The Business Systems and Technology Solutions Team designs and builds technical, large-scale data systems and tools that support and advance the educational field.
Our team listens to problems and finds creative solutions to solve them by creating technological systems. We also support technology implementation through user feedback for continuous product improvement.
Meet the Team
Kristen Thompson
Program Director
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Kristen Thompson, Program Director for Business Systems and Technology Solutions, leads a technical development team responsible for building, maintaining, and continuously improving large-scale data systems for educational use, with a focus on comprehensive early childhood assessments. Kristen is a passionate problem solver and SCRUM master. She takes a creative, big-picture approach to all of CTE’s technological projects by parsing out stakeholders’ complex needs and building innovative, evolutionary solutions to meet them. Kristen has brought her innate ability to transform CTE’s vision of access, opportunity, and success for every learner into reality for over 17 years.
Bill Blandford
Software Engineer
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Bill Blandford, Software Engineer, carries the torch for birth to 21 special education data systems. Bill brings his passion for scientific problem-solving to all of his work. He is grateful to have a hand in designing and deploying systems that drive specially designed instruction and data-based decision making that improve outcomes for all students.
Sudha Chaturvedi
Senior Software Engineer
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Sudha Chaturvedi, Senior Software Engineer, develops and maintains applications for Maryland’s child care and early education programs, including the Maryland EXCELS Quality Rating and Improvement System. She is passionate about the quality of these applications by maximizing their efficiency, data quality, and maintainability, ensuring they effectively support the state’s efforts in enhancing early childhood education.
Isabelle Doucet
Project Administrator
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Isabelle Doucet manages the development and implementation of projects within the Early Childhood Comprehensive Assessment System (EC-CAS). With over 15 years of experience working as a technical project manager in the education field, Isabelle assists the CTE team with project management support for technology-focused work efforts. Isabelle has a particular interest in agile project management and change management processes.
Janneth Gutierrez
UI/UX Specialist
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Janneth Gutierrez specializes in front-end development to enhance user experience and functionality, with a focus on accessibility, usability, and emerging technologies. She works on various projects related to the Maryland Quality Rating and Improvement System and collaborates closely with back-end developers, project managers, and stakeholders to create seamless, accessible, and intuitive designs that align with both user needs and business objectives.
Reem Larabi
Software Engineer
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Reem Larabi, Software Engineer, works primarily on Maryland EXCELS and is dedicated to building applications that improve access to education. With a passion for problem-solving and creating efficient solutions, Reem enjoys exploring new technologies to enhance her work and deliver meaningful results.
Doug Lay
Senior Software Engineer
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Doug Lay, Senior Software Engineer, works on applications for the Maryland State Department of Education, including the Maryland EXCELS Quality Rating and Improvement System, the Maryland Accreditation system, and the Find a Program application for families seeking information about early childhood education programs. Doug is passionate about information management, web standards, and using information technology to improve people’s lives.
Kimberly Lohr
Senior Instructional Technologist
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Kimberly Lohr, Senior Instructional Technologist, works with CTE’s Comprehensive Assessment Team to design effective, creative, and high-quality training and support materials for state partners, data managers, and educators. She is passionate about designing instruction and delivering training solutions that help educators meet the needs of all learners in the classroom.
Giselle Patton
Project Administrator
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Giselle Patton, Project Administrator, develops and supports technology solutions for educators and students. She is a business analyst who brings end-user design, software testing, help desk management, and project management skills to CTE. The positive impact that technology can have on students, families, and educators is the driving force behind her work.
Lisa Reeves
Software Quality Assurance Lead
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Lisa Reeves, Software Quality Assurance Lead, leads systems integration testing and quality management across multiple software products for the state of Maryland. She brings over 30 years of experience in systems technology, with 10 of those years dedicated to technology that supports research and evidence-based solutions for child care and early education.
Akhilesh Tripathi
QRIS Technology Manager
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Akhilesh Tripathi, QRIS Technology Manager, leads the software development team responsible for technology products such as the Maryland EXCELS Quality Rating and Improvement System, Maryland Accreditation, the Find a Program tool, and related websites. He ensures the systems meet the state’s needs in early childhood education and child care. Akhilesh is dedicated to using technology to solve complex problems, improve service delivery, and enhance efficiency, stability, and usability for all stakeholders.