CSTA Washington
Meet members of the CSTA Washington community and learn about their work, experiences, ideas, and contributions to computer science education across the state.
Hi Everyone, I’m the Coastal/Peninsula VP for ESDs 113, 114, and 189. I enjoyed meeting a few of you at the many conferences I attended this summer. Please reach out if you have ideas about connecting within our beautiful but huge region. I’m located on I5 up by the Canadian border, but I love to…
Nick Harker is a CS educator at Spanaway Lake High School, one of four high schools in Bethel School District. His 3rd year of teaching will start in August 2026. Nick is the current Treasurer of the board, elected for the 2026-2028 period. Background Nick Harker started his career as a data engineer and analyst…
Erin Murphy is the Computer Science teacher at Starbuck School (student population 31). Starbuck is a TK-8 school in rural Southeastern Washington. Erin also teaches 1st and 2nd grade, along with Music. Erin’s CS journey started in 2022 after she got her Master’s in Teaching. Her principal saw a gap that needed to be filled….
Anthony Barba is a 26-year teaching veteran and in his 6th year of teaching computer science at East Valley High in Yakima, Washington.
Denise’s CS Story Denise’s career began as an algebra and physical science teacher in 2003. In 2012, Denise served as an Albert Einstein STEM Educator Fellow in a senatorial congressional office. During her time as a fellow, Denise facilitated the Senate STEM Education and Workforce caucus during which she had a unique opportunity to discuss…
I am a Certified Resource Specialist (librarian) with nearly 30 years of experience in education. I also hold a master’s degree in Educational Technology. Currently, I am completing my Computer Science endorsement. At Colbert Elementary, I serve as the K–5 Library Information Technology Specialist. There, I teach programming, robotics, and STEM skills as part of…
Lawrence Tanimoto is the current VP Communications of CSTA Washington. Previously, he was Treasurer of CSTA Washington from 2019-26 and has been a longtime advocate for expanding access to high‑quality computer science education across Washington. My CS Story Lawrence taught Computer Science at Ingraham High School in north Seattle from 2014 to 2021. During that…
Jacqueline Russell is the Member-at-Large: Membership of CSTA Washington for 2025-26, elected to a one-year term in June 2025. Jacqueline previously served as Secretary of CSTA Puget Sound from 2021 to 2024 and currently serves on the CSTA national Board of Directors as Partner Representative, Microsoft. The following is a profile of Jacqueline from the CSTA…
Dr. Lauren Bricker is the immediate Past President (non-voting) of CSTA Washington for 2025-26. Lauren was a founding member of CSTA Puget Sound in 2012, and served as President of CSTA Puget Sound from 2018 to 2024. She also serves on the Board of Directors of CSTA national as its College/University Faculty Representative (July 2024…
Melissa Cook is the Secretary of CSTA Washington for 2025-26, elected to a two-year term in June 2025. Below is the Member Spotlight article on Melissa that initially appeared in the Feb 2025 CSTA Washington Connector. Member Spotlight: Melissa Cook Melissa Cook is an Instructional Technology Integration Program Specialist for the Kent School District (enrollment:…