Located in Tulsa, Oklahoma

Katie Acuna is beginning her 14th year of teaching.  With a background in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, she began her career in Sand Springs Public Schools. This is her first year teaching for Aspire and she is thrilled to be a part of the Aspire family. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family.  Katie has been married to her husband Tony, for 16 wonderful years.  They have 3 children, who also attend Aspire, Gabby (13), Jay (7), and Gwen (5). Katie is very close to her extended family where they all share 10 acres of land.  They love fishing and riding ATVs on the property.  She also loves all things summer! Sitting by the pool or beach is her absolute favorite.  

Katie Acuna

Tanya Bio

Tanya Adams

Hi! My name is Amber Andrews, and I am teaching the Montessori Class at Aspire Academy this coming up school year.

I grew up in Rowlett TX, and graduated from Rowlett High School in 2001. In 2003, I was an assistant teacher at a Montessori school in Frisco, TX and taught ages 3-6. After one year of assisting, I was offered a scholarship to take the training to become AMS certified, and received my American Montessori Society certification in 2004. I love teaching, and creating new lessons.

I married my wonderful husband James in 2007, and we were blessed with our first little girl, Autumn in 2013, and our second little girl, Skylar in 2017. We enjoy spending time together, visiting new places and spending time with family.

Amber Andrews

I grew up in St. Louis, MO and have a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Tulsa. My love of learning and teaching started in 2008 when I realized the Lord was calling me to homeschool. I spent 11 years homeschooling my two children. I taught various classes from preschool to high school in two different homeschool co-ops. Most recently, I work as a private tutor, teach Chemistry out of my home to homeschoolers, and teach at a small private school in Bixby. I love creating relationships with students as they learn new things, stretch outside their comfort zone, and build confidence.

Eileen Bader

Nathan's Bio

Nathan Bishop

Brad's Bio

Brad Brooks

Penny's Bio

Penny Burt

Sheldon Clark has been teaching in the Tulsa/Owasso area for 14 years. He began playing guitar at age 8 and has been playing with local bands, solo at weddings and special occasions, and for the last 12 years with an acoustic duo playing one to three shows a week. Sheldon also gives private lessons at home and in Owasso with Foyil Music Studio. He has been teaching group lessons for Heartland and The Group homeschool co-ops for the last 6 years. At the beginning of 2019 he also began work at The School of Rock were he is the lead show director. Sheldon Clark sheldonclark2001@yahoo.com (918)260-3244

Sheldon Clark

Born and raised in Tulsa, I graduated from Owasso High School before going on to Oklahoma State University where I earned a B.S. in Computer Science.  From there, I was fortunate enough to receive a CyberCorps scholarship to attend Tulsa University where I earned an M.S. in Computer Science with a focus in Computer Security and Forensics.  I previously taught courses in Information Technology at Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology.  Currently, I work in Application Security, Architecture and Governance in the energy sector while periodically teaching graduate level application development courses at Tulsa University.

I love teaching students how to learn and challenging them to think critically.  The “a-ha!” expression they get is priceless.

I moonlight as I.T. technical support for friends, family, friends of family, family of friends, extended family, extended family of friends, et cetera, ad infinitum, ad astra.  I.T. is defined as anything that uses electricity.

My family consists of wife Nicole and three children: Micah, Joseph and Emmy.  Don’t look, but they are probably sneaking up on you now. Fluffernutter the Tarantula is effectively mine.

I only sometimes use the Oxford comma, just to keep people on their toes.  My favorite colour is the one out of space.

David Crandell

My name is Brittney Crumb. I am wife to Michael for almost 20 years, and a mother to our 7 children. We started our homeschool journey almost 10 years ago. 

Our journey with Aspire began in 2019 and we couldn't feel more blessed to be a part of Aspire Academy. Math and science are my favorite things to learn about and teach. I love how science points to our intelligent design and creator over and over.

 I took advantage of the slow pace the year 2020 brought us and went back to Oklahoma State University and finished my degree in May 2022. I graduated with a multidisciplinary bachelor's of science degree with a primary focus of Psychology(heavy on the neuroscience) and a secondary of Chemistry. I am headed to start on my graduate degree in the near future.

