Administration

Ms. Amy Faulk – Principal

Principal Faulk joins the AMS Family with approximately 24 years of innovative forward-thinking educational experience. Ms. Faulk holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, a Masters of School Administration, and an Educational Specialist Degree in Instructional Leadership. Ms. Faulk has a track record of assisting in the success of turning around underperforming schools standardized test scores through strategic planning, curriculum and program development, effective faculty interaction and communication. Ms. Faulk has served as an Assistant Principal, Curriculum Specialist, Teacher (grades 1st - 8th), College Liaison at a correctional facility, Adjunct Instructor on the collegiate level, and High Needs Care Coordinator at a Behavioral Health Organization. She is also a Proud Veteran of the United States Army. Ms. Faulk’s passion is meeting students at the point of their needs by creating stimulating and challenging environments. She has extensive experience in curriculum development, community/parent outreach, behavioral health, and Brain Based Learning graduate. Ms. Faulk understands that we live in an ever-changing world and we must embrace change. If change is inevitable, she believes we should strive to create and operate in an environment that encourages collaboration, embraces diversity and offers an abundance of choices.

 

Mr. Ismael Jaquez – Dean of Students

Dean Jaquez will be joining AMS after spending the last ten and a half years in the Chicago Public School System. Mr. Jaquez graduated from DePaul University Business School in Chicago. He double majored in Marketing and Business Management. He brings with him a mix of high school and elementary school experience. His approach to discipline is rooted in restorative justice and restorative practices. His quest to support all students has led him to serve on multiple school/network leadership teams: Behavioral Health Team, Culture and Climate Team, Security Team Lead, Network Deans Team, Post-Secondary Team, Athletic Director and Sports Coach. He is looking forward to supporting all South Mountain students so they can enroll and graduate from the college of their dreams. Mr. Jaquez is a first-generation college graduate and proud son of Mexican immigrants.

Mrs. Danielle Grandinetti – Assistant Principal

Assistant Principal Grandinetti is joining AMS after spending 11 years in education, 9 of them being in the classroom and 2 at the university level as an Academic Counselor. Mrs. Grandinetti earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education from Lock Haven University in Pennsylvania. She also earned a Master of Educational Leadership: School Leadership from Northern Arizona University, and went back to earn her Principal Certification. She has taught mathematics at all middle and high school levels, everything from Pre-Algebra to Calculus, from 7th grade to 12th grade. She has taught Special Education classes, General Education, and Gifted Education. She has held many leadership positions along the way, including Mathematics Department Chair and written curriculum at the district level. She has created and facilitated Professional Developments for teachers that have led them to reach all students and improve upon their best practices. She thoroughly enjoys creating and building positive relationships with students to ensure they meet their fullest potential. She is very excited to be joining the AMS-South Mountain family and looks forward to working with each individual student and their families.