Our Faculty

With dual degrees of educational specialist in leadership (Ed.S) and master of science in statistics, Mr. Gandhi brought with him a diverse experience to Maricopa Institute of Technology.

Mr. Gandhi has vast experience in classroom teaching, mentorship, and administration in the field of education at the global level. In his decade-long of educational experience in the public school set up from 2009 to 2019, Mr. Gandhi wore many different hats where he supported students, parents, and community in multiple ways. Mr. Gandhi taught STEM-focused content like mathematics, science, and computer programming to the seventh- and eighth-grade students during this time period.

Mr. Gandhi taught advanced high school and college level math to the seventh- and eighth-grade students in the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) program. Mr. Gandhi prepared his students to take the ACT (American College Test) in the spring of each year with the goal that they score high enough to qualify for scholarships and entrance into a university summer course. Some of Mr. Gandhi's students received a composite score of up to 28 out of 36 in math. This translated to scoring in the 91st percentile of all high school students in the nation. As a result, more than one hundred of Mr. Gandhi’s students were able to attend three three-week summer programs at some of the reputed universities like Roger Williams University, Seattle University, and Santa Cruz University.

In 2015, Mr. Gandhi took the challenge of coaching and taking the Rocket Club to their fourth consecutive invitation to compete at the National Team America Rocketry Challenge (TARC) competition in Washington, D.C.

In the same year, Mr. Gandhi coached the FIRST LEGO League robotics team to first place in the Yuma County tournament of 36 schools. As a result, Mr. Gandhi was invited as a guest speaker to share his inspiring and motivational success story in the FIRST Robotics world competitions held in Houston, Texas, and Detroit, Michigan.

In the year of 2016, Mr. Gandhi was awarded the Teacher of the Year award followed by the Yuma County Teacher of the Year category finalist for the middle school division.

When it comes to leadership and mentoring, Mr. Gandhi accepted the role of a mentor teacher for the TAP (Teacher Advancement Program) from Arizona State University. Mr. Gandhi prepared teachers to understand and apply advanced instructional methods and pedagogy along with the 19 teaching indicators in their lessons. Due to his guidance and leadership, students in the classroom of his team showed above-average growth as measured on the district Galileo test and the data analysis performed by ASU directors.

Mr. Gandhi joined the Maricopa Institute of Technology in 2019 as an engineering teacher. He also took up the role of running the Engineering Club where his students worked on different STEM projects. During the COVID time, when students were in the online learning setup, Mr. Gandhi managed his students to perform some science experiments and complete some engineering projects while they were not physically present. In the year 2021, Mr Gandhi was given the big responsibility of being the assessment coordinator of MIT. With a short learning and preparation time span, Mr. Gandhi was able to manage to organize and carry out the state and district-level assessments for seventh- to twelfth-grade students.

In the year 2022, Mr. Gandhi worked as an assistant headmaster under the guidance and supervision of the headmaster and learned the major leadership aspects in the educational setup. During this time Mr. Gandhi was able to accomplish major projects of helping students with their academic transcripts and working on creating master and student schedules for the upcoming school year.

Currently, in the year 2023, Mr. Gandhi performs his duties as a headmaster of the MIT Magnet Jr. High and MIT High School. Mr. Gandhi follows transformational and servant leadership styles where he envisions academic accomplishments as well as fun learning experiences for his students and professional growth for his staff. Mr. Gandhi wants to meet his goals by providing guidance and support to his students and team.

Dr. Romero comes to MIT with twenty years of educational experience. After graduating with her bachelor of arts in music education in 2002, she immediately started teaching and spent the next fourteen years teaching music, reading intervention, and credit recovery in both elementary and high school. Dr. Romero’s students and performance ensembles had numerous ratings of excellent and superior and her WGAZ Indoor Percussion Ensemble won state. In 2016, Dr. Romero left the classroom and moved into the role of school data improvement specialist and then into an assistant principal position in 2019.

While teaching, Dr. Romero attained two master’s degrees. The first master of education in bilingual and multicultural education and the second, a master of education in educational leadership. In 2017, Dr. Romero graduated with a doctor of education in innovation and leadership.

When not working, Dr. Romero loves to camp with her family.

I was born and raised in El Paso, Texas and moved to Phoenix, Arizona February of 1995. I started working for the Pendergast Elementary School District as a paraprofessional, working with students from kindergarten to sixth grade.

I have worked in many areas as I transitioned from paraprofessional at Pendergast to district office receptionist at the Tolleson Union High School District, where I assisted the human resources department in different areas, from greeting candidates, assisting with onboarding documents, as well as benefits questions, and enrollment documents.

