A B C D E F G H J K L M N O P R S T V W
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Nicole Alterici
Middle School Counselor, District Testing Coordinator Support

I have always lived in and around the Tulsa area, and currently live with my wife and two cats. I spend most of my time hanging out with my family or playing games. I also enjoy scary movies, anime, and good food.

I work with our kids because I love seeing students grow and discover their self worth. They can accomplish so much if they set their mind to it, and being at TSAS I get to continue to watch their process into high school!

Email:

Room: 306

Pronouns: They/She

Educational Background:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Northeastern State University
  • Master of Science in School Counseling from Northeastern State University
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Ana Barros
Social Studies 7, History/Social Studies Department Chair History

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. 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.

 

Room: 315

Pronouns: She/Her

Educational Background:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a Certificate in Education Studies from Yale University
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Shannon Barry
English 6, 6th Grade Team Leader History

I grew up in Kansas City, MO before going to college in Chicago, then landed here in Tulsa to teach- making myself a proud resident of the Plains and Midwest for my whole life. I have two cats named Frog and Noodle that I love as if they were my own children. When I’m not talking about/showing everyone pictures of my cats, I love watching all types of terrible reality TV and reading all types of books.

Email: sbarry@tsas.org

Room: 305 A

Pronouns: She/Her

Educational Background:

  • I studied secondary education and English at Drury University for two years before moving to Chicago to concentrate my studies in fiction writing at Columbia College Chicago where I earned my Bachelor’s degree.
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Felix Blesch
Science 7, Science Department Chair Science

I was born and raised in Tulsa and I’m passionate about the importance of public schools to the well-being of society. Some of my favorite things are books, art, gardening, camping, baking, languages, this Earth we live on, and all the living things we share it with. I have a partner & two children of my own. I spend a fair amount of my time playing board games, video games, and volleyball.

I teach because I love watching the transformations of young people. I teach science because I can’t think of anything more important than working to understand how the world functions. Doing science is all about learning, practicing, and applying critical thinking skills to whatever a person wants to understand better. There is nothing more exciting to me than the questions, knowledge exchange, and personal discoveries that can take place in science class!

Email: fblesch@tsas.org

Room: 316 A

Pronouns: She/They

Educational Background:

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts from University of Oklahoma

 

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Emily Brinton
Middle School Special Education Coordinator Support

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

Educational Background:

  • Bachelor of Science in Education from Northeastern State University

 

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Christina Byrne
Social Studies 6 History

Hi! I began teaching in the US Peace Corps in Estonia in 2000, and I’m delighted to teach at TSAS – here in Tulsa, where I was born and raised. My husband Matt and I have three children and a German Shepherd – “Bonnie the wonder dog”, and we love living just north of TSAS. I enjoy dancing, reading, practicing and teaching Pilates and learning about native Oklahoman plants and grasses. I do this work because of the students – middle schoolers are my fave. They are my best teachers.

Email: cbyrne@tsas.org

Room: 303

Pronouns: She/Her

Educational Background:

  • Bachelor of Arts in English Literature (minor in Women’s Studies) – University of Oklahoma
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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 Danielle Chapman
Danielle Chapman
Math 7, Math Department Chair Math

I try to find joy in the small things in life. I’m a mom of 4 awesome kids and 5 fur babies. I absolutely love all things Disney I am also a big fan of Star Wars, Dr. Who, and Harry Potter (basically I’m just a big kid at heart).

I teach to help build a brighter future, and to encourage students and people to explore mathematics and hopefully alleviate some of their fears toward math.

 

Email: dchapman@tsas.org

Class Website: CLICK HERE

Room: 316 B

Educational Background:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Northeastern State University
  • Master’s of Mathematics Education from Northeastern State University
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
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Ebony Dorsey
English 7, 7th Grade Team Leader English

My favorite quote is, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” by Maya Angelou. These are my words to live by, because I know how true they are, and I try to be mindful of them from day to day. I love my family, and I particularly adore my mother. My nephew Quincey has stolen my heart, and I love animals (especially dogs and elephants, the only exception would be snakes). I also love to watch movies; new movies or old movies, I just love movies.

I teach because it is the BEST job in the world. There is a never a boring or dull day or moment, and I have a passion for middle school students who I get to engage with on a daily basis! We are living and learning! TSAS + middle schoolers = a magical carpet ride, and I am highly committed to the ride.

Email: edorsey@tsas.org

Room: 314

Educational Background:

  • Bachelor of Arts in English Education from Northeastern State University
  • Master of Science in Teaching, Learning, and Leadership – Reading and Literacy Emphasis from Oklahoma State 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 Clayton Flores
Clayton Flores
US History 8 History

My name is Clayton Flores. I live with my wife, Hailey, and our two boys, Calvin and Redford. Outside of school, I enjoy running and playing music. Running was a huge passion of mine when I was younger, and I have recently rediscovered it. I completed my first marathon this summer and am looking forward to future events! Per music, I have played in several bands over the years and absolutely enjoy jamming with my best buds.

I teach because I have had teachers who inspired me and instilled academic confidence, allowing me to surpass what I thought possible. I want my students to feel empowered to think critically and to share their opinions; some of my best moments from my first year of teaching stemmed from watching students take chances and thrive in those uncharted waters. I am excited to build a space at TSAS where we can have many more moments of discovery.

