2011 OBTA Honorees

Chris Willems

Wilbur Cross High School, New Haven, CT

All of Chris' elementary and secondary education was in the New Haven Public Schools. He teaches biology at the same high school he attended and has benefited from some amazing opportunities in his career. He spent two years teaching mostly urban kids marine biology on large traditional wooden sailboats. One was a 67’ Chesapeake Bay Bugeye ketch and the other a 91’ Schooner. Chris then worked on a team to develop and teach science programs at the brand-new NJ State Aquarium, which focused on mid-Atlantic marine and freshwater life. While living in Boston, Chis really enjoyed experiences as a microbiological field worker in Boston Harbor – a position he kept in winter and summer!

His students constantly motivate Chis to keep looking for ways to innovate so their life science work is as exciting and real as the world. He is grateful for the people of NABT and their fantastic ideas.

Region I (CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT)

Susan Arrigoni

Millburn High School, Millburn, NJ

Susan Arrigoni received her B.A. degree in Biology with a concentration in microbiology from Rutgers University. She worked for twelve years as a microbiologist and supervisor of a QA microbiology laboratory at a Johnson & Johnson company. Susan was a specialist in environmental and contamination control, industry lecturer, task force member and author. She earned Six Sigma certification, and was named Process Excellence Black Belt of the Year. During this time Susan, passionate about career education, volunteered often to speak and complete activities at local schools. This passion grew into a cherished career. She has now been a teacher of biological sciences for over ten years instructing all levels of biology including AP. She especially enjoys teaching anatomy and physiology. For nine years, she has been at Millburn High School where she has coached students in NJ Science League, organized blood drives for the American Red Cross, and facilitates the Future Physicians and Nurses Club.

Susan enjoys learning as much as teaching. Susan attended Seton Hall University obtaining a M.A. and Ed.S. degree in Education; she is currently pursing a Ph.D. in Higher Education, Leadership, Management and Policy. At SHU, Susan has been active in the Kappa Delta Pi (KDP) International Honor Society in Education as a prior executive board member. She is a member of the NSTA and NABT.

Susan feels very fortunate to have worked in industry, and now to be a teacher. She values the experiences she can bring to her students and hopes to further an interest in a science occupation. When she is not teaching or attending school, Susan enjoys time with her family and two dogs.

Region II (DE, DC, MD, NJ, NY, PA, VA)

Andrea Redinger

Greensburg Salem High School, Greensburg, PA

Andrea currently teaches Biology I, Biology II, and Biotechnology (a course she designed and implemented). She traveled to Costa Rica with CHANCE and then took her own students to Puerto Rico to study biodiversity firsthand. Following the observation of open heart surgeries her students construct heart valves with bioengineers. “Mrs. Red goes above and beyond every day to make sure the classroom learning experience is exceptional, and part of that is making sure we get out of the classroom into different learning settings. She has made a lasting impression on me personally and academically through her love of science and energy for life," stated a former student.

Andrea has a B.S. in Biology from Saint Vincent College and a M.S. in Education-Duquesne University. She is the SW Rep for PSTA, writes book reviews for the ABT and sponsors an NABT BioClub. She started the Pennsylvania Science Curriculum Council (PASCC) to give science teachers in her area a means to collaborate and share effective methods of both science instruction and assessment. Andrea has received the PSTA’s William B. McIlwaine Science Teaching Award. Mr. Thomas Shipley, Director of Secondary Education, calls Andrea’s enthusiasm “infectious,” and yes, the pun is intended.

Region II (DE, DC, MD, NJ, NY, PA, VA)

Elaine Modine

Waubonsie Valley High School, Aurora, IL

Elaine received her B.S. with “Distinction in the Biological Sciences” from the University of Illinois (Chicago Circle), and M. Ed. from National Louis University. Her Illinois teaching career includes 7th/8th grade science in Darien followed by nine years as a high school substitute in Downers Grove while raising their 3 sons. For the last nineteen years, she has been devoted to her students at Waubonsie Valley High School in Aurora developing a strong biology, honors biology and cutting edge genetics/biotechnology curriculum. Most memorable are over ten years of DNA sequencing research conducted by her classes and her extracurricular biotech club students. In honor of her students’ contributions to science there stands a 13 foot DNA wind sculpture outside their science wing at Waubonsie. As the science department liaison, she also provided instructional leadership to her peers.

