Advisory Board
Angie Rogers, President
Angie currently serves as President of the Serenity High Advisory Board, and is an Aggie veterinarian, who practiced in Plano for many years before coming to the McKinney area in 2006 until her retirement in 2020.
She and her husband, David, are the parents of boy/girl twins- Blair, who is also a veterinarian, and Brandon, who lost his life to substance use disorder in 2015 and is “forever 24”. Wanting to find purpose in the midst of the excruciating pain of losing their son, a memorial scholarship was set up in his name at Texas A&M University, the funds going to help create a collegiate recovery community and help students just like him.
Angie has been honored to serve on the Serenity High Advisory Board since 2017. She is passionate about young people in recovery and how Serenity High offers them hope along with an educational opportunity and changing the trajectory of young lives.
Lynn Sperry, Founder
Lynn Sperry has served on the McKinney ISD Board of Trustees for 34 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from The Ohio State University and taught public school vocal and instrumental music for grades 1 – 8.
Sperry served 12 years as a Director of the Texas Association of School Boards. She is a graduate of the Texas Association of School Boards Leadership TASB program, “Class of 2000” with the designation of “Master Trustee.”
Sperry feels that her experience in education along with her years of involvement as a parent and current involvement as a grandparent are assets to the MISD School Board.
Neil Sperry, Founder
Neil Sperry, along with his wife Lynn, served on the planning committee that formed Serenity High in the late 1990s. He has served on the Serenity advisory board since its inception. Neil grew up in College Station, Texas, where both of his parents were on staff at Texas A&M. He is a garden talk show host and garden writer with two degrees in horticulture from Ohio State University. Neil has been selected as Citizen of the Year for the city of McKinney, also Garden Communicator of the Year by the American Association of Nurserymen. He is in the Texas Radio Hall of Fame. Neil and Lynn are very active in McKinney schools and civic affairs. They have three children, seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
Jae Gaskill MNHS/Serenity High Principal
Jae Gaskill has been an integral part of the success of McKinney North High School, said MISD Superintendent Dr. Rick McDaniel. “Her loyalty to McKinney North and her skill set make her the perfect fit for the many traditions and high level of expectations that have become the norm there. She is highly respected by not only the faculty and staff, but also by the parents. Her academic knowledge and her relational skills will serve her well.
Gaskill came to McKinney ISD to serve as Principal of North from Allen ISD where she was a house principal at Allen High School. But, her career in education began 14 years earlier as a middle school science teacher and coach. Gaskill would serve in that role and then as a high school teacher and coach until 1999 when she was hired as a house principal at Allen ISD’s Becky Lowery Freshman Center. In 2004, she joined the Allen High School administrative team. She came to McKinney ISD three years later, and she is now the overseeing principal of Serenity High and McKinney North High School.
Allie Long, Dean of Students
Allie Long brings 21 years in education as Dean of Students to Serenity High School. She began her teaching career in 2002 in Elk Grove, California where she served 12 years as an elementary school teacher, a middle school Activities Director/Student Leadership Teacher, and a high school English Teacher. Allie spent the next 7 years as a teacher and administrator for adult schools in correctional education in California before becoming the Dean of Students at Serenity High School.
Allie graduated Magna Cum Laude from California State Hayward with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies, and joined the Golden Key National Honor Society. She went to graduate school at Sacramento State University to earn her teaching certifications and obtained her Master of Science in Educational Administration from National University.
Allie is passionate about serving students, parents, and the recovery community. She not only believes that every student can thrive, but that they can become successful contributing leaders in the community. Allie believes in equipping students with the skills and tools they need to face the many challenges life brings. She has an incredible team of educators and support staff, an active advisory board, and a strong school district that drives and supports Serenity’s vision and goals.
Allie has two boys, Davis and Jayce. She loves being a mom and spending time with her kids. Her boys literally make her world revolve and with everything she does they are always in the forefront of her mind. Allie has two old lady dogs and always says her house is one short of the Golden Girls!
“I am beyond excited to be a part of the excellence that Serenity High School and MISD provide to help make students our next great leaders! I enjoy working collaboratively with the community and school members to continue the path to high achievement while maintaining a safe learning environment focused on recovery. I’m honored to have this opportunity and love contributing my talents to such a special school.”
Mark Bates
Mark graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Business Administration and a minor in marketing. Mark has volunteered many years at Samaritan Inn and Wysong hospital focusing on meeting the needs of those facing addiction in the McKinney area. Mark also volunteers his time during the Christmas season with Operation Care International based in Dallas, TX. Helping the homeless celebrate Jesus’ birthday.
Mark and his wife Julie have lived in McKinney since 2009. All three children have attended MISD schools, with the youngest still finishing at McKinney Boyd HS. Mark has served on Serenity High’s advisory board since 2017 and is grateful for the opportunities it has given him to help the students of Serenity High.
Rev. Dr. Tommy Brumett
Rev. Dr. Tommy Brumett is Senior Pastor at First United Methodist Church in McKinney. Tommy has a degree in psychology from Southwestern University and a Doctorate in Ministry from SMU’s Perkins School of Theology.
