Dr. Martha Barwick, an ISTE Certified educator with 25 years of experience in Harford County Public Schools (HCPS), serves as the Supervisor of Innovation in Learning. She holds a Master of Science in Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment from McDaniel College and a Doctor of Education specializing in Online Teaching and Learning from Johns Hopkins University.  In her role, Martha oversees HCPS's library media program, gifted learning program, and instructional technology initiatives. She brings a deep passion for innovative technologies and digital resources that enhance the teaching and learning experience.

Michael Thomas Borkoski is a seasoned IT professional with extensive experience in the education and Information Technology sector. He currently serves as the Chief Information Officer and a member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet for the Anne Arundel County Public School System. In this role, Michael oversees the implementation, maintenance, and support of various technology infrastructures, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud systems, and disaster recovery functions.
Michael is an active member of several prestigious boards, including the Consortium of School Networks Driving K-12 Innovation Advisory Board and the Maryland Education Enterprise Consortium Board. His leadership and expertise are further recognized through his numerous certifications, which include:
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) \
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
ITIL v4
Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)
Microsoft Certified Azure Fundamentals
With a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Information Systems from Frostburg State University and a Master’s Degree in Information Systems from the University of Maryland Baltimore County, Michael combines his academic background with practical experience. His career includes roles such as Senior Manager of Information Security at Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Technology Officer/Director of Technology at Howard County Public School System, and adjunct professor at the University of Maryland Baltimore County.
Michael’s contributions to the field are marked by his commitment to innovation, strategic planning, and the development of robust technology and cybersecurity programs, making him a pivotal figure in educational technology leadership.

Dr. Linda Carling is Associate Research Professor and Director of the Center for Technology in Education at the Johns Hopkins University School of Education and leads a team of experts that focuses on transforming teaching and learning with technology. She has nearly two decades of research and experience providing individuals with accessible, meaningful, and engaging learning opportunities, both in-person and virtually. In alignment with CTE’s vision to change lives through knowledge that matters, Linda Carling builds and implements large-scale learning solutions that combine current pedagogical practices and online tools to engage and transform leaders and educators. The scope of her work involves designing and implementing technology-supported professional development for state, district, and school leaders to understand and take action around education data; instructing early childhood teachers and special educators to administer and use data from comprehensive early childhood assessments; and building effective partnerships with teachers and families.

Karen Chen is an assistant professor from the Information Systems Department at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC). She has about a decade of research experience in applying AI, machine learning, and data science to education in areas of AI in education, educational data science, and learning analytics. She has been actively involved in educational technology projects with partners from the Baltimore City Public School System and has served on the Howard County Public School System Mathematics Advisory Committee since 2021. She earned her Ph.D. in Information Systems (2020), as well as master's degrees in Information Systems (2004) and Statistics (2012), all from Carnegie Mellon University. From 2016 to 2020, she was a fellow in the Program in Interdisciplinary Educational Research (PIER), funded by the Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education. In 2023, she led the Caselet project to become one of the winning teams in the DARPA AI Tools for Adult Learning competition. Dr. Chen also receives the National Science Foundation CAREER Award for her work integrating learning analytics research with data science and data literacy education.

Shawn Fritz-Rushing is the Assistant State Superintendent at the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), where he has spent over 11 years advancing key educational initiatives. In his previous role as MSDE's Chief Information Officer, Shawn played a pivotal role in steering the agency’s strategic vision for educational technology.
Throughout his tenure at MSDE, Shawn has held several key leadership roles, including Director of Data Analysis & Accountability and School Performance Manager for the Juvenile Services Educational System. His work in these roles has focused on leveraging technology to support educational progress and accountability across Maryland.
Before joining MSDE, Shawn served as a Business Analyst and Educational Consultant at Salesforce in Washington, DC. In addition, he taught Economics at a charter school in Miami and History and Physical Education in Texas, where he also served as a football coach. His diverse background in both classroom instruction and educational technology has given him a unique perspective on improving education through innovative solutions.
With over 20 years of experience in educational technology, Shawn has worked with a range of organizations in Houston, Miami, Washington D.C., and Maryland. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Louisiana State University (LSU) and an MBA from St. Thomas University in Miami, providing a strong foundation in both educational theory and business leadership. Shawn remains dedicated to using technology to foster positive change and enhance educational systems.

Program Director for Disability Policy and Systems Change, Johns Hopkins University Center for Technology in Education

Dr. Harkins-Brown is a faculty member at the Center for Technology in the JHU School of education. She leads applied research and implementation projects related to special education and systems change in states and local jurisdictions. Her areas of expertise include foundations of special education and inclusion; technology integration; assistive technologies; and professional learning for leaders and practitioners. Her research focuses on the translation of evidence-based practices for practitioners using an implementation science approach, special education policy, effective technology integration, and innovative teaching practices to support diverse populations of learners.

