Ms. Arnold grew up in Indiana and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Pathology at Indiana University. Through her many years of working with children of all ages, she has discovered her passion for teaching and exploring with the elementary age. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, exercising, traveling and spending time with her family and friends. For only moving to the Phoenix area two years ago, she has come to love the diverse and beautiful state of Arizona and is so excited gain more family and friends through Great Hearts.
Dr. Barela, a bassoonist and educator native to Southern California, is happy to return to Maryvale Preparatory Academy as Instructor of Music for grades 2-5. Previously, he served as a Teaching Artist with the Symphonic Jazz Orchestra, an organization that offers Music Education curricula to defunded public schools throughout Los Angeles County. Dr. Barela holds a Bachelor of Music degree with a minor in Psychology from the University of Southern California, where he studied with Stephen Maxym (former solo bassoon, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra) and Rose Corrigan (principal bassoon, Pacific Symphony). He holds a Master of Music degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he studied with John Clouser (principal bassoon, Cleveland Orchestra). And a Doctor of Musical Arts degree with a minor in Music Education from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he designed and implemented courses in Pedagogical Methodology for graduate and undergraduate students in Music Education and also taught primary bassoon lessons at the University of Rochester. Dr. Barela has received a fellowship from the Los Angeles Philharmonic and numerous scholarships from organizations throughout the United States, including the Trustee Scholarship (full tuition) from the University of Southern California. Dr. Barela has performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Opera Santa Barbara, Monterey Symphony (among others)—having appeared as a soloist with the Dana Point Symphony and Huntington Beach Symphony. He delights in seeing the people around him succeed, both students and faculty, and he revels in making meaningful, long-lasting connections. Dr. Barela’s greatest joy comes from embedding a sense of self-discover in his students’ journey of self-expression.
Mr. Cartee worked in education in Colorado for five years prior to coming to Maryvale Prep. He received his Bachelor of Arts in History from Colorado College and gained his teaching license through the Pikes Peak BOCES Two Year Teacher in Residence program. This year he is starting his Masters in School Counseling through Adam State University. Matty believes that all children deserve a great education and teachers who care deeply for them and is happy to rejoin a team at Maryvale Prep that is fully committed to that belief.
Ms. Casas is originally from Chicago, Illinois where she attended DePaul University. She graduated in 2019 with a B.A. in History and Liberal Arts. She moved to Phoenix in 2020 and is still adapting to the Arizona heat. Mireya has worked as a youth care worker and coach for various sports where she discovered an interest in working with children. In her free time she enjoys camping, hiking, playing guitar and reading at her favorite coffee shop. She hopes to channel her passion for learning into her students and encourage them to work hard in everything they do.
Mr. Castro is currently on track to someday becoming a librarian. He has grown up all over Arizona-from Phoenix, to Laveen, to Tempe, and Chandler. Mr. Castro has volunteered as a teacher’s assistant and a librarian assistant and has volunteered doing other community service around Tempe. He is currently enrolled in Mesa Community College, but will soon transfer to ASU to complete a degree in teaching, and will continue to strive for a master’s. Education has always been a top priority in his family, and he has been waiting for his opportunity to help in the classroom, paving the way for future generations. Mr. Castro’s goals include helping children socially understand themselves and others, and helping children understand the many ways learning can take place. His hobbies include exercise, reading, watching movies, learning and studying different cultures, and is a board game enthusiast. Mr. Castro continues to improve with the faculty at Maryvale Prep at becoming a truly remarkable teacher.
Ms. Solis grew up in Mesa and has worked teaching in a daycare with children up to the age of three. Michelle always knew she wanted to make a difference and knew she wanted to work with children. Her hobbies include hiking with her family and dogs, painting, watching movies and spending time with family. Michelle is excited to pursue working with children and looking forward to helping future students. She joins the faculty at Maryvale prep as she is excited to be working with such amazing people who care about the students and their education.
Ms. Cortez was born in Hawaii and resided there for her first three years. With being in a military family, she moved around, but considers Texas and Arizona as her home. She has two siblings, one older sister and one younger brother and has four dogs. Attended and graduated from Ironwood High School and currently pursuing her Associates Degree in Psychology through Glendale Community College with a graduation date in June 2021. Will transfer to Phoenix College to obtain her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Education. Ms. Cortez enjoys reading, working out, spending time with friends and family, and working with kids.
Ms. Cronin originally hails from Boston, Massachusetts, but now proudly calls Phoenix home. She graduated from ASU in 2018 with two bachelor’s degrees in psychology and communication and is now working towards earning her Masters in elementary education from ASU. In addition to teaching, Ms. Cronin has over 5 years of experience in coaching competitive gymnastics, which is what ultimately sparked her interest in a teaching career. Her passion for helping children and making a difference in their lives, whether it be through gymnastics or in school, is what drives her motivation to teach. She hopes to continue to positively impact the lives of others as part of the Maryvale Prep community!
