> 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 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.
Mr. James Kohn
Bio
Mr. James Kohn's journey in education began after earning his Bachelor's degree in History from the University of Texas-Pan American. Equipped with a strong academic foundation, he embarked on his teaching career. In his first year of teaching, he taught 7th grade Texas History and gained valuable experience in classroom management and curriculum delivery. Over the course of five years, he taught a range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including AP Human Geography, AP World History, AP US History, and AP Government.
James's ability to foster critical thinking skills in the social studies classroom was evident through his use of primary source documents and the integration of various multimedia resources.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, James
James's commitment to continuous growth and his ability to adapt to various teaching environments have contributed to his success as an educator. He is technologically savvy and embraces innovative teaching methods to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. As a student council sponsor, he has also demonstrated his dedication to fostering student leadership and involvement outside the classroom. James will be teaching 8th Grade Social Studies, AP Human Geography and AP US History and Debate.
Mr. Robbie Williams
Bio
Mr. Robbie Williams is a dedicated social studies educator with seven years of experience teaching diverse courses of AP classes. His unwavering commitment to teaching excellence and ability to tailor instruction to various learning styles have resulted in consistently high AP scores, surpassing state, national, and global averages.
Robbie's core competencies lie in his expertise in AP course instruction, proficiency in various research tools such as JSTOR and Ebsco, and his familiarity with MS Office programs, Google G-Suite & Drive, and Distance Learning Applications. He is also well-versed in curriculum development and understands writing styles, including Chicago, MLA, and APA.
His professional experience includes his role as a Social Studies Teacher at public and private schools in Texas, where he taught various courses and worked to improve student outcomes in AP classes and STAAR Social Studies exams. Robbie has also significantly increased participation and achievement in History Fair competitions, fostering his students' love for history and research. He focused on creating a collaborative and interactive learning environment during his tenure, incorporating relevant media to engage students and encourage meaningful discussions. Robbie's dedication to education is further evident in his continuous professional development and certification pursuit. He is a certified AP teacher in AP US History, AP Human Geography, and AP World History and has served as an International Baccalaureate Extended Essay Supervisor. Robbie holds a Social Studies Composite 8-12 Certification from the State of Texas and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Texas at Dallas in 2007. Robbie returns to APA to teach 7th-grade Social Studies, Pre-AP 9TH grade English, AP World History, and debate.
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. Deanna Hill
Bio
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.
Mr. Adam Abdalla
Bio
During his time at the University of Las Vegas, Adam was actively involved in various leadership roles. He served as the President of the Muslim Student Association, coordinated the Young Muslims Chapter of Las Vegas for youth aged 15-25, and held the prestigious position of Chief Justice of the Judicial Council of the UNLV Student Government. His remarkable contributions earned him induction into the UNLV Student Hall of Fame upon graduating in Spring 2022. Additionally, he received the Lee Business School Scholar award and the Outstanding Scholar Leader Award.
Aside from his academic and athletic achievements, Adam is deeply committed to his community. He finds fulfillment in making a positive impact in any way possible. Adam's interests include reading books, staying active, forging new connections, and tries to treat every day like it is his last.
Ms. Madeeha Mansoor
Bio
Madeeha worked as a Software Engineer at Netsol Technologies, managing the planning and the delivery of financial software to international clients while working with a multidisciplinary team. In 2016, Madeeha decided to take up teaching and became a student intern at Thurgood Marshall Elementary in 2016. A year later she took the position of substitute science teacher for 8th grade at Inglewood Middle School, where she collaboratively worked with the 8th grade team to develop lesson plans based on Hereditary/Genetic Evaluation and Force & Motion. She also was General Education teacher for 4th grade at Peter Kirk Elementary School.
Before she joined APA in 2023 as a Coding teacher, she was the Computer Science teacher (K-5) at Stevenson & Sherwood Forrest Elementary, where she developed norms and procedures for computer science classrooms, shaped attractive and engaging computer lessons around cross cutting concepts that enable students to build a strong foundation of computer science at elementary level; and helped students learn and implement concepts using Scratch, Scratch jr, Code.org and Beebots with a differentiated learning experience.
Madeeha does not only aim to accelerate students’ learning and enrich their experience by integrating technology in teaching methodology, but to empower them to be self-motivated and self-organized to become productive and compassionate leaders of their communities