Teaching Staff

Mr. Rick Rodden

Head of Teachers

For the past 25 years, Mr. Rodden has been teaching at Toppenish High School, Central Washington and Washington State Universities and at the Yakima Valley Community College. Since its inception in 2006, Mr. Rodden has been a critical part of the online high school program at Toppenish. Mr. Rodden has both taught and managed the online program since the very beginning. Prior to his teaching career, he was a research chemist working at universities and private companies. At Red Comet, Mr. Rodden oversees the day-to-day activities of Red Comet teachers in addition to teaching science. He is responsible for coaching and mentoring new teachers as well as training them. In addition to being a member of a community band, Mr. Rodden spends his free time golfing and fishing.

Ms. Anne Bounds

Washington Lead Teacher

Ms. Anne Bounds brings over 40 years of secondary teaching experience. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Central Washington University, with majors in Mathematics and in French, and received her Master’s in Secondary Education from Grand Canyon University. She is highly qualified in Washington State in both French and math and holds Arkansas certification. Besides teaching, her role at Red Comet is to help oversee the day-to-day activities of Red Comet teachers. She also helps train and mentor new teachers.

Ms. Karen Highfill

Arkansas Lead Teacher

Karen Highfill has 34 years in education ranging from an elementary teacher to assistant principal K-12. She spent 8 years in the classroom before completing her master's work in Instructional Technology and her certification for administrative work. Karen has worked in both Kansas and Arkansas school settings. Her favorite part of her career has always been working with the students and teachers to improve their communication with each other and to provide feedback that will help grow the students and teachers! She has given many professional development workshops on Effective Grading Practices and was honored with the 2012 Arkansas Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year Award from NASSP. She is currently Arkansas Lead Teacher for Red Comet Virtual Learning.

Ms. A Albrecht

Ms. A Albrecht received a Bachelor Degree in Spanish Education from Missouri Southern State University and Master of Arts in TESOL from Arkansas Tech University. She is endorsed in Spanish and English as a Second Language in Arkansas.

Ms. S Baisinger

Ms. S Baisinger received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Central Washington University and a Master of Arts degree in Education from Heritage University. Ms. Mukasa has a Washington State endorsement in visual arts and 16 years classroom experience. She is also certified in Arkansas.

Mr. B Baker

Mr. B Baker received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics from Heritage University and a Master of Arts degree in Education from Grand Canyon University. Mr. Baker is Highly Qualified in Washington State in Secondary Mathematics and has 15 years of classroom experience. Mr. Baker also holds certification in Arkansas.

Ms. A Bounds

Ms. A Bounds received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Central Washington University with majors in French and Mathematics. Ms. Bounds received a Master of Arts degree in secondary education from Grand Canyon University and has studied French abroad. She has over 40 classroom experience and is highly qualified in Washington State in both French and Mathematics

Ms. N Brener

Ms. N Brener received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art from University of the Ozarks. She has a Master of Arts degree in TESOL and M. Ed in Special Education. Ms. Brener has over 15 years of classroom experience.

Ms. L Brown

Ms. L Brown received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Central Washington University and a Master of Arts degree in Education from Grand Canyon University. Ms. Brown is Highly Qualified in Washington State for History and Sociology, is National Board certified, and has 20 years of classroom experience. Ms. Brown is also certified in Arkansas.

Ms. S Butler

Ms. S Butler received a Bachelor of Art degree in Middle School Education from Harding University. She is endorsed to teach grade 4-8 social studies and language arts with over 4 years classroom experience.

Mr. D Cairns

Mr. D Cairns received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from Central Washington University. He has over 40 years teaching experience in Washington State and is highly qualified in instrumental music.

Ms. D Carnevali

Ms. D Carnevali received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Central Washington University and a Master of Arts degree in education with a specialty in English as a Second Language from Heritage University. Ms. Carnevali is Highly Qualified in Washington State for Secondary English Language Arts and has 20 years of experience in the classroom.

Ms. J Coy

Ms. J Coy received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Education, Master of Arts Degree in Education (Business Major), and a Master of Arts Degree in Education (Learning Systems Technology). She has 20 years classroom experience and is a certified teacher in Arkansas.