Ms. Cruz was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York and moved to Arizona nine years ago. Johanni attended the City University of New York – York College where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. She enjoys shopping, traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family. She feels that First Grade is wonderful so, she is anticipating an awesome school year!
Previously, she worked for 3 years in a classroom for students with emotional disorders, where she enjoyed helping children gain confidence with her classroom motto, “There is always hope, because you are loved.” This inspired both Allison and the students to pursue goals, which others did not think they could reach, and learn that the impossible can be done through them.
Before making her home in Arizona, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication for Film, Television, and Radio at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (Go Badgers). She then worked overseas in Asia and Eastern Europe with a college Christian ministry, studying the cultures and leading Bible Studies. In her spare time, she enjoys drinking loads of coffee with friends, cheering on her dear Chicago Cubs, and telling stories. She is truly grateful for another year with the Maryvale Prep family.
Emma is thrilled to be returning for her third year at Maryvale Preparatory Academy as the 5th grade Math and Science Teacher. Originally from Southern California, Emma moved to Arizona to attend Arizona State University where she graduated Summa Cum Laude in Management and Spanish. Her studies led to many involvements in student enrichment programs to encourage higher educational achievement, including a leadership development program at Maryvale High school through the Spirit of Service Scholars of the ASU Watts College. In her final year at university, she completed an Honors Thesis in which she developed a self-care and mental health awareness program for an elementary school in Queen Creek, Arizona. This experience developed her understanding of how important communities are in the development of young minds, now more than ever. She is now pursuing her master’s degree in Science and Technology Policy at Arizona State University to continue growing in her ability to communicate math and sciences to her students. Living by the mantra, “be kind, be curious, be active,” she is excited to help her students grow as individual thinkers and scholars.
Sarah Hardy eagerly joins the Maryvale Prep Team as a first year T.A in first grade! She is currently going to school to study more about how to run Youth Centers. Sarah likes dancing, singing and as well as helping out with students. Sarah brings lots of joy and energy to any room. She has the best snacks and loves to show off her cooking skills. In the classroom Sarah works closely with her students in order for them to be the amazing scholars we know they are! Sarah plans on continuing working with the youth and helping them set goals for their future. She is excited to see where all the students she has helped go and do!
Ms. Allen grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada, but has travelled and lived in many of the Southwestern states. Ms. Allen earned her bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in Exercise Science and Pedagogy with a minor in Spanish from the University of Utah and a Master’s in Oriental Medical Theory (M.S.O.M.) from Southwest Acupuncture College. In addition, Ms. Allen is a Speech Language Pathology Assistant educated from Northern Arizona University and holds her Special Education teaching certification from Rio Salado College. Ms. Allen is the mother of two amazing children, loves to travel, swim, play the piano, ukulele, bass and a continued passion for learning. She is looking forward to this new year to help enrich and motivate our young learners and in helping them be their best.
Mrs. Hunt has lived in California and Washington and moved to Arizona in 2019. Mrs. Hunt earned her bachelor’s degree (BSA) in Accounting as well as a Certificate in Supply Chain Management at Central Washington University and a Master’s (MSA) in Accountancy at California State University Los Angeles. She has a passion for reading and writing as a way to experience new worlds and relay thoughts, ideas and emotions. She enjoys swimming in the ocean, writing poetry, and spending time with her husband and their animals (a cat, a dog, and a bearded dragon). She feels such gratitude to continue working with the amazing staff at Maryvale Prep and looks forward to making her own contributions in the classroom and within the community.
Devoted to deeply artistic and emotionally honest interpretations, violinist Melisa Karić performed with many ensembles around the Europe. She joined the Grove Graduate String Quartet of Fred Fox School of Music in the fall 2019. Ms. Karić performed at numerous festivals in Spain, Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Italy, Serbia, United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
As an education ambassador, she is wholeheartedly devoted to pass her knowledge to young students. After graduating with honors from University of Sarajevo, she continued her studies in CSMVigo in Spain. Currently, she is pursuing Masters studies with Timothy Kantor at Fred Fox School of Music. Her teaching philosophy is to offer guidance needed for the students to discover individual musical path. Even though her music classes focus on developing technical and musical abilities for understanding music, she also tries to offer well-rounded education with the focus on the analytical, emotional and social skills as well. Having an opportunity to study and teach in Europe and United States, she’s combined different methods into her teaching philosophy.
Off the stage she replaces violin and bow with the knife in the kitchen. Ms. Karic enjoys yoga, hikes and spending time with friends and family.
