KUNSMILLER CREATIVE ARTS ACADEMY
High School Program
Imagining and Achieving since 2011
Social Studies
Tony Abel-Pype - anthony_abel-pype@dpsk12.org
Civics, Economics, Art History and High School Audio Engineering
I was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, but have had the opportunity to live in Pittsburgh, PA, Phoenix, AZ, and Nashville, TN before moving to Denver in 2009. I received my Bachelor's degree from Michigan State University in History and Economics in 2007 and completed my Teaching Internship the following year. I have been teaching in Denver Public Schools since 2009. My passion is working along side students so they can better recognize and make sense of the structures, systems, and history of the world to better understand the interconnections among themselves, others, and societal systems and structures. The main focus in every class is for students to critically analyze the deeper meanings within the class content, and to connect the content to their personal lives to create deeper, more meaningful understanding of the world, humanity, and themselves. The ultimate goal for this type of learning is that students are empowered to imagine, create, and shape positive changes in the world as well as in their personal lives. On a more personal note, I am married to the wonderful and fabulous Mrs. Abel-Pype. We have the two best, cutest, most loving dogs ever named Sophie and Mona. I play guitar (somewhat poorly, but I love it anyway). My all time favorite band is Pearl Jam. And, the quote that best describes me is: "...got a mind full of questions and a teacher in my soul… -e. vedder
Mandy Israel - amanda_israel@dpsk12.org
AP Human Geography and AP World History
I am thrilled, and lucky, to have been introduced to KCAA a couple of years ago while studying to get my teacher certification from Metro State. After receiving a bachelors degree in anthropology, with a focus in culture, biology, and Spanish language, I traveled to rural Amazonian Ecuador where I taught public health to high school students living deep in the jungle. I helped them develop, distribute, and educate the public about water filtration systems that could decrease chronic illness and increase over wellness and health. The extreme success and amazing relationships I came from this experience taught me that I wanted to dedicate my life to educating our youth, the future of our planet. I love teaching social studies, because it helps us all understand a little more about our selves, others, and why the world works the way it does. Now that I have been a teacher here at KCAA for a little over a year, I can honestly say that my new family has helped me realize that not only have I made the right decision to become a teacher, but I also chose the perfect school.