CodeVA Facilitators

Hi! My name is Aimee Hasinger! I have been teaching in Lynchburg City Schools since 2006. In that time, I have served as both an ITRT and in my current role as a full time classroom teacher. I began working with CodeVA in 2017. I love working closely with teachers and students as they explore and learn about computer science!

I have been a facilitator with Code Virginia since 2019. I am also the Supervisor of Science & Computer Science in Bedford County beginning 2021. Prior to that, I was an ITRT in an elementary and middle school for 9 years and a classroom teacher for 3 years. I love guiding teachers in implementing Computer Science in their classrooms!

I began my career in education by teaching middle school mathematics in Houston, Texas, from 2013 to 2015. Subsequently, I moved to Manassas Park Middle School where I instructed students in the subjects of computer science and robotics from 2015 to 2019. Currently, I am a curriculum writer and facilitator with CodeVA.I enjoy the company of my family and friends, reading,outdoor pursuits such as hiking, discovering new places and foods, and unwinding on the beach.

Amy Thomas has over 20 years experience in elementary education teaching all the grades from pre-K to 4th grade. She is a Montessori trained teacher, a Teacher Consultant of the National Writing project, and has a local endorsement in Gifted Education. Amy received her Masters in Education from Shenandoah in 2019 and technology was an integral component of that learning. For the last few years Amy immersed herself in computer science and STEM Education. Amy has written integrated computer science instructional plans for the State of Virginia. In 2020 Amy took on the exciting new role of Computer Science Integration Coach working on a team to implement a prestigious EIR Federal Grant called METRICS. This year she created a CS Leaders program for teachers in her district and earned a CS Leadership certificate through JMU. Amy works with her METRICS team to immerse all students in integrated computer science and STEM learning to empower them to live successfully into their future.

My teaching career started as a Business and Information Technology teacher for Chesterfield County Public Schools. I am presently working in the Adult Continuing Education Department. In 2015, I joined CodeVA where I facilitate training for Computer Science Foundations, Scratch, and Python. When I am not teaching, I enjoy time with family and friends, Crossfit, and reading.

Blythe B. Samuels is an employee at Powhatan High School (PHS), a rural public high school consisting of approximately 1300 students.  PHS is the only high school in the county but maintains their commitment to promoting STEM.  Blythe is a mathematics and computer science teacher and sponsors the school’s Computer Science Honor Society. She is more than just a teacher to her students; she is also a guidance counselor, college and career adviser, and mentor. Blythe also works part-time as a Lead Facilitator for CodeVA, a non-profit that partners with schools, parents, and communities to bring equitable computer science education to all of Virginia's students. She develops and provides training that prepares teachers to teach a high school elective Computer Science and/or Advanced Placement level courses.  Blythe has participated in the AP CSA exam scoring since 2014 and is a National Lead for the AP Advocates program. Blythe was recently recognized with the 2020 RVA Tech Award for Innovation in Education. Blythe holds a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from the University of Tennessee, and is a National Board Certified teacher.

Hi! My name is Cori Sowers and I am an Instructional Technology Resource Teacher and K-5 Computer Science Teacher for Danville Public Schools in Danville, Virginia. For seven years, I taught computer technology to grades 6-8, been an ITRT since 2012, taught K-5 Computer Science since 2022, and have been with CodeVA since 2019.

Education and teaching continues to be my passion since I was a little girl playing teacher with my dolls. I have always known that I wanted to help others to reach their dreams and goals. I continue to work in the classroom with students and adults because that is where I see the greatest need for making an impact in today's society. But I also love making connections with other who want to make a difference in education.

Currently - General Education Teacher (Richmond City Public Schools).

Hi friends!! I am Eleanor Hamm, middle school teacher in Wythe County Public Schools.  I started taking courses with CodeVA in 2018 and have always loved what they are doing.  I am excited to work with educators as they explore and learn how to get students excited about computer science.

Beth Smith is a current Instructional Technology Specialist and former Gifted Education Teacher who loves tiny robots and tiny humans. She believes that every student deserves to learn to code.