CSTA New York's Leadership Team

Elizabeth Pegarella, President

Elizabeth Pegarella is a dedicated educator specializing in Mathematics and Computer Science, with experience teaching subjects including Geometry, HTML/CSS, Python, Java, and block-based coding. She focuses on developing strong analytical and computational thinking skills in her students through a blend of traditional math instruction and hands-on coding curriculum. Elizabeth is committed to fostering an engaging, supportive classroom where learners build confidence and real-world problem-solving abilities.

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Tom O'Connell, Treasurer

Tom O’Connell is an educator currently serving at Unity Preparatory Charter School of Brooklyn, where he applies his background from Cornell University to support student learning and academic growth. He is committed to fostering an engaging, inclusive classroom environment that encourages both critical thinking and personal development. Tom brings a strong foundation in educational practice and a passion for helping students succeed.

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Kristin Holmes, Secretary

Kristin Holmes is a veteran computer science and math teacher in the Commack school district with nearly two decades of experience in education, teaching courses such as College Pre-Calculus, Intro to Programming with Python, AP Computer Science A, and IB Computer Science. Before becoming an educator, she had a successful career in industry as a robotics and AI researcher and later as a Vice President at Reuters, where she developed AI and network systems. Holmes is board certified to teach computer science and math K-12 and has served as a state lead in defining computer science standards.

Jessica Guthrie, Regional Vice President

Jessica Guthrie is a mathematics and computer science teacher at Middletown High School, where she teaches subjects including Algebra I and a range of computing courses. She focuses on helping students develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills while making math and computer science approachable. Jessica is committed to fostering a supportive learning environment that encourages student growth and confidence in technical subjects.

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Leon LaSpina, Regional Vice President

Leon LaSpina is a Math and Computer Science teacher with experience educating students in both mathematics and computing disciplines. He has been involved with the Computer Science Teachers Association and has academic ties to SUNY Stony Brook, reflecting his strong foundation in STEM education. Leon is dedicated to fostering analytical thinking and technological fluency in his students through engaging instruction.

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Brandon Milonovich, Regional Vice President

Brandon Milonovich is a dedicated computer science and mathematics educator who teaches Computer Science at Ardsley High School in New York, where he works to make computing engaging and accessible for students across multiple course levels. He has helped expand the school’s CS curriculum and extracurricular offerings, including robotics, Girls Who Code, and cybersecurity, to support student exploration and real-world tech skills. Outside the classroom, Brandon is active in professional communities for computer science teachers and brings innovative instructional practices into his teaching.

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Eric Shewmaker, Regional Vice President

Eric Shewmaker is a computer science teacher at Monticello Central School District, where he brings real-world technology experience into the classroom and supports student engagement in computing. He has also served as an adjunct professor at institutions including SUNY Sullivan and previously taught education courses at Mercy College, reflecting his commitment to both K-12 and higher education. Outside the classroom, Eric participates in school and community initiatives that connect teaching with broader educational goals.

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Marisa Laks, Regional Vice President

Marisa Laks is a computer science teacher and school programmer at the High School for Environmental Studies with the NYC Department of Education, where she brings nearly two decades of teaching experience to her role and supports student engagement in computing. She has served as a Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) Impact Fellow and facilitates a Girls Who Code club, and her work on equity and belonging in CS education has been featured by the CSTA. Marisa holds a degree from Cornell University and is passionate about creating inclusive CS classroom environments and expanding access to quality computer science learning for all students.

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Darlene Bowman, Regional Vice President

Darlene Bowman is a longtime educator and advocate for inclusive computer science and technology education, having spent many years teaching students with autism and other cognitive learning differences in New York City public schools and District 75 programs. She is the founder of AusomeTech, a Staten Island-based initiative that provides continuing tech education and internship opportunities for young adults with autism and other learning differences, helping expand access to CS skills beyond traditional K-12 classrooms. Throughout her career, Darlene has also served as a leader in professional communities—including as president of the Staten Island chapter of the Computer Science Teachers Association—and continues to support CS learning and equity through community programs and partnerships.

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Lisa Blank, Regional Vice President

Lisa Blank is an experienced STEM education leader serving as Director of STEM Programs, a DoD STEM Ambassador, and DoDEA Grants Program Northeast Region Lead, where she champions equity and access to high-quality STEM and computer science learning experiences. She is also a LEAD STEM Fellow with STEM Learning Ecosystems and an NSTA STEM Fellow, bringing over 25 years of experience advancing STEM initiatives, professional development, and community partnerships in education. Lisa frequently collaborates with educators and organizations to expand CS teacher training, innovative curricula, and STEAM engagement for students and educators alike.

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Tom Naber, Regional Vice President

Thomas Naber is a computer science teacher at Orchard Park High School with a strong background in secondary mathematics education. He has extensive experience teaching Common Core mathematics and computer science, along with Algebra I, Financial Math, and AIS math support across multiple school districts. Thomas is passionate about expanding high-quality computer science opportunities while fostering strong problem-solving and analytical thinking skills in his students.

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Angel Rivera, Regional Vice President

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Chris Bennett, University Representative

Chris Bennett is an educator specializing in computer science and mathematics, currently teaching computer science in Rockville Centre, NY. He is expanding opportunities for students in his district, advises the VEX Robotics team and the Computer Science Honor Society, and teaches AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Networking, AP Cybersecurity, and Prompt Engineering. Prior to entering K–12 education, Chris pursued a graduate degree in computer science at Stony Brook University, with a research focus on computer science education and ethics. He is dedicated to promoting ethical practices in his lessons and fostering a classroom environment that supports collaborative learning.

David Czechowski, Advocacy Lead

David Czechowski is a Computer Science and Technology Teacher at F. D. Roosevelt High School in New York's beautiful Hudson Valley and also a student in the University of Florida’s Computer Science Education program. He has served as a chapter leader in several of New York’s regional teacher communities, he is a member of CSforNY promoting K-12 CS Education across the state, and has served on multiple National CSTA Committees.  In his local community, he enjoys facilitating STEM activities for Libraries, Girl Scout Troops, and families to broaden participation in computing education.

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