Meet the Next Wave of Robolink Ambassadors Making Futures Take Flight

Meet the Next Wave of Robolink Ambassadors Making Futures Take Flight

Meet the Next Wave of Robolink Ambassadors Making Futures Take Flight

At Robolink, we know that the future takes flight not just with drones, but with the many educators who dare to dream bigger and push the limits of what’s possible in their classrooms. These innovators make coding and robotics real for students across the country, guiding them from first flight to future-ready careers.

Last February, we introduced our first-ever cohort of Robolink Ambassadors. They paved the way for the program and are still active today. Now, we’re welcoming another group of talented educators to the community. These teachers, technology coaches, and creators are using CoDrone EDU to bring computer science and career-connected learning to life in their classrooms, clubs, makerspaces, and districts–all as we head into the 2025-26 school year!

Want to join this exclusive network? Check out the Ambassador program’s benefits and requirements here

Introducing Our New Robolink Ambassadors

Anabel Basualdo

STEM Educator & Instructional Technology Specialist
Miami-Dade County Public Schools

Anabel Basualdo supports schools and teachers in integrating drone technology into classrooms and competitions. She has led districtwide professional development in AI, robotics, and computer science and is passionate about inspiring underrepresented students to pursue tech careers.

 

Cliff Borden

Math, Robotics & Engineering Teacher
Manteca Unified School District

Cliff Borden has mentored teams competing in VEX V5 and the Aerial Drone Competition. He brings over 35 years of experience, including working with robotics since 2011 and drones since 2020.


Amelia Brady

Technology Teacher
Ypsilanti Community Schools

Amelia Brady teaches at Ypsilanti Community Middle School and has over two decades of classroom experience. She holds a master's degree in educational technology and focuses on bringing coding into her students' everyday learning.



Michelle Burke

Technology Director
Madrid-Waddington Central School District

Michelle Burke leads districtwide initiatives in AI literacy, drones, and esports programming. She has served as President of NYSCATE (2023-24), a CoSN CETL, adjunct instructor at SUNY Canton, and a frequent national speaker on emerging tech in education.



Tanya Butler

STEM Educator & Homeschool Instructor
Liberated Homeschool Scholars

Tanya Butler is a homeschooling parent integrating STEM into her daughter’s education. She supports her child’s learning by diving into robotics and drones—often learning alongside her.



Dvora Celniker

Engineering & Computer Science Teacher
San Dieguito Union High School District

Dvora Celniker teaches high school engineering and computer science and keeps her curriculum current by incorporating drones and control systems. She’s passionate about helping students translate STEM learning into real-world success.



Sam Cornelius

Curriculum Director
Code Central

Sam Cornelius develops custom learning platforms and CS curriculum in Las Vegas, and is the director of the afterschool learning center Code Central. A former college instructor, he also helped shape Nevada’s K–12 computer science standards.



Omar Cortez

Technology Teacher & Robotics Coach
Dallas Independent School District

Omar Cortez teaches middle school robotics and drones in Dallas, TX. As coach of nationally recognized teams like the Owlbots and LadyDronez, he develops competition-based curriculum that blends piloting, coding, and real-world challenges.


Brian Dotson

Region 9 Director
MiSTEM Network, Michigan

Brian Dotson is the MiSTEM Network Region 9 Director for Michigan’s West Central regionand former principal of Foster Elementary. Recognized nationally for his leadership, he works to expand access to high-quality STEM programs throughout West Central Michigan.



Erin Duran

Computer Science Teacher & AVID Coordinator
Escondido Union High School District

Erin Duran teaches CS and serves as AVID Coordinator at San Pasqual High School. She advocates for first-generation college students and leads outreach to build sustainable computer science programs.



Amy Eguchi

Associate Teaching Professor of CS Education
University of California, San Diego

Amy Eguchi promotes STREAM, robotics, and AI literacy in K–12 classrooms and mentors educators in CS integration. She previously served as VP of the RoboCup Federation.



Jo Frost

Mathematics & Robotics Teacher
Raleigh County Schools, West Virginia

Jo Frost launched an all-female drone team in 2021. She partners with foster care organizations and local teams to make robotics accessible and competitive.



Kyle Gatchalian

Educational Specialist II, Tech Integration
Baltimore City Public Schools

Kyle Gatchalian creates professional learning systems, machine learning projects, and mentoring programs to help educators integrate drones and emerging technologies.



Sarah Gedminas

STEM Program Coordinator & Coach
Gen Inspired

Sarah Gedminas coaches VEX and aerial drone teams and serves on the board of Gen Inspired, a nonprofit promoting STEM-based community engagement.



Amy Inglis

Robotics & Computer Science Teacher
Hilton Head Christian Academy

Amy Inglis teaches robotics, computer science, and engineering in a PLTW program. She enjoys integrating CoDrone EDU and visual storytelling to spark student creativity and real-world problem solving.



Tyisha Johnson-Walton

Public School Teacher & Drone Club Advisor
Birmingham City Schools

Tyisha Johnson-Walton is in her third year of public school teaching and supports her school’s drone club. She’s passionate about daily innovation in the classroom.



Harmony Jones

Robotics & Makerspace Teacher
Jeffco Public Schools, Colorado

Harmony Jones is a middle school robotics and drone educator with a doctorate in makerspace education. She brings 16 years of experience and a deep love of hands-on learning.



