Lisa Armstrong is the Headmaster at Archway Classical Academy Scottsdale. Before taking on the headmaster role in 2014, she was the Assistant Headmaster of ACS and was a part of the founding faculty of the school in 2011. She has been in the educational field for over 25 years as a teacher and administrator. She received a dual BS degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Development from The College of Charleston in Charleston, SC. Later, she earned her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from West Chester University in Pennsylvania.

After teaching for 11 years on the east coast, Mrs. Armstrong moved with her family to Scottsdale where she taught in the Scottsdale Unified School District before moving into administration and also teaching in the private educational realm.

In her free time, Mrs. Armstrong likes to spend time with her husband and visit her two sons (one on each coast). She also enjoys hiking with her dog in cooler weather, taking Pilates classes, and reading great literature while sitting on the beach in San Diego or by the pool in the Arizona sunshine.

Eric Hull is currently the assistant headmaster at Archway Classical Academy Scottsdale. Mr. Hull is a founding faculty member. He began at ACS as a fourth-grade assistant teacher, and then moved to fourth-grade lead teacher for several years before beginning his work as the assistant headmaster.

Mr. Hull has a Master of Arts in Education and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature with a minor in U.S. History.

Mr. Hull is an avid student of the American West, and enjoys reading, writing, and hiking/backpacking. Along with being a founding member of the campus faculty, Mr. Hull is also the co-founder and co-editor of the faculty magazine Collegium.

Samantha Magary is currently the Assistant Headmaster at Archway Classical Academy Scottsdale focusing on third through fifth grade. Previous to her role in administration, Mrs. Magary taught second through sixth grade. Many of our scholars may remember her as being a third or fourth grade teacher here at ACS.

Being a California native, Mrs. Magary obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and teaching credential from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego.

In her free time, she enjoys being active by going for a run in the beautiful Arizona desert, taking a Barre3 class, or traveling with her husband.

Elizabeth González is honored to be a member of the founding faculty of Archway Classical Academy Scottsdale. She spent seven years as part of the first grade team, where she began as an assistant teacher for two years, and then worked as a leader teacher, mentor teacher, and first grade team lead for five years. In 2018, Mrs. González was thrilled to transition into a new role, supporting our students, families, and faculty as Academy Dean.

She was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and moved to sunny Phoenix, Arizona as a child when she was 8 years of age. She graduated from Arizona State University in 2009 with a Bachelor’s degree in Multilingual/Multicultural Elementary Education. Before ACAS, Mrs. González spent much time working in inner city, Title I schools, with children who were in English as a Second Language programs. She holds an Arizona State Elementary Education Teaching Certificate.

In addition to her work within public/private schools, she has also worked as the children’s minister for a local, Spanish-speaking church since 2002. In her spare time, Mrs. González enjoys spending quality time with her husband, family, and friends; as well as hiking, shopping, and going to the movies.

Tom Jay is Academy Dean and 5th grade Latin teacher. He is a member of the founding faculty of ACS and served as 4th grade Team Leader prior to his current positions. Before joining ACS in 2011 Mr. Jay taught middle school at St. Agnes in central Phoenix. With Mr. Hull, Mr. Jay coedits Collegium, Archway Scottsdale’s faculty journal.

He is a native of Phoenix and attended Pima Elementary from Kindergarten through 8th grade (go Panthers!). After high school Mr. Jay attended the University of Dallas where he received a B.A. in English. Most recently he completed a Master of Humanities with a Concentration in Classical Education also at UD.

While an undergraduate Mr. Jay spent a semester in Rome and discovered a love for travel. He enjoys good books, lively conversation, and getting lost in foreign lands (especially around the Mediterranean).

Lauri Benson has been at Archway Scottsdale since 2012. She loves her interactions with parents and faculty along with the fast paced environment of the front office. Prior to her time at ACS, she taught school in the Queen Creek School District and later worked at Paradise Valley Community College as the Coordinator of Student Services.

Mrs. Benson holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Sciences from Cal Poly Pomona (California) and a Master’s Degree in Human Relations from Northern Arizona University.

Outside of work, Mrs. Benson enjoys hiking, swimming, home décor, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Keli King joined the front office staff in 2019 and enjoys interacting with the students, parents and faculty. She is a parent of two children who attend Scottsdale Archway. Prior to ACS, she lived in California working in supply chain management for Disney and Gap Inc. She has a bachelors degree from University of Arizona.

Outside of work, Mrs. King enjoys going to her kids soccer games, going for a long run and spending time with her family including her black lab.

Terrie Helm is the Enrollment Coordinator at Archway Scottsdale and the parent of two children who attend Scottsdale Prep–both started at Archways Scottsdale in Kindergarten! Mrs. Helm grew up in northern Illinois where she earned her degree in Biology with an emphasis in Chemistry at Illinois State University. After moving to Arizona, she worked in the semiconductor industry as a Chemist for 7 years, while ultimately obtaining a Master’s Degree in Business from Arizona State University and then a move into Inside Sales at Honeywell. She then decided to stay at home to raise her children for 10 years.

Mrs. Helm enjoyed volunteering at Archway Scottsdale as a room parent, lunch volunteer, and in other activities before ultimately joining the Archway Scottsdale staff. She loves to travel and spend time with her family supporting her children in multiple sports and dance.

Betsy Leeuwner joined the staff at Archway Scottsdale in 2019 after serving as a volunteer and PSO Board member for several years. She has one daughter at Archway Scottsdale and one at Scottsdale Prep.

Mrs. Leeuwner has lived in Washington, Kansas, Virginia, North Carolina, and Oklahoma before ending up in Arizona. She graduated from East Carolina University with a BA in Mathematics and a minor in Spanish, and then participated in a ministry internship program where she met her husband. She worked in a variety of ministry and missions organizations before moving to Arizona to start a church. Eventually, she chose to work from home in graphic design and to raise her children. Graphic design is how she joined the PSO as a yearbook coordinator, and the rest is history!

Diane Kar is the friendly face you see when you walk in the front door! The Kar family has had a long history with Great Hearts as a founding family of Scottsdale Preparatory Academy. She is a mother of four children, three of whom are SPA alum.

Mrs. Kar was born and raised in Indiana and received her B.A. from Hanover College in southern Indiana. She traveled out to Arizona, by way of ASU for graduate school and decided to stay in the sun. Following graduate school, she found herself working in her church as a high school youth minister. After some time spent at home raising her children, she enjoyed a career in the development and advancement field, raising needed funds for both Great Hearts and her church.

Circling back around to what she enjoys most, Mrs. Kar is happiest being greeted with the smiles and laughter of children. When not working she enjoys traveling with her family, going on hikes and being outdoors, playing in her garden, and engrossing herself in a good book.

Lisa Permoda was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, but moved to Arizona at a very young age. Growing up, Mrs. Permoda always dreamed about becoming a teacher and making a positive impact on young children.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education while she worked for a small, boutique law firm in Phoenix. Mrs. Permoda gained classroom experience by teaching preschool and running an after-school program for the Scottsdale Unified School District. Mrs. Permoda is in her sixth year at Archway Classical Academy Scottsdale.

She has been married for 20 years and has four amazing children ranging in age from 16 to 7. When Mrs. Permoda is not teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, cooking, and running.

Lindsay Cardoso is currently a Kindergarten teacher at Archway Classical Academy Scottsdale. She has worked with young children for over 17 years. She received her bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Arizona State University in 2001 with a concentration in History and Italian.

After graduating, Mrs. Cardoso spent time living abroad in England to work with elementary and high school students. She enjoyed her time teaching, traveling, sipping tea, and roaming the English countryside.

In 2005 she returned to teach kindergarten for 5 years at a private school in Tempe, Arizona; and Pre-K for 2 years at a learning center in Scottsdale. In 2012 Mrs. Cardoso graduated from Arizona State with a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Mrs. Cardoso joined the Great Hearts team at Archway Scottsdale in 2012 in a 2nd grade classroom. She then went back to teaching her favorite little people…. kindergartners!

