> English & Social Studies Department
Mr Ryan Hetzer
Bio
His alma mater, Whitfield School, hired him to teach Social Studies to grades 7 and 8. He spent eight years at Whitfield School as a teacher while also coaching the Varsity baseball team as head coach, the Varsity basketball team as assistant coach, and the Varsity soccer team as goalkeeping coach. During these years, Ryan also served as President of an American Legion baseball program that played during the summer months.
Open to new opportunities, Ryan moved to Morocco where he joined The American School of Marrakesh. In his first year, he was asked to join the school’s administrative team and went on to serve ten years as Upper School Principal. During his tenure, he also coached varsity basketball, served as the school’s AP Coordinator, contributed as a Team Leader on the Accreditation Committee, supported the transition to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma program, and advised students as a college counselor.
Mr. Hetzer joined Austin Peace Academy in the 2021 academic year, bringing with him more than two decades of teaching and administrative experience. He is passionate about fostering academic excellence and building strong school communities.
At APA, Mr. Hetzer teaches 7th Grade Social Studies while also serving in school leadership, where he is committed to fostering academic excellence, supporting student growth, and building a strong, mission-driven school community
Ms. Amna Rahman
Bio
Mrs. Amna Rahman earned her Law degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science before completing her Masters in Eighteenth Century English Language and Rhetoric from Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London. Mrs. Amna has taught Language Arts for middle and high school students for over eleven years and been responsible for developing APA’s highly successful AP English Language and Literature programs. She has read for the College Board and has completed numerous training sessions on curriculum design and implementation. In her more recent capacities, she is involved in the optimization and vertical alignment of APA’s Language Arts curriculum. Her ambition is for APA’s Department of English to provide mission and objectives driven curricula in a customized manner to students in order that they be able to tackle any communications task, academic or otherwise, with confidence, clarity and concision.
Ms Laura Khalil
Bio
Ms. Laura Khalil is a returning member of the Austin Peace Academy faculty, bringing with her a wealth of experience in education, youth leadership, and character development. A Yale University graduate with a degree in Anthropology, Ms. Khalil previously taught at APA from 2010 to 2012, where she led courses in World History, Texas History, U.S. History, and English, including AP Literature and Theatre Arts. During that time, she also sponsored the Student Council and coached student teams in speech, poetry, and performance competitions.
After several years away, during which she taught in public charter schools and served as a Cooperative Experience Director at ICC Austin, Ms. Khalil returns not only as a seasoned educator, but also as someone whose personal journey has come full circle. Inspired in part by her experience at APA, Ms. Khalil embraced Islam, a milestone she credits to the values and guidance she encountered within the school community. She now seeks to align her professional life more closely with her faith and is deeply committed to serving the next generation of Muslim students.
Ms. Khalil’s educational philosophy centers on three principles: learning should be challenging and joyful, character education is inseparable from academic success, and every student deserves opportunities for self-expression and self-discovery. Known for infusing her lessons with humor, empathy, and depth, she brings both heart and intellect to the classroom.
APA is honored to welcome Ms. Khalil back, not just as a teacher, but as a full member of the community whose story reflects the very mission of the school.
Mr. Ahmed Mouer
Bio
Mr.Ahmed Mouer graduated from George Mason University with a BA in Psychology in 2013 and an MS in Educational Psychology in 2019. He is a dedicated educator with a passion for teaching and a diverse professional background. A proud product of an Islamic school, Ahmed has since channeled his formative experiences into a rewarding teaching career. He has taught English, U.S. History, and U.S. Government to middle and high school students at two prominent Islamic schools in Virginia.
Ahmed joined APA in 2024, bringing with him a unique blend of research acumen and practical teaching skills. His contributions to publications at the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine highlight his ability to guide students in conducting thorough academic research and producing high-quality research papers.
His journey into education was preceded by extensive work as a mental health professional, where he gained invaluable experience in both Cairo and Virginia. His expertise also extends to program evaluation for educational institutions, enriching his approach to teaching and curriculum development.
Fluent in both English and Arabic, Ahmed is committed to fostering a high standard of learning through innovative teaching methods and a deep understanding of educational psychology. His international work experience and dedication to community development further enhance his ability to connect with and inspire students from diverse backgrounds.
Ms Sonia Chinn
Bio
Ms. Sonia Chinn works full time at the University of Texas at Austin as a Senior History Course Coordinator, where she is responsible for the teaching, training, and professional development of History teachers. Prior to joining UT in March 2022, Sonia was the Social Sciences Department Head at the Village School in Houston, where she taught History, Philosophy, Anthropology, and Speech & Debate in addition to supervising teaching staff. She has a Master’s degree in Russian Studies from Harvard University and a second Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of North Texas.
During the summer of 2021, Sonia worked at Oxford University as a Program Administrator for an advanced high school program that allowed students to take college courses with Oxford professors. She speaks fluent Russian and is an award-winning Speech & Debate coach. Originally from New York, Sonia brings a wealth of experience and passion for education to her students.
