Working with MEERA

Founder, Chief Executive Officer + Owner

Kelsey Robertson founded TECHnista in 2021 with a mission to serve as the conduit between technical experts and the K12 classroom. With over 10 years in K-12 education and multiple teaching and entrepreneurship awards, she holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from Averett University. Certified in coding and design tools, Kelsey enjoys running, reading, and spending time with her husband and their three boys.

Chief Strategy Officer + Owner

Timothy Robertson is the COO and co-owner of TECHnista, LLC. Formerly the COO of Manufacturing Advancement at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, he has led over $175 million in workforce development initiatives and helped launch a $25 million advanced manufacturing center. A CNC machinist by trade, Tim holds a B.A.S. in Leadership from Averett University, multiple machining certifications, and 14 years of experience. He enjoys outdoor adventures with his wife and three children.

Chief Operating Officer + Owner

James Hubbard co-owns TECHnista and specializes in advanced manufacturing and workforce development. He’s led $100M+ in training programs and built 13 advanced manufacturing labs. With a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech and numerous machining certifications, James brings expertise in CNC, 3D modeling, and strategic operations. He enjoys traveling and outdoor activities.

MEERA Director – Michigan/Midwest

Cary Stamas brings 30 years of experience in Michigan public education, with deep expertise in Career and Technical Education, STEM instruction, and regional program leadership. He has served in roles ranging from physics and calculus teacher to middle school principal, and most recently as CEPD Director and MEERA Director for the Michigan/Midwest region. Cary holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University, along with master’s and bachelor’s degrees in education and engineering. Widely recognized for his contributions to career readiness and public education, he has earned honors including MASB’s Excellence in Education Award and the Bloksma Award. Cary is certified in mathematics, physics, and educational administration, and also holds a Google Data Analytics Certification. A long-time advocate for connecting students to real-world pathways, he enjoys life in Michigan with his wife Jeni and their two children, Alex and Katy.

Director of Regional Resources

Debra Holley has over 30 years of experience in psychology and education, including executive roles in community colleges. With degrees in Clinical Psychology and Education, she has led student success initiatives and academic program development. Debra is passionate about lifelong learning and enjoys family time and embracing new challenges.

Director of Regional Expansion

Clare Rodriguez is a project manager with experience in workforce development and strategic partnerships. She has led national initiatives across the U.S. and Indo-Pacific, previously working with BlueForge Alliance and Texas A&M. Clare holds a B.B.A. in MIS and certifications in project management. She enjoys yoga, fantasy novels, and exploring new foods.

Director of Instructional Design and Training

Sonya Soyars brings 19 years of experience in K-12 education, focusing on STEM and manufacturing pathways. She launched the Advanced Manufacturing Academy in Pittsylvania County and holds a B.S. from Averett University with multiple teaching endorsements. Sonya enjoys camping and sports with her husband and three boys and values faith and family.

Instructional Design and Professional Learning Specialist

Jenn Hardy brings eight years of experience teaching math and science and leading curriculum initiatives in Pittsylvania County. She holds a Master’s in Education from the University of Lynchburg and a B.S. from Ferrum College. Jenn has guided PBIS implementation and served in math leadership roles. She enjoys traveling, reading, and lake life with her husband and son.

Product Design and Innovation Senior Specialist

Eric Collie is an educator and machinist with expertise in additive manufacturing and CNC technologies. He holds a B.S. in Materials Science from Virginia Tech and a machining diploma from Danville Community College. Proficient in CAD/CAM and multi-axis machining, Eric develops technical training programs and enjoys 3D printing and family time outside of work.

Lab Technician

Jordan Gluhareff is a trained machinist with hands-on experience in CNC machining, CAD/CAM, and process optimization. He earned an A.A.S. in Integrated Machining Technology and a diploma in Precision Machining from Danville Community College. Jordan’s passion for precision drives his commitment to technical excellence and manufacturing innovation.

Director of Organizational Development

With 41 years in education, Bobby Shields has served as a teacher, principal, and administrator. As MEERA Program Director, he’s improved reading scores from 59% to 88% and math scores from 72% to 94%. He holds master’s degrees in Education Leadership and Sports Management, and a B.A. in Education. A licensed minister and avid tennis coach, Bobby lives with his wife on a family farm in Keeling, VA.

Instructional Design and Professional Learning Specialist

Christopher Gee brings over 16 years of experience in K–12 science education, specializing in curriculum development, instructional relevance, and hands-on learning. He has taught in both Pittsylvania County and Danville City Schools and holds a B.S. in Biology from Averett University, along with an M.Ed. and Ed.D. in education leadership from Liberty University. A two-time Teacher of the Year, Christopher is licensed in Administration and Supervision, Biology, and Earth & Space Sciences. He enjoys traveling with his wife and two young boys and is an avid golfer. Driven by a belief that every student can succeed when given an honest opportunity, he is passionate about helping learners discover their potential and understand how science connects to their lives.