In her spare time, Mrs. Cardoso enjoys traveling to far off places, eating at delicious restaurants, crafting, watching movies, reading great books, gardening, and spending time with her husband, 2 dogs, and 2 bunnies.

Shannon Dunne is thrilled to be returning to Archway Scottsdale for the upcoming school year as a Kindergarten teacher. Ms. Dunne graduated from Arizona State University with honors in a degree in Elementary Education, and later received her Early Childhood endorsement while serving as an instructional aide at a private school in Scottsdale. Ms. Dunne spent the next two school years teaching in the Peoria School District; first teaching kindergarten, including the Structured English Immersion class, and later teaching first grade. After that Ms. Dunne taught Kindergarten at Maryvale Preparatory Academy for two years, and then joined the ACS team in 2016 as a Kindergarten teacher. She is very passionate about the impact that education can have on individuals and is so excited to bring that to a new school year!

During the summers Ms. Dunne loves to teach Kindergarten Academy and then returns to her hometown of Chicago Heights, where she volunteers in summer programs assisting the youth in the community there. In her free time Ms. Dunne loves to travel, watch baseball, read, and take her four rescue dogs for walks.

Joanna George is excited to be returning to Archway Scottsdale for the upcoming school year as a kindergarten teacher. This will be her third year with Great Hearts and her second year teaching Kindergarten at Archway Scottsdale. She was born in Colorado and grew up in India. After finishing high school, she attended Bob Jones University in South Carolina where she graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education and received the Read to Succeed (R2S) Endorsement

In her free time, Mrs. George enjoys photography and traveling with her husband.

Sara Moore is excited to be teaching Kindergarten at Archway Scottsdale. She grew up in Highlands Ranch, CO. Ms. Moore taught in Child Care Centers for 5 years and even spent a summer working as a Summer Safari Instructor at the Denver Zoo.

She graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a degree and license in Early Childhood Education. In that program she had the opportunity to student-teach in Dublin, Ireland.

Outside of school Ms. Moore enjoys baking, reading, and playing with her puppy Poppy.

Kaley Bankhead is an Arizona Native she grew up in Tucson Arizona and moved to San Diego for College where she studied Psychology and Communications. She has a huge heart for seeking truth and helping her students to do the same.

This is her second year teaching at Archway Scottsdale. She was trained through Great Heart’s apprenticeship program. She has her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications but through training, as well as a lot of studying, she became a Highly Qualified teacher through the state of Arizona.

When Mrs. Bankhead is not in the classroom, she is planning events for a local Luxury apartment complex. In her free time, she likes to spend time with her husband, friends, family and dog. She also loves to hike, run, paddle board and do anything that involves being outdoors.

Jodi Razickas is excited to be returning as a Kindergarten assistant teacher at Archway Scottsdale. She was born in New York and moved to Arizona in 2014.

Before becoming a teacher, Mrs. Razickas was an art director in an advertising agency on Long Island, NY.  When she started her family, she chose to stay at home with her children. She then got her NY State Montessori Certification in early childhood development. She worked in a private school becoming the lead Kindergarten teacher and was the assistant director. Mrs. Razickas also ran her own day care in her home. She has been teaching for more than 19 years.

Mrs. Razickas is married and has two girls. She loves to spend time with her family and travel.

Marisa Bourdo is a native Phoenician, born and raised here in the Valley of the Sun. She now resides in Scottsdale with her two teenagers and their dog Bailey. In Ms. Bourdo’s free time, she enjoys hiking, yoga, going for walks with her dog, and spending time with her two kids.

Ms. Bourdo received a Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies from Northern Arizona University, a Post-baccalaureate Degree and Master’s Degree in Education from Arizona State University. She is a former elementary teacher, substitute teacher, and a para-educator in Special Ed. She holds a valid Arizona Teaching Certificate for grades K-8.

Ms. Bourdo is very excited to be a part of the Great Hearts team!

Chandra Kriegsfeld (formerly Calvan) has been with Archway Scottsdale since 2016.  She is excited to be returning as a Kindergarten Assistant. Mrs. Kriegsfeld previously taught children in preschool and has experience with students who have special needs.

Mrs. Kriegsfeld is an Arizona native who grew up in Tempe.  In her spare time she loves spending time with her family, traveling, and eating delicious food!

Coming soon!

Tiffany Fisher is excited to be joining the team at Great Hearts as a Kindergarten assistant teacher at Archway Scottsdale! She was born in Pennsylvania and moved to Arizona this fall of 2020.

She had the wonderful opportunity of gaining education in Sydney, Australia, for three years at Hillsong College where she studied leadership training, vocal performance and songwriting. Throughout her time in Australia, Ms. Fisher taught at an Afterschool Childcare center, and was assistant director of their performing arts academy. She taught group glasses in choir, piano, and musical theatre and created and organized musical productions for the children to perform for their loved ones.

Ms. Fisher enjoys singing, writing music, dancing, being active, spending time with family and friends, and serving at her local church Hillsong.

Miss French is a substitute assistant teacher in kindergarten.

Darian Williams was born and raised in Tucson, AZ. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Arizona and is currently seeking her master’s degree in Elementary Education at Grand Canyon University. As a previous Pre- K teacher, Ms. Williams has had much experience working with students helping them prepare for elementary school.

She is looking forward to a wonderful year. In her free time, she enjoys working out, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Emily Butler was born and raised in Arizona, and attended Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota. While at Hamline she played NCAA tennis all four years, and graduated in 2016 with two Bachelor of Art degrees in Communications and Elementary Education. After graduation, Miss Butler student taught kindergarten and first grade at a Title 1 school in North St. Paul before relocating back to Arizona. After student teaching she received her teaching license in grades K-6 from Minnesota, as well as her license in grades 1-8 from Arizona.

In her free time, she loves to work out, play tennis, read, and spend time with friends and family. She is thrilled to be returning to first grade at Archway!

Carris Doan is a lead first-grade teacher at Archway Scottsdale. She has enjoyed being a part of the Archway Scottsdale staff, and previously came from Archway North Phoenix also working on their first grade team. She graduated from Arizona Christian University. During her studies, she traveled across the world and enjoyed visiting 10 different countries.

Miss Doan also has a passion for children and learning. She enjoys working alongside her twin sister at Archway Scottsdale, who is a lead second-grade teacher. When Miss Doan isn’t teaching, she enjoys spending time with her twin sister, family and friends. She also enjoys the outdoors, good coffee, and doing anything creative.

Leah Famoso was born in raised in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, and moved to Arizona in 2015. Mrs. Famoso studied Chemistry at West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV. After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, she continued to graduate school where she received her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education.

After spending two years teaching in West Virginia, Mrs. Famoso and her husband, Justin, relocated to Tucson, Arizona. She spent 4 years teaching first grade in Tucson, before moving to Scottsdale for her husband’s job in 2019.

In her free time, she stays active by running, hiking, and playing soccer. She is an avid reader and loves traveling to new countries. Mrs. Famoso is excited to be a part of Archway and continue to teach first grade.

Jenna LeVault was born and raised in Seven Valleys, Pennsylvania. She went to Grove City College and student taught in both kindergarten and fourth grade. Mrs. LeVault graduated in May of 2018 with a degree in Elementary Education, and after graduation, she moved to Arizona to join the Great Hearts staff.

Previously, Mrs. LeVault has coached competitive gymnastics, directed a day camp, and choreographed for her college dance team. Outside of work, she enjoys reading good books, writing poetry, and camping and hiking with her husband and dog.

Jaysen Larraza was born and raised in Scottsdale, Arizona. Miss Larraza studied Special and Elementary Education at Northern Arizona University where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree.

