Your CSTA Team

Executive Director

Jake Baskin (He/Him)

CONTACT JAKE ABOUT

• What it’s *really* like teaching K–12 CS and how CSTA can help you connect, grow, and share as a CS teacher
• Ideas for the future of CSTA

My CSTA Story

From my first week in the classroom, it was clear that I needed support. Although I worked with amazing colleagues, I was the only computer science teacher. As a one-person department, I was isolated. I wanted to connect with other CS teachers, and I had questions that could not be answered within my school or district.

Thankfully, I found CSTA’s Chicago chapter. During my first chapter meeting, they shared one of the early versions of the Exploring Computer Science curriculum. Three days later, my class was starting the first lesson in the curriculum, and I became a lifelong CSTA member.

My Story

Jake is the executive director of the Computer Science Teachers Association, the world’s leading association for K–12 computer science teachers. In this role, he led a complete turnaround of CSTA from the brink of insolvency to a thriving professional development and community-building association of over 20,000 members and 100 chapters worldwide. During his tenure, CSTA’s conference attendance has quadrupled. The organization has launched professional learning programs reaching over 5,000 participants annually, secured over $20 million in new funding commitments, and grown from a staff of two to a team of twenty.

He is a former high school computer science teacher, department chair, and professional development provider with Chicago Public Schools. As a teacher, he focused on increasing access to computing for underrepresented groups, and he more than doubled female enrollment in introductory computer science classes.

Prior to joining CSTA, he was director of state government affairs for Code.org, where he worked with educators and policymakers to advocate for policies that expand access to high-quality computer science education with state departments of education and governors’ offices across the country.

Project Manager, E_CSPD_Wk

Dr. Amanda Bell (She/Her)

CONTACT AMANDA ABOUT

• CSPDWeek Events
• PD Committee and PD Accreditation Process
• PD Provider Summits

My CSTA Story

Amanda was inspired to join CSTA because the organization’s focus combines her interests in computer science and education. While she has not worked as a formal classroom teacher, she worked as a dance teacher for several years. After earning her undergraduate degree in computer science, Amanda pursued research on STEM education, earning a PhD in learning, teaching, and diversity. Amanda enjoys learning from and supporting the members of CSTA as we strive to provide equitable access to CS education through quality professional development and other programs.

My Story

Amanda is the project manager for Expanded Computer Science Professional Development Week, a grant from the US Department of Education that supports teacher-driven PD events for K–12 CS teachers. Drawing on her experience in computer science and education research, Amanda also supports the work of CSTA’s PD Committee and PD Provider Summits to curate quality professional learning opportunities for CS educators.

Head of Research & Innovation

Bryan “BT” Twarek (He/Him)

CONTACT BT ABOUT

• Standards
• Professional Learning
• Research

My CSTA Story

BT first learned about CSTA from using the CSTA K–12 CS Standards, which were especially useful and important to him given the lack of state, district, or local guidance on what should be taught in CS classrooms. He joined CSTA in 2014 for the same reasons as many others: to connect with educators doing similar work, to identify strong resources and independent guidance, and to deepen his knowledge and skills with computer science education. Since then, BT became increasingly involved as a CSTA member and volunteer before joining staff in 2019. He is now excited to lead the development of the next iteration of CSTA’s most important resource, the CSTA K-12 Standards.

My Story

As Head of Research & Innovation, BT works to improve the teaching and learning of K–12 computer science. He manages the student and teacher standards, develops new programs and professional learning opportunities, and directs research projects. Most of his work involves equity-focused professional development for K–12 CS teachers.

Prior to joining CSTA, BT was a teacher and administrator in San Francisco. As computer science supervisor for the San Francisco Unified School District, he worked to expand equitable access to creative, rigorous, and relevant computer science instruction to all students. He managed the policy, curriculum, professional development, partnerships, and research that expanded annual CS participation from 700 mostly white and Asian male students in 2014 to over 25,000 students in 2019, with demographics that mirror overall enrollment.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and neuroscience from Yale University and a master’s degree in urban education policy and administration from Loyola Marymount University.

