CSTA IMPACT Fellowship

CSTA IMPACT Fellow, Cohort 7

Anthony Barba (He/Him)

Anthony Barba is a 26-year teaching veteran and in his 6th year of teaching computer science at East Valley High in Yakima, Washington. He grew up in Whittier, California and his interest in computer science began at age 11, when he learned to code by copying programs from his father’s SoftSide magazine subscription on an Apple II+ machine. After earning his B.A. and M.Ed. in mathematics at the University of California, Santa Cruz, he moved to Walla Walla, Washington to begin his teaching career. He was one of the original teachers at Lincoln Alternative High School whose focus on ACEs research and trauma was featured in the documentary film, Paper Tigers. Barba started the computer science program at East Valley High School in 2019 which includes an after-school Esports program. He serves on the CSTA Washington chapter and is a council member for the Washington State Scholastic Esports Association.

CSTA IMPACT Fellow, Cohort 7

Bettie Mushatt-Parker (She/Her)

Bettie Mushatt-Parker focuses on creating equity using physical computing in order to improve our environment. Her students were selected to present their social equity environmental STEAM project to Dr. Jane Goodall at a NYC Department of Parks event and present the class AI project at Expedition AI: Demystify Artificial Intelligence at the American Museum of Natural History. As a CS Lead and EECS member, Bettie has collaborated with other schools to expand computer science, developed workshops for CS4All and created various types of curricula with NYU Tandon School of Engineering and many pre-service and in-service teachers. Currently, she is establishing opportunities for HBCU and CUNY undergraduate student teachers to integrate computing technologies into their K-12 curricula.

CSTA IMPACT Fellow, Cohort 7

Brianne Caplan (She/Her)

Brianne Caplan is a visionary leader in tech education and a former data scientist who, after witnessing firsthand the harms of a tech sector lacking diversity, made it her mission to ensure that everyone can belong and thrive within it. In 2018, she founded Code Your Dreams, a global nonprofit that provides community-centered computer science education to students from underserved communities, starting as early as kindergarten. A graduate of the University of Chicago, Bri has been featured in media outlets such as Forbes and the Chicago Tribune, honored by Crain’s for her leadership in STEM, and is the author of the children’s book Techie Tales. Through her innovative programs and passionate advocacy, she is redefining tech education to build a more inclusive, empowering, and equitable future.

CSTA IMPACT Fellow, Cohort 7

Christina Quinn (She/Her)

Christina Quinn is a computer science teacher at Sierra Vista High School in Las Vegas, NV. She has been a teacher for 29 years. She has been lucky enough to teach K-12, including Computer Science Literacy, Web Design, Cybersecurity, Java, Cs Discoveries, CS Principles, and AP CSA. She runs many after-school clubs: Girls Who Code, CS Honor Society, and a new chapter of TSA. Her passion is teaching and empowering girls and minority students to get a seat at the table and solve problems using code.

CSTA IMPACT Fellow, Cohort 7

Darren Ehrhardt (He/Him)

Darren Ehrhardt is currently in his tenth year of teaching computer science at Central Islip High School on Long Island, New York. He is passionate about helping students discover their potential and achieve things they once thought impossible. His journey to education began in 1999 as an adjunct math professor at New York Institute of Technology, and in 2003, he became a certified teacher after realizing his love for being in the classroom.

As an Amazon Future Engineering Ambassador, Darren advocates for expanding computer science education in earlier grades and increasing opportunities for female and minority students in the field. In addition to his teaching role, Darren serves as the technical director at his school and is a senior class advisor. Outside of work, he is married with two children and enjoys golfing and Legos whenever time (and money) permit.

CSTA IMPACT Fellow, Cohort 7

Jacqueline Edwards (She/Her)

Jacqueline Edwards is a dedicated computer science educator committed to empowering the next generation of innovators. Her robust academic foundation, featuring a Master’s in Computer Science and a Bachelor’s in Information Systems, is complemented by a diverse portfolio of industry certifications. Her credentials span key areas such as software development with Python and C++, web technologies using JavaScript, CSS and HTML, and game design in C# and Unity.

An active member of the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) and a graduate of the intensive Energize PD program, Jacqueline demonstrates a profound commitment to professional excellence. She channels her passion into creating dynamic, relevant learning experiences, leveraging her comprehensive expertise to not only inspire her students but also to support the growth of her fellow educators.