In her free time, Miss Larraza enjoys spending time with her dog, Olive. When the weather is cooler, she likes to go on hikes and spend time outdoors. She also loves spending time with her family and friends.

Henry Sterling was born and raised in Freeport, Maine and attended Dartmouth College in New Hampshire where he graduated with a BA in Psychology. After graduating in 2014, Mr. Sterling moved to Rhode Island where he worked for a non-profit organization aimed at providing after school opportunities to underserved communities. He also worked as a lead teacher after school for a private elementary school in Providence, RI. At the end of 2019 he and his girlfriend made the move to Arizona where he started working at Archway Scottsdale in the Athenaeum program. He is very excited to be working more closely with students in the classroom setting as a first grade TA.

Outside of work Mr. Sterling is still pursuing his love of running and recently qualified for the Olympic Marathon Trials this past February. He also enjoys reading, watching soccer, playing music, and exploring the great outdoors.

Kylie Gruwell is currently an assistant teacher in the first grade. Mrs. Gruwell graduated from Northern Arizona University with a bachelor degree in Strategic Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations and a Minor in Communication Studies. She is also currently finishing her Master’s degree in Leadership studies at Grand Canyon University and will graduate this coming April of 2020.

Mrs. Gruwell was born and raised in Huntington Beach, California and loves the ocean, but has fallen in love with Arizona and has been here for the past 5 years.

In Mrs. Gruwell’s free time she enjoys spending time with her husband, her cat Sage, and her friends and family. She also enjoys working out, spending time outdoors, and baking. She is excited to be a part of the Archway Scottsdale team and to help the kids in their learning and growth.

Morgan Nelson is a 1st grade teaching assistant. She is a graduate of Northwestern University, where she played varsity softball and graduated with a Communication Studies major. She and her two younger sisters attended Scottsdale Prep. That positive experience influenced her to pursue a career at ACS. Ms. Nelson enjoys exercise, Dostoevsky, and country music.

Megan O’Reilly was born in Orange County, California, where she lived for several years, before moving to Anthem, Arizona, where she currently resides. She went to Arizona State University, where she studied at Barrett, The Honors College. Ms. O’Reilly graduated in May of 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and a minor in Mathematics.

Previously, Ms. O’Reilly mentored college students in an introductory English class and volunteered at a local animal shelter and library. She also wrote articles for The Embryo Project Encyclopedia, which are in the process of being published. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys reading fiction, baking new recipes, and spending time with her pets, a cat and two dogs. She is excited to join the Great Hearts first grade team!

We are happy to announce that we have two staff members that have agreed to assist in the 1F classroom for the remainder of the year. They are already familiar to many of the students from their work here at ACS in our Athenaeum program and also as classroom substitutes throughout the second semester. Mr. Bartsch and Mr. Anderson have already accepted fulltime positions for next school year here at ACS and are excited to start earlier as first grade assistant teachers for the 4^th quarter. They will share the work as Co-Assistant Teachers in the 1F classroom.

We are happy to announce that we have two staff members that have agreed to assist in the 1F classroom for the remainder of the year. They are already familiar to many of the students from their work here at ACS in our Athenaeum program and also as classroom substitutes throughout the second semester. Mr. Bartsch and Mr. Anderson have already accepted fulltime positions for next school year here at ACS and are excited to start earlier as first grade assistant teachers for the 4^th quarter. They will share the work as Co-Assistant Teachers in the 1F classroom.

Hannah Sablan, formerly Doan, is currently a lead teacher in second grade. Mrs. Sablan has lived in Arizona all her life, and loves being with her husband, family, and friends. She graduated from Arizona Christian University and is an Arizona certified teacher. She has been at Archway Scottsdale since 2017.

One fun fact about Mrs. Sablan is that she has a twin sister who is a first grade teacher at Archway Scottsdale. She loves traveling, and has had the privilege of traveling extensively around the world. In her free time she enjoys being active, hand-lettering, and enjoying a good cup of coffee.

Juliette Morales recently graduated from Grand Canyon University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Miss Morales’s love for learning and children encouraged her to pursue working in education.

Growing up, Miss Morales lived all around the country following her father’s job in the Air Force. The constant moving instilled a love of traveling in her, and she continues to travel whenever she can, especially to Europe. She is an avid runner and animal lover. She also has a passion for reading and drinking tea. In her spare time, Miss Morales enjoys traveling with family and friends, watching movies, and antique shopping.

Carrie Sanders is a second-grade lead teacher at Archway Classical Academy. Mrs. Sanders holds Bachelor of Arts in education from Arizona State University with a specialization in fine arts. Mrs. Sanders is a founding faculty member at Archway.

Mrs. Sanders is originally from Kentucky. She moved to Arizona when she was in second grade from Michigan and considers herself an Arizona native.

Mrs. Sanders enjoys reading, running/hiking, and looking for new adventures that allow her to spend time with her husband and two daughters.

Mary Pogioli graduated from Monmouth College with a BA in Biology and Psychology, as well as a MS in Educational Psychology. She has experience working as a teacher’s assistant for undergraduate biology and psychology students in addition to experience working in a special-needs preschool classroom.

Mrs. Pogioli recently relocated from Illinois to Arizona and has been with ACS since moving in 2019.

In her free time, Mrs. Pogioli enjoys hiking with her husband and dog Hank as well as reading mystery novels, cooking, and relaxing with her family.

Christine Fleming grew up in New York where she received a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Rhetoric. For over a decade she worked in the Financial Services and earned a Masters degree in Business Administration.

After moving to Scottsdale, Arizona in 2013, Ms. Fleming volunteered with children in the community and with the Girl Scouts. This inspired her career change to Education and she went back to college to earn her Arizona Teaching Certificate for grades K-8.

When she is not honing her teaching practices, Ms. Fleming is an active Girl Scout leader for her daughter’s troop and enjoys spending time with her family.

Madeline Oxley graduated from Arizona State University in 2017 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology with Mathematics minor.

Great Hearts is very close to her heart, as she is a Great Hearts Graduate. Miss Oxley graduated from Glendale Preparatory Academy in 2012 and is ecstatic to be returning to the Great Hearts family.

In her spare time she enjoys going to the movies, doing yoga, and spending time with her family and cat.

Terri Wiley is an Arizona native. She received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University, and her Masters of Science in Environmental Education from Southern Oregon University. She had the opportunity to travel extensively for one year with Up With People.

Mrs. Wiley is an Arizona certified teacher, and also holds an Arizona substitute certificate. She taught second and third grade students in the Peoria Unified School District for ten years. After taking time off to stay at home with her two sons, she substituted in Kindergarten through twelfth grade in the Deer Valley Unified School District for twelve years.

During her free time, Mrs. Wiley loves to spend time with her family and pets, read books in varying genres, hike, attend her church, and visit her parents in Pinetop, Arizona.

Coming from a large family, Victoria Oxley has always loved being around children. Before coming to ACS, she spent a few years nannying full time.

Miss Oxley fell in love with Great Hearts years ago at Glendale Preparatory Academy, where she graduated in 2015. She is ecstatic to continue her career at ACS!

In her free time, Miss Oxley loves to spend time with her family and her cat, as well as engaging in anything arts and crafts related!

Emilee Vega is a second grade assistant teacher that just graduated from the University of Arizona with her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. Ms. Vega is in the apprentice program in hopes of becoming a lead teacher at Archway. While in Tucson, Ms. Vega completed her student teaching in 2nd grade at a Title I school. She also has experience in grades K-6 as she was a substitute teacher for two years during her college career.

During Ms. Vega’s free time she enjoys hiking, reading and working out. Ms. Vega is a part of a big family whom she loves spending time with. She is excited to be back home in Scottsdale to start her teaching career.

Ana McBride is a second grade assistant teacher and it is her first year here at Archway Scottsdale. She graduated from Portland State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Communication. During that time, she worked in an after-school program serving 3rd-6th graders.

