Tonya Mann is ready to make an impact here in her first year at Harding Charter Preparatory High School as a Senior Capstone teacher and the 9th & 10th grade counselor. Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Mann spent the first nine years of her life in Canada, where she spent time in Ukrainian Dance, before moving to Ponca City, Oklahoma.

“My birthday is the same day as Ukrainian Christmas, so I did it for a while when I little.”

Following the move here during the 4th grade, Mann would go on to earn both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Oklahoma State University. In addition, she has also begun working towards her doctorate from the University of Oklahoma in Administration.

Prior to coming to Harding Charter Preparatory High School, Mann spent time at Southeast High School. During her tenure at Southeast, Mann served in various roles, both in the classroom and in an administrative capacity.

This is her first year here at HCP, and Mann said she is “very impressed by the level of maturity and intelligence [of the students].”

Outside of school, Mann spends time with her three children, two dogs and she is a self-proclaimed “movie buff,” with a proclivity for mafia movies.

Ultimately, Mann said she wants to be able to retire here at Harding. However, until that time comes, Mann has many goals in mind for the school. Mann says her goal for her first year is to focus on engagement with her students. Additionally, her long-term goal for her tenure at Harding Charter Prep is to focus on fostering an environment conducive to success for the entire student body.

“I want to be able to have all of my students feel like they can come talk to me, and have the conversations that are tough for kids to have with adults.”