 In June of 2009, I joined the Riverside Elementary School District as the administrative assistant for the Kings Ridge Preparatory Academy. I was promoted to the executive administrative assistant/receptionist for the Riverside Elementary School District until my retirement from the district in June of 2021. In July of 2021 I joined the Estrella Educational Foundation/Maricopa Institute of Technology as the chief executive assistant for the board of directors and the CEO/Superintendent and effective July 1, 2023 as the human resources director.

 My 24 years of experience in different departments has given me the experience, knowledge, and opportunity to grow professionally. My career has been dedicated to working in the school system, as it gives me the opportunity to assist teachers, staff, and students in ensuring we are providing the absolute best educational opportunity to a diverse student population. I enjoy watching students learn and become excited with the opportunities that are offered to them at the Maricopa Institute of Technology.

My name is Nathan Butler and this is my first year at Maricopa Institute of Technology. I am very excited to join the Iron Eagles family and be a part of this community. Professionally, I began my career in education in my hometown of Southlake, Texas where I coached a variety of sports and taught Outdoor Education. Two years ago, I relocated to Arizona where I taught physical education and served as the athletic director at Madison Meadows Middle School. Before I began my teaching and coaching career, I played and coached football at Southwestern Oklahoma State University and obtained a B.A. in History Education as well as a M.Ed. in Sports Management. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my wife and our two daughters, watching sports, working out, hiking, and fishing.

Dr. Melanie Anderson earned a Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from Arizona School of Professional Psychology. She also has a Master of Education degree in Special Education and Counseling-Human Relations from NAU, and a bachelor’s in psychology from USF. She is currently working on obtaining a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction (Gifted Education) at ASU.

Dr. Anderson holds a Standard Professional Teaching Certification - Mild-Mod Special Education, K-12 and a Provisional Gifted Endorsement, PreK–12. She will be granted the Full Gifted Endorsement for the upcoming school year, 2023–2024.
Dr. Anderson is a GCU dual enrollment instructor and has also taught AP Psychology, Behavioral Sciences - Research Methods, Algebra, and Statistics. In addition, she has over 17 years of college-level teaching experience as an adjunct professor and taught psychology, counseling, and teacher education courses at ASU, Phoenix College, PVCC, Argosy University, and Ottawa University.
Outside of teaching, Dr. Anderson works as a contractor clinical psychologist in a police and public safety practice providing evaluations and clinical intervention services. She has been a licensed psychologist for 9 years. Her interests include forensic psychology, criminology, and criminal profiling.

Dr. Anderson believes that an effective teacher not only introduces a rigorous curriculum, but also guides students by giving them the tools to succeed. 

Mr. Brist is beginning his 22nd year of teaching here at MIT. He holds a BA and MAT from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. At MIT, Mr. Brist teaches US History and sponsors Philosophy Club. His hobbies are reading and researching history, following football, hiking, and occasionally strumming a guitar.

While growing up in the Chicagoland area, Ms. Jasmine Coleman took advantage of various opportunities, including attending the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy for high school, to pursue her passion for science. While attending Saint Louis University in St. Louis, MO for her bachelor's degree, Ms. Coleman was able to refine her technical skills in chemistry by completing various research projects in Organic, Physical, & Analytical Chemistry. After publishing three journal articles and defending her thesis, she continued working with Northwestern University on projects relating to nanoparticles and quantum dots in solar cells for the Department of Energy in Illinois. Throughout her academic career, she has developed a connection to teaching and learning, prompting her to build a tutoring company to help students across the nation learn science online.  After publishing two articles for her work with Northwestern, Jasmine set her sights on sharing her knowledge and experiences with students in the classroom setting. While teaching at the college level near Chicago, Ms. Coleman has created advanced curriculums to challenge students to think. This has helped many students create their path in STEAMM. 

After moving to Arizona in 2020, Ms. Jasmine began teaching chemistry at BASIS Ahwatukee, her entry into high school education. She is highly passionate about the success of students and the recognition of their potential for academic success. In addition to her passion for science education, Ms. Jasmine Coleman enjoys gardening, outdoor activities, and investing. Whether they choose chemistry or any other passion, Ms. Coleman is excited to help students realize their limitless potential. She is eager to assist and discover new ways of promoting the growth of her students!

Ms. Annette Frazier, is our computer science teacher here at Maricopa Institute of Technology. She started with MIT in October 2022 and she is looking forward to another great school year. As a computer science teacher, her main responsibilities are teach computer science concepts and technology using project-based learning approach which is student-directed and student collaboration, develop and implement STEM-based lessons to further enhance students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills which are vital 21st-century skill sets, and ensure students’ experiences promote positive attitude and provide a basis for lifetime of learning. 

