We’re excited to introduce the Ozobot Certified Educators for the 2024-2025 school year! This inspiring group of thirty-six educators has been selected for their innovative use of Ozobot robots and STEAM to engage students and create dynamic learning environments. They’re leading the charge in reimagining STEM education, empowering learners to think critically, solve problems creatively, and develop skills for the future.
From sparking curiosity in elementary classrooms to driving innovation in high school robotics programs and beyond, each Certified Educator brings a unique perspective and passion to their work. Together, they represent the very best in educational leadership and a shared commitment to preparing students for a rapidly evolving world.
Meet a few of these exceptional certified educators below and learn why they’re passionate about STEAM education.
Barb Ritch – Elementary Information Systems Coordinator
Location: New York
I wear many hats, but my favorite is going into classrooms to teach students about coding. Ozobots are my favorite because they can be used screen-free and are applicable for all ages.
Carly Sapp – Elementary Innovation Teacher
Location: California
As the Innovation Teacher for Redlands USD, I support teaching with all things tech and innovation. I LOVE using Ozobot to create lessons that integrate with the standards teachers are teaching. Ozobot increases engagement, gets students excited to learn, and improves retention of skills.
Carrie Willis – Elementary & Middle School STEAM & Technology Director
Location: California
I love being a STEAM educator because it allows me to ignite curiosity and creativity in my students, helping them solve real-world problems through hands-on learning. Seeing them connect different curricular concepts and grow confident in their critical thinking abilities is incredibly rewarding.
Christine Thai-Pappa – Elementary STEAM Coach
Location: Virginia
As a STEAM Coach, I love my job! STEAM education is essential as it builds crucial skills like problem-solving, creativity, communication, and critical thinking. Teaching learners to be thinkers helps them navigate situations throughout their lifetime—and STEAM is key to accomplishing this.
Dawn Zamora – Elementary STEM Educator
Location: Texas
As an Elementary STEM educator, I’m all about helping students explore how science, technology, engineering, and math connect to the world they live in. I love seeing their excitement when they realize they can solve real problems with creativity and critical thinking. Being part of those ‘aha’ moments is what keeps me inspired every day!
Emily Byers – District STEAM Facilitator
Location: Ohio
I run one of our AWS Think Big Spaces. I LOVE watching students (and adults) work through challenging problems and seeing the excitement when they solve them. STEAM is exciting, and I enjoy teaching students and educators how to elevate lessons to meet all learners’ needs.
Janice Beard – STEAM STARZ Founder & STEAM Educator
Location: Iowa
Inspired by my two young kids, I created an enrichment business to support the next generation of creative thinkers and problem solvers. Seeing students’ excitement as they learn to code and program robots as young learners brings me great joy.
Kimberly Folson – Elementary STEAM Specialist
Location: Tennessee
I love being a STEAM educator because it allows me to inspire creativity and critical thinking in students while bridging the gap between science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
Melissa Zeitz – Elementary Digital Literacy & Computer Science Educator
Location: Massachusetts
As a passionate CS educator, I love sparking curiosity and creativity in students through hands-on, real-world projects. Creating inclusive learning environments that empower all students, especially girls and underrepresented groups, is incredibly rewarding.
Nancy Tavarez – Elementary Technology Educator
Location: New York
I am a 7th-year teacher, in my 4th year as a tech teacher, and I love it! I enjoy seeing the smiles on my students’ faces when they solve problems in STEAM, as it challenges them to think outside the box.
Nikki Jones – Elementary Instructional Technology Coach
Location: Virginia
As an Instructional Technology Coach, I love integrating CS into core content areas! In collaboration with the STEAM teachers, we’ve built a foundation of coding for all K-5 learners. I’m passionate about creativity, edtech, and STEAM!
Susan Kunze – Elementary Volunteer Educator
Location: California
I’m a veteran elementary teacher and recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Since retiring, I have volunteered in local schools, providing impactful STEAM lessons using Ozobots to support student learning.
Sunshine Ouimette – Elementary Para-Specialist
Location: Vermont
I love igniting curiosity and creativity in my students. Problem-solving in computer science equips students with essential skills for the future, and seeing them collaborate and tackle challenges together inspires me every day!
Trish Henry – Elementary Educator, Librarian & Tech Specialist
Location: Washington
Our library/tech program focuses on hands-on STEM connected to literacy. Ozobots were among the first tools we adopted to provide hands-on learning with robots.
Wendy Townlin – Elementary STEM Educator
Location: California
Math and science were my favorite subjects to teach before STEM was a “thing.” I co-founded my school’s STEM program, and I love how students with learning challenges excel socially and academically through hands-on activities. Win-win!
We are also proud to recognize the contributions of our other Certified Educators in the program:
- Robyn Williams, Elementary Instructional Technology Coordinator
- Kathleen Pickard, Second Grade Teacher & Tech Team Facilitator
- Sheila Slawiak, Technology & Computer Science Teacher
- Sarah Phelps, K-12 CS & STEM Program Manager
- Jennifer Weaver, Elementary Computer Science & STEAM Integration Teacher
- Amy Fowler, Elementary Educator & School Technology Coordinator
- Jana Gerard, Coordinator, EDvolution Center
- Macie Harringa, Elementary & Middle School Computer Science Teacher
- Kathy Jarret, Elementary Educator & Librarian
- Jessica Lay, Elementary STEAM Educator
- Sarah McClure, Manager of Learning Technology
- Enrique Lopez, Director of Educational Technology
- Alma Boothe, K-12 STEAM Outreach Coordinator
- Rebecca Buck, Tech Integration Specialist
- Ashton Carovillano, Elementary Math & Science Educator
- Julie Carson, Digital Teaching & Learning Coordinator
- Christine Danhoff, Technology Integration Specialist
- Caitlin Esmond, Elementary Librarian
- Stephanie Finlay, Elementary School Teacher
- Carla Hollinger, Elementary Computer Lab Teacher
- Allie Schultze, K-12 Technology Coach & Trainer
As we celebrate the incredible achievements of these certified educators, we recognize their dedication to shaping the future of education. Through their innovative use of Ozobot and STEAM, they are inspiring the next generation of thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers.
These exceptional leaders demonstrate how hands-on learning can empower students to dream big and boldly tackle the challenges of tomorrow. Join us in celebrating their impact and commitment to transforming education!
Interested in becoming an Ozobot Certified Educator? Sign up for updates about 2025-2026 applications, here.