Ms. Chinn joined APA in 2023 and currently serves as the Head of Academics for the Upper School. She also teaches AP Comparative Government and Politics, where she inspires students to engage critically with global issues and develop strong analytical skills.
Ms Iris Velarde
Bio
Ms. Iris M. Velarde is a dedicated and accomplished educator with over 17 years of experience advancing academic excellence and student growth across diverse cultural and educational settings. Raised in Seattle, Washington, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish with a minor in International Studies from the University of Washington. She also holds a Master of Science in Education with a Bilingual Extension and Special Education focus from The City College of New York.
Iris began her educational career as a Preschool Teacher at Salam Academy in Sacramento, California, where she fostered foundational learning and social-emotional development through research-based instruction and structured play. In 2011, she was selected for the prestigious New York City Teaching Fellows program, which launched her into public education at Andries Hudde Junior High School. She later taught Special Education at Sheepshead Bay High School in Brooklyn, working with both general education and life skills students in grades 9–12, while also leading student council and yearbook initiatives.
From 2018 to 2020, Iris broadened her impact internationally as a First Grade Teacher in the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) at Advanced Learning Schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Returning to the United States, she joined Austin Achieve Elementary School in Texas, where she served in multiple leadership roles—including Grade Level Chair, Mentor Teacher, and Principal in Residence.
Ms. Velarde joined APA in 2023 as the Head of Academics for the Lower School. In addition to overseeing curriculum development, instructional planning, and teacher coaching, she teaches 6th Grade Social Studies and 7th Grade English. She is deeply committed to educational equity, instructional excellence, and nurturing a love of lifelong learning in both students and educators.
Mr. Alex Pritchard
Bio
Mr. Alex Pritchard comes to APA from Westwood High School in Austin where he was the Director of Forensics since 2002. He graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Economics, and later attended the University of Nebraska for graduate work in Communication Studies. He obtained a Masters degree in Communication Studies from Baylor University in Waco, TX. He has worked for the past 37 years at several public and private schools as Director of Forensics. His students have been admitted to many of the most prestigious universities in the country. He has numerous teaching and coaching awards to his credit, including Speech Teacher of the Year by the Nebraska Speech Teachers Association, Debate Coach of the Year by Nebraska Coaches Association, and Baccalaureate Speaker and Teacher of the Year awards at the Creighton Preparatory School. He has been inducted into Coach Society Hall of Fame at Emory University, and the University of Kentucky. His professional associations include Kappa Delta Pi, National Forensic League Double Diamond Coach, and the National Debate Coaches Association. He has given presentations at several conventions and universities nationwide. Speech and debate teams coached by Alex have won at every major tournament in the country including Harvard Round Robin, Stanford Round Robin, and the University of Texas Round Robin. He has authored several publications in industry publications and journals. He has been ranked among the Top 10 Debate Coaches of the Century.
> Science Department
Ms. Nahed Abou Galala
Bio
Ms. Nahed Abou Galala has been working with APA since 2007 as a Science and Computer Science teacher. She obtained her Bachelor's of Science degree in Computer Science from Mu’tah University in Jordan and also holds a diploma in High Educational Skills. She taught Computer Science at a community college in Jordan before coming to the states. Here, she is certified to teach computer science for grades 8-12. At APA, Ms. Nahed teaches Honor Physics, Forensic Science, Pre- AP AP Chemistry, Middle School Science, and Computer Science like AP Computer Science Principles, Graphic Design and Animations, Computer Science Discoveries for Middle Schoolers. She is also qualified to teach AP classes like AP Physics and AP Computer Science. In addition to teaching science and computer classes in middle and upper school, Ms. Nahed has had a successful track at local, regional, state, and international science fair competitions as a coach. Under her advice, her students have reached the International Science Fair with their projects for the past decade. She has also been a judge at the Austin Regional Science Fair, along with the Broadcom Science Fair. At APA, she has also served as the NHS sponsor and is the school’s main IT support for both software and hardware areas. For the past decade, Ms. Nahed has also served as the grant specialist with AISD, gaining critical funding for APA in the process. Her achievements and dedication to APA have been recognized as Ms. Nahed was awarded the “Principal’s Award” for meeting and exceeding all standards in 2010 – 2011.
Ms. Safa Hossain
Bio
Ms Safa Hossain joins Austin Peace Academy as a Middle and High School Science and STEM teacher, bringing with her a rigorous academic background and a deep passion for student-centered learning. She earned her Master of Science in Biological Sciences from the University of Texas at El Paso, where she also served as a teaching assistant, tutor, and research assistant in neuroscience and behavioral decision-making. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from BRAC University in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Prior to joining APA, Ms. Hossain taught a range of subjects including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Technology at the high school and community college levels. She has also worked as a tutor for elementary through high school students, and served as a science educator at Sylvan Learning Center. Her teaching is informed by her research in neuroscience, histology, calcium imaging, and cancer biology, bringing real-world scientific application into her classroom.
Ms. Hossain’s approach emphasizes critical thinking, hands-on experimentation, and interdisciplinary connections across science and technology. Fluent in multiple languages and experienced in international and U.S. educational settings, she brings a global perspective and a steady commitment to student growth. APA is excited to welcome her to the science team as she inspires the next generation of problem solvers, innovators, and thinkers.
