Professional Consultants

Over the years, NASEF has proudly engaged a diverse group of educators worldwide, bringing in unique perspectives. These educators have built successful and impactful scholastic esports programs using NASEF's framework. Contact us at [email protected] if you would like to engage with NASEF and our valuable consultant group to strengthen your own program.

Julius Edwards

Palm Beach Lakes / SSEL
Esports Director/ SSEL VP/ Educator

Julius Edwards is a trailblazer in K-12 esports, having significantly increased student engagement by leading one of the largest district-wide esports initiatives in the nation. His visionary efforts have created a safe and inclusive space where students, particularly those who might not typically participate in extracurricular activities, can connect, thrive, and discover new opportunities through esports. By seamlessly integrating STEM elements into the esports framework, Julius ensures that students recognize the extensive career opportunities within the esports ecosystem. Beyond gaming, he introduces students to broadcasting, graphic design, technological support, and other real-world professions. This comprehensive approach equips students with valuable, transferable skills while broadening their aspirations.
Julius’s influence extends far beyond his district. As one of the featured speakers at the 2025 FETC for Scholastic Esports, he shares his expertise to inspire educators and advance curriculum development. His district’s esports program has become a model of excellence, impacting students and educators across Florida and the broader educational community. His leadership roles include serving as Vice President of the Sunshine Scholastic Esports League, where he oversees program policies, maintains
professional memberships, and ensures compliance with league and institutional regulations. Julius is also the CEO of Infusing Education and Consulting LLC and the founder of the nonprofit organizatioN L.I.T.E.S. Literacy Infused Technology Educational Support INC.
His dedication has earned him numerous accolades, including recognition as a member of Leadership Florida Education Class 8 and the 2023 Full Sail University Extraordinary Educator award. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from the University of Phoenix and certifications in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Leading an esports program with 420 students during the day and 150 students after school, Julius exemplifies the qualities of a highly motivated, enthusiastic, and resourceful educator. Through his innovative leadership and unwavering dedication, Julius Edwards continues to redefine what is possible in K-12 esports education, creating pathways for students to succeed academically, socially, and professionally.

James Fraser-Murison

Queen Mary’s College
Teacher

James is the director of his company, Fraser Esports and global esports speaker. Fraser Esports is the first company in the world to run the esports online BTEC, which he helped co-write , whilst his company also provides esports education and consultancy around the world. His mission is to provide esports education to home educated students, create global curriculum and introduce esports education and its benefits to everyone. James is also the education advisor for Esports Insider (ESI) and has been working in esports education for many years and mainstream education for over 22 years at mid to senior level. His other roles have seen him as a National Trainer for Pearson, the co-creator of the first-ever BTEC in esports, and BDM and QM Samurai founder at Queen Mary's College, Basingstoke. James has won multiple awards for his innovation and leadership in education, including the National Award for the BTEC esports qualification, the Ed Tech Innovator Award from the SCFA, and the NASEF Scholastic Fellow. He is also a global speaker, author, mentor, and ambassador for esports and education, collaborating with prestigious organisations such as Microsoft, Fnatic, NASEF, Gameplan, and Yoyotech. James's mission is to link students with the best work experience opportunities and employers, and to prepare them for the ever-changing workforce and provide support to those in education wanting to discover how esports can help all students.

Alex Gibson

York County School of Technology
Teacher

Alexander K. Gibson is a Mathematics Educator and Esports Coach at York County School of Technology. He brings over 17 years of experience in education, having previously established a computer science pathway and an esports program at an urban high school. Alexander taught AP Computer Science and advocated for the importance of college-level courses in high schools to support student success. He later served as the Director of Secondary Services at Harrisburg University, where he championed dual enrollment and college-in-the-high-school opportunities, facilitated STEM learning programs, and supported workforce development for high school teens. Alexander has also been deeply involved with the Network of Academic and Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF), serving as a Fellow, Mentor, and Community Leader. In these roles, he has championed the integration of esports in schools, emphasizing its potential to enhance learning during and after class.

Amy Harris

Davis H. Hart Career Center
Teacher

Amy Harris has taught CTE Computer Science at Hart Career Center since 2012, and has been the adult in the room for Hart Career Center’s esports program since its inception in 2015. Her curriculum includes Unity AR/VR and Video Game Design, dual credit programming, AP CSP, and courses exploring projects in a variety of careers in CS and in esports. Amy is the board vice-president/treasurer for the Missouri Scholastic Esports Federation, an Advisory Board member for NAECAD, and a NASEF Community Leader. Prior to teaching, she worked as an IT Director and Web Developer after earning a degree in Computer Science from Columbia College in 2003.

Shoubna Naika-Taylor

North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College
Esports Course Coordinator

Shoubna Naika-Taylor is a lecturer in Esports and Esports coordinator at North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College, UK. She has worked in education for 14 years, lecturing in media, games, and esports and has now started a new journey from scratch at NWSLC. She oversees the esports operations at Nuneaton Nitros and has been a part of creating an inclusive and safe space for young people to participate in esports roles. Her involvement with Esports started in 2019 when she led a team for a 3v3 tournament to the finals and since then, as the provision grew, naturally, so did her involvement with British Esports Federation. She sees herself as an advocate for Women in Esports and inclusive gaming across the global and uses her online platform to share awareness and celebrate the work of women and marginalised genders in the industry.

John Phillips

Berrien RESA
Technology & Innovation Consultant

John Phillips, Technology & Innovation Consultant for Berrien RESA, values the power of technology and innovation in changing learning for all. As a co-founder of SWMI Esports League, project manager of Esports Amplified for the REMC Association, and a sought-after presenter at conferences nationwide, John seeks to share his knowledge and work alongside those who wish to innovate wildly. Having taught everything from Kindergarten to College, John has a vast knowledge-base to put into action to help your organization succeed today!

Mary Phillips

South Haven Public Schools
Elementary STEM Teacher

Mary is an elementary STEM teacher for South Haven Public Schools. Outside of school, Mary has a wide variety of interests. Mary is a third generation amateur radio operator. She loves to sew, turn wood, shoot wildlife photography, garden, and cook. On her farm in Watervliet, MI, she raises ducks, maintains a prairie habitat restoration, and makes maple syrup. As a teacher, she loves joining her students on their learning adventures and reminding them of their strengths and talents.

Peter Whitmore

Moreno Valley Unified School District
Coordinator

Peter is married to Sonia and they have three awesome teenage boys: Diego, Henry, and Samuel. He is excited to interface with esports leaders from different countries. Peter is the author of the guide to Build Your District-Level Scholastic Esports Program. Moreno Valley USD's Esports Program specializes in student-run events and has schools divided into four vertical esports cohorts, each with its own theme and career foci. An avid gamer in his youth (Pitfall and Mike Tyson's Punch Out), Peter is delighted to move from the amazing Scholastic Fellow program into the role of Mentor. Game on!

James Wood

NASEF / WRMSEC
Scholastic Tournament Administrator

James Wood is the Scholastic Tournament Administrator for NASEF, the Network of Academic and Scholastic Esports Federations where he oversees competitive esports. He is currently in charge of the NASEF x CIF Esports Initiative where he is responsible for hundreds of teams across a variety of esports titles. James has authored numerous esports related courses and facilitated trainings around the world for esports programs in various capacities. He is a former educator who has also co-founded a conference of esports participating schools spanning over 6 states. In his (admittedly limited) free time, James enjoys playing board games with his wife and their two children.