Faculty & Staff
Dr. Sherry Rowan - Principal
Jeff Riles -
Celestia Stacy- Schmelzenbach
Subject Taught- English I and III
Education: Currently working on an M.Ed. and L.P.C. at Oklahoma City University and
E-Mail- cstacy@hardingfinearts.org
Ms. Stacy thinks her subject is important because a love of literature is essential for students. It creates creative thinkers as well as students who have a better handle on the English language. In her free time she likes to sew, hike, act, and sing in various choirs. She joined the faculty of Harding in 2007 and she loves the importance of both academics and arts.
Cindy Garcia
Subjects taught: Spanish I, II, & III, Advisory Coordinator
Education: Bachelor of Arts Spanish, University of Central Arkansas
E-mail: cgarcia@hardingfinearts.org
Ms. Garcia lived in Mexico over twenty years, where she taught school and worked in missions. She joined the Harding Fine Art’s faculty in 2005 (?). Ms. Garcia says: “As a romance language Spanish will teach you the roots of a lot of our vocabulary, you actually learn a lot about your English language and it’s fun!” Ms. Garcia likes teaching at Harding Fine Arts because there are high standards, it is a respectful environment and it is an opportunity for creative initiatives in teaching.
Daniel Schuerch
Subjects taught: Biology and Chemistry
Education: BA Biology Comeron University 2000, PhD Microbiology OUHCS 2006
E-mail: Dschuerch@hardingfinearts.org
Daniel Schuerch started off doing post-doctorial research studying FEPA medical iron transport into E-coli, and graduate research studying the molecular basis of LLO Ph depentent activity. He came to Harding Fine Arts in 2007 to fulfill his life long goal of teaching the sciences. Dr. Schuerch has enjoyed the many students with a great desire to learn and to use their imagination. He loves rock climbing and soccer; He is also published in PNAS “The Molecular Basis of LLO Ph Dependence”.
Dr. Schuerch believes that “Science is the key to understanding our world”.
Joshua Vaught
Subject taught: Environmental Science
Education: Bachelor of .Science in. Biochemistry
E-mail: jvaught@hardingfinearts.org
Joshua Vaught believes that how we interact with and depend on the environment is the most important reason as to why students should take the environmental science course. He has ten years of biomedical research in the fields of Alzheimer’s, cancer, and plant physiology at the Universities of Oklahoma, OUHSC, and OMRF and joined the faculty of Harding Fine Arts in 2007. He has two dogs and in his spare time, he enjoys climbing, playing the guitar, and writing songs. His favorite aspect of Harding Fine Arts Center is the dedicated staff.
Chris Neal
Subjects taught: Oklahoma History, Geography, P.E. and he is the athletic director
Education: Bachelor of Art in Education from the Univeristy. of Oklahoma
E-mail: cneal@hardingfinearts.org
Mr. Neal came to work at Harding Fine Arst after working with Dr. Rowan while he was a student at O.U.. He thinks that his subjects are important because Social Studies are vital for students to gain perspective on the world around us; P.E. and sports help build healthy habits that can last a life time. His favorite aspect of Harding is that each and every student is a person here, not just a number.
Michele Petersen
Subject taught: German/Computers Applications
Clubs Sponsored: International Club
Education: Bachelor of Arts in German, University of Central Oklahoma
E-mail: mpetersen@hardingfinearts.org
Ms. Petersen is excited to teach at a high school that is alignment with her personal teaching philosophy and joined the faculty in 2007. She says German is a important class because she believes learning a different language fosters understanding to different cultures while opening the mind to different problem solving strategies. She says computers are important because they are a integral part of every day life. Knowledge of their applications will lead to success. She says she likes best about our school is “the arts integration and our openness to all students.
Karen Voyles
Subject taught: World Literature / Modern Dance
Education: BFA 1986, MFA 1992
E-mail: kvoyles@hardingfinearts.org
Ms Voyles has been a part of the Harding Fine Arts Academy faculty since the school opened in 2005. She worked at Baylor University and taught in the Theatre Arts Department. She is also a former member of the Deliquescent Dance Ensemble and Prairie Dance Theatre.
“I think World Literature is important so my students can gain a global perspective on varying experiences.”-Karen
“I think Dance is important so my students can learn to express their self through movement and appreciate dance as an art form.”- Karen
Brenda Williams
Subjects taught: Drama, English, and Creative Writing
Clubs sponsored: Improv Club
Education: BFA- University of Oklahoma
E-mail: bwilliams@hardingfinearts.org
Mrs. Williams came to Harding Fine Arts Center from Classen School of Advanced Studies, where she taught drama and creative writing, but she was wanting something more. “Drama helps students with self-confidence English and writing helps life.”
Mrs. Williams is an avid gardener. She’s a professional actor and a director with theatre companies around Oklahoma City. Mrs. Williams has been with the Pollard Theatre for 16 years.
“The faculty is considerate, energetic and friendly.”
