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Greenville Campus STEAM-Focused Charter School K-12th

Staff Directory

PTAA/Greenville K-12 Staff
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Karen Wiggins
Principal
Education and Experience: Mrs. Wiggins is an educator with thirty-four years of experience. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A and M University in Commerce and a Master of Science degree from Western Governor’s University. Mrs. Wiggins has experience at all grade and district levels. Throughout her experiences, she has taught, Business Education, Technology Applications, History, Geography, Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, Physical Science, Business Information and Multi Media, Digital Information, Principals of Audio Visual, Animation, and Physical Education. In addition, Mrs. Wiggins has been a sponsor for Beta Club, U.I.L. events, One Act Play, FCA and Yearbook. Additionally, she has been a successful Varsity Coach and earned several awards. She is compassionate about being a life-long learner and ensuring that all students are given opportunities to grow and develop their educational experiences
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Naomi Gilbert
Assistant Principal
Education and Experience: My name is Naomi Gilbert and I have been an educator for more than a decade. I was an Assistant Principal for five years before teaching ELAR for PTAA/Greenville last year. I graduated from University of North Texas in 2004 and I received my Masters in Education from Texas A&M University-Commerce in 2011. I am happy to be the Assistant Principal for PTAA/Greenville for the 2020-2021 school year.
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Darrell Baty
6-7th Grade Math
Education and Experience: My name is Darrell Baty. I completed my BS in Interdisciplinary Studies at UNT, my M.Ed. in Educational Leadership at Texas A&M Commence, and I am currently working towards a doctorate in Organizational Leadership. I have served in DFW public schools for two decades and held positions at all levels. I am certified in math, reading, science, social studies, ESL, administration, and educational technology. I am passionate about guiding student achievement, working with diverse populations, and believe building relationships is the key to success. Outside of work I love reading, traveling with my wife of 22 years and our two teenage sons, long walks with my dog, and any adventure fueled by a great cup of coffee!
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Patty Bowen
3rd Grade Math/Science/STEM
Education and Experience: Mrs. Bowen has previously taught for RCISD and Meadow Oaks Academy. She started her teaching career four years ago. The first year Mrs. Bowen taught ELAR Resource at Herndon Intermediate. The past several years she has taught all subjects for 5th grade at Meadow Oaks Academy. Mrs. Bowen is thrilled to be teaching for PTAA.
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Peter Bowen
9-12th Grade Social Studies
Education and Experience: Mr. Bowen received his Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Montevallo in Montevallo, Alabama. He received his Master in Art of Teaching degree from Piedmont College in Athens, Georgia. Between his Bachelor’s degree and graduate school, Mr. Bowen worked for Congressman Bob Riley of Alabama in his Washington, DC office and as a lobbyist in DC for an Alabama law firm. After leaving politics he was called to mission work for the United Methodist Church giving conversational English lessons in Pilsen, Czech Republic. Then while working in an English Academy in Gwangju, South Korea Mr. Bowen discovered his love of teaching, leading him to get a Master’s Degree and spending 4 years teaching in Alabama before moving to Texas and joining PTAA for the 2020/2021 school year.
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Laura Brown
HS STEM
Education and Experience: Ms. Brown received a BA in Psychology and MA in Teaching from Austin College in Sherman, Texas, Go 'Roos! Ms. Brown is currently pursuing an EdD in Curriculum and Instructional Leadership. Teaching since 2007, Ms. Brown has taught at both the elementary and secondary levels. Over time, Ms. Brown has developed a passion for STEM, especially with robotics and technology integration in both the classroom and everyday life. She is focused on showing students the potential they have both now and in their futures. Ms. Brown is excited to join PTAA in the high school STEM department. Outside of teaching, Ms. Brown's interests include spending time with family and friends, spoiling her dogs, training for long distance running, and becoming a better gardener.
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Derrick Carrigan
6-11th Grades PE/Health
Education and Experience: Coach Derrick Carrigan is proud to call Pioneer Technology & Arts Academy his new home. He is a first year teacher and very excited to begin his teaching career. Derrick graduated from Paris Junior College-Greenville and received his Associates of Science degree. He received hos Bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University-Commerce.
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Kay Comer
6-7th Grade Social Studies
Education and Experience: Hi, my name is Kay Comer and this is my first year teaching at PTAA Greenville. I have always loved social studies and my favorite memories of school involved all my history teachers and their exciting classes. I have been in education for 11 years and I have taught about every subject in social studies. In 2009, I graduated from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO with a Bachelor of Science in Social Science Education. This year I will be teaching 6th Grade World Geography and 7th Grade Texas History. I live in Commerce with my husband, daughter (who is in first grade), and my dog, Cricket.
