Monday, November 17 &
Tuesday, November 18
Cyrena was an aspiring meteorologist at the age of 5. Her early career included working for multiple NASA contractors, installing weather stations on the remote Alaska tundra for 6 years, then coming to New Hampshire as the Director of Summit Operations for the Mount Washington Observatory along with serving as a NH1 News TV Meteorologist. Cyrena is currently the Director of Product Marketing at AtmosphericG2.
In addition to her corporate responsibilities, she engages in STEM events, school presentations, and conference keynotes across New England. Sharing with students how she went from failing math in grade school to obtaining a meteorology and math degree is an important part of her story. She has written two children’s books, was included in the Union Leader "40 Under 40", and awarded the 2019 NH Tech Professional of the year. Cyrena is also a storm chaser, wife, and mother of two. She can always be found outside enjoying all New Hampshire has to offer, regardless of the weather!
In this engaging talk, meteorologist Cyrena Arnold explores how the mindset of a scientist—curious, analytical, and unafraid of uncertainty—can transform how we learn and grow in our careers and lives. Drawing from her journey in meteorology, from fieldwork with NASA contractors to Mt. Washington, Cyrena illustrates how real-world experience and internships bridge the gap between classroom theory and true understanding. Through stories of discovery, adaptation, and hands-on learning, she reveals that the most valuable lessons often come from observation, experimentation, and perseverance outside the textbook. Audiences leave inspired to approach challenges with curiosity, embrace opportunities for practical experience, and think a little more like scientists in everything they do.
Join Tom Laliberte (Bedford SD Assistant Superintendent) and Mark MacLean (NHSAA Executive Director) as they co-moderate a timely panel exploring the rapidly evolving impact of AI in schools.
A diverse group—including a lawyer, cybersecurity expert, district leaders, educators, students, and a parent—will tackle real-world questions:
This conversation will adapt to emerging issues throughout the fall—don’t miss this essential session for staying ahead of AI’s influence in education.
Nicole Cassamassino ~ Digital Learning Specialist, Bedford SD
Nicole is a Digital Learning Specialist at Peter Woodbury school in Bedford, NH. She has expertise in innovative educational practices, including AI and Project-Based Learning, and is certified in accessibility (A11Y). Nicole provides support and instruction, helping educators integrate cutting-edge technology to enhance learning experiences for all students.
Aadi Kulkarni ~ Student Nashua South HS & TechPals Founder
Aadi Kulkarni is a student innovator, researcher, and nonprofit founder passionate about the intersection of technology, policy, and social impact. He is the Founder & President of TechPals, a youth-led 501(c)(3) that has bridged the digital divide for thousands of senior. Aadi’s work has been recognized nationally through the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes, Carnegie Young Leader Award, and NH Senate Resolution honoring his civic innovation. Beyond TechPals, he has led research at the University of Pennsylvania and University of New Hampshire, presented at the INFORMS Conference, and serves as a NH DECA State Officer. He hopes to continue building technology that empowers communities and informs equitable policy.
Matt Lowe ~ Teacher Bedford SD
Matt is an English/Humanities teacher at Bedford High School teaching mainly sophomores at the honors level. He is interested in finding ways to get the most out of technologies like AI while leaving space for students to conduct their own thinking and respond directly to the world at hand. He has had experience teaching across high school grade levels at schools in New Hampshire and Connecticut.
Pam McLeod ~ Director of Cybersecurity, ACT (former K12 Tech Director)
Pam led technology for 19 years in the Alton and Concord School Districts, and was the first named CISO in the Concord School District. During that time, she served as President of NHSTE and was a co-founder and President of NHCTO. Pam co-founded the NHCTO student privacy alliance, was an Alton school board member for 7 years, and also served on the board of the NH School Boards Association. She was recognized as NH Technology Leader of the Year with the NHSTE Susan Janosz award in 2012. Pam moved to ACT in 2023, where she is the information security lead for a data-driven, global public benefit education assessment company serving millions of students each year. With a career rooted in the education sector, Pam builds positive team cultures, breaks down complex technical topics for non-technical audiences, and manages challenging projects. Pam is passionate about digital transformation, modern work, and the practical applications of AI. She lives in the Lakes Region of NH with her husband and occasional visits from two college-age sons.
Thomas Rup ~ Chief Technology Officer Dover SD & NHCTO President
Thomas Rup is the Director of Technology for the Dover School District in Dover, NH, with 18 years of experience in education. Thomas started his career in the IT industry during the Y2K era working in for Environmental firms and health care. He moved to Education, working for 5 years at Franklin Pierce University before swapping to K-12. Tom was the Technology Coordinator for the York School District before taking his first job as a Director for the Epping School District. Tom has served as the Director of Technology now for three years. He also is the President of the New Hampshire Chief Technology Officer's Council, serving since 2024.
Craig Sheil ~ Digital Learning Specialist, Bedford SD
Craig Sheil is a Digital Learning Specialist at Bedford High School in Bedford, NH, with 23 years of experience in education. While Craig started as a high school math teacher, his passion currently lies in inspiring others to embrace technology purposefully, empowering educators to infuse it effectively into their classrooms. He has helped equip teachers with the tools and strategies needed to navigate the digital landscape over the years. Craig is a Canvassador/Canva Certified Education Trainer, Google for Education Certified Trainer and adjunct faculty member at Fitchburg State University, where he teaches educational technology graduate level courses for teachers. He can also be found presenting at conferences, conducting professional learning experiences for school districts, and offering online workshops. Craig is a proud awardee of the 2018 NHSTE Susan Janosz Technology Impact Award, 2005 NHTM Fernand J. Prevost Mathematics Teaching Award and 2025 MassCUE Pathfinder Award. Craig’s Blog, “the Sheil Spiel” can be found at: www.craigmsheil.com
Nicole Tomaselli ~ Director of Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment, Hampstead SD
Nicole Tomaselli is an educational leader who thrives at the intersection of innovation, instruction, and impact. As Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for Hampstead School District, she collaborates with educators and community partners to advance instructional design, professional growth, and student learning. Her leadership spans federal grant management, mentoring systems, and the district’s growing integration of artificial intelligence in education. Nicole is passionate about empowering educators to take thoughtful risks and embrace emerging technologies that elevate teaching and learning. Her career in New Hampshire public schools has included classroom teaching, technology integration, and district-level leadership. She has presented at NHSTE, ISTE, the SDE National Conference, and the NAESP K–8 Principal’s Conference, sharing practical strategies for creative, student-centered learning environments. Nicole holds degrees from Boston University, Northeastern University, and SNHU, and is a proud GSLA Fellow (Cohort 7). Outside of school, she enjoys hiking, boating, camping, and gardening with her family and dog.
