BioTina is an unwavering educational visionary, committed to empowering schools and district leaders to collaborate on groundbreaking solutions that revolutionize student learning. With over two decades of expertise spanning K12 education and state-level government, her zeal lies in forging equitable systems that guarantee every student’s access to genuine learning experiences, high-quality instruction and resources. She has dedicated the majority of her career designing integrated curricula, building partnerships, and ensuring students have opportunities to explore and develop STEM literacy and skillsets. Tina firmly believes in the transformative potential of technology to bolster teaching and learning, and she has taken the helm in guiding districts and state-level government bodies in crafting innovative blended and online instructional models.
Rebecca Dovi Founder, CodeVA National Champion
BioA master teacher with more than 15 years of classroom experience and a decade of experience doing professional development and curriculum development at the state and national level. Rebecca serves on the Education Advisory Council for Code.org and is a Google Fellow Trailblazer. In 2013, she was selected by Amplify Education Inc. to become the first K-12 teacher to deliver a MOOC (Massively Open On Line) class. In 2010, she was selected for the development team creating and implementing the new Computer Science Principles course for the College Board and was one of the first four pilots of the course in the nation. She also was a recipient of the Aspirations in Computing award from the National Council of Women in Information Technology and is a frequent presenter at state and national conferences on computer science and on women in technology. She is a graduate of the College of William & Mary with a BS in mathematics.
Rebecca Gibbs Sr. Director of Finance and Advancement
BioRebecca Gibbs works as the Sr. Director of Finance and Advancement here at CodeVA. After several years working in corporate finance and compliance in industries such as telecommunications, gaming and government contracting, Rebecca turned her efforts and dedication toward helping organizations realize their full potential. Most recently, she served Richmond Waldorf School as Director of Administration. Her lifelong passion for learning and desire to build a collaborative environment complement CodeVA’s continued dedication to serve educators and students across Virginia’s schools. Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from The College of William and Mary and a Master of Business Administration degree in Management at George Mason University.
Michelle Heishman Sr. Director of Human Resources
BioMichelle was born and raised in Western NY and made the long journey south for college at the University of Richmond. After law school and working for several years as an attorney, Michelle went back to school at the University of Richmond to earn her Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management in 2012. Michelle joined CodeVA in November, 2020 as Human Resources Manager and is very excited to help the organization continue to grow and succeed in its mission of making computer science accessible to all Virginia’s students.
Natalie Rice Sr. Director of Programs
BioNatalie Rice is the Director of Educator Programs at CodeVA, where she manages the professional learning programs for K-12 educators. As a dedicated educator with over 15 years of experience in teaching and professional development, Natalie has a keen interest in K-8 computer science integration, curriculum development, and supporting the learning needs of both students and teachers. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Shenandoah University and a Master’s degree from Eastern Mennonite University in Curriculum and Instruction and Instructional Technology. Prior to joining CodeVA, Natalie taught middle school science and served as an Instructional Technology Resource Coach in Shenandoah County. Passionate about student learning and teacher education, Natalie is committed to supporting the growth of computer science education.
Perry Shank Sr. Director of Research and Development
BioPerry Shank is the Curriculum Manager for CodeVA facilitating learning experiences through training curriculum for statewide professional development participants. He has taught all at all levels of K-12 public education and has worked with the Virginia Department of Education to review the VA State Computer Science K-12 Standards and has co-written the new VA Computer Science 9-12 Curriculum Frameworks. Perry received his M.A. and Ph.D from the University of Denver in Curriculum and Instruction. He holds a Professional VA teaching certification with endorsements in PreK-12th Music, Bus/IT, and Computer Science.
Staff
Shon Bennett Part-Time Instructor
BioShon is an alumni of John Randolph Tucker’s Advance College Academy; this program enabled him to graduate with both an Associate of Social Science and an advanced studies diploma his senior year of high school. This fall Shon will continue his studies at VCU’s College of Engineering, majoring in computer science. Shon joined the Eureka Workshop team as an intern in May 2021 through the arcHIVE project, and became a student coordinator for the project in June of 2021. Shon looks forward to helping CodeVA bring attention to youth imprisonment through digital spaces, and hopes to equip youth with skills that will better them professionally, personally and socially.
Tavi Berger Part-Time Instructor
BioTavi Berger is currently a freshman at VCU pursuing a degree in computer science. They have always been interested in both art & technology, as well as the ways that the two can intersect. Getting kids excited about coding, and helping make computer science more accessible to everyone is something they’re passionate about and excited to be working on as an instructor at CodeVA.
