Carolyn Caig – Upper Middle School Language Arts Teacher
I grew up in Russellville, Arkansas and attended Baylor University where I received my bachelor’s degree in education and my master’s degree in English literature. I taught English at a women’s university in Shimonoseki, Japan for two years. I then returned to the United States and took a teaching job at Kilgore College in Kilgore, Texas. There I taught developmental English, world literature, and writing. After five years there, I married and moved back to Arkansas where I stayed home with my two boys, both graduates of The Anthony School. I returned to teaching in 2015, taking a job as an 11th grade AP English teacher at eStem High School for two years before joining The Anthony School as a middle school language arts teacher in 2017.
I have taught a wide variety of grades, but there is something very special about middle school students. I teach 8th grade English literature and 7th grade writing, grammar, and composition, and I love it. I especially enjoy working with my students on the academic writing they will be asked to do when they enter high school. When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my family and dogs, watching movies, baking, and gardening.
Deni Clark – Lower Middle School History Teacher
After graduating from Arkansas Tech University, I began my teaching career in 1987. Schools have certainly changed for the better over the years, and I’ve continued to learn, improve, and grow just like my students. I am excited to begin my 29th year of teaching and my 14th year at The Anthony School. I have taught many grades and subjects over the years, and even taken a few years away from teaching, but I’ve landed my dream job teaching U.S. history to 5th and 6th graders at TAS. The history classes in our lower and upper middle schools use a project-based learning approach that allows kids to investigate, research and create projects based on the units we study. Students enjoy collaborating on projects and learn so much from each other and the research-creation process. I am always amazed by their creativity and love for learning.
Teaching is my passion, but I also love to travel and be outdoors hiking, kayaking, or working in my yard. I have been to 45 states with a goal of all 50 before 2030 and a lifetime goal of visiting all of our National Parks. This past year I visited nine different National Parks so I’m making great progress. You might call me a photo bug, crafty, and an animal lover, especially dogs. My black lab, Gunner, is my shadow and faithful companion, especially since the loss of my husband, Mike, in 2017. The two new loves of my life are my grandchildren. I am blessed with a great family, sweet boyfriend, good health, and a wonderful place to work. The Anthony School is an amazing place for kids to learn and grow, and I love being a part of it!
Natalie Darnell – Lower Middle School Language Arts Teacher
As soon as I learned to read, I was in love. The Baby-sitters Club and Nancy Drew Mystery Stories, Harriet the Spy, The Diary of Anne Frank, the back of a Pert Plus shampoo bottle… no text was safe from my bespectacled eyes. I also loved to write, and this resulted in cringeworthy poems about mermaids or mundane short stories about the secret lives of Jupiter’s moons.
I’ve never lost my passion for the written word, though, and it has served me well. I attended the University of Arkansas on a Chancellor’s Scholarship where I graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Departmental Honors Program in English. While still in college, I had the privilege of receiving the Sturgis Study Abroad Scholarship and was able to study drama in England. As you might imagine, this experience only encouraged my love of language.
After teaching for several years, I paused my career in the classroom to focus on the craziness of motherhood. Even then, I volunteered with local organizations and was able to pass the power of words onto others. I had the joy of tutoring a struggling adult reader so she could confidently read to her own child. I chaired a community project that focused on young readers in Little Rock with the goal that they be competent, grade-level readers by the end of third grade.
Being able to share my passion for the written word with children at The Anthony School is such an honor. This is my eighth (and a half) year teaching English Language Arts. My three sons have attended TAS since Pre-K, my two nieces also attend TAS, and my husband, Dr. Scott Darnell, attended TAS in his youth. We absolutely love this school and are dedicated to the values that it upholds.
Besides teaching, I spend my time trying to keep up with my very energetic sons (with my husband’s assistance, of course), attempting various artistic endeavors, reading mysteries and historical fiction, riding my bicycle, and sneaking naps in when possible (which is basically never).
Graeme Ellzey – Middle School Art Teacher
Ever since I can remember, art has been a huge part of my life. Having grown up with two artist parents, a metals sculptor and potter, and 24/7 access to our home-based professional art studio in my backyard, much of my childhood was spent painting, drawing, and working with clay in my "creative playground." I have been surrounded and influenced by professional artists and teachers all my life. I value the importance of providing a safe space where children may freely explore and enjoy the process of creating.