Annette received a Bachelor of Science in Systems & Data Processing from Washington University-Saint Louis Missouri (May 1985) and a Master of Science degree in Education Teaching with Technology from Kaplan University - Online Fort Lauderdale, Florida (December 2011). Also, Annette was certified in Careers and Technical Education (CTE) from the state of Arizona (August 2018).

Prior to MIT, Annette has six plus years of teaching experience as a computer technology teacher and over ten plus years of relevant experience in the Information Technology field (corporate level).

Annette enjoys reading interesting novels and books, podcasting, walking for exercise (goal is 10,000 steps a day), cooking (trying new recipes), traveling (visiting new places every year), and surfing the internet for the next new technology.

Mrs. Gandhi holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and another Bachelor’s Degree in Education. In addition to the Arizona Standard Teaching Certificate to teach K–12 mathematics, Mrs. Gandhi has also earned a National Certificate for STEM Teaching.

More than 20 years of teaching experience in the mathematics and science subjects at the different grade levels nationally and internationally has made Mrs. Gandhi an excellent educator and role model. Mrs. Gandhi creates a respectful and positive classroom environment to provide optimum support to her students where students always feel safe and supported.

Mrs. Gandhi also comes with the experience of being a chess coach for two different high schools. Under her leadership, her students have not only participated in state-level competitions, but also have been successful in bringing in the chess state championship trophy to the MIT high school for the year 2022. Mrs. Gandhi has been awarded the Varsity Chess Coach of the Year Award for the school year 2021–22

Mrs. Gandhi has been a geometry teacher at the MIT High School since 2021, and she has also accepted the role of the National Honor Society Advisor where her students have been participating in community service projects for this school year.

This is Sunil Gilla. I am in my 25th year of teaching, with a strong background in math and science. I have a Masters in Biochemistry and Education. I believe that teaching is not just teaching to the standards and tests, it is more than that, it is creating a passion and interest towards that subject. It is about preparing students to live a positive and healthy lifestyle and be a problem solver.  

I specialize in teaching math and science. Motivate students and help them understand their potential. To teach is to learn. As a teacher I constantly learn, to help myself in the content knowledge and also in the teaching methodologies. Student-centered and problem solving are my favorite teaching methodologies. I believe that every student is unique and has their own way of approaching or learning concepts. I respect those differences and support students.

I respect my students and enjoy teaching; it is my passion and is the only profession that I am born for. My ability to interact with students and make complex science and math concepts simpler for students is my strength.

Dr. Vahid Hojreh has been with MIT for six years now. This is his 9th year teaching science.

He is the current science department chair, teaching AP Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Forensic Science, and Med-Lab (an introduction to the medical field). He is a Grand Canyon and Rio Salado College Dual Enrollment Adjunct Professor. His 25 years as a dentist allow him to guide students who desire a future in the medical field. He is a father of three sons, his interests are scuba diving, soccer, and other team sports. 

Mr. Kauk has a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and a Master’s Degree in Education, both from Arizona State University. Mr. Kauk spent six years working in investment finance with Vanguard and Northern Trust Bank, where he used his Series 7 and Series 63 licenses to educate customers about investing in the stock and bond markets for retirement and any other investment goals they had. Mr. Kauk started teaching mathematics four years ago and has taught Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry, Precalculus, and AP Calculus. He began teaching at MIT in the 2022–2023 school year and will act as the MIT Math Department Chair for the 2023–2024 school year. Mr. Kauk also worked as the assistant coach for the MIT Boys Soccer team in 2022.

Mrs. Montiel received her Bachelor's of English from Arizona State University. She began her teaching career with third graders and then moved up to the middle school level. Now going on to her fourth year of teaching, Mrs. Montiel will be teaching the MIT Jr High Magnet students both English and social studies. She encourages her students to read, write, and always fact-check their information. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing video games, and traveling to new places. Mrs. Montiel is currently working on her Master of Education in digital literacy at ASU. 

Although Samuel L. Moya is in his sixth year as an ELA educator, he's embarking on his first year at M.I.T. In addition to a passion for analyzing the literary arts, Mr. Moya also has an extensive background that including: stage/camera/voice acting, set construction management in theater, choir, analog-digital videography/photography, studio-live audio production/performance, a bachelor's from Arizona State University, a teaching English as a foreign language certification, and two out of three years completed in the school counseling program at Grand Canyon University. Furthermore, Mr. Moya has a deep commitment to fostering creativity and critical thinking in his students as the English 1 and creative writing teacher at Maricopa Institute of Technology by bringing a unique blend of expertise in literature, theater, and music to inspire young minds.

In his free time, Mr. Moya enjoys Turntablism, producing/remixing music, singing/songwriting, karaoke, improv comedy, and pondering how to make his English lessons not only academically educational, but also intentionally impactful by integrating social-emotional learning standards in an entertaining way.  