Data & Reporting Specialist

Benjamin Boles is a recent Virginia Tech graduate with a B.S. in Business IT and a focus on data analytics. His internship experience spans sales, robotics, and IT, and he brings strong skills in databases, coding, and reporting. A former student leader and mission volunteer, Benjamin enjoys using data to empower students and support technical education.

Executive Administrative Services Manager

Amanda Scarce brings 20 years of experience in HR, payroll, purchasing, and employee benefits. Before TECHnista, she supported operations at Kyocera SGS Tech Hub and played a key role in achieving ISO-9001 certification. She holds an associate degree in Administrative Support Technology and is Six Sigma Lean certified. Amanda enjoys baking with her daughter, cheering on her son at soccer games, reading, and spending time in nature.

Instructional Design and Professional Learning Specialist

Shannon Stone brings 8 years of experience in higher education, curriculum development, and instructional leadership, with expertise in instructional design, online program management, and faculty support. She has served in a variety of roles spanning academic operations, curriculum development, and student-centered instruction, most recently as Operations Manager for Averett University’s Online Programs and as an Instructional Design and Professional Learning Specialist. Shannon holds a Master of Science in Exercise and Sport Sciences: Sport Psychology from Ithaca College and a Bachelor of Science in Equestrian Studies Management from Averett University. Throughout her career, she has focused on developing meaningful, application-based learning experiences that align academic content with workforce and industry expectations. Her professional accomplishments include serving as the Intercollegiate Dressage Association’s Region I Representative from 2019–2025, coaching Averett University’s Intercollegiate Dressage Team and Individuals to Reserve National Champions in 2025, and being named the 2026 Education Chair for the North Carolina Dressage & Combined Training Association. Shannon’s expertise includes curriculum development and implementation, LMS management, and instructional support. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and young son, caring for her two dogs, and riding her current leased horse. 

Finance Controller

Stacey Moss brings more than 30 years of experience in accounting, payroll, bookkeeping, and financial management, with expertise in corporate, personal, and estate tax preparation. Throughout her career, she has developed a strong reputation for accuracy, organization, and financial leadership across a variety of professional settings. Stacey spent 21 years at Stratford House Retirement Community, where she advanced through leadership roles including Business Office Manager, CFO, and Executive Director, overseeing financial operations, payroll, budgeting, and administrative management. She also worked for Harris, Harvey, Neal & Co., LLP as a Bookkeeper and most recently served as HR & Payroll Coordinator for Chatham Hall. Stacey holds a B.S. Degree in Business Administration: Accounting and is proficient in QuickBooks Desktop & Online, Sage (Peachtree) Accounting Software, Paychex Flex, Microsoft Excel, and Word. Outside of work, Stacey enjoys spending time with her husband David, their two daughters Taylor and Sydney, and their two dogs, Sophie and Willow. She also enjoys playing pickleball and swimming during the summer.

Lab Technician

Christian Blackstock brings 3 years of experience in precision machining and technical operations, with expertise in equipment operation, mechanical troubleshooting, and process efficiency. He developed hands-on technical and customer service skills through his work at Countryside Service Center and gained leadership and project management experience operating Old 97 Landscaping. Christian holds an Associate Degree in Precision Machining Studies from Danville Community College and has earned certifications including OSHA, Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, and MCOSMOS C1 and C2. Known for his attention to detail and strong work ethic, he is committed to quality workmanship and continuous improvement. Outside of work, Christian enjoys hunting, fishing, grilling, and spending time with family and friends.

Director of Operations

Kevin Thompson brings more than 30 years of manufacturing and operations leadership experience across the industrial equipment, textile, and defense industries. Throughout his career, he has held a variety of operations and engineering roles, developing expertise in strategic operations, production planning, process improvement, and leadership development. Kevin is passionate about fostering strong teamwork and empowering employees through a bottom-up leadership approach that encourages accountability, continuous learning, and effective decision-making. He studied Precision Machining at Rockingham Community College and has earned certifications in leadership development, organizational leadership, cause mapping, and OSHA 10 safety training. His career highlights include leading a manufacturing site to a 3,000-day injury-free milestone, supporting successful ISO 9001 certification efforts, and mentoring employees into management roles. Outside of work, Kevin enjoys performance automotive projects, exploring tropical destinations, and spending time with family.