BT was a lead author of the K–12 CS Framework, the CSTA K–12 CS Standards, the CSTA Standards for CS Teachers, and California’s K–12 CS standards. He has also served as the district representative on CSTA’s board of directors.

Data Analyst

Catherine Tabor (She/Her)

CONTACT CAT ABOUT

• PD Passport Questions
• Membership Questions

My CSTA Story

When Cat attended her first CSTA conference in 2019, she knew she had finally found her people. As one of only a handful of CS teachers in her area, she had really not had a lot of support in trying to expand CS pathways in her region.  Since then, she’s become the founding president of CSTA Paso del Norte, a facilitator for the CSforEL project, served on the CSHS Advisory board, been a frequent volunteer, and received a CS Teaching Excellence Award. Now, she is excited to join CSTA as their first-ever data analyst.

My Story

Cat began her journey as a CS Teacher in 1996. CS was not very popular at the time and CS teachers were not in demand. She was one of the few in her entire area. Since then, she has expanded CS pathways in her region and became the first president of the CSTA Paso del Norte chapter. She has won numerous awards for teaching computer science and helps teachers become certified in CS.

In her free time, Cat loves to read, watch movies, and program and has an obsession with dinosaurs. She is currently working on her PhD in Computer Science and is a proud mother of two human and two furry children and the grandmother of one human child.

Regional Chapter Support Coordinator, East

Ciara Pervall (She/Her)

CONTACT CIARA ABOUT

• Planning and supporting chapter events
• CSTA awareness and recruiting efforts
• Attaining chapter goals, growth metrics, and grant funding

My CSTA Story

Ciara began her computer science journey in 2017 at a summer professional development summit. She was a first-year business and IT teacher who wanted to bring something new back to her classroom. Ciara learned so much and fell in love with CS concepts and the CS community!

My Story

Ciara became an educator as a career switcher in 2015. She started as a substitute teacher, went on to teach career and technical education for five years, and is presently a work-based learning coordinator for Chesapeake Public Schools. She has worked for organizations such as CodeVA and the College of William & Mary’s Center for Gifted Education, and she has also taught robotics for a district-wide cybersecurity camp in partnership with Old Dominion University. Ciara currently serves as the president of CSTA Tidewater Virginia and is the first CodeVA board member to serve as representation for all active classroom teachers.

In her free time, she loves traveling, volunteering, and spending time with her family, her friends, and her pup, Chino.

Event Manager

Dana Weingartner, CMP (She/Her)

CONTACT DANA ABOUT

• CSTA Annual Conference
• CSTA Summits
• CSTA Grant-Funded Events

My CSTA Story

Dana joined CSTA in 2021 and has learned so much about CS education since! She is inspired every day by the work CSTA members are doing within and outside of the classroom to ensure that students have access to an equitable CS education. She feels very lucky to get to play a part in supporting CSTA’s mission.

My Story

Dana is the event manager for CSTA. With a background in event and volunteer management, she has experience coordinating both large and small-scale events in the for-profit and nonprofit spaces. She holds a graduate certificate in nonprofit leadership from the University of Denver and is a Certified Meeting Professional. Dana is passionate about community building and loves being able to support the people who love helping others!

Outside of work, you can find her watching professional wrestling, hanging out with her cat and dog, and enjoying the plethora of themed entertainment that Orlando has to offer.

People Operations Manager

Emma Brown (She/Her)

CONTACT EMMA ABOUT

• Policy
• Growth and Development
• Interpersonal Communications

My CSTA Story

Emma joined CSTA in 2024 as a People Operations Manager with a passion for educators, and those who make the incredibly important job of educating, easier. Her personal and professional values resonate with CSTA’s mission to build a healthy, positive community for computer science teachers. Computer science education should be equal, and CSTA’s commitment to equity caught her interest.  As a granddaughter of teachers, and a self proclaimed “people person” she brings a deep admiration, and appreciation for educators, and those who support them.

