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.

Manish Bhardwaj is an experienced chemistry and science educator with nearly 20 years of teaching in India, Maryland, and Arizona. He specializes in hands-on, “learning by doing” instruction, differentiation, and technology-enhanced lessons for middle and high school students. He has coordinated science fairs and clubs, supported special education students, and helped learners achieve strong exam and competition results. Manish holds an MS in chemistry, a BS in chemistry, and a BS in education.

He is committed to creating an inclusive, well-managed classroom where every student can participate, ask questions, and connect science to real life. Manish works closely with families and colleagues, and he continues to pursue professional development in SEI, curriculum design, and data-driven instruction to keep his teaching current and effective.

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.

Ms. Daniels is in her second year teaching biology at MIT and brings seven years of experience in education. She holds a strong academic background in biology and chemistry, with professional experience as a chemical technician and pre-medical studies at the university level. Ms. Daniels previously worked for the Department of Social Services and adapted to new challenges by taking on diverse roles, including as a dog handler. Her varied professional journey has contributed to her development as a well-rounded and dedicated educator.

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. 

Dr. Oscar A. Galeano is the Department Chair of Social Studies at Maricopa Institute of Technology, where he teaches AP World History and English Literature. He holds a Ph.D. in humanities and multiple advanced degrees in literature, philosophy, and theology. Dr. Galeano also advises the Fellowship of Christian and Catholic Students, promoting dialogue, service, and faith-based leadership. Outside of education, he is a devoted husband and father of four, pastor and founder of Casa de Oración church, and enjoys traveling, hiking, and playing musical instruments.

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.

Daniel Lee is a dedicated physical education teacher in his third year of teaching. A graduate of Grand Canyon University, he is passionate about promoting lifelong fitness, teamwork, and personal growth through physical activity. Daniel strives to create an engaging, inclusive environment that helps students develop healthy habits, confidence, and a love for movement both inside and outside the classroom.

Mrs. Montiel is in her fourth year at Maricopa Institute of Technology and her sixth year in education. She currently teaches AP Seminar while serving as the English Department chair.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in English and her master of education from Arizona State University and is an AP-certified educator. Throughout her career, Mrs. Montiel has been passionate about helping students develop strong critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills that extend beyond the classroom. 

In addition to her teaching role, Mrs. Montiel advises the Media & Yearbook Club, which sold 113 yearbooks last school year, an MIT record she plans to break this year. She also helps produce the school’s weekly newsletter, highlighting student achievements and community events. In 2023, she was recognized as a Fiesta Bowl Wishes for Teachers recipient for her dedication to education and provided several class sets of books for her students.  

Outside of her teaching responsibilities, Mrs. Montiel has sponsored several student organizations, including the Anime Club and Video Game Club, and previously served as the Esports coach.

In her free time, she enjoys reading, photography, visiting local bookstores, and enjoying a cup of coffee. Having grown up in the Maryvale area, she takes pride in serving a community she deeply understands and cares for, which enables her to connect with her students on a personal level.

Now in his 21st year of teaching, Mr. Morganstern brings a dynamic blend of creativity, scholarship, and community leadership to the classroom. He began his career at Arizona State University’s Mary Lou Fulton College of Education, helping to create and teach GRE 103 as an undergrad, and eventually teaching SED 498 once he acquired his Masters - He also served as an academic tutor for ASU’s NCAA athletes — including future NBA Hall-of-Famer James Harden.

Professionally, Mr. Morganstern is most proud of co-founding Young Authors of Arizona (YAA), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that published the only three collections of The Best Teen Writing of Arizona — “Bloom” (2014), “Convergence” (2015), and “Shine” (2016). YAA served as Arizona’s first and only affiliate to Scholastic’s National Art and Writing Awards, giving students across the state an unprecedented platform for publication and national recognition. For this work, Mr. Morganstern and his team received the Arizona Community Literacy Award (2018) from the Arizona Department of Education.

