Presenters

Luke Allpress

Luke is the Director of Innovative Solutions for the Agua Fria Union High School District. His role is to support new technology projects, create innovative solutions for problems, and share those novel solutions between different schools. Luke feels that both staff and student instruction should use the lens of "how would I actually use this", and that staff should reach out whenever they think "there has to be a better way to..." Lately he has spent a lot of time talking within the district and across the state about how AI is transforming work, learning, and assessment.

Luke has been honored to be a board member of AzTEA, an AzTEA Ambassador, a member of the COSN Advisory board and COSN EdTech Innovation Committee, and is a CETL.

Laura Boone

Laura Boone is an action-focused speaker who combines humor, storytelling, and brain-based insights to help audiences turn challenges and change into opportunities for growth. Through her talks, Laura shares how, by understanding and addressing the brain’s core needs for security, alignment, familiarity, and empowerment, individuals and teams can reduce resistance and confidently embrace change. Her BrainSAFE Framework provides an action-oriented approach with simple, effective tools to help navigate these challenges and foster lasting growth.

With over 20 years of experience in speaking, teaching, and coaching, Laura blends her background in education IT with certifications in yoga, mindfulness, and trauma-informed practices. As a Certified Neurotransformational Coach, she combines technical expertise with a deep understanding of human well-being, offering a balanced approach to leadership and personal growth. Known for her relatable stories, actionable insights, and engaging style, Laura leaves audiences feeling inspired, energized, and ready to take meaningful action.

Michelle Coots

Michelle Coots is the Manager of Instructional Technology for Deer Valley Unified in North Phoenix serving 33,000 students in PreK through 12th grade. Within Deer Valley Michelle provides leadership for the district efforts with purposeful use of technology in connection with learning - including the various facets of digital literacy and computer science. In response to the prevalence of Generative AI, Michelle engages in ongoing collaboration with various internal stakeholders including the convening of a focus group, work team, and sub-groups to navigate the guidance provided around the balanced, safe, and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in Deer Valley USD. During Spring 2024 Michelle participated in a work group developing guidance for Arizona schools on the use of Artificial Intelligence within education. When entering the education field Michelle was a classroom teacher for high school students in Career and Technical Education for Business, Marketing, and Technology programs. She carries a passion for empowering others for success, opening doors to thrive in the present and future.

Lauren Dautrich

Lauren has been in education for 16 years, teaching everything from kindergarten to college in both in-person and digital settings. She holds two master's degrees from Northern Arizona University in Educational Leadership and Educational Technology. Over the years, she has delivered several Ed Tech professional development sessions to NAU and Penn State University staff and faculty, one of which was honored with an award from the NACADA National Advising Conference. 

Currently, she works as an Educational Technology Coach for the Washington Elementary School District, where she is passionate about helping teachers integrate technology into their classrooms. When she is not busy sharing my excitement for tech with educators, she really enjoys resorting classic G3 model Macintosh computers! 

Jaime Estrada

Jaime Estrada is a high school English teacher at Ombudsman Charter Northeast High School in Tempe, Arizona. She is passionate about accessibility in the classroom. As a 2024-2025 Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert (MIEE) she is skilled at using Microsoft Tools such as PowerPoint, Teams, OneNote, and Word to make the classroom more accessible in digital and in-person settings. 

Working with a diverse population of students at a second-chance charter school, Jaime is aware of how important it is to meet students where they are both online and in school. In her free time, Jaime tutors and instructs an after-school STEM program for students ages 8-15 to learn coding and computer science skills, funded by the Larry Fitzgerald Foundation and run by FutureStars, Inc.

Shannon Gilbert

Shannon Gilbert is an Instructional Technology Assistive Technology Specialist at Chandler Unified School District, bringing 26 years of experience in education to the role. She has a BA in Elementary and Special Education, a Masters in Elementary Education, an ESL endorsement, Assistive Technology Practitioner certification and CETL certification.  Her journey began as a special education teacher, where she fostered a passion for ensuring equitable access to learning for all students. This passion led her to transition into a role focused on innovative and transformative assistive technology solutions. Shannon now supports teachers in the integration of technology to create inclusive and accessible learning environments for students with diverse needs.

Talon Hatch

Talon Hatch is a Regional Partnership Director for Skill Struck. He has worked in educational technology for six years and focuses on helping districts use technology to improve learning outcomes for students, especially with AI tools and K-12-aligned computer science curriculum. 

Dr. Donna Jagielski

Dr. Donna Jagielski worked in K-12 education for 20 years. Most of her experience and background has been in STEM and educational technology. Currently she is an adjunct at Grand Canyon University teaching elementary education majors courses in student engagement. She also is a contributing writer for the Canyon Center for Character Education. Most recently she was selected to serve as an ambassador for GCU's Social Presence Literacy Lab, an online space where educators can collaborate to share knowledge and further develop skills to create meaningful online learning experiences. Outside of her work at GCU Dr. Jagielski holds a 500 RYT and 95 RCYT (registered yoga/childrens yoga teacher) as the founder/owner of Blessings Balance Breath Yoga. With the goal of bringing yoga to underserved youth and adults she also serves in the role of Health/Wellness Education Lead. She is dedicated and passionate about holistic education that connects body and mind as we all interconnect with one another. 