My Story

Emma graduated with a BS in Psychology with minors in Sociology and Communications. Upon graduating, she wasn’t sure which direction she wanted to go, but she knew she needed to work with people. She has worked within Human Resources for 6 years, working as a Recruiter, an Onboarding Specialist, an Administrative Assistant, an Executive Assistant, a Human Resources Business Partner, and finally, a People Operations Manager with CSTA. Regardless of the role, Emma leads with a “people first” approach, doing her very best to make sure every employee feels seen, heard, respected, and appreciated.

In her free time you can catch her dog sitting, cooking, or reading the news (scrolling on Tik Tok,) and watching historical documentaries (watching reruns of the real housewives.)

Executive Assistant

Erin Adams (She/Her)

CONTACT ERIN ABOUT

• Invoice / Accounts Payable Questions
• Executive Scheduling Requests

My CSTA Story

Erin joined CSTA in 2024 with a passion for equity in education. Erin believes that education is the first and most fundamental place to make meaningful change for a more equitable world. She is excited to support the mission of CSTA in her role as Executive Assistant.

My Story

Dedicated to supporting executives in their mission to create positive change, Erin brings a unique blend of administrative expertise and a deep commitment to social justice and equity. With a background in executive assistance, event planning, and marketing and a passion for driving meaningful impact, she loves to serve in education-based nonprofits that are improving lives.

Erin brings nine years of administrative experience and is a 5-year member of the American Society in Administrative professionals where she earned her Professional Administrative Certification of Excellence.

Erin believes that effective executive assistance goes beyond administrative support; it involves anticipating needs, proactively identifying opportunities for improvement, and serving as a trusted partner in the pursuit of organizational success.

Erin is a nature enthusiast. She loves birding, basket weaving, herbal medicine and anything that involves deepening her relationship to the natural world. She also has a beloved dog, Swayze, who accompanies her on all her adventures.

Regional Chapter Support Coordinator, Central

Henry Ramirez (He/Him)

CONTACT HENRY ABOUT

• CSTA Central Region Support
• CSTA Policy/Advocacy

My CSTA Story

Henry retired from teaching on September 21, 2021, with thirty years’ experience in education (nine years as a bilingual/ESL teacher, seventeen as an instructional technology specialist, and four as an MS CS teacher). He served as the vice president of CSTA Greater Houston for four years.

Upon retiring, Henry was asked to consider the regional support position, a great opportunity to continue supporting CS integration. Serving the central region chapters allows him to provide support and assistance wherever needed. It’s an honor to work with the central region chapters.

My Story

When not helping his incredible central region chapters, or pursuing every opportunity to get involved with promoting computer science in his home state of Texas, Henry is a soccer nerd (assignor and referee) in northeast Houston, a movie and music fan, and a proud dad to his son and daughter, both currently located in Dallas. The rest of the time, he’s usually chasing his Dutch Shepherd mix, Beth, around the neighborhood.

Chief Finance & Operating Officer

Honna George (She/Her)

CONTACT HONNA ABOUT

• High-level inquiries
• CSTA financial, people, and operational matters
• No sales inquiries, please!

My CSTA Story

Honna joined CSTA in 2024 with a passion for the education community and the association industry. Her personal and professional values resonate with CSTA’s mission to build community for CS teachers and advocate for equity in CS education. As a daughter and partner to teachers, she brings a deep appreciation for the vital and challenging role educators play shaping our world.

My Story

Honna George is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) through the American Society of Association Executives. Her work is centered in a people-first approach and she specializes in developing backend infrastructure and systems to sustain organizational growth. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family in nature and learning about recent discoveries from the JWST telescope.

K-12 Standards Project Manager

Jake Koressel (He/Him)

CONTACT JAKE ABOUT

• CSTA Standards
• Pathways

My CSTA Story

Jake attended his first CSTA conference in 2018 and has been involved with his local chapter ever since. He enjoys the opportunity to connect and learn from other CS educators and is excited to see the continued growth of CSTA Indiana. Jake joined the team at CSTA in 2023.

My Story

Jake has served in a variety of roles in CS education including high school teacher, state computer science supervisor, pre-service CS teacher educator, and researcher. He is currently the K-12 Standards Project Manager with CSTA. Through this role, his work will focus on identifying essential CS content for high school students, developing model high school CS pathways, and reviewing the CSTA K-12 CS Standards.

