Session Panelists
A-I | J-Q | R-Z
A-I
John Amenson
Houston ISD, Instructional Technology Program Specialist
Panel: “The Mobile Learning Continuum: BYOD > Hybrid > 1:1 (1:05-2:00)”
Bio: Instructional Technology Program Specialist for Houston ISD and the “Power Up” program. I have presented at TCCA, TCEA, FETC and ASCD.
Connect:
Michelle Barber
Tomball ISD, Instructional Technology Specialist
Panel: “Beyond the Walls (9:35-10:30 and 1:05-2:00)”
Bio: I’ve been teaching for 21 years. I spent 13 years teaching 5th/6th graders and the last 8 years in educational technology coaching teachers.
Connect:
David Becker
Tomball ISD, Instructional Technology Specialist
Panel: “Collaboration Renovation: Are you going to Microsoft-it or Google-it? (9:35-10:30)”
Bio: Currently serves as an Instructional Tech Leader for Tomball. Classroom experience includes Math, Science, and History.
Connect:
Jonathan Block
Pearland ISD, Desktop Services Support Manager
Panel: “The Mobile Learning Continuum: BYOD > Hybrid > 1:1 (1:05-2:00)”
Bio: Desktop deployment and support for 15 years. Citrix CCA XenServer, XenDesktop. Lifelong learner!
Connect:
Tom Brawley
Tomball ISD, Director of Technology Services, and TCEA Area 4 Director
Panel: “Filters / Firewalls / Policies (8:30-9:25)”
Bio: I truly believe that education is the foundation of all future endeavors. One must focus on learning every day and never give up.
Connect:
Alicia Brooks
Barbers Hill ISD, Instructional Technology Specialist
Panel: “Professional Development That Works (9:35-10:30)”
Bio: I am an Instructional Tech Coach at BHISD. I have a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology Leadership and am in my 18th year of education.
Connect:
Sandy Dickerson
Pasadena ISD, Instructional Technology Specialist
Panel: “Beyond the Walls (9:35-10:30 and 1:05-2:00)”
Bio: I’ve been in education for 19 years, have a MEd. in Instructional Technology, and have presented at Region IV, Tots & Technology, and TCEA.
Connect:
Holly Dornak
Lamar CISD, Instructional Technology Specialist
Panel: “Social Media (8:30-9:25)”
Bio: Recovering Elementary Teacher, Tech-Fanatic, Super-Mom, World Champion Napper, MS Innovative Educator Expert ’15, Google Cert. Teacher ’11
Connect:
Mark Dunk
Pearland ISD, Educational Technology Specialist
Panel: “Social Media (8:30-9:25 and 1:05-2:00)”
Bio: Dad, Husband, DEN Star, CrossFitter, Intellectual Sponge, Science Nerd, Ed Tech Specialist, Farmer/Rancher, TX Aggie ’80, Geocacher
Connect:
Seth Fewell
Pearland ISD, Educational Technology Specialist
Panel: “What’s App-ening” (1:05 – 2:00 PM)
Bio: Ed.Tech. Specialist for Pearland ISD, Musician, Vocalist, Space Nerd, Learning Engineer, Purdue LDT Grad, DEN Star, Father to 2, & Dad to 5.
Connect:
Natalie Fikac
Pearland ISD, Coordinator of Guidance Services
Panel: “Meeting the HB5 Requirement: 1 Year Reunion (8:30-9:25)”
Bio: I support all counselors in Pearland ISD. HB5 has brought many challenges to Counselors. Pearland ISD has stayed on top of these changes.
Connect:
Vicki Gaido
Pearland ISD, Educational Technology Specialist
Panel: “Beyond the Walls (9:35-10:30)”
Bio: Love GOD – Family – Love being an Educator for the past 34 years – Love Innovation, Love funny things.
Connect:
Emilio Garcia
Pearland ISD, Network Coordinator
Panel: “Filters / Firewalls / Policies (8:30-9:25)”
Bio: Network Coordinator for Pearland ISD, Network Engineer, Network Infrastrucure LAN/WAN.
Connect:
Nancy Gardner
Brazosport ISD, Director of Media and Digital Learning
Panel: “Collaboration Renovation: Are you going to Microsoft-it or Google-it? (9:35-10:30)”
Bio: 31 yrs as a teacher, facilitator, coordinator & director; MEd in Ed Tech Leadership; Google has transformed our district!
Connect:
Kristin Garr
Clear Creek ISD, Assistive Technology Support Team Lead
Panel: “Assistive Technologies (9:35-10:30)”
Bio: I have 22 years of experience as a speech pathologist. I love helping students find the right tools to make progress towards their goals.
Connect:
Sherrie Grounds
Pasadena ISD, Instructional Technology Specialist
Panel: “The Mobile Learning Continuum: BYOD > Hybrid > 1:1 (1:05-2:00)”
Bio: Instructional Technology Specialist, former math teacher, 22 years in education, 4 years supporting 1:1 devices. Favorite tool: OneNote.
Connect:
Dr. Tory Hill
Katy ISD, Assistant Superintendent for Instructional and Administrative Support
Panel: “Professional Development That Works (9:35-10:30)”
Bio: Dr. Hill serves as an Asst. Superintendent in Katy ISD. He has served as a Teacher, Asst. Principal, Principal & Exec. Director for PL.
Connect:
Kim Hocott
Pearland ISD, Director of Communications
Panel: “Social Media (8:30-9:25 and 1:05-2:00)”
Bio: Kim joined Pearland ISD in 2008 and is proud to lead the best Communications team in the industry. She loves running and all things Disney.
