CO ASCD School Spotlight

Dr. Bhaduri received a Dual Ph.D. in Computer Science and Cognitive Science. Her primary areas of interest include Child Computer Interaction, Maker Technologies, and Learning Sciences. She explores learning environments to support underserved children in their investigation of emerging technologies, particularly programmable sensor technology and 3D printing, in a personally meaningful way.

Noah Geisel serves as Micro-credentials Program Manager at the University of Colorado Boulder. He founded the annual Badge Summit Conference and his background is as a World Languages, EdTech and Digital Badges consultant and teacher passionate about helping educators and students make awesome happen. He has 19 years of experience teaching Spanish, English and Technology, and was recognized as the 2013 ACTFL National Language Teacher of the Year. He is a learner, sharer, traveler, and giver of high fives. Noah makes his own buttons, collects ViewMasters, and takes his dog dad duties to Pepper very seriously.

Dr. Melissa Gibson-Steiner is passionate about supporting all educators to educate every student. She is a district Special Programs Coordinator and has been an administrator, coach, and classroom teacher for over 20 years. As a results-oriented strategic leader, she collaboratively plans and designs effective programs and systems that make a difference. As a board member of CO ASCD, she strives to support all educators in their journey of educating their students.

Chad Lemons has 14 years experience as a music educator at both the secondary and elementary level. His dedication to music literacy has created a strong connection to using technology in meaningful and innovative ways to support student growth in literacy and composition. Through the joy of using technology in creative and innovative ways, Chad has made the move to teaching STEM beginning in the 2024-2025 school year. Mr. Lemons has been a strong advocate for inclusion in the music classroom, and inspired the development of inclusive music ensembles across the St. Vrain Valley Schools.

Jill Lewis is a passionate educator, consultant, and strategist of educational systems. Since 1996, she has worked throughout the United States and internationally teaching and developing professional learning for all areas of curriculum, data processes, and leadership PK-adult learning.

I have been an educator in the Lewis-Palmer School District for 22 years, teaching technology for the last ten years. In addition to being the technology teach, I was one of the pioneering staff members to our STEM program which we now call Innovation Day. We hold those on Fridays, and I am the lead teacher. On Innovation Day, students are given opportunities to solve design challenges and become more familiar with robotics.

Vicki has embraced STEM in her class for the last 20 years. The past 9 she has been a Technology/STEM teacher in Lewis-Palmer School District focusing her instruction on digital communication skills, coding, robotics, engineering and design, circuitry, and graphic design. She also heads up robotics clubs across various levels.

Kaitlynn Petter is an experienced English teacher at Sierra High School with a BA in English from the University of Kentucky and an MA in Curriculum and Instruction from UC Denver. Transitioning roles to a Building Instructional Coach and Freshman Seminar Lead, she focuses on integrating technology and AI to enhance educational experiences for both the teacher and the student. Her expertise includes curriculum development, instructional coaching, and educational technology. Passionate about fostering student growth and supporting educators, Petter is dedicated to creating inclusive, engaging learning environments.

Nick is an experienced school leader and a lifelong learner with a commitment to quality teaching, collaboration, creativity, and effective instructional methods. Nick has served as a classroom teacher in Language Arts and STEAM, a Digital Literacy Coach, and District Librarian for over two decades in his roles as an educator. In his professional experiences as a teacher, administrator, and project manager, he strives to provide his students with the skills they need to thrive both academically and personally. Nick is a huge advocate for freedom of information, Digital and Technology Literacy, and equity for all.

I began my professional career in the film industry and software sales. When I found my passion for education, I knew immediately that I wanted to connect my students to the world they would be entering. I was honored to be a part of the CS4All team in CPS. For the last decade, I have been an instructional innovation coach, educational consultant, and program manager for Thrively. Working with many districts across the nation has reminded me to push the boundaries of academics and connect students to real world situations while empowering them with asset based practices.

Rocky Mountain Robotics is a student-run FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Team. We specialize in building students who build robots.

Amanda speaks nationally about strategies to support military-connected students. Her national appearances include Congressional Testimony bringing challenges of military-connected students to light, MIC3 presentations, DoDEA and MCEC Professional Development, and five times US. Department of Education “Teach to Lead” Summit senior teacher mentor giving voice to teacher leaders throughout the US

Nancy currently serves as the Executive Director of CO ASCD. She has worked as a teacher, librarian, Learning & Innovation Specialist, and educational consultant in PreK-12 for over 30 years. She is passionate about helping teachers to become designers of learning, and helping them to create learning that is relevant, engaging, lasting, and that kids love.