|
 Difference KIPP Staff Alumni Stats FAQs
Our Staff
5TH GRADE TEACHERS
Connie Quintanilla - Reading/Writing Teacher
Tari Mallory - Nonfiction Studies/Writing Teacher
Tari Mallory is originally from Roseburg, Oregon. She is a graduate of Eastern Oregon University with a B.S. in Multidisciplinary Studies (Minors in Music and History), and a Master of Teaching Education degree. Tari has spent the past two years teaching science and social studies at Jackson Middle School here in San Antonio. Prior to that, she taught Yup'ik Eskimo students in Chuathbaluk, Alaska and Inupiaq Eskimo students above the Arctic Circle in Kotzebue, Alaska. Tari's favoritie thing about teaching middle school students is their sense of humor. She uses a hands-on, interactive approach when teaching students how to connect curriculum to their everyday lives. She is the mother of Leslie (22) and Alex (17). She's glad to be warm in San Antonio.
Debi Lansford - Reading Interventionist
Mrs. Debi Lansford is excited to be the first Reading Interventionist at KIPP Aspire Academy. She appreciates the atmosphere of Team and Family at KIPP Aspire Academy and is committed to helping students succeed. Mrs. Lansford has taught for ten years in California, where she was the Teacher of the Year in 2003-04 at her former school. She was also selected as a Who's Who Among American Teachers in 2004-05. Debi has been married to her husband Jerry for 35 years. They have two grown sons. In 2005, Debi relocated to San Antonio where she taught in Judson ISD for two years. Mrs. Lansford loves writing short stories for children and developing curriculum.
Tandy Starr - Math
“Although my teaching career has been short, it has been the most fulfilling adventure of my life,” said Tandy Starr. Tandy is one of our newest members at the KIPP Aspire Academy. She is native to San Antonio, and she is very excited to be back to help influence and further the children of her hometown. Tandy attended Texas Tech University where she was given the opportunity to study abroad in Puebla, Mexico. It was there that Tandy realized her destiny of teaching students in ESL. Upon graduation, Tandy moved to Dallas, Texas. She began her career teaching 6th grade math, and in her first year of teaching, her students received the highest TAKS scores in the entire school. After living in Dallas for two years, she moved to Houston, TX, and furthered her experience by teaching 5th grade math. Throughout the successes of her career, Tandy has learned that the joy in teaching is in the day-to-day moments, not the test scores. Some of her favorite memories of teaching have been: at recess playing Capture The Flag with the students, dancing at Christmas parties to the Cha Cha Slide, seeing the excitement in the children on the days of Field Trips, choreographing performances for the Cinco de Mayo program, and crying with her class on the last day of school when the other classes were eager to leave for summer. She anticipates a fantastic school year, and is eager to meet her future students.
Augustus “Gus” Young - Science Teacher
From the beautiful Islands of the Philippines and California, Gus Young brings 13 years of teaching experience to KIPP Aspire Academy. He started teaching 6th grade students for a year at his alma mater, Saint Louis University in the Phillipines. Then he was involved in 2 years of cross-cultural experience at the International Catholic Migration Commission, which is a refugee camp that teaches ESL, Math, and Science to 11 ½ - 16 year-old Indo-Chinese students. Next, Mr. Young taught 9 years at Southville International School where he was recognized A.C.E. Teacher of the Year Award for 5 consistent years. He spent a year teaching Science to 6 – 8 grade students at Sequioa Middle School in California. Mr. Young is now in his second year with Aspire Academy. He takes the challenge and aspires to elevate the freshmen’s science level above and beyond their previous exposures to science. Mr. Young brings a steadiness and consistency to the Team and Family that is evident in his thorough lesson planning and frequent labs.
6TH GRADE TEACHERS
Pam Chambers - Language Arts Teacher
Mrs. Chambers was raised in New Mexico and earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, New Mexico. She continued her education by becoming a New Jersey Writing Project Fellow and believes that all children are writers. She began her career in and around Houston, Texas. While teaching at Stafford Municipal High School, she was recognized as Teacher of the Year. She has also taught in Norfolk, Virginia and Royersford, Pennsylvania. Before her arrival at KIPP Aspire Academy, Mrs. Chambers taught 8th grade English and served as the English Department head. She also coached for Bradley Middle School in the North East ISD. She has been married for 22 years and has three children. She and her family enjoy camping, kayaking and traveling.
