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Introducing the 2024-2025 Robolink Ambassadors: Where Futures Take Flight
Introducing the 2024-2025 Robolink Ambassadors: Where Futures Take Flight
There are other Ambassador Programs, and then there’s the cohort of Robolink Ambassadors. New for the 2024-25 school year, this diverse group of educators works across classrooms, schools, and districts to engage students in hands-on STEM and CS learning.
Get ready to see these Ambassadors representing all things Robolink at ISTE, other trade shows, across social media, or at a school near you. Many of them are also certified and supporting other platforms, so they have endless ideas on how to STEM smash. With their help, we plan to keep pushing the limits of what CoDrone EDU can do to bring the engagement of competitions into classrooms. Together, we’ll inspire more and more students to pursue STEM college majors and careers.
Before we meet the Ambassadors themselves, let’s get to know their fearless leader in future-ready learning
Frankie Baker: All Things Community
On any given day, you can catch Frankie Baker in a classroom, leading a district-wide Zoom training, weighing in wherever teachers are talking these days, or leading a Tacos & Drones Meetup at TCEA. She is the brains and the smile behind Robolink’s Ambassador Program, and we count ourselves lucky to have her on the team.
Frankie and the Ambassadors below all bring a unique passion for innovation in education, and we’re honored to celebrate their collective impact.
The Class of 2024-25
Alethea Setser
Gifted & Talented Teacher
Charleston County School District
With 30 years of experience in education, Alethea “E.C.” Setser is a pioneer in STEM curriculum development. She has designed and implemented innovative learning programs that integrate coding, robotics, and engineering concepts into K-12 education, ensuring students gain hands-on experience in problem-solving and computational thinking.
Allison Bogart
STEM Teacher
Anama-Buena Vista Union School District
As a middle school STEM electives teacher, Allison Bogart specializes in teaching students the fundamentals of drone technology and programming. She has led numerous student teams in national robotics competitions, fostering a love for engineering and hands-on technology projects.
Annette Garrett Walter
Computer Science Educator
Friendswood High School
Annette brings her extensive industry background as a software engineer to the classroom, where she mentors students in real-world coding applications. She is a strong advocate for bridging the gap between classroom learning and industry expectations, ensuring students graduate with the skills necessary for the modern workforce.
Ben Sondgeroth
Lead Regional Educational Technology Coordinator
The Learning Technology Center (IL)
An educational technology leader with a passion for emerging technologies, Ben has spent years training educators on integrating robotics and coding into their classrooms. His work includes developing professional development programs that equip teachers with the knowledge to use drones and AI in STEM education effectively.
Caitlin Hayes
Middle School Science Teacher
St. John the Apostle Catholic Parish
Caitlin Hayes is a middle school science teacher with a focus on physics, engineering, and computer science. She has successfully integrated CoDrone EDU into her curriculum, helping students explore the principles of aerodynamics, flight control, and programming in an engaging, hands-on environment.
Carol McDonald
Math Teacher
Shakamak Jr-Sr High School
A high school math teacher at Shakamak High School, Carol McDonald has developed cross-disciplinary STEM projects that incorporate robotics into algebra and geometry lessons. She is passionate about using technology to make complex mathematical concepts more tangible and accessible to students.
Catherine Kenny
STEM Lead Learner
Pike Road Junior High
With nearly three decades of teaching experience, Catherine Kenny has led multiple school-wide initiatives to integrate coding and robotics into everyday learning. She has been instrumental in developing programs that introduce students to AI, automation, and computational logic.
David Sandlin
Technology and Innovation Integrator
Episcopal School of Jacksonville
David Sandlin serves as a Technology and Innovation Integrator at an Age 3-Grade 12 school. His work focuses on implementing emerging technologies such as drones and 3D printing into early education, ensuring that students develop STEM skills from a young age.
Dr. La'Quata Sumter
Founder
STEAM Thru Drones
A dedicated technology enthusiast, Dr. La’Quata Sumter has led digital literacy initiatives and curriculum transformations that bring STEM education to underrepresented communities. She specializes in designing technology-infused learning environments that prepare students for careers in robotics and engineering.
Frederick Ballew
Industrial Technology
Valley View Middle School
An educator with over a decade of experience, Frederick Ballew has been a key player in ISD #271, Bloomington Public Schools’ efforts to modernize STEM education. His work includes developing robotics programs that integrate both physical computing and software development.
