Administration

Principal - Ms. MeLisa Thalacker

 

Principal MeLisa Thalacker

I joined the Academy of Math and Science family in January 2019 working as an Assistant Principal at the Desert Sky campus. It was a true pleasure to work with the Desert Sky community, enabling me to embrace the AMS culture and provide necessary support for our new Glendale campus.

 

In 2001, I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Education Degree from Arizona State University; I earned my Master of Education in Leadership Degree in 2010 from Northern Arizona University (both Summa Cum Laude). Being highly qualified, I established my Teaching and Principal Certification from Arizona Department of Education with a Structured English Immersion endorsement (valid through 2030).

During my 17 years in the Peoria Unified School District, I spent over a decade teaching and seven years as an instructional coach. The bulk of my teaching experiences were in 6th grade (Writing, Math, and Science). However, I have also taught 3rd grade (all content) and 8th grade Algebra. My role as an instructional coach in PUSD provided me with the necessary leadership experience to strategically make positive changes and impact student learning.

                                                                                        

I have ample experience with curriculum and assessment writing, at both district and state levels.  I pride myself in my ability to focus on school improvement having the capacity to support district and school administrators with the implementation of initiatives that foster academic and behavioral shifts.

Having lived in Glendale since 2004, I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the community that I reside. I am looking forward to working with all Stakeholders and supporting my Academy of Math and Science family as we aim to empower our communities and grow together as a school family!

 

Assistant Principal - Stephanie Jenkins

Assistant Principal Stephanie Jenkins

Greetings! My name is Ms. Jenkins, and I am originally from Tucson, AZ. I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Spanish from the University of Arizona. In March of 2006, I began my career in education where I taught third grade for half a year and second grade for eight years. I was a member of the Leadership Advisory Team and mentor to new teachers at my school site, as well as a district-wide grade level facilitator for professional development.

 

While teaching second grade, I earned my Master’s degree with distinction honors in Educational Leadership with a Principal K-12 Emphasis at Northern Arizona University. I hold an Arizona Department of Education Principal Certificate. After a wonderful 3 years of being an administrator, I wanted to experience the classroom again and work directly with students.

 

I returned to teaching second grade for one year before making the decision to teach internationally in China for two years. After returning to the United States, I joined the Academy of Math and Science Desert Sky as an instructional coach. I am honored to be part of the dragon family and serve Desert Sky as an assistant principal. My philosophy of education is that every child is unique, and by fostering creativity and providing rigorous academic opportunities, every child can reach their fullest potential.

   

 

Assistant Principal - Brittany Colby

Brittany Colby  
 

Head of Operations - Karla Espinoza

Head of Operations -  Karla Espinoza  
 

Dean of Scholars - Daniel Bremmer

Dean of Scholars -  Daniel Bremmer  
 

Dean of Scholars - Robin Young

Instructional Coach - Jenna Ortega

Instructional Coach - Jenna Ortega  

 

Instructional Coach - Chris Jaime

Instructional Coach - Chris Jaime  

 

Office Manager - Evelyn Mendoza

 

*A full summary of school personnel experience and resumes are available for public review upon request at school grounds.