Chief Technology Officer at Deer Park Independent School District

Barbara Brown, Senior Director of Technology at Prestonwood Christian Academy, Lewisville Independent School District, has 31 years of experience in education. She is a technology leader with both a solid instructional background, and a deep understanding of networking and technical processes. Through her dedication for excellence, she continually transforms learning and teaching for students and teachers.

Barbara's passion and dedication for learning and leading have been noted at the local, state and international levels. From 2000-2004 she served as a Lead Curriculum Writer and Trainer – Technology Leadership Academy for Superintendents and Principals – Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA). She has served as a leader with the Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA) in numerous capacities including Area Director, Vice President and President. In 2008 she was awarded with the “Distinguished Alumni Award” from the Sesser-Valier High School. In 2010 she was awarded the “Golden Apple Award” by the Board of Trustees in Lewisville ISD and was honored by the International Society in Education (ISTE) as the recipient of the “Making It Happen Award.” As a lifetime leader and learner Barbara continues to pursue skills that will enhance her leadership abilities. Barbara is a Founding Partner of the John Maxwell Leadership Team, certified as a Leadership Coach, Speaker and Trainer.

Dr. Leslie Garakani is the Chief Technology Officer for Midlothian ISD.   He has built a reputation on communication and collaboration leading teacher groups through the design and implementation of 1:1 programs and technology integration.  Through cultivating trust, accountability and high performance – He has rehabilitated technology teams fragmented by misguided management and leadership.  Mr. Garakani has worked in all areas of K-12 technology across five school districts for almost nearly 20 years - 13 of those years in leadership. He is responsible for over $5 Million in ERate funding over the course of his career.  Overhauling failing infrastructure from planning to implementation.  Designing environments and programs that propel district efforts supporting a culture of innovation.   In summer 2018 he joined Cohort 12 in the Online Doctoral program with Lamar University.  He is married with three kids ages 13, 17 and 20.  The eldest currently serves in the United States Air Force.

Dr. Karla Burkholder began her career as a business education teacher, and quickly discovered a passion for teaching and learning with technology. With over 30 years as a Texas educator, she has served as a teacher, instructional technologist, instructional technology coordinator and director, and is currently the Director of Technology in Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD and adjunct professor at Baylor University. Throughout her career, Dr. Burkholder has led award winning technology and digital learning initiatives recognized at both the state and national levels.  She has a strong background in both the instructional and technical sides of educational technology and works to ensure that technology initiatives are aligned with district priorities.  Dr. Burkholder is a past president of TCEA serving on the Board of Directors for eight years, and she currently serves as the Chair of the Learning Counsel’s User Interface Group. She is a recipient of the ISTE Making IT Happen Award, the Texas Council of Women School Executives Bravo Award for Innovation and was named to the EdTech Digest 2019 Top 100 Influencers in EdTech.  

Dr. Burkholder holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of North Texas in Business Administration and Computer Education and Cognitive Systems, respectively, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.  

As a 20 year educator, Jacque Fewin is a Certified Educational Technology Leader (CETL) and currently the Executive Director of Technology for

Lubbock-Cooper ISD. She has taught and served as a leader at the elementary, middle, high school, and college levels.  She has been an administrator since 2008. Jacque is a member of the Texas Association of School Administrators, the Consortium for School Networking, the TX K-12 CTO Council, and the Texas Computer Education Association. She has presented at state, regional, and district technology integration events. Jacque specializes in building teams, managing projects, cross-curricular connections, technology infusion, and educational leadership. 

Eva Mendoza has contributed to the growth and success of many large Technology initiatives in three different educational systems. Since 2012, she has been part of the Information Technology department at San Antonio Independent School District. As Senior Executive Director of IT, she has develop and led the financial and implementation strategies for the district to maximize funding thru Bond, Erate, Grants, Corona Relief Funds (CRF) to purchase classroom technology in over 2,500 classrooms, upgrade network infrastructure and made 1 device available for every 1 student.

In an effort to provide students connectivity at home, Eva also serves as a steering committee member on the Digital Inclusions Alliance of San Antonio (DIASA) and has established strategic partnership with organizations including City of San Antonio and Bexar County. She is a proud alumni of San Antonio ISD and enjoys serving the community by providing access to innovative digital resources.

Director of Information Systems at McKinney Independent School District