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Hello! My name is Ana Barros. I am a first-generation immigrant, who grew up in Brazil, Venezuela, and Panama before coming to the United States in high school, 10 years ago. I speak fluent Portuguese, Spanish, and English. I am here because I believe that every single person deserves an excellent education. Before coming to TSAS, I taught 7th and 8th grade to the wonderful students at East Central Junior High.
I teach because teaching is the hardest and most beautiful job in the world. It is a process of cracking your heart open; a constant challenge to build relationships and trust in ways that you may have never seen or experienced yourself. I always put kids before content, because I believe that we are humans first. Especially in this time in our country, I feel the weight of my responsibility as an educator, and am committed to partnering with our students to make the world the best it can be.
Email: abarros@tsas.org
Room: 301A
Education Background:
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a Certificate in Education Studies from Yale University
I hail from Louisville, Kentucky, but it’s been a long time since I’ve lived there. I’ve led an interesting life that has taken me from studying ancient meteorites in New Mexico, to working as a geologist in the deepest depths of a sweltering underground gold mine in Nevada, to teaching English and climbing mountains in Japan. I taught in New York City for two years and saw how starkly segregated the school system is there and I have been inspired to bring people from different backgrounds and cultures together. I’ve been in Tulsa for the last year and I really love the communities here. I’m learning more about anti-racism in science and how I can incorporate that into my teaching at TSAS.
I teach because I find it very rewarding ,and it gives me a sense of purpose. The opportunity to equip kids with tools to navigate the world, their emotions, and society is what helps me get up in the morning. I love seeing that I am making a difference in future generations and helping students understand that all problems have some kind of solution, even if it’s not the solution you sought out initially.
Email: cbourne@tsas.org
Room: 312
Education Background:
- Bachelor of Science in Geology from Western Kentucky University
- Master of Science in Geochemistry from University of New Mexico
- Master of Arts in Science Teaching from Columbia University in New York City
My first area study was art therapy, and I hope to become certified in horticultural therapy once I complete my graduate degree. My husband, Clay, and I live a 10-acre farm called ‘Blackberry Burro’ with 3 dogs, 5 donkeys, 1 goat, 8 beehives, and a multitude of birds (chickens, turkeys, ducks, and guineas). We currently reside in a 1973 Airstream as we continue to build our home. I was a horticulturist at the Tulsa Zoo prior to teaching at TSAS. My favorite quote is, “Breathe properly. Stay curious. And eat your beets” by Tom Robbins.
I teach to touch the future. I teach for laughter. I teach for curiosity. I teach for growth. I teach for love. I teach for leadership. I teach for well-being. I teach for knowledge.
Email: jsmith@tsas.org
Room: 215
Education Background:
- Art Therapy from the College of Santa Fe
- Bachelor of Science in Horticultural Science from Oklahoma State University
- Master of Education in Science Education from Northeastern State University (In progress)
I spent Kindergarten and 5th grade in German public schools because my mother was participating in a teaching exchange. My absolute favorite place to be is in nature. I enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and kayaking the most. I collect rocks, bones, and whatever else strikes me as “cool” from my hikes. As a child, my dream was to be a professional ballroom dancer or anything in the equine profession.
I work with our kids because my life and career goal has always been to do whatever I can to be an ally and help support those who are faced with greater life and educational challenges. I truly believe all people are capable of learning and flourishing in their lives, provided they are given the opportunity, no matter their individual circumstances. Being able to help provide those opportunities is why I do what I do.
Email: ebrinton@tsas.org
Room: 104 D
Education Background:
- Bachelor of Science in Education from Northeastern State University
I enjoy traveling, specifically road trips. I’ve been to 34 of the 50 states but I haven’t traveled abroad, yet! I live in a skoolie with my partner Blake, our cat Frank, our pup Mammoth and our hens.
I teach because Photography allows people to have a voice and express their thoughts, feelings and perspectives in a visual way that fuses Art and Science. It documents time, stories, and opens the door to witness other voices. I teach because I want our students to see that potential and their voices to be heard.
Email: cbutcher@tsas.org
Website: TSAS Photography Department
Room: 109
Education Background:
- Bachelor of Arts in Photography from the Art Institute of Colorado