A B C D E F G H J K L M N O P R S T V W
Photo of Ashley Allen-White
Ashley Allen-White
Algebra 1 Math

I’m Ashley Allen-White and I teach 9th grade Algebra I. I live with my wife and many cats, dogs, and reptiles. We enjoy attending community events, supporting local youth, playing board games, doing puzzles, and going to surrounding states to camp, hike, fish, ski, and enjoy the outdoors.

As an educator, I take pride in serving my community by helping students re-examine their relationship with mathematics, unlocking potential in themselves they may not have seen before. I use my passion for teaching math to inspire students of all ages to work towards goals they have for themselves with confidence in their math skills along the way. I encourage students to develop tangible structures and models of reasoning that help them relate their mathematical understanding to various situations, both personally and globally.

Email: awhite@tsas.org

Room: 207 A

Educational Background:

  • Master of Mathematics Education from the University of Oklahoma
  • Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Oklahoma
Photo of Cheyenne Butcher
Cheyenne Butcher
Photo I, Photo II, Photo III, Fine Arts Head of House Fine Arts

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

Pronouns: She/Her

Educational Background:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Photography from the Art Institute of Colorado

 

Photo of Adam Carnes
Adam Carnes
Mixed Media, Art Foundations, Art 6 Fine Arts

I’m a Brooklyn transplant via the Tulsa Artist Fellowship. Growing up in Florida, I spent most of my days skateboarding, creating art, and b-ball’n. I met my incredible wife, Judy Arenas, during my fellowship term (I immediately knew she was the one). The most important advice I can give: if you can, grow a beard. Favorite childhood movies: The NeverEnding Story and White Men Can’t Jump. Greatest TV show: Gumby.

I teach to connect with a collective consciousness and share my passion for creativity. I hope that others can experience the same fulfillment that art has brought to my life.

Email: acarnes@tsas.org

Room: 106

Educational Background:

  • Master of Fine Arts, New York Academy of Art
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts, Ringling College of Art and Design
Photo of Derek Clark
Derek Clark
Raps 101 Teaching Artist Fine Arts
Mr. Clark, who goes by the artistic name 1st Verse, is an accomplished Tulsa-based hip-hop artist and community organizer with decades of experience in lyrical artistry, beat production, live performance, DJing, touring, marketing, and social activism through hip-hop. He is a charter member of the Tulsa collective Oilhouse, and has been a part of the World Music collaborative, as well as the 2021 Fire in Little Africa mixtape and social movement.
Verse comes to TSAS as part of a partnership with the bART Center for Music after successful programs at many schools and non-profit youth organizations in Tulsa. He is famous for both his artistry and teaching ability in the classroom. Verse lives in Tulsa with his partner and three children, and spends his time creating, performing, and studying hip-hop as an artform.
Room: 311
Photo of Rogelio Contreras
Rogelio Contreras
American Sign Language (ASL), Modern Languages Department Chair Modern Languages

My name is Rogelio Contreras, but I go by Profe. at TSAS. My wife Diane and I have two beautiful children, Isabela and Joaquín. I have been teaching Spanish and American Sign Language at TSAS for 5 years. I love watching college football, dancing salsa, playing golf (recent hobby), reading, politics, traveling, trying new recipes, learning about different cultures, and spending time with family and friends.

I teach because being part of a profession that helps young people become critical thinkers, productive members in the world, improve their quality of life, and help open up opportunities for them is a job that I am proud to do and be a part of. I teach, but also learn how to become a better teacher and person everyday from my students and colleagues.

Email: rcontreras@tsas.org

Room: 205

Educational Background:

  • Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from The University of Texas at Brownsville
  • Masters of Science Deaf Education from Lamar University
  • Postrado Readaptación Deportiva from La Universidad de Barcelona
Photo of Mina Danes
Mina Danes
Algebra II Design Math

Hiya! My full name is Mina Flores Daneshvar and I’m originally from Southern California (San Bernardino/Redlands). I moved to Tulsa to attend the University of Tulsa to study petroleum engineering and fell in love with the city so much I haven’t wanted to leave! But I’ll always root for my LA teams above all else. My cat Jian (Gigi) is the fuzziest little floof who loves cuddles, especially when I’m in the middle of playing video games. I’m a big ol’ nerd who loves to learn as much as I can about anything I can.

