ROE/ISC: ROE #9 – Champaign/Ford

  • Linda DeYounge

    Linda DeYounge

    Linda DeYounge (she/her) serves as the Learning Technology Center’s Program Manager of Online Learning. She develops engaging synchronous and asynchronous online training opportunities for educators and administrators. She also provides coaching, consulting, and training services for schools developing online and blended learning activities for students and staff, including on a variety of Learning Management Systems.

    Linda started her career as a high school English teacher and quickly found that she had a knack for educational technology and instructional design. Previously, she worked in the world of adult learning and LMS administration, designing online courses and experiences for ROE 4. Her background in design and teaching offer her a unique perspective on her work, where she strives to create visually and pedagogically impactful learning experiences for educators.

  • Emily Pool

    Emily Pool

    Emily Pool is a CS & STEM Professional Learning Specialist. In this role, Emily strives to help teachers get excited about, engaged with, and enriched by educational technology – especially when it comes to bridging the gap between potential and implementation.

    While serving as a 3rd grade teacher in the Quincy Public School system, Emily was recognized as a 2015 Golden Apple recipient for her outstanding commitment to education. Emily is also a proud graduate of Illinois College in Jacksonville, IL (BA in Elementary Education & Spanish) and Williams Woods University in Fulton, MO (Masters in Education Administration).

  • Emily Flach

    Emily Flach

    Emily Flach (she/her) is a Regional Educational Technology Coordinator for the Learning Technology Center, serving Illinois’ Southern region. She facilitates professional learning events regionally; provides consultation and support to school districts related to digital learning, technology integration, and technology infrastructure; and develops instructional materials for educators throughout southern Illinois and the state.

  • Patricia Ferris

    Patricia Ferris

    Patricia Ferris serves as a Regional Educational Technology Coordinator (RETC) for the Learning Technology Center, supporting school districts throughout east central Illinois with instructional technology integration, artificial intelligence, digital learning, and innovative teaching practices.

    Patricia is a passionate educator with extensive experience helping teachers leverage technology to improve student learning. Before joining the LTC as an RETC, she served as a Technology Integration Specialist for Kankakee School District and previously worked as an Instructional Technology Coach with the LTC. Throughout her career, she has partnered with educators to design engaging learning experiences, facilitate meaningful professional learning, and implement technology strategies that enhance instruction.

    She is widely recognized as a leader in educational innovation and has earned numerous honors, including being named an ISTE + ASCD GenerationAI Fellow and a Lester Crown Distinguished Educator. Patricia is committed to empowering educators with practical, research-based approaches that foster creativity, critical thinking, and student engagement.

    As an RETC, Patricia collaborates with schools and districts to provide professional learning, instructional coaching, strategic technology planning, and guidance on emerging technologies, helping educators create impactful learning experiences for every student.

  • Brian Krause

    Brian Krause

    Brian Krause is the Learning Technology Center’s Regional EdTech Coordinator for the Chicagoland area. He partners with school districts across the region to support meaningful technology integration, professional learning, and innovative instructional practices. An accomplished educator with a passion for educational technology, Brian brings together deep classroom experience with creativity and a practical, educator-first approach.

    Brian holds a Master’s degree in Elementary and Middle School Education from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Throughout his career, he has become a sought-after presenter, sharing his expertise at conferences including ISTE Live, CPS Googlepalooza, MACUL, Iowa Technology & Education Connection, TCEA, IDEACon, and the Illinois Education & Technology Conference.

    Outside of work, Brian can usually be found hunting for inexpensive international flights, 3D printing wonderfully impractical creations, catching live music whenever he can, or escaping into a good book somewhere deep in the woods.

  • Sarah Phelps

    Sarah Phelps

    Dr. Sarah Phelps is the LTC’s Director of Computer Science and STEM. A passionate advocate for hands-on, inclusive, and forward-thinking learning, Sarah takes great joy in helping students learn expansively through technology—and in partnering with educators who create those daily “eureka” moments in classrooms across Illinois.

    With over a decade of experience as an instructional coach and elementary computer science teacher, Sarah has been widely recognized for her contributions to CS and STEM education. Her honors include the Emerson Excellence in Education Award and the Illinois State Board of Education’s Those Who Excel Award of Merit.

    Sarah holds a wide range of degrees and credentials, including a Doctorate in Education, an Education Specialist degree in Educational Administration, a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and Teaching. Her expertise and leadership continue to shape how districts approach curriculum design, instructional coaching, and the integration of emerging technologies.

  • Ben Sondgeroth

    Ben Sondgeroth

    Ben began his career as a history teacher in Morrison, IL where he initiated and coordinated the district’s iPad pilot program, redesigning the curriculum to effectively integrate the new technology. During this time, he developed a passion for sharing with other teachers exciting new ways to use technology in education.

    That passion led Ben to be a national Instructor and presenter, allowing him to work with thousands of educators every year across the country. Now working for the Illinois Learning Technology Center, his focus is on helping schools and districts in Illinois leverage digital learning effectively. He has presented at regional and national conferences such as FETC, ISTE, ICE, and many more. He holds a Master’s Degree in Curriculum Technology Education Reform (University of Illinois) and a Bachelor’s Degree in History Education (University of Indianapolis).