2024 Elections
All Positions & Nominees are listed below.
You can read more about each nominee by scrolling to their name farther down the page.
Click here to vote in the election!
- Michelle Coots
- Drew Olsson
- Bhawna Verma
- Diana Lee Guzman
- Daniel Schneider
- Jessie McKinley
- Tara Menghini
- Laura Green
- Joseph Troxel
- Jaime Hansen
- Afsheen Hashim
- OPEN
- Abraham Delos Reyes
President Nominee(s)
Michelle Coots
Why I want to serve:
With a background in both teaching and instructional technology in Deer Valley USD, I'm passionate about equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in our digital world. As a Board member, I'd champion collaboration to build a stronger CS education community in Arizona. Additionally, I'm committed to connecting educators with high-quality professional development for impactful CS teaching.
Leadership skills:
As a district leader in computer science and educational technology, I actively participated in developing Arizona's K-12 CS and Educational Technology standards. My experience spans standards development, curriculum evaluation, content implementation, teacher training, and student assessment. Furthermore, I have a proven track record of planning and leading successful professional learning initiatives like 8 years of the Deer Valley Tech Fest and Arizona's 2024 CS Professional Development Week. Additionally, I've had the opportunity to engage with diverse stakeholders on the practical applications of Artificial Intelligence in education.
Previous experience:
For over a decade, I've been a dedicated advocate for computer science education in schools. From leading district-wide CS efforts to teaching high school technology to developing state guidance on AI in schools, I understand the challenges and successes in this field firsthand. In Deer Valley USD, we've partnered with Code.org, joined the CSforALL Accelerator program, and hosted the Arizona STEM/CS Symposium - all initiatives focused on expanding access to CS education.
Supporting equitable participation:
I firmly believe that all students deserve the opportunity to participate in computer science and develop computational thinking skills. Early exposure builds familiarity and confidence. In Deer Valley, we've implemented a CS progression from Pre-K through high school, recognizing that engaging with computer science is a lifelong learning journey. This experience allows me to bring a valuable perspective to promoting equitable access in CS education.
Drew Olsson
Why do you want to serve on the CSTA-Arizona Board and what do you hope to accomplish as a member of the Board?
I am excited about the opportunity to serve as the Board President for the CSTA-Arizona Chapter because I am passionate about transforming education through technology and ensuring equitable computer science education across the state. Over the past 11 years, I have led initiatives at the intersection of technology and education, including founding the district-wide AP Computer Science program at Agua Fria High School, the only Title 1 school in the district to do so, facilitating professional development for educators, and creating frameworks for effective AI integration. My work has always been about building systems that positively impact both teachers and students, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and a growth mindset.
As a member of the Board, my goal is to scale these efforts and establish Arizona as a leader in K-12 computer science education. I envision fostering partnerships between industry, the Department of Education, non-profits, and schools to build staff capacity in order to expose students to real-world technology applications. This would include but not be limited to robotics, cybersecurity, coding, as well as efforts to integrate CS into our traditional core subjects. Ultimately, I hope to contribute to systemic change—enhancing professional development for teachers, leveraging community partnerships, and ensuring that every student in Arizona has the opportunity to benefit from high-quality, equitable computer science education.
What leadership experiences and skills can you contribute to CSTA-Arizona and its Board?
I bring extensive leadership experience, including my current role as Technology Integration Coordinator for Agua Fria High School District. In this role, I supervise part of our IT department, lead district-wide AI integration, coordinate EdTech purchasing and training, and support programs that build technology literacy including Software & App Development, Cyber Security, Robotics, and our Digital Citizenship & AI literacy curriculum for our freshman, which I created. I have a proven track record of creating impactful initiatives, such as founding the district's AP Computer Science program as a teacher in 2017 and expanding it into a Software & App Development CTE pathway, which now includes two AP courses across three campuses. Recently, I partnered with the non-profit Coding in Color to bring a coding enrichment program to our other 2 schools without a full computer science program, ensuring every student in our district now has access to essential 21st-century skills. My skills in strategic planning, collaboration, and professional development align well with the Board’s mission to strengthen computer science education statewide.
