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.
Our Leadership
Angie Ritter, M. ED.
President, Board of Directors
M. Ed. (Educational Leadership), East Central University
Angie Ritter serves as President of the Southwest Academy Charter School Board of Directors. She brings more than 15 years of experience in both traditional public and charter school settings, including roles as a classroom teacher and school administrator.
Angie holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and has dedicated her career to helping students thrive through strong instruction, meaningful relationships, and high expectations. Her experience in school leadership, curriculum implementation, staff development, and strategic planning provides valuable guidance as Southwest Academy Charter School works to create a culture of excellence and opportunity for every student.
Contact Information
Email: aritter.swa@gmail.com
Tanya Secrist, Secretary, Board of Directors
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.
Ethan Fruehling, Board Director of Finance
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,
Member, Board of Directors
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
Paola Ortega-Carrillo,
Member, Board of Directors
Paola Ortega-Carrillo brings a diverse background in education, organizational leadership, operations, and nonprofit management to the Southwest Academy Charter School Board. Her professional and educational experiences have taken her from her native Mexico to Canada, China, Australia, and the United States, giving her a broad perspective on leadership, education, and building strong, welcoming communities.
Paola has taught at the university level and previously served as Assistant Director of Residential Living at Oklahoma State University, where she led teams, managed complex operations, developed student programs, and supported diverse student communities. She currently serves as Director of Ministry Operations for a nonprofit organization, overseeing operations, volunteers, programs, and international initiatives.
Paola is pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration at Oklahoma Wesleyan University, with academic interests in leadership, corporate social responsibility, and sustainability. She brings to the SWA Board a strong commitment to thoughtful stewardship, continuous improvement, and creating an organization where students are supported in their academic, personal, and character development.
Outside of her professional and academic work, Paola enjoys swimming, fitness, traveling, learning about different cultures, and studying the Bible.
Contact Information
Email: board@swacharter.org
Frank Romero, Member, Board of Directors
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.
Cathy Moore, M. Ed.
Head of School
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.
Contact Information
Email: cmoore@swacharter.org
Gemma Bernardino,
Office Manager
Gemma Bernardino serves as Office Manager for Southwest Academy Charter School, where she helps establish and manage the front-office systems that support students, families, staff, and the daily operations of the school. She will oversee the front office, assist with the implementation and management of student information systems, support enrollment and student records processes, and help ensure families receive clear, responsive communication.
As one of the first people students, families, and visitors will encounter at Southwest Academy, Gemma plays an important role in creating a welcoming and well-organized school environment. Bilingual in English and Spanish, she brings an additional ability to communicate with and support families throughout the school community.
A native of California who now calls Oklahoma home, Gemma is also the mother of a young daughter and understands the importance of creating a school where families feel welcomed, informed, and valued. Her attention to detail, commitment to service, and ability to build strong relationships will be instrumental as Southwest Academy develops the systems and culture that will support the school from its earliest days.
Contact Information
Email: gbernardino@swacharter.org
Carole Holmes, MA. T., CALT
Reading Specialist
M.A. Teaching, Dallas Baptist University
Carole Holmes is a Reading Specialist and Certified Academic Language Therapist with extensive experience in evidence-based literacy instruction, special education, and dyslexia intervention. She has served as a Reading Specialist, Special Education Teacher, and Dyslexia Therapist, helping students develop the foundational reading skills, confidence, and independence needed for long-term academic success.
Carole holds a Master of Arts in Teaching in Multisensory Structured Language Education from Dallas Baptist University and is trained to provide Take Flight intervention for students with dyslexia. She has also contributed to literacy initiatives across Oklahoma through service on state review and advisory committees, bringing both classroom expertise and a broader understanding of effective literacy practices to her work.
Carole has been part of Southwest Academy Charter School from its earliest days as one of the school’fs founders and a former member and Vice President of the Board of Directors. Her transition from board leadership to Reading Specialist allows her to bring that same commitment directly into the academic life of the school. In her new role, she will support students, collaborate with teachers, and help ensure that strong, evidence-based reading instruction remains central to Southwest Academy’s academic model.
Contact Information
Email: cholmes@swacharter.org