Department of English

ERIC DAY - Eric Day lives and writes in Phoenix, Arizona, where he has taught at NSAA high school since 2006. This year, he is enjoying his students in Senior English, Mythology & the Short Story, Creative Writing, and AP English Literature. He holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Arizona State University and is currently working on a novel. His most recent publication appeared in Journal of Experimental Fiction. Website Email

GREGG HOWARD - Gregg Howard is a graduate of ASU, with a BA in English, an MFA in Creative Writing, and a broad but shallow background in the visual arts. He taught writing at the college level for five years, and has been teaching high school English since 2005. Mr. Howard is a sailing and kayaking enthusiast and former river guide. His literary interests include detective fiction, fantasy and science fiction, and spy novels. His current favorite writers are Raymond Chandler, Harlan Ellison, and Lawrence Durrell. His current favorite poet is Derek Walcott, and his current ambition is to learn to play the oud.
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MATT OATES - Matt has taught at NSAA since 2006. He is the author of one unpublished novel and also serves as an Interviews Editor for the online literary magazine Identity Theory. He holds a B.A. in Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Texas State University. He lives near a power plant in south Tempe with his wife and two sons.
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Department of Social Sciences

JOANNE CRAIG - Jo Anne Craig received her J.D. degree from Wayne State University Law School and her teacher certification from Arizona State University. Although she worked as a lawyer in Chicago and for the House of Representatives in Washington D.C., she is happiest in the classroom. Teaching at NSAA since 2006, she has taught both Middle School Social Studies and High School World History. A big proponent of project–based learning, she has incorporated Model U.N., Project Citizen, and Art History Programs into the curriculum. This year she will be teaching High School World History and Geography. Website Email

JOE LAWRENCE - Mr. Lawrence, is originally from Long Island, New York. He has been with NSAA since the fall of 2006. Mr. Lawrence holds a BA in History from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He is on his way to a Masters Degree in Secondary Education. Mr. Lawrence is a certified teacher in both Arizona and New York. Mr. Lawrence looks forward to an exciting year at NSAA and making history exciting for all students. Website Email

Department of Foreign Languages

JULIE ADAMS - Julie Adams has a B.A. in French and an M.A. in French Literature from Arizona State University. She has been teaching for ten years, and she currently teaches French at Chandler-Gilbert Community College. Email Calendar

YOLANDA RATLIFF - Born and raised in Mexico, Mrs. Ratliff teaches Spanish at NSAA. She holds a B.A. in Communications with a minor in Humanities from Grand Canyon University. She is also a graduate of the Luz Ma. Romo Fashion Designer School in Guadalajara, Mexico. Mrs. Ratliff has received awards from MUJER, Mexican Cultural Center, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Alma de la Gente, and National Association of Bank Women. She has written articles for CAMBIO Hispanic Bilingual Magazine, Nuestro Milenio Bilingual Magazine, and Ave Fenix newspaper. Website Email

Department of Mathematics

PETER BRESLIN - Peter Breslin teaches Algebra 3-4, Math Analysis, Pre-Calculus and Trigonometry and Calculus in the High School. He has a BA in Liberal Arts from St. John’s College in Annapolis, MD. He has worked in schools as a teacher of a wide variety of subjects and administrator for more than 2 decades. He is also a performing musician and composer, with a focus on percussion, piano and the art of improvisation. He is currently a freelance writer for The Santa Fe Reporter. He has been a National Endowment for the Humanities Fellow and has led and participated in many professional development activities, including training in collaborative learning, authentic assessment and best practices workshops with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Email Calendar

CAROLYN KARLOVSKY - Mrs. Karlovsky recently moved to Arizona after working as an electrical engineer and then as a certified high school math and physics teacher for 13 years in Illinois. She holds a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Aurora University and has been a teacher mentor for several years. Mrs. Karlovsky is now teaching Geometry at NSAA.
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JANE DOWELL - Mrs. Dowell has a bachelor's degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences and an Arizona teaching certificate. Mrs. Dowell was a pioneer in developing and managing the NSAA Middle School, and continues to play a large role in Science instruction at NSAA. Mrs. Dowell also Middle School Math and science. Website Email

KATY CARDENAS - M.Ed., holds an Arizona teaching certificate for grades k-8 and teaches Middle School Pre Algebra and Middle School Algebra. Website Email