Ms. D Dorr

Ms. D Dorr received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Health, Physical Education and Paramedics from Central Washington University and a Master of Arts degree in Education from Heritage University. Besides being Highly Qualified in Health and Physical Education Ms. Dorr is National Board Certified in Physical Education. She has 39 years classroom experience. Ms. Dorr is also certified in Arkansas.

Mr. Z Dorr

Mr. Z Dorr received a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Central Washington University and his teaching endorsement in Business Education from South Seattle College. He is highly qualified in Washington State in Business and Marketing Education and Communication. Mr. Dorr is endorsed in STEM, Economics, and Vocational Math and has 10 years teaching experience.

Mr. L Donell

Mr. L Donell received a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Southwest Baptist University. He is certified in Arkansas for Physical Education/Health/Social Studies 7-12 and has over 38 years classroom experience.

Mr. J. Doss

Mr. J. Doss received a Bachelor of Music and Master of Music Degree from University of Arkansas. He is certified in Arkansas to teach music K-12 and has 20 years classroom experience.

Mr. M Dowd

Mr. M Dowd received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Central Washington University. He is Highly Qualified to teach both English and Philosophy in Washington State. Mr. Dowd holds certification in both Idaho and Washington along with 15 years classroom instruction.

Ms. J. Elmore

Ms. J. Elmore received a Bachelor of Science in Vocational Family Consumer Science from Missouri State University and a Master of Science in Instruction and Curriculum from Lindenwood University. She is certified to teach in Arkansas and Missouri and has 11 years classroom experience.

Mr. R Garner

Mr. R Garner is certified in Arkansas to teach PE/Health K-12, Language Arts, Social Studies and Math 4-12, Business Technology 4-12.

Mr. C Gonzales

Mr. C Gonzales received a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Heritage University and a teaching endorsement from Heritage University. He is Highly Qualified in Math and has 12 years classroom experience.

Mr. M Gonzales

Mr. M Gonzalez received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Washington State University and a Master of Education degree from Heritage University. He is Highly Qualified in Washington State to teach Spanish and holds a CTE endorsement. Mr. Gonzalez has 14 years classroom experience.

Ms. R Gonzalez

Ms. R Gonzalez received a Bachelor of Science degree in foreign language from Washington State University. She is highly qualified in Washington State in Spanish and has 7 years classroom experience.

Ms. J Hines

Ms. J Hines received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Central Washington University with a major in English Education. She also received a Master of Arts degree from Walden University. Ms. Hines is highly qualified in Washington State and Arkansas in English and has 18 years classroom experience.

Mr. A Howard

Mr. A Howard received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Master of Arts degree in Teaching from University of Arkansas. He has 10 years teaching experience and is certified to teach Social Studies in Arkansas.

Mr. R Kent

Mr. R Kent received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Washington University and a Master of Arts degree from Seattle Pacific University. Mr. Kent is endorsed in Vocational Math for Washington State and has 39 years classroom experience.

Ms. S Khan

Ms. S Khan received a Bachelor of Science in Zoology/Botany and Master of Science degree in Zoology from Shibli National College (India). She also has M Ed. (Jamia Millia Islamia) and MPA from University of Texas. She has 4 years classroom experience and is endorsed in Science 4-12.

Mr. A Kopf

Mr. A Kopf received a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Central Arkansas University. He is endorsed in Arkansas to teach Oral Communication, Theater, Physics, Physical Science and Earth Science with 8 years classroom experience.

Ms. L Kopf

Ms. L Kopf received a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from University of Central Arkansas and a Master of Philosophy in Popular Literature from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. She is endorsed in Arkansas to teach K-12 English Language Arts with 9 years classroom experience.

Mr. M Leafgreen

Mr. M Leafgreen received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and a M. Ed in Sports Management from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. He is endorsed to teach mathematics in Arkansas with over 15 years classroom experience.

Ms. H Linton

Ms. H Linton received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Science from Missouri State University and a Master of Science Degree in Education from Arkansas State University. She is endorsed in Arkansas to teach Physical and Earth Science and Talented and Gifted Programs. She is a National Board-Certified Teacher with 10 years classroom experience.

Ms. H Nguyen

Ms. H Nguyen received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry from Southeast Missouri State University and is qualified to teach science in Arkansas. She has 16 years teaching experience.

Mr. J Piper

Mr. J Piper received a Bachelor of Art degree in Education from Eastern Washington University and a Master of Art degree in Teaching from Grand Canyon University. He is endorsed in 4-12 Biology and K-12 Physical Education with over 35 years classroom experience.