Elaine has received numerous awards since 1996 including the Presidential Award of Excellence in Science Teaching (2001), the Ron Mardigian Biotechnology Award, (NABT 2010), the Illinois Science Teachers Association Outstanding High School Science Teacher, Educational Leadership, Illinois Division of Student Activities, and Most Influential Educator Award in District 204 (20+ times).

Married to Larry for 38 years, they are expecting their 10th grandchild. Elaine appreciates the support and collegiality of NABT and the National Conventions where seeds have been planted for many of her most innovative projects.

Region III (IL, IN, MI, OH, WI)

David Inskeep

Northwestern High School, Kokomo, IN

In his 23rd year as a biology teacher, David’s hallmark has been implementing innovative, creative teaching methods developed from attendance at programs around the nation. Besides receiving recognition for a novel interdisciplinary unit on the Mississippi River, he has been awarded a Howard Hughes Medical Foundation Fellowship, and a Woodrow Wilson National Foundation Fellowship. He shares his experiences and learns from his colleagues through regular presentations at the Hoosier Association of Science Teachers annual conference, and served as treasurer of the Indiana Association of Biology Teachers.

David is committed to conservation and community. Active in the Wildcat (Creek) Guardians and the Indiana Adopt-a-River program, an avid canoeist, camper, hiker, traveler, and former farmer, his experiences illustrate for students the practical importance of science and biology in understanding the world around them.

David graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Indiana University in 1988, receiving his B.A. in Biology with High Distinction.

Region III (IL, IN, MI, OH, WI)

Tracy Swedlund

Medford Area Senior High, Medford, WI

Tracy is beginning his 20th year of teaching. Currently, he teaches A.P. Biology, Biology I, Human Anatomy & Physiology, and Botany at Medford Area Senior High in Medford, Wisconsin. He is the science department chair and serves on the district’s school forest committee. Tracy earned his Bachelors degree in 1992 from Western State College of Colorado with a major in Biology and a minor in Chemistry and earned his Masters degree in 2001 from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point in Natural Resources – Environmental Education. Tracy is a 2003 National Board Certified Teacher and is a member of the Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers (WSST). He serves on the WSST board as the District 2 Director and most recently Co-Chaired the 2011 WSST Science Conference. Tracy is honored to represent Wisconsin as the OBTA award winner. He is married to Margo, a second grade teacher at Medford Area Elementary School, and has two children, Aimee – 11 and Adam – 6.

Region III (IL, IN, MI, OH, WI)

Kacia Cain

DMPS Central Campus, Des Moines, IA

Kacia Cain has taught Biology, Biotechnology and Anatomy& Physiology in Des Moines Public Schools for the past 20 years. She has a Master’s degree in Biology, so her Biotechnology and Anatomy & Physiology courses also receive college credit through Des Moines Area Community College. Kacia currently teaches at Des Moines Central Campus, a regional academy serving all of central Iowa by giving unique educational opportunities to all students. By working with the local medical school, local universities, and businesses, students are able to get a real world perspective on the biological sciences which helps them stay engaged in science. Kacia plans to continue teaching at Central Campus and Des Moines Area Community College for many more years.

Region IV (IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD)

Deb Koehlmoos

Pierce Jr/Sr High School, Pierce, NE

Deb Koehlmoos is a science teacher at Pierce Public Schools, Pierce, Nebraska. She taught at Dodge Public Schools for three years and has taught and coached at Pierce since 1987. Along with biology at Pierce, Koehlmoos teaches Physiology 1 and 2, and this spring will be teaching a new class, Intro to Healthcare/Medical Terminology. Koehlmoos graduated from Midland Lutheran College with a BA degree and from Doane College with a Masters degree.

Koehlmoos has been a member of the Nebraska Association of Science Teachers, served on the Ne-SA Science Item Writing committee, attended and presented at the state science teachers’ convention and at the Nebraska Educational Technology Association and been part of the Rural Academic Secondary School Science Partnership and the Math-Science Partnership Project. She has led students to attend the Wonderful World of Water, where they have won several times, and instituted a community recycling program. Principal Mark Brahmer nominated Koehlmoos.