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Crystal Cota
First Grade
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Scott Cowen
6-7th Grades Music/Art
Education and Experience: I have been a professional musician since the age of 17. I have played Country music most of my career and have toured the United States with various artists the last 20 years. I have worked with Doug Stone, Miranda Lambert, Sonny Burgess, Tanya Tucker, Tracy Byrd and many others, along the way. I began teaching guitar in college, for a part time income stream, and have continued to teach private music lessons through the years expanding to bass, violin, voice and music theory lessons. I write and record original music in my home studio, am multi-instrumental and currently the Music Director at Higher Trails Church where I lead the praise and worship service each and Sunday and am currently building the youth music program there.
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Susan Derr
Staff
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Marjorie Fyffe
6-7th Grades STEM
Education and Experience: Mrs. Fyffe received an Associate Degree in Web Development and Multimedia from Texas State Technical College as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Business with a minor in Education from Texas A&M - Commerce. Teaching since 2006, she joined the staff of Pioneer Technology & Arts Academy in 2016 as the STEM teacher. She is continuing her education with training from Project Lead the Way and Code.org. Mrs. Fyffe enjoys spending time with her family, and her numerous pets, is an avid reader, and loves to encourage free thinking and problem-solving solutions in life, as well as in her classroom, which her students can use when they enter the workforce.
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Teresa Gold-Carter
Staff
Education and Experience: I received my degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in Housing and Interior Design. After college I went to work as a litigation paralegal with one of the largest lawfirms in Texas where I worked on securities, construction, oil and gas and commercial contract . I was litigation. I was responsive for multi-million dollar document and trial preparation. After working there for 13 years. I then when to work for a construction firm where I over saw contracts and sales for a woman owned business. After ten years that business was sold and I quit to show Arabian horses while my husband started a business developing subdivisions and building houses. In 2010 I went back to school and received my certification in Science, Generalist, and ESL to teach. While teaching at Palestine while I was department head for the science department, I helped to develop a hands on museum based on the science standards in partner with the Science Exploratorium in San Franscisco, California. After working at Palestine for three years and teaching Gifted and Talented students, I moved closer to my grandchildren in Rockwall and took a job at Wills Point ISD where I taught only science and also the gifted and talented. I coached the UIL chess team to victory as the number 1 team in our area. I also started a middle school coding club in my school to advance the abilities of students interested in computer programing and coding as an after school program. Currently I am working on my Masters in Instruction and Curriculum through University of Texas in Arlington. I am looking forward to being part of the exceptional team at Pioneer and Technology Arts Academy as it focuses on the areas of science , technology and engineering sectors for the critical development of our students as we go forward into the 21st century.
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Wesley Gutierrez
K-11th Grade Spanish
Education and Experience: Wesley Gutierrez graduated from Greenville High School in 2007. He graduated from Texas A&M Commerce in the spring of 2017, receiving his BA in Spanish with a concentration in 7-12. His goal as an instructor is to guide, motivate and inspire my students to be successful in the future.
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Lindsay Hamilton
Art
Education and Experience: Ms. Hamilton has been highly trained and practiced in Art at every level. She also contributes to the community as a public servant and freelance artist/yoga and fitness instructor,entrepreneur, educator with a passion in for life-long learning/coaching and teaching! She is a wife, mother of 3, bonus mom to many, and a loyal friend. Education: Greenville High School Graduate May 2001 Texas Tech University 2001-2004 Interior Design and Architecture Major Texas A&M Commerce 2013 Bachelors Degree in Liberal Studies-Psychology/Criminal Justice She is VERY excited to share her passion for the arts and experiences through the classroom again this year at PTAA Greenville!
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Devan Harris
8-12th Grade PE
Education and Experience: I earned my associates degree in applied science from Paris junior college. Received my bachelors degree from Texas A&M Commerce.
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Kaitlyn Honeycutt
4-5th Grade ELAR
Education and Experience: My name is Kaitlyn Honeycutt, and I am currently a Greenville resident teaching 4th and 5th grade language arts. I have a Bachelors degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration on 4-8th grade language arts. Previously, I taught middle school and I am very excited to teach younger students this year. I have a passion for writing, as I previously wanted to be a journalist, but I have found that my calling in life is to spread the love I have for writing to children. I also enjoy humanities like art, photography, film, and music. When I am not at school, I am probably at home shooting pictures, or playing with my two kitties. I am very hopeful for this year, and I hope my students are too.
