Committee Volunteers

Chapter Leader Committee Member

Adam Lueken

My CSTA Story

CSTA has played a pivotal role, providing a supportive community, professional development opportunities, and a platform to advocate for computer science education, ultimately empowering me to enrich the learning experiences of countless students.

My Story

Over the past decade, I’ve transformed from teaching one small AP class to leading over 250 students in computer science, driven by active engagement with CSTA, NCWIT, Girls Who Code, and creating my own coding camps for K-8 students!

High School Subcommittee, Conference Committee

Adrian “Edge” Angeles

My Story

Edge is currently a teacher of Computer Science at the high school level. He has been teaching Computer Science and Computer education since 2005. He has taught at several of the premier private high schools in the Philippines and spent a considerable amount of time teaching theoretical Computer Science and software development at the tertiary level. He contributed to the recommendations for the curricula of BS Computer Science and BS Entertainment and Multimedia Computing while employed at the university level. He is now participating in generating Computer Science content and curricula for the elementary, middle, and high school. Edge is currently a licensed professional teacher of Computer Science.

Editorial Board Chair; Policy Committee Chair

Alexandra Holter

My CSTA Story

Alexandra found her home with CSTA in 2019 when she was seeking more ways to bring computer science into an elementary school setting. She loved the community of equity-focused lifelong learners found within CSTA. Through their support and collaboration, she has uncovered innovative strategies and practices to further her mission. Alexandra has continued to grow as a computer science leader who appreciates the professionals she is able to find within CSTA.

My Story

Alexandra Holter is a Computer Science Coordinator, K-12, for Bloomington Public Schools in Bloomington Minnesota. She has been an educator for the past 14 years. Her career started in Tulsa Oklahoma where she obtained her BA and Masters of Science in Mathematics and Science Education. Then she first taught her first class of 7th grade science and has been committed to eliminating young people’s barriers to STEM ever since. In 2015 she completed her Ph.D.in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Oklahoma State University. In her current role she supports K-12 teachers and schools with building their individual and site level CS capacity so that CS really can be for all. She is a current member of the CSTA Policy Committee, CSTA Editorial Board, and SciMathMN Board Member.

Policy Committee Member

Alexis Cobo

My CSTA Story

Focused on supporting CS professional learning communities, Alexis looks towards CSTA as a guiding light for resources, standards, and like-minded educators. Alexis has presented at numerous CSTA conferences and summits, and looks forward to continued services through volunteer opportunities.

My Story

Alexis is a doctoral candidate in Curriculum and Instruction, specializing in Educational Technology at the University of Florida. Additionally, she is the Research Fellow at CSforAll. Alexis spent the last eleven of her sixteen years in education, supporting teachers and students in integrating Computer Science in elementary education. She serves as a graduate research assistant in the Creative Technology Research Lab at the University of Florida and shares a unique perspective as a practitioner-researcher. Alexis’s passion for high-quality teacher professional development led her to organize the South Florida Scratch Educator Meetup. Through the support of the Scratch Foundation, Alexis recently launched Creating Pathways, a virtual Scratch Educator Meetup centered on equity, inclusion, and accessibility through the lens of Scratch. Alexis’s research interests include inclusive and equitable pedagogies as a means to reduce barriers to the inclusion of students with disabilities in K-12 CS education.

High School Subcommittee Member, Conference Committee

Alfred Thompson

My Story

Alfred Thompson is a retired high school computer science teacher. He has written several CS textbooks, helped write the national K12 CS Framework and several state CS standards. He is a past member of the national CSTA Board of Directors and current member of the leadership team of CSTA NH.

Chapter Leader Committee Member

Allen Antoine

My Story

Allen Antoine, M.Ed. is Director of Computer Science Education Strategy for EPIC (Expanding Pathways in Computing) at UT Austin’s Texas Advanced Computing Center where he provides leadership in CS education to manage rapidly expanding DEI initiatives and represents EPIC programs at a state and national level. He serves as the Project Director for the Computer Educator Diversity Initiative (CEDI), where he trains educators in equitable teaching practices while preparing them to teach computer science with diversity in mind. He regularly gives keynote presentations, consults, and leads workshops, covering a wide variety of STEM, DEI, Culturally Responsive Teaching, Inquiry-Based Learning, and CS topics. Allen was an Equity Fellow for the Computer Science Teachers Association in 2022-23.

