Our Team

Our Team


Deanne Repich
Deanne Repich
Co-Founder, Head of School, (remove Program Director)

Deanne Repich was born in Lincoln, Nebraska. She went the path of being a “high achiever” in school, but always felt the stress and anxiety of trying to fit a mold that wasn’t her true quirky self. After striving to achieve and being awarded the National Merit Scholarship, prestigious Harry S. Truman Scholarship, and others…
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Erik Repich
Erik Repich
Co-founder, Technology Expert

Erik was born in Buffalo Grove, Illinois and graduated from Devry Institute of Technology with a degree in Computer Science. After graduation his passion for technology brought him to Austin, where he worked for several technology companies to expand, develop, and innovate online…
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Jessica Martinez
Jessica Martinez
PBL (Project-Based Learning) Teacher and Supporting Science Teacher

Hello! My name is Jessica Martinez, and I am the PBL (Project-Based Learning) Teacher. I have a son starting his third year at Great Minds. I’ve always enjoyed being part of a learning environment, and the one at Great Minds is truly special. Having a dialogue and thinking outside of the box …
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Andrea Vasquez
Andrea Vasquez
Vice Principal and SEL (Social-Emotional Learning)

Hello! My name is Andrea Vasquez. I am the Vice Principal, and SEL (Social-Emotional) Learning teacher here at Great Minds. I was born in El Salvador but I have been living in Austin most of my life. My hobbies are hiking, exercising, and photography. I am also a huge foodie! I have a Bachelor of Fashion Merchandising with a minor in Business from Texas State University…
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LaWanda Townsend
LaWanda Townsend
Monday Science and Social Studies Teacher

Hello Families! My name is LaWanda Townsend, and I am excited to join the tribe at Great Minds Learning Community. I grew up in Houston, Texas, graduating from Houston Christian University with a Bachelor’s in Christianity and Entrepreneurship. As the child of a lifelong teacher, I began to provide tutoring in the…
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Nichole Ringler
Nichole Ringler
ELA Teacher and Supporting PBL Teacher

Hi! My name is Nichole and I am one of the ELA teachers. I graduated from NC State with a degree in Education. I’m certified to teach up to sixth grade. I’ve worked in the school districts in many different roles as an educator…
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Amanda Nathuji
Amanda Nathuji
Science and Math Teacher

Hello! My name is Amanda Nathuji. I am a math and science teacher at Great Minds. I have a B.S. in Biomedical Science with a focus in Microbiology from Texas A&M University (whoop!). In my down time, I enjoy reading, writing, hiking, and spending time with family and friends. I have a Great Pyrenees dog named Nico, and lots of crested geckos!…
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Emhely Guzman
Emhely Guzman
Math Teacher / ELA Supporting Teacher

I am a proud graduate of St. Edward’s University, where I earned my degree in Biochemistry. Raised by two Mexican parents and as the eldest of four siblings, I have a deep passion for education and making a difference in students’ lives…
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Darric Ward
Darric Ward
Music Teacher

Darric is currently studying in the Audio Technology and Industry program at Austin Community College. He holds a Bachelor of Science in University Studies Business from Texas A&M University and a Masters of Education from Texas Christian University….
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Alyssa Ottaviani
Alyssa Ottaviani
Assistant Teacher and SEL Mentor

Hi! My name is Alyssa Ottaviani, and I am a senior at the University of Texas at Austin. I am a psychology major with a minor in educational psychology. I also sing in a school choir during my fall and spring semesters. I enjoy swimming, dancing, singing, and spending time with friends and family. I have two…
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