Our Faculty

Mrs. Alba has a master’s degree in education specializing in cognitive processes and a bachelor's degree in children's psychology. With more than 30 years of teaching experience, she has taught English as a Second Language, Spanish Capstone, AP Spanish Language and Culture, Spanish for Professionals, Critical Thinking Skills, Social and Economic Problems of Mexico, Global Challenges, and Ethics to students of all ages in both Mexico and the United States. She teaches languages to help build bridges of communication and understanding between cultures and to inspire students to become world citizens.

Dr. Melanie Anderson earned a Doctor of Psychology in clinical psychology from Arizona School of Professional Psychology. She also has masters of education degrees 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, 2024–2025.

Dr. Anderson is a GCU dual enrollment instructor and teaches PSY 102 – General Psychology. In addition, she has taught AP Psychology, Honors Social Sciences - Research Methods, Algebra I, College Algebra, and AP Statistics. In addition, she has over 18 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 over 10 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 started with MIT in October 2022 as our Computer Science teacher. However, her current role for the SY24–25 is as a CCRS (college and career readiness standards) advisor, and her main goal is to prepare our 11th grade students for their senior year and beyond. Also, as a STEM (science technology engineering math) advisor who will facilitate the PLP (Personalize Learning Platform) self-paced courses chosen by our 9th–10th grade students and help them complete their courses successfully. 

Annette received a bachelor of science in systems & data processing from Washington University-Saint Louis (May 1985) and a master of science degree in education teaching with technology from Kaplan University - Online (December 2011). In addition, Annette was certified in Careers and Technical Education (CTE) from the state of Arizona in 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 is looking forward to another great school year. 

Oscar A. Galeano is a dedicated world history teacher, specializing in AP World History and English Literature. He holds a BA in philosophy and a master's in Hispanic American literature, and is on track to complete his PhD in humanities in 2024. His extensive travels around the world have greatly enriched his teaching and deepened his understanding of diverse cultures and histories.

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.

Dr. Vahid Hojreh has been a member of the MIT community for the past seven years. With a robust background in education, he has spent a decade teaching science at both middle and high school levels. As the current chair of the science department, Dr. Hojreh instructs a range of courses including AP Environmental Science, Anatomy & Physiology, and Med-Lab, which serves as an introductory course to the medical field. He also teaches AP Biology, Chemistry, and Forensic Science, showcasing his diverse expertise and commitment to science education.

In addition to his role at MIT, Dr. Hojreh serves as a dual enrollment adjunct professor at Grand Canyon University and Rio Salado College. His 25 years of experience as a dentist uniquely position him to mentor students aspiring to enter the medical profession. He is actively involved in guiding students as the advisor of the Pre-Med Club and co-advisor of the Forensic Club this year.

Outside of his professional life, Dr. Hojreh is a dedicated father to three sons. His interests include scuba diving, soccer, and gardening, reflecting his passion for both adventure and nature.

Ms. Jeffers is an Arizona Native and a dedicated educator with a diverse background. She pursued her undergraduate studies at Flagstaff, Arizona, earning a B.S. in biomedical science with a minor in psychology. Following her passion for teaching, she returned to her hometown of Yuma, Arizona to educate high school students in mathematics and environmental science. Ms. Jeffers furthered her education by obtaining her MBA, bringing additional expertise to her role. Currently, she serves as MIT's Physics and Engineering teacher, inspiring students with her knowledge and enthusiasm. Her favorite activities include weightlifting, hiking with her dogs, and exploring new foods or coffee shops.

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 in 2020 and has taught Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry, Precalculus, and AP Calculus. He began teaching at MIT in the 2022–2023 school year and acted as the MIT Math Department Chair for the 2023–2024 school year. Mr. Kauk also works as the assistant coach for both of the MIT soccer teams.

Mrs. Montiel has been dedicated to education for five years and is currently in her third year at Maricopa Institute of Technology. She holds both a bachelor's and a master's degree from Arizona State University. As a Freshman English and Media & Journalism teacher, Mrs. Montiel encourages resilience and success in all her students through support from both teachers and families.

Growing up in the Maryvale area, Mrs. Montiel is very familiar with the community her students come from, enabling her to connect with them on a personal level. At MIT, she serves as the lead club advisor for the Media & Yearbook Club and is the Social Studies Department Chair. She has also helped with the weekly school newsletters, MIT Athletics Instagram, and the MIT Iron Garden website. She is deeply committed to enhancing student collaboration and engagement through projects and interactive activities, ensuring a rigorous and inclusive learning environment.

In her free time, Mrs. Montiel enjoys reading, playing video games, watching anime, and staying active.

Mr. Morganstern has 20 years of educator experience teaching both secondary and higher education, including at Arizona State University’s Mary Lou Fulton College of Education. He also served as a tutor for ASU’s NCAA athletes, including NBA future Hall-of-Famer James Harden.