Miss McBride grew up in Casa Grande, Arizona, but moved away with her family 16 years ago to live in Brookings, Oregon. Most recently, she moved back from South Korea where she taught English for a year and a half.

In her free time, she enjoys taking dance classes, doing yoga, reading, hiking, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family.

Abigail Lomas is a Kindergarten teacher. She had previously been an assistant teacher, and prior, Ms. Lomas worked in various roles in education for 4 years. Interning in a special needs inclusive preschool, student teaching in both primary and elementary grades in the Paradise Valley Unified School district, and finally teaching third grade in Surprise, Arizona have all contributed to her wealth of knowledge.

Ms. Lomas moved to Arizona in 2008. She attended junior high and high school in the Valley of the Sun and graduated from Valley Vista High School in Surprise in 2014. After high school, she attended Arizona State University in Tempe (Go Devils!) where she graduated Summa Cum Laude in May 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood and early childhood special education.

A lover of all things creative, art and music, Ms. Lomas participated in marching band during both high school and college, and even aspired to study music education or clarinet performance before finally deciding to pursue a degree in education. During her free time, she loves to curl up with a good book, and travel to interesting places overseas (yes, Iceland is as amazing as you have heard—GO THERE!).

Madison Kling is currently an assistant teacher in second grade. Miss Kling embarked on her journey at Archway Scottsdale in 2019. Soon after she began working in second grade, she fell in love with her job and changed her degree from secondary education to elementary education.

In her spare time Miss Kling enjoys doing pottery and painting. Besides her passions in art, she also loves to study Hawaiian history and hopes to move back to Kauai one day!

Matthew Higby is excited to be a third-grade lead teacher at Archway Scottsdale. He graduated from Grand Canyon University with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education. While in college and high school, Mr. Higby was an assistant director and director for MoezArt Productions. He loves teaching and showing students his passion and joy for the theatre and the arts.

In his free time, Mr. Higby enjoys reading a book, serving the youth at his church, photography, and exploring Northern Arizona.

Caleb Calloway is a third grade lead teacher at Archway Classical Academy Scottsdale. Mr. Calloway is a native of Arizona. He graduated from Liberty University with a B.S. in Religion. After graduating, he moved abroad where he taught English for three years. He spent his first two years in China and moved to Japan for his third. In 2016, he returned home to Arizona where he began to work as an assistant teacher in third grade.

In his free time, Mr. Calloway enjoys hiking, reading, and traveling when he gets the opportunity.

Paola Colón Vargas is a 3rd grade teacher at Archway Scottsdale. After graduating with honors from Portland State University with a degree in International Studies, Paola moved to Moscow, Russia. There she worked as a teaching assistant for two years in mixed K-2 classrooms.

Originally from sunny Caguas, Puerto Rico, Ms. Colón Vargas missed the warm weather and moved back to Arizona. In her spare time Ms. Colón Vargas enjoys reading about history, watching foreign films, and listening to music by the pool.

Grace Martin is excited to return to Archway Scottsdale this year! She was born and raised in Southern California and moved to Arizona to attend Grand Canyon University. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Educational Studies and has been teaching ever since.

When Mrs. Martin is not in the classroom, she enjoys hiking, baking, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Coming soon!

Madeline Smith joined the 3rd grade team in 2019. Before moving to Fountain Hills in 2017, she and her husband of over 40 years lived in Olympia, WA.

She graduated from WWU in Bellingham, WA where they lived for 10 years. Since there were no Great Hearts Academies at that time, they gave their two daughters a classical education at home. Developing the character, soul and intellect of their daughters was what motivated them. Both daughters are teachers – one teaches chemistry at UT in San Antonio and one educates her children at home in PA while also translating the Bible for two people groups in Tanzania.

During the time their daughters were home and after they left for college, Mrs. Smith was a part-time counselor for about 25 years, teaching people how to choose truth and goodness in their everyday lives. She also wrote study materials and taught women how to teach classes at their church for over 15 years, helping them understand truth and how to become more beautiful in character. Before teaching at ACS, Mrs. Smith taught a combined 2nd and 3rd grade class at Fountain Hills Charter School.

To get refreshed, Mrs. Smith exercises by working out at the gym, taking a walk at the park or doing water aerobics, reads by or in the pool, visits her grandchildren on Skype or in person and spends time with friends.

Eleni Brandt comes to us with great enthusiasm for Archway Scottsdale as a first-year assistant teacher. She is a SoCal native, recently moving this summer to the East Valley with her family. Mrs. Brandt graduated from Cal State Fullerton in Communications and previously worked in a preschool/afterschool program.

Mrs. Brandt enjoys spending her summer breaks on exciting field trips to the beach and museums. She is married and has two daughters, four parrots (each from a different continent) and a miniature pinscher named Stella.  In her free time, Mrs. Brandt loves to swim, go boating and go roller skating.

Jade Leenhouts is currently an assistant teacher in the third grade. Growing up she has had the privilege of living in Michigan, Southern California, and now in Arizona. She recently graduated from Glendale Community College with an associate’s in Arts and will be pursuing her bachelor’s degree at ASU in Early Childhood Education.

Prior to joining the Archway community, Mrs. Leenhouts worked as a lab technician, teacher assistant and tutor for the Astronomy department at Glendale Community College. This allowed her to explore her passion for teaching.

Mrs. Leenhouts considers herself to be a lifelong learner and is always willing to expand her knowledge. In her free time, you can find her studying astrophysics, playing electric guitar, traveling with her husband, and spending time with her 2 cats.

Ryan Nordtvedt is 3rd grade teaching assistant. He grew up in Minnesota and graduated from Cornell College with a Bachelors in Kinesiology. He and his wife decided to leave the winters of the Midwest behind and made Arizona their home in 2018. He enjoys spending as much time as possible outdoors and traveling.

McKaela Christensen is a 3rd grade teaching assistant. She moved to Phoenix from Tokyo, Japan in the summer of 2016 and graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. In her free time, Miss Christensen enjoys reading, writing, birdwatching, and DIY projects.

Michael Rivera is currently a Teacher’s Assistant at Archway Scottsdale. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Film Production and minored in Photography at Emerson College in his hometown of Boston, Massachusetts. Before joining Archway Scottsdale, Mr. Rivera worked in Television, Advertising and has since transitioned into the tech world with a particular interest in combining educational technologies with new media.

After visiting Arizona and falling in love with its sunsets, Mr. Rivera decided to call this state home. In his spare time, Mr. Rivera enjoys being active and living a healthy lifestyle.  He also loves reading, drawing, coding, and spending time with his family and friends.

Adelee Stone is one of our third grade teacher assistants. She started at Archway-Cicero as an Athenaeum Program Assistant. Her experience with children has ranged from K – 5th grade.

Ms. Stone graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle with a B.A. in Sociology and Psychology.

She loves to read great books, listen to music and see live shows, practice yoga, and hike. She is also a mother of two wonderful twin boys, who after 6 years at Archway Cicero, will be entering Cicero Prep this year, and a daughter who attends Archway Cicero.

Miss Kokulis started as a student teacher in January 2021.

Marisa Lengel-Zigich is one of our fourth grade teachers. She started at ACS as a Teacher Assistant in Kindergarten. Her experience with children has ranged from Pre-K through High School.

Mrs. Lengel-Zigich graduated Magna Cum Laude from Arizona State University with a B.A. in English Literature, an Emphasis in Secondary Education and Minor in Religious Studies. Mrs. Lengel-Zigich has experience in the classroom for fifteen years ranging from 4 to 16 year-olds.

She met Mr. Lengel-Zigich in her sophomore Spanish class on the first day of school and they have been together ever since! She is an avid reader of great books, listener of wonderful music and watcher of entertaining movies. Other than doing any of these things in her spare time; she is also a mother of two wonderful daughters, and two dogs.

Natalie Hodson is currently a 4th Grade Teacher at Archway Scottsdale. She was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, and loves the Arizona heat!

