Committee Volunteers

Review Chair, Conference Committee

Kristeen Shabram

My Story

Kristeen is a middle Business & Technology/Computer Science teacher at Westside Middle School in Omaha, NE. She has served on the CSTA Conference Committee since 2018 and was previously one of the K-8 Representatives on the CSTA Board.

Admin/Coaches Subcommittee Member, Conference Committee

Kristi Hingerty

My Story

Kristi Hingerty is an instructional specialist for Virginia Beach City Public Schools, serving in the Department of Teaching and Learning. She supports Title I schools with STEM, including computer science educational resources and instructional technology resources. Her passion is collaborating with colleagues and community members to create authentic meaningful learning opportunities for students to help prepare them for their future goals and dreams. Dr. Hingerty earned her Ed.D. in educational leadership from Liberty University in 2022. Her dissertation topic focused on improving inequitable learning in early childhood education through the use of digital resources. She hopes to continue providing future ready learning opportunities for all students by combing her passion of STEM education and equitable learning practices. In her spare time, Kristi enjoys camping with her family and two Boston fur babies, reading, music, and trying new recipes.

DEIA Chair, Conference Committee; Chapter Leader Committee Member

Krystal Chatman

My Story

Krystal Chatman is an Instructional Technology Facilitator in the Jackson Public School District in Jackson, Mississippi. She has been an educator in the biomedical research industry and classroom for 14 years, teaching and training students from high school to undergraduate, graduate, and physician students. She is a graduate of Millsaps College, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology, and obtained a Master of Science in Biological Sciences from Mississippi College. In her current role, she provides support to all PK-12 teachers to help them maximize technology integration into their daily instructional practices, impacting learning for over 18,000 students.

Middle School Subcommittee Member, Conference Committee

Kurt Tholking

My Story

Kurt has 20+ years experience teaching computer science. He currently teaches multiple levels of computer science to grades 8-12 at St. Mark’s School of Texas.

Policy Committee Member

Lawrence Tanimoto

My CSTA Story

I first became involved with our local Puget Sound (WA) chapter as a volunteer and later coordinator for our programming contest. Because I lived and worked in one of the nation’s tech hubs, I mistakenly thought that Washington’s CS education system must be one of the world’s best. Since retiring from teaching in 2021, I have learned much, am increasingly dismayed by the poor state of CS education in Washington and throughout much of our country, and want to help.CSTA improve all of this.

My Story

Otherwise retired, I now focus on activities to help advocate for K-12 CS education. From 2014-21, I taught computer science as a CTE teacher at Ingraham HS, an urban, mid-sized, multi-cultural school in north Seattle. Prior to teaching, I worked for 28 years in the international computer industry – the last 18 with Microsoft (Office Division). Am originally from Hawaii.

Professional Development Committee Chair

Lea Sloan

My CSTA Story

In 2003, Lea started teaching high school computer science. At that time, she created her teaching materials online. However, she was excited and relieved when CSTA was founded in 2004, providing her with more resources just when she needed them. Today, she serves as the Director of Professional Development at CodeHS and co-leads the CSTA Professional Development committee.

My Story

Lea Sloan, Director of Professional Development Lea has been a leader in educational technology, curriculum development, and professional development for nearly 20 years. Prior to that, she was a classroom teacher for 14 years and taught high school computer science courses from Intro CS with HTML and JavaScript, Programming Graphics in ActionScript, Java Honors as prep for AP CSA, and AP CSA in Java. She has developed dozens of online and blended courses and content for teachers and students in educational technology and computer science. She joined the CodeHS team in early 2018 and now leads the professional development team. She also serves as co-chair on the CSTA Professional Development committee that oversees the approval of CSTA-endorsed computer science PD providers.

2024 Conference Committee Chair

Lisa Bohaty

My Story

My name is Lisa Bohaty and I am the K-12 Technology Integration Specialist and K-12 Computer Science teacher at East Butler Public Schools. I have been teaching for 21 years. About 6 years ago, I found my passion as a Computer Science teacher and have loved every minute of it. Every step along the way I have been a creator and have helped students to be creators, not just consumers. My motto is “Learning by Doing.” I love to help students be creators using technology.

Professional Development Committee Member

Lori Goldade

My CSTA Story

While working as a district technology director for a rural school district, Lori stepped into the classroom to teach computer science in 2011. After graduating with a Master of Science in educational technology and being a recipient of the NCWIT Aspirations in Computing award, Lori joined CSTA in 2017 to find connection with a broader community of computer science educators. As a doctoral candidate in educational leadership, Lori focuses her research on CS education in marginalized communities. She remains committed to making computer science accessible and equitable as the Professional Learning Product Manager at Code.org.

