Superintendent

In the Fall of 2019, Mr. Armard Anderson was appointed Superintendent of Richard Milburn Academy. His career began in 2000 as a Career and Technology classroom teacher with Grand Prairie ISD and Fort Worth Can Academy. Over the last 19 years, he has served in many capacities including most recently acting as the Director of School Operations at Trinity Basin Preparatory. He has also served in Waco ISD as assistant principal, Crowley ISD as assistant principal and principal; principal and Director of Risk Management at Richard Milburn Academy, and as an independent educational consultant for Advantage Academy Charter School. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and attending sporting events.

Executive Director of School Operations and Facilities

Carl Tanton is the Executive Director of Instructional Technology, Grants and Expansion at Richard Milburn Academy. He has more than 20 years of accomplished network systems design, maintenance and administration. Mr. Tanton provides the overall technology strategy and vision for the continued design and development of an innovative, well maintained, and secure information technology environment; throughout a district which spans the entire state of Texas. Through the use of eRate, Instructional Materials Allotment, Priority Schools and Technology Lending Grants, Mr. Tanton ensures the network is current, robust and well maintained. Mr. Tanton has obtained TCEA’s Director of Technology Certification as well as CompTIA’s Network+ certification. Mr. Tanton is a member of TCEA, ISTE, TCSA and the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools.

Chief Financial Officer

Tammy Padilla is the Chief Financial Officer and joined the RMA team in September 2018. Tammy comes to us with 23 years of accounting experience. Her experience in school finance started in 2008 when she took a position working for David Robinson at The Carver Academy. In 2012, David Robinson made the decision to partner with IDEA Public Schools to provide a greater impact on children in the San Antonio Area. Tammy has expanded her school experience to work for three public school districts and achieved her TASBO certification as a Registered Texas School Business Administrator.

Director of Special Projects

Jim Pollok joined RMA in August 2014 and has over 11 years of educational management experience. As the Director of Special Projects he manages the district’s administration of state assessments, monitors accountability, responds to the TEA regarding monitored interventions, manages federal funding requirements as well as the district’s instructional materials allotment, and is the administrator for several of the district’s computer applications. Jim holds a Bachelor of Business Degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a minor in Architecture. When Jim is not working (never), he likes to work in his urban garden growing vegetables and caring for his backyard chickens, fish pond, five dogs, cat, and his parrot named Chicken. Excitement surrounds RMA – students care about learning, staff care about students, and like the garden… we are growing!

Director of Marketing, Communications, and Business Development

Rhett LaRose serves as the Director of Community Outreach and Marketing at Richard Milburn Academy. Born, raised, and educated in San Antonio; Rhett received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from The University of Texas at San Antonio. A husband and proud father to one daughter, Rhett enjoys woodworking, DIY home improvement projects, and brewing off-the-wall craft-beer in his down time.

Director of Child Nutrition

Amy Wood is the Child Nutrition Director and has been part of the RMA team since August 2015. She is implementing and overseeing the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program at our RMA campuses. Amy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Minor in English from the University of Houston. She has three children, two girls and one boy, and enjoys spending her free time watching her children participate in sports and cooking with her husband. RMA is constantly growing and evolving to better serve our students, and Amy is excited to be a part of that growth and to be able to offer a healthy breakfast or lunch to RMA students.

Director of Special Populations

RMA Killeen Principal

The proud Principal of Richard Milburn Academy, prior she was principal at International Leadership of Texas-Saginaw. She took on the opportunity to open this campus and hired 100+ employees to create a culture of home. It was one of her most challenging but rewarding opportunities. She led Booker T Washington High School since 2014, alumni of the school and a firm believer of all of the opportunities Booker T. offers all students. The opportunities that she had the chance to take advantage of are the reasons she has returned to lead the school. Prior to Booker T Washington High School, Nanette began teaching in the Tulsa Public Schools in 1997 and left in 2004 to teach in Kansas. She was in the educational system in Kansas eleven years before returning to her Alma mater Booker T Washington High School. Nanette has two children a son and a daughter. She received her Bachelors in Business Administration (BS) from Northeastern State University, her Masters in Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Oklahoma, an Educational Specialists (Ed.S) from William Woods University and her Doctorate in Educational Leadership (EdD) through William Woods University. It may be apparent that she is a lover of learning and capitalizes on every opportunity for new learning.

