Your CSTA Team
Your CSTA team is a passionate group with experience that spans the education sector and association world. Our goal is to continue to grow the CS community to ensure every educator has a home.
Jake Baskin
Executive Director
Jake is the Executive Director of the Computer Science Teachers Association, the world’s leading association for K-12 computer science teachers.
He is a former high school computer science teacher, department chair, and professional development provider with the Chicago Public Schools. As a teacher, he focused on increasing access to computing for underrepresented groups and more than doubled female enrollment in introductory computer science classes.
Prior to joining CSTA, he was Director of State Government Affairs for Code.org, where he worked with educators and policymakers to advocate for policies that expand access to high-quality computer science education with state departments of education and governor’s offices across the country. In his work at Code.org, he helped to build a nationwide network of more than 40 regional partners that worked with over 100 school districts in the U.S. to implement comprehensive computer science programs and provide professional learning for teachers.
Jake is also a poet and has published two books of poetry.
LiYana Baker
Office Manager
Yana is CSTA's Office Manager and brings over 10 years of school operations experience to her role. She is a strong believer in A1 customer service. Yana has a degree in Communications from Chicago State University.
Outside of work, Yana loves to watch football and spend time with family and friends. She is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Dr. DaQuan Bashir
Professional Learning Manager
As a Professional Learning Manager, Dr. Bashir will be working with Equity Fellows (EF), the Professional Learning Series (PLS), online professional development, and coordinating CS teacher-mentor relationships for CSTA.
While joining CSTA, Dr. Bashir will also be working to increase CS learning experience for students through his work with the Microsoft Philanthropies TEALS Program. In his own right, Dr. Bashir is a seasoned Mathematics and CS educator working for a number of school and non-profit organizations throughout the New Jersey-New York-Pennsylvania tri-state area.
In his free time, he enjoys going for runs, playing video games, watching anime, and spending time with family.
Dr. Amanda Bell
Project Manager, E_CSPD_Wk
Amanda is the project manager for Expanded Computer Science Professional Development Week, a grant from the US Department of Education that supports teacher-driven PD events for K-12 CS teachers. She brings experience in both computer science and education research. One of Amanda’s first jobs involved teaching dance classes, and this work inspired her passion for education. After earning her undergraduate degree in Computer Science from Tufts University, Amanda engaged in research on mathematics and computer science education while working on her PhD in Learning, Teaching, and Diversity at Vanderbilt University.
Outside of work, Amanda loves dancing, especially tap and ballet, knitting, baking, and animals.
Jason Bohrer
Chapter Relations Lead
Jason is responsible for the growth, success, and management of the more than 95 local CSTA chapters across the United States and abroad. He believes wholeheartedly that regional chapters are at the core of CSTA's mission and is excited to support these chapters with leadership and quality programming for chapter members.
Prior to joining CSTA, Jason taught CS and English in the Northern California foothills for more than a dozen years. Before his career in education, he served in the United States Marine Corps for nearly a decade. As an educator, he helped develop a CS pathway in a Title I district that hadn't previously offered CS courses. He emphasized closing the gender gap and engaging more female students in CS coursework, and in 2018, his work garnered the College Board AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award. Passionate about CS education, Jason strives to empower teachers, schools, and districts in bringing the myriad of wonderfully developed curricula to life and to inspire teachers with how the design of computing and computational thinking can be part of every classroom.
Outside of work, Jason is an avid sports fan, relishes opportunities to travel, loves to cook, and can often be found watching original content on any of several online streaming services.
Michelle (Lippoli) Burton, CMP
Director of Program Operations
Michelle oversees the event and membership programs for CSTA. Her work has focused on associations, events, and communities across various non-profits for the last nine years. She has managed events in scope from 10 to 10,000 attendees and earned her CMP in 2017. Michelle is passionate about community-focused programs and believes that amazing things can happen when people come together.
When out of the office, Michelle can be found reading a good book or singing along to her favorite musicals.
Larae Butcher
Project Manager, CSforEL
Larae is the Project Manager at CSTA for Computer Science for English Learners (CSforEL), a project that aims to improve the skills of Computer Science (CS) teachers so that they can recruit and retain more English Learners (ELs), as well as facilitate rigorous, engaging computer science instruction for ELs. With the CSTA team and partners, she is committed to helping teachers and school administrators close the computer science access and achievement gap for EL students.