Prior to teaching at The Anthony School, I offered after-school art classes, summer art camps, and private art lessons for several years to 1st through 9th graders. This is something that I still thoroughly enjoy today.This will be my 12th year of teaching 3rd through 8th graders at The Anthony School where I am grateful each day to have the opportunity to share my enthusiasm and passion for the visual arts.
My students’ artwork has been accepted and won awards in highly competitive regional and state art exhibitions, including the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Young Arkansas Artists Exhibition, central regional Arkansas Art Educators Exhibition, and the Curbside Couture Fashion Show at The Clinton Presidential Center. In addition, I have been published in one of the leading art educator magazines, Arts & Activities.
Outside of the TAS art room, spending time with my family is of top priority. My husband Richard and I have two grown daughters, one living and working in Eagle, CO, which is our latest favorite travel destination. Our newest family member is our puppy bernedoodle, Tux, who loves his many daily walks. Besides teaching, finding “the find” at antique malls and estate sales is a passion, visiting art exhibits and museums, creating my personal artwork in my home studio, gardening, walking and DIY home improvement projects are my favorite activities.
Jeremy Estell – Middle School French Teacher and Music Director
I grew up a country-boy in Sheridan, Arkansas, where I spent countless hours running cross-country, playing guitar, and fishing in my pond. I graduated from Hendrix College in 2000, and then sailed across the Atlantic in 2002 to find my new home in France. After 10 years as an educator and musician, my family and I moved back to Arkansas and I promptly began working at The Anthony School in 2012 as the French teacher. This is my twelfth year teaching at TAS and I still LOVE my job! My job rocks because I get to have fun with middle-schoolers in French class, share my love of music with elementary kiddos, and coach middle school cross-country and track. I am also the tech director for the Middle School plays and co-teach the 8th grade musical theater elective with Ms. Podesta. Needless to say, I stay busy! (And life is good!!!)
I am the proud father of two little French-American monsters who love being goofballs and dancing on the couch. I still love running, making music and I love hanging out with my wife and kids, our 2 cats (Jack and Zip-Zap), and our 6 chickens (Ninja, Simone, Nugget, Turkey, Bacon and Jem).
Julie Fiser – Lower Middle School Science Teacher
I have a Master of Science in Microbial Biogeochemistry from the University of Georgia, a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology from The University of Arkansas, and an extensive background in science. My life experiences include working in a parasitology lab, doing microbial bioremediation research, extremophile research in Kamchatka and Yellowstone, and working as a Forensic Scientist. I spent a lot of time volunteering bringing scientific demonstrations into elementary classrooms for laboratory outreach programs as well as teaching Biology and Geology Labs at UGA.
After having kids, I took a step back from my career as a Scientist to spend time focusing on my family. I have two kids, my oldest graduated from TAS and my youngest is currently attending. During our time here, I have grown to admire the school’s commitment to creating a love of learning. When the opportunity came up to teach Science at TAS, I jumped at the chance.
My personal teaching philosophy can be summed up with two quotes: “What we learn with pleasure, we never forget” by Alfred Mercier and “Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think” by Albert Einstein. I look forward to sharing my enthusiasm and love of science with your child.
Abby French – Lower Middle School Math Teacher
Time flies when you are having fun…This is my 10th year as a teacher and 7th year at TAS. I joined the TAS family at the perfect time and haven’t looked back since. This year is extra special because my husband, Miles, and I welcomed our sweet baby girl, Mary Claire, this spring.
When heading off to college, I started off as a nursing major. I quickly realized that was not the path for me when my Intro to Education class sucked me in. The love of education runs deep in my family (fourth generation educator). Teaching math is my passion. I try to create a positive math culture in my classroom so each student feels safe and supported. Math can have a bad rep, but I try to change that by the time they leave my classroom.
I graduated from Henderson State University where I met Miles when we both worked in a Pre-K after school program. He and Sam(K9) are a part of the Benton Police Department K9 Unit. When I am not at school, I love spending time with my family, hiking/enjoying the outdoors, and playing games. Mary Claire joining our family has made everything even more special.
