Profiles
Donna Peduto
Executive Director, WVPEC
Donna Peduto currently serves as Director of the West Virginia Public Education Collaborative. WVPEC is composed of various educators from West Virginia and the national arena that have come together to champion public education from early childhood to post-secondary levels at a time when it faces significant challenges but remains critically important to the nation's future.
Ms. Peduto recently served as Director of Operations for the West Virginia Board of Education. She was a key liaison to the WVBE members and executive leadership, the Governor’s Office, chairs of the legislative education committees, as well as other leaders and organizations around the state.
Earlier in her career, Ms. Peduto also served as director of the Learning Lab Network Sites for the Stupski Foundation and as the director of K-12 Initiatives at the EdVenture Group.
Ms. Peduto is a member of the National Association of State Boards of Education Executives serving as President of the National School in 2016, a board member of the Regional Education Lab, a member of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development and was inducted into the June Harless Hall of Fame in May 2016.
Ms. Peduto is a graduate of West Virginia University with both a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Reading.
Eric Lemley
Program Director
Eric is a former teacher and technology integration specialist in West Virginia public schools. He also served as a Senior Program Coordinator for the Teaching and Learning Commons at West Virginia University. In designing professional development for educators and lessons for students, Eric focuses on hands-on engagement and meaningful use of technology to enhance and transform learning experiences. He graduated from WVU with an MA in Secondary Social Studies Education and a BA in Interdepartmental Studies, in addition to holding a teaching certification in Mathematics, grades 5-9.
Jen Robertson-Honecker
STEAM TAC WVU Liaison, STEMCARE Director, Associate Professor
Dr. Jen Robertson-Honecker is an associate professor and STEM Specialist for WVU Extension Service’s 4-H Youth Development program. Jen’s work brings science programming to youth and educators in rural communities through camp programs, events, in-school, and out-of-school time activities across the state. With a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry and a background in both collegiate and public-school teaching, Jen uses her real-world knowledge to create relatable, effective curricula for youth. In 2018 and 2019, she led the WVU Extension team that worked with National 4-H and Google to write the National Youth Science Day challenges, Code Your World and Game Changers which reached more than 500,000 youth across the country.
Melissa Bane
STEAM Specialist
Melissa Bane taught in West Virginia public schools for eleven years. Melissa developed and implemented STEAM and STEM instruction for grades 5-8 and gained grant funds to design, stock and run a vibrant, functioning Makerspace. Melissa is a Project Lead the Way certified teacher. She has trained and partnered with numerous agencies to expand hands-on experiences for students. Melissa began her career teaching kindergarten and served on teams to support developmentally appropriate teaching practices. She is a graduate of West Liberty University, with a BA in Elementary Education and certification in Mathematics, grades 5-9. She also has a M.Ed. in Integrated Curriculum with Instructional Leadership from the American College of Education.
Angela McDaniel
STEAM Specialist
Angela McDaniel is a former West Virginia classroom teacher of 27 years in science and Project Lead the Way. She is National Board Certified-Renewed and the winner of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching. She is a nationally certified STEM educator, a certified mentor for both the WVDE and Kagan and a certified instructional coach. As an advisor, she has had over 50 students place in the state eCybermission competition. She is certified through Google and National Geographic. Angela graduated with her Bachelors in Secondary Science Education from Alderson Broaddus and her Masters in STEM Education from American College of Education.
Erica Skorlinski
STEAM TAC Specialist
Erica Skorlinski graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology from the University of Wisconsin- Madison. She conducted wildlife fieldwork for different government and non-profit organizations throughout six states. To fuel her passion to engage students in science, Erica attended West Virginia University to complete a Master of Arts degree in Science Education while working as a graduate assistant facilitating a robotics program for students in grades K-12. She taught environmental science in West Virginia public schools for five years before transitioning to the WVUteach program. Erica designs engaging STEAM lessons by integrating her background knowledge and experience into collaborative projects.
Clifford Sullivan
STEAM Specialist
Cliff Sullivan has 14 years of teaching experience in West Virginia public schools and New York City. Cliff is a Technology Integration Specialist for West Virginia where he has served on multiple leadership and STEAM/STEM committees for instruction development and implementation. He is certified in Vex Robotics, Minecraft Education and various Computer Science programs and is one of three Code.Org Computer Science Fundamentals facilitators for West Virginia. He has designed and created a Makerspace that serves as a career exploration lab where students become problem solvers through engineering and exploration. Cliff holds a BFA in Computer Animation and an MST in Early Childhood Education with an Administration Certificate.
Samantha Couch
STEAM Specialist
Samantha Couch is an experienced former classroom teacher in Science and Art, with 15 years of experience. She has significantly contributed to various science education committees, focusing on the development and implementation of curricula. Samantha has also chaired the school-level science and art textbook selection committees. Her work includes designing and creating interdisciplinary units inspired by West Virginia literature. Samantha holds a Bachelor of Science in 5-9 Science Education and PreK-12 Art Education, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art, both from Concord University. She also earned a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Concord University.