Department of Science

TRENT BROWN - TRENT BROWN - Mr. Brown is a certified school teacher who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Conservation Biology and a Master’s in Business Administration. He has been teaching high school science since the fall of 2006 and has been teaching at NSAA since the fall of 2008, and continues to take science college science courses in Summer to perfect knowledge and teaching skills. Mr. Brown has taught Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Anatomy. Email Calendar

JACQUELYN KELLY - Mrs. Kelly (formerly Ms. Davis) graduated from California State University San Marcos in 2007 with a bachelor's degree in physics and chemistry. As part of her senior research, she read and analyzed literature regarding student learning in physics. With this information, she aided in conducting research questioning the effectiveness of specific technology in introductory physics classes. Mrs. Kelly is currently working towards her master's degree in physics at Arizona State University. Her degree focuses on secondary physics and chemistry education. Mrs. Kelly recently moved to Arizona from San Diego, California, where she was born. She enjoys cooking, scrapbooking, and (most importantly) FOOTBALL! Her favorite quotation was said by Walt Disney: "You can achieve your dreams if you have the courage to pursue them." And her motto is "Never, never quit." Website Email

JANE DOWELL - Mrs. Dowell has a bachelor's degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences and an Arizona teaching certificate. Mrs. Dowell was a pioneer in developing and managing the NSAA Middle School, and continues to play a large role in Science instruction at NSAA. Mrs. Dowell also teaches High School Biology and Anatomy. Website Email

Department of Performing Arts

MIKE EPPING - Michael Epping teaches Classical Ensemble and advanced Music Theory at the high school this year, and also directs the middle school Choir. Mr. Epping holds a B.F.A. in Music Performance from the University of Nebraska, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Music Education at ASU, with an endorsement in Jazz. Mr. Epping, a saxophone specialist, has over nine years’ experience teaching music, and his private students have been recognized as members of the Arizona All-State Jazz Bands. Mr. Epping is glad to be at NSAA, where he works to give students the training, knowledge, and experience needed to pursue a career in the arts. Email Website

DENISE MARTIN - Denise Martin is the Vocal Music instructor and Department Head of Performing Arts at NSAA. Ms. Martin has an intensive resume in music arrangement, as choir director, lead vocalist, and voice and piano teacher. Ms. Martin attended Berklee College of Music and majored in composition and arranging. Ms. Martin has been recognized as a Jazz Performer of the Year in the Valley. Email Calendar

AARON MCGLOIN - Teaching Dance and Theater Production, recently graduated from ASU with a BFA in Dance (Choreography). Over the past few years he has had the privilege of performing with companies such as Dance Arizona Repertory Theater (DART), Scorpius Dance Theatre, Temenos Dance Collective, Conder/Dance, and AMEBA Acrobatic and Aerial Dance of Chicago. In 2006 he was the winner of the Arizona Choreography Competition (with collaborator Cerrin Lathrop) and was also awarded a merit scholarship to attend the Bates Dance Festival in Lewiston, Maine. Within the past year his work has been commissioned by SCC Moving Company, Scottsdale Arizona Jazz Ensemble, Scorpius Dance Theater and AMEBA. He recently started his own professional dance company, Aaron McGloin Dance, whose mission is to create and present new choreography as well as opportunities to build and advance the professional dance scene in Arizona. Here at NSAA, he teaches High School Dance. Email Calendar

LAURELANN PORTER - Laurelann Porter is a writer, performer and director. She has performed in Boston, Phoenix, Brazil and Denmark and has developed a body of work which encompasses solo performance, film, recorded music, screenplays and plays. Ms. Porter received her BFA in Independent Theatre Studies from Boston University and her MFA in Playwriting from Arizona State University. She also completed one year of study toward the professional film certificate at Scottsdale Community College. Ms. Porter is an adjunct faculty member at Scottsdale Community College currently teaching Film History. She has also taught Screenwriting at ASU and SCC. She teaches film and theatre courses at NSAA. Email Website

TRICA VANDERWOUDE -Tricia Vander Woude graduated from the University of Arizona with a B.F.A. in Dance. She has performed with David Storey and Dancers in New York City and other independent companies in Chicago and here in the valley. She is currently a member of Scorpius Dance Theatre. In 2005, Tricia received her certification in Pilates from Long Beach Dance and Conditioning. She currently teaches both group and private sessions at Kinisphere Pilates Studio. This is her second year at NSAA, teaching Ballet, Jazz, Modern Dance, Dance Company, and Middle School dance. She is excited to share her love and knowledge of dance!
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WES SULLIVAN - is a Lighting Designer residing in Phoenix. He has an MFA in Lighting Design from University Nevada of Las Vegas. Wes has worked for Stomp Out Loud the Las Vegas show and currently works for Community Performance which does original shows around the country. He also starting his own lighting firm WSLighting in which he lights show for various dance companies and theaters around the valley. You can view his current work at http://www.wslighting.com