What previous experience do you have with CSTA-Arizona or other computer science opportunities and organizations?
I have actively participated in the broader computer science education community, including attending the CSTA National Conference in 2017 and working with the Microsoft TEALS program to establish a computer science program at a Title 1 school. Through this partnership, we engaged industry professionals to enhance students' computer science education. My commitment to computer science education has also been recognized with the AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award in 2021, demonstrating my focus on inclusivity in the field.
What experiences and perspectives do you bring to supporting equitable participation in computing education?
Throughout my career, I have consistently worked to ensure that technology education is accessible to all students, regardless of their background. By founding student Technology Learning Communities at each school and growing a district-wide AP Computer Science program in both general and Title 1 schools, I have firsthand experience in promoting equitable access to computing education. I am deeply committed to increasing participation from underrepresented groups in technology. My work with AI integration will also pave the way for a new generation of CS students and professionals who will use generative AI tools to co-pilot innovative solutions to larger and larger problems. With the workforce demands for Cyber and AI, and innovations like quantum computing coming soon, it is time Arizona positions itself as a leader prepared to take on the challenges of 2034 and beyond.
Vice-President Nominee(s)
Bhawna Verma
Diana Lee Guzman
Why do you want to serve on the CSTA-Arizona Board and what do you hope to accomplish as a member of the Board?
I am deeply committed to ensuring that every student in Arizona has access to quality Computer Science (CS) education. As a computer scientist, I have firsthand experience of the transformative power of this education, which inspired me to leave corporate America as a software engineer and focus on expanding access to these skills and opportunities.
Through my nonprofit, I’ve established partnerships with Maricopa County Regional School District, Salt River Schools, Maricopa Juvenile Detention Facility, and Agua Fria High School District, and I’m now working to expand services to rural Arizona. These experiences have strengthened my belief in the need for a connected CS educator community and a collaborative effort toward supportive CS education policy.
If selected, I would aim to:
- Continue strengthening our CS educator community across Arizona by recruiting and engaging more educators, and
- Collaborate with public, private, and educational sectors to advance CS education policy, which is key to ensuring every student in Arizona has access to a CS education that prepares them for the future.
What leadership experiences and skills can you contribute to CSTA-Arizona and its Board?
As the leader of a nonprofit focused on expanding Computer Science education in Arizona, I’ve developed partnerships with districts such as Maricopa County Regional School District, Salt River Schools, Maricopa County Juvenile Detention Facility, and Agua Fria High School District, each focused on providing CS education where it currently does not exist. My experience working with diverse communities has given me insight into the varying needs across Arizona, particularly as I prepare to expand services to rural areas.
My experience in the tech industry also allows me to connect tech professionals with our events and programs, creating impactful learning experiences for students. This background fuels my commitment to ensuring that students have access to the same financial and career opportunities that have been available to me through computer science. I plan to leverage these relationships and my industry experience to support CSTA-Arizona’s goals and foster a stronger, more connected CS education ecosystem across the state.
What previous experience do you have with CSTA-Arizona or other computer science opportunities and organizations?
For several years, I managed my nonprofit alongside my full-time software engineering career, driven by a passion for CS education. I engaged with CSTA-Arizona in 2023, hosting a lunch session during CSPD Week to share the impactful work our nonprofit is doing, including establishing CS programs with several Arizona districts. I look forward to bringing this community-building experience to the CSTA-Arizona board.
What experiences and perspectives do you bring to supporting equitable participation in computing education?
Having attended Title I schools in Arizona, I understand the complex challenges surrounding equitable participation in CS education. These challenges include limited resources, cultural perceptions, and a lack of representation. My journey to becoming a computer scientist has given me insight into pipeline issues that can prevent students from pursuing or succeeding in CS fields.