Pepper Blush IT Administrator
BioPepper Blush (she/her) is Eureka Workshop’s IT Technician and Classroom Instructor. She is a trained artist who specializes in pixel art. Her classes center an approach to game development from an artist’s perspective using free, open, and accessible tools. She is constantly scouting the internet for programs that lower the barrier to entry for game development.
Thomas Brownell Student Program Operations Specialist
BioThomas (they/them) is a teaching artist, DJ, and has been an instructor for several years with the Eureka Workshops team. In 2017 they graduated from VCUarts with a BFA in Art Education and has been working at CodeVA since February 2018. A lifelong learner and educator for over 10 years, Thomas is passionate about integrating music and art with computer science in out of school time programs.
CJ Carnahan Advancement Project Manager
BioCJ Carnahan was raised in Northern Virginia and has lived in Richmond since 2014. He holds a BA from VCUarts’ in Art Education. Starting in 2017, he has helped create, maintain, and support Code VA’s website, state-wide logistics, automated systems, fundraising, and outreach programs. CJ works at CodeVA to support students statewide and in Code VA’s classrooms as they become autonomous and informed young adults with appropriate skillsets for their future.
Teresa Cole Data and Research Manager
BioTeresa brings forth a wealth of experience in the realms of professional development, data analysis and strategic planning from her fourteen years of experience as an educational leader. Her journey is defined by a tireless dedication to equity and excellence. With a keen strategic mind, Teresa crafts blueprints that give life to ambitious visions. Her knack for aligning assessments with objectives ensures a seamless progression towards collective goals. Through the insightful use of data, she illuminates the way forward, turning information into actionable insights. She also makes a mean spreadsheet. When she isn’t working, she is a passionate outdoors person, spending much of her free time traveling to far away places to whitewater kayak, raft, ski, hike, bike, climb, and camp with family and friends.
Valerie Fawley Instructional Program Supervisor
BioValerie Fawley works as the Integrated Curriculum Lead for CodeVA, where she works to help teachers integrate computer science into their core subjects. She has worked with CodeVA since 2019 as a facilitator and curriculum writer. Her Bachelor’s degree is from Bridgewater College, with Masters’ Degrees from Eastern Mennonite University in Educational Technology and Liberty University in Curriculum and Instruction. Valerie previously worked as an Instructional Technology Resource Coach and second-grade teacher in Shenandoah County Public Schools, where she started the county’s first coding club and began integrating computer science into classrooms in 2013.
Kristen Franklin Product Publication Manager
BioKristen (Krissy) works with an amazing team of curriculum leads, writers, and facilitators to provide equitable CS learning opportunities. Krissy earned a B.S. in Elem. Ed. and an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from VA Tech. She taught K-5th for 16 years and was an instructional coach. Her passions for equity and leadership led to an ESL endorsement and an Ed. Leadership certification from JMU. She co-authored the CS microcredential stack for the NEA and is a co-PI on an NSF grant. Krissy loves cultivating new curricular materials, facilitating, consulting with educators, and discovering new ways to incorporate and implement CS in today’s classrooms!
Megan Graybill Strategic Partnerships Supervisor
BioHi, I’m Megan Graybill, my passion is connecting students and educators with opportunities to learn about Computer Science. For 11 years I taught K-5th grade in Roanoke City and Roanoke County. After earning my degree in Administration and Policy Studies at Virginia Tech, I pioneered a new position as Computer Science Coordinator at Salem City Schools teaching 8th grade Introduction to Computer Science and coaching K-8 educators through modeling integrated Computers Science. I served on the VDOE’s Computer Science Curriculum Framework writing team, NEA Computer Science Micro-credentials and The Governor’s STEM Education Commission. Facilitating and curriculum writing with CodeVA has been an amazing experience since 2018 and I am proud to support our amazing CodeVA Faculty as CodeVA Educator Programs Faculty Administrator. I love my career and the important work we do, but my favorite roles are being a wife to Mark and mom to Van. I’m looking forward to learning from you too, thank you for your partnership with us to bring CS to ALL!
Jennifer Hicks Educator Program Operations Specialist
BioJennifer spent 30 years in public education. She taught Kg, 1st and 4th grade for 9 years in Richmond City and Henrico County and spent 21 years as an Instructional Technology Resource Teacher in Henrico and Hanover Counties. As an ITRT, she provided professional development for K-12 teachers and helped integrate technology at the elementary level.
She served on the VDOE’s steering committee for the Digital Learning Integration Standards of Learning in 2020. After retiring in 2022, she joined CodeVA as an instructor. She loves helping students learn how to code and enjoys creating coding and STEAM activities. Jennifer has served as the Community Partnerships Coordinator and is currently the Educator Programs Operations Specialist at CodeVA. She earned a BA in History, M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education, and an M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision from Virginia Commonwealth University. She enjoys spending time with her family, being outside with her dogs, listening to music, and traveling with her husband and sons to see professional baseball and football games!
