Saginaw Arts & Sciences Academy

Staff Profiles

At the Saginaw Arts & Sciences Academy, we believe the quality of the faculty plays a vital role in providing quality education.

Administration

Mercedes Perez
Assistant Principal

Lavarne White
School Social Worker
Lavarne White joined SASA's staff in 2007. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from University of Arkansas in 1973. In 1981, she obtained a Master of Social Work Degree from the University of Michigan. She has worked at Longfellow, Kempton and Herig Elementary School. Prior to joining Saginaw Public Schools, she served as Chief Clinical Social Worker for the White Pine Psychiatric Adolescent Unit and the Interim Director for the Adolescent and Adult Unit. She has worked at Saginaw Valley Rehabilitation Center as a case manager and St. Vincent's Home as a social worker. She has served as the President for the Michigan Association of School Social Workers in Region K which includes Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland and Saginaw counties. In 2007, she was honored as School Social Worker of the Year for MASSW Region K. She is the School Social Work Coordinator for Saginaw Public Schools and coordinates the District's Crisis Team. She is a member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Linda Chinery
Secretary

Melleretha Moses-Johnson
Principal
Melleretha Moses-Johnson is the Principal at SASA. Mrs. Johnson served many years as the District's Subject Area Coordinator for Mathematics and Mathematics Staff Development before coming to SASA as an Assistant Principal in 1999. She became Principal in 2010 after many years of service there in administration.

She has received her degrees from Southern University in Baton Rouge in Mathematics Education and her Master of Science degree in Secondary Mathematics Education. She has completed hours toward her doctorate at Michigan State University. Mrs. Johnson was also a teacher of Mathematics at Arthur Hill High School, Central Middle School, Delta College and Michigan State University prior to her work for the District as a Subject Area Coordinator. In 2009, Ms. Johnson was the recipient of the 2009 Gerstacker Fellowship through Saginaw Valley State University.

Mrs. Johnson has also served as SASA's Middle School and High School Athletic Director, MEAP & MME Coordinator.

Paula Dasuqi
Secretary
Paula Dasuqi is a Secretary in the main office at SASA. Hers is the first smiling face one will see upon entering the office each day. She is responsible for student records, immunizations, attendance and general office public relations. She is a daily comfort to students under the weather, staff in need of her expertise, and is an invaluable member of the SASA administrative team.

Leisha Shaler
Living Arts Program Coordinator
Leisha Shaler is the Living Arts Program Coordinator for SASA. As Living Arts Coordinator, Mrs. Shaler combs the news and area agency networks for artists and speakers who can bring the Arts and Sciences and related careers alive for students at SASA.

Mrs. Shaler is also the facilitator for the SASA On-Line Learning Center (fondly known as "Space Camp") which offers countless courses on-line through the Michigan Virtual High School and other national university programs.

Mrs. Shaler's son Jacob is a high school Language Arts Concentration student at SASA. Her two daughters, Abbey and Molly, previously attended and graduated from the Language Arts Concentration.

Cindy Tennant
Assistant Athletic Director, Security Assistant
Mrs. Tennant joined the SASA staff in the fall of 2000, after having her own licensed day care from 1993 – 2000. Her postion at SASA is part time Security Assistant and Assistant Athletic Director. Mrs. Tennant does the scheduling for high school sports and coordinates all Community Education Youth sports programs and extra-curricular activities offered at SASA. Mrs. Tennant is the Cheerleading Coach for middle school and high school and coordinates the SASA Wear line of clothing for our school. Mrs. Tennant keeps the player and games statistics for our middle school and high school boys and girls basketball and volleyball teams, and announces our games as well as working alongside her husband, Brian Tennant, who coaches the Varsity boys and girls basketball teams at SASA. Family: Her daughter Shannon, a 2005 AHHS & SASA graduate, attended SASA as a 7th year Voice/Keyboard student, and is a graduate of Olivet College, where she played basketball and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sports & Fitness Recreation with an business concentration and a coaching minor. Shannon is the Varsity Girls Basketball Assistant Coach at S.A.S.A Mrs. Tennant also has a son. Ryan is a 2007 graduate of AHHS and is a statistician for the varsity basketball teams at S.A.S.A.

Middle School

Dance

Meagan Ann Bublitz
Instructor, Dance
Mrs. Meagan Ann Bublitz joined the teaching staff at SASA in September 2008. At SASA, Mrs. Bublitz teaches both the middle and high school AM and PM Dance Concentrations, as well as a Dance/Fitness Elective for high school students.