I teach because education and access to knowledge is freeing so should be as accessible as possible. And to show how math isn’t scary and describes all of existence.

Email: mdanes@tsas.org

Room: 206

Educational Background:

  • Petroleum Geoscience Engineering B.S.E – The University of Tulsa
  • Petroleum Engineering M.E. – The University of Tulsa
Photo of Jeffery Donaldson
Jeffery Donaldson
English 10, AP Literature English

My teaching career began in China in 1987. Three years later, at the American Academy in Istanbul, Turkey, I adopted my life’s motto: “I want to dance with the whole world!” Include everyone, exclude no one. I have been devoted to my partner in life for over 30 years, the last 20 of those in our little home on the river bend near downtown Tulsa.

My passion for teaching is deeply connected to helping students become better global citizens, equipped with the essential critical thinking tools needed to imagine and pursue their future with greater confidence.

Email: jdonaldson@tsas.org

Room: 112 B

Educational Background:

  • Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Oral Roberts University
Photo of Rebecca Enriquez Ortiz
Rebecca Enriquez Ortiz
Dean of Students Administration

I’m a proud Texan that calls Tulsa home. I enjoy flea markets, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, 90s hip-hop, stand-up comedy, and mathematics.

I teach because I get to help youth actualize their power and position in dismantling an oppressive and dusty education system.

Email: rortiz@tsas.org

Room: 204

Educational Background:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Oklahoma State University
Photo of Kelly Foshee
Kelly Foshee
Art 7, Art 8, Painting I, 3D Art and Mixed Media Fine Arts

I’m a lifelong Tulsan and proud alum of Booker T. Washington HS who’s taught art and art history at TSAS since 2006. Before then, I worked at the Philbrook Museum of Art in the education and curatorial departments, and taught in multiple other local arts organizations as well. I speak 4 languages and was part of the inaugural Spanish Immersion class that began the dual language programs in Tulsa in 1981. I firmly and wholeheartedly believe that public education is the most important investment we can make in our kids and I hope to use my public education foundations to give back to my community, because they invested in me. I’m married and have an 8 year old son who is my favorite person and a 17 lb cat who sleeps on me. My favorite thing to do is reading, more reading, buying books and talking about books, but also all pop culture and history. I unabashedly love good animated shows with excellent storytelling.

I teach because I like kids– they all have an amazing energy and perspective on the world that is invaluable and constantly reminds me that we need to keep a little piece of that alive in ourselves as adults. I teach because I want students to be able to work with their hands in a way that doesn’t involve a keyboard or phone. I do it because art is an ancient and timeless subject, yet is also one of the most accessible languages that connects us universally. I teach because I want my students to have practical real-world skills, like creative problem-solving and perseverance. But I also teach art because I firmly believe that students need to exercise all parts of their brain in order to grow into fully actualized adults. Through art, a student can discover something about themselves or the world that changes them forever, and for the better, and it’s my privilege to be there when it happens. It’s just an added bonus that we get to make messes and that’s awesome.

Room: 103

Educational Background:

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Tulsa
  • Certificate in Museum Studies
  • Master of Fine Arts from the University of Tulsa
  • Certificate in Italian Language Studies from Tulsa Community College
Photo of Marilyn Gates
Marilyn Gates
Drama, Tech Support, Musical Theater, Creative Exploration Fine Arts

I’m an avid fan of mysteries, most bodies of water, writing and almost any animal, especially my dog, Tank.

Teaching and learning with our youth is the most rewarding journey I can imagine. It enables me to feel like I’m contributing to our future in a positive way by teaching and encouraging students in all of their individual endeavors. Exploring the art of acting is a never ending process and the tools necessary are equally infinite. Humanity must be studied and this art makes all dreams possible. Sharing this craft with our students gives me the opportunity to keep these possibilities alive and participate in any imaginable circumstance.

Email: mgates@tsas.org

Room: 128

Educational Background:

  • Bachelor of Arts from Bedford University
  • American Theatre Conservatory
Photo of Dillon Hawkins PhD
Dillon Hawkins, PhD
AP English Literature and Composition, Critical Communication, Introduction to Film Studies, Experimental Literature and Writing English

I am not an Oklahoma native: I grew up an hour outside of Washington, DC in a West Virginia tourist town catering the “city people,” but I have lived in Oklahoma for the past ten years, so I call Oklahoma (and Tulsa) home now.

