Saginaw Arts & Sciences Academy

Staff Profiles

At the Saginaw Arts & Sciences Academy, we believe the quality of the faculty plays a vital role in providing quality education.

Administration

Gerald D. Dawkins, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

Thomas N. Barris, Ph.D.
Asst. Superintendent of Human Relations, Collective Bargaining and Secondary Education

Janet H. Nash
Principal
Janet Nash was appointed in July of 2003 as Principal of the Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy. In her most recent prior positions, she was the Vice Principal of Saginaw's Arthur Hill High School and the Assistant Principal of Webber Middle School.

Mrs. Nash has accumulated a wide variety of experience in her work with the Saginaw Public Schools since 1978. A 1977 graduate of the University of Michigan, Mrs. Nash received her MA in Educational Administration from Central Michigan University in 1983.

Mrs. Nash is also the proud parent two SASA graduates: Philip was a 2002 graduate of SASA, now a graduate of U of M (Dec. 2005) in Computer Science Engineering; her daughter, Gretchen, graduated in 2004 from SASA in the Visual Arts program and is currently studying Graphic Design at the California Institute for the Arts in Valencia, CA.

Melleretha Moses-Johnson
Assistant Principal
Melleretha Moses-Johnson is the Assistant Principal at SASA. Mrs. Johnson served many years as the District's Subject Area Coordinator for Mathematics and Mathematics Staff Development before coming to SASA as an Administrator. She has received her degrees from Southern University in Baton Rouge in Mathematics Education and her Master of Science degree in Secondary Mathematics Education. She has completed hours toward her doctorate at Michigan State University. Mrs. Johnson was also a teacher of Mathematics at Arthur Hill High School, Central Middle School, Delta College and Michigan State University prior to her work for the District as a Subject Area Coordinator. Mrs. Johnson also serves as SASA's Middle School and High School Athletic Director, MEAP Coordinator, and heads up the school's Pupil Service and Attendance Teams.

Gloria Wendling
Secretary
Gloria Wendling is a Secretary in the main office at SASA. She is a rock upon which the daily operations at SASA rest. She is responsible for school purchasing, payroll, recruitment and enrollment, substitutes and general office equipment and operations. She provides an ongoing link between faculty and parents and is an invaluable asset to the program and our administrative team.

Paula Dasuqi
Secretary
Paula Dasuqi is a Secretary in the main office at SASA. Hers is the first smiling face one will see upon entering the office each day. She is responsible for student records, immunizations, attendance and general office public relations. She is a daily comfort to students under the weather, staff in need of her expertise, and is an invaluable member of the SASA administrative team.

Leisha Gorski
Living Arts Program Coordinator
Leisha Gorski is the Living Arts Program Coordinator for SASA. As Living Arts Coordinator, Ms. Gorski combs the news and area agency networks for artists and speakers who can bring the Arts and Sciences and related careers alive for students at SASA.

Ms. Gorski is also the facilitator for the SASA On-Line Learning Center (fondly known as "Space Camp") which offers countless courses on-line through the Michigan Virtual High School and other national university programs.

Ms. Gorski's son Jacob is a high school Voice-Keyboard student at SASA. Her two daughters, Abbey and Molly, previously attended for the Language Arts Concentration. Molly was a SASA graduate in 2006.

Kevin Culpepper
Campus Security
Mr. Kevin Culpepper is the Campus Security Officer for the Ruben Daniels Lifelong Learning Center facility, and SASA. Mr. Culpepper came to SASA from his previous post at Webber Middle School in 2005. He is a United States Gold Medal champion bodybuilder in the 2005 Natural Olympia, a drug-free international competition involving entries from 37 countries. His has many other titles and awards to his credit, and sends a strong message to students that a healthy body and physique is a critical asset