Ms. J Pool

Ms. J Pool received a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Arkansas and Master of Arts degree from Arkansas State University. She is endorsed to teach science in Arkansas with over 20 years classroom experience.

Mr. T Potts

Mr. T Potts received a Bachelor of Science in Social Studies from John Brown University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University. He is endorsed in Arkansas for Social Studies 7-12, 4-8 Social Studies and English with 13 years classroom experience.

Ms. B Rodden

Ms. B Rodden received a Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Science from Central Washington University. She is certified in Elementary Education, has a lifetime substitute certificate with over 30 years’ experience in business education.

Mr. R Rodden

Mr. R Rodden received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy from Michigan State University and a Master of Arts degree in Education from Heritage University. Besides being Highly Qualified in Washington State in both science and history, Mr. Rodden received National Board Certification in secondary science. He is certified to teach in Arkansas, Washington, and Idaho with 30 years classroom experience.

Mr. Joe Roy

Mr. Joe Roy received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Gonzaga University and a Master of Arts degree from University College Dublin. He is highly qualified in both English and Social Studies in Washington State with 6 years classroom experience.

Mr. Jeremiah Tebbenkamp

Mr. Jeremiah Tebbenkamp received a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education from Missouri State University and Master of Arts in Mathematics Education from Western Governors University. He is endorsed in Arkansas for Mathematics 7-12 with 12 years classroom experience.

Mr. P Barker

Mr. P Barker received a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication from John Brown University and a Master of Arts Degree in Teaching from Harding University (Arkansas). Mr. Barker currently is a grader for Middle School Math and Science in Arkansas.

Ms. T Barker

Ms. T Barker received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business from University of Phoenix (Arkansas) and a Master of Arts Degree in Education from University of Arkansas. Ms. Barker is a grader for Business courses in Arkansas.

Mrs. S Bergford

Mrs. S Bergford received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Family and Consumer Science and Master of Science Degree in Career and Technical Education from Central Washington University. Mrs. Bergford grades Family and Consumer Science courses in both Washington State and Arkansas.

Ms. K Bucknell

Ms. K Bucknell received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from Northland College (Wisconsin). Ms. Bucknell grades Elementary courses in Washington State. Ms. Bucknell has 13 years classroom experience.

Ms. C Burdick

Ms. C Burdick received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from University of Arkansas and a Master of Arts Degree in History from Arkansas Tech University. Ms. Burdick is a grader for history courses in Arkansas with 7 years classroom experience.

Ms. B Caldwell

Ms. B Caldwell received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from Arkansas State University and a Master of Arts Degree in Education from University of Arkansas. Ms. Caldwell is a grader for Art courses in Arkansas with 8 years classroom experience.

Mr. J Cartwright

Mr. J Cartwright received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education and Health. He holds licensure in middle school math, science, and social studies. Mr. Cartwright is a grader for Physical Education, Heath, and middle school math, science, and social studies in Arkansas.

Ms. C Caudle

Ms. C Caudle received a Bachelor of Science in Education from New Mexico State University and a Master of Science Degree in Counseling from John Brown University. She holds National Board Certification in Counseling. Ms. Caudle is a grader for math courses in Arkansas with 30 years classroom experience.

Mrs. K Chiles

Mrs. K Chiles received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from University of Northern Iowa. Mrs. Chiles is a grader for K-8 courses with 15 years classroom experience in Arkansas.

Ms. K Conley

Ms. K Conley received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from Central Washington University. Ms. Conley is a grader for K-8 courses with 8 years classroom experience in Washington State.

Ms. H Cox

Ms. H Cox received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from Arkansas Tech University and a Master of Education Degree from The University of Arkansas. Ms. Cox is a grader for business courses in Arkansas with 11 years classroom experience.

Mrs. J Dorr-Cooper

Mrs. J Dorr-Cooper received a Bachelor of Science from Friends University (Kansas) in Zoo Science and a Master of Education Degree from Heritage University. Mrs. Dorr-Cooper is a grader for K-8 courses in Washington with 8 years classroom experience in Washington State.

Mr. D Doss

Mr. D Doss received a Bachelor of Science from The University of Missouri with a major in Earth Science. He is a grader for Earth Science in Arkansas.

