM through demonstrations, volunteerism, and events like the Women in Technology Workshop.

Debbie Peabody
Teacher Trainer
SkillsUSA

Debbie Peabody taught Architectural and Engineering Drawing Georgia for 29 years and was a SkillsUSA advisor for 25 years. In 2012, she was selected as the SkillsUSA Region 2 and ACTE Region 2 Teacher of the Year. Peabody retired from teaching three years ago and has been working with SkillsUSA as a teacher trainer at the national level since then. She is a SkillsUSA State Certified Teacher Trainer and has had the opportunity to train hundreds of advisors from across the country.

Steve Huffman
Chair of Government Relations Committee
Automation Federation

Randy Brooks
PoE Instructer
Lovejoy High Schooly

After 23 years in the Telecom Industry, Randy chose to move to secondary education to develop the skill sets in students that he had not been seeing in front-line applicants. He began by emphasizing problem-solving in his Math classrooms and added PLTW PoE in 2014-2015. During the summer of 2015 he was offered the opportunity to spend two weeks at his alma mater, Texas A&M University, working with the Texas A&M Sketch Recognition Lab (TAMU SRL). The SRL has developed a software tool, Mechanix, which enhances online learning of truss analysis by providing immediate feedback and guidance to students as well as capturing student metrics for the instructor. Randy's task, along with two high school Physics teachers, was to evaluate and critique the tool relative to application in high schools. Randy deployed Mechanix in his PoE classroom and will be discussing the results of his study as well as demonstrating the tool.

Joshua Clemmer
Lead Teacher
Bel Air High School

Joshua Clemmer is the Lead Teacher of the PLTW Biomedical Sciences Program and the Science Department Chairperson at Bel Air School in Bel Air, MD. In addition to teaching Biomedical Innovation, he also teaches Earth Science, Marine Science, and Geohazards Engineering. Joshua enjoys striving to keep his teaching on the cutting edge of technology and available resources.
BAHS has been recognized as a PLTW National Model School and as an Outstanding Secondary CTE Program for the state of Maryland. The school has been involved with PLTW since the inception of the PLTW Biomedical Sciences curriculum. BAHS currently accommodates approximately 250 students and claims over 200 graduates of the program.

Michael Burke
Teacher, Director of Technology & Multimedia
Bel Air High School

Michael Burke began his career by being named a "Teacher of Promise" by the Maryland State Department of Education in 2009. Since then he has been the Director of Technology and Multimedia as well as a HBS and BI teacher at Bel Air High School. Michael prides himself on the myriad of technical and productivity skills that his students develop while in his classes.
BAHS has been recognized as a PLTW National Model School and as an Outstanding Secondary CTE Program for the state of Maryland. The school has been involved with PLTW since the inception of the PLTW Biomedical Sciences curriculum. BAHS currently accommodates approximately 250 students and claims over 200 graduates of the program.

James Wright
Master Teacher
Hazelwood Central High School

I have been teaching high school science for 20 years. I have been teaching PLTW for 8 years. I have been a Master Teacher for the last 7 years in PBS, MI, and BI. I am an avid Michigan Football fan and I enjoy cereal.

Brett Baron
Master Teacher
Hazelwood Central High School

Brett Barron has been a PBS master teacher for the past three summers. He teaches PBS and HBS at Hazelwood Central High School in St. Louis, MO and he is SUPER AWESOME!!

Kurt Helgeson
Department Chair & Professor in the Department of Environmental & Technological Studies
St. Could State University

Dr. Helgeson has been involved with Project Lead the Way since 2008 when he attend Gateway training at Duke University. He has been Affiliate Director for MN for the last 6 years. He is also Department Chair & Professor in the Department of Environmental & Technological Studies. He has taught at St. Cloud State University for 17 years. Prior to coming to St. Cloud State University he was the Product Development & Quality Assurance Manager in the kitchen cabinet industry.

Chuck Hentges
Director of Outreach and Resource
St. Could State University

Currently a professor at SCSU in the Technology Education, and Construction Management. I also work with continuous quality improvement of the PLTW programs in the state.

Jaime Trevino
Teacher
Foy H. Moody High School

My school includes a STEM program called the Innovation Academy. We found that extra- and co-curricular activities are some of the best tools to prepare our students for real-world situations. These opportunities create unity between theory and application, and give students a chance to apply knowledge lesson with a competitive event. I assist with establishing the first FIRST, BEST, VEX and MATE (underwater) robotics teams. I am a certified PLTW teacher for Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) and Civil Engineering/Architecture (CEA). I serve as an instructional mentor for new STEM teachers. My position as the IED teacher is critical because I help lay the foundation for learning the Engineering Design Process, use of CAD programs and developing strong engineering design documentation.
I serve as advisor of the SkillsUSA organization. Our chapter was awarded the Top Chapter Award in South Texas for 2015. To receive this honor, our students swept the regional competition in Engineering Robotics, Engineering Problems and Leadership events. I believe so strongly in enrichment that I have volunteered as a SkillsUSA board member for twenty years. I have been responsible for organizing events where 800+ students compete, and I secured judges, locations and budgets. The simple reason I do it - I want the students to have a platform to demonstrate their acquired skills. I want to make sure that I am always growing professionally and staying abreast of new technology. I want to confirm that the instruction, tools, and opportunities mirror real world applications. The best part of my day often comes after 4:00pm when students flock to my classroom to prepare for their competitive engineering events.

Sandra Clement
Principal
Foy H. Moody High School

Dr. Sandra Clement was born and raised in Robstown, Texas. She possesses a Bachelors Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling, another Master’s Degree in Educational Administration, and a Doctor of Education from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
Dr. Clement has served as a teacher, counselor, and campus administrator for the last twenty years at all levels. As principal of South Park Middle School and Moody High School, she effectively led both schools out of state ‘Academically Unacceptable” designations.
She was named the State “Administrator of the Year” in 2012 by the Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE), the State “Outstanding Middle School Principal of the Year” in 2013 by the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP), the Texas PTA State “Principal of the Year” in 2014, and was recognized at the White House in June 2015 as a part of “Innovations in CTE” for Moody High School receiving the “National Excellence in Action Award” as the top high school in the nation for STEM Programming.
Dr. Clement currently serves as the Principal of Foy H. Moody High School in the Corpus Christi Independent School District with over 1,700 students and a staff of over 200.

Diana Fernandez-Chavez
Assistant Principal
Foy H. Moody High School

Student Panel

Foy H. Moody High School

Julie Fickas
Interim Dean of Science, Math, and Health
St. Louis Community College

Julie Fickas is the Interim Dean of Science, Math, and Health at the Meramec campus of St. Louis Community College. She has worked with faculty counterparts across the college district to provide approved courses in Biology for dual credit through the community college. Additionally, she has worked with colleagues across the college district to develop pathways for students to the workforce from high school. She is currently working on an EdD in Interdisciplinary Leadership at Creighton University

Scott Gevaert
Life Science Lab Assistant Program Coordinator
St. Louis Community College

As the Program Coordinator for the Life Science Lab Assistant program, I train students to be entry-level laboratory technicians in bioscience. The program emphasizes mastering common techniques such as pipetting, centrifugation, and DNA extraction, so that students are immediately employable. I have a Ph.D. in Plant Biology from the University of Georgia, and my areas of research interest are in conservation genetics and physiological ecology.

Brett Richardson
Assistant Principal
St. Louis Community College

Tim Knox

St. Louis Community College

Shaileen Pokress
Director of Instruction
Project Lead The Way

Shaileen Pokress, Director of Instruction at Project Lead The Way, develops computer science programs for K-12 students and teachers. Formerly the Director of Education for the App Inventor project at the MIT Media Lab, she developed programs that reached students of all ages around the globe. Prior to her work at MIT, Shaileen was Project Director for MSPnet, the online network of Math Science Partnerships funded by the National Science Foundation. Shaileen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Cornell University and a Master of Education degree from Harvard University.

Norman Robbins
Senior Manager - Community Relations
Lockheed Martin

Norman Robbins represents Lockheed Martin as Senior Manager - Community Relations. In that capacity, he oversees and administers the company’s community involvement program, which consists of strategically placing company resources in community activities to accomplish objectives of benefit to the community and the company. Mr. Robbins’ work has included many civic involvements. Among positions that he has held are memberships on boards and committees including TCU’s school of education board of visitors, Tarrant county workforce development board, Big Brothers and Sisters and communities in schools. He was elected to the Fort Worth independent school district board of trustees in May 2004. Prior to joining Lockheed Martin, Mr. Robbins was employed by the Fort Worth chamber of commerce in a variety of capacities which included economic development and governmental / urban affairs types of activities. Before joining the chamber, he was employed in the international air freight forwarding industry, having written a thesis on the air freight industry in Dallas/Fort Worth. Mr. Robbins holds bachelor and Master of Science degrees in business administration from Trinity University in San Antonio. A native of Fort Worth, he is married with three grown children.

Ami Motsenbocker
STEM Academy Coordinator
Arlington Independent School District

Ami Motsenbocker is the STEM Academy Coordinator and an Internship Coordinator for the Arlington Independent School District in Arlington, Texas. She has blended corporate experience in human resources and organizational development into her role as an educator. During her 14 years in education, she has focused on work-based learning opportunities for high school students and has implemented successful internship programs in STEM and the sports and entertainment industry. Ami’s experience in the development of internship programs has resulted in successful intern partnerships with organizations such as Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky, NCR, UT Arlington, the City of Arlington, L3 and the Texas Rangers. Ami Motsenbocker has a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from Texas Christian University and earned her Masters of Hospitality Management from the University of Houston.

Ambra Tennery
Educational Development Team Leader
FFA

Ambra Tennery is an advocate for providing all students with the opportunity to succeed through personalized experiences. As the Team Leader for the Educational Development team at the National FFA Organization, she is able to collaborate in deploying innovative and engaging mission-based resources for students and teachers across the country while creating a vision for future resources. Most recently, Ambra led a cross-divisional team on ideating and delivering the FFA mission while preparing students for career success through an online platform called, “My Journey.”
Ambra has worked for the National FFA Organization for almost three years and previously as an agricultural education teacher at Lebanon High School and Emmerich Manual High School for seven years. Due to her experiences within the classroom, Ambra has led various strategic initiatives involving educational relevancy, diversity and inclusion, and agricultural literacy and advocacy during her time at the National FFA Organization.
Ambra got her start in agricultural education as a student in FFA and then went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Education from Purdue University. Her passion for student learning also led her to pursue and achieve her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University. While professional success is always rewarding, Ambra’s greatest pride and joy is her family. She is the mother of three children and enjoys spending time with her family, playing outside, landscaping, and reading.

Ami Motsenbocker
STEM Academy Coordinator
Arlington Independent School District

Ami Motsenbocker is the STEM Academy Coordinator and an Internship Coordinator for the Arlington Independent School District in Arlington, Texas. She has blended corporate experience in human resources and organizational development into her role as an educator. During her 14 years in education, she has focused on work-based learning opportunities for high school students and has implemented successful internship programs in STEM and the sports and entertainment industry. Ami’s experience in the development of internship programs has resulted in successful intern partnerships with organizations such as Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky, NCR, UT Arlington, the City of Arlington, L3 and the Texas Rangers. Ami Motsenbocker has a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from Texas Christian University and earned her Masters of Hospitality Management from the University of Houston.

Meredith Morris
STEM Leader, Global Citizenship
The DOW Chemical Company

Anthony Khosravi
STEM Coordinator
Harlandale Independent School District

Mr. Anthony Khosravi has been in the education field for 10 years and currently serves as the STEM Coordinator for Harlandale Independent School District on the Southside of San Antonio, TX. Since joining Harlandale ISD in December of 2012, he has helped to transform STEM education in the school district. Through his leadership with the STEM Department, the Gifted and Talented (GT) Department, and the Instructional Technology (IT) Department, Mr. Khosravi has spearheaded Harlandale ISD’s K-14 STEM pipeline initiative designed to “bridge the gap” for students to meet college and career ready expectations to be successful in STEM careers. Mr. Khosravi has a Master of Education degree from Concordia University and is currently working on his PhD. in Leadership through Our Lady of the Lake University.

Tola Begbaaji
Director of Professional Services and Support, Discrete ERP
Aptean

Tola Begbaaji is Aptean’s Director of Professional Services and Support, Discrete ERP Support. She has worked in the manufacturing enterprise software field for 17 years. Prior to that, she ran a support operations center for Manpower Temporary Services for 4 years.
Tola wants every student to love STEAM topics, especially underserved students. She has been active in Junior Achievement and currently supports music education at the middle and high school level. Tola lives in Indianapolis with her family and enjoys photography, writing, cooking, traveling, and outdoor activities.

Jamie Gurganus
Associate Director of Engineering Education Initiatives
University of Maryland Baltimore County

Jamie Gurganus (AKA to students as Prof. G) works in the Mechanical Engineering department at UMBC, primarily focusing in the field of Engineering Education and Additive Manufacturing. Her research is focused on solving problems that relate to educating student engineers, teachers and the community as they navigate through the K-12 and post-secondary pipe-lines. She researches on and develops assessment methods, instruments, and metrics to inform engineering education practice and learning in both the K-12 and post-secondary environments.
Jamie currently serves as an instructor Associate Director of Engineering Education Initiatives teaching several mechanical engineering classes and running programs such as Project Lead the Way in Maryland, FIRST Lego League. In addition she collaborates with many industry partners and consults throughout Maryland in STEM education.

Terri Flemming
Master Teacher
Trumbull Career and Technical Center

Graduating from the University of Cincinnati in 1984 with an undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering, Terri spent 12 years working in the engineering and operations divisions of a local public utility. After taking a 10 year sabbatical to raiser her children, she returned to work in education where she received licensure in Integrated math and physics In 2008 she was hired by the Trumbull Career and Technical Center as a Project Lead the Way teacher. Subsequently she has been trained in and taught IED, POE, AE, DE, and EDD, the latter which she became a Master Teacher. In 2015, Terri earned her MS in Professional Studies from Rochester Institute of Technology.

Ed Dennis
Director of Policy, Advocacy, and Research
Project Lead The Way

John Williams
Teacher
Bryant High School

Raised by teachers in a tiny Alabama town, John Williams had very little clue of what he was getting into when he enrolled in engineering school at Auburn University. Upon completing his degree, he went to work for a global oilfield services giant as a reservoir stimulation engineer in Arkansas. There he met a band director girl, got into education and now teaches PLTW engineering courses at Bryant High School, the home of Bryant Hornet Engineering.

