Faculty, Staff and Board Members
Tamara Lee
(Head of School) and Darren Lee (Administrator and Dean of Students)
The Lees graduated from Villanova University in the early 1990s. Tamara
went on to receive her Masters in Education (M.Ed.) at Cabrini University;
Darren graduated Suma Cum Laude from Ottawa University with a Master of
Arts in Professional Counseling.
Tamara and Darren have combined their interests, talents, education and training to create a school as unique and exceptional as its students. Tamara will act as the Head of School as well as teaching Language Arts at The Caepe School while Darren will serve as an Administrator, Board Member and the Dean of Students. Together, they have handpicked a staff of individuals who are both passionate and highly qualified.
Heather Kummeth
(Math)
Heather graduated Cum Laude from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor
of Science in Elementary
Education and a minor in Math in 1991. In her first year of teaching,
she was nominated for the Sally Mae teacher of the year award, an honor
shared by only 300 other teachers in the United States.
Josh Miller
(Integrated Technology/Science & Social Studies)
Josh graduated from McNeese State University in Louisiana. He completed
his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in 1990. Josh worked for Maricopa
County and the City of Scottsdale as their Accreditation Manager and began
pursuing his Arizona teaching credentials and, to the good fortune of
our students, has decided to share his knowledge and passion here at The
Caepe School.
Denise Thompson (Foreign Language Teacher)
Denise received her Bachelor of Science from the University of New Mexico and her MBA from the University of Phoenix. She worked as a trainer and coach with all age groups for over 13 years. Growing up in the Hispanic culture of Santa Fe, New Mexico has given Denise unique insight to the multi-cultural differences of the Southwest.
Jackie Hammond (Performing Arts)
Jackie has been teaching music and theatre for more than fifteen years.
She graduated Cum Laude from San Jose State University where she majored
in Creative Arts and minored in Musical Theatre. She has extensive
experience in the performing arts and professional theatre where she has
played leading roles in many
musical productions.
Olga Smirnoff
(Visual Arts)
Having attended schools in Canada, Russia and Portugal as well as a specialized
school for the Olympic
Reserve National Swim Team, Olga offers a unique multicultural perspective
of artists, providing insight into their lives and their love for beauty.
She received her Bachelor of Arts in education in Russia in 1991 and has
been teaching art classes at the Anthem Community Center since 2006.
Anne Maxwell
(Physical Education Consultant)
Anne began her education at Stonehouse Primary School, then went on to
Larkhall Academy in Scotland. Two years before coming to the United States,
she implemented a Physical Education program at a Special Education
school and also worked in the classroom. Anne is an avid tennis player
here in Anthem and has completed several marathons and ultra marathons.
Marc Hayes
(Admissions Director)
With more than 15 years of experience working with Valley non-profit organizations,
Marc brings the leadership
needed to help spearhead the mission of The Caepe School. Marc graduated
from Arizona State University with honors in 1992. Committed to his community,
Marc is passionate about serving families and children in the Anthem area.
James O. Lee,
Ed.D. (Curriculum Specialist, School Board Member)
James has served as a district Reading/Language Arts supervisor, Director
of Curriculum and Instruction and
Assistant Superintendent of Schools in suburban school districts in the
Philadelphia area. He holds a Bachelor
of Arts in English from Haverford College, a Master of Arts in Teaching
degree from Harvard and a Doctor of Education from the University of Pennsylvania.
Gloria Salko
(Research and Development)
Gloria has over 30 years of office management experience. She graduated
from Lackawanna College in 1963 with an Associate’s Degree in Accounting
and served as Office Manager for companies in various industries. She
has served on the Board of Directors for a Home Owner’s Association,
in charge of membership and fundraising.
Nanette Miller
(Board Member)
Originally from Louisiana, Nanette graduated from McNeese State University.
She began at State Farm Insurance
as a Claims Adjuster in 1994 and went on to serve on State Farm’s
National Catastrophe Team. Nanette settled in Anthem with her husband
in September of 2000 to open her current State Farm Insurance Agency.
Gerald G.
Salko, B.S., D.D.S. (Board Member)
After serving in the US Navy from 1967-1969, Gerald opened a private dental
practice in 1969. He served as the Director of the Board for Community
Bank and owned and operated Sparkling Pure Water Company. He has been
a board member and President of the YMCA and is an active member of the
Academy of General Dentistry and Pennsylvania Dental Associations.
42212 North 41st Drive, Anthem, AZ 85086 | 623.551.7808 | f 623.551.7809 | Contact Us