Ms. S Doss

Ms. S Doss received a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in English and a MAT in Secondary Education from University of Arkansas. Ms. Doss is a grader for English Language Arts courses with 20 years classroom experience in Arkansas.

Mr. B Dotson

Mr. B Dotson received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Harding University (Arkansas). Mr. Dotson is a grader for middle level courses with 5 years classroom experience in Arkansas.

Mr. W Dutton

Mr. W Dutton received a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and a Master of Arts in Teaching from The University of Arkansas. Mr. Dutton is a grader for Spanish with 10 years classroom experience in Arkansas.

Ms. K Edwards

Ms. K Edwards received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication from The University of Missouri. Ms. Edwards is a grader for English Language Arts in Arkansas with 13 years classroom experience.

Ms. J Garner

Ms. J Garner received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from The University of Arkansas. Ms. Garner is a grader for elementary courses in Arkansas with 7 years classroom experience.

Ms. D Gililland

Ms. D Gililland received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music from The University of Arkansas. Ms. Gililland is a grader for music courses in Arkansas with 6 years classroom experience.

Mr. C Greenwell

Mr. C Greenwell received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from The University of Missouri and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Arkansas Tech University. Mr. Greenwell is a grader for math courses in Arkansas with 8 years classroom experience.

Ms. C Guhlke

Ms. C Guhlke received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health and Physical Education and a Master of Arts Degree in Teaching from George Fox University. Ms. Guhlke is a grader for Physical Education and Health in Arkansas.

Ms. K Hall

Ms. K Hall received a Bachelor of Art Degree in Fine Art from Heritage University (Washington). Ms. Hall is a grader for Art courses with 4 years classroom experience in Washington State.

Ms. S Higgins

Ms. S Higgins received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and Master of Arts Degree in Teaching from The University of Arkansas. Ms. Higgins is a grader for English courses with 20 years classroom experience in Arkansas.

Ms. K Highfill

Ms. K Highfill received a Master of Instructional Technology Degree from Arkansas Tech University. Ms. Highfill is a grader for elementary courses with 20 years experience in Arkansas.

Ms. H Hood

Ms. H Hood received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Central Missouri State University and Master of Arts Degree in Teaching from The University of Central Missouri. Ms. Hood is a grader for American Sign Language courses with 20 years classroom experience in Arkansas.

Ms. M Hopkins

Ms. M Hopkins received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry from The University of Arkansas. Ms. Hopkins is a grader for science courses for Arkansas.

Mrs. S Howard

Mrs. S Howard received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and Master of Arts in Teaching from The University of Central Arkansas. Mrs. Howard is a grader for Spanish courses in Arkansas.

Mr. B Jeffus

Mr. B Jeffus received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry/Biology and a Master of Science Degree in Biochemistry from The University of Arkansas. Mr. Jeffus is a grader for science courses in Arkansas with 7 years classroom experience.

Ms. M Jones

Ms. M Jones received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English/Spanish from The University of Arkansas as well as a Masters Degree in Education from The University of Central Arkansas. Ms. Jones is a grader for English Language Arts courses in Arkansas with 20 years classroom experience.

Mr. J Jones

Mr. J Jones received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music from Arkansas Tech University and Master of Science Degree in Education from Arkansas State University. Mr. Jones is a grader for Music courses in Arkansas with 10 years classroom experience.

Ms. K Kirkman

Ms. K Kirkman received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from The University of Arkansas. Ms. Kirkman is a grader for Science courses in Arkansas with 5 years classroom experience.

Ms. R Leichliter

Ms. R Leichliter received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics and Master of Arts Degree in Teaching from The University of Arkansas. Ms. Leichliter is also National Board Certified in Mathematics. Ms. Leichliter is a grader for Math courses in Arkansas with 16 years classroom experience.

Ms. M Logan

Ms. M Logan is a grader for Music and Elementary courses in Arkansas.

Ms. E Luker

Ms. E Luker received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from The University of Missouri. Ms. Luker is a grader for K-8 courses in Arkansas 7 years classroom experience.

Ms. M Maldonado

Ms. M Maldonado received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Spanish from Arkansas State University. Ms. Maldonado is a grader for Spanish courses in Arkansas with 18 years classroom experience.

Mr. C Marston

Mr. C Marston received a Bachelor of Arts in French and Spanish from McNeese State University. Mr. Marston is a grader for French and Spanish courses in Arkansas with 15 years classroom experience.