Michelle Bunn
Affiliate Director

Michelle graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering in 2009 at San Diego State University. After graduating, she worked as an Academic Coordinator for the MESA Schools Program, which offered hands-on activities for after school programs and tutoring to students in underserved areas. It was through the MESA Schools Program that sparked her interest and passion in K-12 STEM outreach programs. After two years working for the MESA Schools Program, she decided to further her career and get a Master’s Degree in Education. While attending graduate school, Michelle worked for Project Lead The Way California as their School Programs Manager. Since receiving her Master Degree, Michelle currently holds the position of Affiliate Director for Project Lead The Way California/San Diego Region. While attending San Diego State University as an undergraduate, she was heavily involved with the Society of Women Engineers and always felt a need for more programs and events that were female-friendly. Since working with PLTW CA, she has become a huge advocate for creating female-focused events and programs, such as Girls Day Out event for middle and high school events (in partnership with SWE collegiate chapters) and Girls Coding Camp 7-8th grade girls (in partnership with Qualcomm’s Thinkabit Lab in San Diego).

Rusti Berent
Funding and Grants Consultant
Sargent Welch and Ward’s Science

Dr. Rusti Berent is the in-house funding and grants consultant and manager of special programs at Sargent Welch and Ward’s Science where she provides a full range of complimentary grants services to teachers and faculty, schools and colleges. Leveraging more than 25 years of experience and skills in grant seeking and grant making as well as in program development and evaluation, she helps educators find and apply for funding; coaches them to recognize and build on their strengths and those of their students; and helps them identify and develop community partnerships and collaborations.

Nathan Nolte
Technology and Engineering Instructor
Fox Valley Lutheran High School

Nathan Nolte is a Technology and Engineering Instructor at Fox Valley Lutheran High School in Appleton, Wisconsin and serves as the Director of the FVL STEM Academy. He has taught several PLTW courses and is a Master Teacher for Computer Science and Software Engineering (CSE). Outside the classroom Nathan serves as the advisor for the FVL VEX Robotics Team and the Commissioner for the Fox Valley VEX Robotics League. He also currently sits on the PLTW Wisconsin State Leadership Team.

Alan Nolte
Curriculum Director
Fox Valley Lutheran High School

Curriculum Director, math and STEM instructor (3rd year with Aerospace Engineering) at Fox Valley Lutheran High School in Appleton Wisconsin. Led implementation of their PLTW program and has assisted with STEM summer camps for the last 4 years. Has earned a Masters in Education Leadership.

Erica Harris
Assistant Principal
Bel Air High School

Erica Harris is an assistant principal at Bel Air High School in Bel Air, MD. She was instrumental in bringing the PLTW Biomedical Sciences program to BAHS and has been the administrator in charge for the entirety of the 8 years in which the program has existed. Erica is a grant writing specialist who secures the funding necessary for the program to be successful. She fully supports her teachers in all of their endeavors and facilitates the innovative ideas that the BAHS program is constantly implementing.
BAHS has been recognized as a PLTW National Model School and as an Outstanding Secondary CTE Program for the state of Maryland. The school has been involved with PLTW since the inception of the PLTW Biomedical Sciences curriculum. BAHS currently accommodates approximately 250 students and claims over 200 graduates of the program.

Joshua Clemmer
Lead Teacher
Bel Air High School

Joshua Clemmer is the Lead Teacher of the PLTW Biomedical Sciences Program and the Science Department Chairperson at Bel Air School in Bel Air, MD. In addition to teaching Biomedical Innovation, he also teaches Earth Science, Marine Science, and Geohazards Engineering. Joshua enjoys striving to keep his teaching on the cutting edge of technology and available resources.
BAHS has been recognized as a PLTW National Model School and as an Outstanding Secondary CTE Program for the state of Maryland. The school has been involved with PLTW since the inception of the PLTW Biomedical Sciences curriculum. BAHS currently accommodates approximately 250 students and claims over 200 graduates of the program.

Michael Burke
Teacher, Director of Technology & Multimedia
Bel Air High School

Michael Burke began his career by being named a "Teacher of Promise" by the Maryland State Department of Education in 2009. Since then he has been the Director of Technology and Multimedia as well as a HBS and BI teacher at Bel Air High School. Michael prides himself on the myriad of technical and productivity skills that his students develop while in his classes.
BAHS has been recognized as a PLTW National Model School and as an Outstanding Secondary CTE Program for the state of Maryland. The school has been involved with PLTW since the inception of the PLTW Biomedical Sciences curriculum. BAHS currently accommodates approximately 250 students and claims over 200 graduates of the program.

Kim Anthony
Executive Director of Curriculum and Instrucion
Billings Public Schools

Kim Anthony has worked as Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Billings Public Schools for the past four years . Previously she was both an elementary principal and a teacher within the district for over 25 years. She has a passion for STEM education and it is her dream to make sure that all students are exposed to a variety of courses so they can see the endless possibilities for their futures.

Krista Hertz
Executive Director of the Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools
Billings Public Schools

Krista Hertz is the Executive Director of the Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools. She has been involved with the Foundation for the past 8 years. Prior to her work at the Foundation she was a business teacher. Krista is a parent of two boys in PLTW classes and she sees the endless possibilities for their future.

Susan Plath
Grant Writer
Billings Public Schools

Susan Plath has written grants for Billings Public Schools for the last 16 years. She loves watching students engage with projects resulting from successful grant applications. Involvement with PLTW implementation has resulted in great quotes from teachers, students, administrators and parents for use in grant applications. She knows first hand about the power of PLTW. Her daughter took two years of PLTW’s Pre-Engineering class. She went on to become a civil engineer.

Jamie Nixdorf
Math/Science Coach
Billings Public Schools

Jamie Nixdorf has worked as a district math and science coach for Billings Public Schools for the past two years. Previously, she was a high school math teacher for thirteen years. She has a passion for helping students experience the wonder and curiosity that is provided through STEM.

Jenni Buckley
State Leader, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering
University of Delaware

Jenni Buckley is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at University of Delaware. She teaches mechanical design and was integral to forming the new Design Studio space on campus. Her research efforts focus on medical device design, particularly in orthopaedics, rehabilitation, and simulation. Dr. Buckley is also the co-founder and executive director of The Perry Initiative, a non-profit that inspires women to pursue careers in underrepresented areas of engineering and medicine, and she is the Delaware State Leader for Project Lead The Way.

Amy Tauth-Nare
Associate Director, Professional Development Center for Educators
University of Delaware

Dr. Amy Trauth-Nare is an Associate Director for Teacher Education and Assistant Professor of Education at the University of Delaware. A botanist by training, Dr. Trauth-Nare taught STEM at the high school level before completing her PhD in science education at Indiana University. Dr. Trauth-Nare serves as the Affiliate Director for PLTW at University of Delaware and conducts a wide range of STEM professional development for the Delaware K12 STEM teacher community.

Lauri Schoening
Pre-Engineering Instructor
Great Plains Technology Center

Laurie grew up in Lawton, OK and after completing high school she attended Abilene Christian University and received a BBA in Marketing. She later returned to school here in Lawton and received a BA of Accountancy from Cameron University. She began her teaching career 10 years ago. She taught math for Lawton Public Schools for 9 years. She is in her second year of teaching for the Great Plains Technology Center Pre-Engineering Academy. She teaches Introduction to Engineering Design and Principles of Engineering at Eisenhower High School. She also sponsors a Vex Robotics team and a Stock Market team at Eisenhower High School. Laurie and her husband Dana have two children, Garrett and Sarah. In her free time she likes to run and recently completed the NYC marathon with her sister.

Trecia A. Karinshak
Teacher
Great Plains Technology Center

Trecia has been an educator for over twenty years. She has a Master’s degree in Mathematics from SUNY Potsdam and a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Math Education from Old Dominion University. Additionally, except for her dissertation (ABD), she has completed all of the requirements towards a Ph.D. in Statistics at Oklahoma State University. She has held teaching certifications in Virginia, Missouri, New York and currently Oklahoma. Teaching assignments have included all levels of mathematics from 7th grade through collegiate levels. Currently she is in “teaching heaven” at Great Plains Technology Center in Lawton, Oklahoma where she teaches Introduction to Engineering (IED), Principles of Engineering (POE) and AP Physics 1 as part of the Pre-Engineering Academy, a certified PLTW program, at Great Plains. In her free time she has discovered a new passion…working with students involving VEX Robotics. Her robotics teams have been fortunate to qualify for the VEX World Robotics Championship for the past two years.

Doug Klein
Affiliate Director
University of Kentucky

Doug began teaching Project Lead The Way Engineering Courses in 2006. He completed training in 6 of the courses in the engineering pathway and was a master teacher. In his last teaching position his program excelled in developing relationships to the community and being a hub for robotics competitions in the state. In 2014 Doug was hired by the University of Kentucky to oversee its PLTW Affiliate.

Mark Harrell
Director of School Engagement
Project Lead The Way

Mark Harrell is the Director of School Engagement (KY/TN) for Project Lead The Way (PLTW) the nation’s leading provider of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs. His primary role is to expose schools to PLTW’s World-class STEM curriculum and help implement to fidelity. Since graduating from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in Technology Education he has made it his mission to prepare K-12 students for the STEM workforce. Mark started his career teaching students the value of life-long STEM learning at Bryan Station High School in Lexington, KY. The opportunity arose to teach at Franklin County Career-Tech Center and he built one of the top Project Lead The Way Engineering Pathways in KY. During his time in Franklin County he transitioned to District STEM Coordinator before accepting his current position with PLTW. Mark has a master’s degree in Career and Technical Education Administration from Eastern Kentucky University. He is a current resident of Frankfort, KY and is married to Erin Harrell with two children Treyton and Elliotte.

Brad Thomas

Jennifer Cahill
Senior Director of Media and Public Relations
Project Lead The Way

Jennifer leads PLTW’s public relations and media strategies and acts as the organization’s spokesperson. Prior to her current role, Jennifer managed PLTW’s brand, social media, marketing, and overall internal and external communications strategies. Before joining PLTW, Jennifer served as the director of major gifts for Indiana’s third-largest urban school district, raising funds to support core academic programs and initiatives. She has also served as the host of a local education television program and worked for four years as a television news reporter and anchor.

Alana Kulesa
Science Center Leader
Carnegie Science Center

Kulesa researches and explores potential new education programs and projects, develops concrete plans, and brings ideas to fruition as an entrepreneurial engine of growth and new opportunities for the Carnegie Science Center. With a background in Anthropology and Museum Studies, Kulesa has worked in a variety of museums and nonprofit organizations including the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, 3 Rivers Connect, the AMD3 Foundation, the Museum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, The Smithsonian’s Museum of Natural History, and the Duke University Museum of Art. With extensive experience in program development, fundraising and experiential education in informal learning environments, Kulesa gains inspiration from being part of the journey between imagining the possibilities and creating realities. She has been with Carnegie Science Center since 2012.

Martha McCabe
Manager of STEM Initiatives
Kansas City STEM Alliance

Martha McCabe serves as the Manager of STEM Initiatives for the Kansas City STEM Alliance developing relationships with schools, post-secondary institutions, STEM organizations and industry working on strategic education initiatives and community partnerships. Martha chairs the regional Girls in STEM Committee, is the co-state leader for the MO/KS Million Women Mentor initiative and coordinates outreach and advocacy efforts serving as a liaison to the national Project Lead the Way organization. As a clinical exercise physiologist, Martha worked at healthcare facilities in Kansas City and in New Hampshire prior to relocating to Wisconsin focusing on healthcare advocacy and workforce initiatives. With an interest in rural healthcare issues, Martha opened a federally and state funded Area Health Education Center earning a National AHEC Outstanding Health Professions Education Program Award, WI Business Friend of Education and WI DPI Outstanding Rural Schools Initiative Award. She received both her graduate and undergraduate degrees from the University of Kansas and resides in Lawrence, Kansas.

Brian Crouse

Jason Luke
Program Administrator
Kalamazoo RESA

Jason received a Bachelor’s in Secondary Education from Western MI University and a Masters in Counseling from Andrews University. He has served in education for over twenty years as a high school teacher and counselor. He is currently a Career Technical Education Administrator for Kalamazoo RESA’s (CTE) Education for Employment program. He is passionate about creating more student interest in Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) careers for the local districts. By offering PLTW’s comprehensive programs to Kalamazoo County schools, Kalamazoo RESA continues to ensure a STEM-based opportunity for students which will influence the future economic development of Southwest Michigan.

Mike Smitley
Engineering Section Leader
DENSO Manufacturing Michigan, Inc.

Deb Kolberg
STEM Teacher Consultant
Kalamazoo RESA/ Education for Employment

Jennifer Doran
PLTW Biomedical Science Teacher, Master Teacher of HBS
New London High School

My name is Jennifer Doran. I teach in New London, WI and have been teaching for fourteen years. I have been teaching PLTW Biomedical classes for the past five years. I have been a Master Teacher for HBS for three years. I have been a HOSA advisor for two years. I am passionate about teaching students and connecting the PLTW curriculum to real life scenarios.

Barry Witte
Engineering Instructor
Colonie Central High School

Barry Witte earned his B.S. in Chemistry from the U.S. Naval Academy and M.A. in Education from Old Dominion University, and has been teaching for 23 years. Witte serves as a Master Teacher for the capstone course “Engineering Design and Development” (EDD) and was among the original authors for the EDD and a major contributor to the Original “Principles of Engineering Course” (POE). Mr. Witte is also an adjunct instructor for Hudson Valley Community College’s Photovoltaic courses and a Naval Academy Admissions Counselor for Northeastern New York. Within the NYS Master Teacher Program, he is a member of the Energy Professional Learning Team. Mr. Witte’s favorite part about teaching STEM is his belief that the material is always changing, so there is always something new to learn and teach.

Thomas Spencer
Engineering Instructor, Department Chair
Grassfield Governor's STEM Academy

Tom Spencer is a veteran teacher in his twenty-sixth year of teaching in Chesapeake, Virginia. He has been a National Science Foundation Grantee in the Teachers Experiencing Antarctica Program, a NASA Teacher in Residence, a NASA Faculty Fellow, a Project NEED Engineering and CTE Advisor, an NSF SMART project facilitator, an adjunct instructor at Old Dominion University and The University of Virginia. He currently serves as an instructor and Department Chair in the Engineering Program at Grassfield High School and Governor's STEM Academy where he teaches Civil Engineering and Architecture, Digital Electronics and Engineering Design and Development. He is a consultant and conference leader for the Southeast Maritime and Transportation (SMART) Center, an NSF ATE Center where he works on projects to integrate maritime-themed competitions into curriculum and on strategy for developing and disseminating career pathway information.

