Meet the educators shaping the future of computer science
imagi Educator Ambassadors
Fifty-six teachers from around the world are redefining what computer science looks like.
Creativity. Equity. Joy. Real impact.
Together, they are the imagi Educator Ambassadors, Class of 2025–26.
Bryant Ubaka-Blackmoore – Georgia
Bryant teaches IT and Engineering at Tucker High School in Georgia. He connects computer science to real-world engineering through microcontrollers, data collection, and reflective practice. His Machine Safety unit blends sensors, Python, and problem-solving to build both skill and confidence. Working with the Mark Cuban Teacher Boot Camp and Amazon Future Engineer ambassador projects, Bryant mentors peers on practical CS integration and models how technology can make learning tangible, rigorous, and empowering.
Geetanjali Purohit – Australia
Geetanjali Purohit bridges data science and education with heart and precision. A data scientist turned learning disorder therapist, she works with students across grades 1–12 at Bridges Multisensory Learning, helping those with challenges like dyscalculia discover confidence and joy through logic and creativity. Passionate about computer science and STEM, Geetanjali integrates programs like imagi to spark curiosity and problem-solving in students who often feel left out of traditional academics. Her mission is clear: to show every child that learning can be empowering, transformative, and deeply human.
Gieshala (Gigi) Mims – Mississippi
Gieshala “Gigi” Mims brings adventure, creativity, and heart to the classroom. A lifelong explorer at heart, she traded Indiana Jones–style quests for the thrill of sparking curiosity in her middle school students at Senatobia Middle School. With over 20 years of experience, Gigi has built a dynamic STEM and computer science program that celebrates creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Her work blends technology with humanity, showing students how curiosity and courage drive discovery. Named both School and District Teacher of the Year, she continues to lead with joy and innovation, proving that learning is the greatest adventure of all.
Dana Hanoun – Abu Dhabi
Dana leads the ICT Department at Abu Dhabi International Private School, where she brings innovation to every classroom. Passionate about empowering both students and teachers, she introduces emerging technologies and inspires creative, practical uses of AI in education. Under her leadership, 90% of her students earned top IGCSE marks, including one who ranked first in the UAE. Dana’s goal is simple but powerful: to help every learner and educator see technology as a force for possibility.
Grace Finn – Illinois
Grace Finn is the kind of educator who turns curiosity into action. At Field-Stevenson School in Forest Park, she leads Challenge and STEM classes where students design, build, and problem-solve their way toward a better future. Whether programming micro:bits, exploring renewable energy, or competing in FLL, FTC, and Future City challenges, Grace’s students learn that innovation starts with asking bold questions. Her classroom hums with creativity and teamwork, and she takes pride in watching students grow from tentative beginners to confident problem-solvers ready to shape the world.
Israa Lulu – Dubai
As Head of Innovation and Digital Learning at the American School of Creative Science, Israa Lulu is shaping the future of education in Dubai. She leads AI integration, STEAM initiatives, and computer science programs that empower both teachers and students to think boldly and create fearlessly. A passionate advocate for purposeful technology, Israa models innovative classroom practices, shares resources widely, and builds communities where educators feel confident bringing new tools to life. Her mission is clear: to make learning more inclusive, imaginative, and impactful for every learner.
Ann Pruitt – Indiana
Ann taught music for 15 years before discovering a new harmony in STEM education. Now leading K–5 STEM at Central and Fillmore Elementary in Indiana, she helps students find rhythm in problem-solving and joy in discovery. What began as a small pilot has grown into a district-wide program, inspiring new after-school opportunities and future expansion into middle and high school. Ann believes creativity is universal; whether through notes or code, confidence grows when curiosity is encouraged.
Javier Aguilar – Texas
Javier Aguilar, a bilingual technology educator from East Fort Worth Montessori Academy, believes every child deserves access to STEM opportunities. Growing up in Mexico City, he saw how limited resources could restrict dreams, and he has dedicated his career to changing that. Through coding and robotics clubs, mentorship programs like “Big Brothers and Big Sisters at EFWMA,” and his leadership in the CSTA Dallas–Fort Worth chapter, Javier champions equity in education. His classrooms buzz with creativity, collaboration, and confidence as students of all backgrounds discover their power to code, build, and lead.
