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.

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

I have over 20 years of experience teaching in higher education. Most of the courses that I’ve taught are part of the wide spectrum of digital media. I’ve also taught many CS courses in addition to courses in communications and math. I am currently teaching as an adjunct at multiple schools in both NY and CT. When I am not teaching I enjoy music, the outdoors, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

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 Strand Lead, Conference Committee

Bill Marsland

My Story

Bill Marsland (@billmarsland) is the Director of Education at Code Ninjas, the largest and fastest growing kids coding franchise in the world, with hundreds of centers across the US, Canada, and the UK. He previously supported a district-wide computer science implementation as a coach, co-teacher, professional development facilitator, and curriculum developer across 72 elementary schools in the San Francisco Unified School District. Prior to that, he taught both music and technology at a K-8 school within the Chicago Public Schools. He holds a Masters degree in educational technology from Michigan State University, where he now works as an adjunct faculty member, designing courses for and teaching in the K-12 Computer Science Education online certificate program.

Posters Chair, Conference Committee

Brandon Milonovich

My Story

Brandon is a Computer Science & Mathematics Teacher at Ardsley High School in Ardsley, NY. He has served on the CSTA Conference Committee for 3 years, this year in the role of Posters Chair. 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.

Equity Subcommittee Member, Conference Committee; Member of the Editorial Board, Policy Committee and Awards Committee

Carla Neely

My CSTA Story

Because of the need for more equal and equitable CS opportunities for her elementary and middle school aged students, Carla began to look for valuable resources. Carla learned about CSTA from a CS teacher who was a part of the inaugural CSTA Equity Fellows Cohort. Since that introduction, Carla has presented and attended CSTA related workshops and conferences. She is also a CSTA Equity Fellow Alum.

My Story

Carla Neely is a 5th–8th–grade science and computer science teacher. She has found a way to integrate the two subjects together, resulting in memorable learning experiences for all her students, and she now coaches teachers at her school to integrate computer science into core subjects. Carla is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. In her spare time, she likes to crochet and read books by Stephen King.

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.

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.

Volunteer Chair, Conference Committee

Daniel Moix

My Story

Daniel Moix has taught computer science at the high school and college levels since 2003. He was a recipient of the 2015 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and the 2016 Awards for Teaching Excellence in Computer Science. He now teaches Computer Science and Education at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA.

Middle School Subcommittee, Conference Committee

David Lockett

My CSTA Story

David Lockett is a member of the Conference Committee.

Professional Development Committee Member

Deena Crawford

My CSTA Story

Deena was inspired to join CSTA because of the goal she shares with the organization to bring CS experiences to even more students around the country! Deena is a former elementary bilingual teacher, and she is passionate about expanding access to innovative learning experiences to all students!

My Story

Deena Crawford is a SAM Labs Partnership Manager for the Central and Southwest Regions of the United States. She supports educators in creating innovative learning experiences for students, and those interested in engaging and expanding their STEAM and Coding goals. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish with a Minor in Education from Oral Roberts University. Deena taught in the DFW, Texas area for 11 years in Bilingual and STEM-focused classrooms, facilitating creative learning environments for students. She is passionate about bringing engaging educational experiences to all learners, and finding more opportunities to drive student collaboration and creativity.