Meet the LTC Team

Patricia Ferris

Regional Educational Technology Coordinator, East Central

Regional EdTech Services

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

Tim McIlvain

Executive Director

Leadership, Operations

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

Leadership, Professional Learning Services

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

Duane Shaffer

Director of Technology Services

Leadership, Technology Services

Duane leads and supports events, programs, and initiatives related to network infrastructure, data privacy, cybersecurity, technical support, and technology services.

Mindy Fiscus

Director of Government Affairs and Purchasing

Leadership, Purchasing Program

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

Sarah Phelps

Director, Computer Science and STEM

CS and STEM, Leadership, Professional Learning Services

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.

Ben Sondgeroth

Lead Regional Educational Technology Coordinator, North

Leadership, Professional Learning Services, Regional EdTech Services

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

Elizabeth Radunz

Lead Instructional Technology Coach

Instructional Technology Coaching, Leadership

Elizabeth serves as the lead instructional technology coach who works to amplify and enrich lessons, trainings, and technology integration support in northern Illinois.

Will Brackett

Director, vCISO Program

Will leads and builds the LTC’s statewide cybersecurity advisory program, providing K-12 districts with senior-level guidance on risk, governance, and planning.

Amanda Bruns

Member Engagement Manager

Purchasing Program

Amanda leads LTC Purchasing Program’s member engagement by driving membership growth and support through strategic programs and statewide outreach, ensuring schools across Illinois realize substantial financial benefits.

Brayden Matsko

Manager, Digital Architecture

Digital Platforms

Brayden leads all web development projects and develops system integration solutions that support efficient internal operations.

Brian Krause

Instructional Technology Coach

Instructional Technology Coaching

Brian serves as an instructional technology coach who works to amplify and enrich lessons, trainings, and technology integration support in the Winnebago County region.

Emily Flach

Regional Educational Technology Coordinator, South

Professional Learning Services, Regional EdTech Services

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

Emily Pool

CS & STEM Professional Learning Specialist

CS and STEM, Professional Learning Services

Emily serves as a professional learning specialist and instructional technology coach who works to amplify and enrich lessons, trainings, and technology integration support in the Adams and Pike county region.

Hope Hardin-Borbely

Purchasing Program Manager

Purchasing Program

Hope leads vendor relations, contract negotiations, program development, and cooperative purchasing initiatives for school districts across Illinois.

Justin Morgan

IT Strategy Manager

Technology Services

Justin provides services and consultations that help Illinois school districts maintain and enhance their technology infrastructure and networking capabilities.

Kara Zelhart

Event Project Manager

Professional Learning Services

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

Kim Harden

Administrative Assistant

Operations

Kim provides operational support for LTC staff, events, services, and initiatives..

Kristen Cann

Instructional Technology Coach

Instructional Technology Coaching

Kristen serves as an instructional technology coach who works to amplify and enrich lessons, trainings, and technology integration support.

Linda DeYounge

Program Manager of Online Learning

Professional Learning Services

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

Lisa Schwartz

Regional Educational Technology Coordinator, West Central

Professional Learning Services, Regional EdTech Services

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

Mark Okigawa

Instructional Technology Coach

Instructional Technology Coaching

Mark serves as an instructional technology coach who works to amplify and enrich lessons, trainings, and technology integration support in the south Cook County region.

Matt Sherrill

Program Manager, AI & Innovation

Professional Learning Services

Matt leads statewide efforts to help educators thoughtfully and effectively integrate artificial intelligence and emerging technologies into teaching, learning, and school leadership.

Sam Fishel

Digital Content Manager

Communications

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

Stacie White

Instructional Technology Coach

Instructional Technology Coaching

Stacie serves as an instructional technology coach who works to amplify and enrich lessons, trainings, and technology integration support in southern Illinois.