Session Panelists
A-I | J-Q | R-Z
A-I
Dr. Katie Alaniz
Houston Baptist University, College of Education Faculty Member
Panel: “Put Me In, Coach!”
Bio: Dr. Alaniz is a faculty member at Houston Baptist University and supports technology integration at River Oaks Baptist School.
Connect:
Davida Alexander
Fort Bend ISD, Lead Digital Learning Specialist, Secondary Schools
Panel: “Put Me In, Coach!”
Bio: In her 22nd year of education, Davida has served as a middle school science teacher, a techie, and a technology specialist.
Connect:
John Amenson
Houston ISD, Instructional Technology Program Specialist
Panels: “Digital Textbooks and IMA”; “Put Me In, Coach!”
Bio: Instructional Technology Program Specialist for Houston ISD and the “Power Up” program. I have presented at TCCA, TCEA, FETC and ASCD.
Connect:
Tameka Atlee
Spring Independent School District, Instructional, Technology and Web Specialist
Panel: “What’s App-ening?”
Bio: With a MBA & Masters in Technology, Tameka has been in education for 10+ yrs. She is currently an Instructional, Technology & Web Specialist.
Connect:
Michelle Barber
Tomball ISD, Instructional Technology Specialist
Panel: “X-treme PD Makeover”
Bio: I’ve been teaching for 21 years. My classroom experience is in Science, Social studies and Math. I believe that all learners can learn.
Connect:
David Becker
Tomball ISD, Instructional Technology Specialist
Panel: “Clearing the Air”
Bio: Currently serves as an Instructional Tech Leader for Tomball. Classroom experience includes Math, Science, and History.
Meredith Bell
Channelview ISD, Instructional Technology Specialist
Panel: “What’s App-ening?”
Bio: I am the Instructional Technology Specialist in CVISD. I have a MEd. in Educational Technology Leadership and 14 years in Education.
Connect:
Nicole Bell
Region 4 Education Service Center, Instructional Designer
Panel: “Instructional #DesignMatters”
Bio: Instructional designer with experience in creating online professional development, high school courses, and self-paced interactive modules.
Connect:
Diana Bidulescu
Houston ISD, Online Assessment Manager
Panel: “Harvesting Scattered Assessments”
Bio: Diana Bidulescu, M.Ed. is the Online Assessment Manager for Houston ISD. She is an educator, and international Digital learning presenter.
Connect:
Alicia Brooks
Barbers Hill ISD, Secondary Instructional Technology Specialist
Panel: “X-treme PD Make-Over”
Bio: Google for Education Certified Innovator & Trainer, Instructional Tech Coach & loves to connect with educators to learn something new!
Connect:
Jorge Cavazos
Alief ISD, District Technology Trainer
Panel: “X-treme PD Make-Over”
Bio: I have been in education for 23 years. I am working with all the technology specialists at Alief ISD and coordinating all tech training.
Connect:
Sandy Dickerson
Pasadena ISD, Instructional Technology Specialist
Panel: “Modern Methods for Modern Education”
Bio: Instructional Technology Specialist with a growth mindset, looking to successfully actualize personalized learning.
Connect:
Christina Estes
Ellevation, Senior Implementation Manager
Panel: “Turning the Tide”
Bio: Working in education for over 14 years as a teacher, coach, & digital learning specialist. Presented at Learning Forward & TAGT.
Connect:
Mark Evans
Klein ISD, Program Coordinator: TXVSN, Distance & Online Learning, Digital Accounts, Tech Apps HS, CTE Tech Ed
Panel: “Digital Textbooks and IMA”
Bio: 32 years in public education: teacher, grant manager, Ed Tech coordinator, and current roles.
Connect:
Seth Fewell
Pearland ISD, Educational Technology Specialist
Panel: “Learn to Code – Code to Learn”
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:
Seantele Foreman
Pearland ISD, Librarian
Panel: “Global Collaboration in the Classroom”
Bio: Seantele is a middle school librarian in Pearland ISD where she enjoys sharing her love of reading with her students and faculty.
Connect:
Vicki Gaido
Pearland ISD, Educational Technology Specialist
Panel: “What’s Next for Technology and the T-TESS?”
Bio: The 21st Century is here. We need to BE ready not get ready. I am excited to see the future of education. Love Innovation & Love Canvas!
Connect:
Nancy Gardner
Brazosport ISD, Director of Media and Digital Learning
Panel: “Clearing the Air”
Bio: 31 yrs as a teacher, facilitator, coordinator & director; MEd in Ed Tech Leadership; Google has transformed our district!
Connect:
Sherrie Grounds
Pasadena ISD, Instructional Technology Specialist
Panel: “Level Up Learning”
Bio: Instructional Technology Specialist, former math teacher, 22 years in education, 4 years supporting 1:1 devices. Favorite tool: OneNote.
Connect:
Ruth Hanson
Duchesne Academy, Lower School Educational Technologist
Panel: “Learn to Code – Code to Learn”
Bio: I teach and integrate technology in PreK-4th grade (16 yrs) after teaching 4th for 14. This is my 2nd year as a Code.org Affiliate.
Connect:
Kim Hocott
Pearland ISD, Director of Communications
Panel: “#HaveTheTalk”
Bio:
Kim is proud to lead the best Communications team in the industry. She believes technology has been a game-changer in the way we communicate.
Connect:
J-Q
Cynthia Johansen
Brazosport ISD, Digital Learning Coach
Panel: “Put Me In, Coach!”
Bio: A Digital Learning Coach at SFA STEM Academy for Brazosport ISD helping teachers and students in K-6 integrate technology in the classroom.
Connect:
Mary Knight
Pearland ISD, Educational Technology Specialist
Panel: “All About the Blend – No Trouble!”
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:
Michelle Leggett
Pearland ISD, Educational Technology Specialist
Panel: “Global Collaboration in the Classroom”
Bio: Michelle works to inspire, create, and mold the changing landscape of classrooms through technology integration.
Connect:
Caroline Lightfoot
Dickinson ISD, Curriculum & Instruction Applications Manager
Panel: “Digital Textbooks and IMA”
Bio: I have worked in Instructional Technology 10 years, the last in DISD. Prior to that, I was an Educational Specialist and English Teacher.
Connect:
Dr. Allegra McGrew
Fort Bend ISD, Digital Learning Coordinator
Panel: “Turning the Tide”
Bio: 18+ years of experience in education. Current focus- the instructional and pedagogical rational associated with specific device selection.
Connect:
Lynette McManus
Pearland ISD, Searcy Librarian – Pearland High School
Panel: “Maker Mindset”
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: “All About the Blend – No Trouble!”
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
Panels: “What’s Next for Technology and the T-TESS?”; “Harvesting Scattered Assessments”
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:
Jackie Nowlin
Region 4 ESC, Education Specialist
Panel: “#HaveTheTalk”
Bio: Has it been 20 years already? Currently, I’m creating online instructional resources for students and adults, and supporting R4 educators.
Connect:
R-Z
Laura Reeves
Pearland ISD, Assistant Director, Educational Technology
Panels: “Digital Textbooks and IMA”; “What’s Next for Technology and the T-TESS?”
Bio: Mom, Wife, Educator for 20 years, M.S. in Instructional Technology, Microsoft Innovative Educator, Avid Reader, Life-long Learner.
Connect:
Katie Russell
Barbers Hill ISD, Director of Technology
Panel: “Goo Crew”
Bio: This is my 30th year in education; half in the classroom and half as a Director of Technology at two different school districts.
Connect:
Elvira Salazar
Houston ISD, Sr Manager of PD – Design, Media & Online Learning
Panel: “Instructional #DesignMatters”; “Moving the Unmovable”
Bio: Passionate about educating & empowering our youth. Mother of Two. Historical Fiction Bookworm. Equity in Edu Advocate. Sr Mgr of Online PD.
Connect:
Robert Sims
Pearland ISD, Educational Technology Specialist
Panel: “Turning the Tide”
Bio: Love Technology, Love SEC Football, Lifelong Learner, Recovering Music Educator, “Once you’re through improving, you’re through!”
Connect:
Debbie Sitler
Pearland ISD, Educational Technology Specialist
Panel: “#HaveTheTalk”
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
Panels: “Maker Mindset”; “Moving the Unmovable”
Bio: EdTechie who believes technology is the bridge linking students, teachers, & learning together in an engaging, effective, & impactful way.
Connect:
Shane Tout
Pasadena ISD, Instructional Technology Trainer
Panel: “Clearing the Air”
Bio: I have been an IT Trainer at Pasadena ISD for 14 years. I taught 2nd grade for 6 years, prior to taking this position.
Connect:
Vickie Vallet-McWilliams
Pasadena ISD, Director of Instructional Technology
Panel: “Modern Methods for Modern Education”
Bio: I have combined experience as a teacher and administrator. My passion is to transform education by personalizing education for students.
Connect:
Judiana Viruet
Aldine Independent School District, Instructional Technology Specialist
Panel: “What’s App-ening?”
Bio: Truly enjoy being an educator. I’ve been a Bilingual Educator and currently serve as an Instructional Technology Leader for Aldine ISD.
Connect:
Suzie Wilburn
Barbers Hill ISD, Instructional Technology Specialist
Panel: “Goo Crew”
Bio: Elementary Instructional Tech Coach for BHISD, Google Certified Innovator & Trainer, life-long learner, 27 years in education
Connect:
Jana Willis
University of Houston-Clear Lake, Professor
Panel: “Level Up Learning”
Bio: Dr. Jana Willis is a Professor in Instructional Design and Technology at the University of Houston-Clear Lake.
Connect:
Brianne Wilson
Pasadena ISD, Pasadena Connect Math Teacher
Panel: “Modern Methods for Modern Education”
Bio: Wilson is an instructional technology liaison, math teacher, and learning analyst in the PISD personalized learning Connect Program.
Connect: