About CSTA PBC / Broward
The Mission of the CSTA PBC/Broward Chapter is to serve as a catalyst in fostering collaboration among the computer science educators in Palm Beach & Broward counties and to work towards making CS education an integral part of the school experience for all K-12 students.
Our goal is to connect educators in our area and provide opportunities to share resources on curriculum, professional development, pedagogy, and student opportunities. We also aim to grow the CS community in our area by involving parents, members of academia, and the industry.
To assist us with our mission, or for any other inquiries, please contact any one of our chapter leaders.
- Nimmi Arunachalam: arunachalamnimmi@gmail.com
- Susan Garcia: susan.garcia@palmbeachschools.org
- Patricia McGowan: patricia.mcgowan@ahschool.com
- Monika Moorman: moormm25@gmail.com
- Annmargareth Marousky: annmargareth.marousky.browardschools.com
- Mary Murphy: mary.murphyvt@gmail.com
Advisory Board - The CSTA PBC/Broward Advisory Board will mentor all members of the local chapter, provide CS education and enrichment opportunities for all stakeholders, and advise on matters related to curriculum, pedagogy, and industry liaison opportunities.
PRESIDENT
Nimmi Arunachalam joined CSTA as a new computer science educator in 2014, and she credits her growth in the art and science of computing education to the outstanding support she received from CSTA and its members. She is deeply invested in broadening participation in computing in the K–12 and post-secondary environments. Nimmi serves as the president of CSTA PBC/Broward, where she continues to learn and grow through her association with computing educators across the country.
Nimmi is the program director of Break Through Tech at Florida International University (http://miami.breakthroughtech.org), where she works to increase diversity and gender equity in Miami’s tech ecosystem. Prior to holding this position, Nimmi worked for the School District of Palm Beach County, where she served as the CTE specialist (cybersecurity), and she was previously a CS teacher at Olympic Heights High School. Nimmi has taught AP Computer Science Principles and AP Computer Science A and was a master teacher for Project Lead The Way engineering and CS courses. She has industry experience as a business analyst in the software industry in Chennai, India.
Nimmi held Florida professional certifications in Educational Leadership, Mathematics (6–12), Technology Education (6–12), and Computer Science (K–12). She has won numerous awards and praise for her work in computer science education. She is the current president of the CSTA PBC/Broward, as well as the at-large representative of the national CSTA Board of Directors. She holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from Florida Atlantic University, a master’s degree in business administration from Pondicherry Central University, India, and a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences, Pilani, India. Nimmi is a second-year PhD student in computer science education through FIU’s SUCCEED graduate program. Her research can be accessed here: https://shorturl.at/nvxBF
CHAPTER LEADER
Susan Garcia has been teaching Computer Science for over seventeen years and has brought her previous experience in CS, business, coaching and competition into the classroom. She attended Palm Beach Junior College on a softball scholarship, where she strengthened her work ethic and teamwork skills. She finished her degree at Florida Atlantic University, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer and Information Systems. She worked at Pratt & Whitney and CDI in the Computer Science field for ten years.
Susan switched to teaching to share her experience in the field of Computer Science with her students. She taught CS to elementary and middle school students for twelve years. She currently teaches CS and programming courses at Jupiter Community High School. She is the advisor for the Computer Science Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society and the Leaders of Tomorrow Society.
She holds a Computer Science K12 Teacher Certification from the State of Florida. She also holds industry certifications in Microsoft Office Specialist, Adobe Certified Associate Photoshop CC 2018, Microsoft Technology Associate in Windows Operating System Fundamentals and Introduction to Programming Using Block-Based Languages.
She has attended training and holds a certificate for AP Computer Science Principles, AICE Info Tech 9626, GenCyber Security from Pace University and GenCyber Security from New Orleans University. She attended the NICE K12 Cyber Education Conference in Garden Grove, CA, the NICERC Cyber Education Discovery Forum in Denver, Colorado and the S4x18: Create The Future of ICS & IoT Cybersecurity in Miami Beach, FL.
CHAPTER LEADER
Patricia McGowan has been teaching for over fifteen years and has brought her previous experience in business and computer science into the classroom. She has earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and continued her studies in Graphic Design and Education at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. Patricia has managed different business companies and worked as a freelance graphic designer. After years in business, Patricia has changed career paths and brought her experience in project development to the classroom. Her passion for current technology has always played an integral part of her educational practice. She began her teaching career developing her own technology curriculum using ISTE standards. Further into her career, Patricia always pursued ways to incorporate project based learning opportunities for her students as well as the constant use of technology.
For the past three years, Patricia has been responsible for the Innovation Lab at American Heritage School. She instructs both upper elementary and middle school courses which include Computer Science Discoveries, App Creators, and Computer Science for Innovators and Makers. Patricia strives to keep her students up to date with the constant changing technological world.
CHAPTER LEADER
Monika Moorman – the 2021 Broward County Teacher of the year (Florida), has been an educator for over 20 years in grades ranging from first to adult education in both general and gifted settings. She is a proud National Board (re)Certified Teacher in early and middle childhood literacy. She is a STEM, computer science and sustainability enthusiast. Monika has been recognized for her work on state and national levels. She is a recipient of the national Computer Science Teaching Excellence Award by CSTA and Infosys Foundation and Cyber.org Educator Award. She believes that learning should be exciting, engaging, and relevant, and her mission as an educator is to ensure that it is just that for all of her students.