Tommy and his wife Eve have lived, worked, and ministered in downtown McKinney for over a decade. He believes that Serenity High is in the business of providing hope and is proud to serve on its Advisory Board.
Anne Bryant
Anne Bryant graduated from Texas Tech University with a Master’s degree in Elementary Education and has served as a professional educator, advocate, and consultant since 2009. With experience in a variety of settings; including international and local private schools, public schools, juvenile justice centers, mental health facilities, and pediatric hospitals, Anne has developed a deep understanding of the challenges facing students, families, and educators. Anne’s personal challenges as a student with depression, anxiety, and substance use enhance her ability to effectively advocate, empower, and serve students and families through her educational advocacy and consulting organization, Archimedes Educational Services LLC.
Anne Bryant remains grateful to be sober since January 8, 2001, privileged to be a graduate of Serenity High, Class of 2002, and honored to be the first graduate of Serenity High to serve as a board member.
Anne currently resides in Little Elm with her husband, Jeff, and their four dogs. When Anne and her husband are not snuggling with their furry friends, you will often find them supporting the arts by attending concerts, musicals, and plays in the DFW Metroplex.
Anika Cooper
Anika Cooper’s story is an inspiring one. After experiencing and overcoming multiple struggles in her adolescent and young adult years including drug and alcohol addiction, she felt divinely inspired to help others battling addiction. Upon completing her studies at The University of Texas at Arlington and working in pharmaceutical sales for a few years, she founded Simply Grace in 2011. By 2013, Simply Grace had taken shape as a nonprofit sober living home designed for women to heal in a structured environment and feel empowered to fulfill their purpose. In a span of less than ten years, the organization grew to seven locations across the Lone Star State offering sober living and an Intensive Outpatient Program. In 2021, Anika began a new chapter in her life by joining the nationally-recognized Full Circle Intervention (FCI), a division of Full Circle Addiction & Recovery Services (FCAR) specializing in interventions based on a respectful and professional approach—qualities that align with Anika’s demeanor. At home in the Dallas Fort Worth area, Anika is the mother of a 7 year old and a 17 year old. She enjoys connecting with her inner self and mother nature in her free time.
Andrea Harvey
Andrea has been in the financial industry for over 22 years. As a local Community Bank VP, she has worked in McKinney for the majority of her career and is a member of many local organizations including the Mckinney Chamber. Andrea is a graduate of the McKinney Leadership program (Class of 2017) and has served on multiple educational and community non-profit Boards and is an MISD Partner in Education. Andrea also serves her company in her professional role as a Business Diversity Committee member. Andrea is a true believer in supporting her local community and helping those around her thrive and succeed by giving of her resources and knowledge.
Andrea has 2 children who attended McKinney ISD schools including a Class of 2022 Senior.
Andrea has served on the Serenity High board since 2019 in a support role, aiding other Board members with their respective duties.
Jason Hernandez
Jason was born and raised in McKinney, Texas. As a young kid he got involved in gangs and drug dealing which ultimately led to him being sentenced in 1998 to life without parole for a drug offense.
In 2013, President Barack Obama reduced Jason’s sentence to 20 years: Jason was released in 2015 after spending nearly 18 years in prison. Jason is a criminal justice reform and youth advocate. He has served on Serenity High’s Board since 2017.
Curtis Logan
Curtis Logan is an Officer with the McKinney Police Department. For the past 15 years, he has worked as a School Resource Officer at McKinney High School. Curtis graduated from Mountain State University in Beckley, West Virginia with a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership Criminal Justice Administration. He also served for 8 years in the United States Air Force working as a Security Police Officer as well as a Training Systems Manager for an aircraft maintenance unit. Curtis is married with three grown children. Curtis and his younger son are both active members in the local McKinney St Johns #51 Masonic Lodge. He and his family enjoys riding motorcycles, traveling, music, and exploring new places and things.
Mollie McCune
Mollie McCune has been involved in McKinney community charities and service organizations for most of the nearly thirty years she has lived here and graduated from the McKinney Leadership program.
She has two grown children who graduated from McKinney schools.
Marci Patton
Marci Patton moved to the McKinney area in early 2022 and immediately began serving as a volunteer/intern at Serenity High School. While working towards her own eight years of substance abuse recovery, Marci has maintained a consistent focus on serving her previous hometown of Puyallup, WA. The last two programs she supported were Good News Club (children’s ministry after school program) and Celebrate Recovery (a Christ-centered 12-step recovery program). Marci has a Masters in Clinical Mental Health from Capella University. This, along with her desire to serve, has provided her with the opportunity to help support youth within the Serenity High school program on a weekly basis.
When at home, Marci loves being with her husband of 12 years Rob Patton, and her kids Robert (12), Sofia (10) Roman (8) and Benny the Basset (3). Exploring her new home of Texas has become her immediate favorite hobby along with yoga, bike rides and dominating her family in game night.
