Staff Directory

ASU Prep Digital Faculty & Staff

Executive Cabinet

Managing Director, ASU Prep | Vice President of ASU Educational Outreach

Julie Young is a visionary CEO, educator, and entrepreneur passionate about leveraging technology and building innovative school models that put students at the center of every decision. Under Julie’s leadership over the last 4 years, ASU Preparatory Academy has grown exponentially in both enrollment and global impact, currently serving more than 7,500 full-time K–12 students and over 400,000 student enrollments in school partnerships around the US. This unique program offers students an accelerated path toward college admission and careers of the future with the chance to earn concurrent high school and university credit, shortening time and cost to degree.

Julie was the founding President and CEO of Florida Virtual School (FLVS ®), the world's first virtual statewide school district that began as a small grant initiative and grew to become the largest public K-12 program in the U.S., serving more than 2 million students in 50 states and 68 countries.

Amy McGrath

Chief Operating Officer, ASU Prep | Deputy Vice President of ASU Educational Outreach

Amy has been exploring education innovation and personalized learning for more than ten years with her efforts in school design, marketing strategy and educational policy. She is dedicated to educational reform and instructional choice for all students. She is also a fan of all things soccer and chasing her children and chickens around her yard.

David Sudarma

Chief Technology Officer

David is the Chief Technology Officer of ASU Preparatory Academy and ASU Prep Digital. Though new to Education and EdTech, David brings years of experience with him in technology and business on multiple fronts. Most recently David left his position as CTO of Cru, a large worldwide non-profit. Prior to that David owned his own Creative and Development agency working with clients like Microsoft, John Maxwell, Nintendo, the State of California and more. David is passionate about User Experience and marrying end-user needs and goals with business objectives and strategy. He doesn't do life alone! He's married with 3 kiddos and currently resides in Orlando Florida. In his free time, he's out and about trying delicious food, DIYing his house and playing music at church.

Jill Rogier

Head of Schools, Digital

Jill Rogier loves that online education gives students the opportunity to learn how they learn best, and at their own pace. As an experienced leader and educator in online learning, Jill brings passion for our vision and love for our students. In her spare time, Jill is an avid globe-trotter having traveled to 10 countries including her two favorite trips of all time, China and Italy.

Corey Woods

Chief of Staff

Corey Woods was elected mayor of the City of Tempe in March 2020. In his professional career, he is the chief of staff at ASU Preparatory Academy. Woods is responsible for assisting the managing director with operations, external partnerships and strategic initiatives. He previously served as the chief operating officer for the Greater Phoenix Urban League, director of college and career articulation for the Phoenix Union High School District and director of government relations for the American Lung Association of Arizona.

Woods graduated from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in April 2000 with a B.A. in Political Science, and a minor in African-American Studies. After college, Woods was a teaching assistant at ASU for three years. In May 2018, Woods earned a Master of Arts in Educational Policy from ASU’s Mary Lou Fulton College of Education.

John Kemper

Assistant VP EOSS & CFO ASUP

Lisa Edgar

Chief Partnership Officer

Lisa Edgar is passionate about finding creative ways to break into traditional school constructs and find ways to bring personalized learning solutions to schools through partnership and collaboration with ASU. Her background is teaching history and has since lead teams of educators through leveraging technology to personalize learning and blend classrooms. She now leads ASU Prep Digital’s partnership team which finds innovative ways to collaborate with schools around the world.

Executive Leadership

Alessandra Vaughan Allen

Director of Product Management

Amber Morrow

Executive Director of Arizona Partnerships

Amber guides herself with the belief that all students can achieve at the highest levels, regardless of their background or circumstances. She believes in integrating a comprehensive educational experience that advances students, and tackling gaps in the education system by establishing practices that are flexible and adaptable to each new phase of the school years ahead. She operates with the commitment that positive partnerships can create a strong impact in serving a community- by increasing academic, health, social, and emotional support for students, schools and districts. In her down time, Amber enjoys spending time with her 3 children and the outdoors.

Angela Zhao

Director of International Programming

Athena Matherly

Director of Curriculum Support Services

Athena has been working to transform education for over 15 years to meet the unique needs of today’s learners in preparation for an ever evolving future. She has a mix of experience in traditional and online Math education, curriculum development, instructional software and innovative school design. When Athena’s not working or chasing after her boys, she prefers to be at the beach with a good book.

Betsy Fowler

Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives

Betsy has worked with ASU’s K-12 charter network since 2012. Her leadership focused on a turnaround school in downtown Phoenix and a nationally recognized K-8 STEM academy. In 2016, she helped launch the first blended learning program in the network. Now serving as Executive Director of Special Projects, Betsy leads efforts harness university assets to build effective K12 learning models.

Charles Baxter

Director of Information Systems

What do you like most about your position? I enjoy leading teams that provide world class customer support. I have a passion for solving problems. What is something interesting that not many know about you? As a hobby, I collect Batman comics and various comic themed collectibles. I'm also an avid sneakerhead and my favorite shoes are Air Jordans.

Christy Cleugh

Director of National Partnerships

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? The most interesting thing about my position is the ability to be able to work in a consultative fashion with partners and to co-create new learning models and solutions for their schools. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? I enjoy the beach, paddleboarding, and reading.

Cindy Dulgar

Director of Digital Curriculum

Cindy Dulgar understands that every digital product needs a champion—someone that can take a vision and push it forward from research and development and into reality. With more than 15 years of curriculum product development experience, she is passionate about creating innovative and engaging educational experiences for students.

Dr. Damon Twist

Executive Director of Talent Management

Dr. Twist is a lifelong educator who began his career as a teacher with Teach For America in the 1990’s. After eight years as an elementary school teacher, both in Title One communities and internationally, he transitioned into school leadership for the next ten years. Most of those years were spent leading Excelencia Elementary School to its ‘A+ School of Excellence’ award in 2011. Following time at Teach For America as a Vice President, he transitioned back into supporting schools directly via Human Resources. He has spent the last eight years serving in that capacity at what was Phoenix Collegiate Academy and has now become ASU Preparatory Academy. As the Executive Director of Talent Management, he looks over the performance review process for all Team Members, thinks and acts on issued related to culture, and is charged with mentoring both managers and up and coming high-performers in the organization. He is married to Marie, an instructional coach, and they have three kids Dylan, Avery and Zoe.

Jamie Moran

Executive Director of Digital Operations

Jamie’s passion for online learning stems from her early experience in the online classroom where she saw how it removed barriers and created new opportunities for students. Over her 15+ years in online education, Jamie has had roles in everything from academics to IT, thus equipping her over time to lead organizational operations. As a big believer in servant leadership, Jamie loves designing operational processes that free teachers to focus on their students. Outside of work, Jamie enjoys boating and hiking with her husband and two dogs, Pete and Reilly.

Julie Hester

Director of Partnership Operations

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? Forming solution oriented collaborations with partners and seeing that process go from ideation to successful outcomes for the partner! When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Enjoying the water in my beautiful hometown of Annapolis!

Kay Johnson

Director of Strategic Communication

What do you like most about your role? As long as there are students who are struggling to learn, we have work to do. A big part of my role is to articulate the ideas, purpose, and vision behind the new learning models we are continually prototyping for this very reason.

When you're not working, what will we find you doing? I love being outdoors, and I especially enjoy hiking. I also love to go into the kitchen, turn on some music, cook dinner, and enjoy it with family and friends.

Kelly Murray

Executive of Director of Human Capital

Kelly Murray has worked in Human Resources for 8 years in a large non-profit in the space of shaping culture, developing leaders, coaching up and coming female leaders, hiring, investigations, and terminations. New to the educational space, at ASU Prep she focuses specifically on hiring, recruiting, and investigations. Kelly highly values relational leadership and providing HR services that are for the people they are meant to serve. She loves to fix broken processes, create systems that help staff be more efficient in their work, and create a culture of thriving for staff.

Dr. Laura Maloney

Director of Academics, K-8

Dr. Laura Maloney envisions a world with no educational boundaries for students of any age. To this end, she has dedicated her career to breaking down barriers for all students in both K-12 and higher education. Dr. Maloney has served in instructional and administrative roles for public education, both in brick-and-mortar and virtual settings for grades 6-12. As a principal, she led initiatives to secure and support partnerships with districts to create blended learning communities and virtual learning labs. Dr. Maloney earned her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership; her doctoral research focused on blended learning. Fun fact: She lives in the Florida Keys with her husband, Tim, and rescued Sharpei, Largo.

Mary O’Malley

Director of AZ Partnerships

What do you like most about your position? Working with such a variety of school and community leaders, as well as the different divisions of ASU. What is something interesting that not many know about you? I've lived in Mexico and Spain as an exchange student to become fluent in Spanish.

May Prince

Director of Student Advisement

May is entering her 13th year in education. She has taught students K-12 in both virtual and brick-and-mortar settings. In her current role, she leverages her background in counseling and online education to ensure that every student receives care and support in the digital learning community. She is always looking for ways to innovate and create meaningful experiences for students, whether that’s through senior events or talent shows. May loves thrifting, cooking/baking, obsessing over her fiddle leaf fig, and being an aunt to her 7 nieces and nephews. She currently resides in Chicago, IL with her husband.

Michael Kasper

Director of Academics, 9-12

Mike has been at the forefront of online education in Arizona for nearly fifteen years, having served as an administrator and teacher within curriculum, instruction, and assessment roles. He is dedicated to strategy and implementation of non-traditional models of education so that all learners can thrive. In his spare time, Mike can be found volunteering within the ASU Community and spending time with his family.

Teresa King

Director of National Partnerships

Todd Jones

Sr. Vice President of Global Business Development

Tracy Hansen

Director of Admissions

What do you like most about your role? I enjoy learning the stories of our students and families who are interested in ASU Prep Digital and offering a solution that meets their individual needs. The most interesting thing for me is that I am often the first point of contact when students and families show interest in our school. I love talking about what our program has to offer and how it prepares students for college and beyond.

What is something interesting about you? I once worked in entertainment at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

Principals

Allison Voltaire

Elementary Principal K-5

Allison has been an educator for 14 years with 8 of those years in e-learning. She believes in using an innovative approach for growth and learning and believes in serving students and families with excellence and compassion. She is a champion of children and believes that every year should be every student’s BEST year ever! Allison has a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction: Technology for Educators. She also has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. In her spare time, you can find Allison spending time with her family either at a dirt bike (Motocross) race with her son, Ryder and husband, Patrick, or a musical performance with her daughter, Gabrielle who plays guitar and enjoys singing and performing. Her favorite book is Bud, Not Buddy and she enjoys cooking and baking.

Brian Austin

Assistant Principal – Math Momentum

What do you like most about teaching?
I love the freedom of creativity - how the teacher in any class presents the course material greatly affects how the students learn! A teacher can be monotonous and disinterested, or the teacher can be engaging, fun and creative. The same material presented by a great teacher can really make an impact. I also love being able to make a positive impact on people's lives, explaining or clarifying a concept they may not understand and helping them reach their goals.

What is something interesting about you?
I am still a kid at heart - and always will be. I still love skateboarding, cliff jumping and anything adventurous!

Emily Mulvihill

Assistant Principal, K-5

Emily began her career in the field of education with a B.A. degree from Bryn Mawr College in psychology and education. After her time in a brick and mortar setting, she transitioned to digital learning and worked as a middle and high school teacher, lead teacher, and department chair. Emily also served as an elementary school principal at a brick and mortar private school. She has a growth mindset and continues to learn from exceptional leaders and teachers over the years to hone her personal leadership skills. Emily has two master's degrees - one in teacher learning and another in educational leadership. She is certified in K-6 elementary education, 6-12 English, EC-12 special education, EC-12 gifted and AP English. A life long learner, Emily is currently working on her Ed.D. degree in educational leadership. She was honored to join the ASU prep Digital team and work initially with teachers all over the country to provide professional development before transitioning into her role as assistant principal for ASU Prep Digital's elementary school. Her work focuses on supporting teachers while serving students and families.

Dr. Robert (Bobby) Striebel

High School Principal

Dr. Robert (Bobby) Striebel earned his doctorate in education leadership and technology in 2018. Additionally, he has earned a Masters in Science Education and Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Biology. Dr. Striebel has over a decade of experience in education. He has served as a high school Science teacher, department chair and CTE Lead. Prior to working in education, Dr. Striebel worked for 11 years as a Forensic Chemist for the Colorado Springs Police Department Crime Lab. He is married with four adult daughters and he currently travels with his wife, who is an ICU "travel nurse".

Dr. Sage E. Sirotkin

High School Principal

Dr. Sage Sirotkin has spent over 27 years in the field of education. Since her first experience with online teaching in 2004, Dr. Sirotkin has been focused on creating and supporting blended and digital learning models that promote engagement in a participatory culture and collaboration across physical boundaries. Student-centered, innovative education is her passion! Dr. Sirotkin has a Ph.D. in Education with a concentration in Learning, Instruction, and Innovation. In addition, she has a Master of Education with a concentration in Literacy and a dual Bachelor of Arts in English and Social Studies. In her free time, you can usually find her at the beach with her family.

Dr. Toya Abrams

High School Principal

Dr. Toya Abrams has worked in public education in Arizona for over 20 years. Starting as a teacher of a
variety of grades and then moving on to a teacher mentor, literacy interventionist, instructional coach,
director and then school principal, Dr. Abrams is passionate about leading others to success.
Having also previously taught and created curriculum for multiple colleges and universities, Dr. Abrams
notably worked as a Clinical Professor and Site Administrator for ASU’s Mary Lou Fulton Teachers
College for over eight years. In these roles, Dr. Abrams created and taught courses related to teacher
development, subject matter content areas while also coaching, evaluating and supporting senior year
students completing year-long field experience student teaching as part of the iTeachAZ program in
various Arizona school districts. Most recently, Dr. Abrams had the honor of serving in all developmental roles to start-up and open a fully
accredited online K-12 school in the state of Arizona. In addition to being the founder and principal of the
school, Dr. Abrams simultaneously served as the Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Federal
Programs, leading many innovative and exceptional student-centered advocacies in a school district here
in Arizona. Dr. Abrams loves to help others learn but is always learning herself! She has earned undergraduate
degrees in merchandising and sociology, two master’s degrees (elementary education with teacher
certification and educational leadership with principal certification). Additionally, Dr. Abrams spent two
years as a second language learner herself pursuing a diploma in Spanish as an exchange student in
Cuernavaca, Mexico. Dr. Abrams completed her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and Innovation here at ASU,
dedicating her action research to a deeper examination of the social sciences in education, focusing
specifically on building professional identity through personalized learning experiences with an emphasis
on how high-quality educational experiences impact achievement. Originally from South Louisiana, Dr. Abrams loves to be around happy people and laugh as much as possible. She currently lives in Arizona, in the Cave Creek Foothills area with her husband, 11-year old
dancing-obsessed daughter and LOTS of pets!

Operations

Alison Hernandez

Professional Development Manager

What do you like most about teaching?
I enjoy seeing the growth of my students over the course of a school year. It goes beyond just teaching the math-it is about making a personal connection with my students.

What is something interesting about you?
On my bucket list is to be a contestant on a game show. Growing up, I always watched game shows with my grandmother and parents. I auditioned for College Jeopardy at Sony Pictures Studio in California where they film the show!

Ana Vidaca

Admissions Advisor

When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Traveling! On a plane or on a great road trip seeing new places.

Anabel Fernandez

Student Support Coordinator

What do you like most about your role? There are many reasons why I love being an learning success coach. One being getting to talk to parents and students. Learning about them and their plans for continuing education. It's absolutely gratifying to know that these young, bright and independent students are our future.

What is something interesting about you? I graduated from Arizona State University (Go Sun Devils!!!) with a degree in education and have had the opportunity to teach 5th grade.

Angela Nadeau

Admissions Advisor

What do you like about your role? I love talking to potential students about our program and how it can help them. We make the education of our students a priority by lifting our students up and making them feel successful and empowered. If they feel successful they will be successful.

What is something interesting about me? My dad was in the Army and we were stationed overseas in South Korea for 4 years. I only remember a few words in Korean. “Thank you”-gamsahabnida, “Hello”-yeoboseyo and “No”-ani.

Angelina Boyce

Senior Project Manager

Angelina has been an educator for more than 20 years, with 17 of those years in e-learning. She has served students and stakeholders as a brick-and-mortar classroom teacher, online instructor, online instructional mentor, Science and CTE Curriculum Specialist and a Curriculum Development Project Manager. Angelina is a advocate for online education and believes in its power to transform education. In her spare time, you can find Angelina spending time with her family either at a musical performance for her son or SCUBA diving. She also enjoys reading and traveling.

Annika Gallegos

Admissions Advisor

What do you like most about your position? I love to see families get excited about our program and help them through the enrollment process. What is something interesting that not many know about you? I ran my first marathon in my freshman year of high school as a research project!

Blane Carlucci

Senior LMS Administrator

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I get to interact with each person or level of our organization, including students, parents, teachers, administrators, learning coaches, human resources, product vendors, content vendors, etc. Getting to interact with each level allows me to understand the viewpoints of each person or department and how it relates to our business. What is something interesting that not many know about you? My wife is from Panama. Her family has a farm where her grandfather raises many types of animals. We may one day buy a house there. So I could be in a Zoom meeting and you might hear roosters crowing!

Brian Koster

Teacher Trainer

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I am able to work with teachers and schools throughout the world as I create and present professional development sessions. I enjoy sharing my experiences and knowledge of blended and virtual education with others. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I am not working, you can find me riding a roller coaster at one of my local theme parks.

Caree Heidenreich

Lead Training Specialist

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I love working with teachers and other staff to support students through best practices in education. I never cease to be impressed by the amazing things teachers are doing and which they share with each other in our live training sessions. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I'm not working, I'm enjoying family outings, both close to home and sometimes a little further away, with my husband, 4 kids, and our dog Panda!

Cesar Mendivil

IT Technician

What do you like most about your position? I get to help people figure out issues they are having, so they are able to get back to their job and have things running smoothly.

Cheree Childers

Student Information System Product Manager

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? The most interesting thing in my position is supporting staff from across the network in use of tools and resources that are an integral part of their daily tasks, while also collaborating with various teams to identify ways to improve the system and processes that will allow us grow and expand programs that will meet the needs of our students and families. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I am not working you will find me exploring the outdoors, listening to music, and spending time with family.

Corey Dorsey

IT Coordinator

What do you like most about your position? I love getting to use my administrative and organizational skills to support the IT team and improve the lives of our students and ASU Prep community. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Spending time outdoors and baking.

Danielle “Dani” Salamanca

Professional Development Product Manager

A proud educator for 20 years, Dani Salamanca strives to be a pioneer in innovative practice. She loves her students and is a fierce advocate for their learning. Dani’s favorite part about teaching is helping students find their voice and supporting them to become creative thinkers. Dani has a Masters in Elementary Education. She has worked as a teacher, gifted specialist, instructional coach, project manager, professional development trainer, and STEM consultant. Dani joined ASU Prep Digital this year and is excited to be a part of this new online elementary journey. When Dani is not in the virtual classroom she loves to surf and ski with her family. She has 3 kids in college (ASU and NAU.) On the weekends, Dani can be spotted at the lake, on a trail, or in the Rocky Point waves. Dani is an artist at heart. Her 80 pound puppy keeps life playful. Disney dates are her favorite and she thinks pickles are gross.

Doug Barksdale

IT Manager

Gerald Thomas

Project Manager

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I get to brush up on my English, Civics, Economics, and US History. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I am not working you will find my doing family activities, camping, hiking, biking, or directing services at my church.

Ivan Ochoa

IT Technician

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? What I find most interesting about this position are the meaningful interactions we have with the students and their families as well as our staff to ensure a positive educational experience. This in turn fulfills and drives my passion to continue learning and developing my skills. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When not at work you can find me working on my short game or playing a round of golf with friends.

Jennifer Saraceno

Science Subject Matter Specialist

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? The most satisfying part of my job is meeting with teachers and discussing how they use our curriculum in their classroom with their students. Often, teachers share unique ideas that I can take back and share with other teachers at other schools. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I am not working, you will find me hiking with my oldest son around the state of Arizona.

Lauren Bacon

Admissions Support Representative

When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Listening to live music, writing, movie-watching, craving cannoli (and giving in!), and getting lost.

Louis Yako

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? Louis Yako leads live professional development webinars in English or Arabic. He also provides consultancy and support in areas related to training content writing, editing, instructional design work, cultural competency consultation, and other training related duties as needed. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When he is not working, he is usually hiking, reading a book, or cooking!

Pooja Mehta

Project Manager

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I like to coordinate with people. It's fun to make strategies and plans to make sure you product is successfully developed and delivered. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? If I am not working you will find me in kitchen, I like cooking.

Doug Cohen

IT Data Analyst

When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Going on walks with my wife and puppy, watching sports, playing video games.

Ellie Reich

Lead Training Specialist

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? The most interesting aspect to my position is having the opportunity to work with so many talented educators. I have grown so much through the rich discussions during professional development sessions. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Outside of working, I enjoy traveling with my family, reading, supporting my local public library as a director on our Friends of the Library Board, volunteering with the 4-H program, hiking, riding horse, and learning!

Eric Barker

UX Creative Director

What do you like most about your position? The opportunity to create unique experiences for students to know their next best step. What is something interesting that not many know about you? I designed, hosted, and staffed a private Halloween scavenger hunt experience.

Erika Litherland

IT Technician

What do you like most about your position? Getting to help resolve issues and (hopefully) remove stress from requestors lives! What is something interesting that not many know about you? I'm currently working towards a Museum Studies degree with ASU.

Ewelina Bordwine

Projects & Initiatives Manager

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? The variety of projects I get to be involve with. I'm constantly getting to work on something new and it keeps it fun.

Gerald Thomas

Project Manager

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? Just how different each course curriculum project can be.

Hannah Lee

Registrar

When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I'm not working, I can be found spending time with my family outdoors, at a local theatre, traveling, or at a musical event. I play the piano, sew, read, and love to garden.

Heidi Morton

Lead Training Specialist

What do you like most about your position? My career passion is blended, personalization, and new models of education and I love partnering with school districts across the state of Az and beyond to focus on those methods and ideas. What is something interesting that not many know about you? I have 4 children all with Hawaiian names and I must have whip cream on my coffee.

Jason Elliot Romero

Technical Account Manager

Joshua Duenas

Information Security Analyst I

Kacey McCan

IT Support Manager

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? Whether it's troubleshooting a new issue, learning about a new tool in a system or a new workflow there is always something new to learn! When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Probably on my Peloton!🚲

Krystle Rosales

Registrar

When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Spending time with family and supporting my kids with their sports (basketball).

Leah Fox

Senior Manager of Digital Operations

What do you like most about your role? My role focuses on special projects with different departments across the organization, and I get to work with an exceptionally fun and talented team. Never a dull moment! What is something interesting about you? I’m a dog mom to two Golden Retrievers named Roy and Waylon. I love road trips, hiking, coffee, the desert, black and white photography and scary movies.

Lindy Foust

Digital Operations Coordinator

Lindy Foust is the Operations Coordinator at ASU Preparatory Academy. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Hawaii. Lindy’s professional background has been in customer experience across the hospitality industry. Lindy is passionate about working in teams, effective communication, and fostering positive company culture. Lindy approaches her work as an opportunity to create meaningful and positive experiences for those she serves. Barrier-free education aligns with Lindy’s personal values and she is proud to be a part of ASU Prep Digital. In her spare time, Lindy enjoys taking classes online at ASU. Her favorite subjects are philosophy, literature, & organizational leadership.

Malerie Farrell

Student Support Representative

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? Meeting so many new people from different backgrounds and experiences everyday.

Matthew Petruzzelli

Systems Analyst

When you're not working, what will we find you doing? I enjoy playing table top role playing games and computer games. I prefer games that have interesting characters and tell or create stories.

Melinda Liagoure

Registrar

What do you like most about your position? Supporting our students and families! When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Hiking, Gardening, and spending time with my family.

Priscila Acosta

Student Support Representative

When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Praying, reading, journaling, watching messages, or connecting with my loved ones!

Megan Lippincott

Digital Salesforce Administrator

What do you like most about your position? I like being able to build solutions for different teams to help them better serve our students and customers.

Rachel Maleski

Lead Training Specialist

What do you like most about your position? I am consistently amazed by the talents and passion that educators share with their students. Even when "the going gets tough," the educators I work with through the AZVTI inspire me with their commitment to being the best teacher they can for their students. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Since my family motto is "Adventure!" you'll find us exploring places near and far.

Sean Miltenberger

Systems & Data Architect

When you're not working, what will we find you doing? You'll find me reading a book with a hot cup of tea or at a computer furthering my education online.

Tiffanie Williams

Learning Management System Administrator

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? The most interesting part of my position is that I'm ALWAYS learning. I love learning and growing in a position. What is something interesting that not many know about you? I am a dual citizen. Canadian and American since my mom is French Canadian as a result I'm becoming conversational in French so I can speak with her side of the family since they don't speak much English.

Whitney Weiss

Student Support Representative

What do you like most about your position? I love getting to inform parents/students about the program and get them excited about learning. When students are able to have an individualized learning experience, they get so excited about their education.

Product Development

Amanda Gaspary

ELA Curriculum Specialist

As a Curriculum Specialist for ASU Prep Digital, Amanda strives to develop online content that encourages students to think critically about the world around them and teaches them how to effectively communicate their ideas to others, skills that will help them in the classroom and beyond. A lifelong learner, Amanda loves reading, traveling, and playing in competitive trivia games.

Amber Franklin

Science Curriculum Specialist

Amber has eagerly participated in science education innovation with years of experience teaching, writing engaging science curricula, creating science resources for students learning at home, and now as a curriculum specialist for product development. When not elbows deep in science materials, you will find her exploring the world with her husband and 4 children, playing the piano, baking bread, or snuggled up reading a book.

Angelique Golay

Science Digital Product Architect

Angelique has been innovating personalized learning and virtual education for more than two decades. She spent the first 12 years of her educational career as a teacher and champion of education in both brick and mortar and virtual classrooms. With credentials in curriculum development, biology, and secondary science education, Angelique strives to revolutionize educational experiences for students. When she is not working on creating and reinventing education, you will find her spending time with her family traveling the world.

Christi Wright

Product Innovation Manager

Christi is passionate about creating innovative virtual learning experiences that engage students and help teachers drive student achievement. Her goal is always a well-thought-out, personalized approach to learning. When she’s not leading the charge for innovative distance learning, you can find her spending time with family, enjoying the Florida outdoors, or reading a good book.

Hannah Conner

Lead Instructional & Visual Designer

Hannah enjoys drawing from her past years of teaching experience and skills in design and development to create engaging and interactive digital learning content for students. She has been working with ASU Prep Digital since 2017 and holds an ASU master's degree in instructional design.

Joannie Stevenson

Instructional Designer

Joannie has been an Instructional Designer for ASUPD since 2017. Before getting her master's degree in E-Learning Instructional Design from the University of Central Florida, she was a fifth grade teacher. When she is not developing new curriculum, you can find her at the beach with her family.

Kimberly Testa

Social Studies Digital Product Architect

Kimberly Testa, MS, has been in education for 20 years. Not only has she taught in brick-and-mortar classrooms but she has been educating students online for over 15 years. She believes online programs have the ability to transform education by providing all students with access to great curriculum.

Lauren Kern

Science Content Writer

Lauren has been in a science educator in both the private and public arenas for the last 12 years. While her primary focus in teaching and research has always been the life sciences, she has taught all the sciences in 6-12 and enjoys the connections between them.

Mary (Mandy) Millican

Social Studies Curriculum Specialist

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? All of the research and "puzzle-solving" that goes into creating lessons. What is something interesting that not many know about you? My one true talent is drawing with an Etch-a-Sketch. Sadly, there isn't a career path for that.

Miriam Scott

ELA Content Writer

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I love learning new approaches to teach old an new ideas to a diverse student body. What is something interesting that not many know about you? I was born in Germany, lived in Israel for some time, and moved to the US as a teenager.

Molly Lord-Garrettson

Social Studies Content Writer

Molly has written for online education for 10 years and has taught high school social studies in brick-and-mortar schools and online for almost 20 years. She is an avid traveler who has visited 23 countries and all 50 United States. She lives on a little farm where loves having the opportunity to work on cutting edge educational technology while raising sheep and chickens.

Rossy Perrotta Grubbs

English Digital Product Architect

Rossy’s fascination with virtual learning stems from her dedication to students on their unique educational journey. As an English Language Arts teacher, curriculum specialist, and now, digital architect, her goal is always to encourage and empower students to communicate their original thoughts and ideas to each other, to their communities, and to society at large.

Therese Tran

Science Curriculum Specialist

Therese has worked in a variety of roles in online education. She is dedicated to developing innovative learning experiences to engage students of all backgrounds. In her spare time, she enjoys attempting to garden and to recreate bakes from GBBO.

Tracy Lenz

Curriculum Support Subject Matter Expert II

Tracy has worked for ASU Prep since 2016, filling a variety of roles in curriculum development and support. She is passionate about innovation in math education and believes that everyone can learn mathematics through exploration and a growth mindset.

Partnerships

Dee Dee Powell

Partnership Support Coach

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? The most interesting thing about my position to me are all of the different relationships I have the opportunity to build from my teammates and colleagues to teachers, students, and site administration. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I not working, you will find me spending time with my husband and three children and carving out time to spend with other family and friends.

Melissa Woodward

Partnerships Blended Learning Success Coach

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? The most interesting and most exciting thing about my position is that I get to work with students all over the world through Arizona, national and international partnerships. It makes the work extremely enjoyable and also challenges me to really understand the diverse needs of my students. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I'm not working, you'll find me heading to a coffee shop to read a good book, spending time with family and being in the outdoors!

Tiffany Davis

Digital Partnership Administrative Assistant

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position? The wide variety of assignments. What is something interesting that not many know about you? I'm a published author.

Meg Grothman

Global Partnership Manager

What do you like most about your position? I absolutely love working with the partnership team to develop models of learning that will benefit students in unique ways. I also enjoy working collaboratively to meet the needs of our students. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I'm not working, you can find me playing with my two kids--daughter age 4.5 and son age 3. We love to be outside and be silly together!

Krista Parrott

National Partnership Development Coordinator

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? It's fascinating the scope of services we can provide to schools around the country and how willing and able we are to create something new if our partner schools have a need. What is something interesting that not many know about you? I completed a triathlon in my 20's and now I'm watching my husband train for the AZ Ironman triathlon!

Kate Castleman

Partnership Coordinator

What do you like most about your role? I love sharing what ASU Prep Digital can offer students and families. It's fun to know where our students are coming from and what lead them to online education. Every student has a different story and I enjoying learning about each of them.

What is something interesting about you? When our family moved homes in 2014 we were featured on an episode of HGTV's House Hunters. It was a fun experience and a great keepsake to watch now that my boys have grown a bit since the filming.

Leslie Easton

Arizona Partnership Manager

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I love collaborating with different schools and districts throughout Arizona to help improve student outcomes and expand opportunities for educational growth.

When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I'm not working, I'm either cooking, reading, or spending time with my three grown children.

Shannon Moberly

Partnership Manager

What do you like most about your position?
I love working with administrators, teachers, and staff to solve challenges, implement solutions, and build systems that raise academic achievement for all learners. It is incredibly rewarding to see the educational success resulting from the hard work and dedication to learning shown by our team at ASU Prep and our partners across the world.

What is something intersting about you?
I am a triplet!

Sarah Wenger

Blended Learning Success Coach

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? The most interesting thing to me is the constant commitment to innovation. It is amazing to see the ways that ASU Prep is able to meet the unique needs of schools around the world. I enjoy working collaboratively with learning facilitators, traveling to various school sites, and meeting with students. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I am not working, I love to spend time with my family. My son is 6 and my daughter is 4. Our favorite night is movie night which we enjoy with popcorn and pickles!

Academic Support

Amanda Coronado

Testing and Data Coordinator

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? The most interesting thing about my position is fielding questions I don't know the answers to. Not knowing about something enables me to learn something new each day. What is something interesting that not many know about you? I played rugby all throughout college.

Caron Scheeler

Academic Coordinator

What do you like most about your position? I love the collaboration, every one is always willing to lend a hand!

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I see the in's and out's of lots of different areas within ASUPD. It's fun and interesting to have collaboration among different departments, levels, and even other schools within the ASU family.

Felecia O’Neal

Network Internship Coordinator

What do you like most about your position? At the high school level, I help students experience Career Pathway Practicums designed for learning, exploration, and real-life practice that supports college and career readiness. What is something interesting that not many know about you? I am currently working on a new degree to learn Mandarin Chinese.

Jackie Yarka

Middle School Program Manager

What do you like most about teaching? I love teaching because every single day we make a difference in someone’s life which goes far beyond knowledge. We inspire, support, mentor and get the chance to discover and share some of the best parts of ourselves as human beings. What is something interesting about you? I finished a first Ironman race in 2019. If you don't know what an Ironman race is you swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles and then run 26.2 miles for a total of 140.6 miles all in one day. If I am not teaching you will find me training for my next race or watching one of my 4 children doing what they love the most Golf, Baseball, Softball, or Field Hockey.

Jennifer Alvarado

Attendance Coordinator

What do you like most about your position? The people I work with and interacting with parents. What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? How everyone has to work together to help meet the bigger goal!

Katie Van Deinse

Academic Coordinator

What do you like most about your position? Working with such a supportive team! When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Baking or going to theme parks!

Kerri McMillen

High School Program Manager

What do you like most about teaching? I have a passion for teaching because I enjoy making a difference and inspiring a love of history, especially the moment when a student says, "Hey, I get it." I love challenging students to think outside of their comfort zones to become innovative thinkers. I love pretty much everything about U.S. history, but I really enjoy teaching students about WWI, WWII and 1950s-1970s because it's often a high interest area for students and results in great discussion.

What is something interesting about you? I have a double-jointed thumb which is pretty unique because I can bend it all the way back to my hand.

Samantha Nelson

Academic Coordinator

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? There are always fun new projects to work on. There is never a day that is the same. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Lifting Weights, Playing in the Disney Parks, riding my peloton, line dancing or at the beach!

Shay Wallace

Elementary Program Manager

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I love to be involved in planning fun things for students to engage them and make them feel like part of a community What is something interesting that not many know about you? My first job out of college was at Sea World where I dressed as a dolphin and welcomed people to the dolphin show! It was SO HOT.

Veronica Galaz

Attendance Coordinator

What do you like most about your position? My team is wonderful! ASUPREP has a great working environment and amazing people to work with. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? I love nature, my favorite hobby is to kayak.

Elementary Teachers

Amie Brannan

3rd Grade Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? The most interesting thing about my position is that online teaching and learning gives both those learning and teaching the ability to gain digital literacy and technological skills in tools needed for the 21st century. Online teaching also helps me reduce my carbon footprint. I consider it a "Green Job" and I am not only helping students learn, I am also saving earth's resources! What is something interesting that not many know about you? I am very lucky to live on the East Coast Florida on the water. I often get to see dolphins, manatees, alligators, and sometimes sharks swim by right in my backyard!

Audrey Meyer

Kindergarten Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I love seeing the growth of my students from the beginning of the year to the end. What is something interesting that not many know about you? I ran two marathons during my final year of college.

Brittany Russo

4th Grade Teacher

What do you like most about your position? I love connecting with students and creating a learning environment in which they feel empowered, safe, and respected. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I'm not working, I'm most likely spending time at the beach, or I'm watching whatever sport is in season with my husband.

Carissa Stranz

3rd Grade Teacher

What do you like most about your position? Getting to meet and learn about these amazing kids that enter my classroom. And being able to work along side the home educators. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I'm not working, I'm probably watching my oldest daughter play soccer. Or I'm tending to all my animals. We have about 45 chickens, 2 ducks, 2 cats, 8 dogs, and 1 bird. They keep us pretty busy.

Chelsea Watson

2nd Grade Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? The most interesting thing is watching student growth and seeing the excitement students have when something clicks! Being a teacher in early elementary is such a special experience. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? My husband and I often travel, especially to Northern Arizona with our two dogs. I also love to read, hike, and watch movies!

Christy Birch

Kindergarten Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I love to see the moment when a child "gets it!" The switch flips on understanding a concept, and they gain so much confidence in themselves. This is the greatest joy of teaching. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I am not teaching, I am riding my bicycle, gardening, and spending time with my family.

Cindy Marrero

4th Grade Teacher

What do you like most about your position? I love working with students and parents in the digital world, and learning new ways to teach. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Jigsaw puzzles, reading, shopping, and spending time with family.

Cynthia Brennan-Jones

5th Grade Teacher

What do you like most about your position? What I like most about my position is the opportunity to work with the most wonderful administrators, colleagues, students, and home educators that anyone could ever wish for! When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I'm not working, I enjoy reading, going to the beach, and spending time with my husband and our two rescue dogs.

Dawn Vanorski

4th Grade Teacher

What do you like most about your position? The opportunity to work with some of the most amazing students in the state of Arizona is invigorating and exciting. Creating a beautiful classroom community within our own digital world has been incredible, meaningful, and rewarding all at once. As a teacher for ASU Prep Digital, I am able to immerse myself in incredible professional development opportunities. I am constantly being challenged, growing, and improving. The innovative and highly professional staff and grade level team support me and encourage me on a daily basis. Working for ASU Prep Digital is life changing and knowing that we are positively changing lives around the state is what drives me to continue to do my best. What is something interesting that not many know about you? I used to be a dance teacher. I taught everything from ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, and pointe. I used to own my own dance company, but I stopped teaching dance so that I could focus on teaching elementary school.

Emily Slick

5th Grade Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I love the personalization aspect to everything I get to do for my students. What is something interesting that not many know about you? My left leg is longer than my right leg!

Erica DeAngelis

2nd Grade Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I love seeing my students build a positive classroom culture and community, while providing support for each other. I love seeing students accomplish their goals while challenging themselves to become better learners every day. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? My family and I enjoy spending time together. We enjoy spending time outside, camping, going to the beach, and anything Disney!

Gabriella Welch

3rd Grade Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I love learning about the personalities, interests, and unique qualities in each of my students. Each year we are able to build a class family and safe space for us to learn while cultivating connections with each other for years to come. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? I enjoy staying active! I enjoy hiking with my rescue pup, Fudge. I love cooking and trying new recipes with my Fiancé, Aaron. I enjoy swimming and any water related sports like kayaking and stand up paddle boarding. My biggest passion is horseback riding and teaching others about the importance of connecting with animals.

Janel Andrews

3rd Grade Teacher

Jennifer Patton

1st Grade Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I love getting to know students and families from all over the country! When you're not working, what will we find you doing? My family loves to go to the Tennessee mountains to relax!!

Jenny Spencer

4th Grade Teacher

What do you like most about your position? Working with families! When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Reading, shopping, traveling.

Jessica Benites

3rd Grade Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? Probably the most interesting thing about my position is finding new ways to present lessons to students. However, students ALWAYS have better ideas than I do! So I follow their lead. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I'm not teaching you will find me searching for tacos. I love tacos...a lot. I also like to walk, and I try to walk a 5K everyday. This helps me in two ways. One, I find new taco places by walking everywhere. Two, I can eat more tacos because of the extra exercise.

Jill Steenburg

1st Grade Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? Something intriguing to me is the quest to figure out new educational models where the whole learner can thrive. What is something interesting that not many know about you? I have enjoyed skydiving, para-sailing, and giant swinging, but I don't like roller coasters. They are scary and make me sick.

Lindsey Parsi

3rd Grade Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? The most interesting thing in my position is teaching students from all over Arizona and the United States... and getting to learn from them!! When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I'm not working, you can find me reading books, watching movies, or playing with my dogs with my husband.

Kathryn Rivera

3rd Grade Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? Collaborate and create interactive slide decks! Working with Amazing teachers! What is something interesting that not many know about you? I have hiked down into a dormant volcano in New Zealand and have lived abroad *(Germany) for three years.

Kelcey Lang

5th Grade Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? The most interesting thing to me about my position is how I can support students exactly where they are at, physically and academically! Teaching students digitally means they can be anywhere in the world and I can still reach them and support them in their educational journey. The relationships I have made in this position are so meaningful and I love watching my students grow and learn. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I am not working, you can usually find me at the beach, spending time with my family or on my comfy couch binge watching Netflix!

Laura Smith

1st Grade Teacher

What do you like most about your position? The best part of being a teacher is making connections with students and using those connections to help them succeed on their individual learning paths. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? In my free time, I love to read and listen to audio books. I also enjoy camping around Arizona with my family.

Lauren Allen

4th Grade Teacher

What do you like most about your position? Getting to know the kids and families on a personal level! When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Traveling, home projects, cooking, yoga

Lauren Llanes

1st Grade Teacher

What do you like most about your position? I love making connections with students and building beautiful relationships with these amazing young thinkers. I love learning from them & their perspectives! What is something interesting that not many know about you? I am Cuban and LOVE Cuban food, music, and everything about my culture. I speak Spanish fluently.

Lauryn Vaughn

2nd Grade Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? The resiliency and adaptability of my students! They are always so understanding when things don't work the way they should, the internet drops out, etc. They are just amazing! When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Dancing around Walt Disney World, relaxing at the beach, or traveling and eating yummy food with my awesome husband!

Leah Lindberg

5th Grade Teacher

What do you like most about your position? I love working closely with students and families to identify and personalize student support. ASU Prep Digital is leader in innovation and it is a true joy piloting new and unique learning opportunities with students. The collaboration among colleagues is second to none and I love being a part of this community. What is something interesting that not many know about you? I have a black belt in Tae Kwon Do!

Libby Hays

5th Grade Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I love being witness to student "ah-ha" moments! When a misunderstanding is corrected, or a deeper learning moment happens before my eyes, I am reminded of why I love teaching elementary school. What is something interesting that not many know about you? I have traveled all over Mexico, Thailand, Japan, and the United Kingdom as well as visited 22 of the 62 US National Parks. I love taking road trips and exploring new places.

Lisa Gomez

Kindergarten Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? Each child has their own learning style and needs. I love being able to help them grow as learners and as people. When I can help a child overcome a social, emotional, or academic obstacle, that gives me such a sense of purpose and joy! When you're not working, what will we find you doing? I love to be at the beach with my toes in the sand!

Lisabeth Scaife

5th Grade Teacher

What do you like most about your position? There are so many things I love! The people I work with are high caliber and so willing to share and collaborate in order to seek the best solutions for our students. I love being part of the ASU family because ASU is such a high quality organization aimed at inclusion of all and I love that. More specific to my role, I love designing lesson plans and figuring out ways to make them engaging to present digitally. I love that I can meet with students in small groups or individually while others are busy at home. I love that students continue to build relationships with each other and are so supportive of each other. I love it all! When you're not working, what will we find you doing? I really just love to spend time with my family. We have a lot of fun together whether it's watching TV, playing games, or just hanging around outside and talking.

Mack Tribble

4th Grade Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? Math has always been the most interesting thing to me in my content area. I love learning new ways to teach math and I love when a student finally understands a math skill that they have been struggling to understand. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Reading, Watching all Sports, Hiking, Kayaking, Spending Time with My Family!

Michael Barreras

Kindergarten Teacher

What do you like most about your position? I love working with all of my students and knowing that each day is going to be different and exciting. Watching the excitement on my student's faces makes my day. I also love watching the students academic growth throughout the year. It's amazing what they can accomplish in one year! When you're not working, what will we find you doing? I love spending time outdoors and being with my family.

Nicole Carta

3rd Grade Teacher

What do you like most about your position? The people... wonderful staff and sweet students and families! What is something interesting that not many know about you? I have wanted to be a teacher since Kindergarten. School has always been such a happy place for me growing up- I am excited to bring my students and families that same love and support.

Nicole Nikischer

2nd Grade Teacher

What do you like most about your position? The best part of being a teacher is helping a child realize their potential, whether academically, socially or emotionally. I believe when students feel emotionally supported in the classroom, they learn better too. What is something interesting that not many know about you? I can do a few impressions of cartoon characters!

Sabrina Clippard

4th Grade Teacher

What do you like most about your position? I love how working online allows us to interact with students and colleagues across the globe because we are all able to offer unique perspectives. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Something outside-boating, gardening, or walking!

Stephanie Merritt

2nd Grade Teacher

What do you like most about teaching? I enjoy working with the students and seeing them grow academically and achieve success! What is something interesting about you? I have been teaching for 20 years and I used to live on a houseboat.

Taylor Hicks

1st Grade Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I love that I get to meet kiddos from all across the country. It is so fun that we all get the opportunity to learn about different cities and states from one another. What is something interesting that not many know about you? Something interesting about me is that I have a 7 foot tree that we keep up in our living room year long and decorate it for each month :)

Tishia Wingate

Kindergarten Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I love that I am constantly learning new things. In order to be a great teacher I must continue to learn and grow also! What is something interesting that not many know about you? I love to travel. I have been to almost 30 countries!

Victoria Morales

2nd Grade Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I love getting to know each student every new school year and seeing their growth and progress throughout the year! When you're not working, what will we find you doing? My family and I love outdoor activities, such as bicycle riding, hiking, camping, swimming and playing sports.

Middle School Teachers

William Phare

Middle School Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I love getting to know and working with the students. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? My favorite hobbies involve sports and being outdoors.

Roger Baker

Middle School Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I support the co-teacher and I work with small groups focusing on basic skills. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I'm not working I am hiking, running and travelling.

Kum Akab-A-Sei

Middle School Math Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? Demystifying Mathematics through fun lessons. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? My main hobby is playing or watching soccer games and debating with my son.

Kennie Petersen

Middle and High School Math Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I think its amazing that we can zoom into a classroom and help students get the support they need to succeed in math. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I am not teaching, I am playing Thomas the train with my young son.

Miriam Castillo

Science Teacher

Kelsay Schroeder

Middle School Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? The most interesting thing to me in my position is putting together lessons that students can successfully complete online and have fun at the same time! When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I am not working I am walking on the beach, hiking, swimming, sewing and playing with my grandchildren.

April Hale

Social Studies Teacher

What do you like most about your position? I love sharing my passion for history with my students! I enjoy helping my students see that the past is vibrant and colorful, not just a series of black and white photographs. People lived and died with feelings just as real as those we feel today. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? I love spending time with my family! My husband and I love to browse antique shops, farmer's markets, and museums. I also enjoy hiking and biking. I am always on the lookout for my next favorite book.

Jennifer Williams

Music and Guitar Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? Teaching music and having lots of fun. What is something interesting that not many know about you? I used to dance in a Hawaiian show when I lived in Florida, I'm Italian and not Hawaiian.

Jeremy Plothow

Social Studies Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? History, to me, is everything. We inherit everything in this world, and history helps us discover where it all came from. We are all affected by and are actively shaping history. By examining human stories, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and other people. What is something interesting that not many know about you? I'm an avid collector of vinyl records and own hundreds of them. I collect records I love, but I have a few pieces that are incredibly rare and valuable. One of these is an original first pressing of the US version of Pink Floyd's The Wall. I also have a first run pressing of Beastie Boys License to Ill. One of the ways I spend vacations is diving for vinyl in cities all over the country.

Nichole Paul

English Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I love how English is so subjective and watching students expand and grow in their writing skills over the course of the year. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Spending time with my three children playing outside.

Lindsay Mackie

Social Studies Teacher

What do you like most about your position? I love getting to know students and colleagues from around the country and the world. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Traveling in our motorhome, watching tennis, reading, playing with my dogs.

Amanda Hammill

Social Studies Teacher

What do you like most about your position? I like implementing new technology so that students can become creators of beautiful work. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Camping, riding my Peloton, and hanging out with my family!

Aaron Killeen

Math Teacher

What do you like most about your position? Daily interaction with my amazing students and seeing the growth in their academics. What is something interesting that not many know about you? I am a huge geek! I own over 350 board games and used to play video games competitively.

Reina Dickerson

Science Teacher

What do you like most about your position? I really like teaching a broad range of science. Middle School science is general science so we touch on many branches of science. What is something interesting that not many know about you? I have hiked the Grand Canyon from rim to rim in one day.

Mark Anderson

Math Teacher

What do you like most about your position? I love working with such a diverse group of students from all over the U.S. They have such interesting stories and backgrounds. What is something interesting that not many know about you? I have two different colored eyes...So I guess I'm a mutant!

Amanda Thornburg

Science Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I really enjoy collaborating with other teachers, creating slide decks for my live lesson that are fresh and full of good information. I love to work with other people it helps to bring different skill sets, perspectives and strengths together. What is something interesting that not many know about you? Most people know I am an artist but they don't know that I am a singer. I have my own Band called "Full Range". I sing Classic Rock and Roll and I am usually very animated when I sing, I Love Rock and Roll!!

Amy Wilding

English Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
The thing I like most about teaching is working with young people and sharing my love English with them.

What is something interesting about you?
I was planning to be an opera singer.

Ashlee Bates

Lead Electives Teacher – Spanish

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I love watching students learn more about their native language as they grow in their proficiency in a second language. They get so excited about it and it motivates them to improve their command of both languages. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I'm not working, you can find me cooking, on a run, or spending time with my husband and kids.

Marina Jacques

English Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I find reading different types of short stories and poems to be the most interesting part of ELA. What is something interesting that not many know about you? I enjoy gardening and seeing the development of the vegetables grow.

Carrie Minnick

Math Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
Helping students grow in mathematics.

What is something interesting about you?
I am a twin.

Jessica Berger

Science Teacher

What do you like most about teaching? I enjoy teaching something new and watching the student's apply the knowledge they have acquired. What is something interesting about you? I am a Certified Veterinary Technician and I volunteer with a wildlife rehabilitator.

Eric Roth

Math Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
There are many things I enjoy about my career as an educator, but what I like most is being a part of the journey each of my students is on. Learning about their goals, aspirations, and what inspires them allows me to determine the ways I can help them reach their fullest potential. There is nothing more rewarding than watching my students grow along way.

What is something interesting about you?
During certain times of the year, I also work on a farm where soy beans, wheat and alfalfa is grown.

Cherie Woods

World Languages – Spanish

What do you like most about teaching?
I like getting to know my students and learning about their interests so that I can find ways to engage them and make learning more meaningful.

What is something interesting about you?
I used to live in the Dominican Republic and I love to travel. My favorite trip so far has been glacier trekking and white water rafting in Alaska!

Shawn Carey

Social Studies Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
I love to teach middle school, mostly because I enjoy being around eager young learners.

What is something interesting about you?
I have lived in Mexico and Saudi Arabia the past 15 years.

Meaghan Goliday

Lead English Teacher

What do you like most about teaching? I love connecting with my students and getting to be myself in class. I am goofy and I love to teach "the hard stuff" in a way that is fun and accessible. What is something interesting about you? I spent my childhood traveling between Australia and our home on an island outside of Seattle every few months.

Madalyn Pinheiro

Lead Math Teacher

What do you like most about teaching? The relationships I get to build with the kids and the fact that I get to share my love of math. What is something interesting about you? I live part of the year on the road in an old school bus that I converted to a tiny home!

Loree Cox

Lead Science Teacher

What do you like most about teaching? I love science and I love showing kids all of the cool things there are to learn about science. What is something interesting about you? I showed my Golden Retriever at the Westminster Dog Show at Madison Square Garden when I was 12.

Matthew Carlson

Science Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
I love seeing the sense of accomplishment and "I can do it" attitudes from students after teaching them both the content and the skills to become life-long learners.

What is something interesting about you?
I'm ambidextrous which helps when I'm juggling.

Rachel Boger

Science Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
The "ah-ha" moment when a student finds success on a topic they were struggling with.

What is something interesting about you?
I paint pop art pet portraits.

Tracy Williams

Lead Social Studies Teacher

What do you like most about teaching? Teaching is a joy because it is an opportunity to ignite my love for my subject and connect to such amazing youth, our tomorrows are in good hands. What is something interesting about you? I have done so many things and love saying "yes" to positive experiences. One of those is that I student taught in England through an exchange program at ASU. It led to a life changing experience educating abroad and touring Europe.

Todd Schipper

Science Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
I like interacting with the students and when they share my passion for learning about science.

What is something interesting about you?
I lived in South Korea and tracked and handled Mexican Gray Wolves. Two seperate life experiences.

Sarah Williams

English Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
I love working with students and building our future leaders.

What is something interesting about you?
I come from a large family and have 57 nieces and nephews.

High School Teachers

Yuyu Bogdan

High School Math Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I enjoy the social interactions in Live Lessons and on phone calls. I love to get to know my students personally. I also enjoy exploring different websites and techniques to make learning Math fun. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? I love cooking if I do not work. I feel cooking is another way to be creative in daily life.

Jennifer Coronado

High School Math Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I find it exciting that educational technology has caught up with the way we want to engage students, especially math students. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I'm not working, you'll find me hiking the mountains or playing with my Cavalier Spaniel Toby.

Lauren Sibula

World Language Teacher (Spanish)

Shannon Sweat

Social Studies Teacher

What do you like most about your position? Working with students to help them achieve their goals. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Spending time with my family.

Emily Riley

World Language Teacher – Spanish

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? The diversity of my students is incredible. I love finding out unexpected things about them. Where they are from? Where they have lived? What languages do they speak? What makes them unique? What is something interesting that not many know about you? Before 2020, I was traveling to 3-5 countries a year. My heart and soul is as a traveler.

Pang-Chieh Chou

Math Teacher

What do you like most about your position? I enjoy helping students understand the concepts of mathematics. These concepts help us understand science, engineering, and business When you're not working, what will we find you doing? In my time off, I'm cooking, repairing or building things, or reading about STEM topics.

Nicholas Carmona

English Teacher

What do you like most about your position? I love helping students discover and develop their learning style. Although they might not use the content I present to them every day for the rest of their lives, I will do my best to design my lessons in a way that allows them to discover how they as individuals best learn and absorb new information. I feel fulfilled when I can work with a student to develop their learning style because that ability to learn will carry over beyond my class and into their future. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? I love to play tennis and ping pong at the local rec center no matter the weather! Even though I do have that Arizona heat, as long as I have plenty of water, it feels like I can play for hours! Also, learning about food - where recipes and techniques come from as well as different ingredients are indigenous to - really fuels my love for cooking. Knowing all these different things allows me to be creative with my recipes! But no matter what I pour my free time into, I always come back to nerd culture! Video games, board games, movies, anime, even Dungeons and Dragons. There's always new fun stuff to play, watch or read!

Laurie Cale

Science Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? Meeting such a wide cross section of students- diverse and talented students! When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Anything outside- hiking and camping.

Emily Ray

English Teacher

What do you like most about your position? I love working together with students to grow our love of reading, our understanding of literature, and figuring out and refining our writing process! What is something interesting that not many know about you? I am a huge movie buff! My *favorite* thing is to watch movies- even better if I can see one in the theater with a friend!

Jennifer Ward

Social Studies Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I love history! I find it exciting and love discussing it with others. I love when students can connect current events with our past. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Travelling, spending time with my family, attending high school and college volleyball, football and basketball games.

Robert Mueller

Social Studies Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I love the variety of topics within my content area. I have taught everything from Ancient History to Global Studies (current events course), Psychology, Law and Society, Civics, Economics and many more. Having an understanding of the world better helps us understand ourselves and our contributions to the world. What is something interesting that not many know about you? I am a thrill seeker - I have jumped out of planes, caught a 300 lb marlin in Cabo, snowboarded, kayaked, backpacked and fished in many different states. Really I'm up for anything outdoors anywhere anytime :-)

Raquel Manzanet

Social Studies Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? How history is so elaborate the more you look into it. There are layers and perspectives that constantly change the way you think of it! What is something interesting that not many know about you? I lived in Okinawa, Japan for three years of my life!

Krystal Ford

English Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I find engaging with students in live lessons interesting and rewarding, especially when students let their personality and humor shine through. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? I love the outdoors: camping, hiking, kayaking and traveling with my four kids. I also adore finding new coffee shops where I can sit and enjoy a latte and a good book.

Elizabeth (Betsy) Weber

Science Teacher

What do you like most about your position? My favorite part of my position is working with students and watching their face change from confused to proud and excited when they master a difficult concept. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I'm not working you will find me spending time with my family, reading books, and enjoying the great outdoors.

Jennifer Vilcan

Science Teacher

What do you like most about your position? Lots of one on one time with students to discuss the course and help them understand material more. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Hanging out with my family, hiking, photography.

Renata Vallazza

World Language Teacher – Spanish

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I love verbs. I'm such a nerd. Students will be able to realize that Spanish really isn't that hard. It's so useful too. Spanish is the 2nd most widely spoken language in the world after Mandarin Chinese and before English. What is something interesting that not many know about you? I won a hot dog eating contest once. I won the National Geographic Geography Bee 3Xs in a row at my elementary school.

Kari Tyler

Electives Teacher – PE/Health

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? Health is ALL ABOUT YOU and everyday LIFE! What is something interesting that not many know about you? I have an identical twin, and she is a teacher too!

Sharon Thomas

English Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? Student literary discussions--I like the way high schoolers think. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Playing with my dog or gardening.

Gregory Taylor

English Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? What's interesting about my position is really a two-parter: 1) Integrating technology in the class provides an immersive, rich experience for the students and for me! I love teaching, but teaching the same content can be repetitive -- using technology keeps me interested, and hopefully the students, too! 2) Working with amazingly gifted students from around country to bring the "whole class" experience to our Live Lessons and interactions. Where else could you meet with students in Florida and Alaska at the same time!? When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Doing rowing/crew, mountain biking, and, of course, as an English teacher, reading.

Katie Taft

Social Studies Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I love that the social sciences continue to grow with new discoveries and research. Be it through excavating ancient sites, analyzing primary sources, or psychological studies, we are constantly finding out more information that allows the field to develop in new directions. What is something interesting that not many know about you? I had to work two jobs to make it happen, but I was lucky enough to spend a couple summers in Athens, Greece excavating the Athenian Agora. Part of the program allowed me to work in an osteology lab where I brushed ancient teeth!

Carli Stiller

Social Studies Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I love the subject itself! Learning about history allows you to gain knowledge of events of the past and apply this knowledge to today. It gives us a better understanding of the world we live in! What is something interesting that not many know about you? I lived in South Korea when I was younger. It was an amazing experience and I loved every minute of it!

Sean Murphy

Science Teacher

What do you like most about your position? I love teaching my students how to view the world through a scientific lens. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Exploring the outdoors with my wife and two kiddos.

Sara Lupien

Math Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I love creativity in math. I specifically love using Geometry to create beautiful things, such as amazing buildings, patterns, and artwork. I love to explore how different architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright combine their knowledge of geometric shapes with their vision and passion to create incredible works of art. What is something interesting that not many know about you? I spent 3 years after college traveling the country to run half marathons and full marathons, each race in a costume themed to the race or the city that the race was run in! To date, I have completed 11 full marathons and 80+ half marathons.

Judie Kupillas

English Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I like the connections that we can make from literature. Reading and writing work together to improve our ability to think. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? I enjoy cooking (I love trying new recipes), watching movies, going to the theater for plays and musicals, and going to the symphony (I played the French horn when I was in high school).

Brooke Knighton-Toon

Science Teacher

What do you like most about your position? Getting to know and work with the best students! What is something interesting that not many know about you? I've been to the Colosseum, Machu Picchu, and the Eiffel Tower. We LOVE to travel!

Kate Morris

Social Studies Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I enjoy looking into history from the perspective of different groups throughout history. What is something interesting that not many know about you? I was a National Park Ranger when I was in college!

Stephanie Crow

Electives Teacher – Game Design

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I teach a lot of game design classes and who doesn't love to play games as part of their job? It's fun to talk about and play games. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Hanging out with my kids.

Lauren Aron

English Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? One of the most interesting things in English is the interpretation of literature. Everyone brings their own story, background, experiences, and knowledge to share when exploring texts. I love hearing students bring their points of view and ideas to the discussion. There is always something new to learn and another lens to view works of literature through. What is something interesting that not many know about you? When I was in college I won an award from the Kennedy Center.

Ruth Barraza-Mancilla

World Language Teacher – Spanish

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? Spanish is a romantic language. It's filled with passion and interesting cultural aspects and the list goes on and on. What is something interesting that not many know about you? I've highfived a porcupine.

Deanna Nguyen

Lead Social Studies Teacher

What do you like most about your position? Helping students finding their passion through studying history. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Practicing Hula, playing with my kids, and crocheting.

Samantha Parker

Lead English Teacher

What do you like most about your position? One of the best parts of working for ASUPD is working with educators and students from all over the country, even the world. Everyone has diverse backgrounds and interests, which helps me to expand my views beyond just my community and niche in this country. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? I read- everything, but I also garden, knit, write, and paint.

Amanda Albers

Math Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
I love being able to help students better understand the world around them through education. As a teacher, the "Ah-Ha!" moment of when a student finally understands challenging a topic is extremely rewarding!

What is something interesting about you?
I foster dogs through a local rescue organization.

Ami-lyn Ward

English Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
Building relationships with students, inspiring students beyond the classroom, and engaging students in meaningful, productive, and relevant learning.

What is something interesting about you?
I attended college on beaches 2500 miles apart: one on the Pacific Ocean (Santa Barbara, CA) and one on the Atlantic Ocean (Wilmington, NC).

Amy Nickel

Science Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
I enjoy looking for innovative ways of teaching and helping my students to become more scientifically literate.

What is something interesting about you?
I am an passionate about composting! I have both a traditional compost pile outside in the garden, as well as a worm composting bin that lives in my kitchen.

Annabelle Davey

Science Teacher

What do you like most about teaching? Building relationships with students, and instilling a lifelong love of science!

What is something interesting about you? I have lived in 5 different countries, my 7 year-old daughter has been to 13 different countries, and my 3 year-old daughter was born overseas!

Ashley Hargrove

Social Studies Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
I enjoy so many aspects of teaching, but I especially love connecting with students to make the learning process fun! I am endlessly excited to interlace class material with our prior knowledge, our communities, and the bigger picture. Creating engaging lessons to help students become strong communicators is a true passion of mine.

What is something interesting about you?
I lived in Australia for a couple of years and survived a great white shark cage!

Casey Gaines

Social Studies Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
Interacting with the students. They always come up with great ideas. I love watching them turn their ideas into something amazing.

What is something interesting about you?
I love running. Ultra marathons are my favourite, I once ran a 50 mile race all through Nashville, TN.

Bridgett Gordon-Billingsley

Science Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
The aspect of teaching that I enjoy most is building productive relationships with students. I enjoy helping my students reach their full potential.

What is something interesting about you?
I love making whipped soap, artisan bar soaps and emulsions. I love all things beauty!

Bryce Wolcott

Lead Science Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
Challenging students to do things they thought they couldn't.

What is something interesting about you?
I've published research articles on the biomechanics of intertidal organisms beneath ocean waves.

Christy Slater

English Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
I love watching my students fall in love with literature and writing.

What is something interesting about you?
I have traveled all over the country and lived in 10 states.

Elizabeth Delgado

Science Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
I love that each and every single day my students teach me something new.

What is something interesting about you?
I did my master's thesis research on venomous cone snails and have my advanced NAUI rescue diver certification.

Dana Lopez

English Teacher

What do you like most about teaching? Student interaction What is something interesting about you? I am also a musician (flutist with Lone Star Symphonic Band, & the Board President)

Delta Hodges

Social Studies Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
I enjoy connecting with students and making learning personable.

What is something interesting about you?
I am a fan of the Arts.

Ashley Prinsen

World Languages Teacher – French

What do you like most about teaching?
I love being able to connect with my students, as well as share my passion for French with them!

What is something interesting about you?
I am bilingual, and part of my family lives in France!

Elizabeth White

Social Studies Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
The thing I like most about teaching is building a connection with my students and helping them reach their academic goals. I enjoy seeing my students learn new concepts and celebrating their successes. My hope is that my students will develop a lifelong love and appreciation for history.

What is something interesting about you?
I am a huge history nerd, but I am also a sci fi nerd. Star Wars, Marvel, Lord of the Rings, and Stark Trek are just a few of my favorite sci fi series. I took lessons to learn how to sword fight using "lightsabers."

Emily Hubbard Velez

History Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
I love learning! Teaching allows me to be constantly learning, in my content, from my students, and while I study for my content and my students. My favorite thing is hearing my students discuss intelligently and passionately on a topic they were only vaguely familiar with a few weeks ago.

What is something interesting about you?
I love to make lists, just so I can cross things off of them!

Ashley Crane

World Languages Teacher – German

What do you like most about teaching?
When students tell me that learning German is fun and interesting!

What is something interesting about you?
I taught English in Austria and traveled throughout most of western Europe.

James Jaeger

History Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
I love working with students to help them make connections across historical time periods that will allow the students to make sense of the world we live in.

What is something interesting about you?
I met my future wife on a blind date and we were married on Halloween. (Wisconsin always had a teacher's convention on Halloween so we had a long weekend.)

Dustin Domangue

Math Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
I enjoy helping students to succeed! It's a very rewarding feeling when you see your students succeed in ways they may not have realized they were capable.

What is something interesting about you?
I have competed in and coached competitive Speech & Debate events (Lincoln-Douglas debate, policy debate, extemporaneous speaking, and student congress). I am always open to answering questions, if you compete and need help!

Erin Morrison

Lead Math Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
Seeing that moment when a student is confident in their knowledge and feels empowered to chase the next goal or dream!!

What is something interesting about you?
I read way too much!! If my family didn't see a book in my hand when I'm not teaching they would think I was sick. I love basketball and embarrass my kids at every game I attend yelling and cheering.

Graham Livingston

Math Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
I enjoy helping students develop a felt sense of confidence upon reaching their goals.

What is something interesting about you?
I recently started road cycling.

Lindsay Carr

Psychology Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
My favorite part of teaching is seeing students apply the material to better understand themselves and others while improving their life and community.

What is something interesting about you?
I am passionate about applying research in health psychology to promote healthy behavior!

Maria Houchins

Social Studies Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
I love helping students reach their full potential! I really enjoy when students reach a goal they set or when they come up with amazing ideas and have bursts of creativity that inspires them to produce really great work. Experiencing what students are capable of makes me love teaching at ASUPD every single day.

What is something interesting about you?
I am bilingual, speaking French and English, and my favorite hobby is gardening!

Larry Hooper

English Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
Every day is different and every student is different!

What is something interesting about you?
I was raised trilingually.

Jessica Massey

Science Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
The best part of teaching is getting to know my students and to help them achieve their goals.

What is something interesting about you?
I am a second generation Italian American and I participated in a foreign exchange program in Italy when I was in high school.

Lee Ott

Science Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
I enjoy watching as the students finally understand the material after weeks of hard work. To watch the student go from frustration to mastery is something that makes me smile every time.

What is something interesting about you?
In 2018, I finished the Dopey Challenge at Disney World. The challenge consisted of a 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and full marathon on consecutive days. Altogether, I have done 2 marathons and 4 half-marathons.

Lia Grebus

English Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
Finding creative ways to channel my students' passions and interests into teaching is what I love the most. I love that I have the opportunity to take the time to really get to know what makes my students tick and form connections with each and every one of them!

What is something interesting about you?
I have been playing tennis for almost 30 years! It is a hobby I hope to enjoy forever!

Christina Burnside

Lead World Language Teacher – Spanish

What do you like most about teaching?
I love making personal connections with my students and learning from them. It also inspires me to witness their growth throughout the course.

What is something interesting about you?
I was a theater and dance major in college and love to sing and dance.

Katja Jackson

Math Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
I always liked helping people and started giving recorder lessons and tutoring sessions as an early teenager. For me one of the most rewarding moments is when you teach someone and the person is learning and you as a teacher can see the growth.

What is something interesting about you?
I was born and raised in Germany. I had the opportunity of living abroad and experiencing the US during an au pair and university life in Scotland for a semester experiencing both the American and Scottish culture. In addition, I grew up playing the violin.

Irina Ebert

World Languages Teacher – German / Latin

What do you like most about teaching?
I genuinely believe that teaching is a process of self-growth through the privilege of guiding others – and that’s what I like the most about teaching!

What is something interesting about you?
I learned cross-country skiing in Russia and down-hill skiing in the French Alps.

Michelle Hamilton

English Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
I love helping students to see what a powerful tool writing can be to express oneself to contribute to the betterment of society.

What is something interesting about you?
I was fortunate enough to spend a year studying at a university in France and to be immersed in a different culture, which has forever changed who I am as a person.

Melanie Choate

Math Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
Interacting with students. They inspire me with their energy and ideas.

What is something interesting about you?
I didn't always want to be a teacher. I was originally an architecture major and worked for a roofing contractor for 10 years before I went into teaching. I still love art and architecture and I visit local architectural icons whenever I can.

Rachel Jean

English Teacher

What do you like most about teaching? I love teaching because students use education to shift their perspectives. Throughout history, education has continually altered the human experience, and eventually, this shift changes the world. To me, nothing is more magical. What is something interesting about you? I love to move and travel. The best days are ones that I get to go where I've never been before. Adventures have included drinking an espresso in Malaga, Spain, exploring the Highlands of Scotland, and walking the Botanical Gardens of Singapore. Other times, adventure only means turning a page.

Rachel Roland

Science Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
I enjoy getting to know my students and sharing my passion for science! Science is so diverse and wonderful. We use science and the discoveries it has brought us every day.

What is something interesting about you?
I studied Astrobiology at ASU. Also, I met Bill Nye the Science Guy at a science teacher's conference!

Miranda Rhoades

Math Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
Being able to assist and witness student growth is what I enjoy most about teaching. Learning is a process, with a goal of student growth. Whether it takes a day or weeks to master a topic, the successful outcome is worth the effort. I enjoy guiding and supporting students through their learning process and helping them develop skills for life long learning.

What is something interesting about you?
I was born in Alaska. I remember times in school where recess would be canceled because it was too cold to go outside. Also, there were times I was stuck on my school bus because a moose was at our drop off area and it was not safe to exit. A little different than what most Arizona students experience.

Sonya Gauna

Social Studies Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
Getting to know my students

What is something interesting about you?
I lived in the Fiji Islands when I was 5 years old. We lived in the middle of jungle in bamboo huts.

Rhonda Schulters

Science Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
I love sharing my passion for Science. I get to introduce students to the STEM field and open their minds to career paths they may not have known existed. Teaching also provides an environment that would encourage and inspire them to pursue their goals and dreams.

What is something interesting about you?
I live in NY and love bonding with nature even on a cold day. Have you ever experienced the beach or a mild hike on a snowy day? ...two of the most breath taking experiences ever!

Priscilla Chastain

World Languages Teacher – French

What do you like most about teaching?
I enjoy working with students from all over the country and world. I had great teachers who helped me grow and experience so many things. I hope that I can inspire students and help them to reach their full potential as my teachers did for me.

What is something interesting about you?
In addition to teaching History, I also teach French. I have always loved the language! I like to travel in general, but I go to France as often as I possibly can. During one visit, I stayed in an old castle that's in the town where my ancestors lived.

Yuyu Bogdan

Math Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
Seeing students grow academically and personally

What is something interesting about you?
Love cooking and hiking

Sara Howell

Science Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
Students are the best part of teaching - their unique personalities make my job fun!

What is something interesting about you?
I'm a former marathon and ultra-marathon runner, with my longest run coming in at 67mi. Unfortunately, my knees no longer cooperate and allow me to run, but it was great fun when I was younger!

Travis Epperson

Math Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
The AHA moment after the struggle.

What is something interesting about you?
I coach high school football.

Tamera Hunter

Science Teacher

What do you like most about teaching?
Interacting with the students and the learning aspect for me.

What is something interesting about you?
My granddaughter says I have the ability to make people laugh, no matter what.

