MEET CODEMONKEY'S AMBASSADORs
Get to know CodeMonkey’s greatest advocates WHO ARE TAKING THEIR PASSION OF CODING TO STUDENTS ALL OVER THE COUNTRY.
Anthony Cutway
Information Technology and Computer Applications Teacher (6-8) Arbor Hills Junior High, Sylvania Schools in
Ohio
Ohio
Anthony began his career in the U.S. Army as an Electronic Warfare Signals Intelligence Analyst. After five years in the Army he completed an Electrician Apprenticeship and worked as an Industrial Electrician for the Chrysler Corporation. In addition to installing and maintaining electrical supply and safety equipment, he specialized in machine controls. After eleven years working in this occupation, he left Chrysler and completed a degree in Education. He started teaching Information Technology classes at Arbor Hills Junior High School in Sylvania, Ohio. This year is his seventeenth-year teaching and seventh year using CodeMonkey in his curriculum.
Kelly Susinski
K-2 Technology Teacher
Ethel McKnight Elementary School in East Windsor
East Windsor School District, New Jersey
Ethel McKnight Elementary School in East Windsor
East Windsor School District, New Jersey
Kelly is a K-2 Technology Teacher in East Windsor, New Jersey. She has been using CodeMonkey for six years and loves how engaging the platform is and how it makes even the toughest coding skills engaging for students of all skill levels and abilities. She looks forward to showing other educators what a great program CodeMonkey is!
Paige Besthoff
Professional Learning Resource Designer
Teach Me For Tomorrow, LLC
Paige has been teaching computers for 25 years beginning at a NYC middle school then high school in Spotswood, NJ. Realizing the need for students to be exposed to computer science at a younger age she volunteered to move to the elementary school nine years ago where she designed the K-5 curriculum based on the CSTA standards. Paige facilitates workshops in partnership with Code.org and TCNJ Central NJ CS Education Hub. She is a frequent presenter at CSTA, ISTE, CS is Elementary, and other CS and technology conferences across the country. Paige is a CSTA 2023 CS Teaching Excellence Award Winner.
Lisa Wenzel
Computer Science Teacher
Argyle Magnet Middle School in Montgomery
Public School System, Maryland
Argyle Magnet Middle School in Montgomery
Public School System, Maryland
Lisa Wenzel teaches computer science at Argyle Magnet Middle School in the Montgomery County, Maryland, She has been teaching for over 15 years and has a masters degree in Instructional Technology. Currently, she is an Amazon Future Engineer Ambassador and working toward National Board Certification. She loves tinkering, learning and traveling in her RV! This is her fifth year integrating CodeMonkey’s curriculum into her middle school classes.
Javier Aguilar
Computer Science Teacher and Robotics Coach
East Fort Worth Montessori Academy,
Texas
East Fort Worth Montessori Academy,
Texas
Javier is in his twelve year of working at East Fort Worth Montessori Academy (Texas) as a Computer Science & Robotics Teacher/Coach for grade levels PreK, 3/4 to 5th grade. He is making positive changes by advocating for grants for students that provide new or upgraded equipment to the campus. Mr. Aguilar is an active edcamper who likes to share and network with other educators as a facilitator for coding, gamification, robotics & cybersecurity, LEGO Spike, Scratch, CodeMonkey variety curriculum and MinecraftEdu. This is his third time as an Ambassador and has been using CodeMonkey since 2014!
Javier is a CSTA 2025 CS Teaching Excellence Award Winner.
Mary Shawn Newins
Marketing I, Sport & Event Marketing I
CSI and AP Computer Science Principles Southern Guilford High School (SGHS), North Carolina
Mary Shawn teaches Marketing I, Sport & Event Marketing I, CSI and AP Computer Science Principles at Southern Guilford High School in North Carolina. Beyond her classroom teaching, she also serves as the school’s AI Champion for faculty and staff, guiding colleagues in effective and innovative uses of artificial intelligence in education. Mrs. Newins brings over 30 years of experience in business-to-business, retail, and direct sales, as well as operations management. Her combined expertise in education, the arts, and the private sector allows her to connect with students, colleagues, and clients through both creative and practical lenses. She is CodeMonkey’s FIRST high school Ambassador!
Lynn Castaneda
K-8 Computer Science Teacher and Technology Coordinator
Our Lady of Perpetual Help School
Diocese of San Bernardino, California
Our Lady of Perpetual Help School
Diocese of San Bernardino, California
Lynn is a software developer turned educator with over 16 years of experience teaching computer science to K-8 students. She is passionate about empowering the next generation of problem solvers and innovators. She believes that every child has the potential to be a coder, and is committed to cultivating their interest and nurturing their coding skills. In addition to teaching, this journey has led her to other roles including STEM Coordinator, Computer Science Club Advisor and developer of district-wide Computer Science curriculum guidelines. She uses CodeMonkey daily in her classes to ignite creativity and problem-solving skills in her students. CodeMonkey's user-friendly interface makes it an ideal tool for closing the coding gap and inspiring the next generation of innovators.
Deanna Amenta
Computer Science Teacher
Mellon Middle School in the
Mt. Lebanon School District, Pennsylvania
Mellon Middle School in the
Mt. Lebanon School District, Pennsylvania
Deanna has been a computer science teacher for over two decades. During her 26 years in education, her goal has been to inspire the next generation of tech enthusiasts by instilling a deep understanding and appreciation for the world of computer science. Throughout her career, she has continuously adapted to the evolving landscape of technology, fostered an inclusive and engaging learning environment, and encouraged students to explore their creativity and problem-solving skills. She has been an avid user of CodeMonkey for many years!
Brian Selke
K-5 Computer Science Instructional Coach
Redding School District,
California
Redding School District,
California
Brian Selke is in his 10th year of teaching in the Redding School District in Northern California where he currently serves as the Computer Science Instructional Coach for the district.
His passion for CodeMonkey is rooted in the platform's ability to deliver an exceptional learning experience that captivates and encourages exploration among students. The platform's well-thought-out approach to teaching fundamental Computer Science concepts, spanning block-based programming, CoffeeScript, and Python, ensures a diverse and inclusive learning environment for all. Furthermore, CodeMonkey's suite of resources, including teacher support, student progress tracking, quizzes, and more, all contribute to the creation of an extraordinary curriculum.
