Our Current Faculty

The program director is Dr. Luis Valdes received a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Houston in 1990. He has been the director of mental health services in the public and private sector in the Houston area for over 15 years. He specializes in services for children and families and system-wide integrated programming. He has international experience in program development and implementation of children’s mental health and educational services.

Lisa Green graduated from Texas Tech University with a BS in Human Development and Family Studies in 1993.  She currently is ROA's Assistant Director, but has taught at all levels in math, science, english language arts, and psychology.  Lisa is certified as a lifetime Educational Aide I.

Ann Lancaster is ROA’s language arts and social studies teacher. She received her BS in Education from University of Houston in 1985. Prior to coming to ROA, Ann served as the Departmental Chair in Special Education at Dulles HS in Ft. Bend ISD.  She is certified in special education and has taught English and a variety of social studies and electives in her 20 years of teaching experience.  Ann is PK-12 certified in Special Education.

Reginald Caldwell is ROA's science and special education teacher.  He received his BA in History and Liberal Arts from Southern University in 1998.  Reginald is skilled at teaching a diversified student population at various performance levels.  He is certified in EC-12 Special Education.

Thomas Jorgensen is ROA's language arts, social studies, science and technical applications teacher.  He graduated summa cum laude from Westminister College in 2001 with a major in Elementary Education and a minor in Special Education.  Tom is certified in EC-12 Special Education. 

Jessica Benjamin is ROA's elementary and special education teacher.  She graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas in 2005 with a BA in Psychology, with a focus on Education and Child Development.  Jessica has extensive experience in teaching and care giving with special needs groups.  Jessica is certified in EC-12 Special Education.

Dennis Pham is ROA's math and science teacher.  He graduated from Houston Baptist University in 2006 with a double major in Biology and Mathematics.  Dennis has the ability to explain mathematical and physical concepts in a manner that engages the students to perform their best.  He is in the process of getting his teacher certification.

Hannah Campbell is the most recent addition to ROA as our art, dance and psychology teacher.  She graduated in 2013 from Sam Houston State University with a BS degree in Psychology.  Though relatively new to the education industry, Hannah clearly has made an impact with her students.

Stephanie Edwards helps support ROA's elementary and special needs students.  She graduated from Texas A&M with a BS degree in Psychology in 2009.  Stephanie's experience includes working with people with physical and mental disabilities, and at-risk youth at residential, intermediate and long-term care facilities, supported living centers, and home community services.  She's working towards her teacher's certification.