This is Mrs. Chambers' 19th year teaching. She has spent the last six years as an 8th grade English teacher and served as the English Department head for Bradley Middle school in the North East Independent School District. Mrs. Chambers was raised in New Mexico and o. . She has been married for 21 years and has three children. Her family enjoys camping, kayaking, and traveling.
Amanda Delabar - Nonfiction studies
Barbara Hirsch - Teacher Aide
Ms. holds a B.A. in English, an M.A. in Community Counseling, and a PhD in Counseling, all with the highest honors. Ms. Hirsch has more than nine years experience as a certified English Language Arts in Texas, including Brownsville, Point Isabel and McAllen. Ms. Hirsch has a strong background in working with students with English as a second language.
7TH GRADE TEACHERS
Alan Alanis - Math, Physical Education Teacher
Mr. Alanis holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets. He holds a TExES certification for 4th-8th grade Math. Mr. Alanis is starting his sixth year as a teacher and his third year KIPP Aspire. Previously, he taught 4th-8th grade Math, Science and History and taught at a school for children with learning and emotional differences. Mr. Alanis has also taught physical education and coached middle school soccer, basketball and track. He coached KIPP Aspire's soccer team to its first conference championship. Mr. Alanis is married with three sons. Mr. Alanis brings an understanding of utilizing different teaching methods to help all children learn. Mr. Alanis strives for a highly-structured and caring learning environment.
Jo Eckerman - Science Teacher
This is Ms. Eckerman's third year to teach at KIPP Aspire Academy. Previously, she taught for three years at Robert E. Lee High School and 7th grade Science at Stinson Middle School for eight years. Ms. Eckerman has a B.A. in Sociology and Mass Communications from Trinity University, an M.A. in Gerontology also from Trinity, and an M.S. in Physiology from The University of Texas Health Sciece Center at San Antonio. Because Ms. Eckerman believes that to learn science well students must actually do science, her classes focus on hands-on activities and labs. This ranges from planning and implementing experiments to building model bodies. Ms. Eckerman strives to help students develop inquiring minds by approaching topics and issues that are important in students' every day lives. Her classes are designed to create and atmosphere where learning is fascinating, fun and meaningful.
Brennecke Hormel - Writing Teacher
Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, Brennecke Hormel is new to San Antonio and the KIPP Aspire team. She obtained a B.A. in Communication Studies with a Minor in Public Relations from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana. Her teaching career began when she joined Teach for America after college and taught eighth grade reading at Roma Middle School for two years. Brennecke also coached UIL Prose and assisted with coaching UIL Poetry. She is excited to continue sharing her passion for literacy while teaching seventh grade writing at KIPP Aspire
Ron Vandivere - Teacher Aide
8TH GRADE TEACHERS
Roy Feliciano - KIPP to College Teacher (see below)
Jennifer Rodriquez - Social Studies Teacher/Research Teacher
Jennifer Rodriquez brings to KIPP six years of teaching experience in the Rio Grande Valley and Mexico. Ms. Glick received her B.A. from the University of Washington in Seattle and then move to Roma, Texas in 2001 to teach World Geography for three years. In 2004, Jennifer moved to Zacatecas, Mexico where she taught at the Tecnologico de Monterrey, Campus Zacatecas for two years. At the "Tec", Jennifer taught ESL, humanities and social sciences at the high school and university level. In 2006, Jennifer returned to Roma where she taught AP World History before joining the KIPP team. Mrs. Rodriquez believes in engaging students in history by implementing hands-on activities that encourage students to connect history to their lives.