Mrs. Hodson graduated Magna Cum Laude from Grand Canyon University with a BS in Exercise Science. She has worked with children of various ages in the past and also loves to learn, which led her to a career in education.

In her spare time, she enjoys exercising, spending time with her dogs, and doing fun activities like mini golf and bowling with her husband.

As a native to Arizona, Megan Yost graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Hotel Restaurant Management. Her degree led to two internships in Orlando, Florida at Walt Disney World Parks and Hotels and then onto Park City, Utah. During her time in Park City, Ms. Yost learned to enjoy snowboarding and loved being able to partake in outdoor summertime activities such as daily hikes and camping trips. In her previous career roles, Ms. Yost thoroughly enjoyed all training and teaching aspects and especially enjoyed interacting with the younger guests at Disney World.

In her free time, Ms. Yost enjoys baking, reading, being outdoors (in the cooler months), and spending time with her furry best friend Edwyn, a Westie mix.

Sean Keane is currently a fourth grade teacher at Archway Scottsdale. He received his BA in English from the University of Massachusetts in 2014. For two years, he taught English to non-native speakers in Boston, MA. In 2016, Mr. Keane moved to Arizona and soon after joined the ACS team as a second grade assistant teacher.

Mr. Keane enjoys traveling, exploring the Southwest, reading, and kayaking.

Dean Gore is a 4th grade Lead Teacher. He began at Archway Scottsdale in 2018 as an assistant teacher. Previously, Mr. Gore was a coach for Fit Kids America in San Diego.

Mr. Gore has lived in several states, but has called Arizona his home for most of his life. He attended Grand Canyon University where he received a B.A. in Digital Film with an Emphasis in Screenwriting. Mr. Gore enjoys playing many sports and was even a collegiate Ultimate Frisbee player! He and his wife are avid book and film collectors, and try to go to the theater as often as possible.

Bethany Grant is a 4^th grade lead teacher at Archway Scottsdale this year. Bethany attended Arizona Christian University, and graduated with a B.S. in Elementary Education with emphasis in Early Childhood and a minor in Biblical Studies. She went on to teach 4^th grade in Tucson, her hometown, for two years.

This past summer she married Mr. Grant and moved up to Phoenix to continue her educational journey. In her spare time, Mrs. Grant enjoys reading, cooking, traveling, and country dancing with Mr. Grant.

Greg Smith was raised in Walla Walla, Washington. He finished his undergraduate degree at Whitman College and completed his graduate degrees at Regent College.

Mr. Smith began his teaching career as a campus minister at Western Washington University and The Evergreen State College.

Outside of work, Mr. Smith enjoys river rafting, hiking, reading, and eating out with Mrs. Smith.

Paige Turcotte, formerly Paul, is currently a 4th grade assistant teacher at Archway Scottsdale. She moved from Billings, Montana to Scottsdale, Arizona in August of 2016. She loves the sun and will never return back to the cold again!

Mrs. Turcotte graduated with honors from Scottsdale Community College in May of 2018 with an Associate’s degree in elementary education. She has years of experience tutoring and interning, primarily with 4th-6th grade students. When she was 5 years old, she used to play “school” with her little brother. Ever since then, she knew her passion was in education.

Mrs. Turcotte loves to volunteer in the kitty center at PetSmart, ride her bike, and lounge by the pool on sunny days!

Andrew Manning is currently a fourth grade assistant teacher at Archway Scottsdale. He grew up as a TCK in the country of Jordan and graduated with a bachelors in Studio Art from Gordon College near Boston, MA in 2016. Straight out of college, he started teaching art and quickly fell in love with it! Since then, he has taught art with various non-profits and believes that developing creativity is critical for students to succeed in all areas. He has especially benefited from learning how to increase the resilience of traumatized children through teaching with the Phoenix-based non-profit Free Arts.

Mr. Manning was classically educated through high school and is an omnivorous reader. His appreciation of good books also impelled him to teach with ReadBetterBeBetter, an afterschool literacy program here in Arizona.

In his free time he loves painting in his art studio with podcasts, running, and exploring the beauty of Arizona through excursions and hikes.

Haley Teague is a 4th grade teaching assistant. She grew up in Austin, Texas and graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Specialist. She loves dogs, anything to do with the Middle Ages, coffee, and hiking with her fiancé.

Jordan Garcia is a 4th Grade Teacher’s Assistant. While she grew up in California, Jordan attended The King’s College in New York City to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Art. Over the past few years, Ms. Garcia has worked as a graphic designer, Sunday School teacher, math tutor, and will continue her creative and education passions as a teacher.

Outside of class, Ms. Garcia loves to explore Arizona’s museums, coffee shops, and catch a baseball game.

Jordan Leary is one of our 4th grade Assistant Teachers here at ACS. He is a young and aspiring teacher who is eager to learn more and more as he continues his path of education. Prior to his current position, Mr. Leary guided our young students in our Athenaeum program as one of their Lead Teachers. He also led our young present and future students as a Camp Counselor in our Summer Camp program here at ACS.

He is a Phoenix native and attended Phoenix Christian Elementary and Prep from kindergarten through senior year. After high school, Mr. Leary attended Arizona Christian University where he received his B.S. in Elementary Education. While attending Arizona Christian, Mr. Leary took part in their athletic programs as well, being a founding member on their football team and participating on their track & field team. He enjoys good music, long hikes, being active, quality time, and good conversation.

Shawn Putnam was born and raised in Scottsdale, AZ. He finished his undergraduate degree at Arizona State University and completed his graduate degree through Southern New Hampshire University. Mr. Putnam began his teaching career working at an English language academy in Bucheon, South Korea, where he lived for 15 months. Outside of work, Mr. Putnam enjoys reading, board games, and going to the theater.

Kurt Guenther joins Archway Scottsdale as a 5th grade lead teacher. He previously taught Middle School Mathematics at Great Hearts’ Maryvale Preparatory Academy.

Mr. Guenther was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ and went on to attend college in beautiful Spokane, Washington. Mr. Guenther graduated magna cum laude from Gonzaga University with a degree in Psychology. During one of his summers, he spent time in the village of Zambezi, Zambia living and teaching alongside local community members where he witnessed the true impact of education. After graduating, Mr. Guenther spent a year in Washington, D.C. with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps working with middle and high school students at a local non-profit organization. He believes in the power of mission-focused education that values high expectations and a loving, supportive environment.

Mr. Guenther is passionate about playing, watching, and coaching a variety of sports and has served as a basketball coach at the middle school and high school level. In his spare time, he enjoys playing guitar, attending live music events, and traveling. He is excited to be a part of ACS team and join such a great community of students, parents, faculty, and staff.

Roma Swenson is a 5th grade lead teacher. Prior to joining the ACS faculty, she taught 6th & 7th grade Lit/Comp at Scottsdale Prep. She has a BA in Art from UC Davis, and a MS in Library & Information Science from San Jose State University. After finishing her Master’s degree, she spent several years working in Silicon Valley for Apple Computer and Adobe systems.

Ms. Swenson homeschooled her two children as they spent two years sailing from Canada to Central America. They are all grown up now, so for fun, Ms. Swenson loves to sail, travel, photograph, read, write, and meditate. She does her best to find a way to do all of those together as often as possible when not spending time with students in the classroom.

Jocelyn Bills was raised in Southern California, but raised her family in Texas before moving to Arizona in 2014. She and her husband have 3 sons, 2 daughters in-law, and 3 granddaughters who light up their lives with joy and all things girly.

Mrs. Bills loves books, the beach, and baseball. Her favorite thing about teaching at a Great Hearts Academy is Socratic discussion and seeing the wonder in a student’s eyes when they discover something new and interesting.