Cindy Tennant
REAP Coordinator, Security Assistant
Mrs. Tennant joined the SASA staff in the fall of 2000, after having her own licensed day care from 1993 – 2000. Her postion at SASA is part time Security Assistant and part time REAP Coordinator. Mrs. Tennant coordinates all Community Education sports programs and extra-curricular activities offered at SASA through the REAP (Recreation, Enrichment and Athletics) Program. Mrs. Tennant is the Cheerleading Coach for middle school and high school and coordinates the SASA Wear line of clothing for our school. Mrs. Tennant keeps the player and games statistics for our middle school and high school boys and girls basketball and volleyball teams, and announces our games as well as working alongside her husband, Brian Tennant, who coaches the Varsity boys and girls basketball teams at SASA. Her daughter Shannon, a 2005 AHHS & SASA graduate, attendended SASA as a 7th year Voice/Keyboard student, and is now in her Junior year at Olivet College, where she plays varsity basketball. Her son Ryan is a 2007 graduate of AHHS.

Middle School

Dance

Susan Harrigan
Instructor
Susan Harrigan was granted a Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University, a Bachelor of Science degree from Central Michigan University and Master of Arts from the University of Michigan. Before coming to the former CAS/SASA, Ms. Harrigan taught at the University of Michigan, Delta College, Saginaw Valley State University, the Midland Center for the Arts, Midland Community Center, the Saginaw YMCA and Meridian High School.

Ms. Harrigan was a dancer with The University Dancers (Ann Arbor) and Ann Arbor Dance Theatre.

She has performed in musical theatre productions too numerous to mention, primarily at the Midland Center for the Arts. She has served as chairperson for The Music Society Board of Directors of the Midland Center for the Arts, and is currently chairperson for the Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs Regional Grants committee. Ms. Harrigan has also served as Vice-president of the Michigan Dance Council and is currently on their Board of Directors.

Ms. Harrigan was named Michigan Dance Teacher of the Year 2003. In 2006 she was recognized with a Saginaw All-Area Arts Award. Ms. Harrigan is a frequent presenter of Dance at the Michigan Youth Arts Festival and her SASA students have performed at the festival as finalists for over 16 years. Her students perform throughout the Saginaw Valley as well as the State-wide area.

Ms. Harrigan has been a teacher/presenter in Lansing, Detroit, Grand Rapids and Traverse City at the State High School Dance Day, as well as at the Michigan Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance State conventions.

Language Arts/Global Studies

Brian Feldman
Instructor
Brian Feldman is SASA's eighth grade Concentration teacher for Global Studies and US History. He also teaches sixth graders in Social Studies and/or English and in an exploratory class called "Rounds" that encompasses Technology Education, Physical Fitness and Critical Thinking/Problem Solving Skills.

Mr. Feldman has received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Saginaw Valley State University in Social Studies and Language Arts. He is certified for all subjects K-5 and has also earned his Master's Degree from SVSU in Educational Leadership.

Mr. Feldman helps SASA eighth grade students to annually raise over $50,000 to fund a week-long spring excursion to Washington, D.C. and Gettysburg as a Living History experience. He is the school's Lead Teacher for Technology, and an avid athlete in area recreation leagues. In 2008, he and other SASA staff will lead the third group of SASA students and staff to Japan.

In 2006 Mr. Feldman was a Saginaw News "Crystal Apple Award" winner and was the VFW District Teacher of the Year in 2005.

Joan Klenk
Instructor
Joan Klenk is the Instructor of Global Studies for the sixth grade Language Arts/Global Studies Concentration students. She also teaches Global Studies to Grade 6 full day students in other concentrations, and sixth grade Rounds exploratory experience courses. Mrs. Klenk is certified for K-8 all subjects with a Bachelor of Science in Education, and has her Masters of Education Degree in Humanities from Central Michigan University. She is also certified to teach Physical Education in grades K-12 and Recreation in the elementary setting. She previously taught Social Studies at the Handley Program for the Creative and Academically Talented in Saginaw.

Lisa Millar
Instructor
Lisa Millar is the Global Studies instructor for the grade 7 Language Arts/Global Studies Cponcentration program. She also teaches Global Studies in grades 6 & 7 and Grade 6 Rounds to students in other concentrations who attend SASA for the full day program. Mrs. Millar received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Michigan State University and has her Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from MSU. Her background also includes a major in Child Development and Grade 9 Social Sciences. She is curently the Middle School Student Council Advisor.

