Paul Sinclair, Director

psinclair@alaschools.org

Paul is the director of American Leadership Academy. He has been a successful private business owner for several years and became involved in education because he felt that by applying his business experience to the educational field he could improve the quality of education that students receive, including his own children. Paul currently has 4 children attending American Leadership Academy and is excited that they have the opportunity to receive a gradeschool education far superior to that which he received.

Lorna Hale, Assistant Director

lhale@alaschools.org

I have been involved in education my entire life. I love to read and share the knowledge gleaned from the many books I read annually. I am so excited to be a part of the transition team for ALA. Having served on executive boards for drug prevention, credit unions and charter boards I have a keen understanding of the responsibility and excitement to help each student reach their potential.

Sharon Moss, Curriculum

sharonmoss@alaschools.org

Sharon Moss is the founder of Noah Webster Academy, a Charter School in Orem, Utah. She is a member of the Governing Board and has served as the President/Chairman of the Board since 2005. Sharon has been a consultant to individuals and organizations starting their own charter schools and is a successful grant writer. She has taught kindergarten, second and fifth/sixth combination classes in the private-school sector for seven years where she developed a passion for learning and teaching. As a Lead teacher and administrator in the private school sector, Sharon was instrumental in curriculum development, teacher training and mentoring, and overseeing her school’s success in the accreditation process. It was through these experiences that she became inspired by the idea of founding a quality charter school available to all children, regardless of family demographics, and where fundamental values and leadership principles are restored.

Scott Jensen, Director of Finance and Business Services

sjensen@alaschools.org

Ellen Baker, Attendance Secretary

ebaker@alaschools.org

Ayesha Hale, Student Records Secretary

ahale@alaschools.org

Michelle Edwards, Kindergarten

Website | medwards@alaschools.org

I would like to introduce myself. My name is Michelle Edwards and I will be teaching Kindergarten. I have been teaching for over 20 years, specializing in Early Childhood Education. I am married for coming up on 20 years now and have 6 children ranging in age from 18 down to 8 year-old twins. 5 of my 6 children will also be attending ALA this year. I enjoy camping, crafts, and reading anything, especially poetry.

Cherie Lane, Kindergarten

clane@alaschools.org

Leila Fahlgren, Extended Kindergarten

lfahlgren@alaschools.org

Rhonda Gross, First Grade

rgross@alaschools.org

I am so excited to be teaching first grade at ALA! I am Miss Gross. I am the middle child of five and a native to Arizona. I attended Northern Arizona University and graduated in Elementary Education. I have a love for teaching and children which lead me to become a teacher and I feel extremely blessed to be able to do something that I love. In addition to being a teacher, I love to read, dance, play the oboe and piano, and spend time with my family. It is my goal to make this year a positive experience for you and your child. I am looking forward to a wonderful year!

Lisa Mitchell, First Grade

lmitchell@alaschools.org

Sheila Richardson, First Grade

srichardson@alaschools.org

Having always loved the field of education I ventured back into college in 2003 after my youngest child entered school. It was an easy decision to work toward a degree in elementary education with my area of specialization in math. I graduated from ASU in 2008 and began teaching first grade in the fall of the same year. On a personal note, I am an Arizona native and have been happily married for 35 years. Our family has been blessed with 10 wonderful children and 13 grandchildren. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to utilize my life experiences and education in the profession of teaching.

Josh Eyre, Second Grade

Website | jeyre@alaschools.org

I grew up mostly in Salt Lake City, the Washington DC area, and England in a family of nine children. I am the third oldest and have two older sisters, two younger sisters, and four younger brothers. My parents are authors and public speakers.

There is nothing I love doing more than teaching children. They are such a delight to be with. I love the idea of charter schools and in particular I love American Leadership Academy. In my mind, teaching is the best career on earth.

While growing up I had the opportunity to visit or live in England, Mexico, The Philippines, Japan, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, France, Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Bolivia, Brazil, Peru, Ethiopia, and many parts of the United States. I love sharing my traveling experiences with my classes.