SEAN J. BLIZNIK - Originally from New England, Mr. Bliznik has taught high school English and theatre for six years before beginning his stay in Arizona. Currently, Mr. Bliznik is completing his Ph.D. in theatre (with a specialization in theatre for youth) at Arizona State University. While living in Florida, Mr. Bliznik received his master's degree in theatre from the University of Central Florida and served as an entertainment manager and associate show director for Walt Disney Entertainment. During his tenure with Disney, Mr. Bliznik has stage managed most live shows across the Walt Disney World Resort including being a part of the opening of the "High School Musical Pep Rally" show at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Sean's professional directing credits include: Into the Woods, Steel Pier (the New England premiere), Grease, Oliver, Guys and Dolls, West Side Story, Bye Bye Birdie, You're a Goodman Charlie Brown, and Seussical. Sean has appeared on stage in Annie, Oklahoma, Carousel, The Sound of Music, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, 1776, Grease, Man of La Mancha, Titanic, Children of Eden, Oliver, and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas among others. This year, Mr. Bliznik will be teaching middle school drama and high school musical theatre and is excited to be joining the faculty of NSAA. Website

Department of Visual Arts

MATT DICKSON - Matt Dickson teaches Life Drawing and Intermediate/Advanced Drawing. He holds a BFA in Fine Art from Laguna College of Art & Design. Not only is he an experienced draughtsman, but he also holds a passion for oil painting and decorative carpentry. Mr. Dickson is an exhibiting artist, showing locally as well as in New York and Los Angeles. Email Website

BETSY BRET HARTE - Betsy Bret Harte has been with NSAA since 2003. Her experience prior to teaching and art making includes working with communities and midwives in the Appalachian Mountains, serving for two years as a rural community organizer in the Peace Corps, and remodeling historic buildings. Today she teaches all levels of photography at NSAA. She received her BFA degree in Photography from Arizona State University and is a member artist of Eye Lounge art collective. Her work has been exhibited and written about both locally and nationally. She loves the students and community of NSAA.
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LAUREN LEE - Lauren Lee holds a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art with an emphasis in Digital Arts. Ms. Lee teaches Visual Art Foundations at NSAA as well as Digital Mixed Media, Digital Graphic Design, Publication Design, and Middle School Visual Art . Ms. Lee's interests include interpretive dance, experimental art processes, public art, quantum physics and learning how to knit scarves.
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KYLLAN MANEY - Kyllan Maney currently is the Head of the Art Department at New School for the Arts and Academics and teaches Painting, Mixed Media, and Portfolio. She received her BFA with a specialization in Painting from Arizona State University. She has continued her studies by taking Post-Baccalaureate classes in Painting and Life Drawing. Since receiving her degree, she has continuously worked in her studio and has exhibited her work at numerous galleries and public spaces in the Phoenix area including Art One, Paulina Miller Gallery, Nelson Fine Arts Center, Mesa City Library, Tempe Post Office, and the Phoenix Art Museum. Along with her painting career, Kyllan has enjoyed teaching art for the past seven years. She has created workshops for the Tempe Historical Museum and Kid’s Zone Summer Programs. Over the past six years teaching at NSAA, Kyllan Maney brings her professional artist experience to the classroom. Email Website

MARTHA PENA - Martha Pena teaches Fashion Design I-III. She recently graduated from the Art Institute of Phoenix with a BA of Arts in Fashion Marketing. Before attending the Art Institute of Phoenix, she attended Phoenix Community College. Her interests are art, photography, shoppingJ, researching trends, sewing, and designing. Some of her work experiences include visual merchandising, photography, and fashion design. Email Calendar

CHRISTY WEISER - Christy Lasater Weiser holds a BFA in ceramics from the Kansas City Art Institute. Christy has taught at NSAA for over ten years and was the Visual Arts department chair for six years. Christy is a working ceramic studio artist in Tempe, AZ. In 2004, she received a City of Tempe grant for public art to complete ceramic tiles at a bus stop, working with middle school and high school students. Christy has been teaching art and ceramics for more than 20 years. She continues to work in the studio making and selling ceramics pieces and teaching ceramics at NSAA. For ten years Christy was the assistant to the Director of the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts in Helena, MT, where she maintained a ceramic studio. Ms. Weiser continues to bring her ceramic artist experience to the classroom and guides students to careers in the ceramic arts. Email Calendar

ESMERALDA DELANEY - Cermamics Guest Artist Website

Exceptional Student Services

KAREN HANLEY - Mrs. Hanley has over 25 years of experience in public education in administration and teaching. Mrs. Hanley Currently manages NSAA High School and Middle School ESS.

