Spring 2023 Registration Is Fully Underway! Submit Your Spring 2023 Registration Today!
Schedule a Phone Chat | Spring 2023 Registration | Payments | Course Descriptions | Class Schedule
Schedule a Phone Chat | Spring 2023 Registration | Payments | Course Descriptions | Class Schedule
SACHIN JAIN
Executive Director and Founder
Sachin is the founder of Athens Debate. Sachin has 20 years of experience teaching Speech and Debate. His students have achieved champion-level success at the local, state, and national levels. He completed his undergraduate degree Summa Cum Laude from UC Berkeley and his Masters of Public Policy from the top ranked policy school in the country, UC Berkeley's Goldman School of Public Policy. Before starting Athens Debate, Sachin used his experience in Speech and Debate to find success in the real world. Sachin has worked in political and policy roles at the United States Senate, White House, San Jose City Council, the Governor of California, President of the UC System, and the Mayor of San Jose. He enjoys teaching students how to make debate come alive for them and be applicable to their future pursuits. Speech and debate changed his life and he hopes to do the same for all of his students.
Executive Director and Founder
Sachin is the founder of Athens Debate. Sachin has 20 years of experience teaching Speech and Debate. His students have achieved champion-level success at the local, state, and national levels. He completed his undergraduate degree Summa Cum Laude from UC Berkeley and his Masters of Public Policy from the top ranked policy school in the country, UC Berkeley's Goldman School of Public Policy. Before starting Athens Debate, Sachin used his experience in Speech and Debate to find success in the real world. Sachin has worked in political and policy roles at the United States Senate, White House, San Jose City Council, the Governor of California, President of the UC System, and the Mayor of San Jose. He enjoys teaching students how to make debate come alive for them and be applicable to their future pursuits. Speech and debate changed his life and he hopes to do the same for all of his students.
MICHAEL EPLEY
Vice President
Mike Epley has taught with Athens Debate for nearly four years and is one of those instructors that students talk about with reverence for years. Mr. Epley has coached speech and debate since 2013. Mike has a degree in Communication Studies with an emphasis on Rhetoric at University of San Francisco, where he earned a scholarship to captain the debate team. A successful competitor, Mike earned gold medal at state and national tournaments in Parliamentary, Lincoln-Douglas, and Parliamentary-LD debate, and was voted 2013 Northern California Forensics Association Debater of the Year.
Mike joined speech and debate for the love of competition, but the activity has given him so much more than just trophies. Thanks to speech and debate, Mike is a skilled communicator and a confident, vocal advocate. The passion for effective, confident advocacy that Mike developed as a competitor is what drove him to become an educator, with the belief that the study of speech and debate transforms the way we engage with the world, making strong critical thinkers and better communicators. There’s no subject he’d rather teach.
Vice President
Mike Epley has taught with Athens Debate for nearly four years and is one of those instructors that students talk about with reverence for years. Mr. Epley has coached speech and debate since 2013. Mike has a degree in Communication Studies with an emphasis on Rhetoric at University of San Francisco, where he earned a scholarship to captain the debate team. A successful competitor, Mike earned gold medal at state and national tournaments in Parliamentary, Lincoln-Douglas, and Parliamentary-LD debate, and was voted 2013 Northern California Forensics Association Debater of the Year.
Mike joined speech and debate for the love of competition, but the activity has given him so much more than just trophies. Thanks to speech and debate, Mike is a skilled communicator and a confident, vocal advocate. The passion for effective, confident advocacy that Mike developed as a competitor is what drove him to become an educator, with the belief that the study of speech and debate transforms the way we engage with the world, making strong critical thinkers and better communicators. There’s no subject he’d rather teach.
ZAHRA ALAMIRE
Instructor
Zahra Alamire is a graduate of UC Berkeley and holds a Law Degree (Juris Doctorate) from UC Hastings School of Law. She just finished clerking for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Zahra has over 8 years of debate teaching experience. She has taught at numerous institutions and is highly sought after. As a debater, Zahra was a U.S. National Champion in debate, a California State Champion in college through the College Forensics Association, and won 1st Place in Parliamentary Debate at the National Parliamentary Debate Association tournament. Zahra is one of our most beloved teachers. We are very excited to have Zahra on the teaching team!