Mrs. Limas-Herschell, also known as “Ms. L” by many of the students and families, is returning to her role as the Archway School Counselor. Mrs. Limas-Herschell is originally from Mexico City which allows her to have fluency in Spanish as well as the ability to relate to many of our Spanish speaking families. Mrs. Limas-Herschell holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Arizona as well as a Masters Degree in Social Work from Arizona State University. Mrs. Limas-Herschell has a background working as a family therapist in a behavioral health agency prior to coming to Maryvale Prep. This has allowed her to engage in a holistic manner with not only the students but their families as well as the need has arisen. Mrs. Limas-Herschell is trained in Family Systems Therapy as well as Attachment Therapy and Play Therapy. In her free time Mrs. Limas-Herschell enjoys trying new restaurants with her husband, attending her step sons sports activities as well as engaging in yoga and taking long hikes.
Ms. Long originally comes from Missouri, where she earned her bachelor’s degree (BA) in History with a minor in Sociology at Maryville University of St. Louis. Following graduation, Ms. Long spent fulfilling time as a legal assistant, before focusing on her passion for childcare. She has seen first-hand the impact of quality education, specifically as it relates to younger children in her own family. Ms. Long has been a very involved figure in the development of her nephew and nieces, who inspired her to teach. She was often a multi-sport athlete in school and continued her lacrosse career into college. She enjoys exercise, live music, camping, and most of all reading. She is most drawn to the Maryvale Prep mission as it is designed to cater to the souls and hearts of children, not their minds alone. She is excited to bring her energy to her students, and create a safe, welcome environment for young scholars.
Mr. Lotti is from West St. Paul, MN and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting-Performance from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. A long high school and collegiate career of baseball, basketball, soccer, and multiple dance classes make him excited to bring his love of athletics to Archway and Maryvale. His teaching experience ranges from coaching JV and Varsity Baseball at Saint Agnes School in St. Paul, MN to leading theatre camps at Chesterton Academy in Hopkins, MN. He has a passion for giving students the best opportunities to be bold, confident, and successful as well as cultivating great attitudes and team spirit on and off the field. His hobbies include social dancing, singing, pick-up basketball, frisbee golfing, hiking, and enjoying the Arizona sun!
Daisy Martinez is excited to join the Maryvale Prep family this year. Ms. Martinez joined the United States Navy after high school, there she served for five years as a Hospital Corpsman. After her enlistment was over, she attended San Diego State University where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Women’s Studies with a minor in Psychology. She then went on to continue her education and earned her Master of Arts in Education.
After completing her education, she worked as a substitute teacher in Dallas Texas and then moved to California where she was placed as a long-term substitute serving alongside the lead teacher for the entire school year. There she found her love for teaching kindergarten. She has experience teaching in both kindergarten and first grade, but her heart will always be in kindergarten. This will be her third-year teaching kindergarten. She is excited to be your child’s teacher and help begin their academic journey.
Ms. Martinez grew up in numerous cities and states, namely Oklahoma City, OK, Las Vegas, NV and Litchfield Park, AZ and has worked in various fields. Ms. Martinez is currently obtaining her bachelor’s degree (BSED) in Secondary Education at Arizona State University. She is passionate about education and is excited to share her love of learning with her students. Her hobbies include reading and exercise. She joins the faculty at Maryvale Prep and the amazing community of Great Hearts after seeing firsthand how students thrive within it.
While in high school, Miss Mendoza volunteered in a four-year old preschool classroom, and found her calling. She knew she wanted to continue working with children in some form. She grew up in Maryvale. As an adult she moved to Surprise, Arizona where she began her professional career as a Child Care Aide in a state licensed before and after school facility; eventually moving onto roles of site director and mentoring four other sites for thirteen years. Miss Mendoza decided to return to Maryvale as part of the Maryvale Prep team as a testament to the teachers who had a part in instilling and supporting the passion for education and learning that she discovered in her early childhood. She looks forward to putting forth her experience and talents towards guiding her own students on their paths to becoming life -long learners. She enjoys spending time with her nieces and nephew, reading, crafting and watching documentaries.
Ms. Nieto grew up in Arizona where she attended Arizona State University and graduated with her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education with an endorsement in Structured English Immersion. She has worked as teacher in various grade levels ranging from preschool to first grade, to teaching English in an orphanage in South Africa She also works at an art studio part time teaching adults and children the different techniques and mediums of art. Nicole is very experienced in her art repertoire from taking art classes from childhood all the way through college. She is honored to provide Maryvale Prep students with various art techniques, mediums, and passion for creativity. Nicole believes art is just as important for a child’s education as any other academic class. Art is where the children are able to express themselves and become confident in their creativity. Apart from her enthusiasm for art and working with children, Nicole is an avid reader, enjoys spin classes hiking, drawing, and spending quality time with family and friends. She is looking forward to a wonderful year!