Jarrod Posner is a 5th grade Lead Teacher. He was a member of the founding faculty of Archway Chandler in 2010, and was also a member of the founding faculty of Archway Arete in 2014. He is a native of Long Island, New York, but has lived in the East Valley since 1999. Mr. Posner earned a Bachelor’s in Psychology from the University of Phoenix and a Masters of Humanities, with a Concentration in Classical Education, from the University of Dallas. He possesses a love of American history, especially the American Revolution. He enjoys watching hockey, cooking, and spending time with his wife, children, and granddaughter.

Jonathan Seeliger graduated from New York Institute of Technology in 2007 with a Bachelor’s in English Literature, and he is also certified in Spalding instruction. He has several years of experience teaching fifth grade for the charter school Adams Traditional, but felt Archway was more aligned with his own beliefs and values, so he joined his wife and two daughters here.

While not born in Arizona, he did move here when he was six months old, so he considers himself a native. When he is not teaching, he’s usually found either at a local CrossFit gym, or out and about spending time with his family.

Kerry Ann Taylor is excited to be a third grade Assistant Teacher this year at Scottsdale Archway. She was born in Georgia and has had the opportunity to live in Kentucky, Washington, Utah, California, Virginia, Maryland and Texas before moving to Arizona.

Ms. Taylor owned an event planning company with her daughters for 7 years before coming to Archway Scottsdale. She loves history and philosophy. Her youngest daughter is at Archway Scottsdale and will have two sons at Scottsdale Prep. She is the mother of nine children and grandmother to five grandchildren. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking and reading.

Kathy Ducey has been a 5th grade teaching assistant with Great Hearts Academies for many years, both here at ACS and in previous years when the program was located in the middle school setting at Scottsdale Prep.

Mrs. Ducey is married, with four grown sons, and she is passionate about education. In her free time, Mrs. Ducey loves traveling and spending time with family and friends.

By education and training, she is a Registered Music Therapist and has experience with a variety of ages and populations. The bulk of her professional career was spent with children and adolescents. In her position both here at ACS, and in past years at SPA, she became familiar with the expectations for a sixth grade Great Hearts student. She knows what current fifth graders need to learn and the skills they need to develop by the end of the year, and she looks forward to the journey!

Becki Scarsone is happy to be a fifth-grade teaching assistant this year. She has worked in this capacity with Great Hearts since 2010. Prior to working for Great Hearts, Mrs. Scarsone was a stay-at-home mom to two children (now adults), Leah and Ty.

Mrs. Scarsone was born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia and attended Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania. There she met her husband, who was playing professional baseball with the Reading Phillies and went on to play at the major league level. She graduated with degrees in both psychology and elementary education.

Mrs. Scarsone enjoys running, yoga, biking, hiking, reading, traveling, and thankfully, baseball.

Coming soon!

Kristen Roden was born in Lajolla, California and was raised in Scottsdale, Arizona. She later received her Bachelor of Science degree and engaged in student leadership as a Senior Community Assistant for the upper-classman housing division at Arizona State University. She enjoys graphic design, traveling, doing yoga, and taking walks around the lake with her beloved dog Brody.

Coming soon!

Cyra Behrana is the art teacher for Kindergarten through second grade at Archway Classical Academy Scottsdale. She was born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan and moved to Arizona in 2015. Mrs. Behrana received her Bachelor’s degree in Textile Design from Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture. She majored in print design and her minor was in apparel design. As a textile designer, Mrs. Behrana created hand-drawn designs as well as computer generated motifs to be used for apparel and home textiles. Mrs. Behrana has also spent time in a school setting working at La Petite Academy as a preschool lead teacher. She is excited to work in an environment where her passion for the arts and her love for teaching can be merged. In addition to English, Mrs. Behrana is fluent in Gujrati and Urdu. In her free time, Mrs. Behrana enjoys spending quality time with her husband and two children, traveling, camping, swimming and painting.

Tonya McCain is the art teacher for grades three through five. Prior to joining the faculty at ACS she spent several years employed in art museums conceiving and executing educational programming for both children and adults. Ms. McCain received a BFA from Middle Tennessee State University in Painting and Sculpture and a Master of Arts degree from The Ohio State University in Art Education. In her free time Ms. McCain enjoys making art, running, hiking, exploring museums, and spending time with her three children.

Tom Jay is Academy Dean and 5th grade Latin teacher. He is a member of the founding faculty of ACS and served as 4th grade Team Leader prior to his current positions. Before joining ACS in 2011 Mr. Jay taught middle school at St. Agnes in central Phoenix. With Mr. Hull, Mr. Jay coedits Collegium, Archway Scottsdale’s faculty journal.

He is a native of Phoenix and attended Pima Elementary from Kindergarten through 8th grade (go Panthers!). After high school Mr. Jay attended the University of Dallas where he received a B.A. in English. Most recently he completed a Master of Humanities with a Concentration in Classical Education also at UD.

While an undergraduate Mr. Jay spent a semester in Rome and discovered a love for travel. He enjoys good books, lively conversation, and getting lost in foreign lands (especially around the Mediterranean).

Julie Higby is a native of Arizona, and recently graduated from Arizona Christian University with a Bachelor of Science in Music with an emphasis in piano performance. She has a passion for teaching children and loves to be around them. Miss Higby taught piano for three years before joining the faculty at Archway Scottsdale.

In her free time, she loves to laugh, drink good coffee, and read a great book. She also loves to travel and eat delicious food. She loves her family and friends, and is thrilled to be working at ACS.

Cheryl Ringer grew up in Casper, Wy. As a young girl she sang professionally in a family band. After high school she pursued music and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Vocal Performance, with double minors in Theater and Dance. She opened up a private Voice and Piano Studio, and after several years returned back to school for her Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Wyoming.

After graduate school, Ms. Ringer began working as the Director of Music at Gillette Community College where she put together a Musical Theater Troupe called the Energy City Voices. After of few years, she decide to return back to College at Black Hills State University where she pursued her second Master’s Degree in Education. Upon graduation she taught K-6 Music at Pronghorn Elementary in Gillette, Wy for the last three years.

Ms. Ringer joins us now here in Scottsdale to teach 3rd, 4th and 5th grade music. She is thrilled to be out of the cold and in the heat.

Derek Brush is a PE teacher for K-2. He has a passion for the youth and finds joy in giving the knowledge he has acquired over the years back to his students. Prior to teaching at Archway Scottsdale, Coach Brush worked at Mountainside Fitness.

Coach Brush is originally from California but found his way to Arizona when he decided to attend Arizona Christian University. Coach Brush graduated from ACU with a B.S. in Business and an emphasis in Sports Management and Marketing. He also obtained a Minor in Biblical Studies. Coach Brush played football all four years at ACU and also served on the leadership council with some of his football teammates.

He has a passion for all sports and any outdoor activity. During his free time, you will usually find him playing golf or hanging out with his friends. Please reach out to him if you ever want to play a round of golf!

Bryan Yahna is the 3rd-5th grade Physical Education teacher. Prior to teaching at Archway Scottsdale, he taught P.E. in grades K-6 at Gowan Science Academy in Yuma, AZ. In addition to his P.E. experience, Mr. Yahna has worked at multiple recreational summer camps in California, a YMCA in North Dakota, and on a Disney Cruise ship. He is originally from Elida, Ohio, where he attended the Elida Local School District from kindergarten through 12th grade. Mr. Yahna attended college at The Ohio State University where he received a Masters in Elementary Education. Along with Mr. Brush, the K-2 P.E. teacher, he helps run the sports clubs after school. Mr. Yahna enjoys traveling in his free time. In addition to exploring the United States and many of the National Parks, he has been to New Zealand and Australia multiple times. He even had the privilege of living and working in Australia for a year in several primary schools in the region of Wollongong, New South Wales. Being a P.E. teacher, Mr. Yahna has a passion for sports and fitness, and loves to hike in his spare time as well. He loves going to the beach and participating in pretty much any activity that is outdoors.