Larae has worked as a teacher, literacy coach, assistant principal, grant coordinator, and adjunct professor before joining CSTA. She has an undergraduate degree in English, a graduate degree in business administration, and a postgraduate degree in educational leadership. Her passions include teaching and learning, professional development for teachers, and all things related to technology!
She enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, watching movies, and doing yoga in her spare time!
Kimberly Cruz
Membership Services Specialist
Kimberly is the Member Services Specialist for CSTA. She developed a decade-long career in the hospitality industry with most of her time spent at The Walt Disney World Resort. Kimberly has extensive experience with guest and member correspondence for Walt Disney World and Disney Vacation Club, as well as a passion for providing excellent service and helping others. She is excited to bring her correspondence and project management skills to CSTA, where she will serve as the awards liaison and manage member relations needs. Kimberly would like to thank all of her teachers who helped shape the woman she is today.
In her free time, Kimberly enjoys spending time with her two dogs.
Shaina Glass
Senior Professional Learning Manager
Shaina develops, supports, and facilitates programs and professional learning experiences for computer science educators, CSTA members, and chapter leaders. She manages the student and teacher standards, creates professional learning opportunities, develops local chapter leadership, and oversees fellowships.
Prior to joining CSTA, Shaina has been in education for the last 16 years, educating students and teachers alike. As Technology Applications/STEM Program Director, she worked to expand equitable access to STEM and computer science instruction to all over 65,000 school students. She led, supported, and implemented technology applications and STEM programs, instruction, and events for students PK- 12th grade in Aldine ISD. She also serves as a member of the Texas Computer Science Advocacy Coalition, the president of CSTA Greater Houston, as well as a writer for the CSTA K-12 CS Standards, and Texas’ K-8 Technology Applications standards.
In her free time, she enjoys yoga, painting, cooking, and spending time with her family.
Vechhany Hou
Philanthropy and Grants Coordinator
Vechhany is the CSTA’s Philanthropy and Grants coordinator. She has an undergraduate degree from Fresno State University. Much of her work has been in the nonprofit field and education. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her dog, traveling to scenic places, and trying out new recipes.
Stacy Jeziorowski
Marketing and Communications Lead
Stacy has more than 10 years of experience in marketing and communications. She’s worked in association management for the past seven years, leading rebranding and digital transformation initiatives. Stacy holds an undergraduate degree in Communications and English from DePaul University. She was honored as one of Digital Megaphone’s 2019 Top Women in Digital Marketing.
Stacy is a distance runner and a pace leader for Chicago Endurance Sports. She’s run six marathons and is always looking for the next unusual race to put on her calendar.
Vanessa K. Jones
Professional Learning Manager
Vanessa was a 2021-2022 CSTA Equity Fellow and will now support and manage the Equity Fellow Alumni Network. Vanessa will also develop and support a series of equity-focused online PD courses that positively impact teacher practice in computer science.
Prior to joining CSTA, she was a Technology Design Coach for the Austin Independent School District in Austin, TX, where she worked at the district level helping to implement and facilitate blended and personalized technology integrated learning experiences. She is a facilitator for Code.org's CS Fundamentals and CS Discoveries programs and has trained hundreds of teachers in the basics of computer science. Vanessa is an online facilitator and course designer for the University of Texas at Austin -Expanding Pathways in Computing (EPIC) and has helped redesign the course Strategies for Effective and Inclusive Computer Science Teaching. Vanessa was a CS for All Teachers Ambassador and co-facilitated a CS equity and access group. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, earned her master’s degree from North Texas University, and has taught in grades 3–6.
In her free time, she loves to spend time with her fur children Simba Marley and Marlo-Jaxson Jones. She loves to cruise around the world experiencing different cultures and foods.
Kenz Mangan
Digital Marketing and Communications Intern
Kenz is part of the Program Operations team at CSTA, in the role of digital marketing and communications intern. She received a BFA in theatre arts from DePaul University and taught theatre to a variety of age groups before shifting focus to digital communications. Kenz grew up as a military brat and has lived around the world. She credits amazing teachers and a diverse education with keeping her grounded throughout her moves to different countries. As a proponent of collaborative storytelling, she believes we are stronger together and works to bring in a variety of voices.