CSTA IMPACT Fellow, Cohort 7

Javier Aguilar (He/Him)

Javier Aguilar (he/him) is in his twelfth year of working at East Fort Worth Montessori Academy as a bilingual technology applications/computer science teacher and robotics coach for PreK to 5th Grade students. He holds a Master’s of Education in Educational Technology from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

Javier is currently a communications lead of the Dallas/Fort Worth Computer Science Association chapter @dfwcsta CSTA. He actively promotes equity and innovation in education, particularly within the realm of computer science for elementary school students.

Javier dedicates himself to empowering students from diverse backgrounds, especially girls, to providing learning opportunities to ALL of our students for the future at EFWMA.

He holds Google Certified Educator Level 1 & 2 certifications. He is an active lead of computer clubs and home visits after school. His school was recognized by Google CSFirst and participated in a promotional video in 2023. In his free time, Javier loves to read, go to the movies, run, swim and spend time with his family and pets.

CSTA IMPACT Fellow. Cohort 7

Karen Stoll (She/Her)

Karen is a computer science teacher at Blacksburg High School in Virginia, where she has taught computer science for 8 years. As co-Head Coach of a FIRST Robotics Team 401, Karen supports students in designing and programming competitive robots, guiding the team to multiple state awards and national qualifications. She has secured over $20,000 in STEM grants and helped start robotics programs in Title 1 elementary schools. Their work in the classroom and beyond is focused on encouraging more female and rural students to explore computer science and gain confidence in STEM fields.

CSTA IMPACT Fellow, Cohort 7

Khamphet Pease (She/Her)

Khamphet “Phet” Pease is an award-winning STEM educator and Robotics Club advisor at Wilson Middle School in the San Diego Unified School District, where she has taught since 2005. With a career rooted in equity, creativity, and project-based learning, she leads nationally recognized initiatives that empower underrepresented students through robotics, coding, and engineering. Pease is a passionate advocate for expanding access to computer science, organizing international STEM tours, securing grants and sponsorships, and mentoring students in transformative, hands-on experiences. Her many accolades include the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and the CSTA CS Teaching Excellence Award.

CSTA IMPACT Fellow, Cohort 7

Marcus Borders (He/Him)

Dr. Marcus Borders is a Learning Innovation Specialist with Ed Farm, who thrives as a servant to educators and students. Currently, he is charged with coaching/supporting educators and administrators with blended learning experiences, personalized coaching, coding, and computer science experiences in K-12 environments. Although Marcus has experience with K-12 and higher education, he is passionate about working with elementary educators, students, and adult learners. He is also invested in the assurance of digital equity and accessibility in the urban communities he supports.

As a recent doctoral student of Instructional Technology at Kennesaw State University, Marcus’ research interests included assessing strategies that bring innovative technology coaching/support to parents of elementary learners. Marcus received his Ed.D. and Ed.S. in Instructional Technology from KSU, his Master’s of Science in Urban Teacher Leadership, and Bachelor’s of Science in Early Childhood Education, both from Georgia State University.

Marcus is a native and resident of Atlanta, Georgia.

CSTA IMPACT Fellow, Cohort 7

Patrice Wade (She/Her)

Patrice Wade (she/her) has been teaching technology at Guilford Preparatory Academy, a K–8 Title I public charter school in Greensboro, North Carolina, for nearly four years. She is a nationally recognized Technology Educator, the 2024–2025 CS Teaching Excellence Award Winner, and the 2025 Guilford Preparatory Academy Teacher of the Year. Patrice also serves as the school’s Director of Technology, where she equips students with future-ready skills in computer science, coding, robotics, virtual reality, drones, esports, digital technology, typing, and hands-on engineering with LEGO. She leads Girls Who Code to expand opportunities for student creativity, leadership, and innovation.

Patrice is an Amazon Future Engineer Teacher Ambassador, Common Sense Ambassador, Everfi Champion, Apple Certified Educator, Google Certified Educator, and North Carolina Teaching Fellow. Recently named a 2025–26 EdSurge Voices of Change Writing Fellow and a 2025 NC Learning Happens Here Ambassador, she is pursuing her Master of Arts in Teaching in Special Education and Technology at North Carolina A&T State University. Her mission is to leave every child better than she found them.

