1917 Results
Awards Committee Member
Juan Marquez
My CSTA Story
Juan is a teacher that enjoys using all available tools for success. He discovered how technology can give voice and ownership to students’ learning, but soon, he felt lonely. No many teachers like to try new things, even less technology. When he heard about a group of teachers that help each other for CS learning, teaching and implementing it in the classroom, he didn’t hesitate from joining. This has been 6 years and he is now an active CSTA member.
My Story
Juan is a passionate teacher who strongly believe in the Power of Yet and growth mindset. He lives by these believes inside an outside the classroom. Origanlly from Mexico, Juan came to the US and became a bilingual teacher. He has taught in Title I schools with major focus on ESLs. “One thing I really enjoy from teaching school year is witnessing the whole transformation that students go through. Watching them how things were at the beginning and then at the end of the year is so rewarding.”
Local Representative, Conference Committee
Kelly McFall
My Story
Kelly spent her first 20 years teaching math and computer science at Las Vegas Academy of the Arts, a performing arts magnet school in Downtown Las Vegas. In the spring of 2022, I decided to embark on a new challenge by accepting a computer science teaching position at Global Community High School in Las Vegas, NV, a high school for newcomers to the United States. She is always looking for ways to best meet the educational and emotional needs of her students, including learning technological vocabulary in Spanish and several other languages. Kelly is grateful to be serving as a Local/Regional Member of the CSTA 2024 Conference Committee.
9-12 Subcommittee, Conference Committee
Krystal Ingraham-Beck
My CSTA Story
My first teaching job was as an Instrumental Music teacher at a high school. I have always been techy and had my first programming class in high school. I incorporated as much tech as I could with my music students, but I wanted to do more. I found a high school CS job and needed help. My local CSTA chapter helped me get started and has been a wonderful resource for me over the years.
My Story
Kimberly received her Bachelor in Music Education degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), her Masters in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Music and Technology from UNO, her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Doane University, and her Masters in Computer Science Education from UNO. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Education degree from Midland University in Innovation and Leadership. Kimberly taught Instrumental Music at Omaha Bryan High School for 6 years. Kimberly is currently the Computer Science Teacher and Exports Coach at Gretna High School and Gretna East High School. She is in her 7th year there. She is the Past President of the Metro Omaha chapter of the Computer Science Teachers Association.
Equity Subcommittee Member, Conference Committee; Awards Committee Member
Kingsley Onyekachi Okpeh
My CSTA Story
Kingsley joined CSTA in 2015 and has since enriched his knowledge of computer science education. With a background in computer science education and technology, his passion for this field has driven him to become a prominent CSTA/CS Equity Advocate for the Computer Science Teachers Association, where he champions diversity and inclusion. He considers himself fortunate to be a part of CSTA’s mission and is inspired every day by the dedication of CSTA members, both inside and outside the classroom, to support computer science teachers and their students. Kingsley has also volunteered in numerous CSTA programs, actively promoting equitable access to computer science education. His commitment to breaking down barriers and ensuring that students and educators enjoy equitable access to the world of technology remains unwavering. Kingsley continues to make significant contributions to the tech industry while fostering collaboration among CS educators and reaching underserved populations.
My Story
Kingsley’s journey spans business growth and passionate advocacy for computer science education. He’s dedicated to underserved communities, actively promotes computer science education, and fosters tech camaraderie. He has led growth initiatives that break boundaries and redefine success. His remarkable ability to innovate and adapt has been instrumental in expanding markets and propelling organizations to greater heights. He collaborates actively with non-profit organizations, utilizing his skills and network to drive meaningful change and uplift communities. His journey stands as a testament to his passion for collaboration and knowledge-sharing.He is resolutely devoted to bridging the realms of technology, education, and business. Kingsley harnesses the power of digital platforms to craft impactful marketing campaigns, thereby expanding brand reach and influence in the digital age. All the while, he serves as a dedicated CSTA volunteer and advocate, poised to contribute tirelessly to the growth of computer education.
Review Chair, Conference Committee
Kristeen Shabram
My CSTA Story
CSTA is a big part of my professional development as a CS Educator. CSTA is an amazing community of passionate educators willing to share knowledge, expertise, and resources on a variety of CS education topics. I am so grateful for all the resources and events that CSTA provides to its members. I joined CSTA in 2016, and since then I have served on the conference committee, the board of directors, and volunteered for a variety of CSTA events. Because I’m so involved in CSTA, I’ve had the opportunity to work and learn from some of the most amazing CS educators from around the world. CSTA is truly my second family and I appreciate everything that they have given to me to help me become the best CS educator I can be. This is my CSTA Story!
My Story
Kristeen Shabram is a middle school teacher at Westside Middle School in Omaha, NE. She teaches 7th grade Business, Technology, and Computer Science. Kristeen has been a member of the CSTA Annual Conference Committee since 2018. She is a member of the CSTA Metro Omaha Chapter.
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.
Admin/Coaches Subcommittee, Conference Committee
Laura Gray
My CSTA Story
Laura first learned of CSTA when she was assigned to teach AP Computer Science two weeks before the 2016 school year started. It might have been in a panic, but she immediately joined and hasn’t looked back since. Laura loves the amazing pd and opportunities presented by CSTA to help her grow to provide engaging and equitable experiences for cs students.
My Story
Laura Gray began as a math and cs teacher at GSMST in 2015. In 2022, she accepted a position as an AI and CS instructional specialist for Gwinnett County Public Schools, supporting over 125 teachers. She continues to support AP CS A teachers via her website, www.apcsaexam.org. Laura has written and developed curriculum standards for three new CS courses for Georgia’s Department of Education. She was named PAGE STAR Teacher for GCPS and was the 2021 GSMST Teacher of the Year. She also served on GCPS’s district facilities and resources equity team, which focused on fair access to technology. In 2023, she was awarded the Georgia affiliate NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Educator Award. Laura earned a computer information systems degree from Indiana University (2003) and an MAT from the University of Georgia (2015). Before becoming a teacher, she had a ten-year career at PwC, Hospira, and General Electric.
In his free time, he loves volunteering, traveling and tutoring at-risk kids.
6-8 Subcommittee, Conference Committee
Langa Tsimba
My CSTA Story
Langa began his computer science journey in 2021 during a School District professional development summit. He was a five-year US History teacher who wanted to do something new in his classroom during Covid. Once Langa started coding, he never turned back and decided to pursue CS Education as the new track!
My Story
Langa became an educator as a career switcher in 2014. He started as a teacher assistant and then went on to teach U.S. History for five years at a Alternative School. When, Chesapeake Public Schools expanded their Computer Science program to the middle school level he joined the first group of teachers and developed the curriculum, and is presently working s a VEX Robotics coach and middle school Computer Science teacher in a Title 1 school. Chesapeake Public Schools. He has worked for organizations such as BLAST Program, taught robotics for a district-wide Summer enrichment camp and has built a Robotics Club from the ground up. Langa currently serves as a member of CSTA Virginia.
In his free time, he loves volunteering, traveling and tutoring at-risk kids.
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.
Posters Chair, 2025 Conference Committee
Leah Aiwohi
My CSTA Story
Having been a CSTA member from when she began teaching CS at the high school, Leah has also established a CS Honor Society on campus and most recently, have been contributing as a CSTA Equity Fellow.
My Story
Leah’s true joy is being in the classroom having taught at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Classes Leah currently teaches are APCSP, Digital/Broadcast Media, STEM and Cybersecurity. Co-lead for her school’s STEM Cadre, Leah is also the lead GenCyber Teacher for Hawaii.