Brittney Crumb

Melissa has an extensive professional and educational background in early childhood development. It is not just a job but a passion of hers to provide a safe, fun & loving environment for young children to learn and grow in a way that meets their own individual needs. She has been a teenager working in the baby room of a daycare, a nanny, a daycare owner & operator for several years, a children's ministry leader, a mom for 22 years and a homeschool mom for the past 6yrs.

She is often enrolling in college courses pertaining to early childhood education as a way to ensure that she is up to date in her area of interest and expertise.

Melissa enjoys spending her down-time with her husband who she is very proud to also name as her best friend! They enjoy wine-tastings, watching movies or documentaries, cooking, playing board games with the kids and being outside as much as possible.

Melissa F. Davis

Hi there!  My name is Tricia Dillon, and I’m thrilled to be apart of the Aspire family!  I was born and raised in Bixby, OK, and I graduated Jenks High School in 2002.  I got my bachelors degree from the University of Oklahoma (Boomer Sooner!) in Political Science with a French minor.  While at OU, I spent a semester abroad.  I lived and went to school at the Université Bordeaux Montaigne in Bordeaux, France.  After receiving my bachelors degree, I moved on to pursue and receive my Masters degree in International Administration from the University of Denver.  This Oklahoma girl was offered a job in the big city of Washington D.C. to work for the Federal Aviation Administration in their International Affairs Office.  While in Washington D.C., God allowed me to meet my future husband, start a family, and He paved the way for us to move back to Oklahoma.  Teaching has always been a passion of mine, whether it’s teaching kiddos the Word of God at church on Sundays, or teaching my own kids how to add two digit numbers!  I love the Lord, my husband of 10 years, and my 4 kids.  When I’m not teaching, you can usually find me at an area playground with my kids, or at the zoo.  We love being outside!

Tricia Dillon

I grew up in Picher, OK and graduated from Picher-Cardin High School. I attended NEO in Miami, before transferring to NSU in Tahlequah, where I earned my B.A. in Education (Speech Language Pathology and Learning Disabilities).  I later returned to NSU earning my M. Ed in Special Education and School Administration. I have completed registry training in Autism, Other Health Impairments and Traumatic Brain Injury. After 36 years of teaching in public education, I recently retired.

​

Kevin and I have one son, Skylar.  When we aren't watching Skylar play his guitar, we enjoy going to car shows or cruising in Kevin's classic car.

​

My passion has always been working with special needs children.  I try to live by my favorite quote, "If a child can't learn the way we teach, maybe we teach the way they learn."

Dana Eakle

Born in San Diego, CA to a then-Navy family, raised in the Oklahoma City area.  Married to my wife Barbara for almost 43 years, 2 adult children (a daughter Christy and a son Jason), with 3 step-granddaughters and for now, a foster child being cared for by our daughter and who calls me Grandpa.  My mother still lives in the same house I grew up in.

Studied at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK.   Earned a degree in Electronics Engineering Technology (EET).

I worked for 38 years in the oil and gas industry, first for Phillips Petroleum as a field service tech in Chromatographs, then in Research & Development as an RF Electronics Technician.  Eventually earned the title RF Electronics Engineer, a job that involved design and redesign of radio systems used in the search for oil.   As the OPSEIS product line evolved and was sold to Sercel (a French/European company), I moved with the product and spent 4 years in Houston and 1 year in France working on a special project.  Travel was often, too many places around the US and the world, including Canada, Mexico, France, and China, often to refineries and manufacturing plants, or field locations where our radio products were being used.  When that system was eventually shelved and family duties called, I found myself back in Oklahoma where I worked at ABB as a Senior Engineering Tech until my retirement in 2015.

I started teaching as a side interest in 1985, teaching Electronics to adults at the local vo-tech through their evening classes program.  I continued that until 1995 when the school ended the program due to changes in their education programs.  In 2014, they restarted their Adult Electronics program and I once again began teaching.   With my retirement from the Engineering world, I really wanted to continue imparting my knowledge to a new generation and hopefully spark some interest in the Technical Sciences, where a great future can be had for those willing to follow that path.  When the opportunity came along to teach through Aspire, I gladly accepted.  I look forward to hopefully inspiring all who come through my classroom.

