Meet Our Team
Foundations K-2
Suzy Cox
Kindergarten K-2
My name is Ms. Suzy, and I am delighted to be a part of the TIA family! I have worked in education for over 18 years and recently completed my role as Director of Education, working specifically with foster youth here in Arizona. Supporting and inspiring youth has always been my passion, and I am grateful to still be in this field working with today’s generation of youth. I love spending my weekends with my own kids, playing board games, hiking, and gardening are a few of my own personal joys!
Emily Compton
Co-Teacher K-2
Ms. Emily moved to the valley from South Central Kentucky. She earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Western Kentucky University and has a plethora of experience within the social work and mental health fields. Ms. Emily has a 6 year old and loves helping her learn in a fun and positive family environment alongside her peers at TIA. Outside of school, Ms. Emily enjoys spending time with her family at the park, ranch, on the ball field, gymnastics gym, swimming, and traveling.
Elementary 3-5
Lisa Ristuccia
Administrator | Lead Teacher
Ms. Lisa has been in the education field for over 20 years. She has worked with students of various ages and in different schools and organizations. Ms. Lisa created The Inspiration Academy to give students an engaging alternate learning environment. She believes that families deserve to have educational options for their children because a one-size-fits-all type of education definitely does not fit all.
Stephanie Penick
Administrative Assistant
Ms. Stephanie and her family moved from Washington State to Fountain Hills, AZ. Stephanie has five children ages between 25 and 5 years old. I have always loved being part of positive education, and I have been helping in the classroom for 16 years now. Stephanie’s favorite things to do are spending time with her family, hiking, going to the gym, and any type of fellowship at our church.
Justine Steiner
Co-Teacher
Ms. Justine serves as The Inspiration Academy’s STEAM Coordinator, where she leads hands-on learning experiences in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Arizona State University and brings several years of experience supporting children with neurological differences and developmental delays.
Before joining The Inspiration Academy, Ms. Justine worked in healthcare coordination and behavioral health, helping students and families achieve growth and overcome challenges. She is passionate about guiding students to reach new milestones and discover that they are capable of more than they ever imagined.
Middle School
High School 6-12
Frank Coomaraswamy
Middle | High School 6-12
Mr. C retired from teaching in 2017 after 35 years in the Connecticut public school system, working mostly in the Math and English departments. This is his fourth time returning to teaching since then. “I guess I wasn’t quite ready to read my days away”. Mr. C has four grown children: three boys and a girl. A few months ago, they all lived here in Fountain Hills; now they are spread out coast to coast. I’m very happy to be working at The Inspiration Academy and have enjoyed getting to know your children and working with them. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking with my dogs, swimming, music, and reading.
Jasmine Chow
Math | Speech Therapy Aide
Ms. Jasmine graduated from ASU with a speech and hearing science degree. For the last 5 years, she has been primarily working with children with special needs in various settings, including home, clinic, and school. It is most rewarding when she sees the progress and growth among the kids.
Specialties
Laura Thurbon
Art | Spanish | PE
Ms. Laura is an internationally award-winning professional artist, muralist, art therapy coach, educator, live art performer, fashion designer, and business entrepreneur based in Arizona. With over 33 years of teaching experience, she has inspired students across all levels—from kindergarten to college.
A graduate of Bellas Artes in Lima, Peru, Laura is fully bilingual (English-Spanish) and holds bachelor’s degrees in Fine Arts and Art Education, as well as ESL teaching. In addition to her work in the arts, she studied at the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and taught Physical Education and meditation for several years, reflecting her holistic approach to wellness and education.
With a career spanning more than three decades, Laura leverages the transformative power of art to promote healing, personal empowerment, and community engagement. Her dedication to creativity and service continues to leave a meaningful impact locally. You can view her art in many murals here in Fountain Hills.
