THE AMBASSADOR GROUP

TAG Members

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Mallory Alves is a second grade teacher at Parkview Elementary School in Chico, CA, with nine years of experience. She also serves on the STEM Leadership Committee, organizing STEM Showcases – sharing resources with colleagues. She’s always known she wanted to pursue a career in teaching. Passionate about hands-on learning, Mallory strives to inspire her students to love learning and take on challenges. She uses tools like code.org and Scratch to teach coding and robotics. Mallory’s greatest success is her commitment to continuous growth as an educator to provide the best for her students.
Kenny Bae is the director of STEAM innovation at Avery Coonley School in Downers Grove, IL. Kenny struggled in his early years of education and has developed a passion for and lifelong goal of supporting underrepresented and disadvantaged students. During his 17 years in education, his work with students has been recognized by Forbes magazine, the Chicago Sun-Times, the US Department of Education, and more. He firmly believes today’s youth can accomplish amazing things if given a chance. He enjoys learning from his students and working with them to make the world a better place.
Margi Bhansali is a STEM Teacher at Chicago Public Schools. With a drive to support early childhood development and a knack for integrating STEM into lessons, Margi creates hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences that ignite curiosity and critical thinking in her students. A National Board Certified Teacher and accomplished writer, Margi has published insightful articles on education. She mentors new teachers and participates in educational policy fellowships. The best part of her job is exposing ~150 prekindergartners each week to the wonders of STEM. Her proudest moments are seeing her students gain confidence and thrive in their learning journeys.
Josie Bittner is a Gifted and Talented Teacher at California Academy of Learning Charter School in Coal Center, Pennsylvania. With one year of experience, she quickly made a mark by coordinating the STEM program and the Kindland initiative, where her school earned second and third place as the Kindest School in the Nation. Josie holds a PreK-4 bachelor’s and a STEM Endorsement K-12 from PennWest California, as well as an M.Ed. in Educational Technology and Learning Design. Josie strives to integrate hands-on learning with technology, and she loves fostering her students’ curiosity to help them reach their full potential.
Emily Bracco teaches a STEAM lab for Grades K-5 and coding and robotics for Grades 6-8 at The Christ School (TCS) in Orlando, FL. She serves on the Science Adoption Committee, assisting in finding curriculum and resources for other teachers to use. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Elementary Education with a focus on Gifted Education. She’s taught after-school programs for STEAM, coding, and robotics and hosted TCS’s first Science and Engineering fair. Emily loves being able to foster a learning environment of curiosity and collaboration among students.
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Dean Dedicatoria is a STEM teacher at Accomack County School District in Oak Hall, VA. He coaches the FIRST® Lego League Robotics, SEAPerch, and Aerial Drone Challenge teams. A former Navy Surface Warfare Officer, Dean strives to engage students’ interest in Robotics, Aerospace, and Engineering. He enjoys seeing students discover and master new skills, and he is proud of piloting a successful STEM elective program. He also advises the school’s Dungeons and Dragons club. What Dean enjoys the most about his position is seeing students’ interest in STEM fields ignite!
Anthony Grisillo is the 2014-15 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year, a 2014 Making a Difference Award winner, and a Voya National STEM Fellowship Master Teacher. He has taught gifted support in the Rose Tree Media School District for 16 years, while also working with accelerated math students and acting as Science Coordinator. Currently in his 26th year of teaching, Anthony is the Teacher Librarian and AV Coordinator at Glenwood Elementary School and an adjunct professor at West Chester University. As an avid movie fan and disciple of Jim Henson, he is known for his ability to wrangle whales and his skills in fanning the flames of curiosity in his students.
Everton Henriques has a passion for learning – and teaching – outside of his comfort zone. He fell in love with teaching when he served as a teaching assistant studying engineering, and he switched to a teaching career. He currently teaches Intro. to Engineering & Robotics and Fundamentals of Engineering at Staten Island Technical High School in Staten Island, NY. Everton believes that growing, helping people grow, and forging solid relationships is what life is all about. He holds degrees in Chemical Engineering, Ceramic Engineering, and Adolescent Education and was published in Solid State Ionics.
Victor Hernandez serves as a Gateway to Technology Teacher and Synergi4 Academy Coordinator at Montwood Middle School in El Paso, TX. With 12 years in education, he also advises FIRST® LEGO® League, FIRST Tech Challenge, and TSA, in addition to coaching football. Holding degrees and certifications from the University of Texas at El Paso, Victor’s accolades include leading teams to international and national competitions. He transitioned from the public sector to teaching to address community educational needs. His passion lies in helping students develop soft skills and reach their full potential.