Professionally, Mr. Morganstern has been most proud of having co-founded Young Authors of Arizona (YAA), a 501 (c) 3 non-profit that published the only three collections of The Best Teen Writing of Arizona, those titles are; “Bloom” (2014), “Convergence” (2015), and “Shine” (2016).  YAA served as Arizona’s first and only affiliate to Scholastic’s National Art and Writing Awards for which many Arizona students won National Recognition and earned local publication as teenage writers, grades 7–12.  For their efforts, Mr. Morganstern and his phenomenal team were awarded The Arizona Community Literacy Award for 2018 from the Arizona Department of Education.

In 2023, a group of dedicated students created the Drama Club and put on MIT’s first two on-stage performances!

In the last two years, Mr. Morganstern has been part of the Arizona Stem Acceleration Project (ASAP), and STEM Equity Ambassador Fellowships, co-founded MIT’s Iron Garden legacy project, secured a Bookstorm Grant through Friends of the Phoenix Public Library where MIT teachers can hand select roughly 11,000 books with which to build our school’s library - to be located in our new Humanities classroom building. Mr. M. also piloted, and will continue, a Universal Learner Course from ASU & NASA’s Interplanetary Initiative and Beagle Learning called Open Citizen, wherein students may earn three research credits at the provost level from ASU by completing deliverables regarding a self-driven project - typically based around the UN’s 17 sustainable development goals. He hopes this year’s juniors will begin their projects and carry them over to their senior year and the school’s 2nd international trip in March ’26 to our Sustainable Living in Germany & Switzerland tour!

Mr. Morganstern is looking forward to taking MIT travelers and a team of chaperones to Japan in March ’25 for our first international STEM2 journey!

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, and voice acting; set construction management in theater, choir, analog-digital videography/photography, and 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.

Kanika Sharma, a dedicated and passionate educator, has spent the last 15 years inspiring and guiding students in English. With a robust academic background, including double graduation and a master’s degree in English, Kanika’s journey in teaching reflects her unwavering commitment to education and her genuine love for the subject.

From the outset of her career, Kanika has been deeply committed to her role as a teacher. Her ability to connect with her students and create an engaging learning environment has earned her respect and admiration in the educational community. Her efforts have been recognized through several prestigious awards, including state-level accolades for creative writing, underscoring her excellence and creativity in her field.

Outside the classroom, Kanika is an avid reader and a passionate cook. These interests provide her with personal joy and serve as a source of inspiration and relaxation. Her love for literature and culinary arts adds a rich dimension to her life and enhances her teaching, bringing a unique perspective to her interactions with students.

In her personal life, Kanika is a devoted wife and mother to an 18-month-old baby. She treasures the time spent with her family, which she believes is the cornerstone of her happiness and well-being. Her belief in self-growth drives her to constantly challenge herself and explore her full potential. Kanika finds strength in her faith and herself, which fuels her dedication to both her personal and professional endeavors.

Kanika Sharma’s journey is a testament to her passion for teaching, her commitment to self-improvement, and her deep love for her family. Her life is a harmonious blend of professional achievement, personal fulfillment, and a relentless pursuit of growth and excellence.

Chakravarthy Sunkara, an esteemed mathematics teacher, has left an indelible mark on the MIT community, he has been with MIT since its inception in 2016 and has been in the teaching field for 17 years. He held several pivotal roles at MIT over the years as the assistant headmaster, athletics director, Student Council advisor and has been awarded the best Athletics Director by CAA. 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.

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 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 K–7th grade for four years and began teaching high school in 2019. She believes in the power of education, challenging students for their academic future, and the power of using language as a life-changing skill.

Ms. Villalobos hails from Southern California where she was both born and raised. With over 11 years of experience in the educational sector, she has cultivated a robust academic foundation at Pepperdine University where she studied various subjects. Ms. Villalobos holds a bachelor of science degree in human services and a master of science in education.

Ms. Villalobos acquired her expertise in California, teaching in both public and special education settings across a diverse range of grade levels. Furthermore, she brings over five years of specialized experience in the applied behavioral analysis field, having served as a therapist for a private ABA company, where she worked closely with children and adolescents on the autism spectrum.

In 2021, Ms. Villalobos relocated to Arizona, where, in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, she took on the role of mentor facilitator for a teen female empowerment organization. In this capacity, she provided individualized and group support via virtual platforms, fostering resilience and growth. Concurrently, she began teaching higher education courses for English language learner (ELL) adults, migrant workers, and individuals pursuing their GED through the Queen Creek Unified School District and the Maricopa Community College - Rio Salado branch, where she instructed an Integrated Education and Training (IET) Retail certificate course.

In 2022, Ms. Villalobos joined the MIT team where she has embraced dual roles as a special education resource teacher and a 9th-grade study skills instructor. Additionally, she serves as the NJHS advisor for students in grades 7 through 9th, and she eagerly anticipates another enriching and impactful year.

Ms. Villalobos possesses a deep-seated passion for education and a commitment to the empowerment of her students. She firmly believes that with appropriate support and resources, every student’s abilities, talents, and intelligence can be cultivated and enhanced.