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Leadership

David Appleman

David Appleman

School: 602-449-3000

David Appleman is the Principal of Shadow Mountain High School.

As the principal, Mr. Appleman oversees instruction, all school activities and operations, and most importantly, provides a safe and productive learning environment for students.

Mr. Appleman has been a coach, a teacher, a dean, and an assistant principal at four schools within the Paradise Valley School District over the past three decades.

Previous to arriving in Arizona, Mr. Appleman was an English Teacher and a Dean of Boys in the New York City public School system.

Mr. Appleman earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Queens College in English, a Master of Science Degree in Education from C.W. Post University, and a Master of Education Degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University.  He is a graduate of the National Institute for School Leadership’s Executive Development Program and a qualified instructor in Verbal Defense and Influence/Tactical Communication.

Kathleen Alexander

Kathleen Alexander

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL HIGH SCHOOL
School: 602-449-3000

Instructional Services: 10th and 12th Graders

Kathleen Alexander has been in education long enough to remember open classrooms and open campuses. She prizes her Maryland public school education, as well as her years at Towson University, University of Maryland, the Johns Hopkins University and Northern Arizona University. Kathleen serves as the Assistant Principal for Instructional Services at SMHS.

Onquanette Nowels-Pierce

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL HIGH SCHOOL
School: 602-449-3000

Onquanette is a native of Chicago (The Windy City) who recently relocated to Arizona. She is beginning her 17th year as an administrator. She has taught elementary and middle school. Onquanette is married and has a beautiful blended family of 4 children. Onquanette holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, a Master’s Degree, in Educational Administration and is currently striving to finish her Dissertation. She is super oriented in community service and an advocate for equitable education and opportunities for ALL students. She believes in coaching teachers to grow in their craft and reach their full potential all while having high expectations for students. Onquanette enjoys working with students around learning, school and community related activities. Onquanette is very excited to be a part of the Paradise Valley School District, and she looks forward to working with students, staff and the community.

Richard Ross

Richard Ross

DEAN OF STUDENTS
School: 602-449-3000

Rick Ross, Ed. S., is excited to be in another year as Dean of Students at Shadow Mountain High School. Mr. Ross holds degrees from Nebraska Wesleyan University, Arizona State University, and Nova Southeastern University. He has been a professional educator in the Paradise Valley United School District since 1990 with extensive experience in the middle and high school committees, Mr. Ross has completed the PVUSD Administrative Intern Management Program, served as an Instructional Division Leader, Auditorium Manager, PVEA Treasurer and Contract Negotiations Team member for the Paradise Valley Education Association. Mr. Ross served as Director of Choral Activities at Shadow Mountain HS for a decade. Mr. Ross has been awarded the O.M. Hartsell Excellence in Music Teaching Award by the Arizona Music Educators Association, an Alumni Achievement Award from Nebraska Weleyan University, a Golden Bell Award from the Arizona School Boards Association, Middle-Level Educator of the Year Award and the PVEA Recognition of Professional Standards Award. Mr. Ross is very honored to have been named to "Who's Who Among American Teachers" on three different occasions and recognized numerous times by the Paradise Valley United Parent Council. He has been selected "Most Spirited" and "Most Likely To Start A Flash Mob" in the Shadow Mountain Yearbook. In his time away from school, Mr Ross enjoys his family and friends with travel, hiking, mountain biking, history and reading. He is very proud to be a Matador!!