Michal A. Smith
Instructor
Mrs. Michal Ann Smith is SASA's 6th grade Language Arts instructor for most 6th graders attending SASA. She is also the 6th Grade Language Arts/Global Studies Concentration teacher.

A Saginaw native, Mrs. Smith is a graduate of St. Joseph High School. She attended Western Michigan University where she received her B.A. in Education. Mrs. Smith has also obtained her Master's Degree in Education from Saginaw Valley State University. She has worked for the Saginaw Public Schools for the past 30 years in classrooms at Longfellow, Jerome, Herig, Handley, and now SASA.

Mrs. Smith is also a member of the adjunct faculty at SVSU and Ferris State University on the Grand Rapids Campus. She is a Certified Aerobics Instructor -- a way to use up lots of extra energy her SASA Language Arts 6th graders can't exhaust during the day!

Mrs. Smith is married Roscoe Smith Jr., a teacher at Arthur Hill High School. They have a daughter, Ashleigh, who graduated from the SASA Dance program in 2004 and now attends Western Michigan University. Mrs. Smith is a member of many organizations including: the Asso. for Schools and Curriculum Development and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Her leisure time activities include lots of Reading and Travel.

Rachel Reid
Instructor
Rachel Reid is an English/Language Arts Instructor for the Grade 7 & 8 Language Arts Concentrations and for Language Arts for full day students in grades 7 at SASA. Mrs. Reid received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and with a minor in Business Education from Central Michigan University. Prior to coming to SASA, she taught Accelerated Reading, Math, ACT/SAT Preparation and Reading Comprehension Improvement and was a Curriculum Program Manager at the Sylvan Learning Center in Saginaw. She also taught English courses at Saginaw's North Middle School.

Tina (Martina) Leslie
Instructor
Martina Leslie is a teacher of 8th grade English, and 7th grade Algebra Concentration sections at SASA. As someone who chose teaching as a second career in life, Mrs. Leslie has accrued many experiences utilizing her talents, including her prior work as a commercial artist and writer for a Fortune 500 company in the Tri-City area. She also has owned and operated a freelance agency in the Saginaw Valley.

Mrs. Leslie's experience with publishing has aided in publishing her own students’ work through national publishing houses.

Mrs. Leslie has also received her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Saginaw Valley State University, where she worked at many of the Science and Math Camps that were offered during the summer and winter. Her positions at these Science and Math Camps was as a lead team presenter, in charge of organizing the week-long camp’s agenda for students.

At SASA, Mrs. Leslie publishes ‘Dragon Lore’, a paperback book of SASA middle school students’ writing, that is available anywhere in the world on the internet as a paperback and also in e-book format.

Math/Science

Carla Piazza
Instructor
Carla Piazza is an Instructor of Science, Grades 6-7 at SASA, for both Concentration and full day students. Ms. Piazza has her Bachelor of Science degree from Western Michigan University, and her Master of Arts degree from Central Michigan University. She has completed additional coursework post-graduate at Purdue University, Indiana University, Indiana Wesleyan University, and other colleges. Her majors are in the areas of General Science, Home Economics/Life Skills and Vocational Education. She has received the ITT Excellence in Education Award in 1998, and the Caffray Excellence in Education Award in 2000. She worked with Project EPIcenter at Purdue University in 1997, the W. Texas Environmental Project at West Texas A&M in 1999, the NASA Project NEW in 2000, the FDA/NSTA Science and Food Safety Project and the Temperate Forest Foundation Teacher Project in 2002.

Daniel Sealey
Instructor
Daniel Sealey is an instructor in the Math/Science Department for both Middle School and High School programs in Math and Science at SASA. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering from Clarkston University in Potsdam, New York. His Master of Arts degree is from Saginaw Valley State University in Chemical Education. Mr. Sealey has also completed additional graduate coursework in Biology at Central Michigan University and Biophysics in the PhD program at the University of Michigan. He co-managed two student research groups that did environmental modeling projects under the "Earth Vision" Project. His Science students have been represented year after year as award winners at the Saginaw County, State and International Science and Engineering Fairs.