Don Keyser

Electrical Maintenance Instructor
Gulfport School District

Don Keyser is a retired electrical engineer now teaching at Gulfport High School. He brings technical expertise and a commitment to accessible STEM instruction.



David Maneth

STEM Teacher
Wichita Public Schools (USD 259)

David Maneth has 25 years of teaching experience and recently began integrating drones into his classroom. He’s passionate about technology and rescue dogs.



David Martelli

Founder & President
Guild Hall Learning & Global Educational Advancement

David Martelli is an educator and speaker who leads Guild Hall Learning and Global Educational Advancement. He brings STEAM learning to students and teachers nationwide.



Alex Mayszak

Director of Digital Learning & Innovation
East Moline School District #37

Alex Mayszak designs student-centered programs using 3D printers and drones to build future-ready skills.



Wayne Morgan

CTE Instructor
AlWood Community School District #225

Wayne Morgan uses CoDrone EDU in his “Flight and Space” course to introduce students to aerospace and aviation careers.



Topaz Navarro

Founder & CEO
Escape Velocity Academy

Topaz Navarro is a retired U.S. Army Sergeant Major and founder of Escape Velocity Academy, which delivers mobile drone and robotics programs to underserved and military-connected youth.


Melisa Noziere

STEM Coach & Curriculum Designer
Independent / K–16 STEM

Melisa Noziere specializes in hands-on CS and engineering programs that foster confidence, creativity, and equity.


Ellen Peterson

Makerspace Director
Verizon Innovative Learning, Gillette College

Ellen Peterson leads the Verizon Innovative Learning program and teaches CoDrone EDU to students and teachers alike.


Rachelle Dené Poth

STEAM & Spanish Teacher; EdTech Consultant
Riverview Jr–Sr High School (PA)

Dr. Rachelle Dené Poth is an attorney and author of ten books on AI and emerging tech. She presents globally and provides PD for schools looking to integrate AI, CS, and drone technologies.


Kristopher Powers

Engineer & After-School Instructor
Kristopher Powers runs after-school robotics programs and has over 10 years of teaching experience and a deep commitment to student growth.


Laurie Prewandowski

Technology Integrator
Kearsarge Regional School District

Laurie Prewandowski leads robotics and drone programs for grades 6–12. She also co-coaches a competitive drone team.


Kristen Roberts

Computer Science Teacher
Brewton City Schools

Kristen Roberts teaches CS at Brewton Middle School and the local high school in Brewton, AL. With 21 years of experience, she’s focused on preparing students for CS careers.


Maria Raquel Rodriguez

Curriculum Support Specialist
Miami-Dade County Public Schools

Maria Raquel Rodriguez is committed to equity and innovation in inner-city schools. She holds advanced degrees in education and supports technology integration districtwide.


Dave Root

Aviation & Drone Science Instructor
Lyons Township High School

Dave Root teaches drone and aviation science, including dual-credit classes with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.


Brian Rowland

Region Support Specialist
REC Foundation / South Florida

Brian Rowland is a veteran teacher and Region Support Specialist for the REC Foundation. He has taught robotics for six years and drones for two.


Eric Santos

Adjunct Professor & EdTech Trainer
LTC Illinois / Public Schools (IL)

Eric Santos specializes in drones, 3D printing, and makerspace design, and trains both teachers and mentorship organizations.


Joel Scharlat

Founder & CEO
STEAMBridge / IVEA Consulting

Joel Scharlat mentors XR companies, advocates for cybersecurity, and designs immersive drone and STEM education programs.


Sarah Schmalz

Technology Integration Specialist
Hart Public School District

Sarah Schmalz supports teachers through PD and co-teaching while expanding drone and robotics instruction.


Roza Shaimurat

AP Computer Science Teacher
Lisa Academy North Middle High School

Roza Shaimurat co-founded Tech Swap, mentors STEM teams, and leads Arkansas-based equity initiatives in drone and CS education.


Sallie Smith

Outreach Teacher Specialist
Prince George’s County Public Schools

Sallie Smith teaches space science and robotics at Howard B. Owens Science Center and hosts science events for the community.


Denise Spence

IT Department Head & Adjunct Professor
Dunbar High School / FGCU

Denise Spence leads three IT academies and has received national awards for her work in technology education.


Melvin Stallings

STEM Educator & Nonprofit Founder
Cyber Green Group

Melvin Stallings has brought drone and cybersecurity programs to over 10,000 students in the DMV area.


Thanh Tran

Executive Director
Accelerate4KIDS Foundation

Thanh Tran leads a nonprofit expanding CS and STEM access for underserved youth in Detroit.


Juan Urista

Founder & Flight Instructor
Avyation Labs LLC

Juan Urista builds custom flight simulations and teaches aviation science and drone piloting to students of all ages.


Omar Varela

Middle School Teacher
Socorro Independent School District

Omar Varela is a middle school teacher with 12 years of experience. He brings real-world tech skills to the classroom and introduces students to drones and robotics.


Stan Zavatsky

Computer Information Technology Teacher
South Shore Technical High School

Stan Zavatsky previously taught tech in China and now teaches robotics and drones in Massachusetts.

 


 

These educators are sparking joy, confidence, and curiosity in their students from the very first flight. Whether coaching drone teams, leading PD, or designing equity-driven STEM programs, our newest Robolink Ambassadors are shaping the future, one mission at a time.

Join us in celebrating the newest Robolink Ambassadors!