Meet Our Teachers

Welcome to MAKE Greatness Academy! I am the mother of three children including 2 daughters in high school and a son in college, majoring in electrical engineering. My husband, children and I moved to McKinney 9 years ago, from California by the grace of God. We are proud to call Texas home and to be part of a community that values faith, family and education. I have been blessed to serve in many capacities including PTO President, substitute teacher, Texas history teacher, and have had fun directing children’s choirs and talent shows. I have been a licensed Realtor of 20 years and currently sing in the Dallas Millennial Choirs and Orchestras. Music is essential to a child’s education!

We started MAKE Greatness Academy to support parents and provide a classical educational option in the community that focuses on academics, fine arts with an emphasis on God and country. Our goal is to inspire children to realize their full potential, by instilling confidence and providing opportunities for growth and a desire to learn, serve God and others.

EDUCATION: Master of Arts in Teaching December 2018
Texas Woman’s University, Denton, TX
Certification: Life Science 7-12 August 21, 2018
Science Composite July 13, 2019
Bachelor of Science in Psychology Date of Graduation: May 2001
Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL

EDUCATION RELATED EXPERIENCE
2016 – 2016 Field Experiences – McKinney ISD; Cockrill Middle School, Grade 7
2018 – 2018 Field Experiences – McKinney Boyd High School, Grade 9

• Assisted with student learning via feedback and re-teaching
• Worked with students who were struggling with taking notes and completing class work
• Reinforced classroom management plan
• 2020-2021 High School Biology Teacher and Coach- Frisco High School, Grades 9th & 10th<
• 2019-2020 High School Aquatics & Environmental Teacher and Coach- Frisco High School, Grades 11th & 12th
• Coached Freshman Volleyball and Track
• Taught Aquatic and Environmental Systems without a planning team
• Taught last quarter online during COVID-19

2014 – 2015 Volunteer Reading ~ Lawson Preschool Read to the special education students once a week

• Provided alternative materials and manipulatives

ADDITIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE

1996 – 1998 US Navy

• Construction Equipment Operator

2002 – 2007 Virginia Beach, VA Police Officer

• Street Patrol Officer, made arrests, prosecuted misdemeanor court cases and was an Auto Squad Detective

2014 – 2016 IT Technician

• Helped clients fix computer malfunctions remotely

ACTIVITIES

• 2016 – 2018 Association of Texas Professional Educators, Student Member

As a public school teacher I spent thirty years teaching grades K-2; including two 1/2 combination classes and one K/1 combination. During my last few years in the school system, I focused on broadening my skills for project-based and process-based learning, individual goal setting and growth mindset, as well as problem solving and engineering. I also worked with The San Diego Department of Education in creating teacher course work for an Inclusion Certificate.

During my career I was recognized with the site Teacher of the Year Award in 1998 and 2016, the district Teacher of the Year Award in 1998, and the Lynette Robinson Inclusion Teacher of the Year in 2001.

Currently, I am a remote tutor for California students K-9 in the areas of reading, writing, and math. Many of them are from families I have known for years. I feel lucky to still be a part of their learning, supporting them and helping them to be more successful as they learn through the changes education has encountered because of COVID.

I am also excited to be the art teacher. For the past twenty years I have taught private art and academic camps during the summer. I love joining the two, making learning hands on, more visual, and definitely more engaging. Most recently, I hosted a Drop in and Draw time at the McKinney Farmers Market.

A little about my education: I graduated from UC Boulder with a Fine Arts degree, and both Art Education and Elementary Certifications. Later, I received my Bclad certification for bilingual education and a Masters in Special Education from the University Of San Diego, specializing in Effective Instruction.

For me, the best part of teaching is the learners. I love connecting with my students and finding ways to keep them curious and engaged. I am so happy to be a part of this team in both positions. I look forward to both the thinking and the creating.

I am a mom to 4 beautiful children. I have 3 boys and a girl. I have been married for 20 years. We moved to Prosper four years ago from the Houston area. I have been a Pre-K and kindergarten teacher for private schools in the past. Most recently I worked for Prosper ISD first as a substitute teacher for two years, then as a Pre- K aide for a Blended pre- K classroom. I am looking forward to working with your children this year!

Lisa Ohrn is a graduate of Brigham Young University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in English. While studying at BYU, she performed in the acapella group Noteworthy. She later earned her master’s degree in teaching from Grand Canyon University. She is the mother of three teenagers and a cute cocker spaniel. Lisa and her husband moved to Texas eight years ago having previously lived in Southern California. Lisa began her teaching career in Utah where she taught all levels of high school English at Lone Peak High School. Lisa also coached cross country, and she coached the Sterling Scholars. In addition, she worked in southern California teaching high school English and SAT prep. Most recently, Lisa worked for several years at Collin Community College as an associate professor teaching developmental English. Lisa has been very involved in the community working as a youth minister, directing church choirs and volunteering in many organizations. An avid researcher, Lisa loves doing genealogy and learning about her Italian heritage. Lisa is thrilled for the opportunity to work with the students at the academy and looks forward to a wonderful year.

I have a passion for working with children in all areas of development, and creating a community of learners in a positive, and fun environment.

I am a mother of four wonderful children and Grandmother of two. I have been married for 30 years. I enjoy travel, reading and spending time with my family.

I look forward to working together with parents, in their child’s journey through education.