Jake holds a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Mathematics Education and Computing Education from Indiana University and a master’s degree in Instructional Systems Technology from Indiana University. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Instructional Systems Technology where is research interests center around the intersection of CS education and education policy.

In his spare time, Jake enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, golfing, and trying new foods.

Chapter Relations Lead

Jason W. Bohrer (He/Him)

CONTACT JASON ABOUT

• Connecting with your local CSTA chapter(s)
• Supporting your local CSTA chapter(s)
• Becoming a Chapter Leader

My CSTA Story

Jason is responsible for the growth, success, and management of more than 95 local CSTA chapters across the United States and abroad. He believes wholeheartedly that regional chapters are at the core of CSTA’s mission, and he is excited to support these chapters with leadership and quality programming for chapter members.

My Story

Prior to joining CSTA, Jason taught CS and English in the Northern California foothills for more than a dozen years. Before his career in education, he served in the United States Marine Corps for nearly a decade. As an educator, he helped develop a CS pathway in a Title I district that hadn’t previously offered CS courses. He emphasized closing the gender gap and engaging more female students in CS coursework, and, in 2018, his work garnered the College Board’s AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award. Passionate about CS education, Jason strives to empower teachers, schools, and districts in bringing a myriad of wonderfully developed curricula to life, and to inspire teachers to incorporate computing and computational thinking as part of every classroom.

Outside of work, Jason is an avid sports fan, relishes opportunities to travel, loves to cook, and can often be found watching original content on any of several online streaming services.

Membership Experience Manager

Jen Manly (She/Her)

CONTACT JEN ABOUT

• CSTA Membership
• Computer Science Honor Society
• CSTA Affinity Groups

My CSTA Story

When Jen attended her first CSTA conference in 2018, it was the first time she didn’t feel alone as a CS teacher. At the time, she was the only middle school CS teacher in her building and one of only three in her entire district. Since then, she’s spoken at five CSTA conferences, volunteered as a member of the conference committee, and received a CS Teaching Excellence Honorable Mention. CSTA has been instrumental to her growth as a CS teacher, and she was thrilled to join staff in 2022 as the membership experience manager!

My Story

Jen supports CSTA members as the membership experience manager. She is proud to be a computer science teacher and excited to support CS teachers in connecting with the community that CSTA offers.

Prior to joining the CSTA team, she taught computer science at the middle, high school, and college levels, developed curriculum locally and nationally, and facilitated professional development opportunities for teachers, including regularly presenting at the CSTA annual conference. She is coauthor of the Agile Educator Guide and a former recipient of a CSTA Teaching Excellence Honorable Mention. Jen is passionate about expanding access to high-quality, project-based computer science education, and she is an advocate for differentiated instruction that centers students as leaders in the classroom. In addition to her role at CSTA, she currently teaches one CS course per semester at the University of Maryland and facilitates professional development for schools nationwide.

In her free time, Jen is an avid sports fan, cheering for the Baltimore Orioles and the Georgia Bulldogs, and she enjoys spending time with her husband, Paul; her son, Jack; and her dog, Milton.

Senior Event Coordinator

Jordan Myers (She/Her)

CONTACT JORDAN ABOUT

• CSTA Annual Conference
• CSTA Events
• CSTA Conference Scholarships

My CSTA Story

Jordan always wondered how her career might have changed if computer science had been more readily available in her schools. After joining CSTA in early 2023, she has become even more passionate about equitable education for all, especially young girls. Seeing how hard each CS teacher works for their students inspires her every day.

My Story

Jordan received her degree in tourism and event management from George Mason University and began pursuing her passion for event management at the Walt Disney World Resort. During this time, her love and dedication for helping others was ignited. She looks forward to using her skills as part of a team that works to create fair and equitable education for all.

During her free time, Jordan enjoys exploring local gems in Orlando, adding to her “To Be Read” list, and cleaning out the toys her Siamese cat, Molly, kicks under the couch.