RMA Amarillo Principal

Mrs. Gerhardt graduated from Frenship High School in Lubbock Texas, earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and Environmental Science from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin and her Master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas Tech. Mrs. Gerhardt has taught science in both elementary and middle school, empowered other teachers as an educational consultant for several statewide conferences and Texas Education Service Centers and coached K-12 teachers as a Curriculum and Technology Coach. She began her career with RMA at the Midland campus as their Instructional Coach before she relocated and took on the Principal position at the RMA Amarillo Campus. Mrs. Gerhardt enjoys nature while hiking and camping. She considers herself a “science nerd” and loves spending time with her husband and three teenage kids. Her daughter just started her sophomore year at West Texas A&M University in Canyon and her two sons are juniors in High School.

RMA Corpus Christi Principal

Ms. Hanna is a life-long resident of Corpus Christi and graduated from Mary Carroll High School. She earned an Associate’s Degree from Del Mar College and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Texas A & M University Corpus Christi. She also holds a Masters degree in Education Leadership and is currently a graduate student pursuing a doctoral degree in Education Leadership. She has a long career working with at-risk students as an English teacher at the Teenage Mothers School (TAMS) Alternative High School and then Coles High School. She worked for CCISD for many years as a specialist in the central office in various capacities. She joined RMA Corpus Christi in the Fall of 2018 and is enjoying her second year leading the Corpus Christi campus, which is growing and planning a move to a new building in 2020! In her spare time, she enjoys reading, shopping, and spending time with her children and three grandchildren.

RMA Fort Worth Principal

Rachel Sanders serves as the Principal for RMA - Fort Worth. Born, raised, and educated in Fort Worth public schools, she is familiar with the city and has a desire to contribute to its growth by serving children and their families. Additionally, Rachel received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees locally at Texas Christian University. Rachel has been fortunate to work in education for 17 years in various areas: speech pathology, secondary English and special education (instructor), elementary special education (instructor), instructional coaching, school improvement, and administration (both at the campus and central office levels). A wife and mother of one daughter, Rachel loves movie and game night with her family (that also includes the dog), and reading.

RMA Houston Principal

Nato P. James will be joining the RMA – Houston High School family after serving as an assistant principal and district level administrator for six years in Judson ISD, Galena Park ISD, and Houston ISD. Mr. James’ classroom experience spanned five years as a Special Education Co-Teacher for multiple subjects, Resource Teacher, and Behavioral Specialist. He also previously served as both assistant varsity football coach and middle school head football coach. As a student, Mr. James excelled in the classroom and in athletics, earning a full scholarship to play football at Texas State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. Mr. James also holds a Master of Education degree with an emphasis in Urban Leadership Administration from Texas Southern University. In his personal life, Mr. James enjoys spending time outdoors, working out, and trying to stay as active as possible. His new-found love is golf and he plans to spend his time away from the campus perfecting his game! Mr. James has dedicated his professional career to working with at-risk students and empowering others around him to always strive for greatness! He is indeed excited to lead the RMA Houston team this school year. Mr. James truly believes that all students can GROW towards SUCCESS when you cultivate a school culture based on positive RELATIONSHIPS and TRUST. RMA – Houston High School… Become Better, Grow Stronger, Choose SUCCESS #IchooseSUCCESS -NPJ

RMA Pasadena Principal

Keith Garcia comes to RMA Pasadena with a vast amount of experience in the education arena. He holds a Master’s degree in school administration from the University of Houston and has over 10 years of experience as both a classroom teacher and Instructional Leader. Mr. Garcia has been very successful in establishing the foundation for new schools and developing school culture within existing schools utilizing data-driven policies and procedures. He looks forward to utilizing his talents and experience at RMA Pasadena to increase school growth and student success. Mr. Garcia looks forward to establishing working relationships within the Pasadena business community as well as utilizing successful parent engagement strategies to guide the RMA Pasadena campus towards a flourishing path.

