CTE INSTRUCTORS
Dominique Otiepka
Dominique Otiepka is a teacher of environmental studies at High Tech and teaches hydroponics, water resources and meteorology.
Ms. Otiepka graduated with bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from Ramapo College of New Jersey, where she established and did extensive plant research on wildflowers and their pollinators, soil toxicity and hydroponics. She has worked with multiple hydroponic, indoor agriculture farms throughout her career and is thrilled to expose students to an opportunity with hydroponics early in their academic careers. She strives to bring awareness to the importance of environmental issues and share her love for the beauty of the natural world in her classroom.
Ms. Otiepka enjoys adventurous hikes, reading, hosting bon fires, dancing, and traveling. She participated and competed on the Ramapo College dance team for three years, and enjoyed hosting events and conventions to teach dance and the importance of expression through movement. She has visited multiple countries in which she gathers global information on the different cultures and ways of living, and applies her learnings to her life. dotiepka@hcstonline.org
Carmela Schlitzer
Mrs. Carmela Schlitzer is an Environmental Science instructor and teaches AP Environmental Science, Geospatial Technology, Urban Ecology, Public Policy, and Meteorology. For her undergraduate degrees she attended William Paterson University and graduated with a BS in Environmental Science, a BA in Earth Science, as well as Minors in Italian and Biology. After graduation, Mrs. Schlitzer worked as a Environmental Scientist at a consulting firm. Since being an educator was always her calling, Mrs. Schlitzer received a Masters in Education from Saint Peter’s University. For 12 years she taught at Saint Peter’s Prep and began teaching at High Tech High School in May of 2023 where she is also an advisor for the Environmental Club and FFA. Mrs. Schlitzer’s goals for her classroom are to create a positive learning environment that encompasses the mission of environmental education, teaching the students as a whole, and to have fun! Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Schlitzer enjoys spending time with her three daughters and husband, hiking, watching sports, going to concerts, and cooking. cschlitzer@hcstonline.org
Dr. Shelly Witham
Dr. Shelly Witham teaches Physical Geology, Soil Resources, Environmental Field Research I & II, and A.P. Environmental Science. Dr. Witham is a graduate of Purdue University and holds a B.S. in Solid Earth Geology and an M.S. in Science Education. Dr. Witham also holds a PhD in Education from Rutgers University and has been teaching at High Tech High School since 2001. Dr. Witham's goals in the classroom include engaging students in the field of science with the ultimate goal of helping them become self-motivated, lifelong learners. Dr. Witham is the faculty adviser for the award-winning Envirothon team. switham@hcstonline.org
Adriana Medina, School Counselor