At the Maricopa Institute of Technology, Mr. Morganstern’s influence extends far beyond the classroom. He supported the creation of the school’s Drama Club, which staged MIT’s first-ever theatrical productions in 2023, and co-founded The Iron Garden, a legacy hydroponic and community garden project. His leadership also helped secure a Bookstorm Grant through Friends of the Phoenix Public Library, providing access to roughly 11,000 books for the new Humanities classroom library.

As a member of ASU’s Arizona STEM Acceleration Project (ASAP), Mr. Morganstern has individually and collaboratively designed and integrated interdisciplinary STEM² lessons for over 1,400 schools statewide. He also completed ASU’s STEM Equity Ambassador Fellowship, furthering his commitment to inclusive, innovation-driven education.

In 2024, he was honored as a Fiesta Bowl Wishes for Teachers recipient, recognizing his creative contributions to student learning. The following year, he led 52 students and 8 chaperones on MIT’s first international STEM² Journey to Japan (March 2025)—an experience that inspired ongoing global learning initiatives, including a Spring 2026 adventure trip to discover Costa Rica.

Beyond academics, Mr. Morganstern initiated MIT's 1st Anime Club, and proudly supports Art Club, Multi-Cultural Club, Robotics, Media, and other student-led programs that encourage self-expression, cultural curiosity, and collaboration. His career reflects a steadfast belief that education should connect minds, communities, and the world beyond the classroom.

Although Samuel L. Moya is in his 8th year as an ELA educator, he's embarking on his third year at Maricopa Institute of Technology. In addition to a passion for analyzing the literary arts, Mr. Moya also has an extensive background that includes: stage, camera, and voice acting; set construction management in theater, choir, analog/digital videography/photography, and studio/live audio production/performance; a bachelor's degree from Arizona State University, a teaching English as a foreign language certification; and two years 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 in the 7th/8th grade English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Media and Journalism at MIT by bringing a unique blend of expertise in literature, history, theater, and music to inspire young minds.

In his free time, Mr. Moya enjoys DJing, podcasting, 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 entertainingly integrating social-emotional learning standards. 

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!

Arthur Salazar began his teaching career in January 2023 bringing a strong background in business and a passion for helping others succeed through mathematics. Mr. Salazar earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business from Grand Canyon University. Originally aspiring to become a financial advisor to teach people how to manage and save money wisely, he later realized the growing need for passionate educators in the classroom and chose to dedicate himself to teaching instead.

At Maricopa Institute of Technology, Mr. Salazar strives to make math meaningful and accessible by connecting concepts to real-world applications and fostering confidence in every student. He believes that understanding math is a key to empowerment, both academically and personally.

Outside the classroom, Mr. Salazar enjoys staying active by going to the gym, playing sports, and hiking. He also loves practicing dance, watching movies, attending fan conventions, and is currently teaching himself how to play piano and speak Spanish.

With a commitment to growth, learning, and inspiring others, Arthur Salazar is excited to continue guiding the students of Maricopa Institute of Technology toward success both in and beyond the classroom.

Mrs. Ishani Sarkar holds a master’s degree in computer science and engineering and brings more than six years of teaching experience from India. She specializes in coding, networking, and authentication systems, and is passionate about helping students connect science and technology to real-world applications. Outside the classroom, she enjoys swimming and staying active.

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.

Mr. Sergio Torres is a seasoned science researcher and educator with experience teaching middle school, high school, college, and AP science courses. His research background spans multidisciplinary fields, and he has served as a lab manager across industry, biotechnology, and academic settings abroad. A curriculum developer committed to community-based, cross-curricular learning, Mr. Torres has sponsored New Mexico Governor’s STEM Challenge winning teams in 2024 and 2025. He is a dedicated mentor and student advocate who served two years as a Society for Science Advocate, promoting increased participation of minorities in STEM. His teaching emphasizes critical thinking, a growth mindset, and an interactive, holistic approach to science.

