
Kelly Powers
Kelly is a life-long Computer Science enthusiast. She has 20 years of experience teaching Computer Science and 14 years working in industry. As a dedicated advocate to the “CS for All” movement, Kelly has had the opportunity to serve on many projects to advance Computer Science teaching and learning giving both equity and access to schools in the country. She has been recognized for her work in the field by receiving the Massachusetts Stem teacher of the Year award and by the Mass Technology Leadership Council for leadership in CS.
While in New York, she serves as a Cornell Tech Teacher in Residence working to make Computer Science teachable in schools across the city. She has had the opportunity to present at CSTA, To Code and Beyond and lead CT professional development for teachers in Texas, New York City and in upstate New York.
While at MassCAN and EDC, Kelly was very proud to have the opportunity to collaborate with teachers and leaders across the state to launch the CS and DLCS Massachusetts standards project. The outcome of the collaboration resulted in new DLCS and CS standards in Massachusetts and ultimately lead to stronger collaboration efforts to improve CS education, funding, and then later to a Massachusetts DOE teacher DLCS/CS certification.
Kelly continues to work with national leaders to review research, policy, and actively contribute to informing implementation strategies for CT and CS integration for all. She serves on national panels to advise what students and teachers should be able to know and do to bring a program of rigor and joy to all schools.
In her spare time, Kelly (who is one of 11 children) with her husband and two children, enjoys hosting parties at her home and participating in simple backyard fun!
Our Team

Clark Merkley
Executive Director

Abby Funabiki, MPA
Associate Executive Director

Jared O'Leary, PhD
Director of Education & Research

Karen Melara
Marketing Manager

Tizara Taylor
District Coding Accelerator

Suzanne B. Carlson, M. Ed.
District Coding Accelerator

Brenda Bass
Lead PD Facilitator

McKay Perkins, MS
Senior PD Facilitator

Laurie Green
Senior PD Facilitator

Heather Cunningham
Senior PD Facilitator

Carlos Leon
Senior PD Facilitator

Melody Hagaman
Senior PD Facilitator

Ashley Waring
Senior PD Facilitator

Kelly Powers
PD Facilitator

Michael Hanahan
Marketing Consultant
Emilie Martinez
Web Developer

Stacie Mason, PhD
Research and Evaluation