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Xueyan Hu
Elementary Mandarin, 9-12th Math
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Jewe (Jason) Jee
6-7th Grades Mandarin
Education and Experience: Jason Jee graduated from Oklahoma City University, receiving Master’s degree in Business Administration. He has a love for many languages and has taught Chinese Mandarin at CPS of CSD in Chicago, Illinois and DISD in Dallas, Texas since 2003. The goal of teaching is to inspire and cultivate his students to strive for their success as integrated learners and valuable global citizens in the future. Jason Jee graduated from Oklahoma City University, receiving Master’s degree in Business Administration. He has a love for many languages and has taught Chinese Mandarin at CPS of CSD in Chicago, Illinois and DISD in Dallas, Texas since 2003. The goal of teaching is to inspire and cultivate his students to strive for their success as integrated learners and valuable global citizens in the future.
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Melissa Juarez
3rd Grade ELAR/SS
Education and Experience: Mrs. Juarez is originally from South Texas and has been teaching for 10 years. She received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas Brownsville and is certified as an ESL Generalist for EC-4. She taught 1st grade ELAR/SS for 8 years and is enjoying her 2nd year teaching 3rd grade ELAR/SS. She is so excited to be a part of PTAA and call this her new home. Her goal as an educator is to encourage and inspire students to embrace the love of reading.
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Julie Kanavel
Kindergarten
Education and Experience: Mrs. Kanavel graduated with a B.S. in Early Education and Elementary Education from Peru State College in Nebraska. This is her first year teaching Kindergarten, but she has previously taught 1st and 5th grades. Her goal as an educator is to encourage, motivate, and inspire each student. She is so excited to be here at PTAA!
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Amanda Kilgore
4-5th Grade STEM
Education and Experience: In a world where most things are at our fingertips, Amanda’s teaching philosophy stems from critical thinking and problem-solving skills. She believes asking questions that inspire curiosity, and helping students dive deeper into their own thinking/problem solving which allows natural learning to take place. Amanda received her Master's in Education with emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas A & M Commerce. She has taught for 13 years as a classroom teacher, and Gifted and Talented curriculum. Her certifications include EC-4th, ESL K-12, Gifted and Talented K-12, Master’s Reading K-12, and Reading Specialist K-12.
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Rachel Kumar
7th Grade AVID
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Aimee Lawson
6-7th Grades Science
Education and Experience: Aimee Lawson has taught 1st – 8th grades ELAR and science for the past twenty-five years. Mrs. Lawson was raised and lived in Houston area for 37 years where she graduated high school from McCullough High School in The Woodlands in 1987 and graduated college from Sam Houston State University majoring in English in 1992. She went on to teach at Spring ISD and Magnolia ISD where she was named teacher of the year in both school districts. In 2004, she moved with her husband, Sean, and daughter, Hailey, to Frisco and later bought a horse ranch outside of Emory where she has taught in the area since. Mrs. Lawson came to PTAA from teaching 6th grade in Greenville. She enjoys watching her daughter play college volleyball at Centenary, kayaking on Lake Fork with her daughter, walking her dogs and training foals in the Spring.
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Timberly Lyimo
HS AVID, MAPS
Education and Experience: I am a native of Dallas, TX and a graduate of Business of Management Center Magnet School. I made the choice in 2018 to move to Education, after 24 years of Federal Service. I hold a Bachelors Degree in Accounting, a Masters Degree in Finance and I am currently pursing a Doctorate in Education, K -1 2. I am certified in Special Education and EC – 6, as well as, seeking certification in 7-12 grade Math. I began my career in Education as an instructional aide in the school year of 2018. I am the AVID and MAPS instructor for students in 9th through 12th grade. Working with children is my passion and I am delighted to be on this journey with you and your family.
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Ajit Manuel
9-12 English
Education and Experience: I took my master’s and Ph.D in English literature from the University of Kerala in India. I taught for 26 years in a reputed college in Kerala, India and worked for five years in the Ministry of Education in Oman as a supervisor of English language teachers. This is my first year of teaching at PTAA, Greenville. I am looking forward to sharing my love for literature and critical thinking with my students at PTAA. My other interests include photography and international movies.
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Alicia Martin
Music Education
Education and Experience: Alicia Martin graduated from Texas A&M University-Commerce with a degree in Music Education in December of 2019. While at the university, she participated in opera, musical theatre, instrumental, and choral performances. She has experience in student teaching, substitute teaching, and tutoring. Ms. Martin loves to spend time outside. When the weather is nice, you’ll find her sipping on tea or talking with her friends on her front porch.
