Administration
Nicole McCullough – Principal
Nicole McCullough is honored and excited to serve as principal at AMS Power launches as a new school community. She is passionate about building a school where every student feels safe, valued, and challenged, and where staff and families work together to create a positive, inclusive culture. She was drawn to AMS for its commitment to student success, strong values, and focus on supporting the whole child, and she looks forward to building meaningful systems, traditions, and relationships alongside the community.
Nicole has over 20 years of experience in education as a teacher, instructional leader, and administrator. She is National Board Certified and has served in leadership roles supporting both elementary and middle school communities. Most recently, she served as an administrator in Higley Public Schools, where she led key initiatives in school culture, staff development, student services, and campus operations. Throughout her career, she has mentored teachers, led professional learning, strengthened instructional practices, served on a core team in charge of opening a new school, and helped schools improve both student outcomes and overall culture. These experiences have prepared her to successfully open and lead a high-performing, student-centered school.
Nicole believes strong relationships are the foundation of a flourishing school. She leads with the belief that schools thrive by being committed to fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and high expectations, where students feel they belong, staff feel empowered in their practice, and families feel welcomed as true partners. Nicole is dedicated to being a consistent and committed leader for years to come, focused on building a strong foundation that will sustain long-term success. Her leadership motto reflects this commitment: “Rooted in community, connected by heart, and teaming together to turn potential into POWER.”
Outside of school, Nicole enjoys spending time with her three boys, exploring new places, and scuba diving. As a member of the local community, she is especially excited to serve the families and students she lives with each day. She values connection, relationships, and is deeply invested in building a school that reflects the pride and potential of its community. Nicole is truly grateful for the opportunity to help launch AMS Power and looks forward to partnering with families, students, and staff to create something incredible together.
Clare Curry – Assistant Principal
Clare Curry is thrilled to join the AMS Power community as assistant principal. A native of Arizona, Clare grew up in Phoenix and earned her bachelor's degree in secondary education from Arizona State University. She holds a master's degree in educational leadership from the University of Notre Dame. She believes that education has the power to open doors of opportunities for students. She is passionate about ensuring all students have access to a high-quality education in a safe, welcoming environment.
Clare brings 15 years of experience in education, having served as a teacher and administrator in schools in Tucson, Arizona and Las Vegas, Nevada. Most recently, she served as an educational consultant working with schools throughout the southwest to better meet the needs of all students, especially students with special learning needs. She offers expertise in instructional planning, student engagement, and creating systems of support for students. Clare believes it takes a community to provide a holist education to students. She is excited to partner with faculty, students, and families to build a POWERful learning community.
In her free time, you can spot Clare hiking trails around the valley, riding her bike, or enjoying a crossword puzzle.
Josiah'David (JD) Kelly-Queja – Assistant Principal
Josiah'David(JD) Kelly-Queja is honored and excited to serve the students, families, and staff of the school community as the Assistant Principal for grades 4–8 at AMS Power. He holds a Master of Education in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University. As a proud Native Hawaiian, he carries with him the values of aloha (compassion and respect), ʻohana (family and belonging), and kuleana (responsibility), which guide how he leads and serves. These values align deeply with AMS Power’s mission to provide a well-rounded education that transforms today’s scholars into tomorrow’s global visionaries.
Throughout his career in education, JD has served in a variety of leadership roles focused on supporting student success, strengthening instruction, and building positive school culture. He has worked alongside educators to improve instructional practices, develop meaningful professional learning opportunities, and implement systems that support both academic achievement and student well-being. His experience leading school improvement initiatives, mentoring teachers, analyzing student achievement data, and supporting programs such as AVID and PBIS has prepared him to help schools achieve both academic excellence and a strong sense of community.
Outside of school, JD enjoys spending time with family and friends, staying active, and engaging in activities such as running, Hawaiian outrigger canoeing, wrestling, and football. He is a proud supporter of the Arizona Cardinals. He values meaningful connections and believes that staying active and grounded in community and family life strengthens his work as a leader. JD looks forward to partnering with the AMS Power community to support scholars in growing into confident leaders and global visionaries.