Instructor
Zahra Alamire is a graduate of UC Berkeley and holds a Law Degree (Juris Doctorate) from UC Hastings School of Law. She just finished clerking for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Zahra has over 8 years of debate teaching experience. She has taught at numerous institutions and is highly sought after. As a debater, Zahra was a U.S. National Champion in debate, a California State Champion in college through the College Forensics Association, and won 1st Place in Parliamentary Debate at the National Parliamentary Debate Association tournament. Zahra is one of our most beloved teachers. We are very excited to have Zahra on the teaching team!
GRAYCE MARLOWE-ALPERS
Instructor
Grayce Marlowe-Alpers was one of Athens Debate's very first students. Grayce had an enormously successful debate career winning numerous accolades at local and national tournaments (Champion of the the Santa Clara University Dempsey Cronin Invitational). Grayce has first-hand experience learning and mastering every aspect of the Athens Debate curriculum. Grayce has several years of teaching kids of all ages. Grayce is one of Athens most sought after teachers for her ability to connect with students and make debate come alive. She quickly connects her own experience to inspire students. In addition to debate, Grayce is a nationally acclaimed speed skater.
Instructor
Grayce Marlowe-Alpers was one of Athens Debate's very first students. Grayce had an enormously successful debate career winning numerous accolades at local and national tournaments (Champion of the the Santa Clara University Dempsey Cronin Invitational). Grayce has first-hand experience learning and mastering every aspect of the Athens Debate curriculum. Grayce has several years of teaching kids of all ages. Grayce is one of Athens most sought after teachers for her ability to connect with students and make debate come alive. She quickly connects her own experience to inspire students. In addition to debate, Grayce is a nationally acclaimed speed skater.
TIM ELIZONDO
Instructor
Timothy joins Athens Debate after serving as the Director of Columbia College’s Speech and Debate Program, which he founded in 2005. Timothy holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Studies (with an emphasis on Rhetorical Criticism) from Arizona State University. He also earned his Doctorate from Bowling Green State University in the field of American Culture Studies. In addition to teaching at Athens Debate, Timothy is currently serving in his 18th year as a tenured faculty member at Columbia College (where he teaches courses in Communication and Philosophy) and recently completed a two-year term as the Vice President of the Yosemite Faculty Association. As creator of Colombia College's Speech and Debate program, Timothy led his team to a series of consecutive Gold Medal Sweepstakes awards at the California collegiate level. Timothy was been recognized as the “Coach of the Year” by the Northern California Forensics Association and is especially proud of his team’s qualifications into the National Parliamentary Tournament of Excellence. As an assistant coach of Arizona State University’s Individual Events team, Timothy’s students reached the semi-finals of the American Forensics Association’s National Championship in route to a team sweepstakes award.
Timothy’s love for Forensics began in high school as he floundered in the novice level for his first year of competition. He found himself inspired by the activity and, more importantly, the level of intelligence, creativity, and drive displayed by the people the activity gathers within their community. As a high school competitor, Timothy rose in the ranks to earn the National Forensics League’s distinguished “Quad Ruby Award” for his efforts in Lincoln Douglas Debate, Original Prose and Poetry, and Impromptu. Timothy continued his competitive career in college as he earned his first State Championship title.
Instructor
Timothy joins Athens Debate after serving as the Director of Columbia College’s Speech and Debate Program, which he founded in 2005. Timothy holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Studies (with an emphasis on Rhetorical Criticism) from Arizona State University. He also earned his Doctorate from Bowling Green State University in the field of American Culture Studies. In addition to teaching at Athens Debate, Timothy is currently serving in his 18th year as a tenured faculty member at Columbia College (where he teaches courses in Communication and Philosophy) and recently completed a two-year term as the Vice President of the Yosemite Faculty Association. As creator of Colombia College's Speech and Debate program, Timothy led his team to a series of consecutive Gold Medal Sweepstakes awards at the California collegiate level. Timothy was been recognized as the “Coach of the Year” by the Northern California Forensics Association and is especially proud of his team’s qualifications into the National Parliamentary Tournament of Excellence. As an assistant coach of Arizona State University’s Individual Events team, Timothy’s students reached the semi-finals of the American Forensics Association’s National Championship in route to a team sweepstakes award.