Diana Warren
Director of School Engagement
Project Lead The WaY

Diana Papini Warren is the PLTW Director of School Engagement for Hawai'i and the Pacific.

Matthew Lorin
Vice President
Learning Coalition

Matt is Vice President of The Learning Coalition where he is responsible for the strategic planning, implementation and day-to-day operations of the organization. From 2007-2011, he was the Education Program Officer for the Harold K. L. Castle Foundation. Before joining the Foundation, he was a member of the Senior Management Team at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA), where he served as the Director for Planning, Research, Evaluation and Grants. From 1995 to 1997, Matt was a director on President Clinton’s National Security Council Staff in the Office of Multilateral and Humanitarian Affairs. Before accepting his appointment in the White House, Matt was Founder and Executive Director of SHARE, the Student Human Rights Exchange — a pioneering non-profit organization that put information and communication technologies to work to promote civil society in countries undergoing political transition.
Matt serves on the Board of Education for Public Inquiry and International Citizenship at Tufts University. He is a Leadership Fellow at the Institute for Global Leadership and participates in working groups on civil-military affairs and the delivery of humanitarian assistance in complex emergencies. He is a member of the National Policy Roundtable. He sits on the boards of various local not-for-profits including Hawaii Education Matters, Our Public School and the Hakipu’u Learning Center. Matt is a graduate of Tufts University and the Kennedy School of Government.

Josiah Parker
Master Teacher, Engineering and Architecture Teacher
Penn High School

Josiah Parker is an Architecture and Engineering teacher at Penn High School near South Bend Indiana. He is trained in 4 PLTW courses, IED, POE, CEA and EDD. Josiah is also a Master Teacher for the CEA course.

Amy Horton
Director, Policy, Advocacy, and Research
Project Lead The Way

Amy is based in the Indianapolis office, where she leads a team of policy analysts, a senior research associate, and a project coordinator. Prior to joining PLTW, Amy worked for the Indiana Department of Education, where she first served as Senior Policy Advisor, and then as Assistant Superintendent for Student Achievement & Growth. In the latter role, she oversaw standards, assessment, accountability, federal education programs, STEM, CTE, and AP, IB, and dual credit.
Before working at the IDOE, Amy served Vice President of Sagamore Institute, an Indianapolis-based think tank where she focused on administrative matters and education policy. Amy relocated to Indianapolis to join Sagamore after spending over 14 years in Washington, D.C. where she served as legislative assistant, legislative director, and counsel for a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. After six years on the Hill, Amy joined the administration to serve as Chief of Staff at the formerly-titled Office of Vocational and Adult Education, where she worked on reauthorization of the Carl D. Perkins law.
Amy finished her federal service at the U.S. Peace Corps, where she led the Office of Domestic Programs, which administered the agency’s K-12 and higher education programs. Amy also served as Director of the Office of Overseas Programming and Training Support, which developed programming and training for Peace Corps volunteers and staff around the world. Amy holds a Juris Doctor degree from Indiana University School of Law - Bloomington, and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Denison University.

Jason Tadlock
State Leader, Superintendent
Elkhorn Area School District

Jason Tadlock is the Superintendent of Elkhorn Area School District, and a national consultant with Northwest Evaluation Association. He has overseen the successful implementation of all PLTW programs at the 9-12 level as well as, Gateway, and PLTW Launch. Elkhorn Area School district has the distinction of providing all students, at all grade levels, the opportunity participate in PLTW units and courses. These programs have been recognized for their excellence and positive impact that they have had on student growth and achievement. Jason also serves on the Wisconsin State PLTW Leadership Team and has been recognized nationally as a leader in technology integration.

Chris Trottier
Administrator

As a high school administrator and member of the Wisconsin PLTW State Leadership Team, I have successfully launched and certified two high schools in PLTW Engineering and Biomedical Engineering. Through this advocacy, students and teachers have become Master Teachers, while continuing to reach out to local businesses as viable partners to the PLTW Community.

Eryca Card
PLTW Coach, Master Teacher
Elkhorn Area School District

I serve as a PLTW Launch Coach for the Elkhorn Area School District. I also teach middle school science.

Jerry Iserloth
Master Teacher

Shawn Hardina
Founder East Valley Robotics Academy, Master Teacher
East Valley Robotics Academy

Shawn Hardina founded the East Valley Robotics Academy, LLC, a STEM education, consulting, and coaching organization in 2014. His career spans more than 23 years in education involving curriculum design, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Pathway creation, co-operative learning, high school and college science and robotics, and instructional coaching. The East Valley Robotics Academy, LLC specializes in "building collaborative communities dedicated to transforming STEM education by helping schools, districts, and youth organizations in creating customized and sustainable STEM experiences that will Engage, Educate, and Empower people of all ages."
Prior to founding the East Valley Robotics Academy, LLC, Shawn oversaw the creation and implementation of the Campo Verde High School Biomedical Sciences Pathway in Gilbert, Arizona, the creation and sustainability of the FIRST Robotics Competition Program in Kingman, Arizona, and the creation and implementation of a Math Science Partnership Grant in Kingman, Arizona. In addition to the creation of unique and impactful STEM Pathways Shawn has been a High School Science, Biomedical Sciences, and Robotics teacher, a Kagan Cooperative learning trainer, a Master Teacher for Project Lead The Way Biomedical Sciences, and a K-6 Science/Literacy Instructional Coach.
Shawn holds a BS in Physiology from the University of California at Davis, currently holds a teacher certificate in Chemistry, General Science, and Career and Technical Education and received National Board Certification for Chemistry in 2002.

Dr. Angela Anderson
Principal
Kenosha School of Technology Enhanced Curriculum

Dr. Angela Andersson graduated from Texas A&M University in 1990 with a Bachelor of Arts and in 1995 with a Ph.D in political science. She taught political science at Loyola University Chicago before starting to teach in Kenosha Unified in 2000. In January 2006, she began planning a school with Sarah McMillian, Gateway Master Teacher, that eventually became the Kenosha School of Technology Enhanced Curriculum and opened in September 2007. Dr. Andersson has been in the role of principal since KTEC opened and recently led KTEC through an expansion to a second campus. She is incredibly proud of how the curricular program at KTEC is producing high level of achievement for KTEC students and opening doors for these students to further education and careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math and accredits the Project Lead the Way Gateway and Launch program with much of that success.

Prisca Moore
Teacher
Kenosha School of Technology Enhanced Curriculum

Dr. Rachel Geesa
Assistant Professor
Ball State University, Department of Educational Leadership

Dr. Rachel Geesa's research involves educational administration, STEM and fine arts integration in educational programs, and comparative international education studies. She is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership at Ball State University where she teaches educational decision-making courses and guides students in doctoral and masters of arts in education programs in educational administration. For seven years, Dr. Geesa was an administrator and teacher for Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA). During Dr. Geesa's tenure with DoDEA, she worked in schools on U.S. military installations in Seoul, Korea, Yokosuka, Japan, and Quantico, Virginia. Dr. Geesa was a teacher greater Indianapolis area schools prior to her position with DoDEA.
Dr. Geesa holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in art education, art history, fine arts, and photography from Purdue University and a Master of Art Education degree from Indiana University. At Ball State University, Dr. Geesa completed a Master of Arts in educational psychology degree, a Master of Arts in Education in educational administration degree, a Specialist in Education in school superintendency degree, and a Doctor of Education in educational administration degree prior to becoming a professor at Ball State University.

Casey Welch
COO & Co-Founder
STEM Premier

Casey Welch comes from an extensive background in technology and education. Before co-founding STEM Premier, he held leadership positions with NorthTech Partners, Inc. and Stimulus Engineering Services as their Director of Business & Technology Development. Prior to that he served as Lead of Global Policy Management Group at Citigroup. Casey attended Purdue University where he earned his Masters in Engineering/Technology Education and Bachelor of Science in Technology. While attending Purdue’s graduate program, Casey was an instructor for various courses including Manufacturing, Power & Energy, Communications and Construction. Due to his performance, Casey received the Indiana Outstanding Future Educator Award. He also played football for the Boilermakers and earned Scholar-Athlete and All Academic Big Ten honors.

Shea Tighe
National Director of Engagement
STEM Premier

Shea Tighe is the "Jack-of-all trades" for STEM Premier. His experience in a diverse array of industries - marketing, planning, design, and public relations - allow him to wear many different hats. Shea currently directs all K-12 and post-secondary engagement nationally, leads all marketing and front-end web design efforts, and supports the leadership team in strategic planning. He's also a big-time culture enthusiast and strives daily to make STEM Premier the best place to work in the world...yes, he knows that's ambitious. Prior to joining STEM Premier, Shea held marketing and design positions with creative firms across the Southeast - the most recent being an Urban Designer with a land planning firm in Charleston, SC. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 2008 - Go Dawgs! When not collaborating with his much smarter colleagues at STEM Premier HQ, you can find Shea surfing out on Folly Beach or making his next cup of coffee. He loves coffee.

Channelle Ragland
Director of Strategic Partnerships
STEM Premier

Channelle brings leadership experience in youth program development and outreach, fundraising, and executive management. She has experience developing, managing, and sustaining collaborative partnerships and outreach education programs for regional, state, and national organizations. Channelle comes to STEM Premier from Project Lead The Way where she served as Director of Student Relations. Prior to PLTW, Channelle served as State Director for Indiana’s Twenty-first Century Scholars program and Executive Director of Southwest Indiana College Access Network. Channelle is passionate about transforming youth into thriving, educated, socially conscious citizens. Throughout her career, she has worked to provide under-represented students access to a college education and expose youth to academic and professional opportunities. Channelle is a graduate of Indiana University Southeast with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Masters of Social Work from the University of Southern Indiana. She also studied education leadership and administration through Brown University and Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation's Leadership Learning Cadre. Channelle resides in Atlanta and remains a committed fan of the Indianapolis Colts.

Nathan Nolte
Technology and Engineering Instructor
Fox Valley Lutheran High School

Nathan Nolte is a Technology and Engineering Instructor at Fox Valley Lutheran High School in Appleton, Wisconsin and serves as the Director of the FVL STEM Academy. He has taught several PLTW courses and is a Master Teacher for Computer Science and Software Engineering (CSE). Outside the classroom Nathan serves as the advisor for the FVL VEX Robotics Team and the Commissioner for the Fox Valley VEX Robotics League. He also currently sits on the PLTW Wisconsin State Leadership Team.

Mike Maddock

Certiport

Terri Tessman
Master Teacher

Terri Tessmann has been involved in PLTW for many years, teaching in the Engineering, Biomedical Sciences and Computer Science pathways at various grade levels. She is a Master Teacher for Medical Interventions, Biomedical Innovations and Introduction to Computer Sciences. She has started PLTW programs in multiple cities (all three paths), and as become a requested program starter for multiple school districts. She also presents annually at the WI and IL State PLTW conferences and other Professional conferences. She has piloted multiple courses for PLTW, as well as worked on the curriculum and assessment writing teams

Claudia Guerere
Senior Director of Assessment
Project Lead The Way

Chris Hurd
Master Teacher

Chris Hurd has been a Technology Teacher in Upstate NY for 26 years, and he has taught IED, CIM, POE, DE and EDD for the last 15 years, He has also been a master teacher for CIM for the last 14 years. He also enjoys hiking, fishing and cycling for fun, and spending time with his family outdoors.

Amanda Ooten
PLTW Teacher
Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School

Heidi Hisrich
Master Teacher
Richmond High School

Heidi Hisrich teaches all 4 PLTW BMS courses and is a Master Teacher for Medical Interventions. She is passionate about using technology to enhance teaching and learning.

Mark McAllister
Master Teacher
Lafayette High School

My name is Mark McAllister and I have been an Introduction to Engineering Design Master Teacher for three years. I have taught PLTW courses since 2003 and am certified in POE, IED, CEA and EDD.

Daniel Gustafson

NextEngine 3D Scanner

Dan discovered the power of touch probe digitizing in ’92 when starting work at Fadal Machining Centers. The California Company that in the early 80’s made CNC machine tool technology affordable triggering a shift in global manufacturing efficiency. He joined NextEngine in ’06 with launch of the revolutionary 2020i Desktop 3D Scanner priced at cost 1/10th of competitive systems. Now with the worlds largest installed user base of 3D Scanners most of his time is spent learning and sharing how to apply measured points into 3D modeling for Design, Manufacturing, Animation, Science, Art, and Education.

Kate Sirk
Associate Director of Engagement
Project Lead The Way

Kate is a member of PLTW’s National Engagement Team. She works primarily with PLTW’s Affiliate Universities to deliver Core Training events to the PLTW network and on their use of PLTW’s external information technology systems. Prior to her current role, Kate was a member of the Solutions Center and helped support PLTW teachers in their classrooms. Before joining PLTW, Kate worked with pre-Kindergarten students on Kindergarten Readiness, which ignited her passion for PLTW’s mission.

Bruce Westermo
Affiliate Director
San Diego State University

Sarah Pillittere
Associate Director
Rochester Institute of Technology

Doug Klein
Affiliate Director
University of Kentucky

Doug began teaching Project Lead The Way Engineering Courses in 2006. He completed training in 6 of the courses in the engineering pathway and was a master teacher. In his last teaching position his program excelled in developing relationships to the community and being a hub for robotics competitions in the state. In 2014 Doug was hired by the University of Kentucky to oversee its PLTW Affiliate.

Ben Yates
Affiliate Senior Director
Missouri University of Science and Technology

Ben Yates has been involved in education for 41 years. He has served as a classroom teacher, a building and district administrator, a teacher educator. He has been involved with PLTW since 2006 and has been the assistant affiliate and now the senior affiliate director for four years at Missouri University of Science and Technology.

Michelle Pagani
Product Developer
Ward's Science

As a High School and Community College instructor, I have always looked for innovative ways of presenting fundamental ideas in a new way. I currently teach Microbiology as an adjunct teacher while searching for new products to offer to teachers.

Mary Iwanski
Science & Language Arts Teacher
Merton Community School District

Mary Iwanski is a teacher in the Merton Community School District. She currently teaches 6th Grade Science and Literacy (Reading and Writing Workshop). Technology integration and exploration are the cornerstones that keep students engaged and growing in Mary's classroom. Badge systems were a new aspect integrated into the curriculum last year, and have proven to be an important link in the connection between student motivation, engagement, and achievement.

Sarah Kraspowicz
Teacher
Merton Community School District

Sarah Kasprowicz is a Level 2 Google Certified Educator who teaches sixth grade science and language arts in Merton, Wisconsin. Kasprowicz is a Past-President and current member of the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Association for the Talented and Gifted.

