Holly Neal is the Elementary Techbrarian and Esports Coach for the Hollister School District, where she integrates technology and coding into student learning. She has taught for 15 years, spending 8 years in a third grade classroom before transitioning into her current role. As a 5th year MSU CODERS participant, she helps teachers incorporate coding by gathering and curating resources that align with their lessons. Holly is passionate about fostering creativity, problem-solving, and a love for technology in students.
Jen Sandovs is a dedicated educator with 16 years of teaching experience, specializing in STEAM
education. For the past five years, she has been a CODERS teacher, focusing on coding
and engineering. Jen integrates hands-on learning with technology, using Microbits,
MakeCode, and Scratch to inspire students in computational thinking and problem-solving.
Passionate about innovation in education, she empowers young learners to explore the
limitless possibilities of coding and engineering.
Gara Ipock has been teaching math and science for 29 years, bringing passion and experience
to the classroom. As an 8th grade science teacher at Mountain Grove Middle School,
Gara also serves as the Student Council advisor, Math and Science Club advisor, Encouragement
Club advisor, Pep Club supervisor, and After-School Detention supervisor. A four-year
Coders participant, Gara values coding’s importance in education.
Aleth Rogers has been a dedicated educator for 18 years, spending the last three as part of CODERS.
She is passionate about making coding fun for students, especially through hands-on
experiences like drones. Her goal is to inspire creativity and problem-solving in
the next generation of innovators.
John Moore has 36 years of experience in education. As a Missouri State University Coders Mentor
and a third-year participant in the grant program, he works to inspire students through
creative and technical learning opportunities. He places a strong focus on the writing
process of Engineering Notebooks and hands-on Micro:bit projects. Residing in Joplin,
Missouri, he is passionate about helping students think critically, design creatively,
and develop real-world problem-solving skills.
Renee Stillings is a dedicated educator at Ava Middle School and Ava High School, where she teaches
5th-8th grade computer science and high school PLTW courses, including Computer Essentials,
Computer Principles, and Cybersecurity. She also serves as the middle school librarian.
With 17 years of teaching experience, Renee has been actively involved in the CODER’s
Project for four years. She founded an after-school program for her middle school
Science Club students, which features an annual showcase that has grown each year,
incorporating student projects from both science and computer science classes.
Brandy Retasket. With over 22 years of experience as a science educator, Brandy brings a passion for
discovery and innovation into every classroom. A dedicated and dynamic teacher, Brandy
has spent the past five years with CODERS, inspiring students to explore the world
of technology through creativity and critical thinking.
Brandon Smith is an Innovations teacher at Neosho Junior High that emphasizes coding, robotics and
3D Design and Printing. As a 7th and 8th grade teacher he is passionate about having
the students learn from tinkering and trying things hands on. Brandon also serves
as a cross country and track and field coach in Neosho. He has been a teacher for
5 years and has worked in many other career fields.
Carissa Willey is a passionate 5th-grade educator at Purdy R-II School District, specializing in
Science, Social Studies, and STEM. With 10 years of teaching experience, she is dedicated
to fostering a love of learning and curiosity in her students. Currently in her fourth
year as a CODERS program participant, Carissa actively seeks innovative ways to engage
students in hands-on learning experiences, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving
skills. Her favorite thing to teach is Scratch because of how useful it is in all
areas.
Jennifer Austin, Neosho Middle School
Tad Belling, Clever Elementary
Tracey Blaue, Spokane Middle School
Dawn Bews, Jefferson City
Bryan Bolton, Hallsville School District
Jaime Brust, Granby Elementary
Diane Burke, Washington School District
Riquelme Chaves, Waynesville – Wood Elementary
Dana Couter, Logan-Rogersville Upper Elementary
Kaylee Davis, Valley R-4
Raquel DeSouza, Waynesville Middle School
Stephanie Dockstader, Thomas Jefferson Middle School
Alysha Dotson, Cabool R-4
Lauren Dyer, Booneville R-1
Julianne Edgar, Iron County C-4 School District
Madison Emery, Skyline Middle School
Tara Farquhar, Hollister
Cheyenne Friend, Neosho Middle School
Nicole Fritts, Harrisburg Middle School
Stephanie Fuller, Exeter Middle School
Sarah Goss, Skyline R-2
Brandy Harris, Jefferson R-7 School District
Jessica Harley, Skyline R-2
Debbie Heisler, Wright City
Doug Hepler, Jarret Middle School
Mary Hepler, Clever Middle School
Lydia Hill, Sturgeon R-5
Taylor Hinman, Blackwater R-2
Emma Huckelberry, Senath-Hornersville Middle School
MacKenzie Loesch, Dixon R-1
Jess McDonald, Logan-Rogersville
Elizabeth Merrill, Neosho Middle School
Jennifer Mitchell, Mountain Grove Elementary
Kathy Picard, Willow Springs
Rebecca Picard, Mountain Grove Middle School
Brooke Remerscheid, Shell Knob
Katherine Schack, Wentzville School District
Dawn Schade, Reeds Spring Elementary
Max Schuman, Shell Knob
Kendra Snow, Mansfield R-4
Amber Southard, Miami R-1 Elementary
Leslie Stillings, Ava Middle School
Millie Thompson-Krug, Shell Knob
Cathy Trigg, Cole R-1 School District
Melissa Walker, Wheatland R-2 School
Christina Wallace, Waynesville R-6 School District
Becky Wynne, Maryville Middle School