Professional Learning + Content Manager

Justine Chavez-Crespin (She/Her)

CONTACT JUSTINE ABOUT

• Online Professional Development Programs
• Amazon Future Engineer Initiative
• Equity and Inclusion Advocacy

My CSTA Story

Thanks to organizations like CSTA, Justine found like-minded individuals who share her passion, making her CS journey less lonely. She grows in her Computer Science capacity not only for herself but to pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse tech industry.

Justine, a 2022-2023 CSTA Equity Fellow Instructional Ally and Skill Struck CS Ambassador, advocates for underrepresented students in computer science education. She’s committed to providing equal access to technology opportunities for all.

Justine remains focused on bridging the gap in CS education. She empowers underrepresented students, creating a supportive environment where everyone feels valued.

My Story

Prior to joining the CSTA team, Justine was the Digital Learning Innovation Coordinator for Santa Fe Public Schools, where she supported the development of K-12 computer science programming. With over a decade of educational experience and as a Level III New Mexico educator, she passionately assists computer science teachers, coaches, and co-teaches to ensure equitable access to CS education.

Holding two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Communication Studies and Spanish Linguistics, as well as a Master of Arts in Communication Studies from New Mexico State University, Justine combines her academic background with her role as an ISTE Certified Educator to leverage technology for educational advancement.

As a member of her state’s Expanding Computing Educational Pathways team, Justine actively promotes equity and innovation in education, particularly within the realm of computer science. Her dedication to empowering students from diverse backgrounds perfectly aligns with their goals of providing opportunities for students of New Mexico and the southwest. 

In her free time she loves to read, run and spend time with family. 

Senior Event Coordinator

Kaylah Doss (She/Her)

CONTACT KAYLAH ABOUT

• CSTA Events
• CSTA Annual Conference
• CSTA Conference Scholarships

My CSTA Story

Kaylah is very excited to be a part of the CSTA team. She has a passion for the education field and wants to add support in any way she can. She sees the importance of making computer science education more accessible to those who may not have the resources available. She strongly believes in the values and the mission that CSTA embodies. 

My Story

Kaylah has been an event coordinator for a little over five years. She is originally from Chicago, Illinois, and received her degree from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana in Hospitality and Business Management. Kaylah recently moved to Denver, Colorado, with her dog Chase. 

Kaylah is responsible for managing all partner relationships at CSTA. She enjoys being hands-on with all event logistics to create a memorable and engaging community experience. She has a deep admiration for educators, she has teachers in her family and inner circle of friends. During her free time, Kaylah enjoys baking, reading, running, and enjoying the beautiful outdoors of Colorado with her dog Chase.

Grants & Compliance Manager

Kendra Sturdivant (She/Her)

CONTACT KENDRA ABOUT

• Research Administration of Federally Funded Grants
• Pre-Award and Post-Award Inquiries
• Billing and Financial Reporting
• Compliance and Effort Reporting

My CSTA Story

In 2024, Kendra came across a job posting for a Grants & Compliance Manager at CSTA. As someone who has always admired the dedication and impact of teachers, and being the daughter of a former computer programmer, she felt an immediate connection to the opportunity. 

In Kendra’s first week on the job, she attended her very first CSTA conference and was immersed in the heart of what and who CSTA is, surrounded by passionate teachers and members of the organization. This experience affirmed that she was exactly where she needed to be, supporting an organization that champions educators and computer science.

My Story

Kendra is a seasoned professional with a passion for research administration and grant accounting. She has an extensive background in grant financial management, compliance, and reporting.  Prior to joining the CSTA team, she worked in higher education as a grant accountant, managing complex budgets, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting research initiatives, becoming a trusted partner to faculty and administrators.  Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and values spending quality time with family and friends, embracing opportunities to explore new cultures and create lasting memories.

Digital Marketing Coordinator

Kenz Mangan (She/Her)

CONTACT KENZ ABOUT

• CSTA Marketing and Communications
• CSTA Social Media
• Media Inquiries

My CSTA Story

Kenz worked as CSTA’s digital marketing and communications intern during her last year of graduate school in 2023, and was thrilled to join the team full-time in 2024. CSTA introduced her to the importance of a CS education; reading passionate stories on The Voice and listening to talks during CSTA’s annual conference inspired her to take her first coding class.