Jean Marie Learman
Instructor
Jean Marie Learman graduated from Michigan Technological University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. She then spent many years working as an engineer for IBM, Spicer Engineering and Ameritech, before returning to Saginaw Valley State University to obtain her teaching credentials in the early 1990's. She also possesses a Master's Degree in Education from SVSU. Prior to teaching at SASA, Ms. Learman was a Science 9/10 and Physics instructor at Saginaw High School.

Outside of school, Ms. Learman is a locally celebrated and talented musician and composer of music. She plays guitar and flute, and is learning to play the piano and concertina. Ms. Learman has performed in many community theater productions - including "Quilters" for the Midland Music Society. She performs in a Celtic band known as EQUINOX, and is a folksinger for many events. In 2003, she and her band helped to re-open the Temple Theatre in Saginaw with their performance in "Saginaw On Stage".

Jerusha Joiner
Mathematics Instructor
Mrs. Joiner is new to the SASA staff in 2006-7 after teaching Mathematics at Webber Middle School for the past 9 years. Mrs. Joiner is trained as a Lead Math teacher for the middle school in the District and will continue in that role at SASA. She also served as Webber's School Quality Chairwoman and plans to be involved in SASA's School Quality efforts.

Mrs. Joiner attended North Branch High School and graduated as Salutatorian of her class. She moved to Saginaw and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Saginaw Valley State University as well as a Master's Degree in Administration. While at Webber she worked tierelessly for the benefit of her students and was nominated by her colleages for the Spirit Award. Her enthusiasm is sure to continue at SASA with one of her first initiatives being to start a math club for 6th grade math students. She will pair up with Mrs. Piazza to teach the 6th grade Math/Science Concentration program, as well as p.m. middle school Math 6 and Pre-Algebra classes.

Mrs. Joiner is a wife and mother of three children. Her oldest daughter attends SASA and is in the 8th grade this fall. Her son and youngest daughter attend Handley. She is an avid athlete and coach. She serves as a volunteer at church and coaches for the YMCA as well as Saginaw Township. She is also the coach for SASA's middle school girls basketball team.

John Barnes
Instructor
John Barnes is a returning staff member at SASA in the fall of 2007. He is presently teaching high school Physics, middle school Science for grades 7 & 8 both inside and outside of SASA's Concentration blocks, and core Physical Science for grades 9-11.

Graduating from the University of Michigan Aerospace Program in 1989, Mr. Barnes worked in cellular phone development and manufacturing for Motorola Inc. in Chicago. After riding the incredible wave of growth that industry saw in the 90's, he moved on to computer development and manufacturing at Intel corporation in Seattle. Although his engineering career was successful and rewarding in certain ways (a patent in computer design among them), Mr. Barnes found it lacking in intrinsic meaning. He heard his second calling while in an elementary classroom for National Engineering Week.

Mr. Barnes went back to school in 2001 to be an educator, and received an ACE certificate from SVSU in 2002 after a year of student teaching at SASA. He worked at Arthur Hill until 2006, writing several successful grants that culminated in a new computer lab for that building, and coaching Science Quiz Bowl and Cross Country.

Mr. Barnes is currently pursuing his Master's Degree in Instructional Technology at SVSU and is over the moon about coming home to this "august temple of learning" at SASA. We are very pleased he is back with us to stay.

Martina Leslie
Instructor
Martina Leslie is a teacher of the 7th grade Algebra Concentration sections and 8th grade English. As someone who chose teaching as a second career in life, Mrs. Leslie has accrued many experiences utilizing her talents, including her prior work as a commercial artist and writer for a Fortune 500 company in the Tri-City area. She also has owned and operated a freelance agency in the Saginaw Valley.

Mrs. Leslie's experience with publishing has aided in publishing her own students’ work through national publishing houses.

