OUR SOCIAL STUDIES TEAM

Maricruz Aguayo Tabor

Ms Aguayo is a native Texan, raised in the Rio Grande Valley (Weslaco). She attended Brandeis University in Waltham, MA for her undergraduate studies (Anthropology, English, and History) and Harvard University in Cambridge, MA for graduate studies in History. Upon returning to Texas, Ms Aguayo began teaching with Austin ISD, first at the Liberal Arts Academy (LAA) and then making the move to the LBJ campus when the LAA merged with the Science Academy to form LASA. Ms Aguayo is proud to be a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) and a Milken Educator ('09). One of her favorite things is watching students realize that history is more than a long list of names and dates; she can't wait to share her love of history with a new group of students.

Kathryn DiGioia

I teach Social Studies at LASA High School, including World Geography and AP World History. I am originally from Long Island, New York (yes, you will hear my accent!). I live in Austin with my husband, two young kids, and two pit bulls. I love to run, hike, read, do art work, and be with my family during my free time. During my Bachelors, I double majored in Arabic Studies and History at Binghamton University. After graduating, I studied Arabic at the American University in Cairo and taught English at AMIDEAST in Alexandria, Egypt in 2011 for a little over a year. During my time living in Alex, I met my husband. When I came back to NY, I went on to earn a Masters in Teaching Social Studies from Stony Brook University, while working as a home instructor (and raising two babies!). I am very passionate about learning and teaching- especially Arabic and Social Studies. I look forward to getting to know you and learning with you through out your time here at LASA! Feel free to always come and say hi to me!

Adam Escandell

I've been teaching at LASA for many years. I've had the opportunity to teach pretty much every social studies course there is over the course of my career, from 7th grade Texas History to Sociology, but now I'm happily teaching the two best ones!

I love teaching World History because it brings an immensely broad scope to the way we think about our lives and modernity. World history focuses less on the small and isolated story of a single country and more on the interwoven tapestry of a global network of human beings. In this network, the social cannot be disentangled from the political, and no region exists without the support of its neighbors and its neighbors' neighbors.

I love teaching Ethnic Studies because it reminds us that American history is the history of all Americans, not just a privileged few. Students deserve the opportunity to hear and read about the lives of Americans who are too frequently left out of traditional histories. I really enjoy discussing new perspectives on American history with my students and helping them unpack some complicated and difficult ideas about race in the United States.

I can't wait to meet all of you! If you have any questions about these courses, feel free to write me an email.

Jason Flowers

Jason Flowers has been teaching AP US History at LASA for many years. In addition to APUSH, Mr. Flowers teaches American Film and coaches Quiz Bowl and History Bowl along with Mr. Escandell. He is originally from South Louisiana and has a B.A. in history from LSU along with a master’s degree in social studies education from North Texas. Mr. Flowers is also the head coach and team leader for Team USA for the International Geography Olympiad and serves on the board of directors of the National Consortium of Specialized STEM Schools. Under normal circumstances, Mr. Flowers spends lots of time traveling, but since March has spent lots of time riding his road bike around Austin. He lives in Austin with his partner Meagan and his two kittens Moxie and Muffin.

Kimberley Pettigrew

My name is Kim Pettigrew and I've been teaching at LASA for many years and most of those I was teaching APUSH. I'm a native Austinite and actually graduated from LASA having been taught by a handful of teachers still working here. I got both my bachelors and masters in history at UT Dallas but I am an ardent TCU fan (I know confusing). My parents live in town and I live with my cat, Tigger. I have one brother, a sister-in-law, and a five month old niece, who I just adore. In addition to APUSH I sponsor Model UN and teach Native American Studies. I normally travel quite a bit in the summer but obviously this weird year has made that so much a thing. When I'm not working, I enjoy cuddling with my cat, crafting, and reading.

Ronny Risinger

Ronny Risinger has been teaching within the Austin ISD high school magnet program for many years. He began his teaching career with the Liberal Arts Academy (LAA) which joined the Science Academy at LBJ High School in 2002 to form the Liberal Arts & Science Academy. Prior to teaching, Mr. Risinger practiced law in the Austin area. Naturally, his professional interests merged as he became a teacher with a primary focus on A.P. Government, Constitutional Law, and Street Law. Mr. Risinger became a National Board Certified teacher in 2008 (renewed in 2018).

After graduating from Lufkin High School, he attended a small, private school, McMurry College, in Abilene. There, Risinger met his future wife, Tina. They transferred to the University of Texas at Austin to finish their remaining years of college. After graduating from UT, Risinger and Tina were married. They would move to Houston where he would attend South Texas College of Law.

After graduating law school and moving back to Austin, Risinger practiced law for several years before beginning his family. Upon the birth of his first daughter (Emily), Risinger began to explore options that would allow him more time with his family. Because Tina was a teacher, it seemed natural to consider that option. Thus, Risinger used his Government and Law skills to begin teaching at the LAA. Since those first days, Risinger’s family has grown to include another daughter (Erin), and a son (Eric).

In order to teach about politics more fully, Mr. Risinger became active in local politics in Williamson County. He has served as a Precinct Chairman, Election Judge, State & National Delegate to political conventions, and as a member of the Electoral College in 2008.

Risinger lives in Round Rock, and enjoys hiking and Amateur Radio.