Academic Faculty
Susan Douglas (Administrator) has served for 13 years as the Administrator of the Mesa Arts Academy, a K –8th grade Charter School operated by the Boys and Girls Clubs of the East Valley. She serves on the Special Education Advisory Panel to the State Board of Education, the Mesa Community College Service Learning Advisory Board, Rio Salado Community College’s President’s Advisory Council, and Tribune Newspapers Education Panel. She has also served on the Maricopa County Head Start Policy Committee and Superintendent Horne’s Discipline Initiative Think Tank. She is a founding board member of the Arizona Foundation for Educational Choice, a non-profit organization that funds scholarships for charter school students. Susan served on the committee that wrote the kindergarten curriculum for the Diocese of Phoenix and she has co-authored a children’s textbook series that was published by Harcourt Brace. In addition to her academic publications, Susan has co-produced two music tapes for young children. She has presented at several national conferences, Arizona Special Education Directors Institutes, and Arizona Charter School Association Conferences, as well as the Arizona Leading Change Institute.
Rosalie Aguilar (6th Grade) is known for her positive classroom environment. Ms. Aguilar received both her Bachelors and Masters degrees from Arizona State University. It is her own dedication to education that she has brought into her class to create a community of learners. Ms. Aguilar had her students art work featured in a handbook that was given to President Obama, and is an active visual artist herself. Our Administrator
Angelica Buenrostro (7th Grade) received her Bachelors of Science in biology with California State in Los Angeles. After graduation she returned to school at California State to Complete the Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Prep Program. Mrs. Buenrostro had 100% of her students pass the AIMS writing test last year. Additionally, she is an active member of the PDLA team as well as a MAAPO member (as a teacher and a parent
Fran Bundy (5th Grade) holds her Masters Degree in Education from Adelphi University. This is currently Mrs. Bundy’s 27th year of teaching, and her pursuit of excellence has not waned throughout the years. 100% of her 5th grade students passed the reading and math AIMS test. Additionally, Mrs. Bundy’s 5th grade students had their artwork featured in a handbook that was presented to President Obama
Miranda Eckenrod (Director of Academic Programs) moved outside of the classroom to facilitate and monitor the Academies Academic Programs. Ms. Eckenrod holds her Bachelor or Arts in Education from the University of Arizona as well as endorsements in ESL, Reading, and Early Childhood Education. Moreover, Ms. Eckenrod wrote the Academies Kindergarten -8th grade reading, writing, and language arts curriculum. In addition Ms. Eckenrod is the leader on our Response to Intervention team. Ms. Eckenrod also designed system to evaluate the level of student engagement in the classroom.
Roger Healy (8th Grade) holds his Bachelors in Elementary Education from Arizona State University along with degrees in computer science and business administration. Mr. Healy is a member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the National Science Teachers Association, the AZ Technology Education Association, and the Association of Standards and Curriculum. Mr. Healy is the chief facilitator of the Academies Technology Plan. Mr. Healy is currently part of the team that is writing and editing AIMS math and science questions.
Lisa Kush (4th Grade) received her BA in Performing Arts from Butler University in Indiana. She used her performing arts degree through the years most notably as a Phoenix Suns dancer. Later Mrs. Kush went on to pursue her teaching certification from Rio Salado College. 95% of her students achieved mastery on the AIMS math test which reflected a 28 point jump in their scores from the year before. Additionally, Mrs. Kush is an active MAAPO member (as a teacher and a parent).
Mary Loggins (2nd Grade) is thrilled to be moving to the second grade classroom this year. Mrs. Loggins first joined the Mesa Arts Academy team as an ELD teacher. In one year she helped over 75% of her students to pass the AZELLA test, surpassing the state average. Mrs. Loggins received her Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood Education from Wheeler College in Boston, Massachusetts.
Martina McFarland (Kindergarten) pursued her education at the University of South Carolina where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education. Additionally, Ms. McFarland has completed an Early Childhood Endorsement and a full SEI Endorsement. Ms. McFarland has created a record of excellence within her classroom. She continues to beat the states achievement results with her ELL students, and last year 100% of her Kindergarten students tested on grade level at the end of the school year.
Sharon Oglesby (3rd Grade) has just completed her 9th of teaching. She originally received her Bachelors of Art in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Southeastern Louisiana University. Mrs. Oglesby has become an expert in the Accelerated reading program and has served as the Mesa Arts Academy Accelerated Reading Coordinator for the last several years. Additionally, Mrs. Oglesby is always dedicated to creating a comfortable and accepting learning environment for her students.
Joyce Oyer (1st Grade) received her Bachelors degree from the University of Arizona. Ms. Shea is currently part of the “Teacher in Residence” program, and during her time in that program her students have surpassed the state results in reading and math. Additionally, Ms. Shea has completed her required coursework for the “Teacher in Residence” program a year ahead of schedule. Ms. Shea prides herself on creating a positive and open classroom for her students to learn in.