Curt Landon

Curt Landon is an instructional technology specialist for the Chandler Unified School District. His 27 years of experience in K-12 education began as a music teacher and band director in Washington State in 1996. Curt continued rocking out as a music educator in Washington, Indiana, and Arizona for 20 years until his passion for the world of technology took over. He earned his MS in Instructional Design and Technology and taught K-6 technology for 3 years before taking on his current role of supporting teachers in their pursuit of technology integration.

Curt believes technology can be a powerful ingredient in K-12 education by transforming learning for all students, fostering creativity and imagination, and bringing learners and communities together through collaboration and innovation.

Greg Lenon

Greg Lenon is an accomplished educator with 18 years of teaching experience, 12 of which have been dedicated to middle school students, primarily focusing on special needs education. He has shared his expertise at two universities and currently serves as a Lead CI for EDT180 at Arizona State University. Greg is passionate about harnessing technology in the classroom, believing it serves as a powerful equalizer that enhances learning opportunities for all students. His innovative approach fosters engagement and creativity, empowering students to reach their full potential. Greg’s commitment to inclusive education and his enthusiasm for integrating modern tools in teaching have made a significant impact on the lives of his students and the broader educational community.

Heather Liesegang

With 17 years of educational experience, Heather Liesegang has developed a passion for integrating technology into learning environments to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. As a self-proclaimed lifelong learner, she continuously seeks innovative approaches to support educators in navigating the evolving landscape of education and technology integration. Heather’s passion for helping others shines through her role as a WESD EdTech coach, where she provides hands-on guidance and training to empower teachers to teach and make a difference for the leaders of tomorrow. Gandhi was once quoted saying “Be the change you want to see in the world.” this is our mission, we have the opportunity to fulfill it every day. 

Frank Liu

Frank Liu is the founder of VR Clubs of America, an organization dedicated to empowering middle and high school students with hands-on programming skills in virtual reality. With machine learning internships at OPPO and Clobotics, along with a strong foundation in signal processing, Frank combines expertise across virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and education. He earned his PhD in Computer Engineering and was honored as the Spring 2024 Valedictorian at Arizona State University, recognized for his academic excellence and leadership. 

In his session, Frank will be sharing his vision of what education looks like when students and teachers are given agency to create experiences of their own. Frank will be joined by the students and teachers he works with and they will be sharing their experience learning and teaching programming for virtual reality in the classroom.

Melissa Lundquist

Melissa Lundquist is a highly enthusiastic and experienced educator with 21 years of experience, dedicated to providing innovative and transformative learning experiences for students and teachers. Currently serving as an Instructional Technology Specialist at Chandler Unified School District, Melissa's career includes teaching 3rd-6th grade at Galveston Elementary from 2004-2017 and K-6 Technology at Fulton Elementary from 2017-2022. With a Bachelor's in Elementary Education specialized in Mathematics, a Master's in Education with a Reading Endorsement, and a Master's in Educational Technology, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. A strong advocate for collaboration, Melissa actively develops digital innovators, incorporating cutting-edge technology and tools to enhance learning.

Rae Mask

Rae Mask is an experienced educator with over 13 years in the field. As an instructional coach for social studies and ELA, she has empowered educators to enhance curriculum and instructional strategies. Currently serving as the EdTech coach for the Balsz school district, she oversees Clever and Canvas, supporting teachers in leveraging technology innovatively. Rae's presentations blend pedagogical expertise with practical insights, emphasizing the integration of technology for enhanced learning experiences. With a focus on empowerment and innovation, she is dedicated to driving positive change in education.

Alec McDaniel

Alec McDaniel is an Education Technology Specialist for the Florence Unified School District, bringing over a decade of experience in the education field. Starting his career as a classroom teacher, Alec transitioned into the role of EdTech Specialist, where he has made significant contributions to integrating technology in education in Florence and beyond. He is an ISTE Certified Educator and has also earned his certification as a Certified Education Technology Leader through COSN, demonstrating his commitment to professional growth and excellence in educational technology.

Recently, Alec has been at the forefront of incorporating artificial intelligence in the classroom. He has hosted multiple courses on the application of AI, highlighting its positive use cases to enhance learning experiences. Additionally, Alec places a strong emphasis on digital citizenship, working diligently to promote responsible and ethical use of technology among both students and staff within his district. His efforts aim to prepare the educational community for a future where technology and digital literacy are paramount.