My Story

Prior to coming to Code.org as the Professional Learning Product Manager, Lori spent 20 years as a district technology director and high school computer science teacher in a rural K12 district and the last 5 years creating PD experiences for computer science teachers. Lori has presented on numerous topics including CS pedagogy, JavaScript, Python, Java, Cybersecurity, Exploring Computer Science, and AP CS Principles. As an NCWIT Aspirations in Computing award recipient, Lori continually strives to help women and marginalized populations find their voice in CS fields.

Awards Committee Member

Lisa Schwartz

My CSTA Story

Lisa presented at her first CSTA Conference in 2022 in Chicago and has volunteered on the Awards Committee. She likes being a part of the CSTA community because it brings educators together around CS.

My Story

Lisa Schwartz is a Regional Educational Technology Coordinator for the Learning Technology Center (LTC). Before joining the LTC, she spent 19 years in the K-12 classroom. Lisa is passionate about meaningful professional development and creating teacher and student leaders. She facilitates professional learning events regionally and statewide; provides consultation and support to school districts related to digital learning and technology integration, and develops instructional materials for school administrators, teachers, and students throughout the region and the state.

Elementary Subcommittee Member, Conference Committee

Paige Besthoff

My Story

Paige Besthoff has been a Computer Science teacher for 20+ years, teaching elementary Computer Science for 8 of those years. Formerly from NYC, she currently teaches in Spotswood, NJ. Paige facilitates workshops in partnership with Code.org, TCNJ Central New Jersey Computer Science Education Hub, Rutgers CS Hub, and Kean University CS Hub. Paige is a frequent presenter at CSTA, ISTE, and other CS and technology conferences across the country and partners with CS4NJ presenting the new NJ standards and sharing sample lessons as well as moderating their Twitter page. Paige has been a CSTA member for 6 years and served as a K-5 representative on the 2023 CSTA national conference committee, is the co-chair of CSTA New Jersey CSPD Week and Secretary of CSTA New Jersey. Paige is also the recipient of 2023 CS Teaching Excellence Award.

Admin/Coaches Strand Lead, Conference Committee

Maggie Chenoweth

My Story

Maggie Chenoweth works as an Academic Specialist for Cabell County Schools. Prior to this position, she taught math and computer science at Cabell Midland High School. Maggie is a National Board Certified Teacher, Apple Learning Coach, and 2019 Cabell County Teacher of the Year. She is a frequent presenter at local, regional, and state conferences and strives to promote STEAM education within her community.

Elementary Subcommittee Member, Conference Committee

Michele Cislo

My Story

Michele Cislo has been an elementary school teacher in Connecticut for the past 32 years. Eight years ago she made the transition to an elementary CS teacher and currently works with over 600 preK – 5 students providing all students foundational skills and concepts in CS. She works diligently to spark interest and inspire students to want to learn more about CS. As a reflective practitioner, Michele constantly evaluates her teaching practice and looks for new opportunities for professional growth. Becoming an ISTE Certified Educator was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of her career. Applying her new learning, she played an integral role in writing her district’s K-5 CS curriculum and is proud of the program that was developed. She is also a Code.org CS Fundamentals Facilitator, Seesaw Certified Educator and a Co-District Facilitator for Connecticut’s Teacher Education and Mentoring Program.

Middle School Strand Lead, Conference Committee

Michele Lombardi

My Story

Michele is a computer science educator who strives to engage every student through collaborative, project-based, and culturally sustaining learning. She shows her middle and high school students that technology and CS are tools for change. In her classroom, students are encouraged to wonder, celebrate iteration, and share their voice.

Equity Subcommittee Member, Conference Committee

Michelle-Noelle Magallanez

My Story

Michelle-Noelle Magallanez is the Head of Special Project, the innovation incubator at AVID Center, a national educational nonprofit with the mission to close the opportunity gap for all students by helping them build the skills they need to be future ready. With 20+ years of experience in product and program development, Michelle’s work currently focuses on designing professional learning and curricular resources in partnership with EdTech companies for K-12 content area teachers new to CS and STEM. Her mission is to build resources for the implementation of computational thinking, CS, and STEM problem-solving in content-area classrooms as foundational learning skills for all students.

Editorial Board Committee Member

Monica McGill

My CSTA Story

Monica had the very rare opportunity to learn programming in high school at a time when such opportunities were very rare. This experience made her decision to choose between a career as a flautist or a computer scientist easy. Her career has spanned across four sectors: government, industry, academia (twice-tenured), and non-profit. She brings all of her experiences into her current role as President and CEO of CSEdResearch.org, where she leads a team of ten conducting and supporting K-12 CS education research–all with an equity-focus that centers CS for all learners. Monica has three daughters, two dogs, and one husband, all of whom continue to shape her as a human being.