I am an enthusiast of dogs, baseball, hockey, movies, music, and reading. I also have lots of hobbies. People often say that my hobby is collecting hobbies. For example, I collect vinyl and other “retro” media, in addition to comics and underground humor magazines, such as Mad and National Lampoon. I also like to play and study chess, bake, play disc golf, brew beer and soda, and play guitar and harmonica, while dabbling in banjo and mandolin.

I taught at the college level for ten years, but after working almost exclusively with high school students concurrently enrolled in college credit courses towards the end of my time as a professor, I realized that those were the students I wanted to work with every day. The college-preparatory-minded TSAS allows me to work with high school students and push their intellectual rigor—while still having fun!

Email: dhawkins@tsas.org

Room: 113 A

Pronouns: he/him

Educational Background:

    • Ph.D. in English (ABD), Oklahoma State University (pending)
    • M.A. in English, Oklahoma State University May 2014
    • B.S. in Mass Communication, Shepherd University
Photo of Wes Hill
Wes Hill
Freshman Seminar, Oklahoma History, US History, College & Career Head of House History

I am from OKC and love the Thunder and watching NBA games. My wife Lindsay and I enjoy drinking coffee at home and the local shops in town, as well as, working on our fixer upper.

I teach because I want the world to be a better for everyone and while our society loves to teach people what to think, it rarely teaches them how to think. At TSAS we are passionate about releasing thoughtful humans, into the world, capable of critical thinking and thus able to create a world that is a better place for all people.

Email: whill@tsas.org

Room: 114

Educational Background:

  • Bachelor of Science in Government from Oral Roberts University
  • Master of Arts in Education from Oral Roberts University
Photo of Kate Hughes
Kate Hughes
Middle school drama (6, 7, and 8) and Theatre Tech/Design Fine Arts

I have taught at children’s theatres and schools in three different countries. I am married and I have one dog named Daisy. I love singing, reading, gardening, napping, tinkering with language, and cooking.

I teach to empower young people, and thereby affect change in the world.

Email: khughes@tsas.org

Room: 310

Pronouns: She/Her

Educational Background:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Oklahoma City University
  • Bachelor of Arts in Music from Oklahoma City University
Photo of Jacelyne Jackson
Jacelyne Jackson
Physical Education & Wellness Fine Arts

I was born in Fort de France, Martinique and was raised in Miami, FL by my mother. I absolutely love teaching kids. Teaching has been a passion of mine for the past 9years. I love to dance, sing, and have fun with my family. I am a wife to a beautiful man and a mother of 3 beautiful girls.

I got into my first professional dance company at the age of 19 (Dallas Black Dance Theatre), I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to tour all of Europe while performing on the Independence Of The Seas with Royal Caribbean, and I was one of the top 20 dancers in the world on SYTYCD Season 7. My husband and I have a love for Pitbulls and I enjoy putting mustard on my pizza! I teach because it is my obligation to train up the next generation in physical and wellness awareness.

Email: jjackson@tsas.org

Room: 121 (Gymnasium)

Educational Background:

  • Associate of Arts in Dance, Broward College (Coconut Creek, FL)
Photo of Brittney James
Brittney James
Special Education Instructional Support Support

My name is Brittney James. I teach Special Education. Teaching gives me joy. I love being around my family, we have Sunday dinners each month. Last summer, I was introduced to the world of baking! I travel with my husband and we try to experience different cultures and traditions wherever we go. We are expecting our first bundle of joy in September, Titus James.

I do the work that I do because I have realized that everyone is capable of learning. Some student’s learn different than others. It encourages me when a student masters a goal or no longer needs extensive services through IEP services. The reason I teach, is because as a teacher I am able to be apart of a village that helps mold a child into a successful adult.

Email: bjames@tsas.org

Room: 104F

Educational Background:

  • Bachelor’s in Human Development and Family Sciences Oklahoma State University (Go POKES!)

 

Photo of Korie Johnson
Korie Johnson
U.S. History, Law & Society, and The 1990s History

I’m a 5th Generation Oklahoman who moved to Colorado the summer before 8th grade, I consider both to be home. I moved to Tulsa three years ago and love working at TSAS. In middle school, I lived to beat a girl named Danielle (who obvs had it all) for first chair clarinet. I rarely won. Even though I held down 2nd chair, I wasn’t allowed to march with my clarinet crew because I couldn’t keep in step with the rest, but I could be found holding the flag in the front. In 9th grade I rode in the back of a golden El Camino through the desert to find a secret punk rock show. That was all a long time ago, and now I mostly chill with my family–husband and two children, plus our dog. I like to read books/stories, watch TV/movies, read the news, and make things. I can get weirdly competitive when I play board games. I like grape flavor, Central Asian/Middle Eastern food, Tajin, Chamoy, & popcorn. Music is great too.