Region IV (IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD)

Terry Aslesen

Mitchell High School, Mitchell, SD

Terry has been in education for the past 34 years in Mitchell, SD and accumulated over 60 Graduate Credits beyond the Master’s Degree. He belongs to several professional organizations and have presented numerous times locally, regionally and at the state level. He have served five Gubernatorial appointments, and on many boards and commissions. Terry has been named the Outstanding Young Educator in SD, Principal of the Year, OBTA for SD, and a finalist for Rotary’s Teacher of the Year.

Terry is a believer in Mastery Learning and allow students to re-take tests and to re-do labs. He enjoys science, not just for the inquiry and hands-on, but also for all of the relevance to daily lives, future jobs and the rest of our lives. Controversial topics like evolution, STD’s, birth control, reproduction, drugs, cancer, research, bio-ethics and the likes are his favorite.

Region IV (IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD)

Cheryl Mangum

Fairview High School, Cullman, AL

Cheryl has been teaching at Fairview High School in Cullman, AL for the last 8 years. She graduated from Athens State University in Athens, AL with a BSED degree in 2003, and is currently working on a Masters in Biology at Mississippi State University in Starkville, MS to be completed in December 2011. She also has an Associate of Applied Science degree in Veterinary Technology, which is where she began her journey toward teaching. Cheryl graduated from Fairview High School in 1985 and is very blessed to be able to return to her home school to teach. She also coaches Varsity and Junior Varsity Basketball at Fairview. Cheryl has been married to David A Mangum for 24 years and have 4 beautiful children, Caleb (20), Kacie (19), Samuel and Anna (17).

Region VI (AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, PR)

Stephen Anand

A.W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, West Palm Beach, FL

Steve is currently the Dean of Science at the A.W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts 501 South Sapodilla Avenue in West Palm Beach Florida. He currently teaches four sections of Honors Biology as well as two sections of Advanced Placement Biology. He has taught for 12 years at Dreyfoos, beginning as a substitute teacher during his graduate studies, (age 21). He has coached Varsity Girls and Boys Soccer for the past ten years, and has coached Cross Country and Track and Field as well. Steve has served as the Science Fair Coordinator and Science Club Sponsor for the past five years, and sponsored both the Junior and Senior classes. In addition, he coordinates a yearly Marine Research Development Trip to Key Largo, Florida for his students. Steve is a member of NABT, Florida Association of Science Teachers, NSTA, NEA, FEA, CTA, and several organizations through MIT and FAU. He has attended workshops at MIT, NABT, Palm Beach County Science Symposiums, and Advanced Placement College Board Workshops.

Region VI (AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, PR)

William Schuyler IV

Forsyth Central High School, Cumming, GA

Bill attended Auburn University and graduated in1989 with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a minor in Pre-Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, he worked at Emory University and the VA Medical Center as a Research Specialist in Pulmonary Medicine. His primary research topics were Pulmonary Embryonic Lung Development and Tuberculosis Pulmonary Infection. In conjunction with the Lead Medical Research Doctor, he has co-authored papers in medical journals such as The American Journal of Medical Science and American Journal of Respiratory Cell Molecular Biology. In 2000, Bill switched career goals and graduated from Georgia State University with a Master’s Degree in Science Education and started teaching at Forsyth Central High School. There he currently teaches Advanced Placement Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, as well as the Biotech/Healthcare Science for the STEM Academy Program. He is the FCHS Equestrian Team Coach, Science Olympiad Coach and the National Honor Society Teacher Sponsor. Bill's wife also teaches (science) at Forsyth Central. They live on a small horse farm and have 5 horses, 5 dogs, and two cats. Their son is currently a senior at Central.

Region VI (AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, PR)

Rebecka Rocquin

Ponchatoula High School, Ponchatoula, LA

Rebecka has been teaching in Tangipahoa Parish in Louisiana for 13 years. She obtained her B.S. in Biology Education in 1997 from Southeastern Louisiana University and M.Ed in 2008 in Educational Technology Leadership. She is currently science co-department head at Ponchatoula High School. Rebecka has written and been awarded several classroom grants including the Target Field Trip Grant (2009-2011), Quality Science and Math Grant(2004-2011), ING Unsung Hero Award( 2005), Best Buy Grant(2008), and Qwizdom Technology Grant( 2007). She has worked with Louisiana Virtual School as a Biology curriculum developer.