My Story

With an MA in digital communications and media arts and a BFA in theatre arts, Kenz possesses a unique blend of creative and technical skills that are essential for effective communication strategies in today’s digital landscape. Prior to joining the CSTA team, Kenz worked as an arts educator and developed her communication and media skills working for nonprofits. She is excited to bring her skills in digital content creation to CSTA where she serves as the digital marketing coordinator.

Outside of work, you can find her enjoying the local museums in Chicago, reading a good book, or admiring beautiful plants during a walk through her neighborhood.

Senior Membership & Volunteer Coordinator

Kimberly Cruz (She/Her)

CONTACT KIMBERLY ABOUT

• CSTA Membership
• CSTA Volunteer Program
• CSTA Awards Program

My CSTA Story

Kimberly joined the CSTA team in January 2021 with a personal mission to work alongside her colleagues in creating a safe and equitable space for educators. Although she didn’t have the opportunity to take CS classes during the course of her own education, Kimberly understands and appreciates the value that CS teachers bring to their students, both in and out of the classroom. In addition to corresponding with members and getting to know many of them on a personal level, what Kimberly enjoys most is managing the CSTA Awards program and seeing firsthand how CS teachers and students impact their communities.

My Story

Kimberly is the senior membership & volunteer coordinator for CSTA. She developed a decade-long career in the hospitality industry with most of her time spent at the Walt Disney World Resort, where she gained extensive experience with guest and member correspondence, along with a passion for providing excellent service and helping others. She is excited to bring her correspondence and project management skills to CSTA, where she serves as the awards liaison and manages member relations needs.

In her free time, Kimberly enjoys spending time with her partner and their three dogs, tending to her indoor and outdoor gardens, researching sustainable living practices, and enjoying all things Disney.

Professional Learning + Community Manager

Krystal Chatman (She/Her)

CONTACT KRYSTAL ABOUT

• CSTA Equity Fellowship Program
• Teacher Inquiry Groups
• CSTA Annual Conference Content

My CSTA Story

Computer science had always been an interest of Krystal’s, starting during the MySpace days when she taught herself how to update her profile with “exclusive” glitter GIFs by backward engineering HTML. Years later when given the opportunity to teach computer science alongside her science courses, she found herself looking for a community of other educators to learn from and grow with. On a whim, she applied for and received a CSTA conference scholarship, and attended the Chicago conference in 2022, learned about the Equity Fellowship, and her life was changed! Through her work in the Equity Fellowship, she was inspired to serve as a chapter leader and began to build a community of CS educators across her state.

My Story

Before joining CSTA, Krystal worked in education for over 15 years, supporting the teaching and learning of educators and students. As an Instructional Technology Facilitator in the Jackson Public School District, she collaborated with PK-12 educators to integrate technology into pedagogical practices. Before that, she taught Computer Science, Biology, and Physical Science in middle and high school. In addition to her work in K-12 education, she also taught post-graduates in a state-wide coding school. 

Krystal serves on the EngageAI Practitioner Advisory Board, CSTA-Mississippi Chapter President, and is a 2022-2023 Equity Fellow. Through these leadership opportunities, she has advocated for an equitable, student-centered approach to STEM education.

Project Manager, CSforEL

Dr. Larae Butcher (She/Her)

CONTACT LARAE ABOUT

• Computer Science for English Learners (CSforEL)

My CSTA Story

Since joining CSTA in 2021, Larae has championed computer science accessibility for all students. Before joining CSTA, Larae consistently demonstrated a passion for technology and innovation, remaining well-informed about the most recent advancements in the field. As an educator and literacy coach, she pioneered the adaptation and implementation of cutting-edge technology in the classroom. A staunch advocate for computer science education, Larae stands firm in her belief that every student deserves equal access to high-quality instruction in this field.

My Story

Larae spearheads the Computer Science for English Learners (CSforEL) project at CSTA. Her efforts concentrate on expanding access to computer science for English Learners, specifically in Texas, Southern California, New Mexico, and Arizona. At the heart of this project lies professional development for AP computer science educators, which empowers teachers to deliver engaging and rigorous instruction to English learners. Larae is deeply committed to this initiative, collaborating diligently and passionately with team members, district partners, and participating teachers. In her leisure time, Larae delights in acquiring new knowledge, immersing herself in books, practicing yoga, and cherishing moments with family, friends, and her adorable Yorkie, Nina!