Learning about things I’ve never even imagined is one of my top top favorite things about life. Learning more about things I already know gives me hope. Sharing stories and hearing stories — making those human connections – reassures my faith. Working with students, especially in a school with talented, inspiring, and hilarious faculty and staff, restores my spirit daily. My students surprise me, teach me, and make me better. Teaching demands that I take risks constantly and that I stay vulnerable. Those are hard but necessary things.

When I think about those special teachers that loved me when I was unlovable, pushed me to think past my emotions or uninformed opinions, guided me to discover new ideas, saw something in me that I couldn’t see, showed me a kind of patience that I had not earned from them, and helped me on my way, I wonder if there is really any way to properly thank them. How could I ever show my true appreciation for the sacrifices they made for me? The only thing I’ve come up with is to do for someone else what they did for me.

Email: kjohnson@tsas.org

Room: 113 A

Educational Background:

  • Bachelor of Arts in History from Mesa State College
  • Master’s of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Wyoming
Photo of Aubree Karner
Aubree Karner
Art Foundations, Drawing 1, Drawing 2, Painting 1, Figure Drawing, Fine Arts Department Head Fine Arts

I live in Broken Arrow with my husband and two dogs. I teach part time and work part time as a professional artist. I also have a dog sitting business through Rover.com. If I’m not at home or school, you can usually find me at the gym, Crossfit BA, where I go almost every day. I have 6 favorite things: my husband, dogs, art, Dr. Pepper, naps, and chocolate!

I teach because Art is my passion, and I love to be able to help others discover how awesome and fun it is!

Email: akarner@tsas.org

Room: 102

Pronouns: She/Her

Educational Background:

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Arkansas
  • Master of Science in Museum Science and Management from the University of Arkansas
  • Currently in an MFA program in Illustration through Savannah College of Art and Design
Photo of Jennifer Lamkin
Jennifer Lamkin
Project-Based Learning and Design Thinking Teaching Specialist, Senior Capstone Support

In my free time, I am always looking for the next, new destination. Some might say I plan the next trip while on a trip. Being an Army brat and having moved every few years may play a part in my quest for constant change. I have hung up my chauffeur hat, no longer needing to cart my kids around town, and find myself filling the time with new ventures like tennis, puzzles, happy hours, and terrible reality television. I am mom to two daughters, wife to a professor of law, and keeper of two, delinquent dogs. While we are not from Oklahoma, we have loved calling Tulsa home!

Email: jlamkin@tsas.org

Room: 114

Educational Background:

  • Masters in Curriculum and Leadership, Oklahoma State University
  • Doctorate in Law, Indiana University School of Law
  • Bachelor of Science in Education, Indiana University
Photo of MacKenzie Lance-Jones
MacKenzie Lance-Jones
Geometry, Design Geometry Math

I grew up in 6 states and 7 school districts, but the classroom has always felt like home. I earned my BA from Berkeley, studying the intersection of modern art and computer science- which is a concept I love exploring in the geometry classroom! Before coming to TSAS, I taught math and graphic design in other TPS high schools, and worked in the STEM space for tribal governments and local nonprofits.

I have previously served as a teacher fellow with the National Science Foundation and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Outside of school, I love to crochet, weave, play trivia, and go on road trips with my husband and our dog.

I attended public schools from kindergarten through earning my masters, and I believe there is no greater institution for building knowledge, community, and life skills.

Email: mlance@tsas.org

Room: 203

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Educational Background:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Art History, UC Berkeley
  • Master of Public Administration – Policy and Statistics Emphasis, University of Oklahoma
Photo of Eric Miller
Eric Miller
Computers and Graphic Design Science

Artist, gamer, technology buff, lover of animation, fantasy & science fiction, and all things heavy metal!  With these powers combined, I am a huge nerd!