Jay Gowen - English Teacher
Jay Gowen taught English at KIPP: LA Prep in Los Angeles, CA before transfering to San Antonio. He attended USC and earned a BFA in filmic writing in 1999, after which he worked for Discovery Channel as a documentary film writer/editor before going into teaching. He taught in the Los Angeles public school system for four years where he was recognized for his in-class dedication and the significant gains his tudents made on the California Standards Test. In one year, on average, his students will read thirty-six novels of their choosing, as well as study two whole-class novels and a Shakespeare play. Mr. Gowen's goal for all his students is for them to become independent learners and life-long readers and writers. To this end, the centerpiece of his classroom is the independent reading book and the student-driven essay.
Lin Kai - Math Teacher
Ms. Lin Kai is originally from China where she earned a B.A. in Law. Lin came to the U.S. in 2000 and earnedd an M.S. in Technical Teacher Education from Pittsburgh State and an M.A. in Teaching from Lee University. Prior to working at KIPP Aspire Academy, Lin taught 6th, 7th and 8th grade Gifted and Talented math in Judson ISD. She lead daily advisory classes, taught 8th grade math and Algebra I, and tutored students who needed extra help. Lin believes in hard work, commitment and ownership. She encourages all her students to practice mental math, learn the logical reasoning behind numbers and mature into an independent thinker. Lin enjoys sharing her rich Chinese culture with KIPP Aspire's Team and Family.
SPECIALTY TEACHERS
Nikki Dominguez-Hilll - Special Education Coordinator
Ms. Dominguez-Hill is the Department Coordinator for Special Education at KIPP Aspire Academy. During her first year year at KIPPP, she earned her Special Education certification. Ms. Dominguez-Hill also serves as a full lead Inclusion Teacher for grades 5th-8th. She is also the Campus Coordinator for the TAKS state testing. Prior to KIPP Aspire, Nikki taught middle school History for two years in Austin, Texas. She also worked as a Legislative Aide to the former Texas Speaker of the House Bill Clayton. Nikki graduated from The University of Texas with a B.A. in History and Political Science.
Kim Lopez, Teacher Aide, 6th-8th Grade
Kim is a native to San Antonio who is extremely excited about being part of this team & family. KIPP is her first experience as being part of a school’s staff. Kim helps ensures that our teachers have everything they need for their classes. She also, at times, steps into the classroom to help out when a teacher is out. Kim is almost as proud of being part of KIPP as she is of her family which consists of her husband, 14 year old daughter, and her 6 year old boy/girl twins.
Marc Lumley - Music Teacher/Jazz Band Director
Mr. Lumley is a graduate of Oliver Wendell Holmes HS (San Antonio) and the University of Texas at San Antonio. Before finishing his degree at the University of Texas at Austin he won the position of first horn with the Air Force Band of the Golden West in Los Angeles. He went from the Air force to orchestras performing as assistant 1st horn with the Riverside Symphony, assistant 1st horn with the Mexico City Philharmonic, 2nd horn with the Boise Philharmonic, 1st horn with the Monterrey Symphony, 4th horn and assistant 1st horn with the Mid-Texas Symphony, 1st horn with the Laredo Philharmonic, 1st horn with the Victoria Symphony and extra horn with the San Antonio and Corpus Christi Symphonies. He has spent the last ten years as the assistant band director at Omar N. Bradley middle school were he had award-winning Concert and Jazz bands throughout his time there. Mr. Lumley is also the co-founder and executive director of Endangered Instruments Inc., a San Antonio based non-profit organization that supports inner-city music education, and BrassFX, San Antonio’s most active and dynamic brass ensemble. He is San Antonio’s most prolific private horn instructor and has found time in all of this to perform with Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Jerry Lewis, Ray Charles, Selena, Lucianno Pavorotti and Rod Stewart. He is married to Monica and has two sons, Claude and Hayden all three of whom he loves more than life itself.
Kathleen Murphy - Teacher Aide
After serving in a similar capacity for seven years at John Jay High School and Criterion Montessori, Ms. Murphy followed her son to Aspire Academy. She is a critical part of our Team and Family, supporting students with patience and high expectations. She is the proud mother of an outstanding alumnus of KIPP Aspire Academy.