I enjoy being outdoors, hiking, scuba diving, traveling, rollerblading, basketball, tennis, and many other things. I love music and I am a die-hard Utah Jazz fan. I spend a lot of my free time doing outdoor activities (when it’s not too hot), taking pictures and editing them on the computer, learning to play the piano, and hanging out with my sister’s family, who live close by. I am not married yet, but look forward so much to the day that I will have my own family.

Amber Ward, Second Grade

Website | award@alaschools.org

I am very excited about teaching 2nd grade this year! The curriculum and the philosophy of American Leadership Academy fit me perfectly. I know the students will benefit from learning Covey’s 7 habits and they will learn how to become responsible citizens. I thoroughly love teaching because I still find it fascinating to find out why and how things work. I hope that the students will catch the enthusiasm and will want to learn all they can. Life is one exciting journey and I believe you should take each day as an opportunity to learn more, love more, and BE more.

Carla Clouse, Third Grade

cclouse@alaschools.org

Hello! My name is Ms. Clouse. I am thrilled to be teaching Third Grade at American Leadership Academy. This will be my ninth year of teaching, all of which have been in the primary grades. In addition to my Elementary Education Certification, I am endorsed in Reading, English as a Second Language, and Early Childhood Education and am considered highly qualified by the state of Arizona. I am almost finished with a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. I love learning!

I am a native of Mesa and have lived in Arizona my entire life with the exception of three years in college. I am the youngest of eight children and have been an aunt since I was two years old. I am currently an aunt to 53 nieces and nephews, ten of which are "great"! Needless to say, kids have always been a huge part of my life and I love them. I am an animal lover, especially cats. In addition to teaching, I love singing and playing the cello and piano, watching old movies, reading, exercising, and being with loved ones.

Joni Fletcher, Third Grade

jfletcher@alaschools.org

I began my teaching career in 2001, teaching computer classes in elementary school to Kindergartens through 6th graders. Even though this was a very rewarding and great teaching experience I found myself wanting more. In 2007 after many years of discussing going back to school with my family, I went back to finish my BA in early childhood education. During this time period I taught reading and fell in love with the subject.

In January 2009, I graduated from Ottawa University with a BA in early childhood education. I now teach 3rd grade at America Leadership Academy and love it. Due to working with all types of students with all different types of issues, I have started my Master’s degree in school counseling. With hope and love I hope to make the difference in your child’s life.

On a personal note, I have experienced the death of my father to bone cancer in 1995 only to be followed by losing 2 husbands also to death. My first husband died in a car accident in 1997. My second husband died of pancreatic cancer in December of 2007. Between the two marriages I have 8 wonderful children, 2 sons in laws, and daughter in law and 7 grandchildren. Tragic is real but I am determined to make a difference in the lives of those around me, through personal strength and faith.

Stephanie Abney, Fourth Grade

Website | sabney@alaschools.org

Theresa Sneed, Fourth Grade

Website | tsneed@alaschools.org

Welcome! I am excited to be your child’s 4th grade teacher at American Leadership Academy! A little about me- I was born and raised in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine so from time to time you just might hear my New England accent. I graduated from Foxcroft Academy and then began my college education at USC in Los Angeles California. Later I transferred to Brigham Young University in Provo Utah. I met and married my wonderful husband of 31 years while visiting my sister in Ohio and chose to remain at home and raise our six children. Once our youngest daughter Saralynn entered 1stgrade, I resumed my educational and teaching career and have been on that fast track ever sense! I graduated Cum Laude with a BA in Education and also have my Arizona teaching certification. I truly love to teach and appreciate what an awesome responsibility it is for me to stand in front of your child and impart to them all that is needed for their successful 4th grade adventure. I look forward to working with you - together we going to have a fantastic year!