Mike Eaton

Angela's Bio

Angela Fallis

This will be Calista's first year teaching at Academy and she is sooo excited! Calista and her husband Aaron live in Broken Arrow with their 3 children, Addyline (18), Kennedy (13), and Eliana (8), and their little dog Pistol. They love watching movies, going to new places, and cooking together. Calista's hobbies include baking, gardening, and hanging out with her family and friends. Calista has an Associates in Biblical Literature and years upon years of experience working with children, teens, and their families! She was on staff at a church plant for 7 years in Brooklyn, NY and absolutely loved the big city life but also really wants to live on land in the country someday. Calista has served as part of a worship team, as a preK teacher and assistant, a troop leader for Girl Scounts, a class mom leader, a secretary for Anderson Elementary's PTA, and a secretary for the Union Varsity Highsteppers Team. Calista has worked for a couple different churches in shared roles as youth pastor and associate pastor. Her favorite parts of ministry were leading a teen girls Bible study in her home for many years, leading a women's Bible study on the Proverbs 31 Woman, and teaching the PreK and Kindergarten classes on Sunday mornings.  Her favorite part of homeschooling and teaching is seeing children's eyes light up and posture change when they figure out something new. She also just loves their curiosity and learning what they think about things!

Calista Firor-Reeder

Samantha's Bio

Samantha Floyd

Amanda's Bio

Amanda Foyil

I have played violin professionally in Tulsa for 20 years. Homeshooled our 4 children. I love reading and learning, history and our two acres in Sand Springs where we try to garden and keep chickens, dogs and horses. 

As a violin teacher I pay attention to the hand position and try to build up the technique of playing the violin. 

Elana Gavrilov

My name is Sarah Gollotte and I live with my architect husband and three kids on a family farm in Rogers County. We moved to Oklahoma from Atlanta, GA 8 years ago to be the 4th generation living on our family land. I have had a passion for education and teaching from a young age and received my elementary education degree from Oral Roberts University. I also have an MBA with a focus in non-profit management. I have 15 years of homeschooling and teaching experience, which includes teaching elementary and middle school co-op classes and teaching 4th grade public school. When I am not teaching or homeschooling, my hobbies include gardening, my mini horses, and traveling with my kids (we are trying to see all 50 states!). I am excited to be tutoring at Aspire Academy.

Sarah Gollotte

Valerie lives in Tulsa with her husband and their three boys. She enjoys reading, going to the gym, and going to parks.

Valerie has 12 years of teaching experience at the high school level, four of those in English and eight in special education. She has a BA in English and a M.Ed in School Administration. She has extensive training in teaching individuals with Autism and other disabilities including TEACCH training at UNC Chapel Hill.

She has a passion for special education and for helping all kids have a successful learning experience.

Valerie Hansen

Ruthetta Henderson has taught elementary grades in private schools across the Tulsa Metro Area for over 20 years. She has also spent 7 years as a Reading Specialist for Tulsa Public Schools.  She retired in 2014, but then returned to teaching and joined Aspire Academy in 2018.  She is a favorite teacher of our elementary students and parents!

Ruthetta was married for 40 years when she lost her precious husband, Dwight, 6 years ago.  She spends her free time traveling with friends and visiting her son, daughter-in-law, and 2 sweet grandkids!

Ruthetta Henderson

In Progress...

Tabitha Hines

Hi! My name is Sara James and I am excited to be a tutor this year at Aspire Academy! I met my husband of almost 20 years at OBU where I got my B.S.E. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. I taught in public schools for several years until the Lord laid homeschooling on our hearts, and that has been my main focus ever since! I have been teaching our kids at home for 14 years now, and just graduated our oldest son. I love homeschooling and the flexibility that comes with it. I also enjoy cooking, going on vacations with my family, and learning new homemaking skills to serve my family and church. I am looking forward to a fun year of learning together at Aspire!

Sara James

My name is Jo Jones, and I am excited to be a new member of the Aspire family! I am an Oklahoma certified teacher of Earth Science, Mid-Level Science, Grammar & Composition, and Speech & Drama. Teaching was a mid-life career change for me, and I have loved every minute of it. I received both the Bachelor of Arts in Education degree and the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from The University of Texas at Arlington. I believe very strongly that students should be active in the classroom as often as is practical: that is, they should be learning by doing as much as is possible. I look forward to working with your students and helping them to achieve the next level, or two, or three, of success in their academic careers!

Jo Jones

Hello, my name is Leeca (pronounced Lee-sha) Jenkins, and I am thrilled to partner with Aspire families this school year.

My incredible husband and I have been married 22 years. Together we are raising three extraordinary tween/teens ages 12, 13, and 16 (all Aspire students!!!). Before motherhood, I graduated from Cameron University with a bachelor's degree in Sociology. Finding my niche in the field of counseling, I then obtained a master's degree in Christian Counseling from ORU. I was blessed to spend a handful of years providing therapeutic services in community mental health. In past seasons of marriage and family life, we have enjoyed serving the local church in various pastoral roles. The ministry assignment of shepherding our own children in the home, however, has been our supreme joy. One of our greatest surprises in parenting was the call to homeschool! After 8 years of homeschooling, we continue to marvel at God’s supply of grace and power for the journey. We have also grown to deeply value the eternal significance of home education while relishing the perks of homeschool life.

I believe God has amazing things in store for Aspire students and look forward to a fun year together!

Leeca Jenkins

Hello! My name is Casey Kemp, and I live in Broken Arrow. I am married and have two precious little boys, Jack (4) and Thomas (2). I grew up in Alabama and moved here about 10 years ago- I’m still a southern girl though! My favorite meal is sweet tea, chicken and dumplings, and fried apples. My favorite pastimes are reading, baking, and cake decorating. I love spending time with my family, and I go back to Alabama every chance I get.

From the time I started Kindergarten, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I graduated from the University of North Alabama with a BA in Elementary Education, and then I obtained my master’s degree from NSU in instructional leadership. In the past 10 years, I have worked with all ages (4-22) in all subjects, and I have such a passion for making fun lessons and working with kids. I am so excited to join the Aspire family!

Casey Kemp

Allison Leach has a BS degree in Graphic Design from John Brown University and a MS degree in Mass Communications from Oklahoma State. She spent six years in the product packaging and design industry with Dayspring Greeting Cards and Walmart. While working at Walmart she traveled to China and saw firsthand the effects of communism and believes strongly in teaching our future generation the importance of freedom and liberty. Her career then shifted to teaching at OSU for four years as a Graphic Design assistant professor. Allison chose to leave her career path at OSU five years ago to homeschool her own children because she believes strongly in passing on Christian values to future generations and enjoys helping kids discover their own creative talents. Allison loves the state she grew up in (Oklahoma), and the free country she was born into. She has a passion to educate the next generation to see the value in preserving our land that was founded in “God we Trust.”Her passion and experience in teaching along with her creative skill sets creates an enjoyable and hands-on learning experience for your student.

Allison Leach

Hi, I am John Leavell, husband of 41 years to Ailene Leavell.  I am currently raising my two sons, Gabriel and Tommy.  We are a church loving, God fearing family.  I have had years of experience as an IT tech for JeanMarie Creations and prior to that I was a free lance photographer.  I look forward to helping your students learn some basic computer skills and photography.

John Leavell

Jeanette Lord is a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma, with a BA in Oral Communications. She homeschooled her step-daughter through the high school years and her youngest for all school years. Her family moved from Oklahoma City to Broken Arrow in 2014. She has previously led homeschool elementary and junior high co-op classes in art, geography, novel writing, and government, along with high school classes in ancient history, American history, American literature and Christian literature. Jeanette also taught AWANA counsel time for 5 years. GA’s for 3 years, and has led numerous ladies Bible studies. Along with teaching, her hobbies include sewing, scrapbooking, hiking and spending time with family and friends. Her newest addition to her family, a smooth collie/greyhound/lab male dog, gets her outside for walks and playing ball.

Jeanette Lord

Hello, my name is Samantha Martinez! I am certified in Elementary Education from Northeastern State University and I have a masters in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma. I have always had a passion for teaching and have worked with children since my first job in high school. I taught 4th grade in Broken Arrow Public Schools for four years. My husband Ty and I have been married four years. We love going to the lake, golfing, and camping. We have two fur babies, Minnie and Prada. I am so excited to be a part of Aspire this year! 