Ixhon Allen – New Jersey
Ixhon Allen believes math is for everyone, and she proves it daily. As an 8th-grade math teacher at KIPP, she blends computer science, AI tools, and creative problem-solving to make learning dynamic, personal, and empowering. Ixhon’s students learn to see technology not as a shortcut, but as a bridge between abstract math and real-world applications. She also mentors teachers in practical, student-centered tech integration, helping them use tools like Desmos, Kami, and MagicSchool to make lessons more accessible. For Ixhon, success means every student sees themselves as capable, curious, and ready to lead.
Jennifer Danielson – Minnesota
Jennifer Danielson brings innovation and energy to Roseville Area High School, where she teaches Business and Computer Science. She expanded the school’s curriculum to include AP Computer Science and Cybersecurity, giving students tools for future-ready careers. Known for blending technical rigor with empathy, she celebrates each student’s “lightbulb moment” as they master new concepts. Jennifer models a growth mindset in everything she does, encouraging colleagues to share successes and failures openly. Her mission is simple but powerful: make technology accessible, engaging, and transformative for every learner.
Denise Henry-Orndorff – Maryland
Denise serves as Supervisor of Instructional Technology for Frederick County Public Schools, where she leads technology integration across the district. She has championed tools like imagi charms alongside Beebots and Makey Makeys, helping students of all abilities learn through creation, not just consumption. One of her proudest moments came when a nonverbal student confidently programmed a bot and voiced their learning without help. Denise empowers teachers to innovate, supports peer-led learning, and builds a community where every educator can feel confident in technology.
Jacob Fingeret – New Jersey
Jacob Fingeret represents the new wave of educators who blend curiosity, adaptability, and purpose. A third-year teacher with a background in both English and Technology Education, Jacob approaches learning as a way to shape a more balanced digital future. At Rahway Academy, he introduced imagi coding to his 8th graders, sparking enthusiasm and pride as they created their first Python projects. Now transitioning into IT or English teaching, Jacob remains committed to bridging technology and humanity, championing creativity, digital responsibility, and lifelong learning wherever his path leads.
David Padilla – Texas
David teaches STEM and drone technology at Dwight Middle School in San Antonio, where curiosity and creativity take flight; literally. His students learn coding by programming drones, building apps that solve real-world problems, and using databots to analyze environmental data for citywide competitions. As a DoD STEM Ambassador and active member of the Alamo STEM Ecosystem, David connects classrooms with opportunities that make learning meaningful. He believes that when students see themselves as scientists and innovators, they begin to understand their power to shape the future.
Julie Gonzalez – Texas
Julie Gonzalez, an elementary music teacher in El Paso ISD, sees no limits to what students can create. A former special education and life skills teacher, she now weaves robotics, micro:bit, and imagi coding into her music lessons, helping even her youngest learners find confidence through creativity. Her campus productions, from “The Nutcracker” to pirate musicals, draw hundreds of families and prove what’s possible when teachers dream big. Julie’s joy in teaching is contagious as she inspires students and colleagues alike to take bold, imaginative approaches to learning.
Karianne Goff – North Carolina
As a K–5 STEM teacher at Cedar Fork Elementary in Wake County, Karianne Goff sparks curiosity and confidence through coding and creative problem-solving. A founding imagi Educator Ambassador, she blends technology with hands-on exploration, teaching everything from binary and loops to Python art. Her proudest moments come when former students reach out years later to say her lessons changed how they see themselves as learners. Karianne empowers both students and teachers to experiment, connect ideas across subjects, and rediscover the fun in learning.
Wendy Johnston – New York
Wendy Johnston is the STEAM Coordinator and Teacher at Stillwater Elementary, where she designs a school-wide program that immerses students from pre-K through grade 5 in inquiry-driven learning. Her lessons, themed days, and annual STEAM Symposium inspire curiosity and confidence in young learners. Wendy also mentors colleagues and presents her work through BOCES and statewide conferences. She finds joy in watching students fully engage with learning experiences she’s created and continues exploring new ways to integrate tools like imagi into her program.
