MEET OUR HIGH SCHOOL TEAM
Passionate and Caring
Our high school teachers are passionate about the subjects they teach and dedicated to helping students fulfill their potential and discover the possibilities.
Lisa Berger, High School Social Studies Teacher
Mrs. Berger holds an MEd in education from Walden University and a BA in history from the University of Pittsburgh. The 2020–2021 school year marks her 12th academic year in virtual online teaching and her 19th active year in the field of education. She loves teaching U.S. history and geography.
Brayden Cressman, Spanish Teacher
Mrs. Cressman holds a BS in world languages education Spanish and applied Spanish with a certificate in TESOL from Pennsylvania State University and is working on her master's in Spanish linguistics from New Mexico State University. The 2020–2021 school year marks her eighth academic year in education and her fourth academic year with online instruction. She comes to ISPA with teaching experience from central and eastern Pennsylvania and Ecuador. She loves to teach all levels of language, but has a soft spot for the foods unit.
Christina Davis, Math Teacher
Ms. Davis received her Master in the Art of Teaching degree from Western New Mexico University. Prior to that, she graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with degrees in anthropology and French. She has enjoyed many diverse teaching experiences in her 18-year career including rural, urban, and online school settings. She also had the opportunity to work as an education ranger with the National Park Service and the Fish and Wildlife Service. She has lived and worked in New Mexico, France, Oregon, Wyoming, Utah, and Pennsylvania.
Reuben Lacy, Health & Physical Education Teacher
Mr. Lacy holds a BS in health and physical education from Cairn University, and is certified to teach PreK–12th grade in Pennsylvania. The 2020–2021 school year marks his fourth academic year in online instruction and he's excited to continue the adventure. He most looks forward to using his passion for health to provide a positive impact on the lifelong fitness journey of his students. Mr. Lacy resides in Philadelphia.
Kim Spurgeon, High School Science Teacher
Mrs. Spurgeon holds a BS in biology education from Bloomsburg University and an MEd in elementary education from West Virginia University. The 2020–2021 school year marks her 11th academic year in public education and her sixth year in a charter school. She comes to ISPA with teaching experiences from both Pennsylvania and North Carolina, and professional certifications in biology, general science, math, middle school science, and K–5 elementary education. Her favorite subject to teach is physical science because it involves physics, chemistry, and math all in one!
Tia Gaines, English Teacher
Mrs. Gaines holds BS degrees in secondary education, English, and biblical studies from Cairn University and an MEd in learning and technology from Western Governors University. The 2020–2021 school year marks her 16th academic year in education and her 11th academic year in online instruction. She comes to ISPA with teaching experience in cyber, private, public, urban, and international schools. She loves to read and teach literature.
Nancy Shifflett, Special Education Teacher
Mrs. Shifflett has a master's in special education from Slippery Rock University and a BS in elementary education from Clarion University. She also holds a master's in educational administration and educational technology. Mrs. Shifflett brings a variety of teaching experiences over the past seven years in various special education positions from elementary school through high school math courses. This year will be her third year of online teaching and she's excited and happy to be at ISPA.
