About me

I currently teach computer science in grades 6-8 in the Los Altos School District, in Los Altos, California.  In my role as the district's Computer Science Integration Specialist, I am involved with the STEM program in the district to develop a computer science program for K-8 in all the elementary and junior high schools in the Los Altos School district.  I have developed curriculum and conducted professional development to bring computer science to all 4500+ students in the district. I have taught computer science, math, digital art, and visual art in the Los Altos school district during the last 12+ years. I am known as Mrs. V by my students.  See more on the Los Altos School District computer science programs here

During the  last 5+ years, I also work as the Krause Center for Innovation, Foothill college's Program Director for Computer science Professional Development Programs where I have conducted several Saturday workshops and week long intense computer science courses for educators. See more on the Computer Science Crash Course that I developed and run at  Computer science professional development programs at Krause Center for Innovation, Foothill College. I have also conducted professional development workshops for teachers at conferences and at custom PD programs at other school districts.  

Prior to my teaching career, I worked for over 10 years in Silicon Valley in technology as a computer scientist and technology entrepreneur. I hold undergraduate and graduate degrees in Computer Science, a Certificate in Studio Art and the California Single Subject teaching credential in Math. 

I have presented on my work at several conferences - ISTE, CSTA, ACSD. See list here. I have written about my work in NPR's MindShift, ISTE's L&L, CSTA Voice and EdSurge. See list of Articles/Publications on my work. 

 I have been on the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) Board of Directors K-8 Representative,  an education advisors to Code.org, on the advisory board for the CS K-12 Framework,  and on the advisory focus group for the California Computer Science standards.  I also worked on the NSF funded AI4K12 initiative to develop the 5 Big ideas of AI every child should know - with a focus on 6-8 grades.