Timothy’s love for Forensics began in high school as he floundered in the novice level for his first year of competition. He found himself inspired by the activity and, more importantly, the level of intelligence, creativity, and drive displayed by the people the activity gathers within their community. As a high school competitor, Timothy rose in the ranks to earn the National Forensics League’s distinguished “Quad Ruby Award” for his efforts in Lincoln Douglas Debate, Original Prose and Poetry, and Impromptu. Timothy continued his competitive career in college as he earned his first State Championship title.
BEN UNANAOWO
Instructor
Mr. Unanaowo is a seasoned Forensics Speech Coach with 20 years of experience. He had the pleasure of competing for two of the most storied programs in the history of Speech and Debate. The James Logan High School Forensics team and the Western Kentucky University Forensics team. His pedigree afforded him a wealth of knowledge due to the Hall of Fame and championship coaches who mentored him. Mr. Unanaowo specializes in finding diverse and challenging performance material. However, Mr. Unanaowo's true passion is writing. Creative writing, persuasive and informative is his specialty. Competitively, Mr. Unanaowo was the CHSSA State Champion in Original Oratory, the Emory University Barkley Forum Champion in Original Oratory, NSDA National Finalist in Oratory, and is a 6-time College Forensics Finalist. Mr. Unanaowo has coached champions of the Kentucky TOC Informative Speaking Champion (2020), NSDA National Finalist Program Oral Interpretation (2019), National Champion in Dramatic Interpretation NIETOC (2018), and the CHASSA State Champion in Dramatic Interpretation (2017). Mr. Unanaowo holds Bachelors of Arts in History w/ Minor in Broadcasting. Mr. Unanaowo will lead the Athens Speech program for the upcoming year.
Instructor
Mr. Unanaowo is a seasoned Forensics Speech Coach with 20 years of experience. He had the pleasure of competing for two of the most storied programs in the history of Speech and Debate. The James Logan High School Forensics team and the Western Kentucky University Forensics team. His pedigree afforded him a wealth of knowledge due to the Hall of Fame and championship coaches who mentored him. Mr. Unanaowo specializes in finding diverse and challenging performance material. However, Mr. Unanaowo's true passion is writing. Creative writing, persuasive and informative is his specialty. Competitively, Mr. Unanaowo was the CHSSA State Champion in Original Oratory, the Emory University Barkley Forum Champion in Original Oratory, NSDA National Finalist in Oratory, and is a 6-time College Forensics Finalist. Mr. Unanaowo has coached champions of the Kentucky TOC Informative Speaking Champion (2020), NSDA National Finalist Program Oral Interpretation (2019), National Champion in Dramatic Interpretation NIETOC (2018), and the CHASSA State Champion in Dramatic Interpretation (2017). Mr. Unanaowo holds Bachelors of Arts in History w/ Minor in Broadcasting. Mr. Unanaowo will lead the Athens Speech program for the upcoming year.
ADAM TOMASI
Advanced Debate Instructor
Adams Tomsai was a high-school Lincoln-Douglas debater, He was a three-time elimination round participant at the Tournament of Champions (TOC). He reached the Quarterfinals of TOC his sophomore and senior years, and Octafinals his junior year. His senior year, Adam was the #1 seed at the TOC after prelims. Throughout his LD career, Adam was invited to multiple round robins at Harvard University, the Bronx High School of Science, West Des Moines Valley High School, and Presentation High School. Adam was a two-time Massachusetts State Debate Champion - his sophomore and senior years, and championed the Wake Forest invitational as well. Adam has displayed versatility in traditional LD, Policy arguments, Kritiks, and theory debate. As a college Policy debater, Adam reached elimination rounds at multiple national tournaments and was considered for a second-round bid to the National Debate Tournament (NDT) in my sophomore, junior, and senior years. His senior year, Adam and his partner were the Second Alternate team at the NDT. He was also a two-time ACC debate champion and three-time finalist.Adam has also been a briefs writer for Champion Briefs since 2015. Adam earned his Bachelors in History and Communication from Wake Forest University and is now pursuing his PhD in World History at Northeastern University.