In addition to teaching, Rebecka is a certified First Responder for the Bureau of EMS and in 2009 received her Pharmacy Technician License. She is amember of National Science Teachers Association, National Association of Biology Teacher, Louisiana Association of Science teachers, and serves as Second Vice President of her district's Delta Kappa Gamma Chapter.

Region VI (AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, PR)

Beverly Smiley

Pulaski Academy, Little Rock, AR

Beverly Smiley is a Biology and Chemistry teacher at Pulaski Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas. She is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) with a B.S. in Biology. She is a Science Club cosponsor and has served on the Arkansas State Science Fair board for the past seven years.

Beverly has participated in the STRIVE (Supporting Teachers Research Involvement for Vital Education) program at UALR. During that time, she studied the effects of nectar-borne amino acids on the reproductive tissue of monarch butterflies and created inquiry-based and problem-based lessons for her students. She received the High School Teacher of the Year award for the school years 2006/2007 and 2008/2009 in Little Rock public schools.

Beverly is currently a part-time graduate student working on a Master of Science in Integrated Science and Math at UALR. She is also developing a curriculum for a future Oceanography course at Pulaski Academy. She is married with three children and loves to read and spend time outdoors. Her philosophy of education, "I believe I have to be a lifelong learner to be a great teacher and I am grateful for all the wonderful teachers I have learned from."

Region VII (AR, AZ, NM, OK, TX)

Sharon Phillips

Vanoss High School, Ada, OK

Sharon Phillips holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from East Central University and is in her 20th year of teaching. She is the science department chair at Vanoss High School and teaches anatomy, zoology, and biology II. Sharon has worked hard the last eight years bringing biotechnology into the small, rural school at Vanoss. Through workshops offered at Oklahoma City Community College and grants associated with the OCCC Biotech program, she has had the opportunity to acquire equipment, materials, and supplies allowing her students many hands-on activities.

Outside of teaching, she is enjoys raising cattle on the family ranch, and attending her son’s activities.

Region VII (AR, AZ, NM, OK, TX)

Dori Walker

Wheat Ridge High School, Wheat Ridge, CO

Dori Walker received her degree in Biology in 10996 from Metropolitan State College of Denver and a Masters Degree in Education from Denver University in 2000. She has been the Biology Content Leader at WRHS from 2003-2011 and is a current members of the Colorado Biology Teacher Associations. She has worked with Jefferson County Schools on several academic teams, revising curriculum and creating documents for the county such as “animals in the classroom.”

Dori has worked at Wheat Ridge H.S., her alma mater, since 2000 and loves continuing her adult career as a Wheat Ridge Farmer! She is a true believer in being a life long learner and enjoy modeling this for her students. Her classroom is one of biological excitement! As you enter the room, you will notice the numerous plants and animals that makes it feel alive. She believes it is important for students to be fully immersed in Biology and she enjoys noticing their excitement increase for life all throughout the year!

One of the favorite parts of her job is sharing her love of biology with my students. Dori thinks it is important to show them that being a little “nerdy” can also be a lot of fun! She likes to integrate biology education outside of the typical class room and her biology classes enjoy several field trips and guest speakers. he motivation behind this is to open their eyes to all the interesting opportunities that can be available as a career in the biological fields!

"I love my job, and feel extremely lucky to have a vocation that is so exciting! There is nothing else I would rather do than continue to learn new and exciting tidbits of biology and sharing it with others to arouse their excitement too! I am honored to have been chosen the Colorado OBT award!"

Region VIII (CO, ID, MT, NV,UT, WY)

Thomas Schmit

Hamilton High School, Hamilton, MT

Tom Schmit attended Montana State University, earning a BS in Biology. He currently teaches Biology and Biotechnology courses at Hamilton High School. Tom has been committed to providing students with high quality instruction and valuable personal experiences in science for over 20 years. He has facilitated meaningful interactions between students and the scientific community by advocating for student internships at local laboratories and mentoring their involvement in science olympiad competitions, science fairs and student science symposiums. Close associations with research laboratories and significant grant writing efforts helped establish a state of the art science laboratory in his classroom.

