Meet the teacher, Mrs. Mertes!

My name is Athena Mertes and this is my 17th year of teaching in CCSD and my 12th year at TWA. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Music Education and Master's Degree in Vocal Performance from UNLV and I am a National Board Certified Teacher. Along with teaching, I also love to perform! I am a classically trained OPERA SINGER! I have performed as a soloist with the Las Vegas Philharmonic, Burbank Philharmonic, and Henderson Symphony. I regularly perform with Opera Las Vegas and Vegas City Opera in productions and concerts. I have also performed throughout the US and Europe, and won awards from the Metropolitan Opera National Council, Classical Singer Convention, and National Association of Teachers of Singing.

I have lived in Las Vegas since I was five years old. Growing up, I used to be a competitive figure skater. My husband Patrick and I have two amazing children; Earen (20) and Illyana (10). We also have three dogs- a border collie, a terrier and a goldren retriever puppy! In addition to singing and teaching, I love baking, coffee, food, hiking, playing board games, shopping, hosting dinner parties, going to the beach, traveling and sleeping in.  

I love helping students grow as performers who can express themselves through music. Choir is a place where students gain lifelong friendships, have fun and learn how to work together. I look forward to another great year in Choir at Thurman White Academy!

Here are a couple of my recent performance videos and some photos!