Sheila Bowman, Weld RE4 School District – President

Sheila serves as a district-level Instructional Technology Specialist at the Weld RE-4 School District in Windsor, Colorado. After several years of elementary classroom experience, the draw to harness the power of technology and design thinking to engage and inspire students led her to seek a position where she champions educator excellence and creativity and empowered learning for students. Sheila holds a B.S. in Human Development/Family Studies, a minor in Early Childhood Education, and a Master’s of Science in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies.

Sheila has presented at ISTE, InnEdCO and Colorado Association of Libraries around Professional Development, Visionary Leadership, and Instructional Technology Pedagogy, and serves as a guest lecturer for pre-service teacher courses at the University of Northern Colorado. Sheila’s focus is on supporting educators and Learning Coaches, and developing fresh and relevant professional growth experiences for educators, administrators and their students at Weld RE-4. She is a happy wife and proud mom of three amazing young adults, and enjoys long walks and hikes, sunset paddleboarding and an occasional lazy day on any beach.

Email: sbowman@innedco.org. Follow on Twitter: @techimomma

Brandon Petersen, Cherry Creek School District – Vice President

Brandon is an admitted geek, pop culture junkie, and fan of learning all things techie. When Brandon gets the time he loves to see new movies, hang with friends, learn new things from colleagues, swim, and play games. Brandon currently serves as a Third Grade Teacher at Altitude Elementary for the Cherry Creek School District.

Brandon, as well, is co-founder, with Penny Potts, of #COllapporative – an educational network which provides free, year-round professional development opportunities focused on best practices for integrating digital tools into classrooms. Brandon has worked as a Learning Consultant for Microsoft in Education, a Field Support Specialist for Denver Public Schools, and a Teacher and Course Developer for Douglas County School District.

Over the past year, Brandon has developed a huge appreciation for Computer Science and the power it plays in a lot of jobs in our world. Brandon enjoys exploring that world and figuring out how to best prepare everyone for the skills needed to fill careers within Computer Science.

Email: bpetersen@innedco.org. Follow on Twitter: @denpetersen

Mia Williams, Program Coordinator, Learning Design and Technology at the Univeristy of Wyoming – Treasurer

Listed as one of the nation’s 50 top technologists, transformers, and trailblazers, Mia has served as secretary on the ISTE Board and has coordinated the University of Northern Colorado’s (UNCO) Educational Technology and Technology, Innovation and Pedagogy programs for the past 4 years, and also coordinated its EdD in Educational Studies program.

Mia looks forward to building partnerships between InnEdCO and higher education institutions throughout the state with the goals of disseminating and inspiring innovative practices, engaging in-service and pre-service teachers, and creating year-round learning opportunities for Colorado’s education community.

Email: mwilliams@innedco.org. Follow on Twitter: @mktechteach

Liz Walhof, Academy School District #20 – Secretary

Liz comes to the InnEdCO board with a background as a secondary teacher, ed tech specialist, professional developer, director of IT and PD, and now as an Assistant Principal at Air Academy High School in Academy School District 20 (Colorado Springs). An 20-year veteran of public education, Liz has also presented across the country on using innovative technology tools to encourage students and staff to passionately engage in lifelong learning.

Liz is a member of the Colorado Association of Leaders in Educational Technology (CALET), the Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE), and the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN).

Email: ewalhof@innedco.org. Follow on Twitter: @ejwalhof

Linda Horne, Tech Coach D27-J (Brighton) – Board Member

Linda has a passion for helping and supporting teachers. She is currently a Digital Learning Coach for the Brighton 27J school district. She serves two schools, Overland Trail Middle School and Brighton High School. As a Digital Learning Coach, she works with the teachers to help create digital learning experiences that engage students as well as provides PD for the teachers both in her schools and across the district. Linda has held many different positions in her 15 years in education including elementary teacher, middle school science and technology teacher, Professional Development Coach, ELD Coordinator, GT Coordinator, and Director of Educational Technology. She is a Google for Education Certified Trainer, Raspberry Pi certified, a Pear Deck coach, and was part of the first cohort to become ISTE certified educators. This will be her fourth year on the InnEdCO Board of Directors. She has also served on the executive board for the ISTE Digital Storytelling Network, and was a facilitator for the Code.org Discoveries program. Linda loves to learn new things and share her learning with others.

