AR AIMS Staff

Rhonda Riggin

Executive Director

rlriggin@araims.org

(479) 849-6656

Rhonda received a BSE and MSE from Henderson State University. She served as an Instructor in the Biology Department at Henderson before moving to Texas where she taught at the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor and Central Texas College. Her affiliation with AR AIMS began in 2009 when the high school where she was teaching AP Biology and AP Environmental Science, Booneville High School, became one of the first schools accepted into AR AIMS. AR AIMS encouraged Rhonda to become a Certified LTF Trainer, a consultant for the National Math and Science Initiative, and an AP Biology Reader for CollegeBoard. Rhonda worked as a curriculum writer for AR AIMS, and taught AP Biology at Summer Boot Camps at the U of A, ASU, and UALR. In 2015 she served on the ADE Committee that set the Accelerated Biology Standards when Arkansas adopted the Next Generation Science Standards. Rhonda came to work full time for AR AIMS in 2018 and in 2024 became the Executive Director. She continues to serve as a Table Leader for the AP Biology exam and enjoys being able to work with teachers and students at AR AIMS workshops.

Susan Skinkle

Director of English Programs

slskinkle@araims.org

870-356-9422

has been the AR AIMS English Director since 2018. Prior to accepting this role, she worked closely with AR AIMS as a teacher in an AR AIMS school and by working as a presenter for student and teacher activities and events.

Susan taught English in both Texas and Arkansas for more than 25 years and retired from the classroom after spending 18 years at Centerpoint High School in Amity, Arkansas. While teaching at Centerpoint, Susan developed the AP English program teaching Pre-AP English 10, AP English Language, and AP English Literature. During that time, Susan traveled the United States as a NMSI consultant working with many teachers and students. She is also a National Board Certified Teacher, a College Board AP Advocate, a certified trainer for Laying the Foundation, as well as a Google certified teacher. Susan continues to serve as a Table Leader and Reader for the AP English Language exam; she has been a reader since 2010.

Tanya Ruble

Director of Science Programs

tlruble@araims.org

870-403-6888

lives in Arkadelphia, AR and has been the Science Director for AR AIMS since 2020. Tanya spent 22 years in the science classroom before working for AR AIMS. She taught chemistry, Pre-AP chemistry, AP® chemistry, biology, physical science, and ACT prep. In 2015 and 2016, she worked on a project in conjunction with the College Board and New Tech Network to integrate Project Based Learning (PBL) into the AP Chemistry curriculum. Mrs. Ruble served as an AP Chemistry Saturday Prep teacher for the Pulaski County Special School District for several years, wrote the AR AIMS PAP chemistry curriculum, and presented summer workshops for AR AIMS from 2015 to 2020. Tanya is also a College Board Reader for the AP Chemistry exam. Tanya is currently a doctoral candidate at Arkansas State University researching declining student enrollment in Arkansas high school chemistry, physics, and specific AP® science courses.

She enjoys family time with her husband, children and spouses, and five grandchildren in her spare time. Canoeing and kayaking Arkansas rivers and streams bring her relaxation from work and educational pursuits as well as her keen interest in the flora and fauna of the Natural State.

Ginger L. Abernathy

Program Administrative Assistant

ginger@araims.org

501-213-5824

a graduate of Henderson State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration and Marketing. After 13 years as a senior management associate at JCPenney, Ginger was a stay-at-home wife and mother. In 2009, she became a substitute teacher for the Bryant School District. BSD hired her as the Administrative Assistant for their Gifted & Talented and AP Programs in 2012. She began her career at AR AIMS in 2014 as the Program Administrative Assistant. Ginger is married to Robert Abernathy and has one daughter, Annalise Robbins. When she is not working, she enjoys the outdoors boating on Lake Ouachita or riding in the woods on their ATV.

Mark Milhollen

Director of Finances

mdmilhollen@araims.org

is the Finance Director for AR AIMS. He is a graduate of Harding University with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting. He served the Little Rock School District for 31 years retiring as CFO. He was invited to join eStem Public Charter school as the founding CFO. He retired in June 2024 as Interim CFO. Mark joined AR AIMS in July, 2014 as Finance Director.

John Allison

Director of Math Programs

is new to AR AIMS in 2024 after 18 years in the classroom at Vilonia High School. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Lyon College in 2006, at 38 years old, following a wandering path to a teaching career that led through four years in the United States Marine Corps, a five-year stint driving a truck, and seven years raising poultry and cattle to earn a living. In 2009, John earned his Master’s degree in Mathematical Sciences from UALR. He taught everything from Algebra II to AP Calculus BC at Vilonia. John taught concurrent credit classes at Vilonia for 14 years, AP Statistics for 10 years, and AP Calculus AB and BC for four years. He challenged all students to do their best and encouraged them to strive for excellence. John quickly recognized how to leverage the Advanced Placement program to motivate students and increase achievement. His dedication to students was recognized through National Board Certification in 2012, designation as School Employee of the year in 2014 and 2018, appointment to the Governor’s School Safety Commission in 2018 and 2022, receiving an Outstanding Educator Award from the University of Chicago in 2021, and appointment to the Advisory Board of the Arkansas Center for School safety in 2022. John became an AP Statistics Exam reader for CollegeBoard in 2020. He looks forward to helping other teachers and schools serve their students through AR AIMS.