With a heart for education and a dedication to nurturing young talents, Samuel L. Moya looks forward to guiding the students of Maricopa Institute of Technology on their journey of self-discovery and creativity!

Ms. Perkins is a progressive educator, dedicated to fostering a learning environment that nurtures the social/emotional, cognitive, and professional development of all students. She has extensive teaching experience, having worked in various academic sectors including both higher and secondary education. Through her work with diverse student populations, Ms. Perkins has developed a unique pedagogy that integrates Socratic Method and innovative differentiated instructional techniques. Her teaching style targets a wide range of learning styles and promotes the development of higher order thinking skills. Ms. Perkins’ creative approach to education has been extremely effective in creating an academically rich and intellectually challenging classroom environment that engages students and cultivates a dynamic and interactive learning culture. During her tenure at MIT, Ms. Perkins has developed college prep curriculum for both English and AP courses, placing a specific emphasis on academic writing, debating, and critical thinking. In addition, she also serves as the advisor for BSU (Black Student Union). Ms. Perkins hails from Chicago, Illinois and is a proud graduate of Jackson State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science with an emphasis in broadcast journalism and a minor in English and the University of Southern Mississippi (respectively), where she earned a Master of Science with an emphasis in communication. She is a music enthusiast, a hat connoisseur, and an avid writer.

Chakravarthy Sunkara, an esteemed mathematics teacher, who has left an indelible mark on the MIT community, he has been with MIT since its inception in 2016 and he has been in the teaching field for 17 years. He held several pivotal roles at MIT over the years as the assistant headmaster, athletic director, and student council advisor. Mr. Sunkara also serves as adjunct faculty at Grand Canyon University (GCU) and Rio Salado.

With a remarkable academic background Mr. Sunkara holds dual Master's Degrees in Mathematics and English, and dual Bachelor's Degrees in Science and Education. His passion for knowledge and desire to make a difference in the lives of students led him to pursue certifications to teach mathematics, English, and physical science at the highest level.

At the core of Mr. Sunkara's teaching philosophy lies a belief in the power of a growth mindset and a positive attitude. Recognizing that a growth mindset drives motivation and fosters achievement, he tirelessly strives to instill this valuable mindset in his students. With a genuine appreciation for hard work and effort, he encourages learners to approach challenges with an open mind and a can-do attitude, embracing the beauty of learning even amidst lengthy theorems and complex math problems. Through his thoughtful approach, Mr. Sunkara has created a culture of respect and enthusiasm within the MIT Community.

Beyond academia, Mr. Sunkara is an avid sports enthusiast, he relishes playing tennis, soccer, and cricket. His diverse interests and commitment to education make him a cherished member of the MIT family.

Mr. Tharp grew up in rural Weston, Missouri before moving to Laramie, Wyoming to study engineering at the University of Wyoming. During his time at UW, Mr. Tharp worked in the advanced combustion laboratory, where he ran National Science Foundation and NASA funded research on lithium ion battery technology and innovative fuel development projects. After graduating with a Bachelors of Science degree in Energy Systems Engineering in May of 2021, Mr. Tharp continued his studies in fluid mechanics, combustion, and thermodynamics to later earn a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering in May of 2022. During his graduate studies, Mr. Tharp taught two undergraduate mechanical engineering laboratory sections in the areas of system dynamics and thermal/fluids experimentation. Right out of school, Mr. Tharp worked as a natural gas engineer for nearly a year in Phoenix, AZ before accepting a position at MIT. Outside of teaching, Mr. Tharp enjoys skiing, backpacking, and fly fishing.  

Multi-skilled Spanish teacher well versed in mind-body practice on health and wellness. Ms. Valenzuela obtained a Master's Degree in Systemic Psychology and a Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design from prestigious private universities in Mexico. She is passionate about the mind-body connection and well- being. She began teaching Spanish in 2009 after moving to the United States, she taught kindergarten through 7th grade for four years and began teaching high school in 2019. She believes in the power of education, challenge the students for their academic future, and the power of using language as a life changing skill.

Ms. Tawny Villalobos holds a B.S. in human services as well has studied multiple subjects in education at Pepperdine University. Ms. Villalobos has an extensive background in teaching public and special education classrooms in all grade levels. As well as over five years’ experience in the applied behavioral field as a therapist for a private ABA company working with autism children and teens. 

Ms. Villalobos also works in adult education for ELL adults, migrant workers, and those wishing to complete their GED. She holds certifications in Arizona, and is actively pursuing her professional development in education. 

Ms. Villalobos has a passion for teaching and assisting others and believes that students' abilities, talents, and intelligence can be molded and improved given the right tools.