Robert (Rob) Patton
Rob Patton has been in the Financial Industries for over 20 years serving in multiple roles within the Banking Industry. He started at Bank of America where he worked within multiple divisions from Mortgage, Investments and Insurance, Consumer Retail Banking, and Small Business. In 2013, Rob decided to take a role in a different area of the bank, Merchant Processing. Of those 20 years, over half have been spent within leadership roles. In 2015, Rob took over as Regional AVP for Bank of America in the Pacific NW leading the Merchant Division. In 2019, an opportunity within Fiserv’s Commercial Division as a Director was accepted by Rob to lead the West Coast Mid-Market Commercial Team. In this position, he works with over 13 Banks, and clients that process over and up to 400mm in credit card volume. In addition, Rob sits on the advisory board for Big Brothers Big Sisters which he has been a part of since 2018.
Having seen firsthand the impact of addiction this has created the desire to support and help those that may face these same struggles and realities. Both Serenity and Big Brothers Big Sisters support and reinforce those who are in need to provide tools so that each child has the ability to realize their own dreams. Rob has 3 children, Robert, Sofia, and Roman Patton with his wife of 12 years Marci Patton. They moved to McKinney, TX from Seattle, WA in February 2022. Outside of being a Father, Husband, and Director for Fiserv, he loves to golf and routinely plays. Rob looks forward to supporting Serenity and increasing the overall success of the program in 2023.
Terrie Rattan
Terrie Rattan has been an active board member since its inception. Growing up in Port Arthur, Terrie is a native Texan and graduated from Lamar University with a B.A. in Marketing. She was recognized in 2018 as the McKinney ISD Partners in Education Volunteer of the Year, and she is a graduate of Leadership McKinney. During her tenure as Vice President of the McKinney Chamber of Commerce, she earned her certification as IOM by the Institute of Organization Management, U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 2007. Terrie currently works as VP of Marketing and Community Engagement in their family business, The Body Shop Collision Repair, where she can stay involved in the McKinney and Anna communities. Terrie and her husband, John have 4 children, 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
Alison Staples
Alison Staples is the Lead Counselor at Lakeview Centennial High School in Garland, Texas. She resides in Collin County and has experience with many of its non-profits. Beginning her career with the Collin County Rape Crisis Center, she found her passion in education. She was elected and served on the state board of Texas Association Against Sexual Assault. Alison worked and volunteered in the non-profit arena for a few years before staying home to raise her 3 children, Avery, Kali, and Craig. During her time at home, she continued to volunteer.
After 13 years raising children, Alison ventured into the world of education. She taught 4th and 5th grade in Plano ISD. In 2013, she accepted a position as a middle school counselor at Brandenburg Middle School in the Garland ISD. She left Brandenburg in 2021 and accepted the Lead Counselor position at Lakeview Centennial High School. She feels so fortunate that her job is her passion and her bucket-filler. She greets each day with a sense of gratitude that she truly loves her work. It fulfills a deep purpose within her.
Alison attended Texas Tech University and was part of one of the first collegiate recovery programs. Her time at Tech, service in multiple recovery communities, and passion for educating the public on the effects of alcoholism, drug addiction, and recovery is what brings her to Serenity High.
Outside of work, Alison enjoys reading, group fitness and yoga, and traveling with her husband, Alan. She has found her empty nest has increased her love for adventure. She is looking forward to serving the students, staff, and Board of Serenity High, McKinney ISD, and the Collin County community.
Tina Swindle
Tina grew up in Plano, Texas and is a graduate of Plano East Senior High. After having a successful career in the printing industry spanning across two decades, she decided to transition to a second career as a realtor which she thoroughly enjoys. Tina has been a proud member of the Wylie community for over twenty-two years and is currently the Ambassador Lead for the Wylie Chamber of Commerce. Witnessing firsthand the positive impact of providing a safe learning environment focused on recovery contributed to her son’s future success, she decided to join the Serenity High Advisory Board. Tina is a wife and proud mother of three children and two grandchildren.
Phil Wheat
Phil graduated from Eastern Washington University with a Bachelor’s degree in Education, where he played football. Phil met the love of his life at the post-game party after the last football game of his Senior year. They were married 13 months later, and had their first child 11 months after that. The family situation resulted in Phil’s career plans changing drastically. Rather than becoming a College Professor, Phil needed to immediately start making money for his family. He knew a man who ran an insurance organization, so Phil moved to that career path. He did not like selling insurance, so he moved to the Financial Planning field. He worked diligently and earned a Master’s Degree in Financial Services and the Certified Financial Planner designation. Now some decades later, he and his business Partner Lori Givens own and are the sole Financial Advisors at Wheat-Givens Financial. Phil’s very good friends, Terrie Ratan, Neil and Lynn Sperry asked his to consider being on the Serenity High Advisory Board several years ago. Phil was hesitant to take on additional responsibilities, but attending one meeting changed all of that. In addition to being very active at his Church and The Crape Myrtle Trails Board of McKinney, Phil is the Treasurer of the Serenity High Board. His major strength is his ability to initiate and foster meaningful relationships. Phil and his wife Jan have three children and four grandchildren.