Adele Jackson – Upper Middle School Math Teacher
Welcome to Middle School Math! I am thrilled for the opportunity to continue building a math foundation for our students at The Anthony School. I have been in the classroom since 2000 and have been teaching at TAS since 2010. Although I have taught all subject matters in elementary school, my passion has always been math. I am excited to create a love of learning in my middle school math students.
My husband, Lee, and I have lived in Little Rock since 2005. I am a swim mom to Ellen (12th grade at MSM) and a soccer mom to William (9th grade at Catholic High) who both attended TAS PreK- 8th grade. We also have a new goldendoodle puppy named Teddy. I was born in Little Rock, but raised in Alexandria, Louisiana. I then graduated from Texas A&M. So, I am well versed in the SEC and love to root for the Tigers, the Hogs, and the Aggies! I also LOVE the New Orleans Saints. Our family enjoys going to Lake Ouachita with our friends and traveling with our soccer team.
Please always feel free to ask questions and reach out to me when needed. I love learning, teaching, and The Anthony School!
Adam McEvoy – S.T.E.A.M. Coordinator
I see education as my lifework, and I have been an educator in various capacities including classroom teaching, environmental education and museum education for the past 18 years. As an educator, I strive to spark this same love of all things STEAM-related in others, to empower them to learn new skills, to foster their creativity, to cultivate their curiosity, and to inspire them to be lifelong learners.
My whole life I have felt like I am exploring a new, alien world! There is always something unique to discover and learn about everywhere I look. I am at my happiest and most fulfilled when I am sharing these new and interesting discoveries, especially all things related to Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. STEAM education makes life better for all!
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my wife and two daughters, hiking, camping, making things, and puttering around the garden.
Sara Mafakheri – Spanish Teacher
My name is Sara Mafakheri and I am so thrilled to start my second year at The Anthony School. I was born in Tehran, Iran. In November 2015, I moved to the United States with my husband and our daughter. I received my bachelor of Spanish in Iran. Afterward, I began teaching Spanish in various language institutes when I was 25 years old. As a literature enthusiast, especially when it comes to poems, I translated poems from Spanish to Farsi, my native language, and had them published in a few literary magazines. Additionally, I worked for an agricultural company as a Spanish interpreter for a few years.
Teaching is my life's passion, therefore after moving to the United States, I volunteered to teach Spanish in an after-school program at Baker Elementary as well as working as a private teacher. Furthermore, I volunteered at the Interpreter Office at Arkansas Children’s Hospital here in Little Rock. Subsequently, I pursued a Master’s Program in Spanish at UCA while simultaneously teaching two college level classes alongside my own program.
I successfully obtained my Master of Art in Spanish from UCA in May 2020. I immediately began teaching Spanish II and Spanish III to eighth and ninth graders at eStem Junior High Downtown.
This year is my second year here at The Anthony School. I will be teaching Spanish to all middle schoolers. My aim is to create an environment where students can explore their own learning styles, then I will help them to develop their interests in a very fun and safe environment.
My ultimate goal is to help students become comfortable speaking Spanish while enjoying their class. I will teach grammar through reading, conversation and playing games.
Chris McDaniel – Upper Middle School Science Teacher
I have been teaching at The Anthony School since 2002. I am a Little Rock native and a graduate of Catholic High School for Boys. I graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with my Bachelor’s in Biology in 1993, from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville with my Master’s in Microbiology in 1996, and from the University of Central Arkansas with my Master’s in Physical Therapy in 1999. I have taught for a short time at the college level.
At The Anthony School, I teach 7th Grade Life Science and 8th Grade Physical Science. I won Little Rock Family Magazine’s Amazing Educator Award in 2014. Although I enjoy all areas of Science, my favorite areas are Cell and Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, and Human Physiology. I am strongly committed to The Anthony School, to its Mission Statement, and to providing the best education for my students. I love being part of The Anthony School team!
Grant Nolen – PE
I plan on taking P.E. to another level this year. In the words of Michael Scott, “You have no idea how high I can fly.” Or maybe that was Einstein.