Heidi Hisrich
Master Teacher
Richmond High School

Heidi Hisrich teaches all 4 PLTW BMS courses and is a Master Teacher for Medical Interventions. She is passionate about using technology to enhance teaching and learning.

Andy Lindsay
Engineer
Parallax

Andy is a key part of the education team at Parallax . He has been extremely influential in developing many of the educational kits and books. He is the author of the "What's a Microcontroller Book," and the "Robotics with the Boe-Bot text" that are both part of our top selling educational kits. He also authored four other Stamps In Class textbooks and developed the Propeller Education Kit & Labs among others. If it has to do with Parallax Education, Andy has had his hand in it.
Andy started at Parallax in 1999 as an intern and was hired immediately after he graduated with his B.S. EEE (Electrical & Electronic Engineering). He found Parallax while working on his electronics engineering senior design project (a pair of glasses that can be worn to control a mouse). A power supply he had checked out from the lab malfunctioned and fried his first BASIC Stamp. At the time, he was really unhappy because not only was his microcontroller damaged, but he also missed an interim project deadline at school because of it. He says, "I didn’t know that when I brought that BASIC Stamp back to Parallax for a discounted replacement, I would find out about an internship opening. That’s how I got started at Parallax. If anyone had told me that damaging my first microcontroller and missing an interim design review for my senior project would be a career defining moment, I would never have guessed that it would result in the coolest job ever, working for Parallax using both software and electronic hardware to invent all manner of cool gizmos and gadgets."Andy enjoys electronics as a hobby, kayaking, and skateboarding when he is not busy writing or developing a new educational kit.

Matthew Maz
STEM/Robotics Educator
Parallax

Matt is a new addition to the Parallax team. He comes from a family of farmers and contractors and spend a lot of time on job sites as a toddler. Inspired by a couple of amazing teachers in high school, he chose to become a science teacher and studied physics and chemistry in college. While there, he spent time working as a sound engineer. He has taught middle school and high school science, and has spent the last 7 years in K-12 school administration.
Outside of work, Matt enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter - he's slowly getting his daughter hooked on building things! He enjoys wood and metal working, electronics as a hobby, downhill skiing, and swimming.

Jon Zahourek
President
Zahourek Systems, Inc.

Vanessa Stratton
Senior Director of Programs
Project Lead They Way

Vanessa is currently serves as Senior Director of Programs at Project Lead The Way. With ten years of teaching experience, over 3 years with PLTW, a B.A. in Biology from the University of Colorado, and a master’s degree in education from Regis University, Vanessa brings a wealth of expertise in instructional design, product design and development, and project management. Vanessa is credentialed in PLTW Engineering, Biomedical Science, and Gateway courses.

Richard Ladner
Professor
University of Washington

Richard Ladner is a professor in Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Washington. He is one of the Principal Investigators of the NSF-funded AccessCS10K that has the goal of increasing the participation and success of students with disabilities in K-12 computing courses. It develops accessible tools and curricula for computing courses. It works with projects providing professional development to help them include appropriate information about students with disabilities.

Ellie Vandiver
Director of School Engagement
Project Lead The Way

PLTW Biomedical Teacher of the Year (2013) . Piloted BMS program in San Diego. San Diego High School Teacher of the Year.(2012) Director of School Engagement CA

Rebecca Howell

Center for Advanced Technical Studies

Vanessa Stratton
Senior Director of Programs
Project Lead They Way

Vanessa is currently serves as Senior Director of Programs at Project Lead The Way. With ten years of teaching experience, over 3 years with PLTW, a B.A. in Biology from the University of Colorado, and a master’s degree in education from Regis University, Vanessa brings a wealth of expertise in instructional design, product design and development, and project management. Vanessa is credentialed in PLTW Engineering, Biomedical Science, and Gateway courses.

Camille Sloan Schroeder
Affiliate Director
Iowa State University College of Engineering

Camille oversees Engineering K-12 Community Outreach for Iowa State University College of Engineering where she serves as the inaugural Director of Iowa FIRST LEGO League and Junior FIRST LEGO League as well as Affiliate Director of Project Lead The Way in Iowa.
Camille has worked for Iowa State building programs and serving in roles related to recruitment of first-year and transfer undergraduate students. She has extensive experience in leadership, program creation and implementation, working with community colleges, K-12 schools, faculty, administrators, teachers, parents and students as well as the private sector and donors through numerous initiatives. She volunteers time to community organizations, serves on her local school board, a statewide computer science committee, and has been appointed by the Governor to the North Central STEM Hub Advisory Board.

Kim Glenn
Director of School Engagement
Project Lead The Way

Phil McAndrew
Principal
Gobles Middle-High School

Phil McAndrew is the Middle-High School principal at Gobles Middle-High School in Gobles, Michigan. Received his BA teaching degree from Western Michigan University and his MA degree from Western Michigan University in Educational Leadership. He has previous educational experience as a teacher, athletic administrator, assistant high school principal, middle school principal, and high school principal.

Jeffrey Rehlander
Superintendent of Schools
Gobles Public Schools

Jeff Rehlander is the Superintendent of Schools with the Gobles Public Schools in Gobles, Michigan. He has previous educational experience as a teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent in both urban and rural school settings.

Terry Breen
Principal
Gobles Elementary School

Terry Breen is the Gobles Elementary Principal. He received a BS and BA degree from Grand Valley State University in Biology and Psychology. He earned a MA degree in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University. Terry has been the principal at Gobles for seven years. Prior to this, he was the K-12 principal at Leland Public Schools. He started his teaching degree at Hamilton Community Schools as a science teacher.

Bob Lisowski
Teacher
Gobles Middle-High School

Bob graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science and obtained a Master's in the Art of Teaching from Marygrove College. His teaching experience consists of three years in the Peace Corps in Vanuatu, three years in Kansas, and 16 years in Gobles, Michigan. He is currently teaching Principles of Biomedical Sciences, Human Body Systems, Medical Interventions, Physics, and Middle School Science.

John O’Neil
Teacher
Gobles Middle-High School

John O’Neil has been teaching middle and high school mathematics and now engineering at Gobles for twenty years. He received his bachelor’s degree from University of Wisconsin and his master’s degree from Western Michigan University in mathematics education. The robotics club that he coaches is currently in its third season--the Gobles Voltage.

Becky Drayton
Teacher
Gobles Middle-High School

Becky graduated from Alma College with a Bachelor of Science (biology major, math minor). She also earned a Masters in Education from Marygrove College. She has taught math and science in Gobles for 23 years. She currently teaches 7th & 8th grade science, automation &robotics, and medical detectives.

Katy Sundling
Teacher
Gobles Elementary School

Katy Sundling is a second grade teacher at Gobles Elementary School. She is the elementary Science department lead teacher and the PLTW Launch Lead Teacher. Katy earned her BS degree in Elementary Education from Western Michigan University and earned a MA degree in Elementary Reading and Mathematics from Walden University. Prior to teaching at Gobles, she taught for six years in Buckeye, Arizona where she taught kindergarten.

Brett Kisker
Teacher
Liberty North High School

Brett has been teaching PLTW courses in the Kansas City area since 2007, including IED, POE, DE, and EDD. He focuses much of his time and attention on connecting his students to the professional STEM world and has steadily grown a network of professional affiliates to make this a reality. Brett was recently named as one of 10 STEM Educator Innovators by the Missouri Mathematics and Science Coalition and is currently the Liberty Public Schools Teacher of the Year.

Timothy Bingham
Master Teacher
Stanley E. Foster School of Engineering, Innovation and Design

Mr. Bingham’s prior experience in industry brings soft skills that are demanded by industry, such as allocation of resources, project planning, time management, and teamwork skills into the classroom while maintaining a balance of academic rigor focused on standards-based instruction. His strong grasp of the Project Lead the Way curriculum is evident in the ease in which he conducts his classes and the caliber of work demonstrated by the students. His stamp of excellence in teaching the Project Lead the Way can be seen in how it carries over into project based learning setting. Specifically, his students are well versed in the career disciplines of engineering and architecture and possess the necessary workplace skills to enter these fields after high school or college.
Mr. Bingham is a natural leader, and this talent is manifested in a myriad of projects and responsibilities undertaken as part of his green architecture, CEA and EDD courses. With his vision and expertise, he has been instrumental in establishing relationships with staff, community and industry partners to provide all students with relevant, real world experiences that bridge the world of school and career.
As a consummate collaborator, he has a great facility for establishing and maintaining a collegial relationship with his peers, who respect and value him. From collaborative efforts he has created interdisciplinary projects across content and grade levels that reinforce students’ skills making them very marketable. He has reached out to core content teachers to write curriculum and create opportunities for students to demonstrate the depth of knowledge they have gained through interdisciplinary projects.
Mr. Bingham is a graduate of the University of Miami, School of Architecture with 17 years of industry experience. He has been a PLTW teacher since 2009 at the Stanley E. Foster School of Engineering, Innovation and Design in San Diego, CA and is a CEA Master Teacher for PLTW since 2013 where he provides on-going professional development to new and existing PLTW teachers at San Diego State University and core training instruction during the summer at SDSU and other universities across the nation.
On February 19, 2015 at the annual PLTW California state conference, Timothy Bingham was named, and presented an award by Dr. Vince Bertram, PLTW President and CEO and Dr. Bruce Westermo, PLTW Affiliate Director at San Diego State University, as the Project Lead The Way California 2014-2015 Engineering Teacher of the Year.

Jessica Fitchel
Teacher
San Diego Unified School District

Ms. Frichtel has been teaching middle and high school for fifteen years in San Diego Unified School District. She has a Masters in Education and actively works on professional development to stay current. Ms. Frichtel teaches 9th grade English, AVID, Academic Language Development at Kearny High’s School of Engineering, Innovation and Design. She serves as Team Lead for 9th grade, Advisor for Ladies Leadership Program, English Dept. Chair, and Chair for the Instructional Leadership Team. Among her accomplishments Ms. Frichtel has been featured in teaching videos titled “Strategic Thinking” by Stenhouse Publishers and in a chapter in Heather Lattimer’s book Thinking Through Genre for her Editorial Unit of Study. Her collaboration with National Association of Women In Construction earned her an award as Executive of the Year in 2009. According to Glenn Hillegas, Executive Vice President of Associated General Contractors, “Ms. Frichtel is able to bring soft skills demanded by industry, such as the allocation of resources, project planning, time management, and teamwork skills into the classroom while maintaining a balance of academic rigor focused on standards-based instruction.” Ms. Frichtel was selected as a finalist for the 2010 – 2011 San Diego County Teacher of the Year

Mary Hall
Teacher
Jackson Elementary School

Janine Flinton
Master Teacher
Presently I teach the PLTW Launch curriculum to Grades K through 4 and Fourth Grade Science at Galway Central School District in Galway, NY. I became a Launch Lead teacher in 2014 and am now a Launch Master Teacher.
I am the Odyssey of the Mind Coordinator for our school district and also facilitate the STEM after school program for our Elementary school. Prior to my career in education, I worked as a Site Planner for a Civil Engineering Firm in Rockville Maryland.

James Nair
Instructional Technologist, Master Teacher
Saratoga Springs City School District

James’ primary function in the Saratoga Springs City School District is to bring STEM education and Problem/Project based experiences to all elementary students. The ongoing goal is teaching students that solving real world problems requires collaboration, cooperation, and imagination. He acts as a resource to all elementary teachers and is a district professional development instructor. Jim has been a Project Lead The Way Master Teacher for LAUNCH and was the building level lead for the LAUNCH pilot in 2013-2014. He, along with a core of dedicated Master Teachers, currently trains new building level lead teachers to bring PLTW to their districts across the country.

Matthew Bannerman
STEM Coordinator
Saydel Community School District

Mr. Bannerman is a veteran science teacher currently working as the STEM Master Teacher for Saydel Community School District in Des Moines, IA.

Cole Atkinson
Pre-Engineering Coordinator
Moore Norman Technology Center

Cole Atkinson serves as the Pre-Engineering Coordinator for Moore Norman Technology Center. Mr. Atkinson has been an educator for 18 years as a teacher, advisor, recruiter, and facilitator. Currently as a Pre-Engineering coordinator he coordinates the PLTW Pre-Engineering program on five different campuses with eight teachers and over 350 students. Also, he serves as the liaison with partner schools, an academic advisor for students and plans and coordinates recruitment activities.

Jeff Crapper
Teacher
Beaverton Health and Science School

Jeff Crapper is a Biology, Health and Health Sciences CTE teacher at Beaverton Health and Science School (HS2) in Beaverton, Oregon. He has been teaching for fifteen years, six of which include teaching PLTW courses. Jeff has a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training, Exercise Science, and Health Education with a Minor in Psychology from Linfield College and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Oregon State University. He is also a Registered Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC/R), Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Certified Personal Trainer (C-PT), and a National Board Certified Teacher (Early Adolescent- Science). He was instrumental in implementing the Engineering and Biomedical pathways at a small rural setting as well as rebuilding the Biomedical Studies program at his current high school, helping his school earn their PLTW certification within his first three months at the school. He enjoys finding ways to incorporate technology in his instruction as well as facilitating professional development opportunities for other teachers within the Beaverton School District in his role as a Studio Teacher.

David Valenzuela
Biomedical Sciences Teacher
Madison High School

I previously was a neuroscientist studying the molecular logic towards olfactory perception in the mammalian brain at Brown University. I feel fortunate for my experiences at Brown and now use my training in the Bio-Medical sciences to engage and empower my PLTW students to be leaders in the classroom and beyond.

Carlie Harris
Master Teacher
Beaverton Healthy and Science School

Carlie Harris is a Biology, Chemistry and PLTW Master Teacher at Beaverton Health and Science School in Beaverton, Oregon. She has been teaching for seven years, six of which were spent at a small rural high school in Mt. Angel, Oregon. Carlie has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Spanish with a Minor in Biology and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Willamette University. She has been instrumental in implementing the Engineering and Biomedical pathways in a small rural setting. She enjoys finding ways to incorporate technology in her instruction as well as championing PLTW and project based learning.

Michelle Kirk
Regional Account Manager
VWR, International

Over the last 13 years, Michelle Kirk has had a few different roles in the educational field. She started out, teaching 6th grade science and went on to teach a variety of high school science courses, including Biology and Physical Science. During her time as a teacher, she also obtained her National Board Teacher Certification in Science, Gifted Endorsement, and M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision. Following this, she became the Science Supervisor for one of the top 100 school districts. She’s also been professionally trained in a variety of popular teaching strategies. One of her favorite parts of her career was coordinating and coaching students for local and state science competitions. Any free time, is spent traveling or on the water with her husband and young daughter.