Raja Habbal

World Language Teacher – Arabic

What do you like most about teaching?
Teaching is not a job or a career to me, It is heritage and a vocation as I am a third-generation language teacher. I enjoy seeing the progress of each student as they start with a little knowledge and learn a little more every day. I love contributing to their fulfillment and I especially love learning from them every day.

What is something interesting about you?
I was literally born in a school in Africa. We use to live in a house within the school where my father was the principal in a remote rural area. My Mother did not have the time to make it to the hospital! Also, I have been Arab women of the year in Quebec Canada for my contribution to the Canadian society in the Associative and community category.

Warren Eallonardo

English Teacher

What do you like most about your role?
I think it has got to be those "a-ha moments" that we hear so much about. Having a front row seat for someone making an intellectual discovery is still a thrill for me, even after all these years.

What is something interesting about you?
I was originally going to be a history teacher because my favorites in middle school and high school each taught history. Then, at the urging of my father, I was going to be a business major. However, I was terribly bored by each of those pursuits in college. Only when I found English did I start to succeed and hit my stride. I think that the lesson in there is to cut your own path by following your own talents and passions-- not someone else's. That lesson took me the better part of 2 years to learn.

Learning Success Coaches

Tracy Patrum

Learning Success Coach – High School

What do you like most about your position? I love being able to work with students and families. Being a part of a student's high school journey is an honor and privilege for me! What is something interesting that not many know about you? Not many people know that my husband and I are licensed foster parents, we have a goal of traveling across the country with our kids before we start what we hope will be yearly international trips, and I've secretly always wanted to drive a race car!

Shelby Jupiter

Learning Success Coach – High School

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? The most interesting part of being an LSC is each student's unique situations and goals. They keep things really interesting day-to-day! What is something interesting that not many know about you? I played rugby for 10 years and played along-side one of the pervious US Olympic Women's Rugby players!

Lizbeth Rodriguez

Learning Success Coach – High School

What do you like most about your position? Being able to help students and families with their HS experience, I love to see them grow and succeed. What is something interesting that not many know about you? I love art, I love to paint to relax and I love dancing.

Jill Faber

Learning Success Coach – High School

What do you like most about your position? Working with students to help them unlock their fullest potential and achieve their goals; building relationships with students and families. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Running, cooking, walking my dog Shea!

Heather Churney

Learning Success Coach – High School

What do you like most about your position? The students! I love getting to know students and what they like OUTSIDE of academics. We have some pretty amazing students. What is something interesting that not many know about you? You will find me at Farmer's Markets many Saturdays selling Elderberry Syrup that I make myself!

Jessa Grant

Learning Success Coach – High School

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? Watching students overcome obstacles and grow in all areas of their lives never gets old! When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Running around with my 3 kids, traveling, reading, or shopping!

Curtis Romey

Learning Success Coach – High School

What do you like most about your position? I enjoy guiding students and watching them excel and grow. What is something interesting that not many know about you? I grew up in Brazil and am fluent in Portuguese.

Christine D’Antonio

Learning Success Coach – High School

What do you like most about your position? The connections I make with my students and their families energizes me and brings so much fulfillment to my job. I love being a part of my kids high school career while also helping them to prepare for life after graduation! When you're not working, what will we find you doing? I am outside every chance I get, either on the water or in the mountains

Briana O’Meara Mata

Learning Success Coach – High School

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I would say being able to see how unique each student is and being able to connect with each student. What is something interesting that not many know about you? My favorite holiday is Halloween and I love decorating my house for it!

Amy Rice

Learning Success Coach – High School

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? The most interesting thing to me in my position is learning about my students and their families. Learning about them makes for great conversation every week in addition to providing them support in many areas. What is something interesting that not many know about you? I am an avid golfer! If you know anything about Wisconsin weather, it does not allow for year-round golf. So whenever possible, you will find me on the golf course playing a round of 18. I also like to play as many new courses in Wisconsin each year that I can. I purchase a course ball at each new course and have them displayed in my family room.

Adrienne Meeker

Learning Success Coach – High School

What do you like most about your position? Connecting with students and supporting their success! When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Reading, practicing yoga, running, spending time with my family!

Alison Zych

Learning Success Coach – High School

What do you like most about your position? Supporting students reach their goals and helping them develop habits and mindsets that will serve them for a lifetime. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? I enjoy spending time in my garden and doing anything outside (hiking, biking, wandering, photographing) with all my critters, husband and 7 yo son. We have a small farm, raise turkeys and have a small apiary.

Zachary Jackson

Learning Success Coach – Middle School

What do you like most about your position? I really enjoy being able to directly support the growth of the students that I serve!!! When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Anything out doors.

Sarah Newsom

Learning Success Coach – Middle School

What do you like most about your position? Motivating students to get excited about our program, giving success tips to help keep my students organized, getting to know my students on a personal level and building a strong relationship and bond with them, their parents, and family members. I also think it is amazing that I get to interact with students all over the world! I have students in South Africa, Switzerland, and the US! So cool! What is something interesting that not many know about you? I published a book back in 2012 under my maiden name and I have been sky diving.

Ruth Plotkin

Learning Success Coach – Middle School

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? The ever changing nature of my day. I really enjoy that each day brings new opportunities for growth and learning. Whether it involves learning something new about a student or family or just learning a new task that makes enriches my job. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? I love to read, cook and spend time with family and friends.

Laura Lopez

Lead Learning Success Coach – Middle School

When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I'm not working, I'm always reading, usually cooking, taking care of my vegetable garden and my beloved chickens, snapping pictures of my chickens and duck for their Instagram page (our_crazy_coop), or riding on the back of my husband's motorcycle to explore new places! What do you like most about your position? As an LSC, I love being able to build relationships with not just my students, but their entire family. I get to know the parents, I see little siblings on zoom, and I know about my student's lives outside of school.

Kayla Tucker

Learning Success Coach – Middle School

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? Helping students with their problems/ finding creative solutions for them to implement in and out of the classroom. Starting them off on their journey to their future whatever that may be (college, trade school the workforce etc.) When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Playing indoor soccer, being mom to two kiddos, sewing, cooking or baking!

Amanda Birch

Learning Success Coach – Middle School

What do you like most about your position? I love making connections with our fabulous ASU Prep Digital families and helping create a positive experience to meet the unique needs of all of our learners. Getting to know who the students are inside and outside the classroom is one of my favorite parts of being a Learning Success Coach. What is something interesting that not many know about you? I taught in Hangzhou, China for a few months during the summer as an English teacher.

Valerie Lopez

Learning Success Coach – Elementary

What do you like most about your position? I love my position because I get to work with our amazing families, students, teachers and staff. What is something interesting that not many know about you? I was born in Argentina, I have lived in 6 states, and I have traveled to 8 countries.

Janice Rutherford

Lead Learning Success Coach – Elementary

What do you like most about your position? I truly enjoy the positive relationships I have to opportunity to develop with students, families, and teachers in my role as a Learning Success Coach. Providing opportunities for enrichment for students through Breakfast & Books and Community Engagement Activities bring me so much joy and allow me to make a positive impact on the students that I serve. What is something interesting that not many know about you? I am the eldest cousin of thirty and our family continues to grow and grow!

Deanne Lialios

Learning Success Coach – Elementary

What do you like most about your position? Getting to know students and families! What is something interesting that not many know about you? I have been bungee jumping.....but only ONCE :)

Stephanie Bortmas

Learning Success Coach – Elementary

What do you like most about your position? Chatting with students and seeing them grow in confidence. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Playing my ukele, reading, drawing, taking classes of my own!

Catherine Moore

Learning Success Coach – Elementary

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? The excitement, creativity and energy of my peers and organization. It is contagious and really propels the life long learning philosophy that I believe in also. My goal is to share it, so that it carries over to our students and their families. What is something interesting that not many know about you? I have been chased by a bull and it was not on purpose.

Ana Berry

Learning Success Coach – Elementary

Ana has been in education for 26 years, spending the last 9 of those years in the e-learning field as an educator and instructional coach. She has a positive growth mindset and believes in instructional choice for all students. Ana has a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and a bachelor’s degree in English. In her spare time, you can find her with her nose in a book, painting, or spending time with her husband and sons.

Allison Kamm

Learning Success Coach – High School

What do you like most about teaching? As a teacher, my focus has always been to develop the entire child. Creating relationships, and empowering them to take charge of their own learning, has always been my personal mission. What is something interesting about you? I have two sons, Zion(7) and Xavier(12). They are my world! We love to go to the park, play board games, watch family movies and travel. My hobbies include anything fitness related(hiking, yoga, running etc), reading, traveling, learning new skills and spending time with my family and friends.

Natalie Arbuckle

Learning Success Coach – Elementary

Natalie has been an educator for over ten years. She strongly believes that all children can succeed and is dedicated to helping all students reach their potential. She has worked with children all over the world from different backgrounds gain and appreciate a love for learning. She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Central Florida. She has five years of international teaching experience and taught in South Korea, as well as Bolivia in South America. When Natalie isn’t teaching, she loves traveling with her husband, biking, running, hiking, and painting. She is always up for a new adventure and loves to spend as much time outside as possible.

Karen Sanderson

Lead Learning Success Coach – High School

What do you like most about your role? I love teaching because I get to motivate students to love learning!

What is something interesting about you? I was in show choir in high school and President of the Ohio State University's Women's Glee Club.

Kelley Parsons

Learning Success Coach Manager, K-8 & ADE

What do you like most about your role? I love working with students and creating relationships that help facilitate their learning and guides them towards their goals and life adventures.

What is something interesting about you? I played college basketball at the University of Portland then coached high school girls basketball and softball for many years.

Kristen Rund

Lead Learning Success Coach – High School

What do you like most about your role? I love being part of a student’s journey through their education. I can be a cheerleader for their accomplishments and a supportive guide when the road gets tough. I enjoy connecting with each student to help them on this path and learn about their hobbies/interest as well as their hopes and fears. I can then help them develop and grow their ideas and goals along the way.

What is something interesting about you? I am an avid Disneyland fan. I have been to Disneyland over 15 times, but I have yet to travel to Disney World!

Michelle Conner Ugalde

Learning Success Coach Manager, 9-12

What do you like most about your role? I absolutely love working with students and getting to know what they are passionate about. It is so rewarding to help students become independent thinkers and to witness them reach their goals.

What is something interesting about you? I was born and raised in Arizona and grew up just a few miles from the Arizona State University – Tempe campus!

Nicola “Nikki” Homy

Learning Success Coach – Middle School

My life centers around three truths. The first truth is that every student can learn. When I was growing up I had many challenges learning new things in school. This is what drove me to get my bachelor’s degree in elementary education and my master’s degree in educational leadership. I have spent the last 17 years helping all my students to push pass there many challenges. My second truth is that everyone needs a cheerleader. For the last 4 years I was a school counselor and cheerleader for a virtual school. It fills my tank up when I get to partner with and serve families as they navigate this journey of education. My third truth is that with the right resources all students can be successful. I love seeking out new ways and reading books about the best ways to increase student achievement. My favorite book is the Growth Mindset Coach. When I am not reading, I enjoy spending time with my son and husband who teach me how to find the joy in every day.

Intervention

Carol Trombino

Psychologist Assistant

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I love seeing how all the disciplines come together to help the student be successful. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I am not working I can be found spending time with my husband and two kids. My favorite place to be is at the beach, around a dinner table with friends and family or outside near our fire pit,

Kathleen Attilio

504 Coordinator / Personalized Learning Specialist

What do you like most about your position? I enjoy collaborating with families and ASUPD staff to help ensure success for all learners. What is something interesting that not many know about you? My husband and I are board game enthusiasts! We have hundreds of games and even host regular game conventions at our house.

Laura Young

SPED Case Manager K- 5

What do you like most about your position? I love working with students and teaching them skills they need support in. I love advocating for all students and giving them the support they need. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? I love spending time with my family, decorating, and being outdoors!

Carla White

Social Worker, K-6

What do you love most about this position? What I love most about my position is that I am able to learn about different perspectives, watch students accomplish their goals they set forth despite obstacles that may come their way, and working with colleagues that share in the same vision and mission of inclusivity. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? If I am not working you can find me buying all things FALL to decorate my house. Fall should be a year round season :)

Andrea Swayze

Speech Language Pathologist

What do you like most about your position? I love making connections with students and using their interests to create motivating therapy sessions. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? I love to spend time with my family, especially when we are exploring new places.

