Charles Boles is the Director of Development and an experienced instructor at Rose Institute, where he has taught hundreds of students in the Bay Area, Boston, and online for the past four years. His confident and charismatic personality makes him a perfect fit for teaching public speaking. Charles developed and utilized his public speaking skills in high school as a finalist in Poetry Out Loud, student government and leadership roles, and master of ceremonies at school events. He was also an avid thespian (Shakespeare) and musical theatre enthusiast, performing in several leading roles.
In his spare time, Charles likes to play basketball, follow Los Angeles sports teams, and play with his nieces and nephews.
Trenton began his teaching career working at a learning center in high school. While completing his English Literature degree at UCLA, he taught at the university’s Undergraduate Writing Center and coached high school students in speech and debate. He also competed on UCLA’s collegiate debate and mock trial teams and taught at the prestigious UCLA Mock Trial Institute. After graduating, he taught history, science, and language arts full-time to 3rd through 6th grade students at Live Oak Academy, a private school in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Trenton continued teaching speech and debate and wrote a curriculum for public speaking courses offered to middle school and high school students throughout California. He coordinated and ran speech and debate tournaments and summer camps in addition to training other public speaking teachers. He co-founded MC Speech to continue this public speaking instruction in Southern California. In 2023, he joined Rose Institute as Director of Recruiting and Personnel to develop future educators, as well as cultivating his passion for teaching in his role as Master Instructor.
As Co-founder and CEO, Paul heads teacher training and development at Rose Institute.
Paul is a two-time national debate champion. He holds national accolades in competitive Drama, Impromptu, and Platform Speaking.
In his free time, Paul enjoys singing, baseball, and classic cars.
Mercedes Tamayo is a graduate of San Jose State University with degrees in Political Science and Philosophy as well as experience in her school's bioethics debate team. Mercedes' background in cheerleading has taught her the importance of confidence and presence in front of a crowd. Mercedes' students have won several accolades at Rose Debate tournaments, including multiple consecutive 1st-place finishes in Impromptu, Monologues, Elevator Pitch, and team Panel Debate. In her spare time Mercedes enjoys reading, movies, and learning music.
Aadi Aggarwal is an undergraduate at Tufts University studying Political Science and Civic Studies with plans to attend law school. In high school, he competed for Xaverian Brothers High School as a part of the Massachusetts Speech and Debate League, serving as the program's Captain for two. He was a two-time state champion in Group Discussion, and is currently a competitor for Tufts Mock Trial. In his free time, Aadi enjoys traveling, working out, and cooking.
Sami Feteiha is an undergraduate student at Tufts University studying sociology and political science with plans to go to law school. He did mock trial for four years in high school, serving as the president for two years. He now is now a competitor and executive board member at Tufts Mock Trial. In his spare time, Sami enjoys skiing, cooking, and flying general aviation aircraft.
Anna loves helping students find their voice, build confidence, and discover just how powerful great communication can be! In addition to 6 years competing in Speech & Debate at the regional and state level, Anna has 4+ years of teaching experience with Rose Debate. Even further— she is an alumna of our program! She currently studies Psychology on the Pre-Law track at Boston College, and enjoys exploring Boston on the weekends.
Janice Lee is an undergraduate student at Boston University studying Computer Science and Linguistics on the pre-law track. She began competing in Public Forum debate in high school, where she served as president of her organization’s debate team. Janice now competes in American Parliamentary Debate and serves as Vice President of the Boston University Debate Society. In her spare time, Janice enjoys learning languages, traveling, and exploring new cafés.
Sumi Shah is a sophomore at Boston College, studying political science and Hispanic studies. In high school, she placed 5th at NSDA nationals in Big Questions debate. She also has experience in Public Forum Debate, Declamation, Congress, and Extemporaneous Speaking at both the state and national levels. In her free time, Sumi loves exploring Boston through walks and coffee shops!