Email: lhorne@innedco.org. Follow on Twitter: @lindaphorne

Christine Funk, Douglas County Schools- Board Member

After teaching high-school kids science for 20+ years, Chris moved to a district level position working with teachers to develop a broader understanding of high-quality assessment practices before settling in as an administrator at a middle school in Douglas County Schools. Throughout this time, technology integration and innovative practices have been integral to her classroom, engaging learners on a personal level and connecting learning in new ways. In 2005, Chris earned a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. She has presented at a variety of conferences, locally and nationally, on technology, science, and assessment.

Chris loves “living on the farm” with her family, 3 pups, 2 llamas, and assorted chickens, rabbits, and deer. She has fun visiting new places, is an avid reader, and enjoys spending time in the mountains and under the Colorado sun. She is looking forward to learning and growing as a member of the InnEdCO Board.

Email: cfunk@innedco.org. Follow on Twitter: @cmfunk

Mattea Garcia, Schoology Product Manager for Denver Public Schools – Board Member

Driven by the pursuit of educational equity, Mattea began her education career as a math teacher, graduating from Michigan State University after a student teaching internship in Chicago Public Schools. After moving to the Denver area, she has taught math at various grade levels, from 8th grade math to AP Calculus. While teaching, she discovered her passion for leveraging technology to enhance student learning and promote equitable outcomes, especially for students from traditionally underserved populations. In 2015, she obtained her Master’s Degree in K-12 Instructional Technology, receiving the Outstanding Graduate Award. Mattea has also spent much of her career supporting professional learning and technology-enhanced instruction. In her current role, Mattea serves as a Schoology Product Manager for Denver Public Schools, ensuring schools have supportive systems that accelerate innovation and provide meaningful communication and collaboration opportunities across school communities. In addition to her work in DPS, she assists with courses at the University of Colorado Denver focused on instructional design and digital teaching and learning.

Email: mgarcia@innedco.org. Follow on Twitter: @MatteaGarcia

Jennifer Frost, Executive Assistant for the InnEdCO Board of Directors

Jennifer Frost is one of the newest additions to the InnEdCO team and is excited about her new role as Executive Assistant. Prior to her role with InnEdCO, she was the Athletics Secretary/Administrative Assistant to the Athletic Director at Castle View High School for 6 years.

A Colorado native, Jennifer was born in La Junta, CO and attended Rocky Ford High School home of the Meloneers! After high school Jennifer obtained her Business Administration degree through Adams State University while managing a Verizon Wireless retail store. In her free time Jennifer enjoys baking and family time with her three young children and husband.

Email: jfrost@innedco.org.

Kay Davidson, Chemistry Teacher & 1:WEB TOSA at Broomfield High School – Board Member

Kay is currently a chemistry teacher and 1:WEB TOSA at Broomfield High School. She also works as a cross country coach at the high school.

One of her proudest accomplishments at Broomfield High School was setting up a Genius Bar made up of a dedicated student-run tech team who repair school-issued Chromebooks, assist teachers with technology questions, and support classmates with technical issues. She is responsible for Chromebook distribution and management in addition to being a science and technology nerd.

A transplant from Chicago, Kay lives in downtown Denver with her husband, Jim, who is also a teacher and soccer coach at Broomfield. She is also a dog mom to Dodger and Marty. Kay is an avid marathon runner having completed the Boston, Chicago and New York marathons to name a few.

Email: kdavidson@innedco.org. Follow on Twitter @kpmdavidson

Sarah Weeks, Impact and Education Director for OtterCares Foundation – Board Member

Sarah S. Weeks is a lifelong learner and advocate for reimagining education systems. Her most recent public school teaching experience was eight years as the K-5 Media Technology and STEM specialist at Lopez Elementary in Poudre School District. She currently spearheads philanthropic and entrepreneurial education programs as the Impact and Education Director for OtterCares Foundation. A professionally licensed Colorado teacher, Sarah is passionate about coaching and collaborating with teachers, parents, industry leaders and nonprofit partners to identify ways of bringing innovative education to life, with the goal of preparing students for our ever changing workforce needs and instilling within them a desire to create value for our world.

