CodeVA Facilitators

Perry Shank is the Director of Curriculum for CodeVA and designs learning opportunities for educators and students covering computer science content knowledge and skills. He has worked with the Virginia Department of Education on the VA State Computer Science K-12 Standards and the Digital Learning Integration Standards, co-wrote the VA Computer Science Curriculum Frameworks, and is a co-PI on two competitive NSF grants. Perry received his Ph.D from the University of Denver in Curriculum and Instruction and holds a Professional VA teaching certification with endorsements in PreK-12th Music, Bus/IT, and Computer Science. He has taught for over 20 years in public K-12 schools in Virginia and Colorado. He works with an amazing team of curriculum leads and writers throughout the state to provide resources and content for CS educators and learners in Virginia’s K-12 public schools.

Phylis Wilson is a native of Virginia. She attended Virginia State University where she received a B.S. in Biology. She has been is teaching since 2006 and currently serves as a Biology Teacher in Richmond City Public Schools. She considers herself a lifelong learner and enjoys being a part of educational research. She has a Master's in Adult Education & Training from UOP and an Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Liberty University. She enjoys developing engaging lessons that integrate technology and Machine Learning along with Project G.U.T.S. in her classroom. These lessons help her students to see the exciting and interesting side of modern science. She is mother to one energetic daughter named Regal.

Sarah Gerrol teaches in the Salem City School District at Andrew Lewis Middle School. She has taught since 2003 to all grade levels from preschool to college. She’s passionate about integrating subjects through the use of technology and project-based learning.

Hello I am Shelita Hodges. CTE Dept. head and teacher at Armstrong High School. With my love of Computer Science I empower students to cultivate knowledge in a field where they are considered the minority. I was appointed CTE Department Head for the 2020-2021 school year. Recently, I achieved my dream and earned my Master of Education. Outside of school I am happily married and the mother of 3 doting sons.

Sonnya Preston is an experienced educator dedicated to the field of Business & Information Technology. With a passion for teaching, she has been a valued member of the faculty at Andrew Lewis Middle School for over 19 years and has been a facilitator with CodeVA for 5 years. Sonnya's commitment to fostering learning extends beyond the classroom, as she actively engages in her love for travel, continuous learning, and connecting with new people. Her dynamic approach to education and diverse interests make her a well-rounded and inspiring professional.

Sonnya Preston is a Business & Information Technology teacher at Andrew Lewis Middle School in Salem Virginia, where she has been for the last 16 years. 

Dr. Susan Jinks is a middle school and high school computer science teacher in Falls Church City, VA.  She started her career in elementary school and then quickly moved to middle school and high school.  After 20 years of teaching, she was given an opportunity to bring computer science to her school.  She jumped at the opportunity knowing it was the right thing for her students.  She truly believes that all students should experience computer science throughout k-12.

Thea has been an educator with Frederick County Public Schools since 2004. She has taught fifth grade and is currently an elementary instructional technology coach. She has been working with CodeVA since 2022. She has a passion for giving students learning opportunities that inspire creativity and critical thinking. Exposing students to STEM and computer science are her favorite ways to support teachers and students. She has a master's degree in curriculum and instruction along with a certificate in teacher leadership from James Madison University.

Theresa Goltermann is a career middle school STEM educator and FIRST Lego League Robotics coach certified in science, social studies, computer science, and technology education. Theresa has been a facilitator with CodeVA since 2021. She is a lifelong learner and a passionate advocate for equity and access to computer science and STEM education.

I have been in education since 2010 and have served as a teacher, librarian, technology teacher leader, and instruction technology coach. I currently serve as a Learning Designer for AVID to create and facilitate professional learning opportunities for educators around the globe.

My name is Tobin Traxler and I am an Instructional Technology Coach for Prince William County Public Schools. I have been an elementary educator for 10 years. In December 2020, I was awarded the Virginia Computer Science Educator of the Year for 2019-2020. I love integrating computer science into the elementary content and helping fellow educators across the Digital Dominion! I am very excited to work with CodeVA as a facilitator and looking forward to having a great summer working with everyone.