KidsTek Staff
Andrew Bissland
Andrew has been managing daily operations at KidsTek for the past six years. He leads a team of instructors teaching after school technology classes in both the Denver Public Schools and Aurora Public Schools districts.
Carolyn Matthews
Carolyn supervises instructors, substitutes in the classroom, develops curriculum and outcome measures, and serves as a liaison between KidsTek, host schools and partner programs.
Courtney Wade
Courtney received her Bachelor's degree in International Business from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI. She has also completed courses at the Art Institute of Colorado and received certificates in Web Design and Development and Search Engine Marketing. Courtney loves to travel and has spent time studying in Spain and teaching English in South Korea. For the past two years she has volunteered with World Heritage placing foreign exchange students with host families. Courtney teaches for KidsTek at East and North Middle Schools in Aurora. She loves to spend her spare time with her husband, family and friends.
Nina Amey
Nina Amey has been a community college professor for 15 years. She has worked in the Computer Information Systems departments at both Arapahoe Community College here in Colorado and Scottsdale Community College in Arizona. She has taught everything from basic Windows to Microsoft Server Administration as well as A+ hardware certification training. Nina has spent quite a bit of time lately designing web sites and developing custom MS Office templates for individual clients. Nina currently teaches two classes for KidsTek: an A+ Computer Techician certification class at Manual High School in Denver, and a Cisco CCNA Discovery class at Hinkley High School in Aurora. She enjoys skiing and travelling with her husband and daughter.
Lindsay Norwood
Lindsay is a Colorado native with a passion for working with children. In addition to being a KidsTek instructor, she is an English language elementary school teacher at a language immersion school in Denver. Lindsay has earned Bachelor's degrees in Spanish and Communication Studies at Furman University in Greenville, SC, and a Master’s degree in English, with an emphasis in teaching English as a second language from Colorado State University. Lindsay has always had an interest in computers and new technology. From web design to computer games to photo editing, Lindsay says she integrates technology into her everyday life, as well as her teaching.
Michelle Lovato
Michelle Lovato attended the University of Northern Colorado and graduated with a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education. For the past several years she has been a substitute teacher for several school districts in and around the Denver area. She has been able to experience and teach at several schools and in grades ranging from Kindergarten-12th grade. Michelle currently teaches for Kids Tek at Sable Elementary in Aurora and at Rachel B. Noel Middle School in Denver.
Leyla Sarper
Leyla is originally from Pueblo, CO. She received her Bachelor’s degree in International Studies and minored in French and History from Colorado State University in 2010. After college, Leyla and her fiancé moved to France where she taught English to middle and high school students in Blois, France. Leyla loves to travel with her fiancé, spend time with friends and family, learn foreign languages, and try new foods from all over the world.
Annie Abramson
Annie graduated with a Masters of Arts in International Studies and Conflict Resolution from the University of Denver. She also holds a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from American University. Her passion for traveling and community service has led her to start her own service-learning program for teens both locally and internationally. Annie has always had an interest in computers and technology and is part of the KidsTek programs at Aurora Central High, Place Bridge Academy, and South Middle School.
Julie Siwanowicz
Julie Siwanowicz has been involved in education and technology fields for over 20 years. She has worked as a Software Test Manager and Systems Analyst for Pearson Education in the development of student information management systems. Her education background includes teaching technology and business classes, as well as holding administrative positions at the district and state levels. Julie has a BS in Business and a MBA in Technology Management from the University of Phoenix, an MA in Secondary Education from Arizona State University and Career and Technical Education (CTE) certifications in Business, Marketing and Information Technology. Julie currently teaches CompTIA A+ certification at High Tech Early College. In addition to keeping up on the latest technology education trends, Julie enjoys playing the piano, cooking with her family, and reading.
Eduardo Flores
Eduardo is from Denver and is a junior at Manual High School. Last school year, he was enrolled in Nina Amey’s sysadmin certification class at Manual, and this school year, he once again signed up with Nina in an A+ computer technician certification class. This past summer, KidsTek hired Eddy to work with Cole Arts & Science Academy students during our computer summer camp. He recently returned to work with KidsTek to once again work with Cole students during this year’s after school program. Besides learning about computers, Eddy enjoys playing basketball as a part of the Manual High School basketball team.
Michale Jackson
Michale Jackson is a junior at Aurora Central High School. He is also currently in the precision machining program at Pickens Technical College. He is planning on earning his Associates Degree by the time he graduates high school. Michale is a former KidsTek student, taking his first class with us when he was in 6th grade at South Middle school. He is currently employed by KidsTek as classroom aide with Annie Abramson's after school class at Aurora Central High School.