Andria Keller joined the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) in 2011 and has successfully advanced her career from a contractual role to a full-time position. Her professional growth has been fueled by mentorship, hands-on experience, and a solid foundation in information technology and operational management. With a clear objective to enhance and add value to educational systems for Maryland students, Andria is committed to making a meaningful impact.
In the early stages of her career, Andria served as a Fiscal Clerk before being promoted to Business Analyst in 2015. In this role, she effectively utilized her analytical skills to improve IT processes and align technology solutions with the vision and mission of MSDE. Her exemplary performance, strong work ethic, and competencies have led her to her current role as IT Assistant Director IV (Acting), where she provides leadership in establishing agency-wide standards for information technology. She supports the successful implementation of new technology solutions, proactively identifies IT service gaps, and contributes to ongoing improvement efforts.
Andria is also honored to serve on the MSDE Artificial Intelligence (AI) Committee, where she plays a key role in developing educational policies and processes for generative AI. Her contributions help ensure that Maryland school systems utilize these technologies ethically and effectively.
With a passion for transforming public education, Andria is dedicated to continuing her service to the state of Maryland in creating a world-class education system for all students.

Casey Kirk is the Supervisor of Special Projects for Baltimore County Public Schools, where she leads innovative initiatives to enhance educational opportunities across the district. She is also a doctoral student and research assistant at Towson University, where her research focuses on the integration of AI to empower teachers and students. Her work includes examining the development of AI policy in K12 education, contributing to the growing field of AI in schools.
Casey began her career as a high school English teacher before transitioning to a role as a professional development specialist at the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). There, she leveraged technology to provide online professional learning opportunities to teachers statewide. In 2017, she collaborated with Digital Harbor to lead all local school systems in creating a 3D print of their counties, culminating in a large-scale map of Maryland.
As the academic coordinator for the Juvenile Services Education System, Casey designed an online instruction program to ensure that students had access to high-quality educators. She holds a bachelor's degree in English from Towson University and a master's degree in the art of teaching from Notre Dame of Maryland University.

Tracy is a National Board-Certified Teacher and ISTE Certified educator with 19 years of experience in Harford County Public Schools. She holds a Master of Library Science from the University of Maryland (2015) and a Master of Science in Instructional Technology from Towson University (2011). In her 14th year as a school librarian, Tracy is passionate about promoting a love of reading, teaching students to be critical thinkers, and empowering educators in instructional technology. Tracy is treasurer of the Harford County Education Association and a member of Maryland Association of School Librarians.

Dave Peloff leads JHU CTE's research and development work involving emerging educational technologies and oversees the teams that create tools, applications, and data systems that support the Center’s work, including the Maryland Online IEP and IFSP. Among Dave's research interests are how gaming and simulation technologies - including virtual and augmented reality - can be leveraged to extend and enhance learning experiences, and the potential of A.I. and machine learning to revolutionize education.

Growing up in Topeka, Kansas, Casey is proud to come from a family of wayfinders: entrepreneurs, pilots, and artists. She arrived at the University of Kansas feeling out of place, but when she walked into Dr. Rick Snyder’s Positive Psychology class, things changed. Casey discovered she could devote her life to studying and elevating what is “right” with people. She has done so as a mental health clinician and an educator at Brown University in a course called "Designing your Life on Purpose."
During her undergraduate and graduate studies, Casey worked alongside leading Positive Psychology researchers Dr. Rick Snyder and Dr. Shane Lopez to maximize people’s strengths and assets instead of pathologizing challenges that come from broader systemic injustices.
Casey then spent seven years applying her learnings at Summer Search - an intensive whole-person mentoring program in Boston. There, she trained a team of 25 to apply the theories of purpose development as they built 1:1 long-term relationship with first generation college students. Casey loved watching the students expand their comfort zones through wilderness-based experiential education programs and international service experiences. Helping students find their own alignment with a sense of purpose became her calling that led her to the purpose-learning movement and Project Wayfinder.
Casey holds a Bachelors of Psychology and a Masters in Clinical Social Work from the University of Kansas. She spends her free time playing basketball, running, road biking, painting, hiking, and traveling — any excuse to soak in the beautiful world around us.

Dr. Bill Sadera is a Professor at Towson University in the College of Education, Department of Learning Technologies, Design, and School Library Media. With over 25 years of research and experience in the field of instructional technology, Bill is also the founding director of Towson's Instructional Technology Doctoral Program. His areas of expertise encompass teacher technology preparation, one-to-one learning initiatives, online learning and teaching, and instructional design.
Bill earned his Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Iowa State University and has made significant contributions to advancing the integration of technology in education. Through his leadership, he has positively impacted both inservice and preservice teachers by equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively use technology in instructional settings. Additionally, his work has influenced learning design professionals in creating more dynamic, tech-driven educational environments.
Leading a research group focused on AI in Education, Dr. Sadera is at the forefront of exploring the role of artificial intelligence in transforming educational practices. His current projects, including preparing preservice teachers to integrate AI into instruction and investigating AI policy in K12 education, are impactful because they address the urgent need for educators and school leaders to adapt to rapidly evolving technologies. This work is crucial for shaping the future of teaching and learning in the digital age.

Erin Senior is an education leader with over 10 years of experience at the Maryland State Department of Education. As the Director of Digital Learning and School Library Media, she has successfully implemented innovative digital learning initiatives. Prior to her current role, Erin spent 14 years as a middle school educator and in various central office positions. Her extensive experience in the classroom and leadership roles equip her with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing educators today.
In her current position, Erin oversees a wide range of digital learning programs, providing support and professional development to educators and administrators. She is dedicated to ensuring that all educational stakeholders have access to the tools and resources necessary to deliver high-quality digital learning experiences that prepare students for success.