Lisa Herring is a K-5 STEM/STEAM resource teacher at Freedom Crossing Academy in St. Johns, Florida. She holds a BS in Elementary Education from Bowling Green State University and K-12 Media Specialist and Gifted Education certifications. Lisa sponsors an after-school LEGO® Robotic Explorer Program. She trains teachers through NE Florida’s STEM2 Hub and CODE.ORG. Lisa finds joy in watching students collaboratively solve problems, fostering resilience and perseverance. She was named San Jose School Teacher of the Year for 2020-21 and is a passionate advocate for mandatory computer science education for all students.
Kandi Hogue is a dedicated third grade teacher and robotics coach at Whitlow Elementary School in Cumming, Georgia. Holding degrees from Erskine College, Lesley University, and Gardner Webb University, Kandi is passionate about integrating STEM into her teaching. She loves inspiring her students, especially girls, to pursue science and engineering. Her proudest moments come from seeing her students realize their potential and achieve success. Beyond teaching, Kandi contributes to STEM Certification and curriculum development, continually striving to make learning engaging and hands-on for all her students.
Kyle Holbrook, CTE Program Specialist for Sarasota County Schools in Sarasota, FL, has dedicated 15 years to education. He coordinates district-wide CTE competitions, Experience Luncheons, and Manufacturing month tours. With a bachelor’s in Mathematics Education, Kyle previously taught technology and engineering at the middle and high school levels while also chairing the CTE Department. Invested in problem-solving and integrating technology in education, Kyle values the continuous learning his job offers. He takes pride in his TSA students’ achievements and their impact in the world.
Cynthia Hopkins has many roles as the seventh-grade science teacher, AVID Coordinator, and part-time assistant principal at Kaffie Middle School in Corpus Christi, TX, where she has taught for all 17 years of her career. She is also an Adult ESL instructor and adjunct professor at Texas A&M University. She holds three M.Ed and one Ph.D. Cynthia’s greatest success is her students – the lightbulb moments when they understand the content are the best! A proud moment for Cynthia was when her middle school robotics team won the Motivate Award at their regional FIRST® Tech Challenge competition.
Jennifer Hyslop is the Media Tech and Coding Instructor at Bradford Elementary School in Pueblo, Colorado. She has a diverse educational background including degrees from Grand Canyon University and Colorado State University-Pueblo, and numerous teaching endorsements and certifications. Jennifer is passionate about integrating coding and robotics into her curriculum, inspired by the transformative impact they had on her own son. She has earned numerous awards, including the Pueblo Chapter Air & Space Force Association STEM Teacher of the Year. Her greatest joy is helping students realize their potential and develop a love for learning.
James Jones has taught science, computer science, robotics, and engineering for 27 years. He currently teaches Earth/space science for 7th grade at Wedgefield School in Orlando, FL. James founded iBrick Academy, which has provided STEAM summer camps and after-school programs for 20+ years; was instrumental in the writing of the Florida state standards for high school robotics; and helped start the Summer Robotics Institute at Mid Florida Technical College. James recently assisted the county’s grants dept. in providing after-school robotics programs to 23 middle schools. He has three Disney Teacheriffic awards and two Epsilon Pi Tau awards.
Sherri Kelley is the middle school science/STEM teacher at Riverside Public Schools in Spalding, NE. She teaches Ag in the Classroom for elementary students and is responsible for the HAL program and sponsors many other activities. After 27 years in education, she’s taught special education, preschool, physical education, and more. Sherri obtained her masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Wayne State College in Wayne, NE. She credits her third and fourth grade teacher for inspiring her to become a teacher who wants to make her students feel as engaged and respected as she did as a young learner.
Lauren Kelly is a STEM/GT Specialist at Oakmont Elementary in Ft. Worth, TX. She holds a bachelor of science in Interdisciplinary Studies and a master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of North Texas. Inspired by her grandfather’s passion for teaching, Lauren is dedicated to inspiring the next generation to excel in STEM. She runs after-school clubs, mentors students in district contests, serves on advisory boards, writes STEM curriculum, presents at conferences, and brings creativity to her approach through hands-on learning. Her greatest success is fostering a school-wide culture of innovation and inquiry in STEM education.
Lisa Lewis teaches first grade at Salem Elementary School in Spotsylvania, VA, and a STEM club for Grades 1-2. She is a board member for the Crow’s nest Research Center, and a lead for the garden committee. Lisa was an adjunct professor at the University of Mary Washington, and awarded the 2022 DoD STEM Ambassador and 2023 Mentor Teacher of the Year. As a lifelong learner, she keeps up-to-date with new and creative ideas that impact the future. In her 21st year of teaching, she’s passionate about all things STEM and nature and believes children deserve opportunities to be exposed to life’s possibilities one idea at a time.
Chad Majeske teaches Grades 7-8 STEM at Oakridge Public Schools in Muskegon, MI, and is the robotics coach for the middle school FIRST® Tech Challenge teams and the high school FIRST Robotics Competition. He is developing a high school CTE course focusing on drone pilot and ham radio certification. Chad holds a bachelor’s in Industrial Technology Education and a master’s in HR and CTE. He is also on the STEM committee, which trains K-12 teachers to integrate STEM practices into their class curriculum. He enjoys working with fellow teachers and helping them use new technology in their classrooms.