Mrs. Bublitz is a 2005 BFA graduate of Western Michigan University, majoring in Dance Performance. After graduation, Mrs. Bublitz taught full-time at Perry Woodard School of Dance in Bay City, MI, before coming to SASA. Mrs. Bublitz is also a 2002 graduate of SASA’s dance concentration (enrolled then as Meagan Ann Young), and studied under Instructor Susan Harrigan, who helped to recruit Mrs. Bublitz for the position before she retired in 2008. Mrs. Bublitz is thrilled to be back at SASA teaching, after being a student here herself.

Mrs. Bublitz will continue the long tradition of excellence in Dance at SASA. Her high school students qualified as finalists for both the student choreography and dance performance categories for a treasured place on the WMU stage at the May 2009 MI Youth Arts Festival in Kalamazoo.

Language Arts/Global Studies

Brian Feldman
Instructor
Brian Feldman is SASA's eighth grade Concentration teacher for Global Studies and US History. He also teaches sixth graders in Social Studies and/or English and in an exploratory class called "Rounds" that encompasses Technology Education, Physical Fitness and Critical Thinking/Problem Solving Skills.

Mr. Feldman has received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Saginaw Valley State University in Social Studies and Language Arts. He is certified for all subjects K-5 and has also earned his Master's Degree from SVSU in Educational Leadership.

Mr. Feldman helps SASA eighth grade students to annually raise over $50,000 to fund a week-long spring excursion to Washington, D.C. and Gettysburg as a Living History experience. He is the school's Lead Teacher for Technology, and an avid athlete in area recreation leagues. In 2008, he and other SASA staff will lead the third group of SASA students and staff to Japan.

In 2006 Mr. Feldman was a Saginaw News "Crystal Apple Award" winner and was the VFW District Teacher of the Year in 2005.

Joan Klenk
Instructor
Joan Klenk is the Instructor of Global Studies for the sixth grade Language Arts/Global Studies Concentration students. She also teaches Global Studies to Grade 6 full day students in other concentrations, and sixth grade Rounds exploratory experience courses. Mrs. Klenk is certified for K-8 all subjects with a Bachelor of Science in Education, and has her Masters of Education Degree in Humanities from Central Michigan University. She is also certified to teach Physical Education in grades K-12 and Recreation in the elementary setting. She previously taught Social Studies at the Handley Program for the Creative and Academically Talented in Saginaw.

Lisa Millar
Instructor
Lisa Millar is the Global Studies instructor for the grade 7 Language Arts/Global Studies Cponcentration program. She also teaches Global Studies in grades 6 & 7 and Grade 6 Rounds to students in other concentrations who attend SASA for the full day program. Mrs. Millar received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Michigan State University and has her Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from MSU. Her background also includes a major in Child Development and Grade 9 Social Sciences. She is curently the Middle School Student Council Advisor.

Rachel Reid
Instructor
Rachel Reid is an English/Language Arts Instructor for the Grades 7 & 8 a.m. Language Arts Concentrations and for Gr 11-12 Language Arts Concentration in the p.m. Mrs. Reid received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and with a minor in Business Education from Central Michigan University. Prior to coming to SASA, she taught Accelerated Reading, Math, ACT/SAT Preparation and Reading Comprehension Improvement and was a Curriculum Program Manager at the Sylvan Learning Center in Saginaw. She also taught English courses at Saginaw's North Middle School.

Tina (Martina) Leslie
Instructor
Martina Leslie is a teacher of 8th grade English, and 7th grade Algebra Concentration sections at SASA. As someone who chose teaching as a second career in life, Mrs. Leslie has accrued many experiences utilizing her talents, including her prior work as a commercial artist and writer for a Fortune 500 company in the Tri-City area. She also has owned and operated a freelance agency in the Saginaw Valley.

Mrs. Leslie's experience with publishing has aided in publishing her own students’ work through national publishing houses.

Mrs. Leslie has also received her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Saginaw Valley State University, where she worked at many of the Science and Math Camps that were offered during the summer and winter. Her positions at these Science and Math Camps was as a lead team presenter, in charge of organizing the week-long camp’s agenda for students.

At SASA, Mrs. Leslie publishes ‘Dragon Lore’, a paperback book of SASA middle school students’ writing, that is available anywhere in the world on the internet as a paperback and also in e-book format.

Math/Science

Jean Marie Learman
Instructor
Jean Marie Learman graduated from Michigan Technological University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. She then spent many years working as an engineer for IBM, Spicer Engineering and Ameritech, before returning to Saginaw Valley State University to obtain her teaching credentials in the early 1990's. She also possesses a Master's Degree in Education from SVSU. Prior to teaching at SASA, Ms. Learman was a Science 9/10 and Physics instructor at Saginaw High School.

