Administration
Executive Principal - Mrs. Norma Derby
 |
Norma Derby has been an educator for 30 years, the last 10 years of which have been as the proud principal of AMS-MASSA. Graduating from the University of Texas at El Paso, she began her career as a Special Education teacher. She relocated to Tucson, AZ in 2001 where she explored other teaching opportunities, in varies grade levels as a general education teacher and as a Specials teacher at AMS-Prince. Ms. Norma received her master’s degree in educational leadership in 2014 from Northern Arizona University. Immediately after graduating she was hired by the Tucson Unified School District as an Assistant Director in the Exceptional Education Department. These years were very formative in her development as a leader by solidifying the importance of equity of all learners. In 2016, she moved into her current role as principal of MASSA. |
Assistant Principal - Kimberlin Garcia
 |
Yá'át'ééh, ¡Hola!, Greetings! Mrs. Kay is a native Arizonan. She has been an educator for over 16 years, with experience from 3rd to 8th grade. Originally from the Navajo Nation in Northern Arizona, but calls Tucson home. She graduated from the University of Arizona with a B.A. in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Math Education. From Northern Arizona University, she obtained a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership: School Leadership K-12. Her thesis ventured into authentic teaching emphasizing cultural pedagogy. She just finished her third year in administration at MASSA. This school year 26-27, she will be the Assistant Principal overseeing 3rd-8th Math/Science and 2nd grade. Her hobbies include spending time with her family, traveling, movies, being a sports mom, and a diehard Arizona Wildcats and Beyonce fan! As a lifelong learner and passionate educational leader, Mrs. Kay is dedicated to inspiring every MASSA scholar to reach for the stars while partnering with students, teachers, and families to ensure every child achieves success.
|
Assistant Principal - Michelle Quiroga
 |
Michelle Quiroga is a dedicated educator and instructional leader whose journey at MASSA reflects her unwavering commitment to student success, academic excellence, and building strong school communities. Since joining MASSA in 2021 as a lunch monitor, Michelle has embraced every opportunity to grow, advancing to paraprofessional, classroom teacher, and now Assistant Principal. She taught science before serving as a third- and fourth-grade English Language Arts teacher, where she became known for implementing data-driven instruction, fostering meaningful relationships, and creating engaging learning experiences that support the academic and social-emotional growth of every student. Michelle studied for her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Special Education at Rio Salado College and believes that integrity, collaboration, accountability, and student-centered leadership are the foundation of a thriving school culture.
Outside of her professional role, Michelle has been married for 23 years and is the proud mother of five children. Her family is at the heart of everything she does and has shaped her passion for serving others with compassion and purpose. An avid reader and dedicated basketball coach, Michelle enjoys mentoring both girls’ and boys’ basketball teams, helping young athletes build confidence, teamwork, and leadership on and off the court. As Assistant Principal, she is excited to continue supporting students, families, and staff by promoting effective instructional practices, using data to drive decision-making, and building systems that empower every member of the MASSA community to succeed.
|
Head of Operations - Marcela Dominguez
 |
Originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, Marcela Domínguez Chavira pursued university studies in Business Administration in Guadalajara, Jalisco. Before joining the education field, she spent more than a decade leading operations for international brands, developing expertise in organizational leadership, team development, and operational excellence.
For more than four years, Marcela has proudly served the Academy of Math and Science, where she is passionate about creating systems that support students, families, and staff. Inspired by her own journey of adapting to a new country, she is especially committed to serving the Hispanic community and helping families feel welcomed, informed, and connected. She believes that strong school operations create the foundation for exceptional learning experiences and meaningful community impact. Outside of work, Marcela enjoys cycling, exploring the outdoors with her husband, and embracing the beauty of the Sonoran Desert she now proudly calls home. |
*A full summary of school personnel experience and resumes are available for public review upon request at school grounds.