The foundation of Southwest Academy Charter School's organizational capacity lies in its dedicated and highly qualified Board. This team is comprised of individuals united by a shared vision for educational excellence and a deep commitment to serving the families of the Moore and southwest Oklahoma City metro areas. Their diverse professional backgrounds and extensive experience in key areas provide a robust framework for effective governance and strategic leadership, instilling confidence that SWACS is exceptionally well-positioned for success from its inception. Our Founding Board members bring a powerful synergy of expertise essential for sound governance and strategic oversight, ensuring every decision supports our mission to empower students with knowledge, skills, and character.
Meet Our Board
Angie Ritter, Board President
M. Ed. (Educational Leadership), East Central University
Angie serves as SWACS’s board president. She brings 15 years of invaluable experience spanning both traditional public and charter school settings, encompassing classroom teaching and school administration. Her comprehensive understanding of effective school operations, from curriculum implementation to staff management and student support, makes her an exceptional guiding force.
Contact Information
Email: aritter.swa@gmail.com
Ethan Fruehling, CPA
B.S. Accounting, Southern Nazarene University
Ethan Fruehling, CPA, brings extensive expertise in financial management, compliance, and internal controls to the Southwest Academy Charter School Board. With a career spanning corporate accounting, internal auditing, and financial operations, Ethan has a proven track record of improving processes, ensuring regulatory compliance, and leading high-performing teams. Currently serving as Assistant Controller at 180 Medical, Inc., he oversees complex accounting operations, prepares detailed financial reports, and ensures accurate, transparent financial practices. His prior roles in banking and public accounting further enhance his ability to safeguard the school’s fiscal health. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and strategic approach to budgeting and financial planning, Ethan’s skills will be critical in establishing strong financial systems for SWACS. His commitment to accountability and operational excellence will help ensure the school’s long-term sustainability and success.
Philicia Groves-King,
MSN, FNP-C, AGACNP
M.S. Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner Focus), Midwestern State University
Philicia M. Groves, is a highly accomplished healthcare provider and the founder of YourCARE Yukon, where she has served as owner and practitioner since 2010. A lifelong resident of Oklahoma City, Philicia attended Moore Public Schools and graduated from Westmoore High School. She has always called South Oklahoma City home. Philicia’s extensive career in medicine is marked by both clinical excellence and leadership.
Before transitioning to her role as a Nurse Practitioner, she spent years serving her local community at the Hillcrest Emergency Department in South OKC, where she worked as a Registered Nurse and eventually served as the ER Director. Today, she leverages that deep-rooted experience to lead a multi-specialty practice focusing on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), weight loss, addiction medicine, and primary care. Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Central Oklahoma and a Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner focus from Midwestern State University. She further advanced her clinical expertise with post-graduate certification from the University of Pennsylvania.
Philicia remains deeply involved in her local community as an active member of Cherokee Hills Baptist Church, where she serves on the personnel committee and works in the church coffee shop. Family is her greatest joy; she is married to Blake King and is the proud mother of adult children Landon (and daughter-in-law Savanna) and Kyla. In her free time, she enjoys exploring National Parks with Kyla and taking cruises with Blake
Cathy Moore
M. Ed. (Administration), University of Oklahoma
Cathy Moore brings a unique blend of technical expertise and educational leadership to the Southwest Academy Charter School Board. A former mechanical engineer turned educator, Cathy applies analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to excellence to every role she undertakes. With over a decade of administrative experience as a principal and assistant principal in diverse school settings, she has led initiatives to improve safety, strengthen academic support systems, and foster strong community partnerships. Currently serving as Assistant Principal at Newcastle Public Schools, Cathy oversees daily operations, evaluates and mentors teachers, and ensures the success and well-being of every student. Her background in engineering enhances her strategic planning and systems management skills, while her proven track record in education demonstrates her ability to inspire staff and implement effective instructional practices. Cathy’s dedication to student success, coupled with her organizational acumen, makes her a vital contributor to SWACS’s vision and growth.
Frank Romero
Frank Romero, a lifelong Moore resident and respected community leader, brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and local insight to the Southwest Academy Charter School Board. A standout athlete at Moore High School and later a National Champion and All-American at the University of Oklahoma, Frank’s discipline and teamwork have carried over into his professional life as a successful general contractor and business owner. As President of Frank Romero Roofing, LLC, he has built a reputation for integrity, customer satisfaction, and the ability to inspire and manage high-performing teams. His expertise in construction, budgeting, and project management will be invaluable as SWACS develops and maintains its facilities. Deeply rooted in the community, Frank’s lifelong connections, business acumen, and commitment to excellence will help drive the school’s mission forward and strengthen its ties to Moore and the surrounding area.
Tanya Secrist
J.D., University of Oklahoma
Tanya Secrist is an accomplished attorney with deep roots in Moore, Oklahoma. A graduate of Moore High School, she earned both her Bachelor’s Degree and Juris Doctor from the University of Oklahoma, completing law school in 1994. Tanya practiced law in Oklahoma City for eight years, specializing in Plaintiff’s Civil Litigation, including personal injury, medical malpractice, and bad faith insurance claims. Since transitioning from full-time practice, she has continued to serve the community as a volunteer attorney for the Oklahoma Legal Aid Society, maintaining her active law license. Tanya brings a wealth of legal expertise, a commitment to justice, and a proven dedication to the Moore community.