Kerri Stiltner, Fifth Grade

kstiltner@alaschools.org

Hello, my name is Kerri Stiltner and I am a 5th grade teacher here at ALA. I am a hometown girl having grown up in Chandler where I met and married my junior high sweetheart. We have four children Jena (16), Joshua (10), Jacob (8), and Jadyn (4) along with a house full of animals - dogs (2), turtles (2), fish (5), cat and a parrot. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, going to the movies and our quarterly trips to Disneyland!!!

I began my career working with children as a pre-school teacher while still in high school. After graduation, I went to Chandler Gilbert Community College to begin my undergrad studies. Shortly after getting married, I started my own in-home day care business. School was put on hold as I focused on my business and starting a family. After the addition of Jena, Joshua and Jacob - I returned to school part-time while still running my business and raising our family. I transferred to Arizona State University where I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Education.

Before joining the ALA family, I did my student-teaching in the Chandler school district and taught in both the Queen Creek and Gilbert school districts. I truly feel that I have found the education foundation I have been looking for and feel blessed to be a part of this faculty and curriculum.

Wendy Ziegler, Fifth Grade

wziegler@alaschools.org

I'm thrilled to be here at American Leadership Academy! I'm orginally a New Yorker who has now lived in Arizona for 6 years. I absolutely love it here and am so thankful that I chose to move out west. This will be my third year of teaching and my second year teaching fifth grade. I love kids of all ages and don't think that I really have a favorite age, they all have positives!

My most favorite thing to do is to be with my two daughters, Nina and Andie! Nina is going into fifth grade and Andie is going into third grade. We have so much fun together. Other things I enjoy are reading a great book, watching movies, hiking in the cooler weather, walking my two dogs, shopping, and traveling!

Chosing teaching as a profession was the best thing I could've done. There's nothing like the feeling of teaching and helping children learn and be their best!

Donna Allman, Sixth Grade

dallman@alaschools.org

My passion for education and instruction was apparent in my diverse career path. My experiences began with working as Director of a Day Care Center where I designed the curriculum and trained the teachers. This love for instruction and design was apparent in my years in Engineering with the development of instruction manuals and training of the subcontractors. In my banking experience, I designed instruction documents and trained new specialists’ for the investment department. I worked as a trainer in the computer hardware and software industry. This diverse background is what drives me to assist my students in understanding the "why". This understanding allows students to apply a concept to more than one subject and how it will apply in "real life".

Greg Davis, Sixth Grade

gdavis@alaschools.org

I have been teaching at various levels for over ten years; I’m as excited about this year as I have ever been. I have lived in Arizona for almost thirteen years. I am married with two girls, Aubrey and Allison, who are ten and seven years of age, respectively. I like to spend most of my spare time with my family. When I was growing up in Elmira, New York I enjoyed every sport and was especially good at baseball and boxing, although I played basketball in college. As an adult I was a soldier in the Army and a pro boxer for a few exciting bouts in Memphis, Tennessee where I resided before coming to Arizona. I read many books and articles about history and economics. These readings sometimes provide inspiration for articles which I publish. Educating young folks is very important to me and I enjoy it. Today’s youngsters are tomorrow’s leaders. Whether you become a leader that is well-known like a famous businessman or a leader just in your own little corner of the world, a good education is crucial. I like to think I am pretty good at helping with that.

Terry Huggans, Seventh Grade

thuggans@alaschools.org

Tyler Ray, Eighth Grade

tray@alaschools.org

David Whitlock, Eighth Grade

dwhitlock@alaschools.org

Betsy Love, High School English

Website | blove@alaschools.org

Betsy Love has written four novels and directed numerous plays. Mrs. Love has been a teacher since 1999. She graduated from Ottawa University Magna Cum Laude in English and Secondary Education. She plans to pursue a Masters degree in creative writing at ASU.

