Harness the Power of Esports

For over 14 years, Deana has been dedicated to revolutionizing education through innovative learning spaces. With a passion for empowering students of all abilities, she has designed engaging, future-forward environments where students can thrive. Her approach incorporates technology as a means to unlock creativity and inspired students to pursue the fields of 3D design, game design, and esports. As the head coach of the Matawan Regional Esports program and a valuable member of the Garden State Esports League, Deana not only leads by example but also empowers her peers to push boundaries and excel in their respective roles.

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As a former educator of 14.5 years, I was able to build a computer science path and an esports program within my urban high school. I taught AP Computer Science, and saw the importance of college level courses in high schools for student success. Then I found my new role at Harrisburg University as the Director of Secondary Services, where I get to continue advocating for dual enrollment and college in the high school opportunities for students. I also assist in STEM learning programs and workforce development for high school teens.

I spent my first several years in education teaching chemistry and computer science. I am now an STEM Services Coordinator at Chester County Intermediate Unit in Pennsylvania, where I focus on STEM, Science, Computer Science, Esports, and Tech Integration. I love to travel and present at conferences! My favorite conference to attend is ISTE and I had the privilege of presenting in 2018, 2019, and 2020. In 2022, I had the opportunity to speak on ISTE MainStage about esports. Outside of school, I teach taekwondo, collect laptop stickers, and hang out with my dogs and husband.

Doug is a passionate educator, designer, writer, speaker, and leader. He currently serves as the Senior Manager of Education Impact at CDW Education. Doug focuses on acting as a connecting point between people, ideas, and solutions. He has worked with some of the largest districts in the country on their deployment of devices, instructional technology, strategic planning, STEM/makerspace, and esports programs. On his education journey, he has served in both urban and suburban school districts as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, school district administrator, and state education organization leader. He hosts a podcast and series on YouTube called Focus on EDU.

Brian Merrill is a Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE) and a Microsoft Certified trainer (MCT). He is currently the Educational Technology Analyst for one of the largest school districts in Pennsylvania. In that role he serves as the global administrator of the district’s Microsoft 365 environment, managing Microsoft Teams and SharePoint, and training faculty and staff on new technologies and systems. Brian is also adjunct faculty at the University of Harrisburg of Science and Technology, where he teaches courses in the Learning Technology and Media Studies program. Brian is a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert and a member of the Minecraft for Education Advisory Board.

Local kid helping his community do loco things.

Karen Ruggles is an associate professor of computer science and has been teaching at the undergraduate level for 10 years with focus in the digital arts (3D Animation, Virtual Production, 3D printing, design). Karen has also served DeSales University as the Varsity Esports Program Director for the past 5 years where the students compete in OW2, LoL, and VAL. Karen is an advisory board member for the Riot Scholastic Association of America (RSAA) for the past 2 years.

Junior at Barnegat High School, Caster for the Barnegat Bengals team, Garden State Esports' caster for all things rocket league. Pursuing a career in Cybersecurity but casting is my passion.

Ben is the Assistant Director of Technology at the Lincoln Intermediate Unit, a service agency in Pennsylvania. Ben has engaged in professional development across the globe in his consultancy, EdTechInnovators. He is a former ISTE Board of Directors member and was the Regional Program Chair for the 2019 ISTE Conference in Philadelphia. Ben is the President of PAECT, the PA ISTE Affiliate. He is an ISTE Certified Educator and delivers the ISTE Certification as his organization is a provider (CAP).