Bio(she/her) A “retired” 90’s pop music drummer, Kristin is a lover of storytelling, handmade clothing and the way people’s faces light up when they believe they can do the impossible. She moved to Richmond for love, in 1997, where she found her place as an advocate for low-wealth communities, first as a member of the Richmond Coalition for a Living Wage and later as an adult educator, helping people earn a GED and redefine their futures. She holds a Master of Education degree in Adult Learning from VCU and her Global Career Development Facilitator certification. Kristin’s professional work combines over 20 years of teaching experience as a Virginia Certified Adult Educator and in community-based creative programming. Her work with youth and public school communities aligned in her role as a Virginia Community College system Career Coach and adjunct faculty member. A seasoned professional development facilitator, she has delivered multi-level training in the Virginia Adult Educator Certification Program engaging teachers in diverse counties across the state. As a Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality Certified External Assessor and Youth Work Methods Trainer she has supported Richmond YPQI network’s trainings, data management and youth development program assessments. Kristin has a passion for helping young people and adults find and pursue their passion, and take full advantage of resources and networks to propel them to the next levels of becoming. Special interests include instructional design and assessment, professional development facilitation, and creative, inclusive strategies for equitable engagement.
Alan Ireland Marketing and Communications Manager
BioAlan Ireland (he/him/they) joined CodeVA as Marketing & Communications Manager in Fall of 2023. Before that, he held the role of Director of Business Development and Workshops Coordinator at Coalition Theater. He holds a MPI degree and a BFA from VCU and he is glad to call Richmond home. Working for CodeVA is a delight for him, as he finds coding a wonderful tool for accessibility. Storytelling is his passion, but comedy is a close second.
Beth Kappus Part-time Instructor
BioBeth switched careers from a Scientist at The Johns Hopkins Hospital to Educator in Virginia with over 15 years in K-8 education. Helping teachers integrate technology and robotics in New Kent County Public Schools to teaching classroom science lessons for The MathScience Innovation Center. Beth is a wife, mom, and life-long learner now teaching for CodeVa
Jessica Lawson District Partnerships Lead
BioJessica Lawson joined CodeVA in August 2022 after 15 years as a Virginia public school educator. In those years, she taught in the elementary classroom, worked collaboratively developing and piloting a program based on K-5 Computer Science SOLs, and trained teachers on integrating technology into their classrooms. She earned her B.A. in Sociology and her teaching certification in Elementary Education plus a Gifted Education endorsement from W&M, holds a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from UVA, and received her Ed.S. degree in Educational Leadership from ODU. Jessica is eager to support schools across the state in realizing the positive impact computer science offers learners of all ages.
Zach Mulcahey Curriculum Lead
BioZach Mulcahey is a young professional getting started in the world of computer science education. A former student of Education Director, Rebecca Dovi, Zach got his start with CodeVA during their first summer camp in 2014, and he joined the staff full time in the fall of 2016. During his time at CodeVA, Zach has run a lively robotics program for local students, as well as helped manage the various children’s programs that are offered.
Angelo Natale Curriculum Writer
BioAngelo is a professional with a background in architecture and structural design. He was born in Italy and moved to Richmond a few years ago. He has a broad knowledge in 3d modeling and graphic design. He always loved to code since he was a child and is joining CodeVA as a new Part-Time Instructor.
Jessica Newsome Curriculum Lead
BioJessica Newsome is a former educator who now works as a curriculum writer at CodeVA. Originally from Queens, New York, she currently resides in Richmond, VA. Jessica holds a B.A. in History and M.S. in Adolescence Education from St. John’s University, as well as an Ed.S. degree in Educational Leadership (PK-12) from Old Dominion University. With 12 years of experience working in schools as a secondary teacher and school administrator, Jessica has always been enthusiastic about incorporating technology in the classroom and making computer science accessible to all students. Her work focuses on designing inclusive and standards-aligned materials to assist teachers in integrating computer science into their classrooms.
Carlton Nivens Student Programming Instructor
BioCarlton Nivens is currently a senior at VCU, double majoring in computer science and philosophy. He is interested in the cross sections of art, computer science, music, and philosophy. He is looking forward to sharing the insights and fun that come from exploring these paths as a part-time instructor.
In his down time he enjoys being outdoors with his dog!