In her free time, you can find her crocheting, reading or getting lost in museum exhibits.
Jennifer Manly
Membership Experience Manager
Jen supports CSTA members as the Membership Experience Manager. She is proud to be a computer science teacher and excited to support CS teachers in connecting with the community that CSTA offers.
Prior to joining the CSTA team, she taught computer science at the middle, high school, and college levels, developed curriculum both locally and nationally and facilitated professional development opportunities for teachers, including regularly presenting at the CSTA Conference. She is a co-author of the Agile Educator Guide and a former CSTA Teaching Excellence Honorable Mention. Jen is passionate about expanding access to high-quality, project-based computer science education for all students, and is an advocate for differentiated instruction that centers students as leaders in the classroom.
In her free time, Jen is an avid sports fan, cheering for the Baltimore Orioles and the Georgia Bulldogs.
Jordan Myers
Senior Event Coordinator
Jordan is a Senior Event Coordinator for CSTA. She received her degree in Tourism and Event Management from George Mason University and started pursuing her passion for event management at the Walt Disney World Resort. During this time, her love and dedication for helping others was ignited. She is looking forward to using her skills as part of a team that is working to create fair and equitable education for all.
During her free time, Jordan enjoys exploring local gems in Orlando, adding to her “To Be Read” list, and cleaning out the toys her Siamese cat, Molly, kicks under the couch.
During her free time, Jordan enjoys exploring local gems in Orlando, adding to her “To Be Read” list, and cleaning out the toys her Siamese cat, Molly, kicks under the couch.
Daniel Rosenstein
Philanthropy Lead
Daniel is the CSTA Philanthropy Lead for CSTA member and chapter programs in tandem with the Annual Conference. He brings 7+ years of experience in fundraising, education, and consulting. His strategic and influential leadership helps chart the course for CSTA’s future sustainability through the transformation of microcosm ideas to real wins. Daniel is actionable, influential, personable and driven to lead by the needs in the community firsthand. His philanthropic interests emerged early on as a high-school student and credits his exceptional learning moments to his motivation to help CSTA thrive.Outside of the daily grind, Daniel dedicates his time to elevating diverse voices community-wide through his leadership as a Director on the Young Leadership Division Board, an Associate Board member of Alain Locke Charter School, and a coach for One Million Degrees Community College Scholars. A Chicagoland native, he loves trotting the globe, cooking and testing new meals from scratch, defying the next challenging yoga position, and spending as much time outside in the sunshine (especially in California) enjoying the bike trails.
Katie Snyder
Grants Administrator
Katie is the Grants Administrator for CSTA. She manages pre-award and post-award activities for the team ensuring compliance, policies, and procedures are followed in relation to all research. She earned her undergraduate degree in history, spent a year as a literacy tutor with AmeriCorps, and obtained a graduate degree in higher education from the University of Florida. Most of Katie’s career has been as a research administrator in higher education and she is glad to bring both her education and grants background to the nonprofit sector.
When not at work, you can find Katie with her nose in a book, walking her dog Ollie, or binge-watching a KDrama on Netflix.
Bryan "BT" Twarek
Director of Education
BT develops programs to improve the teaching and learning of K-12 computer science. He manages the student and teacher standards, creates professional learning opportunities, develops local chapter leadership, oversees awards and fellowships, and directs research projects.
Prior to joining CSTA, BT was a teacher and administrator in San Francisco. As Computer Science Supervisor for SFUSD, he worked to expand equitable access to creative, rigorous, and relevant computer science instruction to all San Francisco public school students. He managed the policy, curriculum, professional development, and research that expanded annual CS participation from 700 mostly white and Asian male students in 2014, to over 25,000 students with participation that mirrors overall enrollment in 2019. He was also the school district representative on the CSTA Board of Directors and a team lead and writer for the K-12 CS Framework, the CSTA K-12 CS Standards, and California’s K-12 CS standards.
In his free time, he enjoys traveling, hiking, photography, and people watching.