Connect:
J-Q
Mary Knight
Pearland ISD, Educational Technology Specialist
Panel: “Ditch Dat Desk (8:30-9:25)”
Bio: I have worked in Pearland ISD for 17 years. Prior to becoming and ETS I’ve taught 2nd and 3rd grade at Challenger Elementary.
Connect:
Karla Koop
Co-Owner – MaKr U, LLC; Learning Instigator
Panel: “Maker Spaces (1:05-2:00)”
Bio: Retired after 33 years in public ed, Karla and Mary Jones own MaKr U, a maker space company.
Connect:
Michelle Leggett
Pearland ISD, Educational Technology Specialist
Panel: “iPads in Education (8:30-9:25)”
Bio: Michelle works to inspire, create, and mold the changing landscape of classrooms through technology integration.
Connect:
Caroline Lightfoot
Dickenson ISD, Curriculum & Instruction Applications Manager
Panel: “Ditch Dat Desk (8:30-9:25)”
Bio: Curriculum & Instruction Applications Manager in Dickinson ISD, M. Ed. in Instructional Technology, 18 years in Education.
Connect:
Melinda Louvier
Pearland ISD, Educational Technology Specialist
Panel: “Ditch Dat Desk (8:30-9:25)”
Bio: 16 years of educational experience, both in the classroom and as an ed tech specialist. I <3 technology!
Connect:
Lynette McManus
Pearland ISD, Searcy Librarian – Pearland High School
Panel: “Maker Spaces (1:05-2:00)”
Bio: Lynette McManus has been a Pearland ISD librarian for 10 years. She recently added a makerspace to the library at Pearland High School.
Connect:
Tina Niemann
Tomball ISD, Instructional Technology Specialist
Panel: “What’s App-ening? (1:05-2:00)”
Bio: Instructional Technology Specialist, Teacher, Trainer, Seeker of Knowledge, Technology Advocate, Love My Job!
Connect:
Dr. Lisa Nixon
Pearland ISD, Director of Testing and Program Evaluation
Panel: “Meeting the HB5 Requirement: 1 Year Reunion (8:30-9:25)”
Bio: Dr. Nixon is the Director of Testing & Program Evaluation for Pearland ISD where she has also served as a campus administrator at all levels.
Connect:
Jason Piazza
Clear Creek ISD, Director of Network Services
Panel: “Filters / Firewalls / Policies (8:30-9:25)”
Bio: Director of Network Services for Clear Creek ISD, 20 years of technology support, husband, and father of 3.
Connect:
R-Z
Laura Reeves
Pearland ISD, Assistant Director, Educational Technology
Panel: “Beyond the Walls (1:05-2:00)”
Bio: Mom, Wife, Educator for 20 years, M.S. in Instructional Technology, Microsoft Innovative Educator, Avid Reader, Life-long Learner.
Connect:
Monelle Rougeau
Region 4, CTE Specialist
Panel: “Meeting the HB5 Requirement: 1 Year Reunion (8:30-9:25)”
Bio: Monelle currently serves school districts across a seven-county region and assists them in meeting their CTE needs at Region 4.
Connect:
Adelina Rucker
Pearland ISD, Educational Technology Specialist
Panel: “The Mobile Learning Continuum: BYOD > Hybrid > 1:1 (1:05-2:00)”
Bio: Pearland ISD Elementary Educational Technology Specialist helping teachers and students integrate technology in the classroom.
Connect:
Nicole Sebok
Pearland ISD, Assistive Technology Liaison – Special Programs
Panel: “Assistive Technologies (9:35-10:30)”
Bio: After 20 yrs. of teaching, I am PISD’s AT Liaison. I evaluate/implement the need and use of Assistive Technologies in the classroom.
Debbie Sitler
Pearland ISD, Educational Technology Specialist
Panel: “Collaboration Renovation: Are you going to Microsoft-it or Google-it? (9:35-10:30)”
Bio: Debbie Sitler: Educational Technology Specialist, Microsoft Innovative Educator, and believer in preparing students for the digital future.
Connect:
Adrienne Smith
Pearland ISD, Educational Technology Specialist
Panel: “iPads in Education (8:30-9:25)”
Bio: EdTechie who believes technology is the bridge linking students, teachers, & learning together in an engaging, effective, & impactful way.
Connect:
Angela Standridge
Region 4, Education Specialist
Panel: “Assistive Technologies (9:35-10:30)”
Bio: Angela is a speech pathologist specializing in assistive technology and augmentative communication. She currently works for Region 4 ESC.
Connect:
Monica Trevathan
Tietronix Software, Director of Education Technology
Panel: “Game-Based Learning (9:35-10:30)”
Bio: Principal Investigator on K-12 Education Technology for DARPA & NSF projects focused on serious games for the STEM classroom.
Connect:
Kristy Vincent
Hardin ISD, Director of Digital Learning
Panel: “What’s App-ening? (1:05-2:00)”
Bio: Director of Digital Learning for Hardin ISD working to create classrooms without walls.
Connect:
Tangila Webb
Pearland ISD, Educational Technology Specialist
Panel: “Professional Development That Works (9:35-10:30)”
Bio: Tangila Webb is an instructional technology specialist who loves learning and growing both professionally and personally.
Connect:
Dr. Jana Willis
University of Houston – Clear Lake, Associate Professor
Panel: “Game-Based Learning (9:35-10:30)”
Bio: Dr. Jana Willis is an Associate Professor in Instructional Design & Technology at University of Houston-Clear Lake.
Connect:
Astra Zeno
Houston ISD, Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy, AP Computer Science and Engineering Teacher
Panel: “Game-Based Learning (9:35-10:30)””
Bio: Ms. Zeno teaches skills beyond just STEM, encouraging risk, & supplementing lessons with interactive activities & real-world situations.
Connect: