Session Panelists
A-I | J-Q | R-Z
A-I
Dr. Katie Alaniz
Houston Baptist University, College of Education Faculty Member
Panel: “Session 1: Branding: Your Lasting Impression; Session 2: Driving Innovation;”
Bio: Dr. Alaniz is a faculty member at Houston Baptist University and supports technology integration at River Oaks Baptist School.
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Michelle Barber
Tomball ISD, Instructional Technology Specialist
Panels: “Session 1: lISTEn Up: We’ve Got High Standards; Session 4: Say I Do! Marrying Curriculum and Technology;”
Bio: I’ve been teaching for 23 years. My classroom experience is in Science, Social Studies, and Math. I believe that all learners can learn.
Keith Barnett
Columbia-Brazoria ISD, Digital Integration Specialist
Panel: “Session 4: Keeping Up with the Joneses”
Bio: 20 years in education
Teacher, Coach, Counselor, Campus Administrator and District Digital Integration Specialist
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David Becker
Tomball ISD, Instructional Technology Specialist
Panels: “Session 2: Ethics in the Digital Age; Session 3: “Suite”n Up Your Habitat ;”
Bio: Currently serves as an Instructional Tech Leader for Tomball. Classroom experience includes Math, Science, and History.
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Diana Bidulescu
University of Houston Clear Lake, Director
Panel: “Session 1: Privacy Disasters: What lies ahead…”
Bio: Advocate for innovative, safe and productive learning environments, educator, data privacy warrior, international digital learning presenter.
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LaSonya Cobbs
New Caney ISD, Instructional Technology Specialist
Panel: “Session 3: “Suite”n Up Your Habitat”
Bio: I have had the pleasure to teach Kindergarten, 1st grade, Reading Recovery, and Technology Applications (K-5). I am currently an Instructional Technology Specialist for the elementary campuses in New Caney ISD. I love working with teachers to integrate technology into their lessons. New Caney ISD is a 1:1 district with Chromebooks and using Canvas as our LMS platform. Our department works with teachers, media specialists, and the curriculum team to facilitate best practices using Canvas.
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Sundie Dahlkamp
Pearland ISD, Director of Human Resources
Panel: “Session 2: Ethics in the Digital Age”
Bio: Dr. Sundie Dahlkamp is the Director of Human Resource Services for the Pearland Independent School District in Pearland, Texas. She works with all stakeholders to transform Pearland into a World Class District.
Sundie believes you get out of life what you put in and working smarter not harder is how you achieve true success. She knows every day is a chance to make someone else’s day better. Sundie has worked in Human Resources for 11 years and says having a great team to move her District forward in the area of Human Resource processing has been her greatest accomplishment. She is the current president of the Texas Association of School Personnel Administrators and a vocal advocate for Human Resource involvement at the local, state and national level. Sundie holds a Bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University in Journalism. She also obtained her Master’s and Doctoral degrees from the University of Houston-Clear Lake in Educational Administration and Leadership. When not at work, Sundie loves spending time with her husband, four kids, large family and friends. She lives a work hard, play hard lifestyle enjoying exercise, cooking and crazy weekend schedules.
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Shaina Glass
Aldine ISD, Instructional Technology Specialist
Panel: “Session 1: Robotics: Terminator or Big Hero 6; Session 4: Keeping Up with the Joneses”
Bio: Shaina Glass is an Instructional Technology Specialist with Aldine ISD. She is a former elementary Science & Social Studies teacher whose passion is designing and facilitating a learning experience that empowers, inspires, and equips educators with innovative, proven solutions to reach and teach their students. She’s a Google Certified Educator and a Code.org CS Fundamentals Affiliate. She has also earned distinctions such as a Discovery Star Educator/Ambassador, BrainPOP Certified Educator, ClassDojo Mentor, and REMIND Connected Educator.
She has presented at Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA), SXSWedu, Region 4 Education Service Center (Houston area), and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Conference.
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J-Q
Lorena Gonzalez
Pearland ISD, Educational Technology Specialits
Panel: “Session 2: ROAR with Social Media”
Bio: Passionate educator and long life learner.
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Bradford Harris
Aldine ISD, Lead Trainer – Digital Learning Specialists
Panel: “Session 2: ROAR with Social Media; Session 4: Say I Do! Marrying Curriculum and Technology;”
Bio: Bradford Harris is a Lead Trainer for the Digital Learning Specialists in the Aldine Independent School District in Houston, Texas. He is very passionate about education and learning on a consistent basis. He has presented over EdTech content and curriculum across the state and country. He is a Google Certified Educator; level 1 and 2, a certified BrainPop Educator, and a FlipGrid Certified Educator. Bradford Harris holds the honor of being a Finalist for TCEA Instructional Technology Specialist of the Year 2017-2018. He was the head chairman of TCCA (Technology Curriculum Conference of Aldine) 2018 and 2019. You can follow him on Twitter @EdTechTinker and on his website EdTechTinker.com.
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Cassie Herndon
Deer Park I.S.D., Assistant Principal
Panel: “MODEL! MODEL! MODEL!”
Bio: National Board certified ELA teacher. TCEA presenter 2015-2016. Secondary Apple teacher. Assistant Principal at Deer Park HS North Campus.
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Michael Dennis Heinroth
Sweeny ISD, Principal
Panel: “Session 1: Robotics: Terminator or Big Hero 6; Session 3: Hacking Leadership”
Bio: I currently serve as the principal of Sweeny Elementary School for my rural hometown in Brazoria County. Recent efforts include our one-to-one initiative, the development of a STREAM Lab, an evolving library with maker-space activities and a student-run news room, STEM in the Gym, and student-initiated service projects that build collaborative skills among our students. Our goal is to not only prepare our students for the future, but also to prepare them to create the future.
Connect:
Robyn Hrivnatz
Microsoft, Senior Manager, US Education
Panel: “Session 1: Branding: Your Lasting Impression; Session 3: “Suite”n Up Your Habitat ;”
Bio: Robyn is an education professional with 18 years of experience serving in the education industry as a teacher and student advocate. Joining Microsoft in 2014 after dedicating 14 years in public K-12 education in the state of Texas as a classroom teacher and instructional technology leader, she has devoted her time to growing educator fans, building a robust learning community for educators, and leading trainers and consultants to scale the Microsoft in Education mission through teacher training and social evangelism grounded in community focus. Recognized as creative decision maker, active learner, social influencer, and diplomatic relationship builder, Robyn excels in her ability to lead by leveraging her passion for learning, an understanding for humanity, and her deep desire for education transformation. She resides in Houston, Texas embarking each day living her personal philosophy to ‘embrace the uncomfortable, be thankful, live passionately and be awesome.’
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Michelle Leggett
Pearland ISD, Digital Media Specialist
Panel: “Session 3: Build Peaks – Don’t Fix Potholes; Session 4: Say I Do! Marrying Curriculum and Technology”
Bio: As a educator, I am always looking for new and innovative ideas to share with others. Be a game-changer (with technology) and own your own learning! Everyday do something that challenges you to do things a little better.
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Kevin Lewis
IMS Global Learning Consortium, Project Manager
Panel: “Session 1: Privacy Disasters: What Lies Ahead…”
Bio: Innovative leader in student data privacy, safety & security
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Lexi Marshall
Pearland ISD Communications, Communications Coordinator
Panel: “Session 2: ROAR with Social Media”
Bio: Lexi officially called Texas home when she joined the Pearland ISD Communications Department in September 2016.
Before coming to Pearland ISD, Lexi lived in Kansas City, Mo., where she served as a corporate marketing coordinator. She has worked in the public relations, marketing and communications field since 2009.
Lexi holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations from West Virginia University and is currently earning a master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications, also from West Virginia University.
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Ashley May
Alief ISD, Digital Learning Coordinator
Panel: “Session 2: The TEK-FILES;Session 4: PD in the PM ;”
Bio: Ashley May is an education professional who is passionate about the intersection of technology, education, & innovation. An experienced trainer, speaker, and author, Ashley loves to share her knowledge and expertise with anyone who is willing to listen. Her greatest desire is to permanently dismantle the “but that’s the way we’ve always done it” argument that is often presented as a reason to resist change. Through humor and transparency, Ashley leads and guides her audience through the realization that the only barriers to change are the ones in our minds. Her audiences leave empowered with the tools necessary to lead & transform any educational setting.
Connect:
Thurman Nassoiy
Region 4 Education Service Center, Education Specialist, Digital Learning
Panel: “Session 4: PD in the PM”
Bio: Providing support for schools in Region 4 and across Texas in the area of Digital Learning.
Connect:
Tina Niemann
Tomball ISD, Instructional Technology Specialist
Panel: “Session 2: Driving Innovation; Session 4: What Do You Meme in a GIF”
Bio: Instructional Technology Specialist, Teacher, Trainer, Seeker of Knowledge, Technology Advocate, Love My Job!
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Jackie Nowlin
Region 4 Education Service Center, Educational Technology Specialist
Panel: “Session 4: PD in the PM”
Bio: Jackie has been in education for 24 years based on the sound advice provided by her parents as she meandered through college. She transitioned from teaching HS biology to Region 4, initially as a member of the science team, but eventually joining the digital learning team. Jackie blames her parents for her love of learning.
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R-Z
Laura Reeves
Pearland ISD, Assistant Director, Educational Technology
Panel: “Session 2: Ethics in the Digital Age”
Bio: Wife, Mom, Educator for 24 yrs, EdD Student @ Texas A&M c/o 20, M.S. in Instructional Technology, MIE, Avid Reader, Life-long Learner.
Connect:
Tiffany Regan
Panel: “Session 3: Hacking Leadership;”
Bio: I have 21 years of experience in education. I am passionate about technology integration and preparing our students for their future.
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Gretta Rogne
New Caney ISD, Secondary Instructional Technology Specialist
Panel: “Session 3: “Suite”n Up Your Habitat”
Bio: I grew up in Philadelphia, PA and graduated from Central High School. I received my undergraduate degree from the University of North Dakota and my Masters degree from Holy Family University. I have 11 years of classroom experience, primarily in middle school, in social studies and technology instruction. I also served in the role of a campus media specialist and am currently the Secondary Instructional Technology Specialist for NCISD. I am passionate about working with teachers in their endeavors to transform their classrooms using technology in a meaningful way to enhance the student learning experience. New Caney ISD is a 1:1 district with Chromebooks and using Canvas as our LMS platform. Our department works with teachers, media specialists, and the curriculum team to facilitate best practices using Canvas.
Connect:
Robert Sims
Pearland ISD, Educational Technology Specialist
Panels: “Create Constructive Cultures and Impact the World”; “Curriculum and Technology: A Balancing Act”
Bio: Love Technology, Love SEC Football, Lifelong Learner, Recovering Music Educator, “Once you’re through improving, you’re through!”
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Adrienne Smith
Pearland ISD, Educational Technology Specialist
Panel: “Session 3: GenZ: The Voice-First Generation;” “Session 4: What Do You Meme in a GIF”
Bio: EdTechie who believes technology is the bridge linking students, teachers, & learning together in an engaging, effective, & impactful way.
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Tracy Washington
Pearland ISD, Educational Technology Specialist
Panel: “Session 1: Robotics: Terminator or Big Hero 6”
Bio: Tracy Washington is an Educational Technology Specialist for Robert Turner College and Career High School. Prior to a career in education, Tracy served as an IT Business Analyst for one of the nation’s premier real estate investment trusts. She began her educational career in 2009 when she joined Pearland’s Technology Department. In 2013, she transitioned into teaching the IT Pathway at Robert Turner College and Career High School where she earned New Teacher of the Year 2013-2014. In 2017, she left the classroom and returned to Pearland’s Technology Department to work as an Educational Technology Specialist where she helps empower and equip teachers and students by integrating technology into the curriculum. Tracy holds a Trades and Industry Teacher Certification in Computer Maintenance as well as several CompTIA Certifications including IT Fundamentals, A+, Net+, and Certified Technical Trainer (CTT+). In 2019, Tracy will complete an advanced degree program at the University of Houston Clearlake with a Master of Educational Management. In her spare time, Tracy is a mother of two adult sons (Brandon and Blake), and a grandmother of three grandchildren (Payton, Kaled, and Legend). She has a fur baby named Sassy, a tuxedo cat she rescued from the shelter, and a grand fur baby named Tyson, a Bengal cat.
Connect:
George Williams
Tomball ISD, Instructional Technology Specialist
Panel: “Session 3: GenZ: The Voice-First Generation”
Bio: George has been an ITS for 3 years in Tomball ISD. He loves to chat about future tech including the use of AR, VR, and AI in the classroom setting.
Connect:
Dr. Melissa Williams-Scott
Dickinson ISD, Executive Director of Information Systems
Panel: “Session 2: Ethics in the Digital Age; Session 3: “Build Peaks – Don’t Fix Potholes”
Bio: Dr. Melissa Williams-Scott has been in public education for 25 years, the last 18 in Dickinson ISD. She has served in a variety of rolls: paraprofessional for special education, teacher of special education students, high school assistant principal, elementary principal and currently serves as the Executive Director of Information Systems for Dickinson ISD. She believes it is important to balance effective instructional strategies involving teacher/student interaction with engaging and innovative instructional technology in order to develop lifelong learners. When not focusing on technology in instruction Melissa spends as little time as possible with technology and as much time as possible outdoors.
Connect:
Dr. Dawn Wilson
Houston Baptist University, Professor, Instructional Technology
Panel: “Session 1: l-ISTE-n Up: We’ve Got High Standards;” “Session 2: The TEK-FILES”
Bio: Dr. Wilson has taught 16 years in middle school, and 17 years at Houston Baptist University in the area of instructional technology.
Connect:
Becky Zalesnik
Sheldon ISD, Director of Innovative Programs
Panel: “Session 1: Robotics: Terminator or Big Hero 6;”
Bio: I have been in my district for 29 years and I still love coming to work each day to work with students and teachers to help create 21st century learning environments. I have been a technology teacher, coach, AP, principal, digital learning coordinator and now Director of Innovative Programs. My main focus in my district at this time is the implementation of a district-wide, PreK-12th grade STEM Program. I believe that integrating soft skills and technology into the curriculum daily, along with project-based learning, will help prepare our students for the workforce of tomorrow.
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