Staff Directory

Meet the LTC Team

The LTC is a diverse and dynamic team committed to ensuring all students receive equitable educational learning opportunities. Interested in joining the team?

Tim McIlvain

Executive Director

Tim directs the Learning Technology Center, providing strategic leadership, expertise, and operational management for statewide technology and digital learning initiatives.

Brian Bates

Associate Executive Director of Professional Learning

Brian leads and develops events, programs, and resources in support of digital learning, digital citizenship, emerging technologies, technology integration, and computer science.

Mindy Fiscus

Director of Government Affairs

Mindy provides leadership, expertise, and support related to broadband connectivity, equipment and device access, and funding sources, including E-Rate.

Kristi Connelly

Marketing & Communications Director

Kristi leads the Communications team and works to propel the LTC’s image through consistent messaging, strategy, and community engagement.

Hope Hardin-Borbely

Purchasing Cooperative Manager

Hope leads ILTPP, a free, member-based program for negotiated educational technology contracts. She also manages vendor relationships, coordinates negotiated contracts, and leads cooperative membership services, including quote requests and group purchases.

Sarah Phelps

Program Manager, Computer Science and STEM

Sarah leads computer science and STEM initiatives, manages partnerships with state and national organizations, and elevates the LTC’s role as a thought leader in the K-12 computer science space.

Sam Fishel

Digital Content Manager

Sam leads and supports the execution and growth of LTC services through the development and creation of innovative, impactful, and timely digital content.

Amanda Bruns

Member Engagement Manager

Amanda leads the LTC’s efforts to attract, engage, and support members of our free, statewide purchasing cooperative, ILTPP.

Eric Muckensturm

Cybersecurity Specialist

Eric provides a multitude of services to help Illinois public school districts improve their overall security posture and maturity, including through the implementation of standards, frameworks, and industry best practices.

Matt Jacobson

Online Learning Coordinator

Matt designs, develops, and evaluates the LTC’s digital professional learning, including working with subject matter experts to create learning objectives, conducting needs assessments, and delivering interactive online PD opportunities.

Duane Shaffer

Network and Information Technology Specialist

Duane assists Illinois school districts with enhancing and maintaining their overall network and technology infrastructure, systems, processes, and applications.

Ben Sondgeroth

Lead Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Northern Illinois

Ben leads the LTC’s RETC team and facilitates ongoing professional learning events for teachers, administrators, and technology staff in northern Illinois.

Holly Kelly

Human-Centered Technology Specialist

Holly develops and leads professional learning programs, trainings, and resources related to curricular integration, digital access, and technology infrastructure in central Illinois.

Lisa Schwartz

Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | West Central Region

Lisa develops and leads professional learning programs, trainings, and resources related to curricular integration, digital access, and technology infrastructure in western Illinois.

Eric Santos

Regional Educational Technology Coordinator | Chicagoland

Eric develops and leads professional learning programs, trainings, and resources related to curricular integration, digital access, and technology infrastructure in the Chicagoland region.

Kara Zelhart

Event Coordinator

Kara shapes and supports our large conferences and other professional learning events through leadership and communication.