This perspective allows me to empathize with students facing similar obstacles and design programs that address their unique needs at every stage of the educational journey.
Treasurer Nominee(s)
Daniel Schneider
Why do you want to serve on the CSTA-Arizona Board and what do you hope to accomplish as a member of the Board?
I want to support the Arizona CS Teacher community, especially new-to-CS teachers or teachers trying to grow their programs in their districts, and the CSTA-Arizona chapter can provide resources and support to do so. As treasurer, I want to ensure the chapter is well-positioned to apply for grants as a non-profit, to support regional events, and ensure we are ready and able to collaborate with other organizations who share our goals.
What leadership experiences and skills can you contribute to CSTA-Arizona and its Board?
I've been a CSTA-Arizona board member for almost a decade and have organized several successful events and partnerships in that capacity.
What previous experience do you have with CSTA-Arizona or other computer science opportunities and organizations?
I have been a CSTA-AZ board member for almost a decade; I was on the CSTA Conference committee for several years, I was an active member of our regional CS CTE organization, and I'm currently a curriculum developer with Code.org
What experiences and perspectives do you bring to supporting equitable participation in computing education?
I was a reviewer for the CSTA Equity fellowship for several years and, when I taught CS, my program received the College Board award for female participation in AP CS A. I've won the NCWIT Educator award and have had several students win the Aspirations award. I believe if we "let the cards fall where they may", we end up with a fundamentally unequitable and imbalanced perspective in our CS programs, often privileged by exposure and prior experience, and we have a responsibility to be intentional and proactive to balance these scales.
Secretary Nominee(s)
Jessie McKinley
Why do you want to serve on the CSTA-Arizona Board and what do you hope to accomplish as a member of the Board?
What leadership experiences and skills can you contribute to CSTA-Arizona and its Board?
What previous experience do you have with CSTA-Arizona or other computer science opportunities and organizations?
What experiences and perspectives do you bring to supporting equitable participation in computing education?
K-8 Director Nominee(s)
Tara Menghini
Why do you want to serve on the CSTA-Arizona Board and what do you hope to accomplish as a member of the Board?
I am passionate about Computer Science education and strive to continually innovate and provide the very best for my K-6 students. The fact that I am still actively working in the classroom gives me an active perspective about what students and teachers need. As a board member, I hope to bring teacher voice to the organization, and an advocate for students.
What leadership experiences and skills can you contribute to CSTA-Arizona and its Board?
I am a leader on my campus by staying active and educated about what is available in the Ed Tech space, and bringing this information and learning opportunities to all of the staff. I have offered leadership to our district by teaching professional development classes to K-12 teachers in the area of AI adoption and literacy. I serve on the Chandler Unified School District's AI steering committee and I served as a reviewer for the State of AZ AI in Education Guidance document that was published in May 2024.
What previous experience do you have with CSTA-Arizona or other computer science opportunities and organizations?
I do not have previous experience with CSTA-Arizona, but I have been a member of AZTea and spoke at their Fall 2023 conference, I am a member of ISTE and presented at ISTE Live 2024, both presentations being versions of my Design Thinking/Makerspace collaboration with physical computing and how I do projects with both for my elementary CS students.
What experiences and perspectives do you bring to supporting equitable participation in computing education?
I am passionate about all students having access to computer education. Even within my own district, the computer science education varies vastly from school to school and there is no real stadardization. I would love to change that and elevate it at all schools. It also troubles me that many districts do not have a CS graduation requirement or many options to take CS after middle school, where I feel it could really make a difference when considering a career in the field.
Laura Green
Why do you want to serve on the CSTA-Arizona Board and what do you hope to accomplish as a member of the Board?
I deeply believe in the power of computer science education to transform lives and prepare students for the future. Serving as a CSTA-Arizona Board member will provide me the opportunity to work together with members and further the commitment that all students have access to computer science education As a Board Member, I hope to support and grow a network for computer science, fostering collaboration, professional development, and resource sharing.