Daryl Workman, High School History & Math

dworkman@alaschools.org

I am very excited to be teaching American History and Government as well as math and Leadership this year. I have been teaching at charter schools for five years and I love my calling as a teacher and mentor. I look forward to meeting my new students and parents as well as seeing many of my previous students and parents. You are the reason my job is so worthwhile. I hope you are all reading constantly to improve your minds.
Yours in learning,
Daryl V. Workman

Kaleen Polakoff, High School Science & Math

kpolakoff@alaschools.org

Kaleen Polakoff will be directing study hall during sixth period. She has been a teacher for 8 years. She has degrees in Botany and Range Science, Biology and Secondary Education. She is currently working on Masters of Education degree.

Becky Erickson, Math

berickson@alaschools.org

Dave Erickson

derickson@alaschools.org

Melanie Walker, Music

mwalker@alaschools.org

Gary Gjerstad, Music

ggjersted@alaschools.org

Hi. I'm Mr. Gjerstad from the Music Department! In brief, I thought I would like to share a little bit about myself.

I was born on January 2, 1951 in Mason City, Iowa. My hometown is Britt, located 30 miles West of Mason City. Both communities are in North Central Iowa. I am totally blind, and have been that way since birth. I have a sincere appreciation for life; and truly believe in the concept that given the right opportunity, a person can achieve whatever they set their mind to. It starts by believing in one's self.

For 13 years, I was a student at the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School in Vinton, Iowa. I received further training at the Iowa Commission for the Blind; an Adult Training Center for the blind in Des Moines.

As for musical experiences, I began playing the piano when I was 4 years old. I had the ability to hear something, and then play it. For 25 years, I was keyboardist with the Jack Schultz Orchestra. This was a 6 piece band that played engagements in Arizona, California, and South Texas.

The past 5 years I have been proud to assist with the Music Department at Eagle's Aerie School. It is a dream come true job; in that I am doing 2 things I love. Working with music, and working with young people. I particularly enjoy the opportunities for visiting with students, whenever they feel there is a need to talk.

I am looking forward to working with your child at American Leadership Academy. It is going to be a great year.

Shauna Weller, Spanish

Website | sweller@alaschools.org

Stacy Brown, Special Education

Website | sbrown@alaschools.org

Stacy Brown is the new Special Education teacher at American Leadership Academy. She was born and raised in Southern California. She and her husband moved to Arizona in 1982. They have been married for over 32 years and have four children and one grandchild.

It has always been Mrs. Brown’s dream to become an elementary school teacher after she had raised her family. She went back to college around the time her youngest child started kindergarten. During this time she also worked for Mesa Public Schools in many capacities. That is where Mrs. Brown discovered her passion for special education.

Mrs. Brown received her Associates Degree from Mesa Community College with honors and was recognized from Phi Theta Kappa Society in 2002. She went on to receive her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Ottawa University graduating Cum Laude in 2005. Mrs. Brown recently achieved her Masters Degree in Special Education - Cross Categorical, from Ottawa University. She graduated with honors in 2008 and is excited to have finally accomplished her childhood dream.

This is Mrs. Brown’s 4th year of teaching. Her personal philosophy is to provide quality educational opportunities to every student in her class, in a warm nurturing environment with an emphasis on individual student achievement while maintaining a positive attitude and displaying respect for others.

Kathy Finder, Special Education

kfinder@alaschools.org

Kathy Finder was born in Idaho, raised in Utah and Arizona. She comes from a large family where she learned the value of hard work and dedication. She graduated from Mountain View High School and went on a Mission for her Church. After returning she married her husband, Jeff and started a family.

Mrs. Finder started volunteering at a school when her eldest daughter, Jacquie, was in Kindergarten. She got her first job working as an Instructional Aide at her children’s Elementary School when Jacquie was in fourth grade. Mrs. Finder worked in the Mesa Public School District for nine years, mostly as the Special Education Clerk, and started working at Eagles Aerie last year. She was the Art Teacher and is now the Special Education Clerk. Mrs. Finder is excited to be back in the Special Ed department. She knows this year will be great and can’t wait to get to know her students.