Steven Hurst-Bilinski – California
As a STEAM Program Specialist in San Bernardino City Unified School District, Steven Hurst-Bilinski designs and equips STEAM labs across schools, writes curriculum, and trains teachers in project-based learning. Inspired by his wife’s 28-year teaching career, he saw the need for more male educators in elementary settings and stepped in to fill it. Steven’s proudest moments come when former students return to tell him he made a difference. He now mentors teachers, leads workshops, and continues developing as a coach and leader in STEAM education.
Stephanie Lugo – New York
Known to her Bronx students as Ms. Robotics, Stephanie Lugo directs robotics and computer science programs that inspire young learners to see themselves as innovators. Through her company, Ms. Robotics LLC, she brings advanced technology and hands-on experiences to schools in underrepresented communities. Featured on the imagi blog, Stephanie shares her story widely to motivate others to teach with purpose and creativity. She continues to grow her expertise in Python to better equip students for the future they deserve.
Garrett Hedman – Illinois
Garrett Hedman believes that education is about helping students and teachers become their favorite versions of themselves. After leading professional development for Chicago Public Schools as a key support for CS educators, he now teaches computer science at the Latin School of Chicago, where he’s building new curriculum and pathways to make CS accessible and meaningful for every learner. A self-described “wicked curriculum developer,” Garrett thrives on collaboration, creativity, and amplifying student voices. His energy, curiosity, and heart for teaching continue to shape a new generation of confident, curious coders.
Carol Unterreiner – Florida
Carol teaches engineering at Milwee Middle School in Florida, where she sparks curiosity and confidence in future innovators. As department chair and sponsor of multiple engineering clubs, she creates pathways for students to explore design, robotics, and teamwork. Her proudest moments come when former students reach out to say they’ve entered STEM careers inspired by her class. Carol believes the best lessons start with excitement and end with students seeing their own potential in science and technology.
Sheena Morris – Massachusetts
Sheena Morris teaches K–5 Computer Science for Springfield Public Schools, where she transitioned from a 2nd-grade classroom to leading CS instruction districtwide. A curriculum writer for the CS for All program, she focuses on helping students see themselves in technology. One moment that stays with her is a student realizing, for the first time, that she could become a computer scientist. Sheena now mentors teachers, leads workshops, and presents at conferences, continuing to expand her skills in Python and share her passion for imagi.
Shakira Cozart – Missouri
At Danforth Elementary in St. Louis, Shakira Cozart teaches grades K–6 and leads a STEM club that introduces students to science, technology, and coding opportunities they might not otherwise experience. Guided by her belief that education extends beyond the classroom, she advocates for students and families throughout her community. Shakira shares learning opportunities with peers to help students thrive. Passionate about technology, she wants every child to see coding as essential knowledge and a pathway to creativity and empowerment.
Paige Besthoff – New Jersey
Paige Besthoff is a K–8 professional learning designer who has spent 27 years empowering teachers with practical CS resources and clear, classroom-ready training. A CSTA and Infosys Foundation Teaching Excellence Award winner, she leads statewide PD, family nights, and national conference sessions, then shares recordings to extend impact. Paige builds communities of practice across LinkedIn and local networks, focusing on what works today for teachers and students. She is expanding her Python toolkit and championing imagi to bring creative coding to more classrooms.
Sarah Fortino – Massachusetts
Based in Cambridge, Sarah Fortino is the Middle School Academic Technology Specialist at Buckingham Browne & Nichols School. After starting her career in tech, she found her calling in teaching and has spent two decades bringing computer science into schools. She integrates robotics, maker projects, and imagi as an accessible bridge into text-based coding. Sarah loves seeing every student succeed and create in new ways. A lifelong learner herself, she continues to strengthen her Python skills and share imagi with curious educators.
Richard White – Georgia
At Pine Mountain Middle School in Kennesaw, Richard White turns ideas into tools students can use. He built a 3D print farm, added laser engraving, aligned grants like Cobb Tank and Toshiba Foundation, and supports PBIS through makerspace time. Richard trains colleagues on hardware and design software, and serves as liaison for the district PLC for middle school engineering. Honors include Georgia STEM Teacher of the Year from the Air and Space Forces Association and ITEEA Program Excellence. He is expanding his computer programming instruction to deepen impact.