Advanced Debate Instructor
Adams Tomsai was a high-school Lincoln-Douglas debater, He was a three-time elimination round participant at the Tournament of Champions (TOC). He reached the Quarterfinals of TOC his sophomore and senior years, and Octafinals his junior year. His senior year, Adam was the #1 seed at the TOC after prelims. Throughout his LD career, Adam was invited to multiple round robins at Harvard University, the Bronx High School of Science, West Des Moines Valley High School, and Presentation High School. Adam was a two-time Massachusetts State Debate Champion - his sophomore and senior years, and championed the Wake Forest invitational as well. Adam has displayed versatility in traditional LD, Policy arguments, Kritiks, and theory debate. As a college Policy debater, Adam reached elimination rounds at multiple national tournaments and was considered for a second-round bid to the National Debate Tournament (NDT) in my sophomore, junior, and senior years. His senior year, Adam and his partner were the Second Alternate team at the NDT. He was also a two-time ACC debate champion and three-time finalist.Adam has also been a briefs writer for Champion Briefs since 2015. Adam earned his Bachelors in History and Communication from Wake Forest University and is now pursuing his PhD in World History at Northeastern University.
DRAKE POUGH
Instructor
Drake is a graduate of Wiley College, home to one of the most prestigious speech and debate program's in the country. Drake also holds a Masters of Fine Arts from Western Illinois University. Drake has over 10 years of teaching experience in speech and debate. He has coached numerous local, state, and national champions. Drake, is an expert in Speech. Drake is a multiple National Champion in Speech. Drake has an incredibly engaging teaching style, is loved by his students, and really makes his classroom come alive.
Instructor
Drake is a graduate of Wiley College, home to one of the most prestigious speech and debate program's in the country. Drake also holds a Masters of Fine Arts from Western Illinois University. Drake has over 10 years of teaching experience in speech and debate. He has coached numerous local, state, and national champions. Drake, is an expert in Speech. Drake is a multiple National Champion in Speech. Drake has an incredibly engaging teaching style, is loved by his students, and really makes his classroom come alive.
NICKY SMITH
Advanced Debate Instructor
Nicky holds a PhD in Philosophy and a Master of Arts in Sociology from UC San Diego and UC Berkeley. At UC Berkeley, Nicky taught UC Berkeley Masters and Undergraduate students for almost a decade including in Communications, Political Science, Global Studies, and History. Nicky graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Science in Education and Social Policy. Nicky was Clinton Fellow, Udall Scholar, Humanity in Action Fellow, and Critical Language Scholar. At Northwestern, Nicky co-founded a debate and advocacy association and completed additional scholarly and advocacy work at the Paris Institute of Political Studies, Universidad Panamericana, Tongji University, and the University of Jordan. Nicky has 19 years of experience coaching and competing in Debate, with multiple state championships and late elimination rounds at the nation's most prestigious tournaments, including Harvard, Valley, the NSDA/NFL National Championship, and the Grand National Tournament. Last year, Nicky taught debate for the advanced lab at the Stanford National Forensic Institute, for James Logan High School (winning the top two awards at the 2022 National tournament), and for the Online Debate Institute. Nicky specializes in case construction, rebuttal speeches and rhetorical skills, adapting to a variety of judges (traditional/circuit/different regions), extemporaneous argumentation, unique kritiks, and building on intersectional perspectives that can expand the Forensics arena. Nicky has led and looks forward to continuing to lead countless students to use debate to become more engaged in the classroom and articulate, informed, and active leaders in their schools and wider communities.
