Cassandra Armstrong, Interim Director of Northern Programming
Cassandra received a Master’s degree in Science Education from Northeastern Oklahoma State University with a Specialization in STEM Leadership from the NASA Endeavor Program. Her Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from Michigan State University. Cassandra has taught Biology, Physics, and Chemistry at the high school level.
Lindsey Herlehy, Curriculum Writer and Professional Development Specialist
Lindsey Herlehy holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Middle Childhood Education and Masters of Education in Educational Administration from Arizona State University. She received her National Board Certification in Early Adolescence Math in 2014. Lindsey is passionate about providing all students with thought-provoking, integrative, and interactive educational opportunities. She is skilled in STEAM Learning, Educational Assessment, Early Childhood Curriculum, Secondary Education, Curriculum Development, and Mathematics.
David Hernandez, Curriculum Writer, and Professional Development Specialist
David holds a Bachelor’s Degree in physics and economics from Northern Illinois University and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Aurora University. He taught bilingual mathematics and physics for 15 years and has been writing hands-on, cutting-edge, innovative k-12 curriculum. David is skilled in bilingual STEM education and creating real-world models to understand and assimilate specific math and science concepts.
Charity Freeman, Curriculum Writer, and Professional Development Specialist
Charity is responsible for researching, developing, and writing integrative and innovative STEM curricula, as well as designing and facilitating relevant and engaging professional learning experiences for educators, with a particular focus on computer science. Charity serves as the Chair of the Computer Science Teachers Association’s (CSTA) national Board of Directors. She is also a Governor-appointed member of the Illinois P-20 Council and Co-Chair of its CS Education Project-Based Working Group. During her tenure as a high school CS teacher, Charity earned her master’s in educational policy from Loyola University Chicago.
Patrick Young, Innovation Hub Manager – Carbondale
Patrick earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland. As an engineer for McDonnell Douglas Space Systems, he managed the development of hardware systems that flew on 18 STS missions. After completing an M.Ed. in Secondary Education with a broad-spectrum science certification, Patrick entered the high school classroom and spent the next 13 years teaching students astronomy, biology, chemistry, and AP physics.
Dawn Waller, Innovation Hub Manager – Belleville
Dawn oversees the coordination and delivery of enrichment programs for students in grades 3-12 in the MetroEast Region. She is responsible for the regional marketing of IMSA’s core programming and the cultivation of community relationships with regional constituents and stakeholders. Dawn has worked in the informal education field for over twenty years. As a former youth development educator, Dawn delivered staff training and youth programming in military and civilian communities. Dawn holds a B.A. and M.S. from Southern Illinois University.