Lola Whitworth
Master Teacher
Dutch Fork Middle School

Lola Whitworth is a PLTW/Gateway Core Training Instructor who teaches at Dutch Fork Middle School near Columbia, South Carolina. She is certified in eight courses of the PLTW / Gateway program which she has taught for fifteen years. Working with the State Department and the University of South Carolina PLTW Affiliates, Whitworth has presented at counselor conferences and on-going trainings about her passion and best practices to enhance student learning. In 2012, her school was named one of the Top Model Schools in the nation by PLTW. In addition to teaching, Whitworth coaches VEX Robotics teams and was the only middle school in the state to compete in the VEX World Championship last year. She was an integral part of coordinating and hosting the first Palmetto State VEX Championship in 2013 and served as the event coordinator for the state championship in 2014. This year she is hosting the first Middle School only VEX Robotic Competition in South Carolina. A graduate of Clemson University, Whitworth obtained her master’s degree in Education at Central Wesleyan University and is a National Board Certified Teacher in Career and Technology. Along with two other Core Training Instructors, Whitworth shares experiences that have proven to be effective in a PLTW / Gateway project based classroom.

Renee Brooks
Teacher
West Oak Middle School

Renee Brooks has been teaching PLTW Gateway in Westminster, South Carolina since 2005 and currently teaches all Gateway middle school units. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education, a M.Ed. in Secondary Education - Natural Sciences and is a National Board Certified Teacher. Ms. Brooks is a PLTW Professional Development Coach, Core Training Instructor for summer and winter trainings, and facilitator for the University of South Carolina’s ongoing trainings.

Matthew Backs
Master Teacher
Wilbur Wright Middle School

Project Lead The Way/Gateway to Technology- Master Teacher/ Introduction to Engineering Design Teacher.
Introducing Engineering to middle school level students in the areas of Introduction to Engineering Design (HS Credit for 8th grade), Design and Modeling, and Automation and Robotics as well as other areas of the Gateway curriculum. Focus on problem based and project based learning through the design process, building, programming (RobotC), CAD (Autodesk Inventor), and 3D printing.

Ken Albert
Master Teacher
Niles West High School

Donald Whitman Esq.
Engineering Technology Building Leader, Master Teacher
Normal Community High School

IED Master Teacher since 2008 from Central Illinois.

Rhonda Brown-Jones
Master Teacher

Todd Brockett
Master Teacher
St Joseph School District

Mr Brockett is a Gateway teacher in the St Joseph School District. He is a PLTW National Master Teacher. Mr. Brockett spent 10 years in private industry before becoming a teacher. He has had a paperless classroom for three years.

Debbie Whitney
Principal & Instructional Leader
Garfield Elementary

Debbie Whitney graduated from Heritage University with a K- 12 Bilingual, ESL endorsement which prepared her for working in schools that have a high population of second language learners and high poverty. Shortly after, she received her Master’s in Professional Development from Heritage University. Debbie became one of the first Guided Acquisition Language by Design (GLAD) key trainers in the state of Washington. She trained teachers in her district and consulted with several school districts throughout the state. She spent 18 years as a classroom teacher in grades pre-K through 8th. During that time she had a deep interest in integrating technology into her classroom and was a recipient of $225,000.00 in grants that she co-wrote for her classroom, school and other districts.
Debbie earned her degree in administration and now finds great joy and satisfaction being the Garfield Elementary Principal and Instructional Leader. Supporting implementation of PLTW K-5 was a natural progression for her. Over the past two years she has helped and supported her K-5 staff to develop rigorous units that include, scaffold lessons, rich language, visuals, and GLAD strategies that assure all our learners are successful.

Janie Lopez
Master Teacher
Garfield Elementary

Janie Lopez is a Project Lead the Way teacher at Garfield Elementary and served as a Master Teacher for PLTW for the 2015-2016 sessions. She received her Master Degree in Educational Leadership and Organization from Heritage University in 2013. She has taught in Elementary Education for the past five years and has been GLAD (Guided Language Acquisition and Design) certified in both Preschool and Elementary GLAD. Her work with integrating PLTW thought the classroom and cross curriculum has led her to present at the Washington State PLTW conference as well as collaborations with many teachers thought the nation.

Kelly Garcia
Master Teacher
Los Alisos Middle School

Kelly is an eighth grade science and STEM magnet teacher at Los Alisos Middle School in Norwalk, CA. As a PLTW pioneer in her district, her efforts as a champion for PLTW has been instrumental in growth of the program throughout the district. Just as passionate about science education, she is also a key member of her district's NGSS implementation team. You can connect with Kelly on Twitter @mrsklgarcia.

Shaileen Pokress
Director of Instruction
Project Lead The Way

Shaileen Pokress, Director of Instruction at Project Lead The Way, develops computer science programs for K-12 students and teachers. Formerly the Director of Education for the App Inventor project at the MIT Media Lab, she developed programs that reached students of all ages around the globe. Prior to her work at MIT, Shaileen was Project Director for MSPnet, the online network of Math Science Partnerships funded by the National Science Foundation. Shaileen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Cornell University and a Master of Education degree from Harvard University.

Paul Schiele
Master Teacher
Russell Ranch Elementary School

Paul Schiele has been an elementary school teacher for 15 years and currently teaches fifth grade at Russell Ranch Elementary School, a California Distinguished School, in Folsom, California, while serving as the Launch lead for his district. He is a PLTW Launch Master Teacher and has been a Launch Pilot Lead Teacher for the computer science, engineering, and biomedical programs. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies, Elementary Education, with an emphasis in math, science and english from Humboldt State University in Arcata, California and his Master’s Degree/Administrative Credential in Educational Leadership from National University.

Kelly Wheeler
Master Teacher
Santa Rosa Academy

Kelly Wheeler has been an elementary school teacher for 15 years and currently is the K-12 Project Lead the Way/STEM Coordinator at Santa Rosa Academy, an Apple Distinguished School located in Menifee, California. She is a PLTW Launch Master Teacher who has been a Launch Pilot Lead Teacher for the computer science, engineering, and biomedical programs. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies, Elementary Education with an emphasis in Child Development from Concordia University in Irvine, California.

Ann Zimmerman
Industry Coordinator
KC STEM Alliance

Ann Zimmerman has supported the work of non-profits for over 25 years. Currently, she provides consulting expertise in the areas of strategic planning and marketing, program development, event management, fundraising and governance. She is a skilled facilitator, problem solver and communicator and thrives on building consensus and moving organizations forward. In 2011, she was part of the planning team to develop the KC STEM Alliance and has helped that organization grow to serve thousands of students in the KC metro area. She also works closely with Support KC and Non-profit Connect to offer board training and strategic planning services to improve the quality of Kansas City area non-profits. Prior to her work as a consultant, Ann served as Executive Director for Wonderscope Children’s Museum of Kansas City and provided strategic planning and leadership development support for the Sisters of Charity Health System. Ann holds a bachelor’s degree in Respiratory Therapy and Master’s in Health Services Administration from the University of Kansas.

Debra Krikourian
STEM/CTE Co-Lead Teacher
Folsom Cordova Unified School District

Debbie Krikourian is currently a STEM/CTE Co-Lead Teacher for Folsom Cordova Unified School District. She also teaches at Sutter Middle School in the STEM Academy. During the summer months, she is a GTT Master Teacher for the Specialization units. Debbie graduated with her master's degree in education with an emphasis in instructional technology from San Jose State University. Before her twenty eight years in education, she was an area manager for Macy's California. She grew up in Bishop, CA, but currently resides in El Dorado Hills, CA with her husband, Rob. She has two daughters in college, Krista and Rachel.

Patricia Deibart
STEM Coordinator
Milwaukee School of Engineering

Patricia J. Deibert is currently a STEM Coordinator at Milwaukee School of Engineering. She serves as the Associate Affiliate Director for PLTW BMS and Launch. Patricia is a former Chemistry and Biology teacher. She is a Teacher Leader for the American Chemical Society and served as an adjunct instructor for the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay and Cardinal Stritch University where she taught SMART Board Basics and Beyond the Basics. Patricia graduated with an undergraduate degree in biology and chemistry education from the University of Edinboro (PA) and a master’s degree in educational computing from Cardinal Stritch University (WI). Patricia proudly served her country in the US Army in the Quartermaster Corp as a Mortuary Officer and later worked as a pharmaceutical sales representative and field trainer before entering the field of science education. She hales from Pennsylvania, but has lived for the past twenty-five years in Sheboygan Falls, WI with her husband, Scott and son, Jonathan..

Camille Sloan Schroeder
Affiliate Director
Iowa State University College of Engineering

Camille oversees Engineering K-12 Community Outreach for Iowa State University College of Engineering where she serves as the inaugural Director of Iowa FIRST LEGO League and Junior FIRST LEGO League as well as Affiliate Director of Project Lead The Way in Iowa.
Camille has worked for Iowa State building programs and serving in roles related to recruitment of first-year and transfer undergraduate students. She has extensive experience in leadership, program creation and implementation, working with community colleges, K-12 schools, faculty, administrators, teachers, parents and students as well as the private sector and donors through numerous initiatives. She volunteers time to community organizations, serves on her local school board, a statewide computer science committee, and has been appointed by the Governor to the North Central STEM Hub Advisory Board.

Shaileen Pokress
Director of Intruction
Project Lead The Way

Shaileen Pokress, Director of Instruction at Project Lead The Way, develops computer science programs for K-12 students and teachers. Formerly the Director of Education for the App Inventor project at the MIT Media Lab, she developed programs that reached students of all ages around the globe. Prior to her work at MIT, Shaileen was Project Director for MSPnet, the online network of Math Science Partnerships funded by the National Science Foundation. Shaileen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Cornell University and a Master of Education degree from Harvard University.

Nathan Nolte
Technology and Engineering Instructor
Fox Valley Lutheran High School

Nathan Nolte is a Technology and Engineering Instructor at Fox Valley Lutheran High School in Appleton, Wisconsin and serves as the Director of the FVL STEM Academy. He has taught several PLTW courses and is a Master Teacher for Computer Science and Software Engineering (CSE). Outside the classroom Nathan serves as the advisor for the FVL VEX Robotics Team and the Commissioner for the Fox Valley VEX Robotics League. He also currently sits on the PLTW Wisconsin State Leadership Team.

Bennett Brown
Director of Instruction
Project Lead The Way

Bennett Brown is Director of Instruction for Computer Science at Project Lead The Way. He taught for 15 years at DuSable High School in the Chicago Public Schools and at Solon High School in Iowa. He earned a B.S. in Physics from M.I.T. and a M.S. in Physics from the University of Iowa. He led the development of PLTW’s high school computer science pathway as a curriculum writer for Computer Science and Software Engineering (CSE) and Introduction to Computer Science (ICS).

Carol Kinnard
Associate Director of Instruction
Project Lead The Way

Carol Kinnard is Associate Director of Instruction for Computer Science at Project Lead The way. She has been instrumental in building PLTW’s curriculum for AP Computer Science A. Prior to joining PLTW, she spent 11 years in the classroom teaching computer science and technology. Carol piloted a variety of courses for her district including PLTW’s AP CS Principles and ICS courses and the traditional AP Computer Science A course. Before becoming a teacher, Carol was a software engineer in and around Silicon Valley.

Angelica Gunderson
Science & PLTW Teacher
Los Alisos Middle School

Angelica has taught elementary school as well middle school science for the last ten years. This is her fourth year teaching Project Lead the Way. She currently teaches at Los Alisos Middle School in Norwalk, CA. Angelica holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and a Master of Science in Science Education from the California State University of Long Beach.

Todd Price
Principal
Montour School District/Montour High School

Presenter Biography: Mr. Todd M. Price began his work in education while completing his undergraduate studies at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Throughout his career, he has been afforded the opportunity to work with children and teachers from all levels of education, elementary through high school. While attending Temple, Todd had the opportunity to do extensive field work within inner-city Philadelphia. These experiences paved the way for what has proven to be a wonderful journey in both teaching and school administration.
Mr. Price received a Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education from Temple University and went on to teach for five years in the School District of Philadelphia. While teaching at John Wister Elementary/Middle School, he attained a Master of Science Degree in Educational Leadership from Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia. He holds Pennsylvania certifications in Elementary Education, Supervision of Curriculum and Instruction and School Administration.
In July 2007, Mr. Price was appointed to the position of Principal at Montour High School and Director of the Montour Alternative Program in the Montour School District. Prior to being named Principal, he served as the Assistant Principal at David E. Williams Middle School, also in the Montour School District. Prior to arriving in the district he was employed by the Allegheny Intermediate Unit in the Math and Science Collaborative.
It is his passion for his students and their futures that motivates and inspires Todd. When asked what the best part of being the Principal at Montour High School is the answer is always the same. “Our students!”
Todd’s personal interests include spending time with family and friends, boating, running and traveling. He presently resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with his wife, Jill, son, Brayden, and two daughters, Brinley and Brianna.

Amanda Mascellino
Master Teacher

Nick Terpack
Technology and Engineering Teacher, Master Teacher
Montour School District

Nick Terpack is currently teaching Technology Education and Engineering classes at Montour High School located just outside of Pittsburgh, PA in Robinson Township. He received his B.S. in Technology Education from California University of Pennsylvania along with his PA Department of Ed. certification in K-12 Tech. Ed. in 2000, and his M.S. in Professional Studies with concentrations in PLTW, and Library and Information Science in 2010. He has been teaching Tech. Ed. since 2000 and joined the PLTW network in 2005. He has been an Introduction to Engineering and Design (IED) master teacher since 2008 and is also certified in POE, DE, CEA, and EDD.

