Meet Our Dedicated Team
Our team is composed of passionate educators, engineers, and outreach specialists committed to making robotics accessible to all students in Nevada.
The Visionary
AJ Long
AJ Long leads Nevada Robotics as the Engineering Education Manager. She has a long history of working in education beginning after college when she worked as an outdoor adventure educator. Since 1995, AJ has taught middle school science and math then later served as a school administrator. Her passion is working with young people and supporting teachers.
“As a life-long learner and former teacher, I can meet teachers where they are and help them grow their confidence teaching robotics, engineering, and computer science.”
Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies
Masters in Teaching Elementary Education
Nevada Teaching Credential K-8; Middle School Math Endorsement K-9
The Planner
Michelle Gallivan-Wallace
STEM Trainer & Curriculum Specialist
Michelle brings her love of science education to the NV Robotics team. She spent 28 years in the classroom teaching middle and high school biology, physical science, and chemistry. Over the last 5 years, Michelle has embarked on professional development in STEM education and she is excited to merge this passion as well as her special education background with the robotics curriculum. Michelle is also eager to explore the potential for drone education at the middle and high school levels.
“We are fostering STEM and literacy skills through robotics, one teacher and one robot at a time. I get excited working with Nevada’s teachers and am so impressed by their energy and enthusiasm.”
Bachelor of Science in Zoology
Master of Science in Education
The Analyst
Claire Parker
Research Analyst & Grants Manager
As a former third grade and middle school teacher, Claire has experienced working with students and teachers at various levels. At teacher trainings Claire observes that it is typically no longer than 30 minutes into training when teachers realize they can effectively use robots as learning tools in the classroom. She loves that Nevada Robotics is filling a gap by providing robotics and computer science professional development for elementary school teachers. At Nevada Robotics, Claire manages grants, reporting, and budgets.
“At Nevada Robotics, we are training educators to teach their students computer science and engineering skills they will need for their future jobs.”
Bachelor of Arts in Biology
Graduate Certificate in Program Evaluation and Assessment
The Innovator
Jill Strawder-Bubala
Curriculum & Communications Manager
Jill is a life-long learner who has worked with students from PreK – college as a teacher and school administrator. She is fascinated by how robots can be used as learning tools to increase early literacy, math, and school readiness skills. Jill says it is a “joy” to work with the state’s enthusiastic teachers who are open and eager to learn new skills. At Nevada Robotics, Jill manages curriculum and communications, and works as an educator trainer.
“We are empowering educators to integrate STEM skills into their lessons so that all children have the opportunity to learn critical skills they will need for tomorrow’s tech jobs.”
Bachelor of Arts in English and Journalism
Masters of Arts in English
Secondary Teaching Certificate
Saige Howard
Office Coordinator
Bachelors of Science in Geology
Shay Satmary
Program Specialist
Bachelor of Arts in Photography
Masters in Elementary Education
K-8 Nevada Teaching License
Robotics Outreach Leaders
Dana Preece
Battle Mountain, NV
Bachelors of Science in Health Science
Certificate for ARL Early Childhood Education
Angela Taravella
Elko, NV
Bachelors of Arts in Early Childhood Education
Nancy Thiele
Reno, NV
Bachelors of Arts in General Studies
Masters in Public Health
Robotics Outreach Crew
Nikki Adams
Las Vegas, NV
In progress – BS: Biochemistry
Zora Bubula
Reno, NV
In progress – BS: Kinesiology
Stephanie Du
Reno, NV
In progress – BS: Computer Science & Engineering
Kai Frudden
Reno, NV
BS: Mechanical Engineering
Pattra Gulbag
Reno, NV
In progress – BS: Electrical Engineering
Taryn Kelley
Reno, NV
In progress – BA: Nevada Teach Enviromental Science
Kemma Kolstrup
Reno, NV
In progress – BS: Biomedical Engineering
Jocelyn Mainguy
Reno, NV
In progress – BA: Nevada Teach Enviromental Science
Trista McLaughlin
Reno, NV
In progress – BA: Elementary Education
Lorie Phan
Reno, NV
In progress – BA: Business Administration & Accounting
Allison Phillips
Reno, NV
In progress – BS: Mechanical Engineering
Kye Rivera
Reno, NV
In progress – Bachelor’s in Architecture
Bella Thibodeau
Reno, NV
In progress – BA: PackTeach – Sociology
Mikayla Ward
Las Vegas, NV
In progress – BS: Environmental Science & Ed
Hayden Zamboanga
Reno, NV
In progress – BS: Computer Science & Engineering