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Kristin Money
Teacher
Education and Experience: My name is Kristin Money. I have been married for 9 years and have been blessed with 3 beautiful daughters. I am a Christ follower. I graduated Suma Cum Lauda from Texas A&M University Commerce with a Learning and Technology degree. This is my first year to teach and I love children. It is my privilege and joy to devote all my time to ensure they are learning to the best of their potential.
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Meagan Musgrave
4-5th Grade Science/Social Studies
Education and Experience: My name is Meagan Musgrave. I teach 4th and 5th grade Science and Social Studies. I am a recent graduate from Texas A&M University- Commerce and I am a first year teacher.
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Linzi Phillips
Teacher
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Bethany Prather
Art
Education and Experience: Mrs. Prather earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts with a specialization in Sculpture and Time-Based Arts in 2012 from Sam Houston State University and her Master of Fine Arts in Studio Arts from Texas A&M University - Commerce in 2015. She has produced multiple solo and collaborative public performances as well as participating in juried, group, and solo exhibitions nationally and internationally. She has been featured in The Big Show at Lawndale Art Center in Houston, the VisVidFest at the University of Houston, The Center for Contemporary Art in Abilene, Texas, CICA Museum in Korea, and McLanahan Gallery in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Prather has taught elementary through university level students and finds joy in spreading her love of art and sharing the value of creativity in all her classes.
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Holly Press
2nd Grade
Education and Experience: My name is Holly Press, and I have been an educator for more than 30 years. I have a Bachelor’s Degree and a Masters of Education Degree, both from Texas A&M University in Commerce. I am a reading specialist with a Reading Recovery Certification. I am also GT certified, ESL certified and trained in PLTW, TELPAS and various professional development. Helping students have a love of reading is what drives my instruction.
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Vicki Prim
4-5th Grade Math
Education and Experience: I graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1990 with a B.B.A. in Accounting. After working in the accounting field for a college textbook company for many years, I went back to school to receive a teaching certification with a specialization in Mathematics from Texas A&M University - Commerce. I am entering my 18th year of teaching math. My passion is to always encourage the love of math into all of my students. Outside of teaching math, I love spending time with my husband, two daughters and one grandson raising and showing Grey Brahman cattle, hanging out in Galveston every summer and watching college football!!
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Cindy Ray
Yearbook, AVID, College & Career Readiness
Education and Experience: Dr. Cindy Ray received her Bachelor of Science from East Texas State University, Master of Education from TAMU-C, and Doctor of Education from both Texas Tech University and TAMU-College Station. She began her career as a high school science teacher in 1991. She has also been an agricultural science teacher, school counselor, assistant principal, CTE Director, special education diagnostician, and college instructor. She is pleased to be a member of the PTAA-Greenville family along with her two daughters, Josey and Jacey.
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Lesly Rubalcava
Elementary Spanish/6-7th Grade Spanish
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Lisa Russell
Kindergarten
Education and Experience: Mrs. Russell earned a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies at Texas A&M University-Commerce & is certified in Early Childhood Education, Kinder-4th grade. She has certificates in STEM / Project Lead The Way and Gifted / Talented. "My husband Layne and I have 2 grown daughters, six grandkids enjoying 2nd grade to 11th grade. I grew up in Oregon, and have been blessed to work in education. This is my 27th year, and all of those have been in Texas. I am so excited to teach at PTAA, and I look forward to a great year of learning together."
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Valerie Sanderson
6-7th Grades ELAR
Education and Experience: Valerie Shaw Sanderson is an alumna of University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies of Elementary Education grades 4-8. This is her tenth year teaching middle school ELAR (English, Language Arts, and Reading). She has five years experience teaching at charter schools and four years teaching in public Independent School Districts. She shares, "I love teaching the middle school years. They're at a great age of increased awareness and comprehension yet still developing opinions and open to literary discussions." Valerie grew up in the Greenville area and started her education at Greenville High School and completed her Associate of Arts degree from Paris Junior College. She now has returned and lives in the area with her husband and son and is "honored to have the privilege to serve my community and support PTAA in offering this great academic option to the Greenville area in educating our diverse future generations."
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Charles Sanford
9-12th Grade Science
Education and Experience: Mr. Sanford is new to Greenville, but has spent the past two years at the PTAA in Mesquite teaching biology, chemistry, and physics. His degree is in biology and teaching from A&M in Kingsville. He also spent a year as a geologist in the oil fields of south Texas. He hopes to bring fun experiments and great after school clubs to his students.
