The Advanced Science and Technology Education Charter Schools

Dr. Freda Deskin- Chief Executive Officer/Founder

Dr. Freda Deskin is the Chief Executive Officer/Founder of the award-winning Advanced Science and Technology Education Center (ASTEC) of Oklahoma which boast the first start-up charter school in the state.  ASTEC has more than 1,000 students in grades 6-12.

Dr. Deskin earned a B.A. in Elementary Education, an M.A. in Secondary Education and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Oklahoma where she was a National Collegiate Scholastic All-American.  She holds a certificate in Strategic Management from Harvard University.

As a leader in education for more than thirty-five years, Dr. Deskin taught for fifteen years at the pre-collegiate level and nine years at the university level.  She served for six years as a university dean until founding ASTEC in 2000.  Dr. Deskin has been honored numerous times at every level for her teaching skills and for her community commitment.

In 1978, Dr. Deskin established the "Oklahoma Odyssey of the Mind," an international program which teaches and rewards creative problem solving.  In 1985, she was selected as a finalist in NASA's "Teacher in Space" project, becoming one of only 100 individuals in the world with the official title of "U.S. Space Ambassador."  In 1986 Dr. Deskin began the states’ first aerospace summer camps. Under Dr. Deskin's leadership, the program has grown to include outreach programs and teacher training programs throughout the state and nation.  Over the past 22 years these programs have reached tens of thousands of participants.

A host of education and business leaders have recognized Dr. Deskin with awards and citations for her outstanding contributions. Dr. Deskin is listed in Who's Who in American Education, Who's Who in the World, Outstanding Women in American and 2000 Notable Women in the US, and the 2002 International Who’s Who of Professional Educators. She was named "Woman of the Year" for Oklahoma by the Girl Scouts and named as one of the “50 Women Making a Difference” in Oklahoma.  She received Frank G. Brewer Award for the Southwest Region for outstanding contributions in aerospace education and the prestigious "By-liner” award by Women in Communication. She has been honored by more organizations than can be mentioned, including the Boy Scouts of America, the Girl Scouts of America, the American Institute of Architects. She has developed programs, curriculum guides and books for national educational organizations such as the Challenger Center for Space Science Education, NASA, Disney’s EPCOT Center and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). Dr. Deskin has been featured in a number of national publications including Education Week and published, educational videos.

Dr. Deskin is a member of the National and State “Women President’s Organization” (WPO) and the International Women’s Forum. Dr. Deskin serves on the State Individual’s with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Advisory Panel.  She is a graduate of Leadership Norman and Leadership Oklahoma.  Recently, Deskin was inducted into the Women in Aerospace Hall of Fame in Washington, D.C.

Mr. Leo Espinoza- Procurement Officer

Leo Espinoza is a native of Southern California.  He was an independent business owner in Seattle, WA for more than 25 years before moving to Oklahoma City.

Technology, music  and electronics have been hobbies Leo for more than 40 years.  In 1998 Mr. Espinoza, began working with ASTEC on a voluntary basis, eventually resulting in the savings of many  tens of thousands of dollars through his abilities in procurement and technology.

In the  summer of 2003, Mr. Espinoza was hired by ASTEC, Inc. as a network administrator and procurement officer.

He has three grown children and a 15 year old granddaughter.

Mrs. Belinda Armstrong- Technology Director

Belinda Armstrong Belinda Armstrong was born in Mexico City, Mexico and grew up in the United States.  She graduated from Putnam City West in 1981 and attended college on a partial volleyball scholarship at Southern Nazarene University.  After graduating in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, she went on to obtain her Masters Degree in Business Management. Ms. Armstrong began her teaching career when she worked for a company called ExecuTrain instructing adults in the use of Microsoft Office programs specializing in MS Access. Ms. Armstrong came to ASTEC the second year it was a school as a teacher and technical support provider. While at ASTEC she has taught 6th, 7th, and 8th grade technology classes, while assisting with the school’s network and maintenance of computers.  After serving as Middle School Assistant Principal and Technology Coordinator for the past three years, Ms. Armstrong will be serving as Technology Director full-time.

