Why ASA?
It is inspiring to see how rigorous academics and strong performing arts prepare our creative thinkers and leaders for the future.

David Lujan is the executive director of Arizona School for the Arts. Most of his professional career has been focused on improving the lives of Arizona children and families. Previous roles include serving as the CEO/Director for the Arizona Department of Child Safety, President and CEO for the nonprofit Children’s Action Alliance, and Chief Administrator of ASU Preparatory Academy, where he helped launch the downtown Phoenix campus. He is an attorney who represented the Arizona Department of Education and School Facilities Board as an Assistant Attorney General. David also served as Legal Director for the nonprofit Defenders of Children. David has held elected office in the Arizona House of Representatives and the state Senate, where he represented central Phoenix, and as a Governing Board member of the Phoenix Union High School District.

David has received numerous awards, including Arizona Public Official of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers, Legislator of the Year by the Arizona Students Association, Cesar Chavez Continuing the Legacy Award by the William Mitchell College of Law, and 2022 Arizona Activist of the Year by the Arizona Capitol Times Best of the Capitol.

Degrees & Schools Attended
B.S. Marketing – Arizona State University Juris Doctorate – Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, Arizona State University

Why ASA?
I find myself extremely grateful for the opportunity to have served in a role of a consultant at ASA during the 2022-2023 school year as it gave me such wonderful insight and captured my heart. I discovered collaborative and thoughtful faculty, amazing young people with big dreams, immense academic and arts talents, and a commitment from leadership to growing and transforming the community to meet the pressing needs of the 21st century. I did not want to miss an opportunity to be on that journey with ASA and contribute to the growth and excellence. 

For over 15 years, Elma has been a significant leader in urban education. A former high school English teacher, Restorative Justice Director, and a district-level administrator, Elma has led and transformed institutional policies and practices impacting disproportionate discipline, behavior and mental health interventions, and school culture and climate. She is a dynamic facilitator, a passionate advocate for students, a bold systems leader, and a relationship-centered restorative practitioner.

Elma is a graduate of Arizona State University with an undergraduate degree in Justice Studies and graduate degree in Secondary Education. She studied trauma, forgiveness and restorative justice at University of Cape Town, South Africa under the direction of the former Truth and Reconciliation Commissioners. During her time as a classroom teacher, she seamlessly integrated restorative values and practices into her classroom management and community building practices fostering high levels of learning and engagement. Her restorative classroom practices landed her in Chicago leading the work of developing and implementing a Restorative Justice Framework for Chicago Public Schools. When Elma left Chicago in 2016 as the RJ Director of Umoja, she did so having successfully designed and implemented a comprehensive school-based restorative justice model in six Chicago Public Schools and significantly impacting exclusionary practices and disproportionate discipline. In 2016, Elma transitioned back to Phoenix to serve in the role of a district administrator over student support services at Phoenix Union High School District where she created, directed, and coordinated social emotional learning, mental health and behavioral health services, restorative practices, multicultural and diversity education, and alternatives to suspension programming. By way of Elma’s innovative and bold leadership, the district is now equipped with a comprehensive student support services model, restorative discipline framework, and a teaching and learning framework reflective of the whole child approach. Most recently, Elma has been a committed thought partner and coach to schools seeking to transform their systems and build equitable, anti-racist, restorative, and inclusive school cultures and climates.

Elma is married to her best friend and is a proud mama to three beautiful bicultural, biracial, and bilingual kids. She is also an avid cook who secretly wants to have her own cooking show on Food Network TV, and a born Bosnian who still speaks her native language and regularly practices the customs and traditions of her culture.

Total Years of Teaching Experience: 6 years

Total Years of Administration Experience: 7 years

Schools Taught At: Arizona State University, Skyline High School, Western School of Science and Technology

Degrees & Schools Attended
B.A. in Justice Studies [Human Rights and Peacebuilding], Arizona State University, 2007
M.Ed. [Secondary Education], Arizona State University, 2012

Why ASA?
I enjoy teaching these students that value both rigorous academics and an arts education. The fact that ASA is located right in the heart of the city is a plus, too!

Andrew Doumakes earned a B.A. in Mathematics and a B.S. in Economics from Arizona State University. After his undergraduate studies, Andrew returned to his home state of Texas to earn his M.A. in Economics from Texas Tech University, after which he returned to Phoenix and worked with BASIS Peoria, where he taught many levels of math and economics. Mr. Doumakes joined ASA in 2022 as a 9th and 10th grade math teacher. He is a passionate traveler, and has visited Portugal, Spain, Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Czechia, Greece, the Netherlands, the UK, Croatia, and our neighbor Mexico!

Total Years of Teaching Experience: 13

Total Years at ASA: 3

Schools taught at: BASIS Peoria

Other Years of Teaching Experience: 11

Education/Degrees:
B.A. Mathematics – Arizona State University, 2011
B.A. Economics – Arizona State University, 2011
M.A. Economics – Texas Tech University, 2013

Assistant Principal – Upper School (8-12)

Why ASA?
I am honored to serve the ASA community and I am proud to be a life-long lover of the arts! This is a community that inspires creativity, broadens perspectives, fosters culture and deepens our understanding of the world. 