Email: cflores@tsas.org

Room: 301 A

Pronouns: He/Him

Educational Background:

  • Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Tulsa
  • Associate of Arts in Visual Communications from Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology
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 Austin Fraley
Austin Fraley
Science 6 Science

I am an artistical (that’s magic, whimsy, and artistic rolled into one!) scientist and am excited to join the TSAS family! I love painting, creating, and exploring Tulsa with my three kids! You might see us cruising around downtown on our bikes sometime- it’s a crew for sure! I am stuck in the 90s with a love for Dr. Martens and indie rock, and my absolute favorite thing to do in the whole world is be a goofball and laugh!

I teach because, well, kids are insanely amazing and out of this world! It is a privilege to work with kids, and I appreciate that they still hold the magic of imagination and limitless possibilities. I learn just as much from my students as they learn from me.

Email: afraley@tsas.org

Room: 305 B

Educational Background:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Northeastern State University
  • Associate of Arts in Health Sciences from Northeastern State University
Photo of Kali Gonzales-Ritchey
Kali Gonzales-Ritchey
Math 8 Math

I have lived in Oklahoma my whole life, but that doesn’t mean I’ve seen it all. In fact, I feel like I am constantly learning about places I’ve never heard of in or facts I never knew about our state. I am a true nerd at heart. I am always ready for a discussion on a variety of fandoms and ready to learn about new ones! I am also a writer and musician. While on the outside it may seem like math, writing, and music might not work well together, that’s how it’s always been in my brain. I love surprising people with my variety of skills and showing them that you don’t have to limit yourself to one area.

I teach because I want to help students find their way through life and help them find what kind of person they want to be. I did not have much confidence growing up, and so I hope to show my students how they can be confident in themselves and in their skills. I also hope to begin to show my students all of the opportunities that lie ahead of them. The world is wide open to them and I want to make sure they are able to take full advantage of it!

Email: kgonzales@tsas.org

Room: 311

Educational Background:

  • Master of Science in Mass Communications at Oklahoma State University
  • Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from the University of Tulsa
  • Bachelor of Science in Media Studies from the University of Tulsa
Photo of Dan Hahn
Dan Hahn
Middle School Principal Administration

I have been in public schools in Tulsa my entire professional life. I first started teaching at East Central HS in 2008, then Clinton MS, and I joined TSAS in 2011 as an English teacher. In 2016, I started as the first middle school principal. This job is the supreme joy of my life. I love our school,  our students, our families, and our teachers and staff deeply. In my spare time, I hang out with my wife Amanda and our two kids Adrian and David. I love playing, refereeing, and watching soccer. I love music (currently into Bright Eyes, The National, Protomartyr, Fire in Little Africa, and boygenius). I like reading magazines, riding my bike, and looking for my keys.

I do the work I do because I draw strength and clarity from our students. I see all the answers for all of our problems in them and am filled with hope at their brilliance, senses of humor, and innate strength. I will be at TSAS for as long as they let me and I look forward to every twist and turn in the road as we wind our way toward self-actualization together.

Email: dhahn@tsas.org

Phone: 918-207-8997

Room: 302

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Book an appointment with Mr. Dan

Educational Background:

  • Doctorate of Education in Educational Administration and Policy Studies from the University of Oklahoma (in progress)
  • Master of Education in Educational Administration, Curriculum, and Supervision from the University of Oklahoma
  • Bachelor of Arts in English Education from Northeastern State 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 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 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 Peter Myers
Peter Myers
English 8, English Department Chair, 8th Grade Team Lead English

I was born in Texas and have been living in Tulsa for a little over ten years. This will be my tenth year in Education and my sixth year at TSAS. I love the power of stories in all forms, and I love reading, watching, or playing them, thinking about them, talking about them, teaching them, and creating them myself. I also enjoy running, drawing, pinball, music, and spending time with my wife and our friends.

I teach because I believe that education is the silver bullet in solving problems in our world, and I want to be a part of the process.

Email: pmyers@tsas.org

Room: 301 B

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Education Background:

  • Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from John Brown University
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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 Sky Slater
Sky Slater
Math 6 Math

I teach because I enjoy it. I enjoy fostering and guiding someone to that point of discovery because I find it beautiful and expansive for them and myself. I believe that we are all in a kind of student/teacher cycle throughout our entire lives and I wish to embrace that interdependence.

It is curious to me how I can look to the night sky in wonder, and marvel at how well physics has described that celestial dance and our inseparable place in it, yet I feel that often when many of us look upon ourselves, that wonder is no longer present. I want to live a life that encourages that sense of wonder in the individual as well as the whole.

Email: sslater@tsas.org

Room: 304

Educational Background

  • Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Oklahoma State University
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 Stephanie Weibel
Stephanie Weibel
Science 8 Science

When I’m not teaching, I like to watch documentaries on science, history, and true crime, play video games and Dungeons & Dragons, tinker with various creative projects, and spend time with my husband, our kiddo, and our two cats.

I teach because I love sharing my passion for science with my students. Seeing a kid have one of those “Eureka!” moments when they finally figure out a tough concept, or watching a kid start the year saying they don’t like science, but end the year saying it’s their favorite subject, are some of the best feelings in the world. I am grateful that I get to share even one molecule of that with them.

Email: sweibel@tsas.org

Room: 312

Educational Background:

  • Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from University of Phoenix