Director of Strategic Partnerships

Lauren Welke (She/Her)

CONTACT LAUREN ABOUT

• CSTA Partnerships
• CSTA Philanthropy
• CSTA Events

My CSTA Story

Lauren joined CSTA in 2024, driven by a deep passion for equity and a determination to ensure that every teacher and student has access to opportunities in the computer science education space. Her professional goals align with CSTA’s mission, embracing the belief that teaching is a challenging and constantly evolving field where teachers need every ounce of support we can provide. Lauren is committed to igniting a sense of community and passion among educators and partners alike.

My Story

Lauren Welke is a dedicated relationship builder with extensive experience in resource development, community service, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. In her role as Director of Strategic Partnerships, Lauren is committed to fostering collaboration within the computer science community, because we are better when we work together.

Lauren lives in the South Loop neighborhood of Chicago with her husband and their daughter. If it’s summer, you’ll find us at a park or a pool and if it’s winter, you’ll find us watching shows like “Is It Cake?” by a fire with our cat.

Director of Program Operations

Michelle Burton, CMP (She/Her)

CONTACT MICHELLE ABOUT

• CSTA Events and Conferences
• CSTA+ Membership
• CSTA Marketing and Communications

My CSTA Story

Since joining CSTA in 2019, Michelle has come to deeply value the importance of CS education for all learners. Never having had the opportunity to take a CS class herself, she is inspired daily by the members of CSTA and the work they do every day to support their students’ learning. Now, Michelle considers herself an advocate for CS education and believes that all students should have access to an equitable CS education.

My Story

Michelle oversees the event and membership programs, as well as marketing efforts for CSTA. Her work has focused on associations, events, and communities across various nonprofits for the last 11 years. She has managed events in scope from 10 to 10,000 attendees, and she earned her CMP in 2017. Michelle is passionate about community-focused programs and believes that amazing things can happen when people come together.

When not in the office, Michelle can be found reading a good book or singing along to her favorite musicals.

Regional Chapter Support Coordinator, Northeast

Ruth Farmery (She/Her)

CONTACT RUTH ABOUT

• CSTA Northeast Region Chapters
• CSTA Northeast Region Chapter Events

My CSTA Story

After moving to the US from the UK, Ruth joined CSTA to find support and other CS teachers in Massachusetts. Since 2017, she’s enjoyed attending CSTA events locally and nationally and she is now a Chapter Leader with CSTA Greater Boston, a volunteer on the conference committee, and the regional support coordinator for the Northeast.

My Story

Ruth is the regional chapter support coordinator for the Northeast, supporting CSTA chapters in New England, Pennsylvania, and New York, as well as a Chapter Leader of CSTA Greater Boston. Outside of CSTA, Ruth is the director of K–12 computer science and a 7–12 science coordinator at a charter school in Cambridge, MA. Ruth is dedicated to computer science for all and providing authentic learning opportunities within and beyond the CS curriculum. Ruth moved to the US from the UK in 2014, and outside of work, she enjoys travel, reading crime fiction, cooking, and playing video games.

Regional Chapter Support Coordinator, West

Sean Glantz (He/Him)

CONTACT SEAN ABOUT

• Chapter Events
• Chapter Website Support
• Regional Collaborations

My CSTA Story

Since joining CSTA in 2018, Sean has been an enthusiastic advocate for educators from other disciplines to try their hand at CS education. Sean is passionate about giving all students exposure to CS and coding, and he is working to recruit more educators to make that a possibility. This dream, along with the inspiring community of educators he met through CSTA, motivated him to join the leadership team in his home chapter of CSTA Sacramento in 2020. In 2022 Sean took on an additional role with CSTA as the regional chapter support coordinator for the west.

My Story

Sean supports CSTA chapters throughout the western region and serves on the leadership team for CSTA Sacramento.