BECKY MARTIN - Becky Martin assists with Special Education at NSAA High School and Middle School. Ms. Martin received her BA in Early Childhood and her MA in Special Education from Arizona State University. email

Administration

RONALD CAYA - Ronald F. Caya, Founder is the founding director of NSAA; he brings experience in both cultural and educational administration. He holds a BA in Art Education from the California College of Arts & Crafts and an MA from Parsons School of Design in New York City. He has extensive experience in public art education as well as establishing and directing several arts centers, both public and private. He has served on the board of the American Council for the Arts and as president of the Alliance of California Arts Council, the Western Association of Art museums, and the California College of Arts and Crafts Alumni. He is dedicated to education and the arts and is an accomplished potter.

JULIE ADAMS: As NSAA's Academic Coordinator, she handles Testing (AP, SAT/PSAT, AIMS), Rio Salado Dual Enrollment , Credit/GPA questions, graduation concerns, and performs intense feats of Scheduling Magic.

BETSY BRET HARTE - Wears the hat of Student Support Liaison making her your go-to gal for problem solving or concerns regarding teachers / parents / students, behavior, study habits, long term homework requests, absence issues, and study hall coordination for those students who are not 504 or IEP.

JANE DOWELL - Middle School parent/teacher liason.

EVFA CERISES - Ms. Cerises has been involved with NSAA since the dawning of time and currently serves as our registrar. Ms. Cerises has communication and public relation experience. Email

BARBARA DEGRUCCIO - Barbara DeGruccio, Business Manager, has over 20 years experience in budgeting and accounting. She majored in business at Queens College in New York. Ms. DeGruccio's responsibilities include overseeing NSAA's annual budget, teacher and classroom supplies, and building maintenance. Barbara is a parent of an NSAA graduate.

MARK DANIELS - Mr. Daniels has been working with NSAA Middle School since opening in 2003. He is responsible for the never-ending task of computer management and training staff on computer use.

LINDA ELLIS - Linda Ellis, Receptionist/Attendance Clerk is a parent of an NSAA graduate and started working at the school in 1998 as the receptionist and attendance clerk. Linda is always willing to help students and parents.

KATY FERRELL-CARDENAS - Katy Ferrell-Cárdenas graduated in Health Education in 1993 from U of A, and joined the Peace Corp for a tour to Sana'a, Yemen. Upon returning, she worked as a community educator for the County Health Dept. In 1996, Mrs. Cárdenas moved to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico where she also worked for five years in private instruction. In 2000, Mrs. Cárdenas returned to Arizona and earned her Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from ASU and since has written charters and been a consultant on curriculum development for many Arizona public schools. In 2003, Mrs. Cardenas joined the NSAA organization by accepting the position of Principal for the Middle School, and a full time teaching position. After the first two years of the middle school, Mrs. Cárdenas accepted the position of Executive Dean for NSAA, upon the retirement of its Founder, Dean Caya. Mrs. Cardenas has passed the superintendent AZ educator proficiency assessment. Email

RICK WALKER - Mr. Walker is on site for building maintenance and security. Mr. Walker has over a decade of experience in his field and probably deserves a much longer biography for all he does. Email

MARILYN LANZA—in memoriam. Marilyn Lanza, Executive Assistant to the Dean & Human Resource Director, was a dedicated professional at NSAA, from its inception in 1995, until she passed away in 2007. Marilyn had over 25 years experience in business, education administration, and volunteer coordination. Her training, as she liked to say, was as a scientist: Marilyn held a BS in Bacteriology with a minor in Philosophy & Education from the College of Notre Dame.

Personally, Marilyn’s inexhaustible generosity of spirit and kindness helped to shape this school’s foundation. She was a comfort to those around her, a wise woman, and a good friend. Marilyn shared freely with everyone—her great smile, her incisive wit, and her passionate beliefs. She cared deeply for this school and everyone in it. Marilyn Lanza is sorely missed, and she will be long remembered by everyone at NSAA.