Advanced Debate Instructor
Nicky holds a PhD in Philosophy and a Master of Arts in Sociology from UC San Diego and UC Berkeley. At UC Berkeley, Nicky taught UC Berkeley Masters and Undergraduate students for almost a decade including in Communications, Political Science, Global Studies, and History. Nicky graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Science in Education and Social Policy. Nicky was Clinton Fellow, Udall Scholar, Humanity in Action Fellow, and Critical Language Scholar. At Northwestern, Nicky co-founded a debate and advocacy association and completed additional scholarly and advocacy work at the Paris Institute of Political Studies, Universidad Panamericana, Tongji University, and the University of Jordan. Nicky has 19 years of experience coaching and competing in Debate, with multiple state championships and late elimination rounds at the nation's most prestigious tournaments, including Harvard, Valley, the NSDA/NFL National Championship, and the Grand National Tournament. Last year, Nicky taught debate for the advanced lab at the Stanford National Forensic Institute, for James Logan High School (winning the top two awards at the 2022 National tournament), and for the Online Debate Institute. Nicky specializes in case construction, rebuttal speeches and rhetorical skills, adapting to a variety of judges (traditional/circuit/different regions), extemporaneous argumentation, unique kritiks, and building on intersectional perspectives that can expand the Forensics arena. Nicky has led and looks forward to continuing to lead countless students to use debate to become more engaged in the classroom and articulate, informed, and active leaders in their schools and wider communities.
MARK MABIE
Instructor
Mark Mabie has been teaching debate since 2014 and has been one of the most sought after coaches in California for a number of years. Mr. Mabie has coached at Stanford University, BASIS Independent, and The Nueva School. In addition to debate, Mr. Mabie is a Teaching Fellow at a local Charter School district. Mark has instructed thousands of students ranging from beginner level to tournament champions. Mr. Mabie is an expert in Lincoln Douglas, Public Forum, and Parliamentary Debate. Mr. Mabie brings years of experience, a professional teaching background, and an unbridled passion for the activity.
Instructor
Mark Mabie has been teaching debate since 2014 and has been one of the most sought after coaches in California for a number of years. Mr. Mabie has coached at Stanford University, BASIS Independent, and The Nueva School. In addition to debate, Mr. Mabie is a Teaching Fellow at a local Charter School district. Mark has instructed thousands of students ranging from beginner level to tournament champions. Mr. Mabie is an expert in Lincoln Douglas, Public Forum, and Parliamentary Debate. Mr. Mabie brings years of experience, a professional teaching background, and an unbridled passion for the activity.
NINA RAMCHANDANI
Instructor
Nina attends Stanford University and has been teaching with Athens Debate for nearly four years. She competed in a wide array of Speech and Debate events in high school, including Policy debate, LD debate and Expository speaking. Nina was most notably known for kritikal type argumentation in high school, and reached elimination rounds at tournaments like Long Beach and Alta. In addition to her competition on the national circuit, Nina competed in the Coast Forensic League for Presentation High School. She also received wildcards at multiple CFLs in Policy. Nina credits debate as the spark of her intellectual curiosity and drive to enhance communication among people, both in policy and at an individual level. She has taken these skills from debate into the real-world by interning for the Vice-Mayor of Mountain View, serving as a Teaching Assistant in school, and writing Public Policy memos to send to legislators. Nina loves working with others, learning, and sharing her knowledge - teaching our beginner students is a joy for her!
Instructor
Nina attends Stanford University and has been teaching with Athens Debate for nearly four years. She competed in a wide array of Speech and Debate events in high school, including Policy debate, LD debate and Expository speaking. Nina was most notably known for kritikal type argumentation in high school, and reached elimination rounds at tournaments like Long Beach and Alta. In addition to her competition on the national circuit, Nina competed in the Coast Forensic League for Presentation High School. She also received wildcards at multiple CFLs in Policy. Nina credits debate as the spark of her intellectual curiosity and drive to enhance communication among people, both in policy and at an individual level. She has taken these skills from debate into the real-world by interning for the Vice-Mayor of Mountain View, serving as a Teaching Assistant in school, and writing Public Policy memos to send to legislators. Nina loves working with others, learning, and sharing her knowledge - teaching our beginner students is a joy for her!
ANAND SUNDARAM
Tournament Manager and Supplemental Instructor
Anand comes to Athens from UCLA where he studied Applied Math. Anand's was a nationally renowned debater in high school, reaching semifinals at UC Berkeley twice, late elimination rounds at Stanford, and qualifying for the State Championships and the Tournament of Champions. Anand has several years of teaching experience and has coached at prestigious programs like the Monta Vista High School debate program.
