Meet Your Teachers

Dr. Tara Bonebrake, Upper School Director

Dr. Tara Bonebrake’s experiences in education include teaching K8 general science and courses in biology, marine biology, zoology, ecology, and microbiology for 9-12 grade students. Tara’s leadership experiences include creating collaborative team opportunities for K12 faculty to support instructional growth and development. In the summer of 2022, Tara was thrilled to help co-coordinate and present at Southwest Missouri’s EdCafe, providing free professional development for area educators.

Tara joins The Summit Preparatory School family as a lead learner and will be an ally to all learners, no matter where they are in their journey. Not only does she enjoy working with learners just beginning their experience but also those focused on providing the tools and insights needed to support the development of lifelong learning.  Her experiences as a learner, educator, and leader have created remarkable avenues, thoughts, and opportunities. Because of this, Tara is driven to support those around her in both their personal and professional learning journeys. 

In addition to sharing her love of all things learning, Tara enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling as much as possible, and reading.

TBonebrake@TheSummitPrep.org

Jordan Alexander, Language Arts

A native of Southern California, Jordan Alexander attended California State University Long Beach where he received his Bachelor’s in English Education with a Theatre Arts option. Upon moving to Missouri, he received his Master of Arts in Teaching from Missouri State University. He taught public school for 6 years at Branson and Nixa High School and is thrilled to be joining the faculty of The Summit. He has taught private tap, jazz, and modern dance over the past 15 years and, on his off hours, he volunteers with the Branson Regional Arts Council directing and choreographing musical theatre and dabbles in costume and wig design. He is looking forward to a great year at The Summit!

JAlexander@TheSummitPrep.org

Whitney Kelley, Mathematics & Science

Whitney Kelley received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Missouri-Columbia and her Master of Science in Biology from Missouri State University with a focus in aquatic ecology and invasive species.

She has taught introductory biology and environmental science courses at the collegiate level for twelve years. She has also worked with the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) for the past six years coordinating exchange student placement, orientation, and supervision throughout their exchange year.

When not teaching, she enjoys road trips around the country and Caribbean cruises with her husband and three young children.

WKelley@TheSummitPrep.org

Rob Powers, Science

Rob Powers has his bachelor’s in Chemistry Education from Missouri State University and an M.Ed in STEM Education from Concordia University. He has served as a leader in local science education since he and his wife started Professor Powers Science Symposium, a non-profit organization offering high-quality science education opportunities to kids and adults via hands-on, project-based classes on evenings and weekends, and week-long camps in the summer.

When he’s not completely immersed in sharing his passion for science with everyone around him, Rob plays guitar and sings in various local bands, and also spends time with his wonderful wife and ProPow co-founder and their 3 rambunctious and precocious boys, 3 dogs, and one fierce kitten.

RPowers@TheSummitPrep.org

Doug Starkey, Mathematics

Doug Starkey started his career as an Electrical Engineer with the Boeing Corporation working on the Navy’s F-18 Hornet and the Air Force’s F-15 Eagle programs. Throughout his career he has held positions as an Electrical Engineer, Optical Design Engineer, and Software Engineer with companies such as Boeing, Bausch & Lomb, and BioMerieux Inc.

After deciding to change careers and pursue teaching, he started his teaching career with the Camdenton R-III School District at Lake of the Ozarks. He taught numerous STEM courses including General Physics, IB & AP Physics, Statistics and AP Statistics, Algebra II, Java I & II, IB & AP Computer Science, and Digital Electronics (PLTW). He was jointly employed by Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) and Project Lead the Way (PLTW) as a Master Teacher for several summer sessions where he taught the entire Digital Electronics (DE) curriculum to teachers from all over the country for them to be certified to teach the course in their schools.

After receiving his administration credentials, he served as the district’s Director of Technology and STEM Education. In this capacity, he was responsible for not only all district technology systems and software but also the district K-12 STEM education programs. In his tenure in this position, he upgraded the entire district’s security systems, internet, network systems, and student devices and software to the latest technology standards. In addition, he was able to implement STEM curriculum in the district to include implementation of PLTW (Project Lead the Way) in K-12 classrooms. He was also able to increase STEM offerings and college credit options for High School students to include IB (International Baccalaureate) and AP (Advanced Placement) programs in Physics, Statistics, and Computer Science.