Drew Olsson

Drew is an advocate for staff and student AI Integration, mindful EdTech implementation, and building tech literacy for all in Agua Fria High School District.  He taught math and computer science for 9 years before moving into his current role as technology integration coordinator where he services 5 comprehensive high schools.  He is invested in providing powerful learning opportunities for all students so that they may thrive in an increasingly techno-centric world.

Liz Reyes

Liz Reyes is a dedicated educator with a passion for leveraging technology to enhance student learning. As a K-8 Technology Integration Instructional Coach for Deer Valley Unified School District, she provides support and guidance to teachers in effectively integrating technology into their classrooms.

With over 17 years of experience in education, Liz has a strong foundation in early childhood and elementary education and a deep understanding of how to use technology to foster student engagement and learning. She has a proven track record of successfully implementing STEM education programs and facilitating technology integration initiatives across the district.

Andrew Thaung

Andrew has been an educator in Arizona's public and community education since 2018, having served in the communities of Florence, Mesa, Tempe, and Gilbert. He has experience as a K-12 classroom teacher, an adult education instructor, and is currently an EdTech Coach. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in History Education from Arizona State University and completed his Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction and Master of Education in Educational Technology at Western Governors University. His current educational endeavor is pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership at South College. 

Roxi Thompson

Roxi Thompson currently serves as the Lead Instructional Technology Coach for the Peoria School District in Arizona, where she provides leadership for the use of technology integration to enhance learning and teaching. She also leads the Arizona EdTech Coaches Community. Before this, she held roles as an EdTech Coach, Social Studies Specialist, and classroom teacher. Roxi holds a Master’s Degree in Education from Arizona State University and a Master’s Degree in Political Science from California State University, Long Beach.

Sophany Tibke

Sophany Tibke is an Instructional Technology Specialist in the Chandler Unified School district. As a Certified Educational Technology Leader (CETL), she has a focus on enhancing educational experiences through technology, she advocates for data privacy at all levels throughout the district, and she strives to create a culture where technology is not an addition but rather a natural part of instruction and learning. She is dedicated to integrating innovative tools and strategies into the educational landscape, one conversation at a time. After all, technology integration, no matter how small or grand starts with conversation that sparks an idea. It's what people DO with that idea that makes the difference!

Dr. Amy Troutt

Life is a team sport!  I am so blessed to be part of so many teams.  For the last three years, I've served as the Director of EdTech for the wonderful WESD, the largest K-8 school district in the state!  My work team is at the conference with us today and they are serving as the head coach of the sessions we are offering.  I've also been on school teams as principal and assistant principal for 9 years, mentored new teachers, served as a district-wide professional development facilitator, and had the blessing of being a classroom teacher.  

I also get to be on the AzTEA team, serving as an elected board member.  I directly support our AzTEA marketing & social media and am always looking to continue to enhance Educational Technology across Arizona.  

My home team consists of my husband of almost 13 years and two pretty cool boys–1st & 4th grade. We love to take our travel trailer out camping and explore beautiful AZ in our side-by-side.  My parents continue to live in my hometown of Minot, ND and my siblings are both in the Denver area.  We love to travel, often with destinations focused on visiting with my extended family--extra bonus when they will meet us at a beach!

I’m passionate about advocating for the effective use of technology to enhance learning objectives in the classroom, care about building relationships within all the teams I'm on, and seeking joy in everything I do. 

Aracely Vazquez

Aracely Vazquez is a seasoned educator with over 16 years of experience in education. As a teacher with extensive experience in middle school teaching across multiple grade levels and subjects, including English Language Development (ELD), English Language Arts (ELA), math, social studies, and science. Her versatility and adaptability have equipped her with a deep understanding of students' needs at the middle school and elementary levels. 

With a Master's degree in Technology Education, Aracely has a strong foundation in educational technology. She has leveraged her expertise as a STEM Instructional Specialist for the last 7 years, working at the district level to support teachers in integrating technology into their classrooms. Her previous role as an Instructional Coach for over 3 years has allowed her to provide individualized support and mentorship to educators.

Aracely has also been instrumental in promoting digital learning within her school district. For the past 6 years, she has coordinated and planned Digital Learning Day, a district-wide initiative that focuses on innovative teaching and learning approaches. Her dedication to professional development is evident in her role as a mentor, professional learning presenter, and adjunct faculty member at Arizona State University, where she teaches undergraduate education technology courses.

Jim Verrill

Jim Verrill is the Director of Instructional Technology and Integration at the Littleton Elementary School District, where he leads the implementation of innovative educational technology solutions for K-8 students and teachers. Prior to this role, as a principal, he led his staff in founding the Littleton STEM Academy for Computer Science, a magnet school for K-8 coding in the West Valley. With over 17 years of experience as an elementary school principal and a former educational technology specialist at the University of Maine, Jim is excited to empower teachers to use AI to grow professionally, enhance instruction, save time and ultimately increase student achievement and job satisfaction.