Tournament Manager and Supplemental Instructor
Anand comes to Athens from UCLA where he studied Applied Math. Anand's was a nationally renowned debater in high school, reaching semifinals at UC Berkeley twice, late elimination rounds at Stanford, and qualifying for the State Championships and the Tournament of Champions. Anand has several years of teaching experience and has coached at prestigious programs like the Monta Vista High School debate program.
CHRIS CASSIN
Chris Cassin has taught at Athens for over a year. Chris attends UC Berkeley. He has won a state championship in Parliamentary debate and a National Championship in Lincoln Douglas debate at the Phi Ro Pi National Championships. He is a highly skilled expert in Lincoln Douglas and Parliamentary Debate. He also won a public speaking contest in Mandarin Chinese. He has a lifelong passion for teaching; his teaching style is focused on empathy and fostering student engagement. His favorite thing about teaching is watching a complex concept click in a student’s head.
Chris Cassin has taught at Athens for over a year. Chris attends UC Berkeley. He has won a state championship in Parliamentary debate and a National Championship in Lincoln Douglas debate at the Phi Ro Pi National Championships. He is a highly skilled expert in Lincoln Douglas and Parliamentary Debate. He also won a public speaking contest in Mandarin Chinese. He has a lifelong passion for teaching; his teaching style is focused on empathy and fostering student engagement. His favorite thing about teaching is watching a complex concept click in a student’s head.
TANISH KUMAR
Tanish Kumar is a student at UC Berkeley, and he also competed and coached for Archbishop Mitty High School. As a competitor, he qualified to states, nationals, and the Tournament of Champions in Congressional and Parliamentary Debate, reaching semifinals at the Nueva Invitational and elimination rounds at the UC Berkeley invitational. Students under his coaching have qualified to the 2021 National Parliamentary Debate League Tournament of Champions and are nationally ranked in the 2020-2021 NPDL Rankings, won the CHSSA State Tournament 2021 in Parliamentary Debate ,posted semi final finishes in the Congressional House at the 2020 University of Kentucky Tournament of Champions and 2020 National Speech and Debate Tournament.
Tanish Kumar is a student at UC Berkeley, and he also competed and coached for Archbishop Mitty High School. As a competitor, he qualified to states, nationals, and the Tournament of Champions in Congressional and Parliamentary Debate, reaching semifinals at the Nueva Invitational and elimination rounds at the UC Berkeley invitational. Students under his coaching have qualified to the 2021 National Parliamentary Debate League Tournament of Champions and are nationally ranked in the 2020-2021 NPDL Rankings, won the CHSSA State Tournament 2021 in Parliamentary Debate ,posted semi final finishes in the Congressional House at the 2020 University of Kentucky Tournament of Champions and 2020 National Speech and Debate Tournament.
YESH RAO
Advanced Debate Instructor
Yesh Rao is an expert in Lincoln-Douglas debate and universally considered one of the most successful debaters in the history of the activity. When Yesh was a sophomore, he accumulated 13 bids to the Tournament of Championships (most students never acquire even a single bid in their debate careers - the nation's very best average about 2 to 3 in their careers), the most by any sophomore in history and was ranked as a top debater in the nation. Previously, Yesh was a Middle School State Championship in California, and championed numerous national Tournament of Champions Bid tournaments such as the Columbia Invitational and the Lexington Invitational. Within his career, he has valued the importance of using ethos in order to convince judges, a skill learned from competing in numerous traditional tournaments. Yesh works with our Advanced Debate students and is a key driver of our Advanced Debate curriculum.
Advanced Debate Instructor
Yesh Rao is an expert in Lincoln-Douglas debate and universally considered one of the most successful debaters in the history of the activity. When Yesh was a sophomore, he accumulated 13 bids to the Tournament of Championships (most students never acquire even a single bid in their debate careers - the nation's very best average about 2 to 3 in their careers), the most by any sophomore in history and was ranked as a top debater in the nation. Previously, Yesh was a Middle School State Championship in California, and championed numerous national Tournament of Champions Bid tournaments such as the Columbia Invitational and the Lexington Invitational. Within his career, he has valued the importance of using ethos in order to convince judges, a skill learned from competing in numerous traditional tournaments. Yesh works with our Advanced Debate students and is a key driver of our Advanced Debate curriculum.