Education:

M.A., Curriculum & Instruction (College of Education), New Mexico State University
M.S., Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, New Mexico State University
B.S., Biology (Chemistry Option), New Mexico Institute of Mining & Technology

Ms. Valenzuela is a dedicated and multi-skilled Spanish educator with a background in mind-body practices, health, and holistic wellness. She holds a master’s degree in systemic psychology and a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from prestigious private universities in Mexico.

From 2013 to 2019, Ms. Valenzuela worked in the holistic wellness field, integrating practices that promote balance, mindfulness, and emotional well-being. She began teaching Spanish in the United States in 2009, working with grades K–7, and transitioned to high school instruction in 2019, where she currently teaches Spanish and AP Spanish (introduced in 2023).

Ms. Valenzuela believes in the transformative power of education and is dedicated to inspiring her students to approach language learning as a path toward cultural connection, personal growth, and lifelong empowerment.

Ms. Kayla Verley is excited to teach geometry this year. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Arizona State University in 2022 and began her education career soon after as a substitute teacher. Last year, she taught 8th-grade math, which deepened her passion for helping students build confidence and problem-solving skills through mathematics. Outside the classroom, Ms. Verley enjoys hiking, camping, and time on the water. She brings that same spirit of exploration and curiosity to her teaching, encouraging students to see math as both a challenge and an adventure.

Ms. Villalobos is a dedicated educator originally from Southern California, where she was born and raised in a family of educators who have served in a variety of educational roles. With over 11 years of diverse experience in the field of education, she brings a wealth of expertise supported by a strong academic background from several colleges and universities. Ms. Villalobos earned a bachelor of science in human services from the University of Phoenix and holds a master of science in education from both Pepperdine University and Walden University. Additionally, she possesses a graduate certificate in sociology studies from Grand Canyon University for Higher Education Teaching.

Her career began in California, where she taught in both public and special education settings across multiple grade levels. In addition, Ms. Villalobos spent over five years as an applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapist, working closely with children and adolescents on the autism spectrum and developing specialized strategies to support their growth.

In 2021, Ms. Villalobos relocated to Arizona and responded to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic by serving as a mentor facilitator for a teen female empowerment organization, providing individualized and group support virtually to help young women build resilience and confidence. She also began teaching higher education courses for English Language Learner (ELL) adults, migrant workers, and GED candidates through the Queen Creek Unified School District, where she also trained as a testing specialist, and for Maricopa Community College–Rio Salado, where she led an Integrated Education and Training (IET) Retail certificate program.

Since joining the MIT team in 2022, Ms. Villalobos has embraced dual roles as Exceptional Student Services coordinator and 9th-grade foundational skills instructor (formerly known as study skills). She developed the curriculum for this now-mandatory course for all MIT 9th graders. This school year, Ms. Villalobos is proud to serve as the advisor for both the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) and the National Honor Society (NHS), supporting students in grades 7 through 12. She looks forward to another rewarding year of inspiring and guiding her students toward academic excellence and personal growth.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Ms. Villalobos enjoys traveling, hiking, savoring a good cup of coffee, and engaging in DIY projects and crafts. She also cherishes spending quality time with her family, friends, and beloved pets.

She is deeply passionate about education and student empowerment, and she believes that with the right support and resources, every student can develop their abilities, talents, and intelligence to their fullest potential.

Mr. Wright teaches 9th grade ELA and 11th grade honors English at MIT. He currently holds a bachelor's and a master's in English Arts from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, with a research focus in literary and cultural studies. 

Mr. Wright brings a wide range of experience to his praxis, having previously worked in professional music, emergency medicine, higher education, and the military. His educational approaches are decidedly multimodal. Students in his classroom are frequently challenged to engage with texts both analytically and creatively in ways they might never have imagined. From the immaterial realm of audio essays and podcasting—to the tactile manipulation of clay and acrylic—to the drafting of the classic five-paragraph essay, Mr. Wright encourages students to write and create with a focus on process. As an educator, he hopes to instill in his students that reading and writing are not simply mundane school requirements, but veritable superpowers. 

Mr. Wright is also a novelist, producer, entrepreneur, multi-instrumentalist, and former United States Navy FMF Corpsman.