Samantha Martinez

I have always had a passion for teaching. In elementary school my idea of playing was lining up all my siblings and “play” school. Of course, I was the teacher. 😊

I enjoy helping children to see their potential even when it may be hard for them to learn or even sit still long enough to learn. I want them to see how important they are and that God’s good thoughts towards them are like the sand grains on a beach, to many to be numbered.

I graduated from Kansas University. We moved to Tulsa in 1980.

We homeschooled 4 children through high school.  During those homeschool years I started a Co-op, Tulsa Academic Co-op and was on the founding board of the NOAH Jaguars homeschool sports.

 After the kids graduated, I substituted as a special education teacher and worked as a senior caregiver.

Currently, I tutor 4 of my 11 grandkids and use Zoom distance learning for science, history, reading and writing  classes for those living in Florida.

I love to explore life and the world through learning, teaching, and traveling. I currently partner with Go Global travel as a travel organizer /ambassador for homeschool students and their family. I plan Travel Studies trips for domestic and travel. I look forward to introducing Aspire students to travel thorough Aspire Abroad and being an Aspire tutor for elementary core subjects and electives.

Candy Matheny

Award winning Actor and Director, Renee Michaels, has played roles in various shows by Neil Simon, Jim Jacobs, Warren Casey & Dan Gordon, working in both community and professional theaters, as well as in dozens of commercials, music videos, and films. Renee has trained under Acting Coaches, Oscar Dean Ray (Sacred Bloods), Steve Railsback (Helter Skelter, The X-Files, Supernatural), Rudy Ramos (The High Chaparral, Knight Rider, JAG), George Cron (Broken Faith, Shadow Bound, Surrender) and is currently training under the accomplished T.C. Stallings (War Room, Vindication, No Vacancies) through the Uncompromised Christian Actors Coaching program. Her credits include several short films and features including the Award-winning short, The Bridge produced by Talking Dog Pictures and playing Sarah Richter in the award-winning Comedy Horror, The Dellville Witch. She also won Best Actress in a Feature Film for her role as Ellen Casey in the dark comedy, Pruning the Family Tree. She was the voice of Quintana, the feisty fairy in the animated film, The Mighty Behemoth and Host of BransonBites.com. She has produced music videos for Nashville Recording Artists CJ Simmons, Directed & Produced the feature film, The Death of Kevin Frye and is the Producer/Writer/Director at SevenDreams Films, which produced the award winning web-series, Haven and currently developing a sitcom series, Minding the Family. Renee recently moved back to Bartlesville from Branson, MO where she directed, produced and performed in Dinner Theater and Improv Shows.

Renee Michaels

Jessica Miller is excited to be rejoining the Aspire team this coming year. Jessica has three years teaching experience in the Christian private school environment. She obtained her Bachelors in Russian History from the University of Tulsa, and is certified in secondary education by ACSI International.  Outside of teaching Jessica is a 14 year tenured realtor with Waterstone Realty, LLC where she enjoys educating clients on the intricacies of real estate.

Jessica Miller 

My name is Sarah Mullins. Broken Arrow has been my hometown my entire life. I graduated from Oral Roberts University with elementary and early childhood certifications. The past 14 years, I have taught 1st, 2nd, and 4th grades at Broken Arrow Public Schools. My husband Kyle and I have a son, Preston, and a German Shepherd/Lab mix named Kistler. My husband is an avid fisherman so most of our free time is spent bass fishing! Kistler loves to go with us! We also love all things outdoors and spending time with family and friends.

Sarah Mullins

Roger Nimmo taught High School Science for 21 years. He taught AP Biology, Chemistry, Physical Science, Earth Science, General Science, and Anatomy/Physiology.

He has a passion for this topic and has spent about 4,000 hours studying the evidence for and against the Theory of Evolution. Mr. Nimmo believes everyone who takes this class will increase their faith in God and His Word. The knowledge they gain will keep them from the unbelief they might pick up from the secular education they receive from the world.