Yash Shetty, an undergraduate student at Boston University, debated for four years in high school. In his senior year, he finished as a California State Finalist and became the first Public Forum entry in his school to earn a bid to the Tournament of Champions. Yash earned a total of five TOC bids, setting the record for his school, and he and his partner were the first team from his school to champion a national tournament. In his spare time, Yash enjoys playing the guitar, tennis, and spending time outdoors.
Callie is an undergraduate at Boston College, majoring in Political Science and Philosophy. As a dedicated member of the Boston College Mock Trial team, she competes at local and regional levels. Recently, she won an award for her performance as an attorney, and alongside her team, she's previously earned a bid to the opening round of national competition. In her free time, Callie enjoys exploring the city with her friends, taking advantage of Boston College intramural sports, and reading.
Chloe Bryant is a double major in English and Communications with a minor in International Business at Santa Clara University. She has been involved in speech and debate from third grade through her senior year of high school, competing across a wide range of events from Humorous Interpretation to Parliamentary Debate. Chloe qualified to state after getting first place in Original Prose and Poetry, showing her strength in creative and performance-based storytelling. Beyond competition, she is one of the freshman representatives for her school’s Black Student Union and Feminists for Justice for SCCAP, her school's community service. In her free time, Chloe enjoys reading, writing, and watching Thai dramas.
Ms. Kaitlyn D. Fehderau graduated with honors from Fresno Pacific University with a degree in Political Science. While in undergrad, she was a participant in Harvard University’s National Model United Nations Conference in the Legal Committee for two years. During law school, Ms. Fehderau served as Vice President and Coach of the student-led Mock Trial Team, Executive Secretary for the law school’s student government, and as a Student Attorney in the civil litigation clinic. Ms. Fehderau served as a judicial law clerk on the Massachusetts Appeals Court and participated in moot court competitions. She received her Juris Doctor degree from Boston University School of Law where she graduated with honors in concentrations in Public Interest and Litigation & Dispute Resolution. Ms. Fehderau worked in federal relations on Capitol Hill, as a law clerk at the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office, and as a law clerk at the California Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General. Since becoming a licensed attorney, Ms. Fehderau works as a family law attorney in San Jose, CA. Ms. Fehderau loves watching live sports, spending time with her friends and family, playing volleyball, and listening to podcasts.
Alaija Jones is an undergraduate junior at Stanford University studying Sociology and Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity on a Pre-Law Track. She competed in the Georgia Mock Trial Competition for four years in high school and served as president of her team. Currently, she serves as a co-captain of the Stanford Mock Trial team and has led her team to a first-place qualification to the Opening Round Championship Series Tournament. She has extensive experience working with children and has served as a teaching fellow with the National Education Equity Labs to teach at-risk youth across the nation. She is passionate about social justice and hopes to pursue a career in law, advocating for marginalized communities. In her free time, Alaija loves to sing, dance, and read.
Pacific Justiss is an undergraduate student at Santa Clara University, majoring in Accounting and Information Systems with a minor in Economics. She loves working with young students, helping them find their confidence and voice. In her free time she enjoys rollerblading, exploring new coffee shops, and live music.
Victoria Liu is a third-year undergraduate English and Theatre Arts double major with a minor in
Marketing at Santa Clara University. Having participated in Rose Debate’s program when she
was in middle school, she is excited to share her experience with other students. At Santa Clara
University, Victoria has performed in 7 productions with the Theatre and Dance department,
honing her performance and public speaking skills and refining her collaborative abilities with
her mentors and peers. She has also taught theatre to various summer camps and schools through
Santa Clara University’s courses, Children’s Musical Theater San Jose, and Peninsula Youth
Theatre. In her free time, Victoria enjoys spending time with her friends and family, dancing, and
seeing live performances.
Emily Lodenquai is a college freshman who was homeschooled for most of her life. She did competitive speech for 4 years and especially enjoyed the art of interpretive speaking. Emily qualified for NITOC (a national speech and debate tournament) for 3 years in a row and has won 2 national speech awards. She loves teaching others and encouraging them to develop their public speaking skills!