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Keiara Smith
College Facilitator, Assistant/Athletic Program
Education and Experience: Entering her 20th year of service in education, Keiara Smith, a native of Dallas, TX stated, “It's an honor to have the opportunity to join the PTAA - Greenville family!” She has worked with all ages ranging from Early Childhood to Young Adults. Mrs. Smith earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Promotion from the University of North Texas with a minor in DFEC (Development of Family and Early Childhood). She is also Mental Health First Aid certified. Mrs. Smith enjoys fostering an environment and atmosphere that enhances learning. Mrs. Smith currently serves as College Facilitator for PTAA - Greenville. She also serves as an assistant for PTAA - Greenville Athletic Program. She believes in entrepreneurial leadership. Outside of school, Mrs. Smith serves in her personal business Inheritance Designs and Tailored Wellness. Also, a family business House of Harmony License Boarding Home. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering with family, designing, crafting, singing, thrift shopping and training. Mrs. Smith is married to Marcus Smith of 14 years. They share the joy of two children, Kalaiha and Israel Smith whom both attend PTAA - Greenville.
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Marcus Smith
Athletic Director, Coach: Head Basketball and Head Track
Education and Experience: Entering his 17th year of service in education, Marcus Smith a native of Indianola, MS stated, “I am excited to have the opportunity to join the PTAA - Greenville family!” Also, “My family and I believe Pioneer Technology and Arts Academy affords students of this area the opportunity and support needed to strive for excellence in academics and leadership.” He has worked with all ages ranging from K- 12th. Mr. Smith earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology from the University of North Texas with a minor in Sociology. He is also STEM certified. Mr. Smith currently teaches grades K- 5th Physical Education for PTAA - Greenville. He also serves as PTAA - Greenville Athletic Director and Head Girls basketball, Strengthen&Conditioning and Track coach. He believes great success in sports starts with “Believing in the Process.” He stated, “Participating in sports builds leadership skills.” In his free time, he enjoys volunteering with his family, writing, singing, and of course catching up on anything sports related. Mr. Smith is married to Keiara Smith of 14 years. They share the joy of two children, Kalaiha and Israel Smith whom both attend PTAA - Greenville.
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Joella Summerlot
MS Art, Coach: Volleyball, Swimming, Tennis
Education and Experience: This will be my 10th year teaching and my first year teaching Art for middle school students. I have been a coach for six years and I am thrilled to be head Volleyball coach. I have been married to my husband for 9 years and we have two children, a girl and a boy. My little girl is 8 and my son is 2. I am so excited to work at PTAA and work with these wonderful students. I am excited to start our new path and continue my teaching experience with a new school!
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Vickie Thomason
Kindergarten
Education and Experience: I graduated from Greenville High School and from Texas A&M-Commerce with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with elementary and early childhood certification for PK-6th grade. I also have certifications in GT, ESL and, most recently, PLTW. This will be my 23rd year of teaching, all in Pre-K and Kindergarten. I've been married for 38 years and have three grown sons who have blessed me with three precious daughters-in-love, three grandsons, four granddaughters, and another granddaughter on the way (and they're all eight years old and younger). I love children and teaching and making learning fun! I'm looking forward to teaching at PTAA, and I encourage you to be a part of your child's education!
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Kellyn Tolly
8th Grade Social Studies
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Tricia Wheeler
Third Grade Math
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Jimmy Wunderlich
STEM/Computer Science
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Chris Estrada
Aide
Education and Experience: My name is Christopher Estrada, I am 35 years old and I am Marine that served from 2004-2012 in the infantry as a machine gunner. I went to Iraq twice and participated in Operation Tomodachi providing humanitarian relief to those effected by the Tsunami that caused the Fukushima nuclear reactor to melt down. I am in the process of earning my bachelor's degree and I really love traveling overseas and history. I look forward to working with you all.
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Mia Ramirez
Aide
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Kim White
Academic Advisor/Counselor
Education and Experience: Mrs. White received her Bachelor's, her Master's in Guidance and Counseling, and her Master's in Education Administration from Texas A & M University - Commerce. She has 26 years experience in education ranging from classroom teacher, counselor, principal and Director of Curriculum and Special Programs. Mrs. White is excited to join the PTAA team as Academic Counselor serving PTAA - Greenville students.
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Shannon Foltz
Office
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Sharon Teelon
Elementary Secretary
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