Ms. C Matthews

Ms. C Matthews received a Bachelor of Arts in English and Master of Arts from The University of Arkansas. Ms. Matthews is a grader for English courses in Arkansas with 5 years classroom experience.

Ms. S McFarlane

Ms. S McFarlane received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Child and Adolescent Development and Masters Degree in Education from Cal State Fullerton. Ms. McFarlane is a grader for General Education courses in Arkansas with 20 years classroom experience.

Ms. A McKenzie

Ms. A McKenzie received Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Northeastern State University (Oklahoma). Ms. McKenzie is a grader for elementary courses in Arkansas with 11 years classroom experience.

Ms. J Nagle-Santjer

Ms. J Nagle-Santjer received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Washington State University. Ms. Nagle-Santjer is a grader for Elementary courses in Washington State with 12 years classroom experience.

Ms. K Parrish

Ms. K Parrish received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and a MAT in Teaching from The University of Arkansas. Ms. Parrish is a grader for English Language Arts courses in Arkansas with 15 years classroom experience.

Ms. M Perry

Ms. M Perry received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Kinesiology from The University of Arkansas. Ms. Perry is a grader for Physical Education courses in Arkansas with 7 years classroom experience.

Ms. J Powell

Ms. J Powell is a grader for CTE courses in the state of Arkansas.

Mr. K Powers

Mr. K Powers is a grader for Chemistry and Physics in the state of Washington.

Mr. F Prieto

Mr. F Prieto received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish from Western Washington University. Mr. Prieto is a grader for Spanish courses in Washington State with 4 years classroom experience.

Mr. L Rugen

Mr. L Rugen received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biblical Studies from Moody Bible Institute (Illinois) and Arizona State Certification in English from Rio Salado College (Arizona). Mr. Rugen is a grader for English courses in Arkansas with 5 years classroom experience.

Mr. J Sallings

Mr. J Sallings received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Master of Arts Degree in Education from The University of Arkansas. Mr. Sallings is a grader for Math and Science courses in Arkansas with 10 years classroom experience.

Ms. Y Scorse

Ms. Y Scorse received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English/Spanish and a Master of Arts Degree from The University of Arkansas. Ms. Scorse is a grader for Spanish courses in Arkansas with 14 years classroom experience.

Ms. J Smith

Ms. J Smith received a Bachelor of Art Degree from Arkansas Tech University. Ms. Smith is a grader for Art courses in Arkansas with 4 years classroom experience.

Ms. HL Smith-Pokrandt

Ms. HL Smith-Pokrandt is a grader for German courses in Arkansas.

Ms. K Steen

Ms. K Steen received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English/Psychology from Columbia College (Missouri) and Masters in Education from The University of Nevada. Ms. Steen is a grader for English courses in Arkansas with 30 years classroom experience.

Mrs. M Stover

Mrs. M Stover received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and a Master of Arts Degree in English from The University of Arkansas. She also received a Masters Degree in Education (Latin) from The University of Georgia. Mrs. Stover is a grader for Latin and English courses in Arkansas with 35 years classroom experience.

Mr. Jeff Tebbenkamp

Mr. Jeff Tebbenkamp received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Missouri Western State College and a Master of Science in Education from The University of Central Missouri. Mr. Jeff Tebbenkamp is a grader for Health and Physical Education courses in Arkansas with 40 years classroom experience.

Ms. K Tharp

Ms. K Tharp received a Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Spanish. She received a Master of Education degree from Concordia University and a Master of Arts Degree in Spanish from Pontifical University of Salamanca (Spain). Ms. Tharp is a grader for Spanish courses in Washington State with 20 years classroom experience.

Ms. S Tibbs

Ms. S Tibbs received a Bachelor of Science Degree in English from Arkansas State University. Ms. Tibbs is a grader for English courses in Arkansas with 33 years classroom experience.

Mr. T Turner

Mr. T Turner received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health and Physical Education from University of the Ozarks and Master of Arts Degree in Teaching from The University of Central Arkansas. Mr. Turner is a grader for Health and Physical Education courses in Arkansas with 9 years classroom experience.

Ms. K Van der Vis

Ms. K Van der Vis received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Central Washington University. Ms. Van der Vis is a grader for elementary courses in Washington State with 8 years classroom experience.