Dana Weingartner
Event Manager
Dana is the Event Manager for CSTA. With a background in event and volunteer management, she has experience coordinating both large and small-scale events in the for-profit and non-profit space. She holds a graduate certificate in Non-Profit Leadership from the University of Denver. Dana is passionate about community building and loves being able to support the people who love helping others!
Outside of work, you can find her watching professional wrestling, hanging out with her cat and dog, and enjoying the plethora of themed entertainment that Orlando has to offer.
Outside of work, you can find her watching professional wrestling, hanging out with her cat and dog, and enjoying the plethora of themed entertainment that Orlando has to offer.
Regional Chapter Support Coordinators
Ruth Farmery
Regional Chapter Support Coordinator, Northeast
Ruth is the Regional Chapter Support Coordinator for the Northeast, supporting CSTA chapters in New England, Pennsylvania, and New York, and is a chapter leader of CSTA Greater Boston. Outside of CSTA, Ruth is Director of K-12 Computer Science and a 7-12 Science Coordinator at a charter school in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Ruth is dedicated to computer science for all and providing authentic learning opportunities within and beyond the CS curriculum. Ruth moved to the U.S. from the UK in 2014, and outside of work enjoys travel, reading crime fiction, cooking & playing video games.
Sean Glantz
Regional Chapter Support Coordinator, West
Sean supports CSTA chapters throughout the western region and serves on the leadership team for CSTA Sacramento. In addition to his work with CSTA, Sean teaches computer science and Career & Technical Education (CTE) in Davis, California, manages the DV Makerspace, and serves as the advisor for his high school’s CS Honor Society Chapter and Girls Who Code Club. Sean is also a facilitator for Code.org’s AP Computer Science Principles curriculum, a fellow with Project Invent, and a Certified Agile Leader in K-12 education. Before becoming an educator, Sean worked as a Botanist for the US Forest Service in the Lake Tahoe Basin and throughout the Sierra Nevada.
Outside of work, Sean can be found shreddin’ the slopes in Tahoe, hiking trails with his schnauzer, or practicing patience and humility on the golf course."
Yolanda Payne
Regional Chapter Support Coordinator, South
Yolanda Payne has been in love with computers since her parents bought a Tandy computer from Radio Shack. With over 20 years of education experience ranging from Pre-K to college, Yolanda hopes that her love of learning, curiosity, and adding adventure to everyday life are elements of the legacy she is building in the CS education field. Currently a Constellations fellow at Georgia Tech, she assists teachers with implementing advanced CS courses in high schools. As a chapter leader with CSTA Georgia, working with the Dream Team helps keep her engaged in and advocating for teachers in the classroom. In her spare time, she loves creating fun memories on a budget with her two sons.
Ciara Pervall
Regional Chapter Support Coordinator, East
Ciara Pervall is an educator and she began as a career switcher in 2015. She started as a substitute teacher, then went on to teach Career & Technical Education for five years, and is presently a Work-Based Learning Coordinator for Chesapeake Public Schools. She has also worked for companies such as CodeVA, William & Mary’s Center for Gifted Education, and has taught robotics for a district-wide Cybersecurity camp in partnership with Old Dominion University. Ciara currently serves as the President of CSTA Tidewater, Virginia and is also the first CodeVA board member to serve as representation for all active classroom teachers.
In her free time, she loves traveling, volunteering, and spending time with her family, friends and her pup, Chino.
Henry Ramirez
Regional Chapter Support Coordinator, Central
Henry retired from teaching on Sept. 21, 2021. He retired with 30 years in education (9 years as a Bilingual/ESL teacher, 17 years as an Instructional Technology Specialist, and 4 years as an MS CS teacher). Upon getting asked to consider this position, he jumped at the opportunity to continue pursuing his commitment to CS for kids. Serving the Central Region chapters will allow him to provide support and assistance wherever needed. He's really looking forward to getting to know/helping his chapter leaders and members.
When not helping his chapters, Henry is a soccer nerd (assignor & referee) in NE Houston, a movie/music fan, a proud dad to his son and daughter... both currently in Dallas, and he chases his Dutch Shepherd mix, Beth, around the neighborhood.