OUR ACADEMIC STAFF IN FOCUS
A professional academic team aligned to our unique values and committed to the unparalleled growth of our student-athletes.
DOUG SOWERS
CAMPUS DIRECTOR
Meet Mr. Sowers, our esteemed Campus Director. With a wealth of experience as an entrepreneur in hospitality management, a collegiate athlete in basketball and rugby, and over a decade of experience in classical education,
Mr. Sowers brings a unique and valuable perspective to our team. Formerly the headmaster of Founders Classical Academy in Leander, he now leads our campus with a focus on curriculum development and providing support to our dedicated teachers in managing student conduct.
Mr. Sowers is committed to fostering a positive and enriching learning environment for our students.
IXTZEL DELUNA
Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Deluna and her family moved to Austin from Northern California in January of 2022, and we love it here. Mrs. Deluna has always loved school and graduated in the Top 10% of my class. She attended Bible College for a year before becoming certified as a nursing assistant, working full-time, and starting a family.
When her oldest (Ezekiel) was 7, we chose to begin homeschooling him and his sister. Boy, did the next two years teach her A LOT, but it made me incredibly grateful for that time and introduced our family to classical curriculum and methodology. Mrs. Deluna had the honor of being the T.A. to the SGA East lower school last year and saw some of the same curricula engage and benefit our students there. She is very excited to see what this new school year will bring!
SANDRA GUADARRAMA
ACADEMIC COACH • PREK-1ST GRADE
COMING SOON
MALINA JUDD
ACADEMIC COACH • 2ND GRADEs
COMING SOON
SHARON BOUDREAUX
ACADEMIC COACH • 3/4th GRADE
Mrs. Boudreaux moved to Austin from Louisiana in 2000. She has two children, a 15-year-old boy and a 21-year-old girl. Sharon holds a B.A. in sociology with a minor in Youth Advocacy from Nicholls State University. After working in corporate hospitality for 25 years as a travel and meeting consultant, she pursued and completed alternative certification through Le Tourneau.
She has taught 2nd, 5th, 6th, and 8th grade in private and public schools. In her free time, she supports her son in football, track, and musical theater, and her daughter in her roles as a volleyball coach for a private school and club team.
Mrs. Boudreaux is excited to join SGA and looks forward to returning to the classical education model. Through teaching classical education, she has come to deeply appreciate its aim to nurture the virtues of goodness, truth, and beauty in students’ lives. She values its role in guiding students to develop into well-rounded individuals and fostering personal growth. Sharon appreciates how classical education aligns with the natural learning and growth processes inherent in students at every stage of development.
LEOLA KNUDSEN
ACADEMIC COACH • 3/4th GRADE
Mrs. K is starting her 37th year as a 3rd-grade lead teacher at SGA. She is married to Steven, has 4 children, and 12 grandchildren. Her sons played high school soccer, and her favorite players are Carli Lloyd and Lionel Messi. Mrs. K enjoys listening to music, singing, reading, gardening, preserving the harvest, and spending time with family. She is also involved in animal rescue.
Mrs. K has BS and MS degrees in Biology/Geology and Biology from the University of New Mexico. She is certified in secondary science education and has worked in various research projects for the University of New Mexico Biology Department and the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. She has also worked for the U.S. Forest Service and as a laboratory supervisor and head screening technologist for Origins Recovery Centers of Texas.
In her career, Mrs. K has taught various secondary science courses at the high school level in 4 school districts across 2 states. She also served as an Associate Adjunct Professor in the Biology department at Austin Community College for 15 years.
LEE SUMRALL
academic coach • 7 – 9th GRADES
Mrs. Sumrall has spent nearly thirty years in education, she has primarily focused on teaching science at the middle and high school levels. Mrs. Sumrall earned a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, focusing on physical and life sciences. Beyond teaching, she is passionate about coaching athletes in various sports and are committed to teaching leadership and implementing social and emotional learning in the classroom.
Mrs. Sumrall aims to create a positive, engaging learning environment that motivates students to explore and discover. She effectively communicate complex scientific concepts and ensure that each student receives the support they need to succeed. She strives to prepare her students for future scientific endeavors by modeling ethical responsibility and encouraging collaboration. Mrs. Sumrall is excited about the opportunity to join SGA and work with the student-athletes.
RYAN BROWN
ACADEMIC COACH • 5/6TH GRADEs
Mr. Brown’s strong passion for education is complemented by his diverse experiences, including teaching in Texas and running an after-school academy in Korea. With a teaching certificate and M.Ed. from Sam Houston State University, Mr. Brown’s commitment to learning and growth is evident, making him a well-rounded educator.
Mr. Brown loves soccer, including being a fan of MLS and Lionel Messi. He also enjoys playing chess, board games, and reading nonfiction. This individual and their daughter, Scarlet, are proud to be part of the SGA community and are dedicated to achieving greatness together, sharing their love for these activities with the community.
INTERESTED IN JOINING TEAM SGA?
We’re looking for rockstars. If you’re a pro and you want to help deliver The SGA Difference to player / students in the Austin area, then contact us today.