Marcela Masters is pleased to be teaching kindergarten and 1st grade Spanish. She has been teaching Spanish to young students since 2010. She loves teaching, especially the opportunities to explore, grow, and fun!

Señora Masters is from Peru where she grew up in small city by the beach. Whenever she can, she loves to go home and visit family. She has two beautiful children, Mia and Jacob, who are the light of her life.

After she graduated from University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Law, she aspired to come to the United States to learn English as a second language. She moved to Flagstaff and started going to school. After a few months she found a love and a passion for working with children. She decided to utilize her skills teaching Spanish. She looks forward to guiding children toward learning about the Spanish language and cultures of the Spanish-speaking world.

Brandon Hinthorn joined the staff at Archway Scottsdale in 2019. Mr. Hinthorn passionately teaches Spanish to 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th grade classes. Mr. Hinthorn has also been known as Señor Hinthorn, Monsieur Hinthorn and ヒンソーン先生。

Sr. Hinthorn has taught languages for more than five years. These languages include Spanish (3 years), French (2 years), and various other languages including Japanese and German. Sr. Hinthorn was also enlisted in the Army for 4 years. He has a bachelor’s degree in Modern Foreign Language Education and Church History (Theology).

Sr. Hinthorn has 2 daughters and enjoys spending as much time as he can with them. He enjoys mountain climbing, snowboarding, chess and travelling the world to meet people of all cultures and ethnicities. Sr. Hinthorn is constantly devoted to his studies of subjects outside of languages of all denominations including world politics, world religions and astrophysics.

Emily Chesko attended International Baptist College in Chandler, Arizona, where she graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education in 2014. Following her graduation, she spent five years teaching various grades and multiple subjects as well as middle school math at charter schools in the Greater Phoenix area.

Ms. Chesko attained her Arizona Teaching Certificate in K-8 and the Sheltered English Immersion Endorsement (SEI). She has enjoyed the challenge of working with children who were learning English as a second language. In addition, Ms. Chesko helped develop and implement a blended learning program that focused on teaching core curriculum while building computer skills.

A native of San Diego, Ms. Chesko enjoys reading good books, hiking, participating in a variety of sports, and traveling to new places. She is passionate about making a difference in the lives of her students in the coming school year.

In 2006, Casey Eaks received her Bachelors of Arts in Education degree from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA. She started teaching 4th grade the same year she graduated. The following year, she moved to Arizona, where she met her husband and began teaching 5th grade.

Mrs. Eaks has been a classroom teacher for 13 years, teaching 2nd, 4th, and 5th grades. In 2015, Mrs. Eaks received her Discovery Education Innovator certification, advancing in current practices in science and S.T.E.M. education. In 2017, she served as the Instructional Teacher Leader at her school, facilitating professional development in technology. In 2018, she joined Archway Scottsdale as the Technology and Chess Teacher for grades 3-5.

Mrs. Eaks loves spending time with her husband and two little boys. She enjoys bike rides, swimming, traveling, and movies with her family.

Rebecca Conforto is currently the Exceptional Student Services Academy Lead at Archway Classical Academy Scottsdale. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and Special Education from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. After graduating, Ms. Conforto began her work in Special Education running a Life Skills program at a private day school for students with moderate to severe Autism.

Before coming to Archway Scottsdale, Ms. Conforto was a multi-grades, Special Education classroom teacher for students ranging from third to eighth grade with varying learning differences.

While Ms. Conforto’s passion is providing equitable educational opportunities for all children, she also enjoys decorating, the intuitive arts, and spending time with her family, friends, and her cat, Gigi.

Rebekah McCarthy is one of our ESS Coordinators. She graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2004 with a Bachelor’s in Elementary and Special Education. Mrs. McCarthy went on to receive her Master’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from Grand Canyon University in 2008.

She has several years of experience working with students who have special needs at the elementary school level and tutoring students 1:1 in Spalding and Singapore math. She came to Archway Scottsdale with a love for teaching students of ALL levels, and a passion for fostering this love of learning in her students.

Mrs. McCarthy is an Arizona native, born in Tucson, AZ, and when she is not at school, you can find her at the CrossFit gym with her family. She loves spending time doing activities around the Valley with her husband and two daughters.

Stefanie Reifler attended the University of Arizona and received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Special Education with an emphasis on Specific Learning Disabilities and Emotional Behavioral Disorders.

She enjoys spending time with her 2 children, as well as her sisters and family that live in Illinois, Florida and New York. Ms. Reifler enjoys hiking, camping, and boating when in Arizona, but her favorite thing to do is travel going on adventures abroad. She has visited over twenty countries and has taken a bike tour in all of them. Her favorite place to visit to date is Italy!

Erin Gallagher is currently an ESSC at Archway Scottsdale, a Great Hearts Academy serving grades K-5.  She earned her Master of Arts in Special Education from Grand Canyon University, along with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Behavior and Social Understanding from the University of Arizona. Before joining Archway Scottsdale, Ms. Gallagher worked at a Title I elementary school in a self-contained classroom with students who had moderate-to-severe special needs while simultaneously pursuing her M.Ed.

Beginning her professional career at an equine facility for children with special needs, Ms. Gallagher utilized horses to help her students build social communication skills through body language and emotions.  This role was a great opportunity for Ms. Gallagher, a huge horse fanatic, to further her education by combining her passion for working with children and horses.

When not teaching, Ms. Gallagher enjoys being active and living a healthy lifestyle.  She loves spending time with her family and friends, as well as her dog, Ellie.

Emily Lockman graduated from the University of Nebraska Lincoln in 2016 with a degree in psychology. While earning her degree, she also was a member of the university’s softball team for all four years while going to the Women’s College World Series in 2013. After graduating, she spent a year working as a behavior interventionist with Easter Seals working with children that had Autism and Down Syndrome. After her time at Easter Seals, she went on to receive her master’s degree in Special Education from Grand Canyon University. While completing her master’s degree at GCU, Ms. Lockman began working as a Special Education Teacher in the Peoria Unified School District. Ms. Lockman spent three years in PUSD prior to coming to Great Hearts to help children get the education they deserve. Ms. Lockman will be a coach for the Scottsdale Prep middle school and high school softball teams this year.

Ms. Lockman comes from a family of teachers, as her mother is currently in her 24^th year of teaching in California and her grandmother retired from teaching after 30 plus years. Emily enjoys reading, volunteering, being outdoors hiking or working out, and spending time with her cat, Gus. Ms. Lockman loves to go visit her family in California anytime she can. Ms. Lockman is passionate about providing a wonder filled education for all students and loves impacting the children and families she works with.

After majoring in music therapy at ASU, Mary Goldenetz worked at a private school/outpatient clinic utilizing a sensory integration approach with preschool through high school aged students with learning differences. She learned techniques/strategies to facilitate neurodevelopment from occupational and physical therapists, as well as enhancing language skills from speech-language pathologists.

After the birth of her children, Mrs. Goldenetz practiced music therapy privately with individuals and groups in various public and private settings. In addition, she taught kindergarten at a small private school and provided instruction in multiple subjects for individuals and small groups of home-schooled students for 10 years.

Mrs. Goldenetz is currently working as an instructional assistant in the ESS Department. She loves to help students develop a growth-mindset, make learning fun, and continues to pursue her own love of learning especially in the area of brain plasticity and natural healing.

In her free time, Mrs. Goldenetz enjoys playing the clarinet and piano, composing songs, hiking in the mountains, kayaking, and playing tennis.

Renee Hayes is the Assistant Teacher in the ESS department. Previously, she worked in the Behavioral Health field as a Youth and Family Specialist that involved working with children in various classroom settings. Mrs. Hayes obtained an Associate’s degree in Family Life Education through Rio Salado College and plans to further her education.

