Meet Our Team
Lisa Ristuccia
Founder | Lead Teacher
Ms. Lisa has been in the education field for over 25 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.
Jennifer Phelps
Co-Teacher
Ms. Jennifer recently moved to Fountain Hills from St. Louis, Missouri where she was fortunate enough to have a career that fueled her passion for making a positive impact on the lives of students as she taught 3rd grade for 30 years and helped her students grow both academically and socially in the welcoming and inclusive environment that she created for them.
Billy is married to Lisa, and is the co-founder of the school. He is a professional web-designer by trade and is responsible for our school’s beautiful website. Billy is the administrator of TIA and helps out with all office matters. Billy is also a martial arts instructor, practitioner of Japanese medicine and bodywork, professional photographer, and graphics designer, owning his own business Kaydev Media Productions. Billy is often “voluntold” to help out with all of TIA’s school trips by his wife.

Stephanie Penick
Teaching Assistant
Ms. Stephanie’s bio is coming soon…

Brenda Southard
Teaching Assistant
Ms. Brenda’s bio is coming soon…