What leadership experiences and skills can you contribute to CSTA-Arizona and its Board?
I served as a board member on the ISTE EdLeaders PLN Network for several years. I also volunteered as a Regional Director for First Lego League in Cleveland, Ohio, Grant Coordinator on several grants, and worked as a technology coordinator for most of my career. It is through these experiences that I have developed strong communication, organizational and outreach skills, along with an enthusiasm and commitment to keep current on CS topics. My hope is to contribute these skills and experiences to the board in support of its mission.
What previous experience do you have with CSTA-Arizona or other computer science opportunities and organizations?
I have volunteered in a variety of capacities with the following organizations: ISTE (2017 to present), Ohio Technology Education Association (2008-2019), Ohio Education Technology Conference (2010-2018), and The Educational Computer Consortium of Ohio (1996-1998). I have also attended and presented at several conferences, including FETC, ISTE, OETC, and more. I have a post-graduate certificate in Computational Thinking from the University of Pennsylvania.
What experiences and perspectives do you bring to supporting equitable participation in computing education?
My career as a technology coordinator began in 1996, and almost immediately, I became very concerned about the digital divide. Throughout my career, I have continued to see firsthand the power computer science education has in transforming lives and preparing students for the future. It is through these experiences that I developed and remain committed to equitable access, exposure, and experience for all students in Computing Education.
Maricopa Region Co- Director Nominee(s)
Joseph Troxel
Why do you want to serve on the CSTA-Arizona Board and what do you hope to accomplish as member of the Board?
This is my third year as a CTE computer science teacher and I have finally gotten into a groove where I feel
that I can now take on more responsibility in helping bring computer science to more students. This year, I
have been doing outreach to middle and elementary schools to get the idea of computer science and STEM to
more female students and students who may not typically gravitate toward my program. I read somewhere
that when all students are required to take some type of CS class in elementary school (4th grade ish), more
girls chose CS as a pathway in high school and college. But, when CS is not required by the district in
elementary school, more boys than girls chose CS pathways, to about an 80/20 split between the sexes. I am
hoping to obtain a position on the local CSTA board so I can work with and get inspired by my local peers,
working together to do more than just I can alone. I hope to be able to help with monthly meetups, arrange
activities that center around bring more options to students for things like local Cyber Security clubs and Girls
Who Code clubs in schools, and I hope to become more involved in my local community by helping introduce
the benefits of CS pathways to people so they can make an educated choice when it comes time for their
children to start school.
What leadership experiences and skills can you contribute to CSTA-Arizona and its Board?
For the last 3 years, I have been one of the advisors for our local SkillsUSA chapter, which is about 110
members strong. Until this year, I was the only male advisor so that meant I had to be a chaperone on all trips
and all competitions, all year long and during the summer for nationals in Atlanta. For skills, I have had to
create advertising and marketing for our high school to promote not only SkillsUSA, but my other clubs such as
Table Tennis, CSHS and Girls Who code, as well as to promote our STEM program (CREST) to other schools
and communities with hype type videos of students doing what they do every day in class. I am also a
YouTuber with 3 monetized channels with about 60,000 subscribers combined. I have to plan, create and edit
videos weekly so I am very familiar with video and film editing. Also, since I teach computer networking (A+,
CCNA, CySA+, etc), I am often the hardware support person here in my department before we put the call into
the actual IT department for tech issues. I
What previous experience do you have with CSTA-Arizona or other computer science opportunities and organizations?
What experiences and perspectives do you bring to supporting equitable participation in computing education ?