With the increase investment in Technology, ASTEC required a full-time person in this position.  Ms. Armstrong has many years of experience in the technology industry and has learned ASTEC’s network over the past 8 years.  Ms. Armstrong will continue to act as a liaison between our Spanish speaking parents and school administrators. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband Glen and their eight-year-old daughter Sara. She is an avid golfer.

Mr. Cliffton Conatser- Curriculum Director

Cliffton D. Conatser is a graduate of East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma. He received a BSED in Elementary Education in 1996 and an MSED in Educational Administration in 1998. Mr. Conatser is "Highly Qualified" to teach middle school mathematics through the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

Mr. Conatser has served as Math Department Chair, Benchmark Testing Coordinator, and developed an elementary math program that, in turn, helped students raise their standardized test scores. With 13 years of educational experience, Mr. Conatser has enjoyed teaching elementary, middle, and high school students. Mr. Conatser is excited about being able to make a difference in the lives of so many students by working with teachers and students school wide.

Mr. Conatser looks forward to working with teachers, students, and parents to help students realize their fullest potential.

Ms. Shelby Schluchter- Executive Assistant

Shelby Schluchter was born in Dodge City, Kansas before her family moved to Edmond, Oklahoma when she was a year old. She attended Edmond Santa Fe High School where she participated in school productions, Competitive Drama and played the cello for the school orchestra.

After high school Ms. Schluchter studied English Education at the University of Central Oklahoma and worked for the Edmond Public Schools as a substitute teacher. Ms. Schluchter has also worked at a veterinary clinic as an office assistant and veterinary technician.

In 2004 she went back to real estate school and received her real estate license. She worked for CENTURY 21 Goodyear Green as a Realtor for three years and received the Oklahoma Broker's Council Million Dollar Producer Award First Year in Real Estate and a Million Dollar Producer Award for 2005. She is also a Certified New Homes Sales Specialist for CENTURY 21.

She loves animals and has a Shih Tzu named Fozzie who is her pride and joy. In her spare time she likes to paint pictures, decoupage, repaint old furniture and listen to music.

Her Mission: "I shall pass this way but once; any good that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being; let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again." -Etienne de Grollet

Her Motto: "Whatever you are, be a good one." - Abe Lincoln

Ms. Carolyn Parker- Finance Coordinator

Carolyn Parker grew up in Calumet, OK  and currently resides in South Oklahoma City. She served ASTEC Middle School as Secretary  from 2000-2003 and subsequently worked as Safety Director for a local charter bus company.  In May of 2008 she returned to ASTEC as Central Office Secretary, and in July of 2009 assumed the position of Financial Coordinator. 
 
Carolyn has four sons and five  grandchildren. She enjoys shopping, reading, traveling and movies.

Ms. Laura Quigley- Secretary

Laura Quigley was born and raised in Oklahoma City, graduated from Putnam City High School. She spent the last 12 years working a law firm as an account manager. She is very excited to begin a new journey and be working with the students, parents & the school staff. This summer she served as an aide during VBS week at her church. She lives in Mcloud with her with her husband & kids & there 2 bassett hounds.

This will be Laura Quigleys first year with us here at ASTEC.

Mrs. Erin Porter – Community School Coordinator

Erin Porter holds a Masters Degree in Human Relations from The University of Oklahoma and has been working with children and families in the Oklahoma City area as a mental health Rehabilitation Specialist for the past 3 years.  Her experience in education revolves around the alternative school setting, working with families who are often in need of crisis intervention.  She looks forward to the new, exciting opportunity of promoting substance abuse awareness and intervention for our community in conjunction with the Oklahoma State Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse.

She loves to read as well as support local art, film, and music.  Most of all, she enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and friends, laughing and playing as much as possible.

Mr. Greg Devalt- Maintenance

Greg Devalt- Coming soon!