Mrs. Leslie has also received her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Saginaw Valley State University, where she worked at many of the Science and Math Camps that were offered during the summer and winter. Her positions at these Science and Math Camps was as a lead team presenter, in charge of organizing the week-long camp’s agenda for students.

At SASA, Mrs. Leslie publishes ‘Dragon Lore’, a paperback book of SASA middle school students’ writing, that is available anywhere in the world on the internet as a paperback and also in e-book format. As someone who chose teaching as a second career in life, Mrs. Leslie has accrued many experiences utilizing her talents, including her prior work as a commercial artist and writer for a Fortune 500 company in the Tri-City area. She also has owned and operated a freelance agency in the Saginaw Valley.

Mrs. Leslie's experience with publishing has aided in publishing her own students’ work through national publishing houses.

Mrs. Leslie has also received her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Saginaw Valley State University, where she worked at many of the Science and Math Camps that were offered during the summer and winter. Her positions at these Science and Math Camps was as a lead team presenter, in charge of organizing the week-long camp’s agenda for students.

At SASA, Mrs. Leslie publishes ‘Dragon Lore’, a paperback book of SASA middle school students’ writing, that is available anywhere in the world on the internet as a paperback and also in e-book format.

Matthew H. Miller
Instructor
Mr. Miller received his Bachelor of Science degree from Alma College. He was a Graduate Teaching Assistant in General Biology and Zoology at Central Michigan University and a research assistant at the Children's Research Institute in Columbus, Ohio in the field of Molecular Biology. Mr. Miller currently teaches Science in the Math/Science Concentration program at both the middle school and high school level at SASA. His courses are Life Science/Biology, Advanced Placement (AP) Biology, and AP Environmental Science.

Melanie Ristau
Instructor
Ms. Ristau has received her Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University with a General Science major and a Physical Education minor. She has completed additional post-graduate coursework from Saginaw Valley State University. Ms. Ristau teaches Biology, Earth Science, Health, & Physical Education at SASA. She previously taught at North Middle School, Saginaw High and Handley School for the Creative and Academically Talented. Her motto is "Curiosity unlocks the door to the amazing world of Science!"

Michael D. Aide
Instructor
Michael Douglas Aide is an Instructor of Mathematics at SASA. He attended Delta College and Central Michigan University, where he received his Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics and Spanish. He is currently taking coursework from CMU while working toward a Master's Degree in Humanities.

Mr. Aide is the Middle School's MathCounts Competition Team Coach and Faculty Sponsor. His team has finished in the top 10 in the state for the past six years.

In 2005, for his outstanding work and record of student achievement, Michael received the Edith May Sliff Outstanding Middle School Mathematics Instructor Award from the American Mathematics Association.

Visual Arts

Becky Sullivan
Instructor
Becky Sullivan is the SASA 2D Visual Arts teacher and the ICONS Student Art and Literary Magazine Co-Advisor. Mrs. Sullivan has her Bachelor of Science Degree from Western Michigan University in K-12 Art. She also possesses a Master's Degree in Art/Education from Saginaw Valley State University. She has been a Visual Arts 2D instructor at SASA (and its former program - The CAS/Center for the Arts & Sciences) for over 23 years. Mrs. Sullivan consistently has students placing in the top state competitions for Visual Arts, and they are frequently chosen for the MI Youth Arts Festival and the Governor's Traveling Exhibit. She was the 2002 Coca-Cola Co. Distinguished Teacher of the Arts nominee with her student placing in the top 10% through the ARTS Recognition and Talent Search program.

Sally Allan
Instructor
Sally Allan received her Bachelor of Arts in Art Education and her Master of Arts in Curriculum both from Michigan State University. She was Michigan's Art Teacher of the Year in 2002. She has been the Michigan Art Education Association Conference Chair many years, and also the MAEA National Delegate, Vice President and Region 11 Liaison. She has presented at numerous state and regional conferences, and she has won numerous awards for Art Education service, snow sculpture and her work with Saginaw spellers in the local and regional Spelling Bees.