Tom has developed and taught laboratory technician courses for the University of Montana and held a Teacher Fellowship with the American Association of Immunologists. He has presented at professional conferences including the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biologist. He sits on advisory committees for GSK Biologicals Hamilton and the NIH Rocky Mountain Laboratory.

Kathryn Fisher Heeden

Oregon City High School, Oregon City, OR

Kathryn received her BA in Biology from Willamette University and her MAT in Science Education from Lewis and Clark College. She has been teaching for 11 years, currently at Oregon City High School where she teaches Advanced and AP Biology.

In addition to her teaching, Kate has served as department chair, as a leader in the implementation of Professional Learning Communities and as a member of Literacy Council. Kate takes graduate biology courses at Portland State University and has participated in summer research opportunities through Murdock Charitable Trust Partners in Science Program. In 2005, Kate earned National Board Certification. She also teaches in the Graduate School of Education at Lewis and Clark College.

Away from school, Kate enjoys playing with her two-year old son Søren, her husband Chris and their dog Jefferson. Gardening, hiking, running, and cooking are the activities that keep her energized for her classroom.

Region IX (AK, CA, HI, OR, WA, Pacific Territories)

Kara Bourgeois

Bishops College, St. John's, NL

Kara Bourgeois is a teacher at Bishops College in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada. She has been teaching for 17 years with various schools in the Eastern School District. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Biology) in 1992, Bachelor of Education (Secondary) in 1994, and a Master of Education (Teaching and Learning) in 2008. Kara differentiates her teaching and has developed her own set of “guided notes” to accommodate different learning styles. She uses simulations, hands on learning, you tube videos, jeopardy games, and visuals such as classroom murals. Kara is involved in extracurricular activities in her school such as school development (chair), student council, and Day of Pink Committee for anti-bullying.

She has been involved in curriculum development and evaluation for the province of Newfoundland. She has delivered presentations in the areas of new curriculum, lab safety, and “Hands on Science” to her school district and province.

Kara has been involved in the science fair movement in Canada since 2003. She has served on her regional science fair committee as secretary, vice-chair, and chair. She has attended six Canada-Wide Science Fairs and is presently the Atlantic Zone Representative for the National Science Fair Committee.

She presently holds a second degree black belt in Shotokan Karate awarded in August, 2010. She believes in creating a culture of respect in her school and is honoured to be a teacher.

Region X (Canadian Provinces & Territories)

Jessica Dixie

Brockville Collegiate Institute, Brockville, ON

Jessica has started her fifth year of teaching at Brockville Collegiate Institute in Brockville Ontario Canada. She completed her bachelor’s and teaching degree at the University of Ottawa. In 2010, she traveled to Lake Tahoe, California to complete the International Baccalaureate [IB] Diploma Programme training in biology. This world- wide program delivers enrichment opportunities to students beyond the Ontario Curriculum.

From 2006-2009 Jessica was the feedback judge coordinator for the Rideau St Lawrence science fair. In 2009, she was the delegate for the Canada Wide Science Fair, taking the winners of the local fair to compete in Truro Nova Scotia. She is co-founder “Club 222”, an afterschool tutoring/support group for students at her previous school and assisted in beginning a similar program called “The Hub” at her current school.

Jessica is also very passionate about coaching at her school. She coaches Jr. Boys volleyball, Sr. Girls volleyball, and Jr. Badminton.

Region X (Canadian Provinces & Territories)

Awards

2011 OBTA Honorees

Chris Willems

Aimee Gauthier

Susan Arrigoni

Deborah Beam

Andrea Redinger

Stephen Biscotte

Elaine Modine

David Inskeep

Tracy Swedlund

Kacia Cain

Stepheny Lin Andrews

Hillary Enloe

Deb Koehlmoos

Terry Aslesen

Cindy Rudolph

Wando High School, Mt. Pleasant, SC

Cheryl Mangum

Stephen Anand

William Schuyler IV

Rebecka Rocquin

Heather Maness

Beverly Smiley

Sharon Phillips

Jackie Snow

Dori Walker

Thomas Schmit

Beth Cutter

Kathryn Fisher Heeden

Kara Bourgeois

Jessica Dixie

Awards

Contact Us

Privacy Policy

Newsletter Sign-up