Firiambassador Archive - Celebrating the 2023-2024 Team

June 1, 2024 by Kathy Beales

The Firia Labs Firiambassador Program continues to grow through the leadership and enthusiasm of dedicated educators who are passionate about empowering K-12 students with Computer Science (CS) and STEM education. Each year, our ambassador teachers bring fresh ideas, classroom creativity, and a shared commitment to helping students gain coding confidence through hands-on learning.

The 2023–2024 Firiambassador team reflects a diverse group of CS and STEM teachers who use Python programming and Firia Labs tools to spark curiosity and exploration in their classrooms. Their dedication strengthens the nationwide community of CS educators who believe in meaningful, project-based Computer Science learning.

2023–2024 Firiambassador Cohort: Meet the Top CS & Robotics Teachers

Below is the educator team serving during the 2023–24 school year, representing diverse states and commitment to CS curriculum development:

Tricia Baronoski — Alhambra Elementary School, AZ
Jack Boyd — Fellowship Christian School, GA
Loren Brinkerhoff — Legacy Junior High School, UT
Monique Davis — Shaw High School, OH
Dr. Barbara Dunham — Huffman Middle School, AL
Erin Duran — San Pasqual High School, CA
Jennifer Earnest — Sand Hill Elementary School, GA
Mikki Ford — McMurray Middle School, TN
Jennifer Futrell — Parker School, HI
Kala Jo Grice-Dobbins — Madison County Career Tech Center, AL
Ryan James — Carolina Day School, NC
Angela Johnson — Pinole Valley High School, CA
Audra Kaplan — Ottoson Middle School, MA
Kimberly Elbakidze — Red Bank Middle School, TN
Joanna Marcotte — Mascoma Valley Regional High School, NH
Jason Mayfield — Columbiana Middle School, AL
Carla Neely — Northwest School of the Arts, NC
Sharon Phillips — Somerset County Vo Tech, NJ
Nate Raynor — Mescalero Apache School, NM
Carole Sailer — North Hollywood High School, CA
Gina Smith — Robert W. Groves High School, GA
Jeanne Smith — Grove High School, OK
Robert Sneller — Brookwood High School, AL
Kristine Vecchione — Duggan Academy, MA
Candace Wagar — Bee Cave Middle School, TX
Saundra Watts — Barber Middle School, GA
Joules Webb — Medina Valley High School, TX
Paul Woods — Bronx Engineering & Technology Academy, NY

This group of educators continues to shape the program by sharing classroom experiences, leading discussions, presenting at events, and encouraging other teachers to explore Python and robotics in new and engaging ways. Their contributions help drive the mission of Firia Labs forward while inspiring students across the country.

We celebrate and appreciate each member of the 2023–2024 cohort for the energy, expertise, and heart they bring to our community.