Mrs. Allan's students have achieved many awards in local. state and national competitions such as Scholastic, MAEA and the Governor's Traveling Art Exhibit through MI Youth Arts.

Voice/Keyboard

Michael Brush
Instructor
Michael Brush received his Bachelor of Arts from Saginaw Valley State University and his Master of Arts degree from SVSU. In addition to teaching at SASA, Mr. Brush is a well-known jazz/blues keyboardist and songwriter in the Saginaw area. He has produced many recordings and has written music for a variety of applications from the classroom to the community theatre. While he performs with many local musicians, Mr. Brush also performs with his own musical group "BRUSH STREET" all over the state.

Mr. Brush received the All Area Arts Award from the Saginaw Community Enrichment Commission in 1997. He performed with his jazz group for the re-opening of the Saginaw Temple Theatre in December of 2003. He and his group were invited to play in November 2007 for the annual "GUVVY" (Governor's Arts Awards) sponsored by ARTSERVE MI, and held at the grand re-opening of the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Band

Timothy R. Kasten
Instructor of Band/Instrumental Music
Timothy Kasten is the Band Director & Instructor for all grades 6-12 at SASA. Mr. Kasten obtained his Bachelor of Music Education from Central Michigan University and his Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Central Michigan University. From 1970 – 1971 he was the Junior High Band Director for Tawas Area Schools. From 1972 – 1980 he was the Assistant Director of Bands for Bridgeport Public Schools. From 1981 – 1984 he served as District Sales Manager for Henco Inc. From 1985 – 2000 he was the Director of Bands at Saginaw's Arthur Hill High School. From 1986 - 1995 he served as Music Coordinator for the Saginaw Public School District. From 2001 to the present he has been the Instrumental Music and Band Director at SASA. His students have won countless local, state and national awards, competitions and scholarships for their performances and skills under his direction.

Counselor's Corner

Tina Gutierrez
Counselor
Tina Gutierrez joined the SASA staff when the full day program was first offered in 1999. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics, Bilingual and Elementary Education from Central Michigan University, and later earned her Master of Arts degree in Secondary School Counseling. Mrs. Gutierrez is certified in Bilingual Education for Teaching the Spanish-Speaking Child K-12, All Subjects K-8, Mathematics K-12, and Counseling. She is certified as a Global Career Development Facilitator and is a trainer for this certification. Mrs. Gutierrez has taught at all levels, Pre-K through adult, within her areas of certification. Prior to coming to SASA, Mrs. Gutierrez was employed by the Saginaw Career Complex as a Counselor, Math Resource Teacher, and Bilingual Resource Coordinator/Implementer. She has also taught students in Chiapas, Mexico.

Other Courses/Programs

Kasydra J. Goode-Tibbs
Instructor
Kasydra Goode-Tibbs is the Instructor for High School as well as sections of grade 7-8 Spanish Language classes at SASA. Ms. Goode-Tibbs received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish from Central Michigan University, and her Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership, with an emphasis on Principalship, from Saginaw Valley State University. She is also the Senior Class Advisor at SASA and assists students and the administration with Senior Trip planning, Junior/Senior Prom planning, and Commencement activities.

Robert Espinoza
Instructor
Mr. Espinoza is an instructor for high school as well as sections of grade 7-8 Spanish language classes at SASA. Mr. Espinoza received his Bachelor degree from Eastern Michigan University, majoring in Technology Education with a minor in Spanish.

Mr. Espinoza used his manufacturing experience and his Spanish language skills to build relations with companies and their Spanish-speaking counterparts. His experiences as a guitarron player with a strolling trio and his knowledge of the Hispanic culture will be a welcomed addition to the Spanish department.

Sandra Frasle
Media Specialist
Sandra Frasle was granted a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Central Michigan University with a Social Studies major (7-12) and a Sociology minor. Mrs. Frasle is the SASA Library Media Specialist and has received her master's degree in Library and Information Science from Wayne State University in December of 2004. She serves on the school's technology committee and is an advisor to the distance learning program at SASA.