ADMINISTRATION AND SUPPORT STAFF
Mark Larson - School Director
Mr. Larson taught math and science at the International School of the Americas in San Antonio for the last five years. He is a graduate of Trinity University three times, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics (1997), a Master of Arts in Teaching degree (1998), and a Master of Education in School Administration degree (2002). Mr. Larson recently completed the KIPP School Leadership Institute at Berkeley's Haas School of Business. As a Fisher Fellow, Mr. Larson has also trained under principals at several highly successful middle schools around the country and has spent the last year thoughtfully designing and creating KIPP Aspire Academy to be a highly successful school.
Mickey O'Donnell - Executive Assistant
Mickey is a very experienced, detail-orientated executive assistant. I have worked in various company backgrounds, but the bottom line was always to make my boss’s life easier and more productive. Having lived in Houston, TX for many years, I am quite familiar with KIPP. When the opportunity arose with KIPP Aspire Academy, I immediately applied and was selected as the first Executive Assistant. I truly enjoy my family and the arrival of each new grandchild. Travel, reading and meeting people are my favorite interests.
Joyce Boubel - Assistant Director
Mrs. Boubel came to Aspire Academy from Rawlinson Middle School, where she served as Math Department Head and helped to open the school. Mrs. Boubel served in a similar role at Pease Middle School prior to that. She brings 17 years of outstanding experience and results to the school and is continually working to bring both rigor and heart into the classroom.
Roy Feliciano - Associate Director/8th Grade "KIPP to College" Teacher
Roy Feliciano is originally from Brooklyn, New York. He has a B.A. in Latin American Studies from Adelphi University in Garden City, New York. He studied Puerto Rican History and Education at the University of Puerto Rico, and obtained a Master's of Education from the University of Phoenix-Puerto Rico. Mr. Feliciano taught at the Episcopal Cathedral School in San Juan, Puerto Rico for 11 years. As an educator Mr. Feliciano’s focus in and out of the classroom has and continues to be in connecting historical events and how they can be applied to our contemporary society. Part of Mr. Feliciano's duties are to assist with the placement of our graduating 8th graders into the finest college preparatory high schools in San Antonio and boarding schools across the country.
Jim Levering - Director of Finance and Operations
Martin Acevedo - Development Director
Mr. Acevedo served in management, communications and fundraising capacities with the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights, National Community for Latino Leadership and the Universo Radio program. Mr. Acevedo is a graduate of Yale College and the Institute of Latin American Studies-University of Texas at Austin. Mr. Acevedo is responsible for coordinating resource development and communications. Martin is President of the Yale Club of South Texas and serves on the Community Advisory Board for KLRN-TV (PBS).
Beth Pierce - Development Associate
John Boubel - School Counselor
Mike Fogerty - Office Manager
Mr. Michael Fogerty came to KIPP from Harris Middle School in SAISD. He taught sixth grade English Language Arts, sixth grade Social Studies, eighth grade Social Studies, and served as Social Studies Department Chair. Prior to his teaching career, Mr. Fogerty served twenty one years in the United States Air Force as a Navigator. He has visited over thirty five foreign countries and has flown over many more. Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, he earned a BS in History and English from Towson University. He is married and lives in New Braunfels with his wife Susie and their two dogs Nip and Tuck.
Laura Pedraza - Associate Director of Finance
.
Shauna Gowen - Librarian
Catharine Hamblin - Cafeteria Supervisor
Janie Zamarripa - Secretary
After Ms. Zamarripa volunteered with Aspire Academy for three weeks near the beginning of last year, we realized that we couldn't live without her, hiring her on full time. Ms. Zamarripa brings cheerfulness and energy to our Team and Family. She is also the proud mother of a tremendous alumnus at KIPP Aspire Academy.
Lupe Saucedo - Office Assistant
George Alonzo - Bus Driver & Route Coordinator
Henry Arocha, Maria Castillo, Steve Hernandez, Dora Herrera, Mark Laque, Maria Pacheco, Sylvia Sandoval, Frank Villalobos- Transportation
Bringing a combined 40 years of bus driving experience from NISD, NEISD, and ACH Touring Company, our drivers boast a wonderful record of safety and discipline.
If you are interested in joining our staff, please read our job description (Printable PDF) or contact us.
 |