Amy Parks brings 24 years of excitement and innovation to her role as the STEAM teacher at Forts Ferry Elementary School in Albany, NY. She also runs the Gifted Learning Enrichment Program for Grades 4-5. With a deep love for marine biology, Amy weaves her passion into her dynamic lessons, sparking curiosity and creativity in her students. Her journey in education has been marked by highlights such as participating in the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teachers Academy. Amy loves creating new curriculum ideas and seeing her students’ faces light up when their ideas succeed.
Angela Quarles was introduced to STEM during a time when significantly fewer girls participated. She is the Associate Director of Georgia TSA with 31 years of experience in education. She served as a member at GETEA, ITEEA, and ACTE for 30+ years. In 2022, Angela won both Georgia TSA Advisor of the Year and National TSA Distinguished Alumni of the Year awards. The favorite part of her job is celebrating with students when they achieve something they thought was impossible.
Cassie Rivaldi believes all students deserve a quality education. She is a TK through Grade 8 engineering teacher, FLL® Coach, the Mindlanbs Lead Teacher, and FTC Coach at Feaster Charter School in Chula Vista, CA. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and master’s in STEAM Education. In 2015, she won the INSPIRE Award from Classroom of the Future Foundation. Passionate about robotics and LEGO®, she is most proud of the engineering program she has developed at her school. Her favorite part about teaching is seeing the moment when students come up with ideas and how proud and amazed they are with themselves.
Randi Schmidt teaches Special Education Technology/STEAM at The South Bergen Jointure Commission in Maywood, NJ. Her current role as the elementary-high school STEAM teacher includes working with adult students ages 18-22 for enrichment. Randi loves the creativity STEAM brings out in her students and how the hands-on aspect of it sparks curiosity on all levels. Her favorite lesson is learning that making mistakes is inevitable and we can always try again. She holds a master’s degree in Special Education from Rowan University and enjoys learning from her students on a daily basis.
Dierdre Shetler is a STEM instructional technology specialist for the Cartwright School District in Phoenix, AZ. She’s a Google Product Expert for Google Classroom, a Google Certified Trainer, and an ITEEA Authorized Teacher Effectiveness Coach and holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Educational Technology. Dierdre won the 2017 ITEEA Prakken Award for Professional Cooperation and the 2018 Superintendent’s Award of Excellence. She loves bringing new possibilities to students through STEM and getting new teachers hooked on STEM in the classroom.
Behn Sikora is a Technology and Engineering Education Teacher at Wethersfield High School in Connecticut. He has developed the school’s robotics program and inspired many students to pursue careers in engineering and the trades. In addition to teaching, he advises the Robotics Club and JETS Assistive Technology Engineering Design Team. Behn enjoys creating a dynamic learning environment where students can design, build, and innovate. His passion for hands-on learning and new technology fuels his commitment to education.
Joe Slifka ends every day excited for what the next day brings. As the physical science and robotics teacher for LaBrae Local School District in Leavittsburg, OH, Joe is passionate about integrating robotics in his daily lessons and helping students become creators through technology. He created an after-school robotics club, was honored as a 2011 Siemens STEM Institute Fellow, and was a state-level finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. Joe is in his 16th year of teaching and loves the freedom he experiences teaching everything from robotics to 3-D printing.
Mark Spore teaches physics, physical science, and robotics at Fort Scott High School in Fort Scott, KS, and started the robotics program there. He has a bachelor of science in Education from Emporia State with certifications in physics, chemistry, and physical science. Mark is passionate about robotics, drones, and aerospace, and he finds developing positive relationships with his students to be the best part of his job. He loves seeing the spark in students’ eyes when they believe in themselves and realize they can be successful.
Wendie Turner, the media tech specialist at Stanton-Smith Elementary School in Whitehouse, TX, provides innovative lessons to students in Grades PreK-5 through STEM and literature. She earned an interdisciplinary studies degree with specializations in English and reading and a UTeach Blended Learning Certification. She has won Whitehouse Education Foundation Innovator of the Year twice. Her greatest accomplishment in education is being able to see so many students grow up to be successful in life. Her makerspace is a safe learning environment where failure is expected as long as they don’t quit!
Kevin Wyatt is a Computer Science & STEM Teacher at York High School in York, Maine. As an educator of 28 years, he also served as the head assistant outdoor track and field coach and is a member of the Department Leadership Team. With a BA in Mathematics and Computer Education from Thomas College and an MA in Technology Education from Lesley University, Kevin has a rich background. He loves sharing learning experiences and watching his students grow and succeed. His greatest success is transitioning from a career math teacher to a STEM educator, developing new curricula, and embracing new challenges.
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