Michael Karasch
Master Teacher
William Fremd High School

Dr. William Priestley
Teacher

Cosmo Dilegro
Master Teacher

Terri Tessmann
Master Teacher

Terri Tessmann has been involved in PLTW for many years, teaching in the Engineering, Biomedical Sciences and Computer Science pathways at various grade levels. She is a Master Teacher for Medical Interventions, Biomedical Innovations and Introduction to Computer Sciences. She has started PLTW programs in multiple cities (all three paths), and as become a requested program starter for multiple school districts. She also presents annually at the WI and IL State PLTW conferences and other Professional conferences. She has piloted multiple courses for PLTW, as well as worked on the curriculum and assessment writing teams

Terri Tessmann
Master Teacher

Terri Tessmann has been involved in PLTW for many years, teaching in the Engineering, Biomedical Sciences and Computer Science pathways at various grade levels. She is a Master Teacher for Medical Interventions, Biomedical Innovations and Introduction to Computer Sciences. She has started PLTW programs in multiple cities (all three paths), and as become a requested program starter for multiple school districts. She also presents annually at the WI and IL State PLTW conferences and other Professional conferences. She has piloted multiple courses for PLTW, as well as worked on the curriculum and assessment writing teams

Lori Lovett
Biomedical Science Instructor, Master Teacher
Red River Technology Center

Lori Lovett is a biomedical science instructor at Red River Technology Center in Duncan, Oklahoma, a position she has held since 2007 after she was hired to build one of the first PLTW Biomedical Sciences programs in the nation. She has trained and taught in all four PLTW courses as well as AP Biology, Physics, Zoology and Anatomy/Physiology. She has participated on multiple PLTW committees, as a curriculum contributor for Medical Interventions and Biomedical Innovation, and has been a Master Teacher in MI beginning in 2009. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, VA. Her industry experience ranges from medical research in Arthritis and Immunology at Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation to managing field safety studies for a major pharmaceutical company. She has also been involved with the quality assurance aspects of clinical trials including data audit and data verification following federal guidelines.

Caroline McEnnis
Senior STEM consultant and Director of Design Engineering
TIES

Caroline McEnnis is a Senior STEM consultant and Director of Design Engineering for TIES. Caroline received her bachelor's of science in chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, her master's in Materials Science and Engineering and will be receiving a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering in 2012 from Johns Hopkins University where she has received several awards including a NSF GK-12 Fellowship. While at MIT, Caroline worked at the MIT Media Lab where she worked on the initial Fab Lab project, and therefore Caroline also is the TIES liaison to the US Fab Lab Network and Fab Foundation. Prior to joining TIES, Caroline also worked with the Johns Hopkins School of Education and in Baltimore area schools to train teachers in the development and implementation of STEM based curricula. She has also worked with community partners to develop and run several large and small-scale educational programs, including working with the National Federation of the Blind to run a STEM summer camp for 200 blind high school students. At TIES, Caroline applies her engineering experience to STEM Network design, development of design driven education, and education oriented Fab Lab development and deployment.

Tracy Swedlund
Master Teacher
Medford Area Senior High

Medford Area Senior High
Medford, WI
Courses Taught: PLTW ES, PLTW EDD, AP Biology, Human Anatomy & Physiology, and Honors Biology
NBPTS certified
PLTW Master Teacher: ES
BA: Western State Colorado University
MS: University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

Jennifer Klecatsky
Biology/Environmental Sustainability Teacher
Brainerd High School

Jennifer Klecatsky is a teacher in Brainerd, MN (2.5 hours north of Minneapolis). Ms. Klecatsky holds degrees in biology and zoology as well as a Masters in Educational Leadership. She has been teaching since 2001 and enjoys working with all types of students, inspiring them to pursue careers in STEM-related fields. Ms. Klecatsky is married to golf professional, Chuck Klecatsky. They have two children, Jada, age 11, and Jagger, age 9. Ms. Klecatsky enjoys yoga, paddle boarding and travel as well as breeding miniature dachshunds.

Shaileen Pokress
Director of Instruction
Project Lead The Way

Shaileen Pokress, Director of Instruction at Project Lead The Way, develops computer science programs for K-12 students and teachers. Formerly the Director of Education for the App Inventor project at the MIT Media Lab, she developed programs that reached students of all ages around the globe. Prior to her work at MIT, Shaileen was Project Director for MSPnet, the online network of Math Science Partnerships funded by the National Science Foundation. Shaileen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Cornell University and a Master of Education degree from Harvard University.

Karine Laidley
Director of Instruction
Project Lead The Way

Karine Laidley is a Director of Instruction at Project Lead the Way. Karine has authored curricula for elementary, middle school, and high school computer science courses for PLTW. Prior to joining PLTW, Karine worked as a middle school CS teacher and Robotics and other CS after-school clubs advisor for 5 years. Before becoming a teacher, Karine was a software engineer for 12 years. Karine holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Mathematics from Lebanese American University.

Stephanie Valli
Master Teacher

My name is Stephanie Valli and I have been an educator for over 17 years. I was a third grade teacher for 7 years and then a Science Specialist for 3rd, 4th and 5th grade for 4 years. Following those experiences, I became a Curriculum Coordinator K-12 and have held that position for the last 6 years. Through my work as a Curriculum Coordinator I became a PLTW Launch Lead Teacher and then a Launch Master Teacher. Over the last 2 years I have facilitated the implementation of Launch for all of our elementary buildings.

Deb Calvin
Director of Instruction
Project Lead The Way

Senior Director of Instruction at PLTW, Prior high school math and PLTW Teacher. Master Teacher for CEA, Civil Engineer. MA in teaching secondary mathematics, MS and BS in Civil Engineering.

Amy Tauth-Nare
Affiliate Director
University of Delaware

Dr. Amy Trauth-Nare is an Associate Director for Teacher Education and Assistant Professor of Education at the University of Delaware. A botanist by training, Dr. Trauth-Nare taught STEM at the high school level before completing her PhD in science education at Indiana University. Dr. Trauth-Nare serves as the Affiliate Director for PLTW at University of Delaware and conducts a wide range of STEM professional development for the Delaware K12 STEM teacher community.

Jenni Buckley
State Leader
University of Delaware

Jenni Buckley is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at University of Delaware. She teaches mechanical design and was integral to forming the new Design Studio space on campus. Her research efforts focus on medical device design, particularly in orthopaedics, rehabilitation, and simulation. Dr. Buckley is also the co-founder and executive director of The Perry Initiative, a non-profit that inspires women to pursue careers in underrepresented areas of engineering and medicine, and she is the Delaware State Leader for Project Lead The Way.

Lecia Barker
Associate Professor
University of Texas at Austin

Lecia Barker is an Associate Professor in the School of Information at the University of Texas at Austin and a Senior Research Scientist for the National Center for Women & Information Technology. Lecia conducts and communicates research on attracting, retaining, and advancing groups underrepresented in STEM. Her studies focus on attracting women into educational programs, social climate, identity/belonging, adoption of teaching and curricular practices, and sustainable organizational change.

Daphene Koch
Affiliate Director
Purdue University

Terri Schulz
Senior Director of School Engagement
Project Lead The Way

Mariel Kolker
Teacher
Morristown High School

Mechanical Engineer; MBA Finance; Secondary Teacher of Physics, Nanoscale Science & Engineering, Principles of Engineering

Brandy Mays
Affiliate Director
Oklahoma State University

Brandy Mays is the Affiliate Director for Oklahoma State University, Assistant Manager of OSU College of Engineering, Architecture & Technology (CEAT) Professional Development Department. Coordinated, managed, and directed all OSU Core Training and outreach efforts since 2010. Worked with OSU CEAT Professional Development and Outreach for 20 years. Worked in all areas of Fire Protection, Loss Control, Safety, Engineering, Healthcare Preparedness, STEM k-12 outreach, including PLTW.

John Nazemetz
Associate Professor
Oklahoma State University

OSU CEAT Associate Professor
OSU Affiliate Professor - Introduction to Engineering Design 2005-Present
Areas of Interest:
Computer-aided manufacturing
Robotics
Coalition in support of the aviation sector (CASI)
Project Lead the Way (PLTW)
Academic Qualifications:
Ph.D., Lehigh University 1978
B.S., Industrial Engineering, w/Honors Lehigh University 1973
Professional Experience:
Associate Professor, School of Industrial Engineering and Management, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, 1982-Present
Assistant Professor, School of Industrial Engineering and Management, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, 1978-1982.
Selected Publications and Paper Presentations:
Co-Author, Introduction to Industrial and Systems Engineering - Third Edition with Wayne C. Turner, Joe H. Mize, and Ken E. Case, Prentice Hall, Inc., Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, 1993.
Principle Author, Introduction to Industrial and Systems Engineering - Workbook, with Wayne C. Turner, Joe H. Mize, and Ken E. Case, Prentice Hall, Inc., Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, 1993.
Associate Editor, Computers and Industrial Engineering: An International Journal, published quarterly by Pergamon Press, Elmsford, New York.
Co-Editor, Computer Integrated Manufacturing Systems: Selected Readings, with William E. Hammer, Jr., and Randy Sadowski, Industrial Engineering & Management Press, Atlanta, Georgia, c1985.

Ed Kirtley
Assistant Dean
Oklahoma State University

Raman Singh
Associate DeanOklahoma State University

Nancy Allen
Associate Director
HOSA-Future Health Professionals

Professional background of over twenty-eight (28) years productive and successful experience in career and technical and secondary health science education with proven competence in all phases of program and classroom management, curriculum development, health science career cluster implementation, career and technical student organization integration: HOSA–Future Health Professionals, and professional development and training for new and experienced career and technical (CTE) teachers, administrators and career guidance specialists.

April Albrecht
Director of Marketing
Zahourek Systems, Inc./ANATOMY IN CLAY® Learning System

Carey Lybarger
Teacher
Winfield High School

Carey has been in education for 19 years teaching for Cowley College, Wichita Area Technical College, Wichita State University, Oxford High School, Winfield High School and Winfield Middle School. She received her Bachelors of Science in Mathematical Theory and Physics from Southwestern College, her secondary teaching endorsement from Wichita State University, and her Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Wichita State University.
She is the Director for the Center for Innovation, the new STEM collaboration classroom at Winfield High School where she teaches Project Lead the Way Engineering courses for Winfield High School (IED, POE, DE, AE, CEA, EDD) and middle school (AR, GA, EE). She also teaches mathematics for Wichita Area Technical College.
She has been involved in the SkillsUSA Organization for six years where she has had five engineering teams qualify for Nationals, she has had 6 state officers. She has served on the SkillsUSA State Board for one year and was director of the Fall Leadership Conference for one year.
Carey has also held many leadership positions within her district, community, and state. She is also an advocate for STEM education being taught at every level K-12.

Andy Harris
STEM Coordinator
Pickerington Local School District

My name is Andy Harris and I live in Pickerington, Ohio. I am the Biomedical Science Coordinator for Pickerington Local School District teaching grades 11 and 12. I was an integrated science teacher but three years ago I started our school district's Biomedical Science STEM program. Our Biomedical Science program has grown from 78 students and me 4 years ago to over 500 students (grades 7-12) leading into the 2015-2016 school year. Our Biomedical Science Program received National certification from PLTW this past year. We have partnered with OhioHealth allowing us to build our own 2,000 square foot Biomedical Science room in the OhioHealth Pickerington Medical Campus Hospital I took high school students to a global Summit in Costa Rica this past March where Jane Goodall was the keynote speaker (I was a presenter). In March of 2016 I am taking students to a Global Summit in Iceland for Energy Sustainability (I am a presenter).

Joshua Clemmer
Teacher
Bel Air School

Joshua Clemmer is the Lead Teacher of the PLTW Biomedical Sciences Program and the Science Department Chairperson at Bel Air School in Bel Air, MD. In addition to teaching Biomedical Innovation, he also teaches Earth Science, Marine Science, and Geohazards Engineering. Joshua enjoys striving to keep his teaching on the cutting edge of technology and available resources.
BAHS has been recognized as a PLTW National Model School and as an Outstanding Secondary CTE Program for the state of Maryland. The school has been involved with PLTW since the inception of the PLTW Biomedical Sciences curriculum. BAHS currently accommodates approximately 250 students and claims over 200 graduates of the program.

Michael Burke
Teacher
Bel Air High School

Michael Burke began his career by being named a "Teacher of Promise" by the Maryland State Department of Education in 2009. Since then he has been the Director of Technology and Multimedia as well as a HBS and BI teacher at Bel Air High School. Michael prides himself on the myriad of technical and productivity skills that his students develop while in his classes.
BAHS has been recognized as a PLTW National Model School and as an Outstanding Secondary CTE Program for the state of Maryland. The school has been involved with PLTW since the inception of the PLTW Biomedical Sciences curriculum. BAHS currently accommodates approximately 250 students and claims over 200 graduates of the program.

Erica Harris
Assistant Principal
Bel Air High School

Erica Harris is an assistant principal at Bel Air High School in Bel Air, MD. She was instrumental in bringing the PLTW Biomedical Sciences program to BAHS and has been the administrator in charge for the entirety of the 8 years in which the program has existed. Erica is a grant writing specialist who secures the funding necessary for the program to be successful. She fully supports her teachers in all of their endeavors and facilitates the innovative ideas that the BAHS program is constantly implementing.
BAHS has been recognized as a PLTW National Model School and as an Outstanding Secondary CTE Program for the state of Maryland. The school has been involved with PLTW since the inception of the PLTW Biomedical Sciences curriculum. BAHS currently accommodates approximately 250 students and claims over 200 graduates of the program.

Christopher Wyant
Lead PLTW Teacher
Wichita High School

I currently teach IED, POE, and EDD at Wichita High School East in Wichita, KS. I have been a teacher for 8 years and I have been teaching PLTW for 4 years. We just graduated our first PLTW senior class at East High School.
I work in the largest high school in the state of Kansas with an enrollment of approximately 2200 students. We have very good diversity in our school with 32% white, 18% African American, 29% Hispanic, 20% other. Our school also has a 70% economically disadvantaged student population.
Numbers aside, I truly enjoy working with such a diverse student group and have had great success in enabling students to pursue higher education as well as job opportunities after high school. I look forward to sharing the how and why of our model here at East. I hope in sharing this model others will have the same success we are having for our PLTW students.

Lori Egan
Master Teacher
Northglenn High School

Lori Egan has been teaching science at Northglenn High School since 2006. During that time she has taught a variety of courses including the following: chemistry, college preparatory chemistry, AP chemistry, anatomy and physiology, ecology, forensic science, biology, and is currently a Project Lead the Way master teacher for the PLTW course, Human Body Systems. In addition to her teaching duties Lori is the instructional leader for the science department and is a member of the chemistry common course team for the Adams 12 school district.
Lori has a Bachelor of Science degree from Colorado State University in Exercise and Sports Science – Pre-med concentration, and a Master of Science in Science Education degree from Montana State University. Prior to her teaching career, Lori worked for the Colorado Ballet for twelve years where she was the Coordinator of Dance Medicine and Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC). She oversaw the injury care, evaluation, rehabilitation, and backstage injury care and management for the international company of professional ballet dancers.

Ellie Vandiver
Director of School Engagement
Project Lead The Way

Previous PLTW Biomedical Teacher of the Year. San Diego High School Teacher of the Year, 2012. Piloted BMS Program in San Diego. PLTW Biomedical Spokesperson.