Mrs. Hayes was born in Buffalo, New York, but moved to Phoenix with her family when she was 17 years old; this is where she was introduced to soccer, her passion. She played soccer on a women’s league for several years then went on to coaching young girls. Along with her passion for soccer, Mrs. Hayes likes to camp, hike, cook, shop, read, listen to music, and goes for walks with her dog. But most of all she loves to spend time with her family.

A native of Washington D.C., Lisa Pennington graduated from the George Washington University with a B.A. in Visual Communications. A move to Denver and years in the graphic design field led her to a marketing career with Microsoft. Another move, to Arizona, brought her to the Microsoft store where she trained adults in how to use various software programs.

As a long-time Girl Scout leader, Mrs. Pennington has always enjoyed helping children, so she made the move into education as an Assistant Teacher in 2015. She transitioned into Exceptional Student Services in 2018.

Married and a mother of one, she enjoys spending time with her family and pets, cooking, hiking, reading, traveling, and listening to live music.

A native-born Arizonan, Heather Beauchamp graduated from Arizona State University with a B.F.A. in Drawing, a passion of hers. Before entering the educational field, she previously worked as an assistant, and then director, of activities for an Alzheimer’s and Dementia facility. Working with these individuals made Ms. Beauchamp realize that she greatly enjoyed helping others and pursue a career where she could utilize her skills to the best of their abilities. This led her to working as an Instructional Support Para-educator for a K-2 self-contained Life Skills Special Education classroom for the past several years at a district Elementary school. It was here that Ms. Beauchamp made the decision to further her education and begin pursing a teaching certification for Special Education.

When not busy pursing her teaching certification, Ms. Beauchamp greatly enjoys learning to cook new and exciting things. She also enjoys painting in her free time, as well as hanging out with her family and spoiled Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Remi!

Molly Jimmerson is in her second year working in the field of special education. This is her first year working for Archway Scottsdale, and she is excited to gain experience in a classical education setting. She is a Sophomore at Arizona State University majoring in both Elementary Education and Special Education. Ms. Jimmerson is an alumni of Great Hearts and graduated from Anthem Preparatory Academy in 2018. Her favorite subjects are math and Spanish, and she is so excited to be a part of the Archway Scottsdale team.

Ashley Newell is thrilled to return to Archway Scottsdale this year our ELL (English Language Learners) Coordinator.

Prior to moving out west, Mrs. Newell attended Northwestern University’s acting conservatory, earning a B.A. in theater and the French language. Following college, she joined the 2014 Teach For America Corps in Phoenix, where she taught third and fourth grade in a public school for four years. During that time, she obtained a master’s degree in elementary education from Arizona State University.

When not at school, Mrs. Newell enjoys reading, hiking, and exploring Arizona’s natural beauty. She is thrilled to be a part of such a tremendous community of great-hearted students, parents, and faculty!

Tona Marie Stough graduated from Arizona State University in 1995, with a bachelor’s degree in education K-8 and an ESL/BLE endorsement. Mrs. Stough served in the ESL environment as an assistant and tutor while going to school. Her placement was sought in K-8 classrooms, where she worked with English language learners and their families very closely for three years. Mrs. Stough married and had their first three children in a four-year timespan. She chose to stay home with them and tutor while their family continued to grow! Mrs. Stough has since served for 20 years as both homeschool teacher of seven children, and cooperative teacher/tutor of homeschoolers in the East Valley.

She enjoys Classical music, art, theater, and good literature, as well as venturing out with her children to try new foods from other cultures. Mrs. Stough collect maps and timelines, and loves to learn about World history. When she feels very inspired, and can find the time and space to create, she writes poetry and enjoy collaborating musically with others.

Carrie Toppenberg grew up in Arizona and loves living in the desert with her husband and two children. She has a Masters in Elementary Education and an Arizona State Teaching Certificate with a Structured English Immersion Endorsement.

She is thrilled to be working at Archway as a literacy coach and feels right at home as her children attended Archway the founding year. Mrs. Toppenberg has taught many ages throughout the years from first grade all the way to a position at Arizona State University’s College of Education.

She loves hiking, baking, reading, photography and being with family and friends.

Amy Storz received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education from Northern Arizona University, and a Master of Arts in Educational Counseling from the University of Phoenix. She is an AZ certified teacher with fifteen years of experience.

Mrs. Storz began her career with the Cave Creek Unified Schools. During her years in Cave Creek, she taught third, fourth and fifth grade gifted for a brief time, and also spent many years teaching third grade. After her time in Cave Creek, Mrs. Storz decided to stay home for a few years with her two sons. She returned to teaching in 2017. During her free time, Mrs. Storz enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, and vacationing in the Caribbean.

Mia Betz is the school nurse at Archway Classical Academy Scottsdale. Mrs. Betz Graduated with Honors with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. She worked for over fifteen years as a registered nurse at Barrow Neurological Institute primarily in the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit and was awarded Employee of the Year during her tenure there. Compassionate care, a nurturing environment, health promotion, and education are the primary focuses of Mrs. Betz. Prior to her role as the school nurse, she worked as an assistant teacher at ACS in second grade.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, and dog (a Jack Russel). She also enjoys reading, traveling and exploring the United States, healthy cooking, fitness, gardening, and home improvement projects.

Susan McIver is a school nurse at Archway Classical Academy Scottsdale.  She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Northern Arizona University, has worked in Pediatrics, Surgery and has been in School Nursing for over 10 years.

Mrs. McIver is an Arizona native, married and has four grown children.  She enjoys gardening, hiking, anything outdoors and spending time with family, friends, her dog Nya and goat Zola.

Paola Gale is thrilled to support Archway Scottsdale as Director of Academy Giving. As a founding family of Scottsdale Prep, her 4 daughters have been greatly enriched by the Classical Education offered at Archway Scottsdale and Scottsdale Prep.

Mrs. Gale has extensive experience in Nonprofit Management, and worked for a large local school district and a national Youth Development Organization. Mrs. Gale earned a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities with an emphasis in Art History from Brigham Young University.

She is passionate about her family, Dutch Renaissance art, the beaches in San Diego, and helping youth reach their true potential.

Amber Johnson, Academy Giving Associate, joined Archway Scottsdale in summer 2018. She has a passion for education and holds undergraduate degrees from Northern Arizona University and a Master’s in Music History from Arizona State University. Ms. Johnson enjoys being a part of a community of inquisitive scholars and loves helping to enrich the lives of others through education. She is also is a musician, primarily piano, and enjoys hiking and reaching children’s and YA books.

Kelly Colliat, Development Administrator, joined the Great Hearts Scottsdale in 2017, having initially worked as Campaign Coordinator for the Better Together Capital Campaign. After home schooling their four children for over 15 years, Mrs. Colliat and her husband have been grateful for the Great Hearts education offered to their children.

A native of Arizona, Mrs. Colliat received her Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from Arizona State University, and cherished the opportunity to be home raising their children. Mrs. Colliat’s favorite activities are reading Historical Fiction, drinking a Starbucks Iced Coffee and SCUBA diving – but not all at the same time!

Meagan Evans joined the Archway Scottsdale Academy Giving team as Administrative Director in 2019 and currently has one child attending Archway Scottsdale.

Mrs. Evans was born in southern California, where she lived until graduating high school. From there she lived in Washington, the Marshall Islands, Michigan, Texas, and Oklahoma before landing in Arizona to be near family and enjoy the dry desert.

Mrs. Evans earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Andrews University and a Master of Science in Marriage & Family Therapy with an emphasis in substance abuse from Loma Linda University. Before choosing to stay at home to take care of her family for many years, she worked with children, adolescents, adults, and couples to help them manage the challenges of mental health, eating disorders, and chemical dependency.  Mrs. Evans also worked with the courts, law enforcement, and local schools to help protect children from abuse and neglect.

Outside of work, Mrs. Evans enjoys volunteering at Archway Scottsdale in the classroom, lunchroom, yearbook, and with the faculty appreciation team, as well as quilting/sewing, reading, and spending time relaxing with her family and beagles.