Equity Subcommittee, 2025 Conference Committee; Editorial Board Committee Member

Amber Williamson

My CSTA Story

Amber has been part of CSTA since starting her teaching career during the pandemic in 2020. Since then, she has been involved in CSTA Computer Science Honor Society (Advisor), Black Affinity Group, Editorial Board, Conference Committee, Policy Committee, CSEDWeek, and other activities to be a voice to the computer science community. Amber has presented with CSTA to discuss her passion for cybersecurity education in secondary career technical education programs. While there is a need for minorities in cybersecurity and computer science, Amber continues to be the agent of change. Being a part of CSTA has allowed Amber to understand the importance of computer science education and fulfill a vision from her late friends, who inspired her to enter Computer Science/Cybersecurity.

My Story

Amber C. Williamson is a versatile individual with several degrees from Xavier University of Louisiana, DeVry University, Keller Graduate School of Management, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Marymount University, and the University of Georgia. While having various skills in Biology, Computer Science, and Cybersecurity, she considers herself a jack of all trades. Born and raised in Metro Atlanta, Georgia, Amber continues to make a difference in the community. Amber has served on various committees with organizations like Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, InspirEDU, NCWIT, CSEveryone, Golden Key, Alpha Phi Omega, WiCys, WSC, Cyversity, and other cybersecurity community-related organizations. Her accomplishments are a testament to her vision to recruit and retain more minorities in cybersecurity and computer science education. Amber is completing her doctoral degree in cybersecurity at Marymount University and her Master of Education in Computer Science Education at UMBC, focusing on cybersecurity education in career technical education.

CSHS Committee Member

Amy Bakaletz

My CSTA Story

In her 2rd year teaching Computer Science, Amy attended her first CSTA conference virtually in 2020. She was blown away by all of the other CS teachers and resources that were available. Since then, she started a CS Honor Society at her school, and has attended the conference annually, including the wonderful in-person conference in Chicago in 2022. She was so surprised to find so many other teachers that had backgrounds in CS similar to her own. She then decided to volunteer as a member of the CS Honor Society Committee and presented at the CSHS Leadership Summit and CSTA in 2023. CSTA has been instrumental to her growth as a CS teacher!

My Story

Amy is in her 14th year teaching high school – the first 8 she was a Math teacher and the past 6 she has been a Computer Science teacher. She has a Bachelors degree in Computer Science and a Masters Degree in Education. Prior to teaching, she worked as a Software Developer for 22 years. She has a passion for making Computer Science education available for all students. Outside of school, she enjoys hiking, quilting, and playing the piano.

Admin/Coaches Subcommittee, Conference Committee

Ben Dusek

My Story

Benjamin is a former Computer Science / Business Education teacher with eight years of classroom experience at the middle and high school levels. He earned his masters of Instructional Technology from The University of North Carolina Charlotte. Before joining the South Carolina Department of Education, he was a Python Programming PLC Lead for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. The journey into Computer Science was an unexpected one for Benjamin, but it was the start of something great. He looks forward to working with the Computer Science Teachers Association to Broaden Computer Science participation across our country.

Awards Committee Member

Bethany Goossen

My CSTA Story

As the STEM teacher for my school, I often felt isolated amidst of traditional educators. Despite my enthusiasm for technology and computer science, I was the sole computer science instructor. My school struggled to know how best to support tech education, making it challenging to find resources and connect with like-minded educators. I discovered the CSTA online through the standards first. I was so happy to learn that, beyond the resources, I found an engaging community. CSTA provided resources, professional development, and a supportive network, helping me grow as a STEM teacher. Becoming part of CSTA allowed me to compare the goals for my school and my work to what was standard for the computer science teachers’ community.

My Story

With a lifelong passion for making and tinkering, I’ve proudly worn the badge of a maker nerd and am happy to share the passion for coding with my students. Over the past two decades, I’ve channeled this passion into the education as a teacher, department lead, and curriculum producer. My journey in education has taken me through diverse settings, from being a teacher in a traditional classroom, to supplemental education classes, to working with non-profit community organizations, collaborating with groups like Girls Who Code to empower the next generation of tech-savvy young women. I’m excited to be part of the Awards Committee and can’t wait to see what the upcoming year will bring for the CSTA.

Elementary Subcommittee, 2025 Conference Committee; Elementary Strand Lead, 2024 Conference Committee

Bill Marsland

Bill Marsland is an Elementary Subcommittee Member, 2025 Conference Committee and K-5 Strand Lead within the 2024 Conference Committee

High School Strand Lead, 2025 Conference Committee; Posters Chair, 2024 Conference Committee

Brandon Milonovich

My CSTA Story

Brandon learned about CSTA through other teachers in the region who had came together to form the NY Lower Hudson Valley Chapter. As the only CS teacher in his school, Brandon was excited for the opportunity to learn and grow alongside colleagues in a similar position. One thing lead to another and Brandon was inspired to join the chapter’s leadership team and continue to become more involved in CSTA. One of Brandon’s favorite things about CSTA will always be the connections that it facilitates between teachers and the countless opportunities for growth that arise from putting so many great minds together in a field that is constantly evolving.