Doug looks forward to teaching at the Summit and serving as a resource for all things STEM! When not involved in STEM education, Doug enjoys traveling with his wife, Aimee – usually traveling to visit one of their 6 kids. He is also an avid musician (keyboard), singer, and lover of live music – so much so that he has a music studio in his home!

DStarkey@TheSummitPrep.org

Emma Smith, History

Emma Smith loves her husband, history, travel, and her dogs. She studied history and business at College of the Ozarks and was fortunate to travel to Europe twice with World War II veterans and Holocaust survivors to learn their stories firsthand. She earned her M.A. in American History at the University of Kentucky in 2015 before moving back to the Ozarks and discovering The Summit.

She enjoys being a faculty mentor to the Upper School Student Council and coaching with Girls on the Run in the fall. Teaching is her vocation, and she is so grateful to be part of The Summit community.

ESmith@TheSummitPrep.org

Alaina Slinker, Spanish

Alaina Slinker is originally from southeast Kansas and a graduate of Missouri Southern State University and Ozark Christian College. At Ozark, she received a degree in Biblical Interdisciplinary Studies and went on several overseas mission trips. At MSSU, she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Spanish Education (K-12) and a certificate in Medical Spanish Interpretation. She is currently working towards a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction along with earning her ELL teacher certification. Before joining the Summit team, she taught Spanish for one year at Joplin High School. Alaina is excited to build strong relationships and share her passion for Spanish language and culture with students at the Summit!

In her free time, Alaina enjoys traveling, baking, watching/playing sports, going to the gym, puzzles and movies, and spending time with her family, friends, and two dogs.

ASlinker@TheSummitPrep.org

Alex Henke, Music

Alex Henke graduated from Missouri State University in 2015 with a degree in music education and composition. Since graduating, he has been teaching lessons on a variety of instruments, playing shows in Branson, and touring with a band. Alex loves all kinds of music and sharing it with other people! 

His best buddy is his cat named Phillip who has extra toes on all his feet! 

AHenke@TheSummitPrep.org

Bea Rodriguez, Art

Bea Rodriguez firmly believes that art, its foundation, and the creative process are an elemental and stimulating part of the educational environment. Sharing stories through creativity opens a door that welcomes infinite voices. She has twenty years of experience in art education and served as the Fine Art Department Chair at St. Joseph Academy in Brownsville, Texas. She is currently a ceramics instructor with Drury University.

Bea grew up in The Rio Grande Valley in South Texas. She and her husband, Juan Andrés, have a daughter and a son. Aside from being a passionate educator, she is a ceramic artist. Traveling to spend time with her family is her cherished joy.

BRodriguez@TheSummitPrep.org

Kharja Teed, Physical Education

Kharja Teed has a great love for physical activities and group interactions. She has taught all types different age levels and a variety of activities and sports. She loves showing and teaching students how to enjoy a lifestyle of physical activity. 

Kharja and her husband, Chris, welcomed a new baby boy, William, to their lives in the spring of 2019. Together as a family, they love being active outside with their two black labs, Tank and Gunner.

KTeed@TheSummitPrep.org

Elise Bowsher, Outdoor Education

Born and raised in the Ozarks, Elise Bowsher obtained her B.S.E and M.A.T. in Childhood Education from the University of Arkansas. Before joining the Summit team, she spent six years as a fifth-grade math and science teacher at Nixa Public Schools.

She enjoys spending time with her husband, Geoff, family, friends, and her dog, Zeke. In her free time, she can be found floating, camping, foraging, gardening, traveling or reading. Elise is passionate about giving back to the community, and volunteers with local environmental agencies. She is a volunteer at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center, Springfield Botanical Gardens, Watershed Committee of the Ozarks, and James River Basin Partnership.

EBowsher@TheSummitPrep.org