Meet the Electives Department
Mr. James DeGregorio
james.degregorio@cottonwoodclassical.org
James DeGregorio thrives in coffee shops, reading poetry and chatting about life’s wonders. Now in his seventh year of teaching, he’s the 6th-8th Grade Technology teacher at CCS. Born and raised in Albuquerque, he earned his Bachelor’s in Cultural Anthropology from the University of New Mexico, embracing the human condition in all its forms. His teaching journey began in Tempe, Arizona, where he pursued a Master’s in Elementary Education at ASU. James has taught various grades and subjects, returning to Albuquerque to inspire young minds.
Alexandrea Gowan, 6th, 7th, and 10th Grade Visual Arts Teacher
alexandrea.gowan@cottonwoodclassical.org
Alexandrea Gowan recieved her bachelors degree in fine art and a minor in psychology from the University of New Mexico. Alexandrea specializes in painting and drawing and shows her work around the country though gallery events and traveling shows. Alexandrea teaches a semester long course of sixth grade intro to art and a seventh grade art appreciation. She also teaches a year long Drawing class for ninth and tenth graders.
Samantha Hawley, IB Visual Arts Teacher
samantha.hawley@cottonwoodclassical.org
Sam Hawley is a proud New Mexican living, teaching, and making art in her hometown of Albuquerque. Hawley is currently celebrating her 10th year at CCPS as the 11th and 12th grade IB DP Visual Arts instructor. Her goal as a teacher is to provide a space where students can express themselves, problem solve, and develop a life-long appreciation for the arts. For more information on Hawley’s IB DP Visual Arts course, please visit her class website HERE.
Jennifer Haag, 6th & 7th Visual Arts Teacher
jennifer.haag@cottonwoodclassical.org
Jennifer Haag is a seamstress, silversmith, and printmaker who loves facilitating art making experiences with students of all ages. Prior to teaching 6th & 7th visual art at CCPS, she taught art at the elementary level, the UNM Art Museum, the Arts in Medicine program at UNMH, and in after-school programs. She earned her Master’s of Art in Education, and Bachelor’s of Arts in Fine Arts from the University of New Mexico.
RJ Perez, Music Teacher; Arts Department Chair
rj.perez@cottonwoodclassical.org
RJ Perez teaches Guitar Ensemble and Modern Music classes, and has been with CCPS since 2016. His classes provide a fun, informative, and challenging atmosphere. He creates many life long learners of the guitar and music.
Ms. Lina Ramos, IB Theater and Performing Arts Teacher
lina.ramos@cottonwoodclassical.org
Ms. Lina Ramos a native New Mexican is an arts educator, director, conductor, opera singer and performer. Ms. Ramos has served as an educator for over 30 years, where she has had such remarkable teaching experiences in locations such as the inner city schools of Washington D.C. to rural schools in New Mexico. In service to the community, Ms. Ramos feels fortunate to have conducted and directed over 30 shows for the musical theatre community, various churches and schools. Ms. Ramos also has served as Music Director and has been on the board of the New Mexico High School Musical Theatre Awards since 2015. Also, currently Ms. Ramos serves on the Bernalillo County Arts board and represents District 3. Ms. Ramos also continues to teach the performing arts such as drama, choir and voice in numerous settings, such as her recent work with the Santa Fe Opera Alto Program. As a performer and singer Ms. Ramos continues to perform all genres of singing as her recent appearance as Dona Rosa in Opera Southwest’s production of Il Postino and in various jazz concerts. Ms. Ramos currently teaches theatre, choir and IB Theatre at Cottonwood Classical Preparatory School and thoroughly enjoys working with the amazing CCPS students. Ms. Ramos is also of Cuban heritage and loves to dance salsa and other passions include cooking and songwriting.
Mr. Brian DeMone, Middle School Physical Education
brian.demone@cottonwoodclassical.org
Brian DeMone has been teaching Physical Education (PE) for 9 years (5 primary, 4 secondary), and loves to have fun in class with his students. He is the 7th grade PE teacher for the fall semester, and the 6th grade PE teacher in the spring. This will allow students to have a full year of PE (but with summer break in between). He centers his curriculum around cooperative learning, communication, and teamwork. The goal is for students to use these skills and work together to meet or reach a common goal. Students receive both traditional exercise and activity/sport play time in this environment.
Bryan Cutler, Middle School Physical Education
bryan.cutler@cottonwoodclassical.org
Bryan Cutler is a new teacher at Cottonwood Classical but not new to sports. He has his Master’s in Sports Administration and Exercise Science. He also ran track for the University of New Mexico where he ran the 400m and 200m races.
Shay Todaro, High School Physical Education Teacher; Department Chair
shay.todaro@cottonwoodclassical.org
Shay has an undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He also attend the University of New Mexico where he earned his degree in Science Education and a Masters degree in Secondary Education. He teaches IB Biology and Physical Education. He has been an educator for 22 years and is currently in his 14th year at CCPS.
Carter Weska, IB Business Management
carter.weska@cottonwoodclassical.org
Carter is a returning Cottonwood graduate from the class of 2011, our first graduating class! He graduated from New Mexico Tech with a computer science degree and worked as a software engineer for Apple doing automation and QA engineering for Apple News and Stocks for 5 years living in Bay Area, California. After a year-long stint as a startup founder Carter found his dream opportunity at Cottonwood teaching IB Business Management and creating the Coyote Technology Incubator.