Harry J. Knight Jr.
Math Teacher
Fountain-Fort Carson High School
Harry brings expertise in aerospace education, guiding students through complex coding challenges with a focus on drone technology. His passion lies in helping students understand the real-world applications of robotics in engineering and aviation fields.
Jami Shields
STEM Teacher
Rainwater Elementary
Jami Shields is a curriculum designer who focuses on integrating CoDrone EDU into engaging classroom experiences. She works closely with educators to create interdisciplinary lessons that blend programming, engineering, and physics.
Jason Raddatz
Teacher
Marshall Opportunity High School
As an advocate for STEM equity, Jason Raddatz has worked on numerous outreach programs that bring robotics education to underserved communities. His work ensures that students from all backgrounds have access to technology-driven learning experiences.
Jim Silus
Teacher
Channelview High School
A veteran educator with experience in both middle and high school classrooms, Jim specializes in using robotics to teach computational thinking. His students have participated in regional drone programming competitions, applying their skills in real-world problem-solving scenarios.
Kaneka Threatt
Teacher
Lowndes County Career Technical Center
Kaneka Threatt has pioneered STEM learning pathways that connect K-12 education with college and career readiness programs. She has worked with school districts to introduce drone programming as part of digital literacy initiatives.
Lisa Schwartz
Regional Educational Technology Coordinator
The Learning Technology Center (IL)
Lisa Schwartz is an instructional technology specialist dedicated to helping teachers integrate robotics into project-based learning. She has developed teacher training programs that ensure educators can confidently bring STEM experiences to their students.
Ludyvina Gomez
Bilingual Education Teacher
Los Padillas Elementary School
Ludyvina Gomez focuses on creating inclusive STEM learning environments, particularly for bilingual students. She has designed programs that incorporate coding and robotics in ways that make learning accessible for English language learners.
Maria Camarena
Computer Science Educator
Maywood Center for Enriched Studies
A robotics coach and mentor, Maria Camarena has guided student teams to success in STEM competitions. She believes in hands-on, student-led learning that encourages creativity and problem-solving.
Obed S. Hernandez
Instructional Technology Coordinator
Clint Independent School District
An experienced robotics educator, Obed has led workshops and summer camps that immerse students in programming and engineering concepts. His work emphasizes the connection between coding and real-world applications in technology fields.
Randy Kolset
Administrator of Educational Technology
Orange Unified School District
With extensive experience in STEM education, Randy Kolset has developed a robotics curriculum that emphasizes teamwork and innovation. His students have worked on projects that explore autonomous drone navigation.
Richard A. Humphreys
Department Chair Career Tech Education
St. Martin High School
Richard has worked with schools and districts to implement robotics initiatives that prepare students for future careers in automation and AI. His work bridges the gap between traditional education and emerging technology.
Stephen Cerruti
Computer Science Learning Faciliator
e3 Civic High
A STEM teacher focused on hands-on robotics projects, Stephen Cerruti helps students build their own drone applications. He integrates engineering principles with programming to create highly interactive learning experiences.
Suzanne Banas, Ph.D. NBCT
Teacher
South Miami Middle Community School
A National Board Certified Teacher, Dr. Suzanne Banas has led STEM professional development initiatives that empower educators to bring coding and robotics into their classrooms. She specializes in connecting academic standards with emerging technology tools.
Tambra Clark
School Library Media Specialist
Birmingham City Schools
An innovative educator with 18 years of experience, Tambra currently integrates technology into K-8 curricula and oversees a student-run podcast called "Bulldog Talk on the Edge". She is a CSTA/MITRE Pre-service Teacher Leader Mentor and regional/national educational technology facilitator, committed to innovative teaching practices.
The Power of the Robolink Ambassador Community
Robolink Ambassadors do more than teach coding—they ignite curiosity, foster problem-solving skills, and create opportunities for students to see themselves in STEM fields. They support one another through a collaborative community, sharing best practices, lesson plans, and competition strategies to help students thrive.
Whether introducing students to their first line of Python code or guiding them through advanced drone programming challenges, these educators are shaping the future of STEM learning.
🚀 Join us in celebrating the 2024-2025 Robolink Ambassadors! 🚀