Roger Nimmo

Jennifer's Bio

Jennifer Poteet

Hi! I am thrilled to be part of Aspire Academy this year! My two boys and I have been part of Aspire elective cooperative for the past five years where I have taught a variety of classes and served on the leadership team. We have homeschooled for going on 10 years now.  I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Education from Oklahoma State University which has served me well in the rural farm life we enjoy as well as an interesting career in food processing quality control. I am particularly passionate about teaching kids (and adults) where their food comes from, all the way from the farm to the table.

Summer Rains

Heyyy!!! My name is Krystle Reed, this is my second year at Aspire, but this is my first year teaching.  I’ve been married for 17 years and have two kids, ages 13 and 10. We own an electrical company and live in Sand Springs.  Tbh I do not have a degree in education and you definitely don’t want me teaching your kids in math, LOL…(don’t worry, they didn’t offer me that class, ) 

I attended bible school for 3 years and have been youth pastoring or other pastoral roles for  the last 10 years until God began shifting my heart to homeschool our kids and to focus on them for this current season. 

So my heart is to have a FUN, safe and loving classroom for your kids!! 

Fun facts: I love gardening and my chickens. We LOVE LOVE traveling (Africa is one of my fav places we go! We’ve Been many times) 

I HATE paper straws and Ostriches scare me!

Krystle Reed

Guten Tag! My name is Frau Ulrike, and I'm thrilled to join Aspire as the German Teacher this coming school year. In the last twenty years, I founded/directed a homeschooling support organization in Pennsylvania, recently retired as a paraprofessional at Jenks Public Schools, provide private tutoring, and am the Kinderdeutsch teacher at the German-American Society in Tulsa. With German being the largest American ethnic group and the language being the most widely-spoken in Europe, I look forward to teaching German culture, grammar, and conversation.

Ulrike Ralston

My name is Carrie Russell. I am originally from Southern California where I worked as a paramedic in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. I also volunteered on the helicopter team for search and rescue. After having my first child in 2006, I relocated to Oklahoma to pursue a career as a registered nurse. 

Carrie Russell

Tiffany is a mom of two and lives in Claremore with her husband and one child still at home. She has graduated both of her children through homeschooling. She enjoys getting out in nature, road trips, reading, writing and various forms of journaling. 

Tiffany has a BS in paralegal studies and a passion for learning and books. She has twelve years of homeschool experience and has taught at co-ops over three of those years, as well as tutoring with Read Smart part time.

Tiffany Schumacher

My name is Pam Searcy. I am originally from Wisconsin, but 24 years ago, I met a handsome Okie in uniform that convinced me to follow him wherever the Army sent him. We’ve been married for 22 years now and have four pretty amazing children. I have been homeschooling for 13 years and, this year, we will be graduating our first child. We moved to Broken Arrow seven years ago and Aspire was one of the first homeschooling groups we reached out to. I am incredibly thankful to have found this amazing community that has helped my children transition to their final move ‘home’. I am an avid reader and a huge math nerd. Though my degree is in Early Childhood Education and Development, I have found as I have gotten older that I really love teaching the older kids. This year at Aspire I will be teaching some of the Jr. High Math classes, Algebra 1, and several Literature classes. I am looking forward to getting to know you and your children.

Pam Searcy

Hello, Aspire families!  My name is Amy Shipman.  I am excited to be joining Aspire Academy as a tutor this year!

A bit about me:  I have been married for almost 23 years to the most wonderful (and patient) man.  We have one daughter (22 years old) and two sons (15 & 11 years old).  We will soon be welcoming a new son-in-law.  Additionally, we are a foster family.  We have 2 dogs, 1 turtle, 5 chickens, and 3 ducks.  

I am a licensed Paramedic and Registered Nurse who spent 13 years in prehospital, emergency room medicine, and EMS education before deciding to stay home full time to homeschool our two youngest children.  Our children’s school journey has incorporated every “type” of school available (public, private, university-model, and homeschool).  We passionately believe that each child is different, and each year is a new year.  And even though my first attempt at homeschooling was a disaster, I tried again and have found such joy in this educational journey!