Animation is art in motion.  It is a visual medium of endless possibility that the human imagination can conceive.  If you can dream it, you can animate it. Animation is an illusion of movement; it truly is magic.   As my friend often says, “magic is real!’, and it exists here at TSAS.  That magic is inspiring the students to learn, create and achieve their goals!  It’s really all about them, they are the future.

Teaching is absolutely one of, if not, the most soul-filling things a person can do.  Passing knowledge to others is essential to the human experience and it is an honorable privilege to have the opportunity to do so at such a wonderful place as TSAS.

Email: emiller@tsas.org

Room: 219 A

Educational background:

  • Bachelor of Science in Computer Animation from Full Sail University
Photo of Kelly Morgan
Kelly Morgan
Special Education Teacher Support

As well as a teacher, I am a Board Certified Music Therapist and have experience working with long-term/chronic pediatric patients at a children’s hospital. Working at TSAS has inspired me to go back to school to pursue a master’s in special education. TSAS has also gifted me with a new passion: learning, and helping others to do the same. I’m obsessed with my cats, and I like to get outside as much as possible.

I teach to ensure ALL students have equitable education and can reach their ambitious life goals. We are all still learning.

Email: kmorgan@tsas.org

Room: 104 D

Pronouns: She/Her

Educational Background:

  • Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy from University of Louisville
  • Master of Education in Special Education from the University of Oklahoma
Photo of Mary Nicholson
Mary Nicholson
Biology, AP Biology Science

I am a lover of science, avid reader, gardener, and swimmer. I have taught every age group in some capacity from preschool to college level courses in multiple different cities. I adore animals, and live here in Tulsa with my husband, 3 dogs, 2 cats, and 5 chickens.

I teach science because I believe that my students have the ability to positively impact the future of this country, but for that to be true they must have a foundational knowledge of how the world around them works and to be critical thinkers who can make their own decisions.

Email: mnicholson@tsas.org

Room: 215

Pronouns: She/Her

Educational Background:

  • Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Loyola University New Orleans
  • Master of Science in Biology from the University of New Orleans
Photo of Steven Okapal
Steven Okapal
Conceptual and Engineering physics, AP Physics, Astronomy, Philosophy, STEM Head of House Science

I’m a Catholic raised Ohio boy taught to work for justice anywhere I see injustice. I know that while our souls and hearts must be our guide, we must hone our minds to make those dreams a reality. Oh, and I’m an Aquarius with my Pisces is in Venus, and I’ve been told that explains everything you need to know about me.

I teach because, to build a better world, we need critical thinking skills and scientific understanding helps reinforce those. Those that stand in the gap find it is not only lonely, but necessary. Since I find myself bridging LOTS of sections of existence, teaching science to the upcoming generation fits well in the effort to create a better world.

Email: sokapal@tsas.org

Room: 214

Educational Background:

  • Bachelor of Science in Physics from The Ohio State University
  • Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from The Ohio State University
Photo of Kenzie Park
Kenzie Park
OKDHS School Based Specialist Support

I am McKenzie Park and I am the School Based Specialist here at TSAS! I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Oklahoma State University. I am a lover of animals and have three fur babies of my own, two dogs and one cat that are my pride and joy! I enjoy all things nature, whether that is collecting house plants or going on long hikes with my dogs. In my pass time I love doing anything creative around my house like sketching, creating decorations, and working in my flower beds. I look forward to working hand and hand with the TSAS faculty to create the best and most supportive environment for each student in this community.

I have always had a passion for working with children and have worked with all ages in many different settings. I believe that children are the future of this world and with the right tools in their toolbelt there is no limit to what they can do. I love watching children step into their potential and I am so excited to be part a team that supports each student in exploring their passions and developing their own unique identity.

Email: McKenzie.Park@okdhs.org

Office: 112 G

Educational Background:

  • Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Oklahoma State University
Photo of Shaniece Randle
Shaniece Randle
Academic and College Counselor Support

Hi everyone I am so excited to be here. I come from a background of education and criminal justice. I have a beautiful daughter named Colby. I enjoy traveling to different places with my family and studying different cultures. In 2020 I was nominated as an Oklahoma’s Top 20 under 2 teacher. One fun fact about me is that in college I studied abroad in Greece for two weeks for a history class.

I do the work I do because I want to have an impact on the youth that are our next leaders. These students will be living and operating in a world that my children will be in. If I can assist with making students achieve success I want to do that. No matter what success looks like to them. I want to meet them where they are and help get them to the finish line.