Rebecca Haynes – Florida
As STEM Program Manager at the Boys and Girls Club of Palm Beach County, Rebecca Haynes designs six-week labs that build communication, collaboration, and digital literacy through rocketry, aerodynamics, programming, AI, and sustainability. Club members earn internal certifications for projects like building mini computers or creating imagi pixel art. She celebrates “Eureka” moments and showcases outcomes at events such as Solar Fare with student-built solar cars. Rebecca grows professional communities through CSTA and weekly staff coaching so more youth see themselves in STEM.
Cassandra Williams Allen – Alabama
Cassandra’s path to teaching began as a mother advocating for her son, and it grew into a mission to advocate for all students. At Francis Marion School in Alabama, she brings computer science and STEM to life for rural learners, blending robotics, coding, and real-world projects that make technology meaningful. A Quanthub Ambassador and CSTA mentor, she empowers both students and teachers to see possibility beyond limitation. Cassandra teaches with heart, purpose, and deep belief in every child’s potential.
Kelly Powers – New York
Kelly Powers has been shaping computer science education since 2005. At Hackley School in Tarrytown, New York, she develops joyful, rigorous learning experiences that connect problem solving, creativity, and computational thinking across disciplines. As a long-time CSTA leader and workshop facilitator, Kelly helps educators bring computer science and AI to life in every classroom. She believes in the power of continuous learning, for teachers as much as for students, and models curiosity and collaboration in all her work. Her mission is to make CS education both meaningful and inspiring for all learners.
Radhika Dewan – India
From Pune, Maharashtra, Radhika Dewan teaches coding through Road to Code for ages 9–18. She mixes Scratch and Python with unplugged activities like her Coding Mat game, plus Makey-Makey and 3D printing, to turn concepts into lived experiences. Her animated explainer, Binary Talks, helps students grasp how computers work. Radhika’s proudest impact is shifting mindsets among girls and parents who once believed coding was only for boys. She shares icebreakers, gamified strategies, and practical resources that make CS engaging and doable.
Daniel Manseau – Massachusetts
Daniel teaches computer science at Edward P. Boland Elementary in Massachusetts, where he helps K–5 students see themselves as creators of technology. Through projects like Girls Who Code and hands-on work with imagi charms, he introduces Python in ways that feel both fun and empowering. His greatest reward is when former students return to say his class sparked their love for computer science. Daniel teaches with patience, purpose, and a genuine belief in every child’s potential.
Alexander Velázquez – Spain
Alexander is a STEAM teacher at CEIP Los Cortijillos in Los Barrios, Cádiz, where he’s bringing programming and robotics to a community that rarely gets to experience them. Through Micro:bit, Scratch, and European challenges like CodeWeek, he helps his students see themselves as capable creators of technology. A three-time Micro:bit Champion and Spain’s CodeWeek Ambassador, he shares resources in Spanish and trains other educators to make coding accessible, local, and joyfully hands-on.
Pam Ros Damarillo – California
In Los Angeles, Pam Ros Damarillo directs DEVCON Kids and co-founded CSTA Philippines, building equitable CS ecosystems that reflect local context. She designs joyful, hands-on workshops for grades 5–8 and community programs that lower entry barriers for learners and teachers. A natural connector, Pam partners with schools and nonprofits to scale impact, and she shares what works across social channels to help others replicate it. Her favorite feedback came from a student who said the classes gave him the freedom to think.
Melissa Zeitz – Massachusetts
At Alfred G. Zanetti Montessori School in Springfield, Melissa Zeitz teaches digital literacy and computer science across PreK–8. She blends creativity with rigor, from Scratch posters and Makey Makey to wearable art with imagi and micro:bit challenges. Melissa coaches teachers through co-planning and models cross-curricular CS that connects to reading, writing, and science. A highlight was watching her students lead a district PD on Hummingbird robots with poise and precision. She is deepening her Python skills to keep opening doors for every learner.
Mark Godinez – Florida
At South Dade Senior High in Homestead, Mark Godinez leads the Academy of Information Technology and opens computer science to students who have not had access before. A Mark Cuban Teacher Fellow, he integrates AI, builds pathways from esports to AP CS, and partners with local groups to expand opportunity from elementary through high school. His recruitment work earned the AP CS Female Diversity Award twice. Mark’s proudest moment: a student winning the Silver Knight in Math for a project teaching girls to code.