Affia Pollok Event and Volunteer Specialist
BioAffia Pollok, is a Richmond native and a graduate of VCU with a BS in Urban Planning. She is deeply integrated in Richmond’s art community. Affia joined CodeVA in 2017 as a Eureka instructor, and now serves as CodeVa’s Volunteer Coordinator and is this year’s Project Lead on Full STEAM Ahead. She enjoys traveling, cycling, and being outside in her free time.
Kailey Reid Graphics and Communications Coordinator
BioKailey Reid hails from Charlottesville, Virginia, where she's honed her skills as both a graphic designer and an artist. Her journey through the academic jungle led her to study studio art and graphic design at James Madison University before venturing to England to study computer animation art and design at Bournemouth University. Now, as the Graphics and Communications Coordinator at CodeVA, she's thrilled to bring her talents to the forefront. Beyond her professional endeavors, Kailey finds joy in illustrating, rocking out to metal music, mastering archery, diving into gaming, and tinkering with her high fantasy manuscript.
Betsy Seymour Project Lead
BioBetsy Seymour (she/her) works as the Project Lead on the National Science Foundation CS for All grant. She spent the last 10 years working in public and nonprofit education including teaching writing and photography at an all-girls’ secondary school in southeast Virginia and at a men’s correctional facility in rural Alabama. Most recently, she oversaw youth outreach programs at HandsOn Greater Richmond and served as an associate director of first-year advising at VCU. She’s passionate about creating a more equitable learning environment for all students.
Katrina Smith Community and Family Partnerships Lead
BioKatrina Smith has a background in many different areas of social work. Katrina holds a BSW from James Madison University (Go Dukes!) and has professional experience working in Early Childhood home visiting, community and school based mental health services, foster care and after-school programming. She loves to teach others and facilitate discussions. She also loves to drink iced coffee even when it’s freezing outside.
In her spare time you can find Katrina dreaming of her next Disney vacation, hanging out with her husband and two boys and collecting all cute food themed items.
Blythe Samuels AP CSP Lead Facilitator
BioI have spent the last 22 years teaching math and computer science at Powhatan High School in Powhatan Virginia. I currently teach Algebra 2 Honors, AP Computer Science – Principles, and AP Computer Science – A. I am the lead facilitator for CodeVA’s Computer Science Principles Educator Training. My biggest goal is to share best practices in teaching computer science, create an inclusive community to promote diversity in our classrooms and outreach programs and to collaborate together to maintain an active teaching community.
Jon Stapleton Curriculum Development Supervisor
BioJon Stapleton is CodeVA’s Elective Curriculum lead, responsible for leading curriculum development serving teachers and students at middle and high school levels. He is passionate about empowering students and teachers to be creative, focusing on rhizomatic learning, computer science, coding, and generative creativity as learning practice. Jon is a co-author of the Virginia Computer Science Curriculum Framework, a curriculum writer with CodeVA, and an advocate of free and open source software for education. Jon holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in music education from James Madison University, a Virginia teaching license for K-12 music education and 6-12 computer science, and has presented at local, state, national, and international conferences on intersections between computer science and music education.
Sonia Vanhook Hub Manager and Facilitator
BioSonia Vanhook is employed by the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon where she is the Director of Educational Outreach as well as the Code Virginia Hub Manager. Mrs. Vanhook holds a Master of Science from ODU, a Graduate Certificate in eMarketing from UVA, her MBA with a Concentration in Executive Management, and a BS in Secondary Education with a Proficiency in Business. Sonia is certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia to teach Business and Information Technology, by the Virginia Community College System to teach online programs, and by Quality Matters as a Peer Reviewer for online courses. She is a Board Member of the American Advertising Federation, a Steering Committee Member of SWVHEC College for Older Adults, Vice-President of Public Relations for Wolf Hills Toastmasters, and a member of the Virginia Society for Technology in Education.
Jessie Vernon Southside Tobacco Commission Region Coordinator; Danville Hub Manager
BioJessie works as a Program Coordinator at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in Danville, VA, where she serves as CodeVA’s hub manager. Jessie was thrilled to join CodeVA and further support computer science education opportunities throughout southern Virginia. As a very detail-oriented person, Jessie is extremely proud of her role in handling all the logistics and planning for the annual Career ChoICE Youth Expo (link to www.sovacareerchoice.org) which sees over 4,000 students over two days. Her work at IALR and with CodeVA align with her passion for helping prepare our youth for the jobs of tomorrow. Jessie lives for quality time with friends and family, musicals, good food, and books (even if most of the ones she’s reading these days are children’s books).
Tavon Watson Office Assistant
BioTavon Watson is the Office Assistant at CodeVA. He enjoys helping kids and others who walk through the door of CodeVA. A former student of CodeVA’s Eureka Workshop, he took interest in learning something new everyday and has been working at CodeVA for three years.