In addition to his work with CSTA, Sean teaches computer science and career and technical education (CTE) in Davis, CA, manages the DV Makerspace, and serves as the advisor for his high school’s CS Honor Society and Girls Who Code club. Sean is a facilitator for Code.org’s AP Computer Science Principles curriculum, a fellow with Project Invent, and a Certified Agile Leader in K–12 education.

Before becoming an educator, Sean worked as a botanist for the US Forest Service in the Lake Tahoe Basin and throughout the Sierra Nevada.

Director of Education

Shaina Glass, M.Ed. (She/Her)

CONTACT SHAINA ABOUT

• CSTA Equity Fellowship Program (Current Fellows and Alumni)
• CSTA Student and Teacher Standards (Alignment)
• Educator-Led Policy and Advocacy

My CSTA Story

When learning more about computer science for her students, Shaina started looking for her village of like-minded educators. Someone recommended she become a member of her local CSTA chapter and apply to attend that year’s CSTA conference. Shaina applied for a scholarship (and got it!), attended the conference, and learned so much about the impact of CSTA chapters. After returning home, she connected with her local chapter, helped build community by connecting CS educators in her district with her local chapter, and applied to be an Equity Fellow. Shaina accepted every opportunity to strengthen CS teachers, in her then-district, state and now across the whole country!

My Story

Shaina develops, supports, and implements programs and professional learning experiences for computer science educators, CSTA members, and Chapter Leaders aligned with the CSTA Standards for CS Teachers.

Prior to joining CSTA, Shaina worked in education for 20 years, educating all learners — students and teachers alike. As technology applications and STEM program director for Aldine Independent School District in Texas, she worked to expand equitable access to STEM, technology, and computer science instruction to over 65,000 PreK–12 students. She also serves as a board member of CSforTX, Texas’s Computer Science Advocacy Coalition, the Texas ECEP State Team and the past-president of CSTA Greater Houston. 

In her free time, Shaina enjoys yoga,  painting, cooking, and spending time with her family.

Senior Marketing and Communication Lead

Stacy Jeziorowski (She/Her)

CONTACT STACY ABOUT

• CSTA Marketing and Communications
• CSTA’s The Voice
• Media Inquiries
• No Sales Inquiries, please!

My CSTA Story

Stacy joined CSTA in 2018 during a time of organizational transformation. During her tenure with CSTA, she’s been thrilled to be a part of CSTA’s growth and to see the expansion of membership benefits and programs to support computer science teachers and their students. She’s learned so much from colleagues and CSTA members about the importance of creating equitable computer science classrooms.

My Story

Stacy has more than 15 years of experience in marketing and communications. She’s worked in associations for the past nine years, leading rebranding and digital transformation initiatives. Stacy holds a master’s degree in digital communications and media arts and an undergraduate degree in communications and English from DePaul University. She was honored as one of Digital Megaphone’s 2019 Top Women in Digital Marketing and is serving as a mentor in the Women in Marketing Mentor Program.

Outside of work, you can find her giving back to the running community as a pace leader for Chicago Endurance Sports, hanging out with her cats, and enjoying the Chicago seasons.

Regional Chapter Support Coordinator, South

Yolanda Payne (She/Her)

CONTACT YOLANDA ABOUT

• CSTA Chapters
• Physical Computing Resources

My CSTA Story

Yolanda was the only teacher in her district teaching computer science. After she got connected to Code.org with Dr. Jeff Gray in Alabama, she learned more about CSTA, and CSTA has been her professional development home since.

My Story

Yolanda has been in love with computers since her parents bought a Tandy computer from Radio Shack. With over 20 years of education experience ranging from Pre–K to college, Yolanda hopes that her love of learning, her curiosity, and her eagerness to add adventure to everyday life are elements of the legacy she is building in the field of CS education. Previously, Yolanda was a Constellations fellow at Georgia Tech, where she assisted teachers in implementing advanced CS courses in high schools. As a chapter leader with CSTA Georgia and CSTA Virgin Islands, she stays engaged in current classroom practices by working with the teams and advocating for teachers to have access to resources. In her spare time, she loves creating fun memories on a budget with her children.