Our Teachers
Our amazing instructors are what set us apart!
We carefully select (collect) our teachers/educators. We look for educators who love teaching and love working with gifted, neurodiverse learners. All academic teachers must have a current teaching certificate, have (or are working on earning) their Gifted Teaching Endorsement, and have been screened through an FBI (fingerprint clearance). All of our field expert instructors (arts, martial arts, career fields, etc.) are experts in their field of study and are screened to ensure they are a good fit for gifted learners.
While hired “at will” and can be let go at any time should they fail to perform to our standards/expectations, we hire experts and empower them to do what is best for our students. Our teachers know how to teach gifted learners, both academically and emotionally. They are empowered to use the materials they choose, have a say in all curriculum, and choose the courses they want to teach. These are teachers we would hire to teach our own children!
Meet the Teachers
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Kim Miller, M.Ed
Microschool 2024-25
Mrs. Miller comes to us with a diverse teaching background and great experiences as both a teacher of gifted learners and parent of her two gifted boys. She spent two years teaching gifted students on the Navajo Reservation, taught a year of middle school Science, and then six years teaching as the gifted teacher for American Leadership Academy where she worked with multiple grade levels. Mrs. Miller loves to bring out her students’ critical thinking, problem solving and creative skills through activities and lessons such as student written plays, STEAM projects, and project based learning.
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Chaffanie Maye, M.Ed
Microschool 2025-26
Hi there! I’m Chaffanie Maye, and for the past 13 years, I’ve had the absolute joy of teaching and inspiring young minds. As a gifted child myself, I know what it’s like to crave deeper learning, ask a million “what if?” questions, and see the world through a lens of endless curiosity. That’s exactly why I’m so passionate about gifted education—I believe every child deserves to feel challenged, supported, and excited about learning!
In my classroom, I strive to create an environment where gifted learners feel understood and empowered. Learning should never be boring! I love designing lessons that spark creativity, encourage big ideas, and help students develop the confidence to explore their unique talents. Whether we’re diving into complex concepts, working on passion projects, or discovering new ways to solve problems, my goal is always to make learning an adventure.
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Alisha Young, M.Ed
Microschool 2025-26
With over a decade of experience in education, Alisha Young is a dedicated teacher serving a diverse range of students, including those who are gifted or twice exceptional. She holds a master's degree in curriculum and instruction and is passionate about teaching students with multiple intelligences. She firmly believes that everyone has their own unique genius and strives to help each student discover and develop their strengths.
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Adam C. Laningham, M.Ed.
Founder, Owner, & Lead Teacher
Mr. Laningham is life-long learner who loves working with children, learning about history & nature, and the “art” of teaching. He worked at multiple schools and with all grade levels (K-8) as a classroom teacher and gifted programing specialist for over 14 years. He later was a district manager for gifted services providing support for over 6,000 gifted students.
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Ginette M. Rossi, M.Ed.
Saturday Enrichment
Ginette Rossi has taught in grades Pre-K through undergraduate studies for the past 24 years. As an accomplished educator with a passion for literature, writing, and innovative teaching methods, she is the recipient of two inaugural state awards: K-12 AZ Humanities Teacher of the Year and Catalyst Teacher for Phonetic Spit through the Mesa Center for the Arts. Ultimately, she believes that equipping students through the pursuit of inquiry will ensure a secure future for the collective youth.