I LOVE life-sciences, anything medical and English-grammar!  I also have a significant LIKE for coffee dates, hot tea, journaling, chocolate, baking, and all things organizing.  I have danced and taught dance most of my life, so I am naturally expressive and dramatic.  I am a recovering Type-A, Enneagram 8 who truly wishes I could love well and still stay organized and clean ALL of the time while constantly pursuing justice, always.  However, I have decided that the greatest of these is LOVE, and so I concede and try to make each day fun in some way.  

My hope for teaching is to help students love learning.  This is the first step to creating a life-long learner.  We can learn character traits like diligence, hard work, and perseverance while still being creative and curious.  I can not wait to get to know all of our Academy families this year!  It’s going to be a great year!

Amy Shipman

My name is Sue Stenberg, and this will be my first year teaching at Aspire.  I am a “retired” homeschool mom –  we taught 4 of our 5 children for 15 years, graduating all of them from our school, Anderslokken Christian Academy, between 2000-2010.

I am currently finishing the second year homeschooling my two eldest grandsons, who are Aspire students as well. Some folks might know me from BiblioMania – I took it over from the founder in 1998.

I attended the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa and majored in instrumental music education. I completed my Bachelor of Music Education in 1979, and taught music in Iowa for several years before we moved to Ohio. I have taught in Sunday School in our churches from 1980 on until just a few years ago – mostly in newborn to 5 years old. From 1984 on, I was a fulltime mom, raising our 5 children. We moved to Tulsa in 1987. In 1995, our eldest daughter requested that we homeschool her, our second daughter added to that request, and that was the beginning of our homeschool journey. Over the years, I have found that I LOVE teaching history, government, worldviews, and Bible. I have taught citizenship classes in Boy Scouts, and have served as a merit badge counselor, merit badge coordinator, and secretary in multiple Boy Scout troops in the area. My husband and I have also played our instruments (trumpet & French horn for Andy, flute and piccolo for me) in every church we have attended – including Eastwood Baptist – since 1979.

When there is a bit of spare time, I love to do genealogy, read, sew, knit, crochet, and do embroidery. My favorite is Norwegian Hardanger, but I love all forms of needlework.

Sue Stenberg

My name is Michael Sutton. I have lived in Oklahoma all of my life. I graduated from Glenpool High School and received my Bachelor’s in Art for Journalism from Oklahoma State University. In my distant past I worked at Ackerman McQueen in their commercial production department where we produced commercials for Six Flags, LeapFrog  educational toys, and Oklahoma Tourism.  Later I transitioned to Energy News Live, a branded internet new broadcast focused on energy news, and stock market information. Later I was employed at Winner Communications, where I worked closely with non-traditional sports (soccer, bowling, horse racing, rodeo/ bull riding, outdoor programming) on the ESPN family of networks. Currently I am the replay operator for Lucas Oil Racing Television, covering ARCA, Late Model Dirt, ASCS, and POWERi open wheel sprint race cars. I run camera and scorebug for home Oklahoma State University television sports broadcasts.

In my free time, I enjoy reading, collecting comic books, photography/ videography, and road trips with my wife and 3 children. I am also and avid podcast listener, and have attempted production of a Twilight Zone, and Golden Girls recap show with my nine-year-old daughter, which after only 1 episode, met rave reviews.

We are currently on hiatus due to my cohost’s contract negotiations.

Michael Sutton

My name is Jenesa Wheeler. I’ve lived most of my life in Broken Arrow. My husband, Chris and I have 3 grown children, one son and two daughters who are all married. Our son & daughter in law have 2 little girls so we are proud grand parents. Things I enjoy are spending time with my family, having game nights, going on trips, shopping, baking, watching the kids play sports, and volunteering at church. My daughter is a 4th grade teacher for Broken Arrow public schools and I love volunteering in her classroom. My niece and nephews have attended Aspire for several years now. I thought teaching at Aspire would be something I would really enjoy because I love kids. I’m looking forward to this coming school year.

Janesa Wheeler

Karen Cuellar

Academy Director

Amy Neffendorf

Asst. Academy Director, Math & Science Lead, Willows Lead

Katie Johnson

Language Arts & History Lead

Jamie Mallard

Elementary Lead, Montessori & Classical Memory Lead

Brittany Baker

Elective Lead

Sara Brown

Little Roots Lead & VIP Lead