Maria Filipe – New Jersey
Maria Filipe teaches computer literacy to grades 2–7 at Duarte-Marti School 28 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, where she helps close learning gaps through creative uses of technology. She believes in making coding tangible and engaging by pairing digital lessons with physical tools like imagi charms. Maria encourages fellow educators to infuse CS concepts into their classrooms in fun, accessible ways that build problem-solving skills and confidence. Her goal is to empower students to see themselves as capable creators in a digital world.
Maria Elena Cervantes – Indiana
At Kingsford Heights Elementary in Indiana, Maria Elena Cervantes introduces coding to her youngest learners through unplugged activities, digital games, and robots. A STEM-certified teacher, she brings joy and creativity to early education, showing students that computational thinking starts with curiosity. Her favorite moments come from watching students grow in confidence from year to year. Dedicated to advocacy and professional development, Maria Elena participates in CSPD Week and CSTA conferences annually, continually finding new ways to integrate computer science into daily learning.
Maria Dickerson – New Mexico
Maria Dickerson leads innovation in Las Cruces Public Schools as Director of Assessments, Accountability, Research, and School Improvement. A champion of equity in STEM, she builds programs that connect at-risk students with robotics, esports, and makerspace opportunities. Her leadership fosters inclusion, creativity, and collaboration, empowering students to see themselves as inventors and problem-solvers. Maria also cultivates professional networks across Texas and New Mexico, organizing local meet-ups and sharing resources that expand access to computer science and digital learning for all learners.
Chris Combs – Indiana
Chris teaches computer science at Helfrich Park STEM Academy in Indiana, where he’s helped transform what used to be computer applications into a hands-on, creative CS program. After more than a decade in the classroom, he still finds joy in those “a-ha” moments when students finally get it. A dedicated imagi advocate, Chris mentors other educators, experiments with new projects, and believes that every student should leave his class more confident, curious, and ready for what comes next.
Mădălina Luiza Zălaru – Hungary
As Coordinator and Explorer Trainer at Logiscool’s global headquarters in Budapest, Hungary, Madalina Luiza Zalaru inspires the next generation of young programmers through creative game development. She guides students from curiosity to confidence, celebrating their ambitious final projects each semester. Madalina also mentors new trainers, helping them build strong communication and leadership skills as they begin their teaching journeys. Dedicated to lifelong learning, she continues to refine her own ability to guide collaborative projects and foster creativity in coding education.
Lisa Schwartz – Illinois
Lisa Schwartz empowers educators across Illinois through her work with the Learning Technology Center, where she supports schools in integrating computer science and STEM into all grade levels. Known for her collaborative approach, Lisa helps teachers build confidence using digital tools and advocates for CS curriculum inclusion statewide. She regularly leads professional development sessions and community workshops, sharing best practices that make technology accessible and engaging. Passionate about lifelong learning, she continues to expand her skills in Python and instructional innovation.
Alison Price – New Jersey
Alison is an EdTech coach in Ewing Township, New Jersey, whose classroom energy now reaches an entire district. After years of teaching first grade, she brings that same warmth and creativity to helping teachers design STEM experiences that inspire curiosity and confidence. She’s launching a Girls Who Code club and leading schoolwide events that make coding feel joyful and communal. Alison’s mix of empathy, humor, and hands-on innovation shows that learning can be both structured and full of surprise.
Liene Pekuse – Latvia
In Riga, Latvia, math tutor Liene Pekuse transforms anxiety about math into confidence and curiosity. Teaching logic and problem-solving to students from grades 6–11, she gamifies learning and experiments with tools like Brilliant.org to make abstract concepts tangible. Liene believes technology should empower rather than intimidate teachers and students alike, helping them see creativity in logic and structure. A lifelong learner new to coding, she models openness and curiosity, showing her students that learning something new is always within reach.
Chelsea Clagg – Virginia
Chelsea is an Instructional Technology Coach with Frederick County Public Schools in Virginia, where she helps teachers use technology to make learning come alive. She supports staff in integrating computer science standards, boosting engagement, and building confidence with new tools. Her favorite moments are when students surprise themselves, like the reader who once hated books but ended the year eager to turn the page. Chelsea believes technology, used with care, can open every classroom to wonder.