Veronica Neal, a former high school and college dancer, earned a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies at California State University Los Angeles in 2004. While in Los Angeles, Veronica interned in the Education Division at Los Angeles County Music Center. She assisted in the coordination of programs such as the Spotlight Awards, a nationally recognized performing arts competition for Southern California high schoolers and Very Special Arts Festival, a free inclusive arts celebration event for children of all abilities from the Los Angeles Unified School District. This experience inspired Veronica to continue working with children with exceptionalities, and she entered the field of special education in 2010. Veronica continued her education, obtaining a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education in 2010 and another master’s degree in Education Administration and Supervision in 2017. In between these years, Veronica worked as a Special Education Teacher, Exceptional Student Services Coordinator, 504 & ELL Coordinator and Administrator. Most recently, Veronica worked as a Regional Exceptional Student Services Coordinator with Vertex Education, the education management company for one of the largest charter networks in the state of Arizona, Legacy Traditional Schools. Veronica acted as a special education coach and operational liaison to multiple LTS campuses in the West Valley region. 

Veronica married her college sweetheart and they are parents to three fun-loving teenage souls nearly 20 years later. Parenting an exceptional child has shaped Veronica into a compassionate, resourceful and solutions-centered educator who pursues an equitable education for all. She is a member of the Council for Administrators of Special Education and a member of the Council for Exceptional Children. Veronica enjoys quality time with her family, exploring new places, and watching movies, musicals and performances of her favorite dance troupes. Veronica equally enjoys being her family’s historian and amateur genealogist.  

Teaching Experience: TOTAL 8 Years: Fowler, Isaac, Tolleson and Avondale Elementary School Districts, Great Hearts Academies

Administration Experience: TOTAL 6 Years: Great Hearts Academies, Vertex Education

Total Years at ASA: 1

Education and Degrees Earned: 
B.A. Liberal Studies, California State University, 2004
M.A. Early Childhood Education, University of Phoenix, 2010
M.A. Education Administration & Supervision, University of Phoenix, 2017

Why ASA?
I am a lifelong believer in the importance of the arts as a major component to a well-rounded education. ASA is the gold standard, not only in the quality of the curriculum, but in the outstanding and supportive community that nurtures its mission.

Carolyn Smith is native New Yorker and majored in Photography at SUNY-The Fashion Institute of Technology, but found her true vocation as an administrative professional at Macy’s New York, planning internal meetings for the division. Having worked in both nonprofit and for-profit companies, including the American Heart Association, Heart Havens, and NRI Staffing Resources in a career that has spanned fundraising, event planning, operations, payroll and human resources, the common thread and her joy has always been supporting the community in which she works.

Total Years at ASA: 4

Why ASA?
It doesn’t take long to realize that ASA is a special place with remarkable students, faculty, staff and board members committed to the advancement of performing arts and education. Students grow into intellectual, creative, reflective, and engaged leaders who are ready to take on the world. They make a difference in our community by moving human emotions and minds with their art and academic achievements. One can’t help but be inspired by their possibilities!

Leslie Religioso comes to ASA with an enthusiasm for building community, connecting with others, and developing mission-focused fundraising opportunities to influence growth, drive success, and make a positive impact.

Before joining ASA, Leslie was the Director of Special Events at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona. In this role, Leslie directed and oversaw their fundraising events program, implementing leading practices in the areas of partnership/sponsor cultivation, individual giving and donor relations, volunteer and committee engagement, marketing, communications, and event logistics that contributed to the organization’s year-over-year fund development success for 11 years. Leslie began her professional non-profit career at CancerCare, a national social services organization based in New York City. There she gained knowledge and experience through various fund development roles that ignited her passion for non-profit work.

Leslie holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Boston University. A mom to a young son, you’ll likely find Leslie and her husband exploring the Phoenix Zoo, local aquarium, or Children’s Museum; they can’t wait to share the joy of the performing arts with him soon! He already sings a repertoire of songs/nursery rhymes at the top of his lungs, so maybe he’s destined for choir or theatre!

Total Years at ASA: 4

Education and Degrees Earned: 
B.A. Economics minor in Business Administration – Boston University, 2003

Why ASA?
As a classically trained vocalist, the arts and education have always been extremely important to me. Through ASA’s incredible faculty and staff, students can cultivate their outstanding accomplishments within the arts, while also achieving academic excellence.

Min holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and English Literature from Hope College in Holland, MI. She is originally from Michigan but has lived in Arizona since 2012. Min has extensive experience working in both print and digital advertising agencies and before joining ASA in 2020, Min served as the Marketing & Outreach Manager for the Epilepsy Foundation Arizona, providing programs, support, and services for individuals and families affected by epilepsy, statewide. During Middle and High School Min attended Interlochen Center for the Arts majoring in both Vocal and Musical Theatre Summer Programs. Min can be found volunteering, traveling, shopping for plants, posting on social media, and spending time with her two cats, Nahla and Aria.

Total Years at ASA: 4

Education and Degrees Earned: 
B.A. Communication and English Literature – Hope College, 2011

Why ASA?