Joshua Clemmer
Lead Teacher
Bel Air School

Joshua Clemmer is the Lead Teacher of the PLTW Biomedical Sciences Program and the Science Department Chairperson at Bel Air School in Bel Air, MD. In addition to teaching Biomedical Innovation, he also teaches Earth Science, Marine Science, and Geohazards Engineering. Joshua enjoys striving to keep his teaching on the cutting edge of technology and available resources.
BAHS has been recognized as a PLTW National Model School and as an Outstanding Secondary CTE Program for the state of Maryland. The school has been involved with PLTW since the inception of the PLTW Biomedical Sciences curriculum. BAHS currently accommodates approximately 250 students and claims over 200 graduates of the program.

Michael Burke
Director of Technology and Multimedia
Bel Air School

Michael Burke began his career by being named a "Teacher of Promise" by the Maryland State Department of Education in 2009. Since then he has been the Director of Technology and Multimedia as well as a HBS and BI teacher at Bel Air High School. Michael prides himself on the myriad of technical and productivity skills that his students develop while in his classes.
BAHS has been recognized as a PLTW National Model School and as an Outstanding Secondary CTE Program for the state of Maryland. The school has been involved with PLTW since the inception of the PLTW Biomedical Sciences curriculum. BAHS currently accommodates approximately 250 students and claims over 200 graduates of the program.

Jeff Crapper
Teacher
Beaverton Health and Science School

Jeffrey Crapper is a National Board Certified Science Teacher who teaches Biology, Health, and PLTW courses at Beaverton Health and Science School in Beaverton, Oregon. He has been an educator for 14 years, teaching a variety of Math, Science, Health, Career Technical Education, Alternative Education, and Physical Education. Jeff has a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training, Exercise Science, Health Education with a Minor in Psychology from Linfield College, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Oregon State University, a Master of Christian Ministries with an emphasis in Pastoral Counseling from George Fox University, and a Poster Master Certificate in Sports Counseling from California University of Pennsylvania. He has been instrumental in assisting schools in Oregon with implementing the Engineering and Biomedical pathways, especially in the dual credit articulation process and securing grant funds for PLTW programs. He enjoys finding ways to incorporate technology in his instruction as well as championing PLTW and project based learning in his classroom.

Carlie Harris
Master Teacher
Beaverton Health and Science School

Carlie Harris is a Biology, Chemistry and PLTW Master Teacher at Beaverton Health and Science School in Beaverton, Oregon. She has been teaching for seven years, six of which were spent at a small rural high school in Mt. Angel, Oregon. Carlie has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Spanish with a Minor in Biology and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Willamette University. She has been instrumental in implementing the Engineering and Biomedical pathways in a small rural setting. She enjoys finding ways to incorporate technology in her instruction as well as championing PLTW and project based learning.

David Valenzuela
Teacher
Madison High School

I am the PLTW Bio-medical sciences teacher at Madison High School, one of the nine comprehensive high schools in Portland. Previously I was a neuroscientist at Brown University Division of Biology and Medicine where I studied the molecular logic of olfactory perception and pheromone signaling in the mammalian brain. My passion therefore lies at the intersection of education and neuroscience outreach. I firmly believe that increasing awareness on the neurobiology of the brain and behavior can bring about meaningful and transformative changes in the classroom and beyond.

Joseph Parker
Director of Marketing, Digital Strategy
Project Lead The Way

Cameron Hassler
Associate Director of Marketing and Visual Branding
Project Lead The Way

Carrie Rogers-Whitehead
Senior Librarian
Salt Lake County Library

Carrie Rogers-Whitehead is a senior librarian with Salt Lake County Library over teen services and outreach. She has trained on tech and STEM programming to numerous professionals and regularly uses STEM to engage youth, particularly those that are underserved. Carrie is a regular contributor to the local media on STEM issues and has been recognized for her innovative programming with awards from the Red Cross and Utah Library Association.

Kelly Bozoian
Master Teacher
McKenzie Center for Innovation and Technology

Kelly Bozoian has been a teacher for 15 years and a master teacher in Principles of Biomedical Science for 4 years. She has taught PBS, HBS, and BI in the Biomedical Science Pathway. Kelly teaches at the McKenzie Center for Innovation and Technology, Lawrence Township in Indianapolis Indiana and was Teacher of the Year there in 2013. With Project Lead the Way she has been an adjunct professor at Ivy Tech and IUPUI. Within the constructs of PLTW courses she has led students in iGEM, with the Innovation Portal, through Biobuilder activities, and created opportunities for her senior students to interact with community members during field experiences. This year she will pilot 40+ hour field studies for 65 BI students including partnerships with hospitals, research labs, private practice, and biotech companies in the local area. Kelly was involved in designing a unique opportunity for her students to present independent research at an annual biotech conference.

Rebecca Schini
Master Teacher
Greenfield-Central High School

Rebecca Schini currently works at Greenfield-Central High School. She has been working at Greenfield-Central High school for eight years as a Science teacher. She currently teaches Biology, Earth/Space, and Biomedical Innovation. Before becoming a teacher she worked at a pharmaceutical research lab working on the development of cell lines for clinical trail material development. Then she worked in quality control for a manufactoring facility. As a teacher, she has introduced multiple new programs to engage students in STEM. She has developed a STEM outreach program to engage young students to pursue an education in STEM. She developed iGEM high school division to engage high school students in current research in synthetic biology. She holds her master in Education and is currently working on her PhD in nanochemistry.

Thomas Pachera
Teacher
Skyline High School

I grew up in the greater Detroit Michigan area and I went to Central Michigan University earning a BS in Industrial Arts Education and Theatre. I started teaching in 1990 at Dearborn Fordson High School and then moved to Parcells and Pierce Middle Schools in Grosse Pointe in 1991. I received a MS degree in Technology & Design soon after and now hold Michigan Certifications in Industrial Arts Education (7-12), Theatre (7-12), Technology and Design (K-12), Occupational/Vocational Certification in Design & Drafting/Architecture Technology as well as Occupational/Vocational Certification in Engineering Technology. In 1996 I moved to the Ann Arbor Public schools where I have taught Design & Technology Education at Forsythe middle school for 10 years before moving to my current position as a lead teacher at Skyline High School. At Skyline, I teach IED, POE, DE, and EDD courses. I am also an Adjunct Professor at Eastern Michigan University in the school of Technology studies. In the summer I am a PLTW Master Teacher in IED.

Bill VanLoo
Technology & Engineering Teacher
Ann Arbor Public Schools

I am a technology, engineering and design educator who is passionate about empowering learners. I’m currently employed as the Technology & Engineering Teacher at Ann Arbor STEAM at Northside, a brand-new K-8 program that is part of Ann Arbor Public Schools. I run the STEAM Lab, our school’s space for hands-on learning through the STEAM subject areas (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math) and teach Project Lead The Way's Launch and Gateway programs. As a teacher, I value hands-on projects, cross-curricular learning experiences, and use of the design process to show students how to solve problems.

Ben Yates
Affiliate Director
Missouri S&T

William Murphy
STEM Coordinator

Certified GTT DM & AR, STEM Curriculum Specialist at Union Public Schools in Tulsa, OK.

Kate Sirk
Associate Director of Engagement
Project Lead The Way

Kate is a member of PLTW’s National Engagement Team. She works primarily with PLTW’s Affiliate Universities to deliver Core Training events to the PLTW network and on their use of PLTW’s external information technology systems. Prior to her current role, Kate was a member of the Solutions Center and helped support PLTW teachers in their classrooms. Before joining PLTW, Kate worked with pre-Kindergarten students on Kindergarten Readiness, which ignited her passion for PLTW’s mission.

Shea Tighe
National Director of Engagement
STEM Premier

Shea Tighe is the "Jack-of-all trades" for STEM Premier. His experience in a diverse array of industries - marketing, planning, design, and public relations - allow him to wear many different hats. Shea currently directs all K-12 and post-secondary engagement nationally, leads all marketing and front-end web design efforts, and supports the leadership team in strategic planning. He's also a big-time culture enthusiast and strives daily to make STEM Premier the best place to work in the world...yes, he knows that's ambitious. Prior to joining STEM Premier, Shea held marketing and design positions with creative firms across the Southeast - the most recent being an Urban Designer with a land planning firm in Charleston, SC. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 2008 - Go Dawgs! When not collaborating with his much smarter colleagues at STEM Premier HQ, you can find Shea surfing out on Folly Beach or making his next cup of coffee. He loves coffee.

Channelle Ragland
Director of Strategic Partnerships
STEM Premier

Channelle brings leadership experience in youth program development and outreach, fundraising, and executive management. She has experience developing, managing, and sustaining collaborative partnerships and outreach education programs for regional, state, and national organizations. Channelle comes to STEM Premier from Project Lead The Way where she served as Director of Student Relations. Prior to PLTW, Channelle served as State Director for Indiana’s Twenty-first Century Scholars program and Executive Director of Southwest Indiana College Access Network. Channelle is passionate about transforming youth into thriving, educated, socially conscious citizens. Throughout her career, she has worked to provide under-represented students access to a college education and expose youth to academic and professional opportunities. Channelle is a graduate of Indiana University Southeast with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Masters of Social Work from the University of Southern Indiana. She also studied education leadership and administration through Brown University and Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation's Leadership Learning Cadre. Channelle resides in Atlanta and remains a committed fan of the Indianapolis Colts.

Beth Benjamin
Administrator

Kate Sirk
Associate Director of Engagement
Project Lead The Way

Kate is a member of PLTW’s National Engagement Team. She works primarily with PLTW’s Affiliate Universities to deliver Core Training events to the PLTW network and on their use of PLTW’s external information technology systems. Prior to her current role, Kate was a member of the Solutions Center and helped support PLTW teachers in their classrooms. Before joining PLTW, Kate worked with pre-Kindergarten students on Kindergarten Readiness, which ignited her passion for PLTW’s mission.

Nathan Silvers
Teacher
New Trier High School

Nathan Silvers has been a teacher for 10+ year, with the past 6 years at New Trier High School. Nathan is currently teaching the Project Lead the Way courses: Principles of Engineering and Introduction to Engineering and has played a major role in the implementation of PLTW at New Trier High School. Nathan is a student oriented teacher who carefully weighs his choices in technology and curriculum against potential student gains and outcomes. With Nathan’s experience as an engineer and teacher, he brings a unique perspective to the use of technology in the classroom and is always looking for new ways to improve his performance resulting in increased student achievement.

Casey Welch
COO & Co-Founder
STEM Premier

Casey Welch comes from an extensive background in technology and education. Before co-founding STEM Premier, he held leadership positions with NorthTech Partners, Inc. and Stimulus Engineering Services as their Director of Business & Technology Development. Prior to that he served as Lead of Global Policy Management Group at Citigroup. Casey attended Purdue University where he earned his Masters in Engineering/Technology Education and Bachelor of Science in Technology. While attending Purdue’s graduate program, Casey was an instructor for various courses including Manufacturing, Power & Energy, Communications and Construction. Due to his performance, Casey received the Indiana Outstanding Future Educator Award. He also played football for the Boilermakers and earned Scholar-Athlete and All Academic Big Ten honors.

Donald Tylinksi, Ed.D
President & Co-Founder
STEM Premier

STEM Premier President Dr. Donald Tylinski brings with him over 35 years of experience in education. Before co-founding STEM Premier, Dr. Tylinski served as Superintendent of Schools for the Seneca Valley School District in Pittsburgh, PA. Under his leadership, the district was recognized for drastically improving it’s ranking for academic achievement in all of Western Pennsylvania. Additionally, Dr. Tylinski led two other school districts to many accolades including recognition as being National Blue Ribbon Schools and top 100 schools in the nation. During his tenures, Dr. Tylinski has been the recipient of numerous awards with most notable being Superintendent of the Year for Innovation in Instruction and Use of Technology and Superintendent of the Year for Instructional Leadership. Dr. Tylinski holds a Doctorate in Education as well as certifications in Guidance, Secondary and Elementary administration. He also earned a BS in General Science and Elementary Education.

Devin McKinnon
Master Teacher
New Berlin Eisenhower Middle/High School

McKinnon currently works as an engineering and technology instructor at New Berlin Eisenhower Middle/High school in New Berlin, Wisconsin. She has a BS in Technology Education from University of Wisconsin Stout. She teaches PLTW classes to 7th through 12th grades students. McKinnon is certified to teach DM, AR, ME, ST, GA, EE, FS, IED, POE, DE, and EDD. McKinnon is Gateway Master Teacher.

Angelica Gunderson
Master Teacher
Los Alisos Middle School

Angelica Gunderson is a science and Project Lead The Way (PLTW) teacher at Los Alisos Middle School in Norwalk, California. She has an MS in Science Education from the California State University of Long Beach and is a PLTW Master Teacher for Medical Detectives (MD), Science of Technology (ST) and Introduction to Computer Science (ICS). For the last two years, she has facilitated an iPad 1:1 model of instruction in her science and PLTW classes.

Mike Maddock

Certiport

Chris Reynolds
Principal
Darnaby Elementary

Chris Reynolds began his career at Union Public Schools in 2008 as the assistant principal of Boevers Elementary. In May of 2010, Reynolds was named the assistant principal of Clark Elementary, one of only three schools in the nation to be recognized in Washington, D.C., as a recepient of the National Community Schools Award. In May of 2011, Reynolds was named principal of Darnaby Elementary.Prior to coming to Union, Reynolds began his teaching career with Tulsa Public Schools. He taught second grade and fourth grade at Carnegie Elementary and sixth grade at Nimitz Middle School. In 2007, he received an award as Oklahoma’s PTA Teacher of the Year, the Pat Henry Award.

Aaron Parsons
STEM Coordinator

Suzanne Martin
Master Teacher
Darnaby Elementary School

Suzanne Martin is a 2nd grade teacher at Darnaby Elementary School, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She is currently in her 16th year teaching. Suzanne was selected as a PLTW Master Teacher for 2015, and is looking forward to assuming the role again.

Kristen Robinson
Master Teacher

Stephanie Valli
Curriculum Coordinator, Master Teacher

My name is Stephanie Valli and I have been an educator for over 17 years. I was a third grade teacher for 7 years and then a Science Specialist for 3rd, 4th and 5th grade for 4 years. Following those experiences, I became a Curriculum Coordinator K-12 and have held that position for the last 6 years. Through my work as a Curriculum Coordinator I became a PLTW Launch Lead Teacher and then a Launch Master Teacher. Over the last 2 years I have facilitated the implementation of Launch for all of our elementary buildings.