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Computer Information Systems from the Indiana Kelley School of Business. After a brief stint as a consultant and software trainer in Chicago, she earned a Master of Science in Elementary Education from the Indiana University School of Education before moving to Colorado 15 years ago. Since then she’s been a classroom teacher, horsemanship program director, outdoor education facilitator, teen programs director, PSIA kids ski instructor, and now a professional philanthropist and edtech advocate. Although, she’ll tell you her favorite role is that of “Aunt Sarah” to her nephews and niece! In her home life, Sarah has a home with her husband, dogs and chickens, where they garden, read, practice yoga and enjoy outdoor activities in the foothills of Northwest Fort Collins.

Email: sweeks@innedco.org. Follow on Twitter @sarahs_weeks

Kelley Stone, Instructional Technology Specialist for Widefield School District 3 – Board Member

Kelley Stone is the Instructional Technology Specialist for Widefield School District 3 in southern Colorado Springs. She has served in this position for the past 3 years. She is the co-creator of Coding in Action, coordinates Robotics and Coding competitions, and supports intentional educational technology integration into classrooms in the district. She has been a key player in developing professional development to support a blended and online learning environment. Furthermore, she has served on committees to support the development of an innovative culture in her district. Kelley has a passion for preparing students for a future that is unknown and encourages opportunities for students to engage in problem-solving through creativity, trial and error, and critical thinking. Kelley has a B.A. in Business Administration, a M.Ed in Educational Leadership: Policy Studies, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership with a focus on Educational Technology. Kelley has presented at InnEdCo, Rock CS, and EdTechTeam on the Coding in Action competition and how to engage elementary students in computer science.

Email: kstone@innedco.org. Follow on Twitter

Tara Laughlin, Competency-Based Learning Specialist for Denver Public Schools – Board Member

Tara Laughlin is a mom, educator, dog lover, live music enthusiast, road tripper, and craft beer connoisseur. She currently serves as Competency-Based Learning Specialist for Denver Public Schools, working with schools to drive CBL implementation across the district. Prior to joining DPS, Tara spent four years as Director of Curriculum and Training for a Denver startup, PAIRIN, developing personalized, competency-based curriculum and professional development focused on social-emotional and soft skills. Tara also spent a decade as an educator and teacher leader for school districts in Colorado and South Carolina.

In 2014, Tara earned an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Innovation, during which she researched and developed an instructional framework for the systematic integration of essential soft skills into the K12 classroom. Tara’s educational passion centers around helping youth and adults develop the skills needed to thrive in the future of education and work.

Email: taralaughlin84@gmail.com. Follow on Twitter @DrTaraLaughlin

Katie Gambardella, Elementary Teacher- Ryan Elementary STEAM School in Lafayette – Board Member

Katie Gambardella is a creative sherpa and an innovative technologist who strives to make the world of education better. Katie is an elementary teacher who is passionate about creating sustainable systems that allow for increased student outcomes. Katie focuses on inquiry based learning infused with authentic and meaningful learning opportunities for students to discover and nourish their passions. She strives to move education forward and reimagine learning environments for students and teachers.

Katie was the 2017 ISTE Making IT Happen award winner for the state of Colorado. She is Google Level 1 and Level 2 certified educator and has been a SMART Exemplary Educator. Katie has been a mentor for teachers in inquiry based learning, Project Based Learning and effective technology integration and has presented at ISTE and InnEdCO.

Katie is currently a 4th grade teacher at Ryan Elementary STEAM School in Lafayette. She has taught 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 6th grades in various school districts in Colorado. She has a MA from the University of Colorado Denver in Administrative Leadership and Policy Studies. In all her free time she enjoys paddleboarding, playing golf, traveling, hiking with her Golden Retriever Huckleberry, and visiting MLB parks around the country.

Email: kgambardella@innedco.org . Follow on Twitter @kgambie