High School

Dance

Global Studies

Cynthia (Mahar) Schneider
Instructor
Cynthia Schneider is the Global Studies Concentration teacher for grades 11-12, and a Language Arts Instructor for high school full day students. Mrs. Schneider has dual majors in History and English from Michigan State University and a Master's degree in Educational Administration from MSU. Saginaw Valley State University was her teacher Certification program institution. She is the Faculty Advisor and Coach for the Model United Nations team, and is the Student Council Advisor for the High School at SASA.

John Olvera
Instructor
John O. Olvera received his bachelor's and Master's degrees from Loyola University of New Orleans. Mr. Olvera has dual majors in History and Sociology. His Master's degree is in Secondary Teaching. Mr. Olvera is the Instructor of Grades 9-10 Global Studies for the SASA Concentration program in Global Studies, and a teacher of History, Government and Economics for grades 9-12 full-day SASA students. Mr. Olvera previously taught U.S. History and U.S. Geography at Arthur Hill High School. Mr. Olvera is the Advisor for the National Honor Society at SASA. He also coordinates Destination Imagination (DI) participation and is involved with the Optimist Club of Saginaw, the Mayor's Youth Group, the Saginaw County Task Force for Crime Prevention, and Big Brothers of Saginaw.

Language Arts

Joseph Center
Instructor
Joseph Center is the ninth and tenth grade Language Arts Concentration and core course Language Arts/English teacher for grades 9 & 10 at SASA.

Mr. Center is a true "Renaissance Man" with diverse skills and interests in Literature, fine arts and musical arts.

Mr. Center joined the SASA staff in the fall of 2005. Prior to relocating in Saginaw, Mr. Center received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. After dabbling in a variety of the arts, including several classes in the visual arts program and the equivalent of three minors in music, Mr. Center completed his degree in the areas of English and Education. Upon finishing his studies, he accepted a teaching position at the middle school for seventh grade English, where he taught in Utah for four years. Following his first year as a teacher in Utah, he received a Utah endorsement to teach music, specializing in percussion. Musically, he's received recognition as an accomplished steel drum performer/composer and "hand percussionist." He is currently the "Pan Cats" Steel Drum Band director for Handley and SASA students.

Amidst the realms of literature, he's completed three books--two adolescent novels and a children's picture book--and is working on getting one picked up by a willing and, perhaps, daring publisher. He enjoys teaching and is only periodically driven to fits of frantic Italian expressions. Mr. Center was the 2006 recipient of a Saginaw News "Crystal Apple Award" for teaching.

It may be of interest that after his freshman year, he took a two year leave from his university studies to live in Italy. Although he speaks fluent Italian, he finds its use limited.

Rebekah Rogers
Language Arts Instructor
Rebekah Rogers is the Language Arts Concentration instructor for grades 11-12. She also is the instructor for Introduction to Journalism (gr 9-10) and the Yearbook and Newspaper classes' teacher/advisor.

Mrs. Rogers received her Bachelor of Arts in English Education with a minor in Psychology from Saginaw Valley State University. While attending SVSU, she worked as a writing tutor at the university's Writing Center.

Before coming to SASA in the fall of 2006, Mrs. Rogers was a judge for a local Forensics team. Mrs. Rogers is currently pursuing a graduate degree.

Math/Science

Stephen Tack
Instructor
Stephen Tack received his Associate's Degree for Delta College and his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Central Michigan University. His major is Mathematics, and he has a minor in both Physical Science and Physical Education. His Master's degree is in Humanities.

Mr. Tack previously taught Math and Physics at Nouvel Catholic Central High School. Mr. Tack is deeply involved in SASA's award-winning Math and Science competitions and teams. He is a mentor for the FIRST Robotics Team 703 Team Phoenix at the Saginaw Career Complex. He also has a black belt in jujitsu and is active in Boy Scouts and the Order of the Arrow.

He is currently working on a second Master's Degree in Physical Education which will be finished the summer of 2007.