Leontae Gray Ward – Indiana
Based in Indiana, Leontae Gray Ward integrates STEM and computer science into everyday lessons that teach problem-solving, iteration, and teamwork. As founder of S.T.E.A.M. City Tek Exec, she extends that mission to her community, creating access to technology education for all students. Her proudest moment came when a former student earned the Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship to study software engineering at Purdue University. A CSTA Impact Fellow alum and current graduate student at UMBC, Leontae is passionate about equity, mentorship, and leadership development in STEM.
Latifeh Majedi – Oman
At Creative Minds International School in Muscat, Latifeh Majedi leads with enthusiasm and a clear vision: to make technology integration simple, effective, and inspiring for all teachers and students. As both Tech Coordinator and classroom educator, she tailors digital learning experiences for grades 1–9, showing how STEM concepts can enhance any subject. Through workshops and social media, she shares accessible strategies that build confidence and creativity in the classroom. Latifeh’s work reminds educators that meaningful innovation often starts with small, practical steps.
Katrina Madok – Florida
Based in Key West, Florida, Katrina Madok brings curiosity and creativity to Gerald Adams Elementary, where she teaches science and gifted programs across K–5. A Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST) recipient, she integrates coding, robotics, and engineering throughout the school year and leads after-school clubs that make STEM accessible to every student. Katrina also presents nationally on cross-curricular integration, helping educators combine science, language arts, and coding in authentic ways. Her classrooms and workshops reflect her belief that young learners thrive when exploration meets purpose.
Betty Chism – Missouri
Betty is a sixth-grade computer science and STEM teacher at Johnson Wabash 6th Grade Center in Missouri. A passionate advocate for accessible learning, she helps students move from “I can’t” to “I can” through block-based coding and creative problem-solving. She leads the CSTA Missouri Chapter and supports district STEM nights and Girls Who Code clubs, showing how community strengthens learning. Betty empowers both students and teachers to see their own genius and turn curiosity into confidence.
Chelsea Timmons – Texas
Chelsea teaches STEM at T. H. Rogers School in Houston, where she turns curiosity into creativity. After a former student reached out years later to share how her belief changed their life, Chelsea returned to education with renewed purpose. Her project-based classes explore big ideas through playful themes like “STEM in the Zombie Apocalypse,” blending science, engineering, and imagination. As department lead, she empowers her team and students alike to take risks, think critically, and keep learning fearlessly.
Derrick Blackwell Sr – Maryland
Derrick Blackwell Sr is a computer science teacher at Matthew Henson Middle School who believes every student deserves the moment when learning finally clicks. Through hands-on projects that blend coding with real-world problem-solving, he helps his students discover confidence in their own creativity. His classes have earned recognition through the WUSA9 EcoChallenge, where students tackled sustainability with innovation and teamwork. Beyond the classroom, Derrick mentors other teachers in integrating STEM and computer science, sharing practical strategies and building a collaborative spirit across schools. And when he’s not teaching, he brings the same passion for precision and craft to his other calling: mastering the art of BBQ.
Dr. Edwin de Guzman – Manila
Dr. Edwin de Guzman is an educator and technology advocate at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, where he’s spent more than 16 years inspiring students and teachers alike to see computer science as a force for good. As president of the Computer Science Teachers Association of the Philippines, he leads initiatives that help educators master new technologies and integrate coding and innovation into their classrooms. Dr. de Guzman believes education’s true power lies in shaping values and character, and he uses technology to make that transformation tangible through creative projects, mentorship, and a relentless commitment to lifelong learning.
Diane Horvath – Massachusetts
Diane Horvath is a Technology Integration Specialist at Blake Middle School who uses creativity and computer science to empower every student to see themselves as capable innovators. She designed and leads her school’s Makerspace, where coding, engineering, and imagination come together through projects involving micro:bits, imagi charms, circuits, textiles, and laser cutting. Diane also collaborates with teachers to weave these experiences into the broader curriculum, ensuring equity and access for all learners. A leader in the CSTA Massachusetts Chapter, she shares her expertise through workshops and Instagram, inspiring educators to bring coding and design thinking into their classrooms. Her favorite moments are when students surprise themselves by realizing, “I actually made this!”
