I have supported public education around the world for the past 25 years as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, program specialist, workshop facilitator, author, consultant, and keynote speaker. With a special focus on AI in education, I launched the AI Optimism movement to build practical, powerful strategies and AI implementation strategies through the AI Optimism Framework.
In 2025, I incorporated Phygital Labs LLC as a new agency to reach even more educational systems around the world with creative, empowering learning experiences for both teachers and students.
I have worked with schools, districts, and organizations across the US and internationally, helping them integrate technology and innovation into their teaching and learning practices. I have experience leading teams to provide customized solutions for learning management, training program design, and stakeholder engagement.
I am a founding board member of Phygital Labs Philanthropic (2019), a non-profit organization that supports educators and learners in creating immersive and interactive learning experiences using mixed reality technologies.
I am also a LinkedIn Learning Instructor with three active courses on AI, Microsoft 365, and career mentoring.

Dr. Dan Kreiness

Instructional Coach for Digital Learning

Norwalk Public Schools

Kristen Magyar

STREAM Teacher TOSA for Instructional Technology at Highland Falls - Fort Montgomery School District

Dr. Stacy Hawthorne

Chief Academic Officer 

Learn21 

Micah Shippee

Director of Education Solutions & Channel Sales Samsung Electronics

Tim Needles: Teacher/Technology Integration Specialist SMITHTOWN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Tim Needles is an artist, educator, performer, and author of STEAM Power: Infusing Art Into Your STEM Curriculum from ISTE (2nd edition out June 2025). He has been teaching art and media and acting as a technology integration specialist at Smithtown School District in New York for more than twenty-five years as well as serving as an adjunct college professor.

Hear from NYSCATE presenter Julianne Ross - Kleinmann

Retired Technology Teacher | Educational Consultant | STEM, PBL, and Play-Based Learning Expert | Helping Schools Rebuild Learning with Real-World, Hands-On Strategies

Instructional Innovation Support Specialist at Kenmore Tonawanda UFSD and President of NYSCATE BoardExperienced Educator with a demonstrated history of improving classroom instruction and system processes through effective research-based strategies and integrating innovative technology. Skilled professional developer and ISTE Certified Educator. Experienced in implementing and innovating in multiple platforms, including G Suite, Canvas LMS, and Infinite Campus (SIS).

In this episode of the Stronger Together podcast, I sit down with cybersecurity expert Dr. Tim Tillman for an essential conversation on authentication best practices in K–12 education. With over 30 years of experience in IT administration and cybersecurity, spanning district leadership roles and serving as the former Chief Information Security Officer for the Virginia Department of Education, Dr. Tillman brings valuable insights for school leaders navigating the evolving digital threat landscape.Together, we explored what makes educational authentication needs unique, the critical importance of multi-factor authentication, password management for students, the role of access control, and how districts can build a culture of cybersecurity awareness through user training and continuous monitoring.This episode, sponsored by Identity Automation, explores actionable strategies for protecting student and staff data, customizing identity solutions, and preparing districts for the future of cybersecurity, driven by expert leadership and trusted solutions.Whether you're an IT director, school administrator, or EdTech advocate, this conversation will equip you with insights to strengthen your district’s digital security posture.