This is my second year as an educator, but it will be my thirteenth year inside of The Anthony School. I grew up in Little Rock and attended The Anthony School from PreK3 up through 8th grade, with the exception of 9 weeks which is a story for another time. It wasn’t pretty; so I came back home to TAS. I attended Catholic High School for Boys and was the Student Body President, the part-time maintenance man, and the captain of the Physical Fitness Team. We won the National Championship all four years I was a student there. You can find me watching the Rockets playing every Friday they’re in town.
I graduated from The University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in May 2022 with a degree in Philosophy, and a lot of semi-completed degrees due to changing my major five times. I like to think I set some sort of record. I was the pledge class president of Phi Delta Theta (the one with the big blue doors if you’ve driven around Fayetteville), and I was fortunate enough to spend six semesters in the EMPOWER Program.
I started last year in law school, but I was spread too thin. The kids at school deserve more than a thinly spread Coach Grant, so this year I’ll be teaching full time and putting all of my efforts towards creating an incredible program for P.E.
Aside from all of this, in my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my girlfriend, playing with my Australian Shepherd, drinking coffee, watching sports, and thinking.
Nicole Podesta – Upper Middle School Language Arts and Play Director
I have been teaching for over 23 years, and I have been lucky enough to have spent 19 of those years at The Anthony School. Both of my daughters attended PreK-8th grade at TAS, and we are so proud to call this place ‘home’. My oldest is now a Speech Language Pathologist at St. Vincents, and my youngest is completing her senior year at Arizona State University with a major in Astrobiology. (Not sure how either of these girls belong to me!)
While here, I have taught a variety of subjects including 7th and 8th grade Literature; 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Composition; Intro to Communication; Speech, Debate; Creative Writing; and Study Skills. In addition, I direct the middle school fall play and every elementary play. I am a certified iTheatrics instructor through MTI, and I have over 100 hours of theater education training through iTheatrics and Broadway Teaching Group. In 2019, I received the Freddie G. Fellowship Award for Excellence in Directing through Music Theater International and the Junior Theater Festival, and I spent a week in New York studying under Broadway directors, choreographers, and technical directors. This year, I am so excited to teach 7th and 8th grade Literature and Grammar (ELA). I am certified in the Step Up to Writing Program, as well as 6 Traits of Writing.
When I am not teaching, I am catching up on Netflix, hanging out with friends or my very spoiled Maltese, Bota, or planning my next travel adventure.
I feel bad for anyone who doesn’t get to do what I do every day. How very privileged I am to be part of this amazing community of students, teachers, and families.
Megan Pope - Social Emotional Learning Specialist
I grew up in rural, small town, Kansas, where I thoroughly enjoyed school and graduated valedictorian. I attended Kansas State University where I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. I moved to Denver and began my 7-year career in Human Resources and Corporate Organizational Training and Development.
In 2006, I went back to school continuing my passion of helping others and obtained my master’s degree from the University of Colorado Denver in Couples and Family Counseling Psychology and Counseling Education. I enjoyed working as an Licensed Professional Counselor in a few different roles before my husband, Jonathan, and I moved to Little Rock in May of 2013 and gave birth to my son, Anderson.
Anderson started TAS in PreK and we were in love from the start! I started offering Sports Camps to PreK and Lower Elementary the summer of 2020 and began substitute teaching that school year. I was honored when asked to teach PreK for the 21-22 school year. Teaching PreK the past 2 years has been a rewarding and humbling position. Now, I am thrilled to serve all students as the Social Emotional Learning Specialist and to help lead the implementation of a robust social emotional curriculum throughout the school.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family - watching and playing basketball and tennis, gathering with friends, playing yard games and board games, and traveling. I also enjoy outdoor activities, experimenting in the kitchen with new vegan recipes, and cuddling with our cavapoochon, Ponto.
Matt Spivey – Upper Middle School History Teacher
I have been an educator for 22 years, 14 of which have been at The Anthony School. Currently I teach 7th grade World Studies and 8th grade U.S. History. My daughter attended TAS and is a freshman at Central High School while my son is currently a 6th grader at TAS. My wife is also an educator here teaching Pre-K and Lower Elementary World Cultures.