Viviana Martinez is an undergraduate computer science student at Stanford University. Throughout middle school and high school, Viviana competed in Impromptu Speaking and Interpretive Speaking in Texas' University Interscholastic League (UIL). Over the years, she placed 1st-6th across several invitational competitions and state competitions. Currently, Viviana continues to excel on the Stanford Mock Trial Team and loves the challenge of teaching at Rose Debate. In her free time, Viviana enjoys reading, pickleball, and going on walks.
Brian Pham is an Economics major with minors in Business and Political Science at San Jose State University. As a two-year leader in SJSU's Vietnamese Student Association, he has developed strong communication and leadership skills while fostering an inclusive community. Brian has also honed his public speaking abilities through coursework and acting, building confidence and stage presence. His dynamic approach to speech and debate reflects his diverse interests and disciplined mindset. Outside of academics, Brian enjoys playing chess and piano, dancing, investing, and weightlifting. He brings energy, empathy, and experience to help students grow as confident communicators and critical thinkers.
Ramy Salama is dedicated to public speaking and youth education. He's currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Political Science at San José State University, and has been volunteering and teaching for over five years. In addition to teaching and tutoring, he has developed strong communication and mentorship skills through leading Sunday school classes at his church and coaching basketball.
Isabella Song is an undergraduate Art History major at Santa Clara University with a minor in Arts Management. They have competed in over 12 business competitions across two years, presenting pitch decks and business plans to panels of judges, honing their skills in strategic thinking and product development. They have also gained valuable experience as a stage manager and actor, developing versatility and confidence in public speaking and performance. At SCU, they continue performing as an actor and collaborating with the art and art history department. In Song’s free time, they love painting and crafting, hiking, and watching movies.
Vayana Stoyanova studies History and Political Science at Stanford University. Mentored throughout high school by former NCFL president, Catherine Luhr, Vayana revitalized her Speech and Debate Club, expanding it from just two students into a successful and diverse team! As an instructor, Vayana leads with a heart for servant leadership, empowering her students to develop confidence, communication, and leadership skills as they learn. Her background spans childhood education, religious studies, community service, and the field of justice and law. Outside the classroom, Vayana enjoys social dance, reading historical fiction, and sending handwritten, wax-sealed letters.
Arman Zhumabayev is a graduate of the Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University. He has exercised his aptitude for public speaking and teaching with several organizations such as the Commuter Student Union and Survivor: Santa Clara, as well as in his volunteer work with low-income students through Sunday Friends. Outside of public speaking, some of his interests include music, video editing, and data management.
Maia Bowman is pursuing a degree in Cognitive Science at UCLA, where she competes with one of the top Mock Trial programs in the country. While in high school, she served as president of the mock trial club, performed in musical theater productions, and honed her speaking skills at an intensive courtroom-simulation program hosted by Stanford Law School. Outside of academics, Maia enjoys camping, playing the piano, and watching Miyazaki movies.
Sabrina is an undergraduate student at UCLA studying Psychology and Political Science. She competes on UCLA's nationally ranked Mock Trial team, where she served as captain of the 2026 B Team, which placed 3rd nationally. Sabrina also competed in Speech and Debate throughout high school, earning a national ranking in Informative Speaking. She loves helping students become confident, thoughtful, and persuasive speakers. In her free time she enjoys hiking, reading Mary Oliver poetry, and exploring new places!
Jack is a senior at UCLA studying Cognitive Science with a minor in Data Science Engineering. He is the captain of the university’s mock trial A-team, which was ranked 1st in the 2026 American Mock Trial Association's national power rankings. Along with teaching drama at YMCA Camp Coniston, Jack has coached high school mock trial at the prestigious Mock Trial Institute. Outside of teaching and trial advocacy, Jack combines his love of the law, cognition, and data analytics by conducting research in the field of experimental jurisprudence.
Sophia is a student at UCLA with a background in mock trial. She is entering her seventh year of mock trial, and is currently competing with the #2 ranked mock trial program in the country. Since college, she has received four individual awards. She has experience everywhere in the courtroom, from competing to coaching to judging. Sophia also spent a summer coaching at debate summer camps. is currently completing a BA in Political Science and a BA in Spanish. Sophia loves cooking, hiking, and art.