My Story

Brandon is a Computer Science & Mathematics Teacher at Ardsley High School in Ardsley, NY. Having taught computer science for the last 11 years, Brandon gets excited seeing kids explore new concepts and dive deep into this fast paced and ever changing field. He has served on the CSTA Conference Committee for 4 years, this year in the role of 9-12 Strand Lead. He also serves as the President for the NY Lower Hudson Valley Chapter, so at the conference be sure to ask him what the chapter is up to!

Policy Committee Member

Brittany Wade

My CSTA Story

I was initially introduced to CSTA in my role as an Ed Farm Learning Innovation Coach, actively preparing activities to promote CSEdWeek. As a former secondary English and History teacher, I swiftly recognized the pivotal role that CSTA played in nurturing my understanding of computer science through its standards, resources, and vibrant community. This newfound knowledge was invaluable as it empowered me to support our Teacher Fellows effectively as they learned how to weave computer science into their curriculum. Having attended the last two CSTA Conferences and the Equity in Action Summit, I found myself consistently inspired by the organization’s unwavering commitment to advancing equity, inclusion, and accessibility within the field of computer science. I continue to lean on the guidance of CSTA to support the development of the curriculum and our Ed Farm Learn Micro-credentials. I am proud to volunteer my time to support the organization’s expansion and ensure future support for CS educators.

My Story

Brittany Wade is an innovative educator and leader driven by a passion for revolutionizing education. A former secondary history and English educator, she has dedicated her career to crafting educational experiences that cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and lifelong learning. Her unwavering commitment to equity drives her work, ensuring that each student gains access to high-quality learning opportunities, equipping them for success in the digital era. As the Senior Manager of Curriculum and Assessment at Ed Farm, Brittany has a central role in developing dynamic and adaptable curricula that meet the diverse needs of learners in today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, leading the charge in creating personalized professional learning experiences and developing Ed Farm’s micro-credential system. Brittany holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Master’s degrees in History and Instructional Leadership, and an EdS in Instructional Technology. She is pursuing her Ph.D. in Administration of Supervision and Curriculum at Auburn University.

6-8 Strand Lead, 2025 Conference Committee; Equity Subcommittee Member, 2024 Conference Committee; Member of the Editorial Board, Policy Committee and Awards Committee

Carla Neely

My CSTA Story

Since joining CSTA in 2018, Carla has come to appreciate and respect how much scope computer science offers for students to add their own individuality and creativity. Carla believes that students need to be exposed to computer science beginning at the early grades, just as they require early exposure to learn a second language. Computer science needs to be equal and equitable for all students, and Carla considers herself an advocate for girls in computer science, especially girls of color and girls from other underrepresented communities.

My Story

Carla Neely is a middle school science and computer science teacher. She has found a way to integrate the two subjects together, resulting in memorable learning experiences for all of her students. She also travels around the world to share with teachers the ways in which to integrate computer science into core subjects. Carla was a member of the 2021-2022 CSTA Equity Fellow Cohort. She is currently a member of CSTA’s Board of Directors as the K-8 Teacher Representative.

Awards Committee Member; CSHS Committee Member

Catherine Tabor

My CSTA Story

Catherine joined CSTA in 2018 and became the president of the Paso del Norte Chapter soon. She is still the president of CSTA, has a CSHS, is an active CSTA volunteer and was a 2022 CSTA National Educator Award winner.

My Story

Catherine Tabor is a math, science, and computer science teacher in Canutillo ISD and works primarily with underrepresented populations in computer science. She is working towards a PhD in Computer Science at the University of Texas at El Paso with a focus on how language usage can affect the success of underrepresented populations in CS. She has implemented a 4-year computer science program at her school. Catherine is the president of CSTA Paso del Norte and participated with a multidisciplinary team (as team lead) in a Teach to Lead summit having the goal of expanding computer science programs in her district. She is a Code.org facilitator for AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science A, as well as being a reader for AP computer science A. She is an NCWIT and CSTA National Educator Award winner and has been a CSHS sponsor since the 2017-2018 school year.

K-5 Subcommittee, 2025 Conference Committee

Charlene Saintjean

My CSTA Story

I began as a media specialist. My goal was to equip my students with skill sets in connection to keyboarding and google apps. From there it blossomed. I began with makerspaces and attending pathfinders workshops. Then I took CS summer classes at Hood college and school year PD to build my knowledge. It did not stop there. I went onto join common ground conferences as a presenter, joined MCCE as a teacher of beginner CT integration classes, and joined CSTA, as well as becoming a leader in the Maryland chapter. I am so excited for this next part in my CS journey.