Jennifer Schwartz

Speech Language Pathologist

Jessica Salyers

Occupational Therapist

Ellen Northrup

SPED Case Manager 6-8

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? Working within a school that fully collaborates to be innovative to meet student's needs at any length is the most interesting and exciting part of my position, and seeing the student benefit from the teamwork. What is something interesting that not many know about you? In the summer, we escape to the forests of Northern Arizona and live in our camper off grid to avoid the heat of the desert.

Susan Nelson

Psychologist

When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Spending time with my family, reading and jogging.

Diana McKee

SPED Case Manager 6- 8

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? Researching new ways to support students in an inclusive model.

Desirée Montelongo

Social Worker, 9-12

What do you like most about your position? I love being a social worker because I get to help people find solutions for whatever problems they may be having. Life is challenging, and we all need support from time to time. As a social worker, I get to walk beside people as they need support, so they don't feel like they are going through something alone. I hope that all students at ASU Prep Digital know that I'm there if they have any problems or worries about themselves or their families and friends, or if they just need someone to listen.

Rachelle Grandon Kearney

SPED Case Manager 9- 12

When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Taking early morning prayer walks, Spending time with my family, Playing the piano, Golfing, Swimming, Baking, Traveling.

Michelle Joyce

6- 8 Reading Intervention

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? Reading is a great way to gain new knowledge and I love introducing different genres to students to help them find books that interest them.

Kayla Flores

K- 5 Reading Intervention

What do you like most about your position? The opportunity to give a child the best gift of all - the ability to be skilled reader. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Studying all things dyslexia, spending time with my husband, 3 boys and our dog, and cheering on my Pittsburgh Steelers!

Xhris Castillejo

9- 12 Math Intervention

When you're not working, what will we find you doing? Watching horror shows/films, reading, hosting and volunteering at local non-profits, taking care of my grandparents, learning new languages, and studying religion.

Erica Brown

SPED Case Manager 9- 12

What do you like most about your position? I love working with my students and learning about their lives, what they love, and how they learn best

Dawn Oliver

K- 5 Math Intervention

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I get to discover how individual students learn. Each child has a unique confidence in their understanding of math. I am rewarded with the opportunity to help kids enthusiastically create new pathways and reevaluate previous skills through inquiry and exploration. What is something interesting that not many know about you? I ran in a relay race 200 miles from Miami to Key West - TWICE!

Christine Werba

9- 12 Reading Intervention

What do you like most about teaching? I enjoy connecting with each student and seeing the growth that occurs when they are able to view concepts from a new perspective. What is something interesting about you? I have lived/worked in more than 10 major cities and traveled to at least 12 countries outside of the United States.

Pilar McKee

6- 8 Math Intervention

What do you like most about teaching? My favorite thing about teaching is the collaborative learning and community we build as a class. Even digitally, we are all working toward the same goal of math mastery! How amazing that we have each other to lean on and grow from and know that we are all in this together! What is something interesting about you? My grandma is the Native American on the box of Land O' Lakes!

ADE Math Momentum

Veronica Encinias

ADE Learning Success Coach

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? The most interesting thing about my position is that I support student learning and growth in different ways.I appreciate sharing a space with students and teachers to come together and have a fun math experience! When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I'm not working you can find me spending time with my family or at the movies.

Carol Archino

ADE Math Momentum Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? The most interesting thing I get to do in my position is interact with students who are across the country from me! The smiles and excitement they bring to the Live Lessons are contagious, and powerful in their peer groups. Virtual Learning gives the student's another safe outlet to explore and find success while staying competitive with trending tech skills. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I'm not working I'm carting my 6 year old daughter to all her extra curricular activities, and enjoying the precious moments while I can!

Monica Owen

ADE Math Momentum Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? The most interesting thing about my position is that I get to help students from all over in math. I get to help them be successful and grow in an area they feel they struggle with the most. I get to help students find the love in math that they never thought they could have have! Doing this and seeing the look on their faces and the expressions in their voices makes it all good. I know in my heart, that even if it is for a little bit, I am making that impact on a student to truly enjoy math! When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When not working, you can find me hanging out with my six kids at one of their many sporting events. All of my five of my boys are into football and baseball, so we stay busy all year. My daughter is into dance and loves to cheerlead for her big brothers at their games. I also love to spend time camping at the lake, traveling to visit extended family, r taking pictures of my family.

Melissa Adelson

ADE Learning Success Coach

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I enjoy the uniqueness of each of my partnership schools and having to think outside of the box to best support both the ASUPD teachers as well as the different schools which I work with. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I am not working, you can find me spending time with my family and usually at the lacrosse fields with my two boys.

Cyndi Davenport

ADE Math Momentum Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? It is truly an honor to be part of the ADE Math Momentum program. Being in a position to help middle school students grow in their math abilities is beyond rewarding. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I am not working you'll find me spending time with my family; we enjoy kayaking, camping, hiking, all formats of games and I enjoy photography.

Tara Ford

ADE Learning Success Coach

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? The most interesting thing regarding being an LSC for Math Momentum is the uniqueness of each partnership school and having to think outside the box to be the best support as possible to ASUPD teachers, school site teachers, and students. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I am not working you can find me hanging out with my family.

Catt Huth

ADE Math Momentum Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? The most interesting part of my position is researching, creating and assisting teachers to implement methodologies to bridge the systemic and COVID created learning gaps in math. I enjoy the prospect of all students learning at their own pace with the highest quality support and resources we can offer. It is inspiring to see students that enjoyed math soar, those that thought they were math illiterate grow confidence and those that "just can't do it" find out they can. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I am not working you can find me at the beach, exploring new roads in my roadster or with my beau on the motorcycle. Whenever possible I am with the family. Whether its dinner, the zoo, gardening, cleaning house or yard work. My family is my greatest gift.

Catherine Remkes

ADE Math Momentum Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I get to work with students and a teacher who are in Arizona and learn about them while teaching mathematics. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I am not working you will find me at the soccer fields or out on our farm.

Amy Johnson

ADE Math Momentum Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? The students are the most interesting thing to me. They are so fascinating and fun to work with everyday. I work hard to make my own enthusiasm for math and science become theirs as well. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? My favorite thing to do is spend time with my family. I also enjoy walking, hiking and running when the weather is nice.

Lisa Goldin

ADE Math Momentum Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? Working to identify the strengths and challenges of each student is fascinating to me as each student comes to me with diverse backgrounds and experiences. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I am not at work, you will find me playing at the beach with my grandchildren.

Belinda Apodaca

ADE Math Momentum Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? The most interesting thing about my position is that I get to work with a lot of students, but in a small group setting. I chose this as interesting, because I love to get more personalized time with the student to get to know them better and help them succeed. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I am not working, you will find me hanging out with my family. We like to play sports, be outdoors, and have movie or game nights.

Martha A. Castillo

ADE Learning Success Coach

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I enjoy collaborating with other schools, and finding new ways to support their students and families. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I'm not working I enjoy volunteering as a virtual college coach for first-gen students as well as spending time with my family, and finding new recipes to test out.

Shelly Robinson

ADE Math Momentum Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? The most interesting think I do in my position as an ADE Math Teacher is celebrate growth, effort, and perseverance because all of my students can improve in these areas. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I am not working, you can find me camping and kayaking with my family and friends.

Beverly Boss

ADE Math Momentum Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I love learning about new technology to use during our live lessons because it keeps the students engaged while learning virtually. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I am not working, I like to ride my bike to the beach or take a spin class at the gym. You can also find me in my kitchen trying out new recipes!

Maria Thomas

ADE Learning Success Coach

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I love the flexibility and innovation that is paired with my role as a Learning Success Coach with ADE. My days never look the same because I have the opportunity to work with so many different teachers, students, families, and partnerships! Using creativity and my passion for organization, I get to help students feel empowered and encouraged as they pursue academic excellence! When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I am not working, you will find me exercising or spending time with my family. I have three children, and I love being a mom. We are a very active family, and we spend a lot of time exploring outside together!

Debra Garza

ADE Math Momentum Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I enjoy working with students in small group settings to help improve their skills. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I'm not working, you can find me in my sewing room.

Micheline Guilman

ADE Learning Success Coach

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? The most interesting thing about this position is connecting with students and watching them grow and achieve their true potential. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I'm not working you will find me working out, at the beach, fishing or spending time watching my kiddos do motocross.

Susan Lafferty

ADE Math Momentum Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I love collaborating with other teachers to develop and implement fun lessons that support students with a wide range math skills. I enjoy helping students learn growth mindset strategies and how to apply them to improve their mathematical understanding. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I'm not working, you will find me crafting, volunteering with Scouts BSA, or visiting Disney World with my family.

Michael Birkeland

ADE Math Momentum Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? The most interesting thing about my position is being able to help students see math in ways that they may not be used to. Math is beautiful and we all have brilliance to share. I love being able to be a guide to helping my students see how powerful they can be with math! When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I'm not working, I'm probably playing Nintendo. I've spent hundreds of hours playing Super Smash Bros. When it's warm out, I also have a garden where I grow a variety of flowers and vegetables. During all of the above, I'm definitely spending the time with my two cats--Orville & Wilbur.

Christine Compain

ADE Learning Success Coach

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? The most interesting thing about my position is that I get to be apart of the live lessons with the teachers which is so fun, as I get to interact with and engage with the students. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I'm not working, you'll find me spending time with my family, traveling, exploring, cooking, or just hanging out!

Rechelle Dolor

ADE Math Momentum Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? The most interesting I can do in my current position is to help my students and the teacher on-campus how to fill the gaps due to pandemic. I am grateful to be part of Math Momentum which I think making a huge impact to all the students who are part of it. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? If am not teaching I am playing with my son or hanging out with my husband.

Anastasia Quirarte

ADE Math Momentum Teacher

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I love being able to help bridge gaps and reinforce learning the current content with my cohorts at Westwood High School. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I am not working, I love to hike, be with family, do needle work, and garden.

Mollie Patten Carey

ADE Learning Success Coach

What is the most interesting thing to you in your position and why? I love to converse with students about the connection between growth mindset and academic, musical, artistic or athletic success. When you're not working, what will we find you doing? When I'm not at ASU PD, I'm outside hiking, with family, somewhere in Colorado or cheering on my children in baseball and diving.

Jay Twitty

ADE Math Momentum Teacher

What do you like most about teaching? What I like most about teaching is sharing my knowledge and love for mathematical intelligence with young learners. Math was always my favorite subject in school, and I really enjoy breaking it down into simple terms that my students can understand. My mom is a kindergarten teacher so I’ve been around education all my life and was raised to serve and nurture others through my intellectual talents. What is something interesting about you? I was born in South Carolina and went to school at Clemson University (Go Tigers!), but I call Atlanta home. I used to be a Baseball coach and my first team won the State Middle School Championship.

Advisors

Michael Horn

Advisor

Michael Horn speaks and writes about the future of education and works with a portfolio of education organizations to improve the life of each and every student. He co-founded the Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation, a non-profit think tank where he is a distinguished fellow; and serves as the Chief Strategy Officer for Entangled Ventures, an education technology studio. When he is not reinventing education, he is trying to keep up with his twin girls.

John Bailey

Advisor

John Bailey serves as an advisor to entrepreneurs, investors, and government leaders to help them navigate emerging issues presented by globalization and disruptive technologies. He is a Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Fellow, a Walton Family Foundation Fellow, and served as a senior program officer at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. John is on the board of directors for the Data Quality Campaign and previously served as a domestic policy advisor in the White House, Deputy Policy Director to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, and Director of Educational Technology at the U.S. Department of Education. Though he is a master strategist, his Bernese Mountain Dog, Bentley, runs his house.

John Watson

Advisor

John Watson is founder of the Evergreen Education Group, which focuses on digital education research and advising and has been studying the K12 online and blended learning field for 18 years. Evergreen has conducted research for, and advised, school districts, NGOs, foundations, companies, state agencies, and charter school commissions.