Meet the Team at Rising Aviation High School

Kassandra Dena brings over a decade of experience as an educator and instructional coach across various educational settings, including Title I and magnet campuses, and has earned a Master-level Teacher designation through the Teacher Incentive Allotment program, placing her among the top 5 percent of educators in the state.

She holds a B.S. in Kinesiology from The University of Texas at El Paso and an M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction from Concordia University, with a doctorate pending in 2024. 

Melissa Meehan is the President of the RAHS Board of Directors. She has an extensive background in education operations, management, and administration. 

She is also the Co-Owner, Board Member and former Principal of a large Charter School network in Arizona and has deep roots working with at-risk students in an alternative education setting.

Melissa is a graduate of Arizona State University with a BS in Justice Studies and has completed numerous graduate courses in Education at Grand Canyon University.

Scott Meehan has over 30 years in the aerospace industry, is a certified pilot, Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI), and UAS drone pilot.

Scott is a graduate of American University and holds an MBA from Pepperdine University. 

Mr. Jason Coker is co-founder, board member, and Director of Business Operations of Rising Aviation High School.

He has worked for three Fortune 500 companies: Goodyear, Toyota, and Wells Fargo. He has an extensive background of 20+ years in consulting, finance, management, and marketing in the private sector.

Lindsay Hernandez graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and began teaching science and aviation.

After 7 years in education she started flight training to fulfill a childhood goal of becoming a pilot and is now a commercial multi engine pilot and flight instructor.

Lindsay combines both her backgrounds and teaches aviation at the high school level. 

Pete Miller is the Director of the Maintenance program at Rising Aviation High School.

He brings extensive experience as a retired Aviation Maintenance Technician from the US Air Force, Delta and Southwest Airlines and holds Airframe and Powerplant certificates, as well as his Private Pilot Certificate. He built and flies his Van’s RV-7.

Josue Duran currently serves as the Learning Lab Instructor at Rising Aviation High School.

A graduate of Shenandoah University, he taught in the Fort Worth area for six years as a certified Texas educator before earning his pilot ratings, Advanced Ground Instructor certification, and drone license prior to joining the Rising Aviation High School team.