About Us - Faculty
Learn more about our passionate and dedicated faculty
Mrs. Barbara Kennedy, Principal at Pinnacle Prep School
Mrs. Jaya Venkateswaran, Math - Lower School
Mrs. Hughelett- Humanities
Mrs. Anu Boparai, Math - Upper School
Mrs. Tricia Hozie, Science - Upper School
Mrs. Diane Hill, Math, ELA - Lower School
Mrs. Barbara Kennedy - Principal
Mrs. Kennedy graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Oklahoma and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Nebraska. She is certified in Special Education and Elementary Education for K-12. Her master’s degree was in Micro Social Work, where she learned to examine behaviors and help clients change those behaviors. Mrs. Kennedy enjoys helping students identify behaviors, thoughts, and attitudes that are keeping students from being successful in both their academic and social settings. She has a true passion for working with our youngest learners and helping each child progress in all areas of their development— academic, social, language, and motor skills. She strives to create a positive and fun environment where her students can flourish. She has been married to her husband, Tom, for 28 years and has two wonderful children. She loves to watch OU football games, reading, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
Mrs. Jaya Venkateswaran - Math - Lower School
I believe the main facet of teaching mathematics is to help students appreciate its beauty and simplicity. Each child is unique in their own way, and my role as the teacher is to assist them in developing their problem-solving skills and learning styles. I incorporate hands-on learning and strive to bring out the best in them.
“Math teaches us that there is every reason to believe that every problem has a solution.” - Anonymous
Email: [email protected]
Mrs. Hughelett- Humanities
Mrs. Hughlett is a native Oklahoman and graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Sociology from Oklahoma State University in 1989 and received her Texas teaching certification in 2005. She is certified in Special Education K-12 and Elementary EC-4. She has 22 years experience in education before joining Pinnacle Prep. Mrs. Hughlett has worked with children in many different learning environments and enjoys making positive impacts on their academic progress. Mrs. Hughlett has a true passion for encouraging children of all ages to challenge themselves academically and socially to strive for greatness. She believes in the words of Albert Einstein, “Anyone who has never made a mistake, has never tried anything new.” Mrs. Hughlett has been married to her husband Eddie for 36 years and has two handsome and wonderful sons, two beautiful and loving daughters-in-law and one adorable grandson who is her pride and joy. She is loyal and true to her OSU Cowboys and you will see her wearing orange quite often. Mrs. Hughlett spends most of her time laughing with her family and watching the wildlife from her back porch. She is very excited to be a part of the Pinnacle team!
Email: [email protected]
Mrs. Anu Boparai - Math - Upper School
The mathematics teacher is responsible for teaching students to think, talk, and write in the language of mathematics. All children have the capacity to learn mathematics and express themselves through numbers. The teacher’s job is to teach empirical thought and encourage them to use it. As a teacher, I aim to bring an open mind, positive attitude, enthusiasm, flexibility, high expectations, and an adaptable knowledge of mathematics content to my students.
“Pure mathematics is the world’s best game. It is more absorbing than chess, more of a gamble than poker, and lasts longer than Monopoly. It’s free. It can be played anywhere – Archimedes did it in a bathtub.” —Richard J. Trudeau
Mrs. Tricia Hozie - Science - Upper School
Every classroom has its unique community; my role as the teacher will help each child develop their potential and learning styles. I aim to model a "can do" attitude, have a positive mindset, and have high expectations in the classroom each day. I believe that four essential elements promote learning:
(1) The teacher's role is to act as a coach and guide.
(2) Students must have access to hands-on activities.
(3) Students must be able to incorporate their knowledge into all aspects of their education.
(4) Students need the opportunity to practice skills in a safe environment."Every child deserves a champion; an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best they can possibly be."- Rita F. Pierson
Email: [email protected]
Mrs. Diane Hill - Math, ELA - Lower School
Diane Hill grew up in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia. She graduated summa cum laude from Texas Christian University with a BS in Elementary Education. She taught second grade in Lewisville ISD for 15 years, along with being the team leader for 13 of those years, as well as winning Teacher of the Year in 2008-2009. In 2011, Mrs. Hill taught fourth grade for five years at a private school in Plano. During this time, she also took master classes at Southern Methodist University for the past four years.