Douaa Safy – Abu Dhabi
Douaa Safy is a STEM educator at Al Ittihad National Private School in Abu Dhabi who brings energy, curiosity, and creativity into every lesson. She believes that great teaching begins with empowered teachers, and she models that belief by sharing practical ideas and resources that make STEM accessible to all classrooms. Douaa helps students see their own potential by blending technology, coding, and real-world applications to build confidence and curiosity. She’s now exploring AI integration to create even more engaging and future-focused learning experiences.
Esther Greenfield Jakar – Michigan
When Esther Greenfield Jakar was first asked to teach typing and Microsoft Office, she saw a bigger opportunity: to build a true computer science program from the ground up. At Hebrew Day School of Ann Arbor, she transformed the tech curriculum into one centered on creativity, problem-solving, and computational thinking for grades K–5. Her greatest joy comes from seeing students light up as they code their first programs, and then teach what they’ve learned to their parents and siblings. Esther’s work shows how vision and persistence can turn a gap into a thriving culture of curiosity and confidence in computer science.
Dr. Sonia Mitchell – Massachusetts
Dr. Sonia Mitchell is a computer science educator, standards writer, and coach whose mission is to open doors in STEM for those who have historically been excluded. The first in three generations of her family to earn a university degree, she’s now a nationally recognized advocate for equity in computer science education. Through her work with CSTA, Learning Minds Consulting, and classrooms from pre-K through college, she helps learners see coding as both a creative outlet and a life-changing skill. Whether mentoring teachers, leading national workshops, or designing AI-integrated projects, Dr. Mitchell brings unmatched passion, clarity, and purpose to every space she enters, proving that representation and access can transform futures.
Beverly Hazel Pacis – United Arab Emirates
Beverly teaches Grades 4–6 computer science at The Philippine Global School in Abu Dhabi. Her goal is simple and bold: to inspire. She designs friendly, hands-on lessons that turn uncertainty into curiosity and help students see themselves as creators of technology. Beverly also mentors fellow teachers, showing how digital tools can enrich any classroom. Her proudest moments come when once-shy students stand tall, presenting their own coding projects with confidence and joy.
Kathryn Holstlaw – Illinois
As STEM Program Director at Beyond the Bell in Illinois, Kathryn Holstlaw creates hands-on learning opportunities that empower students to discover their voice, creativity, and confidence. A trauma-informed educator, she uses tools like imagi to help students “code their feelings,” turning self-expression into visual storytelling. Her work bridges technology and healing, ensuring every young person feels seen and capable. Through community partnerships, mentorships, and innovative programming, Kathryn transforms STEM from a subject into a source of empowerment and belonging.
The heart of imagi
Every big idea starts in a classroom.
The imagi Educator Ambassadors are the spark; educators from across the world turning Python, AI, and pixel art into tools for expression and confidence.
They teach in urban schools, rural districts, and international classrooms from the United States to the UAE, India, and Australia.
Different places, same purpose: make computer science joyful, inclusive, and real.
Ambassador impact
Connect
Across classrooms and continents, our Educator Ambassadors share ideas, challenges, and breakthroughs. They build bridges between teachers, schools, and communities; proving that the best innovations in education happen when we learn together.
Shape
Together we are shaping the future of computer science education: more inclusive, more imaginative, and more human. Ambassadors co-create resources, lead professional learning, and help imagi evolve to serve teachers and learners everywhere
Inspire
Every project, lesson, and story sparks new curiosity. Ambassadors help students see coding as a language of creativity, not complexity. They model what it means to take risks, explore boldly, and celebrate every “I made this” moment.
Ambassador opportunities
VIP Support
Reach our team directly whenever you have feedback or need help bringing imagi to life at your school. We’re here to support your classroom success and amplify your ideas.
Exclusive Community
Join a global network of creative educators who are reimagining computer science. Share lessons, swap inspiration, and grow together.
Event Invitations
Take part in special trainings, conferences, and virtual meetups with fellow ambassadors and the imagi team. Learn, connect, and celebrate your impact.
Recognition
Your work matters—and we make sure it’s seen. Ambassadors are featured in our blogs, honored at events, and surprised with special imagi gifts and swag throughout the year.
Leadership Opportunities
Help shape the future of imagi. Ambassadors advise our team, represent imagi in their schools and communities, and take on leadership roles as the program expands.
Interested in learning more about our ambassador program? Email education@imagilabs.com for more information.