I was raised in Greensboro, North Carolina, attended college at Baylor, and then lived 10 years in Denver before moving to Little Rock. Our family spends much of our summers and vacations traveling to visit family and friends who live on both coasts and the Midwest. Our favorite city is Chicago which we visit several times a year. Eating good food while watching movies/shows is how we spend much of our free time.
Adam Sullivan – Lower Middle School Language Arts Teacher
I am an Arkansas native who loves movies, video games, theatre, music, Disney, books, board games, and enjoying as many of those fun things as possible with my wife Elizabeth and my son Rory. If my dogs, Niko and Beckett, get to play, too, then all the better.
Theatre and education have defined my professional life. While I quickly uncovered a passion for theatre, I was slower to recognize education’s grasp on me. My formal education is in theatre (I have a B.A. in it from Harding University and an M.F.A. in Directing from University of Southern Mississippi), but I learned to love teaching in the many educational contexts my theatrical work allowed me to occupy. From the theatre scene shop to the rehearsal room to the classroom, I have taught ages preschool to adult and have found kinship with those who thrive on collaboration, creativity, and curiosity. I have witnessed and experienced the joy that comes from intellectual discovery and am proud to be a full-time educator.
I have always enjoyed school, and I truly love the process of learning. I am excited to bring my experiences from life and theatre to The Anthony School and to enrich myself alongside my students and colleagues. I am confident that, in doing so, I will learn just as much from The Anthony School community as they will from me.
Amanda Taylor – Librarian & Director of Programming
“Think before you speak. Read before you think.” -Fran Lebowitz
I have been the librarian at The Anthony School since 2006. I received my Bachelor's degree from Centenary College of Louisiana. I moved to Little Rock in 1995, where I met my husband of 26 years. After moving to Little Rock, I was lucky enough to become friends with Stephanie Johnson, a former Anthony School faculty member who introduced me to the school. I have a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from University of Southern Mississippi. My husband, Shawn, and I have two daughters, both Anthony School graduates. Being a teacher/parent gives me a unique perspective on the benefits of an Anthony School education.
Young adult literature has taken off, and there are more wonderful authors and fabulous books for middle school students than ever before. One of my favorite parts of my job is selecting books for the students and then discussing with them what they are reading.
In addition to being the school Librarian, I am the Director of Programming. I can’t wait to work with everyone on school programs, dates, and events!
“Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.” -Brene Brown
Jeremy Teeter – Coding & Computer Programming Instructor
Professionally, I’ve lived many lives and those that know me well refer to me as a “renaissance man.” I’ve loved The Anthony School since our first visit in the summer of 2014. I’ve served on the ParentCrew as carpool chair, PantherDads chair, vice-president, and president. I’ve also served as a director on the Board of Trustees, but it’s with the most pride that I serve as a teacher in this fanTAStic community. I have two children currently attending TAS and cannot imagine a better environment in which they could grow up.
My formal education is a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design/Drawing and a minor in Computer Science from the University of Central Arkansas. I draw inspiration for my current efforts from over a decade of leveraging custom enterprise software in the printing industry, years of volunteering with educational programs including the EAST Initiative, and more recently providing functional data science expertise in the political arena.
Caitlin Watt – Educational Interventionist
The Anthony School has been my home away from home since I was three years old. I was born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas, and was lucky enough to attend The Anthony School from PreK3 through 8th grade. After completing my undergraduate degree in Communicative Disorders at the University of Alabama, I moved back to Little Rock to complete my Masters Degree in Special Education Intervention with an emphasis on Behavior Management. Seven years ago, I was given the magical opportunity to work at TAS. I have truly loved every minute of helping my students learn how their brain works and teach them study techniques to help them thrive.
Ashton Winkelmeyer – Facilities Manager and PE
I have been in education for over a decade. Since graduating with my Bachelors in 2010, I’ve gone on to earn my Masters Degree in the Art of Teaching, a State of Arkansas Teaching Certificate, an English as a Second Language (ESL) Endorsement, a Technology Endorsement, and Levels F, E, and D of my National Soccer Coaching Certificates through United States Soccer. This is my 9th year at The Anthony School. I also work as a soccer coach for the Little Rock Rangers.