CSTA IMPACT Fellow, Cohort 7

Quiana Bannerman (She/Her)

Quiana Bannerman currently serves as the Director of the Maryland Center for Computing Education (MCCE) at the University System of Maryland, where she leads statewide efforts to provide free professional learning, training, resources, and grant opportunities to school districts and higher education preservice programs.

With 20 years of experience in education, Quiana has taught at both the K–12 and post-secondary levels. She previously held leadership roles within a school district, overseeing multiple Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways and elective programs. She played a key role in implementing computer science education across PreK–12, organizing training and support to equip local educators to teach courses in information technology and computer science.

Quiana is an experienced curriculum developer and actively contributes to local, state, and national committees focused on advancing computer science education. Her expertise includes writing and reviewing computer science standards, ensuring high-quality and equitable learning experiences for all students.

CSTA IMPACT Fellowship, Cohort 7

Sandra Wilfong (She/Her)

Sandra Wilfong is a dedicated educator with 21 years of experience, currently serving as an elementary Technology Innovation Coach for Chesapeake Public Schools. She is passionate about creating equitable access to computer science for all students and has demonstrated this commitment by developing computer science programs for underserved youth. Her fluency in both Spanish and English further enhances her ability to support a diverse community of learners.

A former first and second-grade teacher, Sandra holds a B.A. from the College of William and Mary and a Master’s from Old Dominion University. Her leadership has been recognized through roles such as 2023 Amazon Future Engineer Teacher Ambassador, 2024 VSTE Coach of the Year, and 2025 VDOE Computer Science Champion. Sandra lives in Chesapeake with her husband, three children, and their dog.

CSTA IMPACT Fellow, Cohort 7

Shanna Bohrer (She/Her)

Shanna Bohrer began teaching science 15 years ago because she knew science class could be better. After a decade in the classroom, she shifted into Computer Science, driven by her love of learning new things. That move led her to the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA), where she first began exploring equity in education. Growing up in the South, equity wasn’t often part of the conversation, but through CSTA she learned what authentic equity work looks like.

As chapter president and now treasurer of CSTA Alabama, Shanna has worked to bring these ideas home. She introduced an equity-focused Coursera course to the Alabama chapter, recruited and coached an all-girls VEX robotics team, and continues to advocate for students who have historically been overlooked. The realization that she has of autism in 2024 deepened this commitment, especially in supporting neurodivergent students and girls who, like her, might otherwise go unseen or misunderstood.

Currently, she serves on the CSTA Conference Committee and enjoys connecting with educators nationwide to build stronger, more inclusive communities. Outside of work, she’s married with two children, Trinity and Anaken, and loves her black cat, Nox, who frequently joins Zoom calls.

CSTA IMPACT Fellow, Cohort 7

Shelby Bryant (She/Her)

Shelby Bryant is a Program Specialist for Project>Login at Educate Maine, a business-led nonprofit, where she supports middle and high school educators in expanding access to computer science for underrepresented youth. She leads professional development, builds workforce partnerships, and creates diverse pathways into CS, including free computer science summer camps. With a background in the humanities and experience in both digital liberal arts and robotics, Shelby is passionate about empowering educators to inspire the next generation of tech innovators.

CSTA IMPACT Fellow, Cohort 6

Angela Marquez (She/Her)

Yá’át’ééh! Shí éí Angela Marquez yíníshyé’. Táchii’nii nishłį́, Tł’ááshchí’í ’éí bá shíshchíín. Kinyaa’áanii ’éí dashicheii áádóó Tábąąhí ’éí dashinálí. Angela Marquez is Diné, indigenous to Leupp, AZ on the Navajo Nation. Angela’s work at the University of Arizona Data Sciences Academy (DSA) is grounded in relational accountability, entering any work through the lens of serving our relatives and sharing accountability with our communities. Educators at the DSA explore questions such as “What data stories do we care about?” and “How can we use data to answer our questions?” Working with Indigenous and Indigenous serving Computer Science (CS) educators, Angela sees the value of computer science education as giving tribal community members a choice to work from home, a choice to raise families with their home community, home language and home culture. Empowering today’s students in CS allows for a more equitable future for all students.

