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The Executive Board and Administative Staff

		Dr. Henry Thiele President Director of Technology Maine Township District 207 1131 South Dee Road Park Ridge, IL 60068 Work: 847.692.8075Ext. 8075 E-mail: HThiele@Gmail.com Dr. Henry Thiele is the Director of Technology in Maine Township High School District 207. He brings diverse classroom and technology experience to our organization. Previously Dr. Thiele served as a technology coordinator and prior to that taught science and music.He has been an adjunct professor at Roosevelt University as well as a consultant for Riverside Publishing.
		Judy Holman Vice-President Teacher Judy Holman is a former elementary school teacher with sixteen years of experience at the 5th grade level. For the past twelve years, she has designed curriculum and facilitated workshops. Currently, she is teaching adult literacy classes in Evanston, IL. Throughout her teaching career, she has been innovative in adapting technology to meet student needs.
		Mary Ellen Peterson Treasurer/Secretary Technology Teacher Barrington CUSD 220 Barrington, IL 60010 E-mail: MrsPeterson220@Gmail.com Mary Ellen Peterson teaches technology classes which include computer applications and web design among others. She has fifteen years of experience as a high school teacher, seven years as a corporate trainer, and eight years in adult education. Ms. Peterson was a contributor to the Illinois Office of Educational Services project, “State of the Art Business Education Career and Technical Education Curriculum Revitalization.”
		Meg Ormiston Community Outreach Chair Professional Development Specialist 9s772 Lorraine Drive Burr Ridge, IL 60527 E-mail: info@megormiston.com Meg Ormiston is passionate about transforming teaching and learning through the power of digital tools. She is constantly researching digital tools and the potential of that technology to reach all learners. Meg travels nationally and internationally, empowering educators through her dynamic presentations focused on affecting positive change. She synthesizes current research and practical methods to help teachers improve teaching and learning in their classrooms. Meg is high-energy and truly motivational, but also very practical. Her current research is focused on how curriculum can be delivered through the use of visual images, simulations and multimedia, coupled with real-time assessment to check for comprehension. While an expert in educational technology, her extensive experiences in schools, from over a decade in the classroom to school board president, enable her to connect with teachers and administrators at all grade levels and on topics across the curriculum. Meg holds a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She is an author of three books, retired school board member, adjunct professor, blogger, consultant, keynote speaker, successful grant development specialist, and contributor to a number of personal learning networks. A former classroom teacher, Meg connects with a wide range of audiences at all levels, Pre-K through Higher Education. For over 25 years, Meg has delivered professional development programs that meet the needs of educators.
		Carol Broos Programs and Video Professional Development Specialist E-mail: beatechie@gmail.com Carol Broos has a B.M.E. from The Ohio State University and a M.A. from Northeastern Illinois University and recently retired from teaching fourth through eighth grade music at Sunset Ridge School in Northfield, Illinois in September 2011. She became a became a presenter as various technology and music conferences. Awarded the “Leader of the Year – 2007 – Finalist” from TechLearning.com and the “Mary Hoffman” award from Illinois Music Education Association. 2008, she won the Golden Apple Award from the Golden Apple Foundation for teaching excellence, and is a “Star Educator” from Discovery Education. She is also a Google Certified Teacher, listed in “Who’s Who in American Women – 2008, 50th edition,” “Who’s Who in America – 2011,” and in 2009, became an Apple Distinguished Educator. She traveled to Japan on a Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund teacher scholarship in October 2006. She has presented at the Illinois Music Educators Convention (IMEA), the National Technology Institute of Music Educators (TI:ME), Ohio Music Educators Conference (OMEA), Illinois Technology Conference for Educators (IL-TCE), Summer Experience 2007, Illinois Educational Technology Conference (IETA) National Music Conference (MENC) Midwest Band Clinic and the National Educational Computing Conference (NECC). Apple Computer Inc. selected to videopodcast my presentation at NECC 2008. She is also an Illinois provider for CPDU’S.
		Cindy Keller (Higgins) Chair Special Education Issues and Membership Director of Special Education Staff Development Presenter Community Unit District 7 Schools Tolono, IL 61880 Email - kellercindy1@yahoo.com Cindy has experience as a professional behavioral consultant, alternative school administrator and teacher, director of special education as well as a special education and general education teacher. After years of enjoying her work with young people, who have emotional, behavioral, or mental health issues, in institutional settings, residential settings, and public school setting, she has found solutions that are realistic and research-based. Her credentials include National Board Certified Teacher, an Administrative Certificate, a Director of Special Education Endorsement, Illinois Special Education and General Education Certification. She is an experienced staff development presenter, with over twenty years experience working with challenging youth in rural and urban settings.
		Diane Pfister Spring Conference Chair District Transition Specialist Township High School District 211 1111 North Rohlwing Road Palatine, Illinois 60074 Diane Pfister is the Special Education District Transition Specialist for Township High School District 211. Previously she served as the Special Education Department Chair for Hoffman Estates High School and prior to that she served as the pre-vocational coordinator and taught special education. Prior to her time at Hoffman Diane worked at James B. Conant High School.
		James Gubbins Fall Conference Chair District Technology Coordinator Maine Township District 207 Park Ridge, IL Email -JGubbins207@gmail.com James Gubbins has a passion for technology and education. For the past fourteen years, he has been on the forefront of implementing technology in the classroom. He supports the special education program in his district and enjoys assisting educators helping to bring them into the 21st century. He maintains a blog Zendotous that gives succinct and helpful information on useable technology. As the District Technology Coordinator for a High School District he has been involved in education and technology in multiple capacities and has a passion for helping educators integrate technology into existing curriculum. James works with Special Education satellite schools in his district and provides support for the administration center. James area of speciality include: Professional Development, Integrating Technology for Special Education, Technical Support, Web 2.0, Professional Learning Networks, Social Networking, Online Research
		Ashley Ausikaitis, Ed.S. Social Networking Chair Ph.D. Candidate Loyola University School of Psychology Chicago, IL 60660 Ashley is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in School Psychology at Loyola University. She has had school-based experience in K-12 general education, therapeutic settings for students with moderate to profound developmental disabilities as well as therapeutic school settings for students with emotional/behavioral disabilities. She currently works as a online network coordinator for school psychologist field supervisors, a graduate assistant and a ceramics teacher for a non-profit arts education program.
		Judy Okazaki Executive Director PO Box 3872 Barrington, IL 60010 Work: 847-732-3823 E-mail: JOkazaki@SETConnections.org Judy Okazaki brings to the position a background of K-12 education and special education, coupled with more than 23 years of business experience in information technology. Ms. Okazaki worked as a consultant in education and in many areas of business including non profit organizations. She has networking experience with numerous organizations, politicians, and business leaders and has been involved in advocacy efforts for non profit organizations.
		Alice Schmitz Director of Education and Professional Development PO Box 3872. Barrington, IL 60010 Work: 847-401-7184 E-mail: ASchmitz@SETConnections.org Alice Schmitz is a retired Technology Coordinator from Township High School District 211, Palatine, Illinois. Previously Ms. Schmitz was a department chair and prior to that a classroom teacher. She also, spent several years teaching in an integrated curriculum program, to help at-risk students find success in high school.