My Story

I was borned and raised in NYC. I have wonderful memories of ES and MS but I am especially fond of my HS years spent at the HS of Art and Design. I received my degrees at Brooklyn, York College, and AIU. I taught in the NYC public schools as an GED math and science teacher. Here we also worked together to prepare these young people for college and career. In 2012, I married and moved to Maryland and began my next teaching chapter. I became a media specialist and CT integration instructor through the vehicle of literature. I serve as Equity, Specialist team, and New teacher lead. I have a passion for supporting PreK-5 students in becoming well round 21st century learners and problem-solvers.

Teacher Standards Committee Member; Local Representative, Conference Committee

Cindi Chang

My Story

Cindi Chang is the Interim Director of CTE and IT programs at the Nevada Department of Education. Cindi is an award-winning former high school CS teacher, standards author, curriculum developer, state and national presenter, former industry programmer, web developer and technology business owner, and recent Association for Computing Machinery published author. She is an adjunct professor at Touro University Nevada preparing teachers to earn their CS endorsement and to teach CS in unique and exciting ways. She has also traveled internationally to support educators in Europe and Africa. Cindi is currently serving her second term as the State Department Representative on the CSTA Board of Directors. With her undergraduate, graduate, and industry experience in computer science, business, education, and administration, Cindi is uniquely positioned to evaluate and re-design innovative systems to elevate CTE and CS education to a variety of stakeholders for the benefit of all students everywhere.

Reflective Teachers Committee Member

Dan Blier

My CSTA Story

Eight years ago, I joined the CSTA Dallas-Fort Worth chapter. This was directly tied to my role as the Computer Science Curriculum Specialist for Plano ISD, Plano, TX About a year later, I was elected to lead the chapter as its president. After six years as chapter president, I have moved to past-president. Five years ago, I joined the CSTA Board. After a year on the Board, the rest of the Board elected me to serve in the roles of Chair-Elect, Chair, and now Past-Chair. I have had so many opportunities to represent CSTA as various events and have met many CSTA members in-person and virtually. I have also served on the Reflective Teachers group for the past five years. We have been building resources for teachers to reflect on their practice tied to the CSTA Standards for CS Teachers. Today, I serve as the Career and Technical Education Coordinator for Plano ISD. I support computer science, engineering and FIRST Robotics across the district of about 48,000 students.

My Story

Dan is the CSTA Board Past-Chair, member of the Reflective Teachers work group, Past-President of CSTA Dallas-Fort Worth chapter.

9-12 Subcommittee, 2025 Conference Committee

Daa’iyah Cooke

My CSTA Story

Daa’iyah started her journey with CSTA when she inquired about the process to reinstate the Computer Science Honor Society (CSHS) at her school. She was guided through the process and offered an opportunity to get a scholarship. She won the scholarship which provided grant money to help promote outreach programs for the CSHS and paid for her to attend the 2022 CSTA Conference in Chicago. Daa’iyah found additional CSTA opportunities and applied to the CSTA Equity Fellowship Program. She has always been an advocate for those who are underrepresented and knew the program was a path should take to help others. Daa’iyah is a 2023-2024 CSTA Equity Fellow. To continue her mission to help students and teachers she applied for and was accepted as a CSTA Black Affinity mentor for new teachers. Daa’iyah is always looking for opportunities of professional growth and learning and CSTA is the place to do it.

My Story

Daa’iyah Cooke started her teaching career in 2017 at Woodlawn High School as a Technology Education teacher. In 2021, she was offered the opportunity to work close to home at Frederick High School where she teaches Computer Science (AP Computer Science Principles, Foundations of Computer Science and Advanced Computing Concepts – a cybersecurity class). This will be her 11th year in education and 7th year teaching. Daa’iyah is passionate about inspiring students, instilling confidence and helping them find their love of computer science. She has a Bachelors in Information Systems with a Business Administration minor from University of MD Global Campus (UMGC) and a Masters in Management of Information Technology from Hood College. Daa’iyah strives to bring computer science to all students and mentors the Robotics Club, Computer Science Honor Society and maintains her technology education roots by volunteering as the Vice President for Technology & Engineering Educators of Maryland (TEEAM)

Volunteer Chair, Conference Committee

Daniel Moix

My CSTA Story

Daniel has been a volunteer with CSTA since 2008, serving on projects such as the Computer Science Advocacy Leadership Team, the CSTA K-12 Standards, and multiple Conference Committees.

My Story

Daniel Moix is an associate teaching professor in the Department of Computer Science at Drexel’s College of Computing & Informatics (CCI). He has taught computer science at the high school and college levels since 2003.