Learn About Angela

As Cohort 6 completes projects throughout the 2024-2025 school year, we’ll link their work to their profiles. Check back soon to see what Angela has done!

CSTA IMPACT Fellow, Cohort 6

April Pelfrey (She/Her)

April Pelfrey is a Cybersecurity educator at Innovation Academy within Fulton County Public Schools, bringing over eight years of teaching experience from Gwinnett County Public Schools. As a second-career teacher, she draws from 15 years as a Department of Defense contractor specializing in geospatial intelligence. April is deeply committed to creating equitable opportunities in computer science education for all students. In the summer of 2023, she furthered this mission by teaching computer science and robotics in Tanzania through the Fulbright Fellowship. A graduate of the University of Georgia, April holds a master’s degree in Workforce Education and is dedicated to fostering inclusive learning environments that empower the next generation of technology leaders.

Learn About April

CSTA IMPACT Fellow, Cohort 6

Chala Hannon (She/Her)

Chala Hannon is an inspiring educator and dedicated advocate for Civics and Computer Science education. With a background as an IT Analyst, Chala made a transformative shift from corporate America to the classroom, driven by a passion for teaching and community service. She currently serves as an AmeriCorps Ambassador and a LIFT-TQP Fellow, roles that underscore her commitment to educational advancement and civic engagement.

Chala is also the Co-founder of a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young girls through data and digital skills training, reflecting her deep commitment to bridging the gender gap in technology. Her pursuit of excellence in education is further exemplified by her upcoming graduation with a Master’s in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies this December. With plans to pursue a doctorate next year, Chala continues to champion educational reform and equity, shaping the future of both her students and the broader community.

Learn About Chala

CSTA IMPACT Fellow, Cohort 6

Dr. Sharisa Chan (She/Her)

Dr. Sharisa Chan is the Associate Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Development for UCLA Center X’s Computer Science Equity Project. Previously, she served as a county administrator at the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, focusing on equitable computer science and technology integration in education. She led sessions on Equity Minded Instruction in Computer Science for Seasons of CS and organized Innovation Day events, offering underrepresented students hands-on experience with physical computing tools tied to Global Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, Dr. Chan provided professional development for TK-12 teachers on integrating computer science into their curricula. She holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction, a master’s degree in Education from UC Riverside, and a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies. Dr. Chan is passionate about expanding computer science education and fostering interdisciplinary connections in the classroom.

Learn About Sharisa

As Cohort 6 completes projects throughout the 2024-2025 school year, we’ll link their work to their profiles. Check back soon to see what Sharisa has done!

CSTA IMPACT Fellow, Cohort 6

Jade Solomon (She/Her)

Jade Solomon is a Computer Science and Math teacher at Everett Middle School in San Francisco, CA, where she teaches 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade Computer Science and co-teaches Math 7 with the Resource Specialist Program (RSP). With a Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics from Stanford’s Graduate School of Education (GSE), Jade is committed to making STEM education inclusive and engaging. She uses Complex Instruction to promote collaboration through group work and structured roles, creating a dynamic and supportive learning environment.

Outside the classroom, Jade’s approach to teaching is shaped by her experience with positive reinforcement training for her energetic puppy, Rutabaga. She also cares for seven pet snakes, each in its own bio-active terrarium. With a background in Psychology and Computer Science, Jade spent a decade as an active member of Noisebridge Hackerspace, a nonprofit dedicated to community-driven education and innovation.

Learn About Jade

CSTA IMPACT Fellow, Cohort 6

Keya Belt Robinson (She/Her)

Keya Belt Robinson is a veteran STEM educator and a passionate advocate for educational justice, with over 20 years of experience teaching computational thinking across the curriculum. Keya is the mother of a neurodivergent child and has a passion for making computer science accessible for all learners. Based in Maryland, Keya currently serves as a Program Design and Innovation Manager at the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI), where she develops professional development programs for STEM educators and leaders. Her work emphasizes culturally responsive pedagogy, with a focus on enhancing STEM literacy for learners who are “furthest from opportunity.” Keya is committed to diversifying the field of computer science by helping districts, school leaders, and teachers examine systemic barriers and identify gatekeepers that hinder or exclude marginalized learners. She develops programs that empower students to envision themselves in careers where they can apply their computer science skills in the future.

Learn About Keya