My experience is from the industry and from education. I was a computer network engineer for 14 years,
working for companies like Lucent Technologies and Citibank. I understand how connecting networks works
and because of education, I understand how connecting people works. They are very similar. I am a firm
believer in “Computer Science for All”, in that CS is made available for everyone that wants to take it, no matter
where they have come from. My program gets the “best of the best” as far as applicants. We can only take 75
CS freshmen each year. We get hundreds of applications. There are some who are well qualified and of
course, I take them. But, I sometimes get applicants who say “I dont have the best grades, and I know I may
not be who you typically recruit, but I really want to learn about computers”. Those students are my favorite to
accept. By taking not only the people that qualify but the people that really want to make a change and make a
difference in their education, I am getting students that will have some equity in their CS path and who will be
working hard to give themselves options for when they graduate.
Jaime Hansen
Why do you want to serve on the CSTA-Arizona Board and what do you hope to accomplish as a member of the Board?
I would like to serve on the CSTA-Arizona Board as my true passion as an educator is to promote Computer Science and STEM Education across all grade levels, in my community and state. I would like to offer professional development opportunities to all areas of Phoenix, especially the north valley and surrounding north most areas. I want to be a part of continuing CSTA’s mission of promoting training and collaborative opportunities to educators to best meet the needs of their classroom, school and community. I believe that all students are able to succeed and my focus will be on supporting the foundations of Computer Science in Elementary K-8 Education to better meet the expectations of high school Computer Science standards.
What leadership experiences and skills can you contribute to CSTA-Arizona and its Board?
I am the current STEM Specialist at my school; which is a Cognia Designated STEM Academy in the north valley. I have completed many training sessions in both DVUSD, ISTE, as an ASAP (Arizona STEM Acceleration Project) recipient for the last two years and through CSTA. Recently, I received the ASTA Middle School Science Teacher of the Year for 2024.
I lead Professional Developments for my school and District including AI, robotics, and STEM Education. I have presented at AAGT; Arizona Association of the Gifted and Talented for 4 years as well. I lead our Professional Learning Community for STEM Education at our school which encompasses developing strategic goals, STEM Career Day and STEM Night events, and represent STEM and my school at District functions.
What previous experience do you have with CSTA-Arizona or other computer science opportunities and organizations?
I have been a part of CSTA for the past 3 years. I have worked alongside Jessie McKinley and have presented project proposals to the CSTA National Conference. I have lead the role of a Board Co-representative and am currently leading CSTA meetings in the north valley for educators.
What experiences and perspectives do you bring to supporting equitable participation in computing education?
Working in a suburb of Phoenix, I believe that all students have the right to equal access to technology and Computer Science. I sponsor a number of after school programs including FLL; First Lego League Robotics and Chief Science Officers to encourage student involvement. I co-sponsor Girls Who Code and am currently organizing an Esports Club. I believe that opportunities after school help provide opportunities for students to stay involved and challenged. With these programs I will continually work to promote Computer Science and STEM Education to ALL my students and their families.
Afsheen Hashim
As a Board member, I aim to:
Champion diversified, inclusive, and equitable CS curricula.
Support special needs studies, adaptation, digital capacity building, communication, and collaboration.
Address post-AI pedagogical trends in CS, ensuring clarity and age-appropriate policies.
My background:
15 years of experience in CS, education leadership and advocacy.
Proven track record of developing inclusive programs and policies.
Strong collaboration, communication, and strategic planning skills.
Although I haven't been involved with CSTA-Arizona previously, my passion for inclusive CS education aligns with the organization's mission. Here's a brief version:
My experience in Pakistan has given me valuable insights into addressing disparities in computing education, particularly in resource-constrained settings. I've learned to:
Utilize limited resources creatively
Design inclusive programs culturally and technologically
Engage diverse communities effectively
To support equitable participation, I draw from:
Research on inclusive education ( UNESCO's Inclusive Education framework).
Experience working with diverse student populations, including students with disabilities.
Publications on digital capacity building and adaptation.
As a dedicated educator and advocate, I wanted to contribute to CSTA-Arizona's mission. Please refer to my LinkedIn profile for reference: https://www.linkedin.com/in/