Email: srandle@tsas.org

Office: 126

Educational Background:

  • Bachelor’s in Psychology; University of Central Oklahoma
  • Master’s in Criminal Justice; Northeastern State University

 

Photo of Lauren Rathe
Lauren Rathe
Chemistry and Environmental Science Science

In the blink of an eye, the little girl with snails in her pockets and dirt in her hair went from running through the creeks behind her childhood home to walking across the Oklahoma State University stage to receive a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources with a major of Environmental Science.

However, Lauren’s adventure truly began after moving across the country to gain experience in conservation just an hour south of the iconic Glacier National Park, after accepting a position as a Big Sky Watershed Corps Member through Americorps. This position combined a deep devotion for service with a passion for the conservation of our natural resources. During her time in this position, she completed research for the USDA, NRCS, Western Montana Conservation Districts, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, Flathead Lake Biological Station, The University of Montana and NASA. Research topics varied wildly but mainly focused on native wildflower biodiversity and pollinator habitat rehabilitation, aquatic invasive species PCR tracking, and the study of agricultural upgrades to determine improvement of resource usage.

What really made an impact on the direction of Lauren’s career was the development of Lake County Conservation District’s outreach program which delivered STEAM curriculum to 3,641 students and adults in 2.5 years. After Lauren moved home during the Pandemic, she began pursuing a career in STEAM education thanks to her time at LCCD. After beginning her educational career at Discovery Lab creating curriculum, training educators, and running day of programming for their partnership with Tulsa Public Schools, Lauren is excited to transition into the classroom fulltime teaching Environmental Science and Chemistry. She is passionate about sparking a love of natural resources and applied science in her students just as her high school Enivronmental Science teacher did for her.

When Lauren isn’t at work she enjoys hiking, camping, taking pictures of every flower and fungi she sees, finding cool rocks and crystals, practicing yoga and meditation, and being outdoors in general. When the weather doesn’t allow her to be outside, Lauren also loves watching competition shows with her husband, Tyler, and making bets on the winners (loser has to clean up dinner!) Their pup Daisy is never far behind, especially to “help” clean up the food.

Email: lranthe@tsas.org

Room: 218

Pronouns: She/Their

Educational Background:

  • Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science and Natural Resources with a major in Environmental Sciences from Oklahoma State University
Photo of Emily Roiger
Emily Roiger
Composition 9 English

I used to live in Minnesota, and now I’m always hot. After leaving my home state, I moved to Missouri thinking I wanted to be a journalist. It only took me a few years of covering local school board meetings to realize that I couldn’t sit on the sidelines when it came to the challenges facing education. I moved to Tulsa and have fallen in love with the community of families, students, and educators I get to work alongside every day. High schoolers are my favorite people, and I absolutely love watching them grow into unique individuals and free thinkers ready to tackle the world.

Outside of school, I have been spending an exorbitant amount of time restoring a 1910 craftsman home with my girlfriend. It gives me an opportunity to learn new things, shop for vintage items, and spend endless hours on Pinterest looking for inspiration. I’m often cooking soup, eating soup, and sharing soup with the people I love. I love to travel, drink coffee, and find excuses to cancel plans and stay home with my dogs.

Email: eroiger@tsas.org

Room: 124

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Educational Background:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Missouri
Photo of Stephen Rustin
Stephen Rustin
English 11 English

I’m a Colorado native who married his college sweetheart, with whom I have three kids. We live in Broken Arrow and I’m proud to call Oklahoma my home. My favorite author is Cormac McCarthy, my favorite band is Manchester Orchestra, and my favorite hobby is kettlebell sport.

Teaching is my calling. I am deeply gratified when I see a person learn something new. I especially take joy in seeing young people gain confidence in their communication skills. Reading and writing have been invaluable in my own life, and I want to help students to see them in the same way.

Email: srustin@tsas.org

Room: 115

Educational Background:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies, Evangel University
  • Master of Arts in Biblical Exegesis, Wheaton College
Photo of Tara Schiffelbein
Tara Schiffelbein
Spanish, WIDA Coordinator Modern Languages

My name is Tara Schiffelbein, but I go by Mrs. Tara because a student once told me that my last name scared him. I live with my husband, Jared, and our two fur babies, Bubba and Gertie. When we aren’t working on renovating our almost 4 acre property or trying to get my ’71 Volkswagen Squareback up and running, we enjoy watching movies, attending live music, and eating authentic meals from various cultures.