Outside of school, Ms. Learman is a locally celebrated and talented musician and composer of music. She plays guitar, flute, whistles, and concertina, but her primary instrument is her voice. Ms. Learman has performed in many community theater productions - including Quilters, Fiddler on the Roof, and West Side Story. She performs in a Celtic band known as EQUINOX, and is a folksinger for many events. In 2003, she and her band helped to re-open the Temple Theatre in Saginaw with their performance in "Saginaw On Stage". She has two CDs with original music as a solo artist and three CDs with her band.

Jerusha Joiner
Mathematics Instructor
Mrs. Joiner is new to the SASA staff in 2006-7 after teaching Mathematics at Webber Middle School for the past 9 years. Mrs. Joiner is trained as a Lead Math teacher for the middle school in the District and will continue in that role at SASA. She also served as Webber's School Quality Chairwoman and plans to be involved in SASA's School Quality efforts.

Mrs. Joiner attended North Branch High School and graduated as Salutatorian of her class. She moved to Saginaw and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Saginaw Valley State University as well as a Master's Degree in Administration. While at Webber she worked tierelessly for the benefit of her students and was nominated by her colleages for the Spirit Award. Her enthusiasm is sure to continue at SASA with one of her first initiatives being to start a math club for 6th grade math students. She will pair up with Mrs. Piazza to teach the 6th grade Math/Science Concentration program, as well as p.m. middle school Math 6 and Pre-Algebra classes.

Mrs. Joiner is a wife and mother of three children. Her oldest daughter attends SASA and is in the 8th grade this fall. Her son and youngest daughter attend Handley. She is an avid athlete and coach. She serves as a volunteer at church and coaches for the YMCA as well as Saginaw Township. She is also the coach for SASA's middle school girls basketball team.

John Barnes
Instructor
John Barnes is a returning staff member at SASA in the fall of 2007. He is presently teaching high school Physics, middle school Science for grades 7 in SASA's morning Concentration blocks, and core Physical Science for grades 9-11.

Graduating from the University of Michigan Aerospace Program in 1989, Mr. Barnes worked in cellular phone development and manufacturing for Motorola Inc. in Chicago. After riding the incredible wave of growth that industry saw in the 90's, he moved on to computer development and manufacturing at Intel corporation in Seattle. Although his engineering career was successful and rewarding in certain ways (a patent in computer design among them), Mr. Barnes found it lacking in intrinsic meaning. He heard his second calling while in an elementary classroom for National Engineering Week.

Mr. Barnes went back to school in 2001 to be an educator, and received an ACE certificate from SVSU in 2002 after a year of student teaching at SASA. He worked at Arthur Hill until 2006, writing several successful grants that culminated in a new computer lab for that building, and coaching Science Quiz Bowl and Cross Country.

Mr. Barnes is currently pursuing his Master's Degree in Instructional Technology at SVSU and is involved in curriculum development for nanotechnology in a state-wide project. He is over the moon about coming home to this "august temple of learning" at SASA. We are very pleased he is back with us to stay.

Matthew H. Miller
Instructor
Mr. Miller received his Bachelor of Science degree from Alma College. He was a Graduate Teaching Assistant in General Biology and Zoology at Central Michigan University and a research assistant at the Children's Research Institute in Columbus, Ohio in the field of Molecular Biology. Mr. Miller currently teaches Science in the Math/Science Concentration program at both the middle school and high school level at SASA. His courses are Life Science/Biology, Advanced Placement (AP) Biology, and AP Environmental Science.

Michael D. Aide
Instructor
Michael Douglas Aide is an Instructor of Mathematics at SASA. He attended Delta College and Central Michigan University, where he received his Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics and Spanish. He is currently taking coursework from CMU while working toward a Master's Degree in Humanities.

Mr. Aide is the Middle School's MathCounts Competition Team Coach and Faculty Sponsor. His team has finished in the top 10 in the state for the past six years.

In 2005, for his outstanding work and record of student achievement, Michael received the Edith May Sliff Outstanding Middle School Mathematics Instructor Award from the American Mathematics Association.

Rose Meister
Instructor
Mrs. Rose Meister is in both the High School English and Middle School Science departments at SASA. She has a Bachelor of Science in Biology and English from the University of Michigan in Flint, Michigan. She is currently pursuing her Chemistry minor at Saginaw Valley State University.