RMA Lubbock Principal

Ms. White breathes RMA! She is a career educator with a FABULOUS heart for students. She has more than 20 years of experience in education, several of which have been with RMA previously. A Master's graduate of Seton Hill University's Writing Popular Fiction program, Teffanie Thompson White has written several stories for children, teens, and ballerinas. Her novel "DIRT" won the 2016 African-American Literary Awards' "Best Young Adult" novel, which was held at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, New York Public Library. Ms. White, upon invitation, also attended the 2018 Sharjah Children's Reading Festival in Dubai, UAE. Ms. White now resides in West Texas with her organic farming husband. When not working, she enjoys reading, writing, and hula hooping. Fun Fact: Ms. White has visited all 9 RMAs.

RMA Midland Principal

Mrs. Debra Theesfield began her career at RMA in August 2018 as principal of RMA-Midland. Previously, she taught English and AVID at Ector Junior High in ECISD followed by several years as Assistant Principal and Dean of Students at Bonham Middle School in ECISD. Mrs. Theesfield holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. She believes in the power of a growth mindset and strives to help students and teachers see the vast potential they hold. Mrs. Theesfield enjoys reading and creative writing, as well as spending time with her husband and children. You can follow her professional blog at www.mrst72.blogspot.com

RMA Odessa Principal

Mrs. Mary Janssen began her career at RMA in October 2004. Her first assignment was teaching Social Studies in the morning session and Math in the evening session. She began teaching Social Studies full time in August 2005. After teaching 6 years, Mrs. Janssen became the Graduation Coach. In this capacity Mrs. Janssen was able to begin and oversee the first Dual Credit classes in concert with Odessa College and The University of Texas of the Permian Basin. Mrs. Janssen was also able to work with the Odessa Chamber of Commerce to bring Texas Scholars to the RMA campus. On her way to becoming the School Principal in August 2014, Mrs. Janssen served as the Academic Counselor for 2 years. Mrs. Janssen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History with a Minor in Geography and a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership. Mrs. Janssen strives to take care of the largest faculty in the RMA district. She also works to maintain the highest enrollment and attendance in the RMA district. When not working with students, faculty and parents, Mrs. Janssen enjoys spending as much time as possible with her children and grandchildren and is an avid baseball fan. RMA Odessa’s motto is, “Welcome to Success.” This motto holds true for all students.

Exec. Administrative Assistant - Superintendent

Exec. Administrative Assistant - Finance Department

Exec. Administrative Assistant - Academics

HR Specialist

Finance Specialist

Network Administrator

Information Tech Support Specialist

Student Records Manager

LSSP

Melissa Hernandez joined the RMA Team in 2015 as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP). She presently serves as the LSSP for RMA-Amarillo, RMA-Midland, and RMA-Odessa. Her previous work experience included working as an LSSP in the greater Austin area, San Marcos and San Antonio. In her career as an LSSP, she has worked with diverse populations to include students and staff in residential treatment centers, juvenile detention centers, and students in K-12th grade. She completed her degree in San Antonio, Texas where she obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology with a Minor in Communication Arts from The University of the Incarnate Word. She attended Our Lady of the Lake University to study School Psychology and achieve a Master’s of Science in School Psychology. She presently lives in Austin, Texas and in her free time enjoys catching a live music show, playing basketball, running, and traveling.

LSSP

LSSP / Educational Diagnostician

Special Population Registrar

Special Ed. Instructional Services Coord.

District Instructional Coordinator

District Instructional Coordinator

District Instructional Coordinator

CTE Coordinator

PEIMS Liaison

Counseling Coordinator

Distance ELA Teacher

Distance Math Teacher

Distance Science Teacher

Distance Social Studies Teacher

Distance Career & Technology Education Teacher

Distance Career & Technology Education Teacher

Distance Career & Technology Education Teacher