I teach to help others discover their own personal strengths and joy. I teach for the smiles and for those “aha” moments that are so powerful, especially for struggling learners. I teach so I continuously have the opportunity to learn from fellow teachers and students. I am humbled by the integrity, creativity, and passion I see every day here at TSAS and am so honored to be a facilitator of learning at the greatest school ever!

Email: tschiffelbein@tsas.org

Room: 112 C

Pronouns: She/Her

Educational Background:

  • MA in Teaching English as a Second Language – Oklahoma City University
  • BA in Speech Communication Consultancy and Spanish – Oklahoma State University
Photo of Liesa Smith PhD
Liesa Smith, PhD
Lead Principal Administration

Though I was born far away in California, I am proud to be an Oklahoman who has lived for 4 decades in Tulsa. I have invested more than 20 years as a career educator and am grateful for the ways I have been transformed by my years at TSAS, and that my four children had the privilege of graduating from TSAS as well. I love learning and spend as much time as I can reading books, writing, practicing artistic pursuits, cooking, and enjoying nature. I think that good conversations, time with family and friends, coffee, and dogs bring beauty to the mess of life.

I am honored to be a school leader at TSAS because it is a learning community focused on the human experience of teaching and learning. It is a school concerned about the whole person and committed to nurturing the potential and growth of each individual student. The teachers at TSAS care about each student’s academic achievement as well as their human journey. On an almost daily basis I am awed by our relational environment and the ways it supports and encourages both students and the faculty. Our school community is made up of people who care deeply about intellectual pursuits, creativity, innovation and humanity.There’s no place like TSAS and I am honored to contribute to this special school.

Email: lsmith@tsas.org

Room: 201

Educational Background:

  • Ph.D. in Curriculum Studies from Oklahoma State University
  • Masters of Education in School Administration from Northeastern State university
  • Bachelor of Arts in English, Fine Art & Education from the University of Tulsa
  • Associate of Arts in Fine Art from Tulsa Junior College
Photo of Rani Spindle
Rani Spindle
Speech and Debate, Journalism and Media Studies Fine Arts

I love politics, philosophy, poetry, and my cats (Dionysus and Descartes). I have had the privilege of mentoring young debaters and actors for 10 years. I’ve been professionally associated with the Harvard National Invitational Forensics Tournament and OSSAA Speech and Debate. I’m a theatre nerd who has worked in stage production and costuming since 2017. I’m a writer with a special interest in journalism and research; I’ve been published by three newspapers, showcased in two symposia, and awarded for my radio and social media work.

I yearn to be where I’m most needed and to make positive impacts. Communication is our greatest asset. Speech and Debate empowers young people with tools of self expression so that they can advocate for themselves and each other. It empowers them by exposing them to real world issues in political, economic, and philosophical terms and requiring them to see such issues in shades of gray rather than black and white. And it empowers them through the transformative power of performance, which inspires self confidence, mindfulness, and empathy.

Email: rspindle@tsas.org

Room: 207 B

Educational Background:

  • BA in Professional Media with specialization in Philosophy from the University of Central Oklahoma
Photo of Hector Torres
Hector Torres
Instrumental Music Fine Arts

I do wop do wop, shoobe do be do wop do wop, music. I can’t complain. Helping out stars shine on the big stages of life. It’s ok to like Nickleback in my class. We might even play some too, among many other types of music from around the world. We are not a traditional music program. We start bands, write original content, and perform it at real venues.

It’s too much fun. Besides teaching, I tend to explore the world as much as possible. I was Born in Colombia and taught elementary school in San Francisco before moving back to Tulsa.

Email: htorres@tsas.org

Room: 123

Educational Background

  • Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Oklahoma State University
Photo of John Turner
John Turner
World History and U.S. History History

I am an avid movie watcher, traveler, and reader.I am constantly traveling and exploring new places. I love the possibilities of meeting new people and seeing new cultures! I have a passion for education and making sure that students are enlightened about the world around them.

Ask me about my Corgi! Her name is Molly and she is the sweetest.

Email: jturner@tsas.org

Class Website: CLICK HERE

Room: 113 B

Educational Background:

  • Master’s in American Studies from Northeastern State University
  • Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Tulsa
  • Certificate in Classical Studies from the University of Tulsa