Prior to beginning her teaching degree, Mrs. Meister served as a Military Police officer and Combat Medic in the Army for seven years. Prior to teaching our students at SASA, Mrs. Meister worked in both alternative and traditional High Schools.

Mrs. Meister is a wife and proud mother of two, and loves to knit and read classic novels in any spare time she can find.

Theatre

Colleen Cartwright
Theatre Instructor
Colleen Cartwright joined the teaching staff at SASA in November of 2008. At SASA, Miss Cartwright teaches both the middle and high school Theatre Concentration classes, and co-teaches a 7-12th Musical Theatre class with Mr. Brush. She serves as the director for two high school productions per year and one middle school production. She is also the technical production and activities coordinator for SASA's auditorium.

Miss Cartwright received her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Saginaw Valley State University in 2008. She had a very successful theatre career at SVSU, appearing in nineteen productions, as well as hosting Intercultural Night for the past three years. She received a top acting award each season she was with the Theatre Department at SVSU. In 2006, 2007 and 2009, Miss Cartwright was selected to compete in the acting portion of the Region III Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, hosted this year by SVSU. She competed against over three hundred top college students from Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin. This year she advanced to the final round, earning a spot in the top sixteen. She was also featured by SVSU in their annual college catalog as a hallmark student in the Theatre department program in 2008-2009.

In her free time, Miss Cartwright loves acting, speaking at various camps and other venues, watching and participating in a wide variety of sports (especially football), traveling, enjoying the outdoors, or finding any kind of random adventure or new experience.

Visual Arts

Becky Sullivan
Instructor
Becky Prine Sullivan has been the SASA 2D Visual Arts teacher for over 26 years as well as the ICONS art and literary magazine co-advisor. ICONS has earned the highest honors through the Columbia Scholastic Press Association adjudication since its inception in 1988. Mrs. Sullivan has her Bachelor of Science Degree from Western Michigan University in K-12 Art. She also possesses a Master's Degree in Art/Education from Saginaw Valley State University. Mrs. Sullivan consistently produces students who earn awards at the local, state and national level. Her students have been recognized through: The Marie Walsh Sharpe Foundation, Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, MI Youth Arts Festival and the Governor's Traveling Exhibit to name a few. It is not unusual for her students to earn college scholarships based on portfolios that have been created in the class. She was the 2002 Coca-Cola Co. Distinguished Teacher of the Arts nominee with her student placing in the top 10% through the ARTS Recognition and Talent Search program.

Voice/Keyboard

Jeremiah Kraniak
Voice & Keyboard Teacher

Band

Matthew Corrigan
Instructor, Band
In 1988, Matthew Corrigan was "dubbed" the outstanding instrumental music graduate from Saginaw's Center for the Arts and Science (currently SASA). He attended Berklee College of Music in Boston from 1988-89, attending master classes with jazz/rock legends Pat Metheny and Steve Smith.
Matt soon transferred to Bowling Green State University where he earned a degree in jazz/classical guitar performance. He studied with Chris Buzzelli and participated in master classes with Mike Stern and Alice Artzt. In 2005, Matt finished his Master of Music Degree at Central Michigan University. He has been sharing his love of music with young people since 2000 when he accepted a position in the Saginaw Public Schools.
Mr. Corrigan has had the privilege of performing at numerous mid-Michigan venues and theatres. Freelance work at the Midland Center for the Arts includes "Les Miz and More" as well as "Camelot." Mr. Corrigan has also appeared on Public Television's "From Manhattan to Midland at Molly's." In 2009-2010 Mr. Corrigan led the SASA High School and 8th Grade bands to Division "I" ratings at the MSBOA District V Band and Orchestra competition.
Matt resides in Midland County with his family.

Counselor's Corner

Cynthia Coon
Counselor
Cynthia Coon joined the SASA staff in September, 2010.

Other Courses/Programs

Kasydra J. Goode-Tibbs
Instructor, Spanish
Kasydra Goode-Tibbs is the Instructor for High School as well as sections of grade 7-8 Spanish Language classes at SASA. Ms. Goode-Tibbs received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish from Central Michigan University, and her Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership, with an emphasis on Principalship, from Saginaw Valley State University. She is also the Senior Class Advisor at SASA and assists students and the administration with Senior Trip planning, Junior/Senior Prom planning, and Commencement activities.

Sandra Frasle
Media Specialist
Sandra Frasle was granted a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Central Michigan University with a Social Studies major (7-12) and a Sociology minor. Mrs. Frasle is the SASA Library Media Specialist and has received her master's degree in Library and Information Science from Wayne State University in December of 2004. She serves on the school's technology committee and is an advisor to the distance learning program at SASA.

