> English & Social Studies Department
Ms. Katherine Daniel


Bio
Ms. Katherine Daniel graduated from Texas Christian University with a BA in English in 2005, and later received her English Language Arts/Reading certification from the University of Texas at Arlington. She worked with elementary aged students for three years concentrating on reading proficiency. Ms. Katherine then moved abroad and spent six years teaching English at international schools in Thailand and China. She developed curriculum for high school English which includes AP Language & AP Composition. A published poet and an aspiring novelist, Ms. Katherine is excited to equip her students to become lifelong learners, readers, and critical thinkers. She teaches Language Arts to middle and upper school students. Ms. Katherine joined APA in 2021.
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 nine years and has been responsible for developing APA’s highly successful AP English program. Ms. Amna returns this year to teach
AP English as well as AP Capstone. Her ambition is for her students to be able to tackle any communications task, academic or otherwise, with confidence and clarity.
Mr. David Ellis


Bio
David Ellis is a dedicated educator and advocate for social integration and interfaith dialogue. David's educational journey began at DePaul University in Chicago, where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies and Philosophy from 2007 to 2011. During his time at DePaul, he conducted extensive research on the political and religious works of Immanuel Kant and explored the democratic roots within Islam. In 2016, David further expanded his knowledge by pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Ecumenical Studies with a focus on Religion and Society at the University of Bonn.
Since 2017, David has served as an AP World History Teacher and Humanities Chair at IDEA-Carver College Prep. In this role, he has successfully prepared students for the rigorous AP exams, earning the prestigious Master Teacher status for four consecutive years. Additionally, David took on the role of Central-Texas Course Leader for AP World History from 2020 to 2022. He coached and mentored new AP World History teachers, designed comprehensive lesson materials, and conducted data analyses to drive student success.
Beyond his classroom duties, David has actively engaged in community outreach programs. From 2016 to 2017, he served as an English Teacher and Coordinator at Ecumenical Refugee Help in Hardtberg, Germany. From 2012 to 2016, he served as a Debate Teacher and Coach in the Chicago Public Schools system, where he taught public speaking, research, argumentation, and persuasive writing to students from grades 6 to 12.
In addition to his teaching roles, David has actively participated in civic and volunteer activities. He served as a Teacher Leader at IDEA-Carver College Prep, taking on responsibilities as the National Honor Society Adviser, Grade Team Leader, and Humanities Content Leader. David organized a Field Lesson to Houston, Texas, where students had the opportunity to visit prestigious universities and NASA. He also chaired the Lourene Pilgrim Memorial Scholarship Foundation, leading fundraising efforts to honor his late grandmother's legacy.
David's dedication to interfaith dialogue and understanding is evident through his involvement as an Interfaith Scholar at DePaul University from 2009 to 2011. He organized activities that fostered dialogue among different faith groups in the Chicago area, engaging with organizations representing Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Catholicism, and Islam. As the Founder and President of the DePaul Debate Society, he established the first competitive debate team and academic speech program at DePaul University, raising funds to support its activities.
In addition to English, David has an intermediate level of proficiency in German, Vietnamese, and Latin. He is also proficient in a wide range of technical skills, including the use of communication. David joins Austin Peace Academy as a teacher for AP World History, Pre-AP 9th Grade English and Pre-AP 7th Grade English as well as a Debate coach.
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.
Mr. Eric Lanning


Bio
Mr. Eric Lanning received his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from the University of Houston in Houston, Texas. He also completed International Relations and Muslim Studies from Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. Mr. Eric has years of successful experience in policy debate at each and every level of competition as well as international experience as both a classroom instructor and academic director, along with administrative experience with speech and debate programs, tournaments, and institutions of higher learning in the state of Texas. He was the Assistant Policy Debate Coach of multiple national champions at the Westminster School of Atlanta, Georgia and the Stratford Academy of Macon, Georgia as well as a summer instructor at the Gonzaga Debate Institute in Spokane, Washington and the Stanford National Institute in Forensics in California. Furthermore, he was the Academic Director for speech and debate at the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) of China, Administrative Program Coordinator for the University of Texas National Institute in Forensics and Remote Coach at Trinity Prep School.
Mr. Eric is a national debate champion as both a competitor and coach. He has won the National Debate Tournament (NDT) as an undergraduate at Michigan State University and has also coached the NDT semifinalists. He was a semifinalist at the Tournament of Champions (TOC), coaching back-to-back TOC champions, and coaching the winner of National Debate Coaches Association’s Baker Award for season long excellence. He teaches middle and upper school Social Studies. Mr. Eric joined APA in 2021.
Ms. Alejandra Sanchez