Mr Emilio Conde
Bio
Mr Emilio Conde holds a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from St. Edward’s University and a Full Stack Web Development Certificate from the University of Texas at Austin. A dynamic and interdisciplinary educator, Mr. Conde brings a unique blend of scientific training, coding expertise, and behavioral psychology into his classroom. He currently teaches both Science and Computer Science at Austin Peace Academy, where he previously introduced himself to the community as a part-time coding instructor during the previous spring semester.
Mr. Conde’s instructional experience spans coding fundamentals, full stack web development, and visual scripting in Unreal Engine, with students ranging from elementary through high school. His portfolio of student-led projects includes AI-powered virtual zoos, interactive games, and API-based data apps. In addition to his work at APA, he has served as a curriculum developer and lead instructor at nonPareil and Wize Kids, empowering neurodiverse students and young coders alike.
Fluent in Spanish and skilled in engaging diverse learners, Mr. Conde is committed to helping students think computationally, creatively, and ethically in an increasingly digital world. His teaching philosophy emphasizes problem-solving, critical thinking, and the responsible use of technology. Outside the classroom, he volunteers with Latinitas to teach coding to Spanish-speaking youth and enjoys developing new game and app prototypes in his spare time.
> Math Department
Ms. Sarah Sayegh
Bio
Ms. Sarah Sayegh has been a part of the APA family since 2013, bringing her passion for numbers and problem solving to the classroom. She has taught math classes for grades 6 through 12. She currently serves as the Math Department Chair and teaches Middle/High School math.
Ms. Sarah graduated from the McCombs School of Business with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and furthered her education with a master’s degree in mathematics curriculum and instruction from The University of Texas. She is driven by the pleasure of witnessing the “Aha” moments in the learning journeys of her students.
Ms. Sarah loves spending time with her family and two daughters outside of school.
Ms. Maisaa Hawana
Bio
Ms. Maisaa Hawana graduated with a B. Sc. degree in Computer Engineering from Iowa State University and a diploma in Communications Engineering from Public Authority of Applied Education and Training, Kuwait. She also received her Masters of Education in Education with Principalship from Concordia University in 2017. Prior to joining APA, she worked for the State of Texas as a TAKS exam scorer and as a teacher’s aide at a childcare center. Her qualifications include certified Math Middle/High School teacher, childhood development training and several computer certifications. In addition to teaching mathematics in school, she is in charge of the finances, the day to day operations and works closely with the IT department in software and hardware maintenance issues. Ms. Maisaa has attended many workshops including Thinking Maps, training in using “Mimio Interactive projectors” in the classrooms and the summer UT Summer Institute for teaching Pre-AP Mathematics for Middle school and Upper school. She was teacher of the year for academic 2012-2013. Currently she is the Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) for Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) for International Students and is the official Notary for APA. Ms. Hawana also teaches Upper School Geometry.
Ms. Cara Bearden
Bio
Ms. Cara Bearden completed her degree in Mathematics from Alverno College in 2005. She received her Secondary Math Certification in 2007 for Texas. She taught math for seven years at Crockett High School, where she also served as the AP math teacher lead. In 2012, she joined the National Math and Science Initiative as a presenter and mentor. Ms. Bearden offers exam preparation sessions for students in AP statistics and general AP math exam preparation. At NMSI, she also mentors teachers, providing them with resources and offering support.
Ms. Penny Smeltzer
Bio
Ms. Penny Smeltzer earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and History, with an additional certification in English, from Western Michigan University. Ms. Penny boasts an incredibly diverse and well-rounded background in teaching Mathematics. Her passion is Advanced Placement Statistics. In addition to teaching at Austin Peace Academy, she continues to serve as a consultant for the College board, as an AP grader and rubric writer, and member of the AP Statistics Test Development Committee. Penny also works as a statistics content specialist for the National Mathematics and Science Initiative. Her dedication to professional development has helped teachers and students from coast to coast as well as in Singapore and Hong Kong. Penny’s recognition includes 2015 Presidential Award Finalist, 2011 O’Donnell AP Teacher of the Year, 2010 Intel Teacher of Merit, 2009 Texas Exes Outstanding Teacher, the 2008 national winner of the Siemen’s Teacher Award, 2007 District Teacher of the Year, and 2006 Toyota International Teacher Award. This is a result of her connecting material to the students and engaging with them on a deeper level. Ms. Penny joined the APA community from Westwood High school as a Mathematics teacher as well as a peer advisor and mentor for the APA Teaching Staff for Math and Science.
> Co-Curricular Department
Ms. Shabana Tabassum
Bio
Ms. Shabana Tabassum has a Bachelor of Science degree from Bangalore University, India and has completed a Diploma in Software Applications. Her prior experience includes teaching at lower elementary school at International School in Saudi Arabia as well as computer system administration. Ms. Shabana serves as a Computer Support Specialist providing routine maintenance of APA's networks and servers along with technical assistance and support. Ms. Shabana joined APA in 2008.