About CSTA WY
CSTA Wyoming was established as your local computer science community. This chapter was built to connect you with other computer science teachers, provide professional development to help you improve your craft, and connect your local voice to the national computer science education community. We meet monthly to share best practices for the K-12 computer science classroom, plan local advocacy efforts, and discuss the latest happenings in computer science education in the state. Join us to discuss curriculum, standards, recruiting, professional development ideas, community partnerships, and whatever else is on your mind.
Chapter Leadership
CSTA Wyoming Chapter President - Megan Garnhart
Megan is currently in her 10th year as a Wyoming educator and teaches Computer Science and Business at Sheridan High School. Prior to teaching High School CS, she spent six years teaching fourth grade in Sheridan. She has a deep passion for STEM education and holds a master's degree in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis on STEM. Apart from being the CSTA Wyoming President, she also sits as President-Elect for the Wyoming Association for Career and Technical Education. Megan believes strongly in the importance of CS education and believes it to be fundamental for the future of our students and the Wyoming workforce
CSTA Wyoming Chapter Vice President - Abby Hurley
Abby is the Computer Science Youth Outreach Coordinator with Northern Wyoming Community College. In her position, she works hand in hand with Sheridan County School District #2 in collaboration with their K-12 classroom teachers to create a CS curriculum, training, and support. She is also the creator and educational consultant for YET Consulting. YET Consulting provides customized training and support on the topics of STEM, technology integration, and Computer Science throughout the state of Wyoming.
CSTA Wyoming Chapter Secretary - Alicia Wilson
Alicia is the Math and Computer Science Consultant for the Wyoming Department of Education in the Standards and Assessment division. Her career began teaching math in Laramie County School District 2. Alicia was introduced to computer science through the Science and Math Teaching Center at the University of Wyoming. She later attended Array School of Technology and Design to learn coding with a focus in web development and design. STEAM education is her passion and she is excited to learn and grow with Wyoming CS teachers.
CSTA Wyoming Chapter Treasurer - Laurel Ballard
Laurel is the State Director of Digital Learning and Innovation at the Wyoming Department of Education. In that role, she worked extensively with K-12, postsecondary, workforce, industry, and national partners to support school districts with graduating students with the skills and knowledge needed for success in college and careers. Dr. Ballard is leading efforts to support K-12 school districts with implementing computer science education in their schools. She also leads the reform efforts related to digital learning which have been codified into law. Dr. Ballard has also served on the Board of Directors of the State Education Technology Directors Association.
Leadership Members at Large
James Cunningham
James teaches computer science at Wind River MS/HS in Pavillion. Throughout his career he has worn many hats: elementary teacher, automotive, woodshop, alternative school, athletic director, coach, and computer science teacher. Along with teaching James has worked as a training facilitator for Code.org and a Certified Orientation and Mobility instructor for schools and the state. Computers have always been a passion of his and he is excited to help lead Wyoming forward with the implementation of the new CS legislation and standards.
Rebecca Butterfield
Rebecca is a 4th grade elementary school teacher in Sheridan, Wyoming. She enjoys learning and teaching about the world around us and that includes technology. She integrates technology into everything her students learn, with a forward thinking approach. Her goal as an educator is to create critical thinkers, problem solvers, and kids ready for our future. She is always exploring and implementing new ideas to relate the use of computer science to real world application in innovative ways.
Melissa Price
Melissa has 18 years of elementary education experience. She has taught kindergarten through fifth grade and is currently a STEAM specialist in the Sheridan County School District #2. She is currently supporting 610 students. She has a Master’s degree in Learning, Design, and Technology through the University of Wyoming. She is currently working on her Computer Science Microcredentials through the WDE. She views this leadership position as an opportunity to work with other CS and/or classroom teachers in Wyoming to facilitate support for integrating CS into teacher's existing curriculums.
"I believe together we are stronger and can prepare our students for success in the future." - Melissa
Sara Schnell
Sara is a mother of three and lives on the family ranch with her husband. She graduated from Chadron State College with a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction in 2018. Sara began teaching computer science in 2018, after teaching K-2 for 9 years. She earned her computer science endorsement in 2020 through Northwestern College Iowa and became a member of CSTA 4 years ago, after attending the conference in Omaha and CSTA Wyoming for 2.hroug