Bio
Watch out this space for Ms. Alejandra's biography, which will be updated soon.
Ms. Jennifer Hollars


Bio
Ms. Jennifer Hollars comes to APA from the International School of Choueifat in Abu Dhabi, where she led courses in AP English language and literature and British curriculum ELA. She graduated from Wayland Baptist University with a B.A. in English in 2018, and later received her M.A. in English Literature with a specialization in 18th Century Studies from Durham University in the United Kingdom. In addition to her time as a secondary English teacher, Ms. Hollars has years of experience working with young people in a range of capacities: as a certified reading interventionist for elementary aged students, a university writing tutor, and a high school tennis coach. An avid reader and published poet, she looks forward to sharing her love of literature and writing with her students. She teaches Language Arts to middle and upper school students.
Ms. Tracy Dickson


Bio
Ms. Tracy Dickson, a veteran English teacher, joins APA with more than 15 years of experience teaching students from middle school to college level high school English classes. She holds certifications in New York, Vermont and Texas and has a BA in English from SUNY Oneonta and an MA in Public Policy from SUNY Empire State College. Ms. Dickson is a five time recipient of the Dutchess County Excellence in Education award for developing programs to create student-centered curricula and library child development programs. Ms. Dickson has extensive experience in developing curricula, classroom management plans and project based learning projects. Prior to obtaining her teaching certification, she worked as a professional journalist and fundraiser. She enjoys reading novels with her students and making connections between in-class assignments and “real world” reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. Ms. Tracy will teach Middle School English.
> 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. Joy Killough


Bio
Ms. Joy Killough, a leader in science education in the classroom, in professional development and in the science community. She received her B.A. in Biological Sciences and M.S. in Biology from University of Houston-Clear Lake as well as a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas A&M University. She focuses on improving teaching and learning in STEM fields through a student-centered active learning approach.
Ms. Killough has conducted workshops since 2000 across the United States and Internationally in AP and Pre-AP Biology, Vertical Teaming, K-12 science, and math-science integration. She is also an independent as well as a College Board Endorsed Consultant. Ms. Killough has received numerous accolades over her 15+ years of research and teaching career. She teaches AP Biology to Upper School students.
Mr. Kiel Kietlinski


Bio
Mr. Kiel Kietlinski was born and raised in Austin, Texas. He attended Stephen F. Austin University and Southern Illinois University obtaining two Bachelor’s Degrees in Biology and Science Education, and a Master’s Degree in Plant Biology. While working on his Master’s Degree, Mr. Kietlinski spent time in Utah working in a genetics lab studying grain and weedy amaranths from North and South America. He additionally spent time working in the Academic Assistance & Resource Center (AARC) at Stephen F. Austin State University tutoring students in biology, geology, and chemistry. In college, Mr. Kietlinski was passionate about working with electron microscopes and eventually ended up working in an Electron Microscopy lab at Southern Illinois University. He has over 10 years of combined experience working as a Lab Instructor (Teaching Assistant) and as a Secondary Science Teacher at various public institutions.
Mr. Kietlinski actively sponsors students in the Austin Regional Science Fair. Under his direction students have won numerous awards and have even competed in the state science fair in San Antonio. He is an adjunct faculty member in the Biotechnology department at Austin Community College. In his classroom, Mr. Kietlinski loves interacting with students and bringing science to life in his classroom. In his free time, he enjoys caving, hiking, and light microscopy. Mr. Kietlinski will teach Science to Middle and Upper School students.
> Math Department
Ms. Sarah Sayegh


Bio
Mrs. Sarah Sayegh holds a Bachelors of Business Administration in Accounting from The University of Texas at Austin and is certified to teach both Middle School Mathematics and Elementary Generalist. She returns to APA this year to serve as a Middle/Upper School Mathematics teacher. Mrs. Sayegh has previously taught in British International Schools in expat communities in Central Africa. She has attended various workshops geared towards integrating technology into the classroom. Mrs. Sayegh aspires to instill her passion for Mathematics in her students as they discover the applications in their daily lives. She strives to make her classroom a fun and engaging learning environment.
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.
Ms. Andra Carter


Bio
Ms.Andra Carter graduaed from Washington Adventist University – Columbia Union College in Takoma Park, Maryland with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology. She also received her Master of Science degree in Sports Health Science with a concentration in Sport Coaching and Athletic Injury Management from Life University in Marietta, Georgia. Ms. Andra has been teaching K-12 Physical Education since 2004. She has worked at numerous private and charter schools. Ms. Andra is also an accomplished athlete
being a former NCAA basketball player and a former professional women’s football player. Ms. Andra serves as APA’s PE and Girls Basketball coach. She joined APA in 2021.