My Story

Monica McGill, Ed.D., is Founder and CEO of CSEdResearch.org, an organization that focuses on conducting research that supports finding promising practices for supporting and teaching all students. Starting her computing career in government, then industry, then at academic institutions, she brings a broad set of skills and knowledge in both computer science and education. CSEdResearch.org is currently collaborating with CSTA on four projects.

High School Subcommittee Member, Conference Committee

Myra Deister

My Story

Myra Deister is a passionate educator with over 35 years of experience teaching mathematics and computer science at the secondary level. She infuses innovative use of technology into her classes and assists her colleagues with technology use. She is a member of the CSTA Inland Empire Chapter board, CSTA Orange County Chapter board, OCCUE (ISTE Affiliate) board, CTA Instructional Leadership Corp , and State Network of Educators. Myra served on the California Computer Science Standards Committee, as an Ambassador for CS for All Teachers and has presented at CSTA Annual Conference, CUE, OCCUE, SGVCUE, Orange County Math Council, CMC, CTA Summer Webinars and CTA Good Teaching Conference.

CSHS Committee Member

Nancy Kiscadden

My CSTA Story

Nancy joined CSTA in 2017 after attending the annual conference in Baltimore, MD. She has found CSTA to be inspiring as a CS teacher through the many connections she has made with other CS teachers across the country. She has used her experiences with CSTA to build a CS program for her high school and works to build a pathway starting in kindergarden.

My Story

Nancy has been teaching computer science and mathematics for 16 years at Lower Dauphin in Hummelstown PA. She has been an active CSTA member since 2017. She was awarded the PATech Teacher of the Year award in 2012, and the Lower Dauphin Falcon Foundation STEAM honoree in 2020. She started the district CSHS chapter in 2021 working hard to promote CS to the school and community. She has a liberal arts degree in applied music from SUNY Fredonia, secondary mathematics certification through Penn State University, masters in Instructional Technology from Wilkes University and is currently working on a masters in Computer Science Education through the University of Nebraska Omaha.

High School Strand Lead, Conference Committee

Philip Taylor

My Story

Dr. Philip Taylor is a high school computer science teacher at Trinity Valley School in Fort Worth, TX, where he enjoys teaching a variety of software, hardware, and engineering courses.

Teacher Standards Committee Member

Rebecca Dovi

My CSTA Story

I still remember the excitement when I first discovered CSTA national! Turns out there were other CS teachers out there. At that point I’d been teaching high school computer science for seven years, and the CSTA was the beginning of creating a true CS community in our state.As a founder of the then Central-VA CSTA Chapter I saw the importance of bringing teachers together to learn and form community. From a local professor’s dining room table we went on to host statewide conferences to connect people from all over Virginia.During this time Chris Stevenson found funding to bring chapter leaders together and learn about educational policy. I remember sitting in a conference room with some of the folks I now consider lifelong friends scratching our heads – why on earth would we possible care about how education policy in our states worked?Her vision that making CS a reality for all students meant engaging with state departments of education and policymakers was absolutely transformative. The connections I made through CSTA have driven this work farther than we ever could have imagined. CS10K sounded absolutely audacious back then, and now we’ve grown far beyond, with CS standards and mandates broadening CS education.In 2013 my husband and I founded CodeVA, and continued our work with CSTA nationally and locally. We developed the CS Honor Society, and CSTA gave it wings. We continue to work with our local chapter – recently merged from many local chapters and attend the national conference.I can never truly repay everything the organization has given to me personally and to our community, but it is an honor to support the work in whatever small way I can.

My Story

Becca Dovi, Co-Founder of CodeVA, is a former classroom teacher whose more than 30-year career has been focused on innovating to build connections between people and communities. The spark for all of her work is a love of computer science. As a neuro-divergent learner herself and the daughter of a military family, Ms Dovi often speaks of the ways in which computer science gave her an educational space to call home and she thrives on helping others fall in love with this field of study and approach to learning.

Admin/Coaches Subcommittee Member, Conference Committee

Rena Clark

My Story

Rena Clark is a National Board Certified Teacher and Stem Facilitator in the Renton School District, with a focus on integrating computer science and STEM principles into elementary education. She is a Code.org CS Fundamentals Facilitator, holds an administration certification, and is also the podcast host of “Unpacking Education,” sponsored by AVID. Rena’s innovative teaching strategies and passion for education have had a significant impact on her students and she is a valuable asset to the education community.