High School

Dance

Global Studies

Cynthia Schneider
Instructor
Cynthia Schneider is the Global Studies Concentration teacher for grades 11-12, and a Language Arts Instructor for high school full day students. Mrs. Schneider has dual majors in History and English from Michigan State University and a Master's degree in Educational Administration from MSU. Saginaw Valley State University was her teacher Certification program institution. She is the Faculty Advisor and Coach for the Model United Nations team, and is the Student Council Advisor for the High School at SASA.

Jared Morningstar
Instructor
Jared Morningstar is the Language Arts concentration instructor for grades 9-10. He also teaches 9th and 10th grade English and History. He is also the ICONS Student Art and Literary Magazine Co-Advisor.

Mr. Morningstar received his Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing with a minor in History from Saginaw Valley State University in 2005. He later earned his secondary teacher certification through SVSU’s ACE Program in 2007. Before coming to SASA, he taught 9th and 10th grade ELA at Arthur Hill High School.

Aside from his love of literature, writing, and history, Mr. Morningstar also has a tremendous passion for sports, politics, and music. He has written several album reviews for bands and artists, and also hosts a weekly Internet radio show.

John Olvera
Instructor
John O. Olvera received his bachelor's and Master's degrees from Loyola University of New Orleans. Mr. Olvera has dual majors in History and Sociology. His Master's degree is in Secondary Teaching. Mr. Olvera is the Instructor of Grades 9-10 Global Studies for the SASA Concentration program in Global Studies, and a teacher of History, Government and Economics for grades 9-12 full-day SASA students. Mr. Olvera previously taught U.S. History and U.S. Geography at Arthur Hill High School. Mr. Olvera is the Advisor for the National Honor Society at SASA. He also coordinates Destination Imagination (DI) participation and is involved with the Optimist Club of Saginaw, the Mayor's Youth Group, the Saginaw County Task Force for Crime Prevention, and Big Brothers of Saginaw.

Language Arts

Brenna Polzin
English Teacher

Rebekah Rogers
Language Arts Instructor
Rebekah Rogers is the Language Arts Concentration instructor for grade 6. She also is the instructor for Psychology (gr 11-12).

Mrs. Rogers received her Bachelor of Arts in English Education with a minor in Psychology from Saginaw Valley State University. While attending SVSU, she worked as a writing tutor at the university's Writing Center.

Before coming to SASA in the fall of 2006, Mrs. Rogers was a judge for a local Forensics team. Mrs. Rogers is currently pursuing a graduate degree.

Math/Science

Dr. David Allan
Instructor
David Allan teaches high school Physics and Chemistry. He joins us after a career of academic and industrial research. Dr. Allan received his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and his Master of Science Degree in Macromolecular Science and Engineering from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. He earned his Ph.D. in Polymer Science and Engineering from the University of Michigan. His research interests over the years have emphasized the chemistry and physics of materials, including electrically conductive plastics, materials for optical computers, gels for baby diapers, architectural coatings and coatings for paper, and biofuels.

Dr. Allan keeps active with a variety of hobbies. Currently, these include metalworking and SCUBA diving. He is married with two teenaged sons, both of whom are presently enrolled at SASA.

Dr. Allan has had a lifelong passion for sharing the wonders of science with others and is delighted to join the faculty of SASA.

Sarah Swartz
Instructor
Sarah Swartz graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Respiratory Therapy and worked for 10 years in the field with a neonatal specialty. She then attended Saginaw Valley State University to obtain her teaching credentials in science. She also earned her Master’s of Science Degree from the University of New England in Educational Leadership.

Sarah taught at the Saginaw Career Complex before coming to SASA to teach Physics and Chemistry. She is currently working in the classroom along with Dr. David Allan for these disciplines.

Sarah is a wife and a proud mother of two children. Her hobbies include reading, coaching volleyball and basketball, as well as attending the many sports her children play.

Stephen Tack
Instructor
Stephen Tack received his Associate's Degree for Delta College and his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Central Michigan University. His major is Mathematics, and he has a minor in both Physical Science and Physical Education. His Master's degree is in Humanities.

Mr. Tack previously taught Math and Physics at Nouvel Catholic Central High School. Mr. Tack is deeply involved in SASA's award-winning Math and Science competitions and teams. He is a mentor for the FIRST Robotics Team 703 Team Phoenix at the Saginaw Career Complex. He also has a black belt in jujitsu and is active in Boy Scouts and the Order of the Arrow.

He is currently working on a second Master's Degree in Physical Education which will be finished the summer of 2007.