As a 2009 graduate of Arizona School for the Arts, this school played an integral part in making me who I am today. As a performer, business owner, and Phoenix community member, I have a passion for the values this school brings to each student and the staff and am thrilled to be part of this team.

Total Years at ASA: First year

Education and Degrees Earned: 

BA Theatre Arizona State University, 2012

Why ASA?
ASA has created an environment that encourages learning performing arts and curriculum. The students and staff all show a passion for growing and striving for excellence! I am excited to work in a school where students can express themselves without judgment.

Mrs. Leon’s family encouraged her to follow her painting, drawing, and singing passions. As an adult, she found comfort in her artwork and felt inspired to continue her work when she saw students practicing performing arts. She also felt encouraged to follow her passion for helping others through her education. Mrs. Leon is working towards becoming a therapist! She has over seven years of experience in childcare and two years of experience working in a school.

Total Years at ASA: 2

Why ASA?
The arts change lives and Arizona School For The Arts is an oasis for both students and faculty/staff. What a complete joy and honor it is to be a part of ASA and to help support students as they grow and learn the powerful language of the arts!

Total Years at ASA: 1

ASA’s mission of fostering creativity and academic excellence deeply aligns with my values. I’m proud to support students and staff by ensuring a safe, clean, and well-maintained environment that fosters learning and creativity. My goal is always to create an inviting campus atmosphere that showcases everything ASA has to offer.

Total Years at ASA: First Year

Why ASA?
I chose to work at ASA because as a Social Worker, educator, and a parent I feel it is important to allow students an opportunity to incorporate what they love doing into their learning environment. I am a firm believer that when students feel successful at extra-curricular activities such as piano, dance, choir, band, or theatre, it helps boost their self-esteem. In return, this allows students the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed academically. Social Emotional Learning is important to me, and I am excited to join the ASA community where I can help support this value.

Veronica Cons was born and raised in South Phoenix and has a passion for working with children and families. She has been a Social Worker for 13 years and spent nine of those years in a school setting in two different districts. Focusing on Social Emotional Learning and building partnerships with outside agencies. Prior to working in a school setting, Veronica worked for the Department of Child Safety.

Content/Grade Levels:
School Social Worker

Total Years of School Social Work Experience: 15

Total Years at ASA: 2

Schools taught at: School Social Worker at Martin Luther King Preschool, Lowell Elementary School, and Percy L. Julian.

Education and Degrees Earned: 
Arizona Department of Education-School Social Worker PreK-12 Certification
Arizona Department of Education– School Counselor PreK-12 Certification
University of Phoenix -Master of Business Administration, 2012
Arizona State University- Master of Social Work: Emphasis in Child Welfare, 2009
Arizona State University-Bachelor of Social Work: Minor in Communication, 2007

Why ASA?
ASA is my family, my community.  I love to empower students to discover their strengths and vision for their lives.

Having joined ASA in 2002, Liz Wakeford is a lifelong educator and college counselor with a passion for helping young people discover their college/career pathway by understanding their values, interests, and skills. The process for college and career exploration begins in 8th grade, where students learn about their strengths and how to discover the types of careers and colleges in which they would thrive. Mrs. Wakeford regularly meets with college admission officers from around the country and offers informational seminars for parents and students. She is ever expanding the college program and is in the process of developing a robust College Compass program that will focus on college preparation for students in grades 5-12. A graduate of Meredith College in Raleigh, NC, Mrs. Wakeford received a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education K-12. She is a professional member of Rocky Mountain Association of College Admissions Counselors and the National Association of College Admissions Counselors.

Content/Grade Levels:
College Counselor/8th-12th Grade

Teaching Experience:
TOTAL 22 years: Kent Island Elementary School (Kent Island, MD) 2 years; ASA 19 years

Total Years at ASA: 22

Education and Degrees Earned:
B.M. Music Education (K-12) – Meredith College, 1990

Why ASA?
Everyone shares the same vision and is dedicated to the success of those around them.

Elizabeth Shaw is a native Phoenician.  She attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in Theatre.  After completing her studies, she began a 20+ year career with several Fortune 500 companies that included leadership roles in Human Resources, Training and Development, and Finance.  Prior to ASA, as a lifelong lover of dogs and cats (the animals, and the musical) Elizabeth owned and managed a boarding kennel in Taos, New Mexico.  Family and community motivated her return home to Phoenix in 2018. Now, after dreaming of a career in theatre as a child, she has come full circle and uses her finance background at a performing arts school.

Why ASA?
ASA is a place to build relationships and be a part of a team of supportive colleagues.  I’ve always had an interest in arts and education, which drew me to the mission of the school. 

Tisha Clark comes to ASA with 25+ years of experience and an extensive background in business and accounting.  She earned a BA in Business Management from Northern Arizona University.  She has over 10 years’ experience in government and public accounting work both in Arizona, Texas, and internationally.  Tisha is an Arizona native and enjoys hiking, attending concerts and theatre, traveling and spending time with family and her grandchildren.  

Education and Degrees Earned: 
A.A. Eastern Arizona College, 1996
B.S. Business Management  – Northern Arizona University, 2010