Wafaa founded Sphinx Academy in 2013 based the rising need for an alternative model geared toward gifted and twice exceptional students. She now has the role of curriculum coordinator and assistant director in addition to teaching, mentoring younger students, and organizing a variety of experiences such as electives, workshops, guest speakers, and field trips for our students. 

Wafaa's background encompasses medicine, psychology, special education, and Montessori education alongside of over 15 years of experience in the field of giftedness and twice exceptionality. 

Arlo was raised in Eastern Kentucky and earned his bachelor's degree studying Biology, English, and Spanish Language and Literature at Morehead State University. During that time, he lived in Guatemala and Chile as part of the George M. Luckey Academic Honors Program and worked as a reporter for Morehead State Public Radio. He continues to contribute to NPR member station 91.3 WUKY in Lexington. 

He has been a teacher of music for over a decade and began teaching Spanish at Sphinx Academy in January 2021. He joined Sphinx Academy's full time staff in 2022 and now teaches Biology, English, and Spanish, in addition to sharing his passion for music and songwriting with our students.

Originally from New Jersey, Kaitlin moved to Tennessee during high school before attending the University of Kentucky where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Entomology. During and after her undergraduate studies, she worked as a lab technician researching spider bacterial symbionts. She also completed a summer research internship at Cornell University focused on sustainable synthetic chemical insect deterrents for grape vineyards.

Kaitlin joined the Sphinx team in 2024 as a full time member and currently teaches Algebra 1, Biology, and Aviation. She also serves as the school’s archery instructor and guides the Entomology Club, where she shares her passion for insects and encourages students to explore the natural world.

Originally from Alexandria, VA, Marialyce has lived in Lexington since 2000. She has degrees from Virginia Tech and the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.  Marialyce started her own business, Trio Bookkeeping Solutions, LLC and became bookkeeper for Sphinx Academy in its inaugural year and continues to see to our accounting and non-profit management needs.