Susan Hayes
Principal
Barkley Bridge Elementary School

Angie Harris
Teacher
Barkley Bridge Elementary School

Kim Jared
Teacher
Barkley Bridge Elementary School

Sandra Roberts
Teacher
Whitwell Middle School

Sandra Roberts is a 23-year-veteran teacher who has spent her teaching career at Whitwell Middle School, a rural school located in Whitwell, Tennessee. Currently, she teaches multiple PLTW's Gateway modules as well as an Advanced ELA class centered around Holocaust Education. She is the Co-Founder and Educational Director of the Children's Holocaust Memorial, which is the subject of a Miramax documentary entitled "Paper Clips".

Graham Baughman
CEO
WhiteBox Learning

Graham Baughman is CEO of WhiteBox Learning, a leader in STEM/Engineering Education, for grades 6-12. WhiteBox Learning (www.whiteboxlearning.com) exists primarily to teach critical thinking skills, and, to inspire more students to choose STEM-related careers. WhiteBox engages students in the complete engineering design process, with web-based design, analysis, and simulation applications. The STEM Applications / classroom activities allow students to engineer (virtually) their designs, and then build them (hands-on).

Carlie Harris
Master Teacher
Beaverton Health and Science School

Carlie Harris is a Biology, Chemistry and PLTW Master Teacher at Beaverton Health and Science School in Beaverton, Oregon. She has been teaching for seven years, six of which were spent at a small rural high school in Mt. Angel, Oregon. Carlie has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Spanish with a Minor in Biology and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Willamette University. She has been instrumental in implementing the Engineering and Biomedical pathways in a small rural setting. She enjoys finding ways to incorporate technology in her instruction as well as championing PLTW and project based learning.

Gina Greil
Master Teacher
Wilmot Union High School

Gina Greil is a Biology, Chemistry and Project Lead the Way Master Teacher at Wilmot Union High School in Wilmot, Wisconsin. She has been working in this position for the last 9 years of her 13 year career. Gina has a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Masters of Science in Secondary Education from Dowling College in Oakdale, New York. Currently she is pursuing Masters in Business Education focusing on STEM Leadership from Milwaukee’s School of Engineering. Gina has been instrumental in creating a series of rigorous STEM offerings in her small, rural high school.

Jennifer Doran
Master Teacher

Jeff Crapper
Teacher

Joe McCollum
Master Teacher

Lena Joch
Master Teacher

Michael Juech
Administrator

Kathryn Eilert
Master Teacher

Sherry Jackson
Master Teacher

William Small
Master Teacher
McKinley Senior High School

I was born in Canton, Ohio and attended Lincoln high school, graduating in 1960. After attending the University of Cincinnati, and graduating with a B.S. in Design (Industrial Design) in 1966, I began working for LTV Aerospace Corporation as Design Engineer in the Crew Systems design group with responsibilities for design of controls, displays, and man/machine interface for the A-7 series of aircraft. In 1971 I became employed as a Vocational Drafting teacher, and was recognized as Drafting Teacher of the year for the state of Ohio in 1992. I was named the Canton Professional Educators Association - Educator of the Year for the 2006-2007 school year, and was named to the All Stark County Teaching Team, representing the Canton City Schools System in the 2003-2004 and 2014-2015 school years. I also was selected to be a Martha Holden Jennings scholar. I obtained my Masters degree in Vocational Education in 1979 from Kent State University. I began to teach the Project Lead The Way courses in 2001. I currently teach the IED, CEA, and EDD courses. In 2012, I was fortunate enough to go with a group of three other teachers to Tanzania to work with, and conduct seminars for a Christian mission school and government schools. I have just completed my forty fourth year of teaching and am energized every day by the young people I am privileged to teach and by the PLTW curriculum. I have been a Master Teacher for IED for approximately the last eight years.

Chad Weaver
PLTW Digital Electronics Master Teacher
McKinley High School

Chad has been teaching Technology Education and PLTW for 23 years. He has been working with and writing curriculum since he started teaching in 1993. In 2004 the woodshop at his school was closing and he found himself in a place that no educator wants to be. Through faith and persistence he was able to be “re-born” into the world of PLTW. He is currently trained in IED, POE, DE and CIM. In 2007 he became a Master Teacher for Digital Electronics. He serves as a PDP coach for DE and is also a member of the PLTW Executive Council for Ohio. In his home school, he serves as a teacher mentor, as well as the Department Chair for CTE. “PLTW is an incredible curriculum. All students should have the opportunity to be engaged by it. I think we have found a way to involve special needs students with it and show them that their short comings are actually their strengths.”

Kevin Clevenger
Master Teacher

I have been in education for 18 year and have taught at Blue Springs High for the last 10 years. For those 10 years have taught AP Computer Science. In the past two year, I have taught PLTW Computer Science and Software Engineering (CSE). I am a Master Teacher for PLTW in Computer Science and Software Engineering (CSE). I am a Pilot teacher for the PLTW Computer Science Application course.

Lewis McKenzie
Teacher
North Kansas City High School

I am starting my first year teaching at North Kansas City High School after having spent six years in another district. I began my career as a math teacher and leaped upon the opportunity to teach PLTW courses. I am beginning my fourth year teaching PLTW classes. I am certified to teach Principles of Engineering (POE), Digital Electronics (DE), a Master Teacher in Computer Science and Software Engineering (CSE), and piloting the Computer Science Applications (CSA) course. I have been actively involved in providing high school students with unique opportunities through the partnerships developed in the Project Lead the Way network.

Terri Tessman
Master Teacher

Terri Tessmann has been involved in PLTW for many years, teaching in the Engineering, Biomedical Sciences and Computer Science pathways at various grade levels. She is a Master Teacher for Medical Interventions, Biomedical Innovations and Introduction to Computer Sciences. She has started PLTW programs in multiple cities (all three paths), and as become a requested program starter for multiple school districts. She also presents annually at the WI and IL State PLTW conferences and other Professional conferences. She has piloted multiple courses for PLTW, as well as worked on the curriculum and assessment writing teams

Bill Petry
Master Teacher

Bill has been teaching mathematics, science and computer science for over thirty years. He has been a PLTW course instructor for seven years, having taught IED, POE, DE and CSE. He is a Master Teacher for CSE since 2014.

Camille Sloan Schroeder
Affiliate Director
Iowa State University College of Engineering

Camille oversees Engineering K-12 Community Outreach for Iowa State University College of Engineering where she serves as the inaugural Director of Iowa FIRST LEGO League and Junior FIRST LEGO League as well as Affiliate Director of Project Lead The Way in Iowa.
Camille has worked for Iowa State building programs and serving in roles related to recruitment of first-year and transfer undergraduate students. She has extensive experience in leadership, program creation and implementation, working with community colleges, K-12 schools, faculty, administrators, teachers, parents and students as well as the private sector and donors through numerous initiatives. She volunteers time to community organizations, serves on her local school board, a statewide computer science committee, and has been appointed by the Governor to the North Central STEM Hub Advisory Board.

Sandy Bradshaw
Master Teacher
Midway Elementary School

Sandy Bradshaw, Master Teacher for Project Lead the Way (PLTW), is a STEAM Teacher Leader at Midway Elementary School of Science and Engineering in Anderson, SC, where she facilitates all aspects of STEAM Education. Sandy is responsible for development, integration, and instruction of STEAM, PD, and collegiate partnerships. She is National Board Certified with a Master’s plus 30 from Clemson University. Sandy’s (PLTW) involvement began in 2009 and continues with her current implementation of LAUNCH.

Gary Bruhjell
Administrator

Rick Bradshaw
Chairman
Anderson School District 5 School Board

Rick Bradshaw, Chairman of the Anderson School District 5 School Board, is currently employed at Sullivan King Mortuary as a Funeral Director/ Embalmer. For more than thirty years, he made a career in insurance sales and management and for many years owned and managed his own Allstate Insurance Agency. Rick obtained a B.S. Degree in Business Administration from Erskine College in Due West, South Carolina and an AB Degree in Funeral Services from Piedmont Technical College in Greenwood, South Carolina.

James Mackin
Principal
Hendrick Hudson High School

Principal, Hendrick Hudson High School, Montrose NY

Kathleen Casey
Principal
Institute of Notre Dame

Kathleen Casey has been a Catholic school educator for over 30 years. She is beginning her 28th year at the Institute of Notre Dame, where she has been the Language Department chair and the AP French Teacher. She is beginning her third year as principal of IND.

George Phillips
Supervisor for Career, Technology and Enrichment Education
Washington County Public Schools

Carroll Co. experiences: Teacher of Science for 10 yrs. 1975 – 85, Assistant Principal at two HS 5 yrs., Principal at Francis Scott Key High 10 yrs. 1990 – 2000 (managed a complete renovation of the facility with students and teachers in place), Principal of South Carroll High School and Career and Technology Center 2000 – 2006. Retired after 31.5 yrs. In addition to Carroll County work, served on several MSDE initiatives including the Student Service Learning Task Force and Principal’s Leadership Development Task Force. Also was a Middle States Evaluator 4 x’s in three states and chaired three Middle States Evaluations in PA and MD. Presented 2x’s at the NASSP National Conference. (Observing and Evaluating the Marginal Teacher) (Panel Discussion of Principals regarding Standardized Assessments)
Washington Co. experience: Supervisor for Career, Technology and Enrichment Education 10yrs. (2006 – to date.) Manage 51 CTE and MS Technology programs in 16 schools. Write grants for national and state funds, oversee curriculum development, provide professional development for teachers, manage a $6.5 million CTE budget for all middle and high school CTE programs, develop and write for approval of yearly Perkins application. Act as liaison for 13 Professional Advisory Councils. Serve on three local government/business committees (Workforce Development, Economic Development, and Chamber of Conference Business/Education)

James Niar
Instructional Technologist, Master Teacher
Saratoga Springs City School District

James’ primary function in the Saratoga Springs City School District is to bring STEM education and Problem/Project based experiences to all elementary students. The ongoing goal is teaching students that solving real world problems requires collaboration, cooperation, and imagination. He acts as a resource to all elementary teachers and is a district professional development instructor. Jim has been a Project Lead The Way Master Teacher for LAUNCH and was the building level lead for the LAUNCH pilot in 2013-2014. He, along with a core of dedicated Master Teachers, currently trains new building level lead teachers to bring PLTW to their districts across the country.

Amy Shaw-Tingley
Master Teacher
Saratoga Springs City Schools

Amy Shaw-Tingley is a third grade teacher in Saratoga Springs, NY at Lake Avenue Elementary. She has taught there for 17 years. Beginning in 2013, the year of release, she piloted the PLTW Launch engineering modules. She has been a PLTW Master Teacher since 2014. In addition to championing PLTW in her school, she is part of the district's Curriculum Council, ELA Task Force, Data Driven Instruction Committee, Social Studies Task Force, and Building Leadership Team.

Cordelia Ontiveros
Affiliate Director, Associate Dean for Academic Programs & Student Services
California State Polytechnic University

Dr. Cordelia Ontiveros is the Associate Dean for Academic Programs & Student Services in the College of Engineering at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona). She provides leadership for First Year Experience (FYE), Women in Engineering Program, Maximizing Engineering Potential (MEP), and Project Lead The Way (PLTW), initiatives to increase the interest and achievement of students in engineering. Under her leadership, the percentage of females among the entering engineering student population has increased by 50%, leading to her receiving the 2014 WEPAN University Change Agent Award; the number of schools in the local area offering the PLTW STEM curriculum has increased by a factor of 10; and the FYE advising program has received multiple awards. Ontiveros is a Professor in the Chemical & Materials Engineering Department. She earned a BS in Chemical Engineering from Cal Poly Pomona, and her MA and PhD in Chemical Engineering from Princeton University.

Christina Adamson
Master Teacher
Cal State San Marcos

I love kids and teaching them to love learning. I think STEM education creates kids who love learning. I have been teaching for 25 years and have an MA in literacy. I am currently on loan form my district to CSUSM and teach and supervise teaching candidates. I have been implementing PLTW in my classroom for three years and am in my second year as a Master teacher.

Sonia Cuellar
Master Teacher
Bellaire Elementary School

Mrs. Sonia Cuellar works with PLTW in San Antonio TX. Her focus is the LEP (limited english proficient) population and her goal is for these students to experience PLTW in their first language. Mrs. Cuellar has a Bachelor's of Art in Spanish and a Master's Degree in General Education. She is currently working on her Doctorates Degree.

Timothy Phelps
Master Teacher
Lakeland Jr/Sr High School

I have been a Master Teacher for two years in CSE. I also teach POE and DE, along with AP Calculus AB at Lakeland Jr/Sr High School in Scott Township, PA. This coming year will be my tenth year teaching high school. I have a BA from Wilkes University in Mathematics/Secondary Education, a MA in Mathematical Sciences from SUNY-Binghamton, and a MAT from California University of Pennsylvania in Advanced Studies in Secondary Education. I also teach College Math as an adjunct instructor at Keystone College in LaPlume, PA.

Sherri Molde
Master Teacher
Hadley Middle School

Sherri Molde is a Project Lead the Way, Gateway to Technology instructor at Hadley Middle School in Wichita, Kansas; a Project Lead the Way Trainer for Wichita State University and is now also an Autodesk Certified Instructor. Sherri has worked in the Wichita Public School district since 1991 where she has taught both elementary and middle school students. Sherri has been in her current position in the technology education department for the past 16 years.
Sherri works to instill a love of learning and exploration in her classroom by helping students to understand that there may be multiple paths to finding a solution. She pushes her students to explore engineering fields and to begin thinking about their futures. Sherri’s students enjoy the hands on and laid back atmosphere in her classroom and understands that she will not accept anything but their best when attempting new projects and concepts.
Sherri earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Kansas Newman University and her Master of Arts in Teaching from Friend’s University, both in Wichita, Kansas.

Chad Shelly
Master Teacher
Colonel Richardson High School

A BMS teacher at Colonel Richardson High School in Maryland. I teach all four BMS classes and am a master teacher for HBS

Julye Adams
Master Teacher
Elkhorn Crossing School

Julye M. Adams received her PhD in Physiology and Biophysics from the University of KY in December 2005. After a successful Post-Doctoral fellowship, Dr. Adams founded the first secondary-level Biomedical Sciences Program in Kentucky. Her Biomedical Sciences “Village” is one of the anchor programs at the progressive Elkhorn Crossing School in Georgetown, KY and is considered a model for the state. Additionally, she is a certified PLTW Master Teacher in the Biomedical Sciences Curricula and works as an independent consultant for teachers and schools across the state and nation. Dr. Adams serves on several community and education committees and has been an invited speaker at several state and national science and education meetings. She was named the 2014-15 PLTW Biomedical Sciences Kentucky Teacher of the Year and recently received the LexMark Inspire Award. Dr. Adams is currently attaining an MA in Career and Technical Administration.