Keynote Speakers / Sessions

Mark Vetter

MicroK12 | Puyallup School District

Education Ambassador

Innovative leader of technology with a demonstrated history of working in the primary/secondary education and technology industry. A builder of systems and excellence, a lifelong learner with a Master's degree focused in Organizational Leadership from Seattle University and Superintendent's credentials from Western Washington University.

Session: "Cybersecurity: Playing Whack-A-Mole or Intentional Work"

Jeff Hinkle

Puyallup School District

Solution Engineer Manager

With nearly two decades of IT experience in education, they have led IT management platforms and teams to shape Microsoft’s flagship products to meet educational and business needs, seamlessly integrating IT facets to create products that 'just work.'

Session: "Cybersecurity: Playing Whack-A-Mole or Intentional Work"

Becky Keene

insight2execution

Director of Operations

As the Director of Operations at insight2execution, Becky leads a team providing customized solutions for learning management, training design, and stakeholder engagement. With over 15 years of experience, she has supported schools and organizations globally in integrating technology into education.

Session: "The Power of the Prompt: Using Copilot to Support Your Work"

Leigh Anne Scherer

North Clackamas School District

Director, Technology & Services

Leigh Anne transitioned to education technology in 2020 and now serve as the Director of Technology & Information Services in the North Clackamas School District. With a rich academic background and diverse roles ranging from ESL Teacher to Education Consultant, she brings a unique perspective to K-12 leadership.

Session: "Transitioning from MacBooks to Chromebooks: A Seamless Journey for K-12 Educators"

Leslie Snyder

Puyallup School District

Retired, Teacher Trainer

Having spent 16 years in the classroom and 18 years training and coaching teachers, Leslie specializes in empowering educators to leverage classroom technology effectively. With an impressive 34-year career in education, Leslie brings a wealth of experience in adapting to change and implementing best practices to support student learning. Leslie's background in educational technology coupled with her deep understanding of teacher and classroom needs give her a practical lens and a nuanced understanding of the value of classroom technology

Session: "From Whiteboards to Touchscreens: A Journey of Interactive Panel Integration"

Trinh Pham

PSESD

Director of Education Technology

Trinh is passionate about inspiring connections, innovations, and transformations. As a leader, she
offers extensive knowledge of instruction, change theory, technology, and insights into effectively
working with teams. She brings value to professional learning, data analysis facilitation,
stakeholder collaborations, multilingual learners and dual language programs, and digital equity
and inclusion. Trinh has served school districts in Washington State and British Columbia, Canada,
engaging teams in deeper learning and building equitable opportunities for all.

Session: "Optimizing AI Prompts to Enhance User Interactions"

Shannon Thissen, Ph.D.

Capital Regional ESD

Regional Administrator for Educational Technology & Computer Science

Shannon is passionate about integrating technology in all academic content, providing educator
support in implementing computer science programs, and training and supporting the use of
Artificial Intelligence. As a leader, she emulates visionary leadership, is an effective communicator,
is a lifelong learner, and facilitates change. She has experience teaching in middle and high school,
Community college, University, and workforce training. Her research examined increasing
technology use in elementary education by introducing Computational Thinking as a foundation.

Session: "Optimizing AI Prompts to Enhance User Interactions"

Marc Elliott

Olympia School District

Chief Information Officer

Marc is the current Chief Information Officer for the Olympia School District, in the state of Washington. This is his 11th year serving in that position, after spending 17 years in the Bethel School District as a classroom teacher, Technology TOSA and Technology Director. Marc has always been passionate about educational technology, innovative teaching practices and collaborating with peers. As the CIO for Olympia School District, Marc oversees Instructional Technology, Operational Technology and Student Information Systems. He is currently serving in his third year as a board member for the Association for Computer Professionals in Education (ACPE). 

Session: "Peer Collaboration Within the K-12 Environment"

Kristina Wambold

ESD 112

Integrated EdTech Coordinator

Creator of the DigitalBug, Google Education Trainer, SWIS Facilitator, eVal Trainer, Adobe Trainer, Microsoft Innovative Educator, Technology Peer Coach, Certified Teacher and life long learner

Session: "What's New in EdTech: Top 10 Innovations for the 2024 Classroom"

Danielle Pinta

Google for Education

Regional Program Manager

Danielle Pinta is a Regional Program Manager on the Google for Education team. Danielle works primarily with mid-sized school districts to help enable technology usage within K-12 districts. Outside of Google Danielle lives with her partner in Chicago and her two dogs, Ellie and Willow! Danielle has a deep passion for learning and helping students thrive; outside of Google you can find her taking a comedy class at Second City or cooking up a fun recipe! Danielle is currently working on getting her MBA at Northwestern in Chicago. 

Session: "AI & The Future of Education"