Miss Pridgen is an Arizona native; she is currently studying at Grand Canyon University and is working to become a kindergarten teacher. She enjoys spending her time reading, painting, watching movies and spending time with friends and family.
Mr. Ramirez is originally from the Central Valley in California. He moved to Phoenix in 2013 and graduated from the top of his class at Arizona State University. He worked for the Arizona Department of Agriculture before realizing his true passion was in teaching. Steven began teaching Poetry in 6th grade before becoming a lead teacher in kindergarten. This is Steven’s first full year in teaching, and he is constantly looking for different ways to get his students engaged. In his free time, he enjoys watching Arizona sports and hiking with his wife.
Growing up in Chicago, Mr. Roser is a lifetime lover of all sports and culture. He has worked in various fields including construction and marketing before beginning at Maryvale prep. He is a graduate from the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago and holds a bachelor’s degree in Theology. Over the past several years, Aaron has volunteered with many non-profits from blessings under the bridge in Spokane, WA to Christ Community Drug and Alcohol rehabilitation in Chicago. Aaron first got his love for teaching in the classroom as a tutor in Chicago’s China town during his undergraduate studies. His passions include playing basketball, playing cards, exercising and making food with his wife, Avarie.
Ms. Salas was born and raised in Mexico up until she was in elementary school and moved to Phoenix as she started middle school. She attended Grand Canyon University and graduated in December 2019 with a bachelor’s degree (BS) in Psychology and a minor in counseling. During her years at Grand Canyon University, she volunteered in several schools as an after-school tutor and through those hours of working with children in the classroom, she discovered her love in working in the field of education. Her passion in the classroom is to find ways to support students and give them the best opportunities to grow and succeed. She most enjoys reading and hopes to foster the love of literature in students at Maryvale Prep.
Mrs. Saar was born and raised in South Carolina and graduated from Covenant College in Georgia with a degree in Elementary Education. Ms. Marshall has taught for six years, and this will be her third year teaching 3rd grade. She has a passion for watching young hearts and minds grow and is excited to join the Maryvale team. In addition to teaching, Ms. Saar enjoys spending time with good friends, exploring the outdoors, and traveling.
Ms. Selser grew up in Texas and Colorado where she discovered her love of working with children. Emma earned her bachelor’s degree (BSHS) in Elementary Education at Grand Canyon University. Ms. Selser believes that students learn best when they feel welcomed and safe. She will strive to create a classroom environment where students can grow and thrive academically and in virtue. She enjoys traveling, hiking, singing and learning new ways to engage her students. She joins the faculty at Maryvale Prep as a part of her interest in fostering growth and because of the exceptional staff and community.
Mrs. Suarez is an Arizona native who grew up in Phoenix and Peoria. Her passions include reading, cooking, spending time with family, and teaching children. Teaching has always been her passion and she is excited to create a positive environment that will allow students to flourish this upcoming school year.
Mr. Suarez is an Arizona native and is currently attending ASU to earn his degree in psychology. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, spending time with family and exploring new places with his wife. As he rejoins the team at Maryvale Prep, he cannot wait to share beauty and truth to students everyday through his teachings.
Mr. Tolbert is from Columbus, GA where attended Georgia Southern University and received his Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology. During his time in college, he received his certification to coach basketball, volleyball, and tennis. During his time in high school, Trey competed in basketball and golf which gave him the passion to pursue sports in college and coaching in the future. He believes that sports are more than just a game, and that it helps build character and long-lasting friendships. During his free time Trey likes to play basketball, workout, read, and play video games. One of Trey’s favorite quotes to live by is from the late great Kobe Bryant. “I think the definition of greatness is to inspire the people next to you. It’s how can you inspire a person, to then in turn inspire another person, that then inspires another person. That’s how you create something that lasts forever. I think that’s our challenge as people, is to figure out how our story can impact others and motivate them in a way to create their own greatness.”
Mr. Walters absolutely adores Phoenix and the Maryvale community, the surrounding mountains and hiking trails, and the summer heat. Mr. Walters was born and raised in Michigan where he graduated high school, fell in love with teaching, spent three years of undergraduate school pursuing a History and Education double major, before finishing his undergraduate work in History at Keene State College in New Hampshire. As a son of a single mother and a first-generation college student, Mr. Walters personally understands the immense significance of education. Mr. Walters’ life work is to dismantle the cycle of poverty and to ensure that one day all children have access to a rigorous and transformative education. Mr. Walters cannot wait to work alongside the exceptional staff at Maryvale Prep, continue to connect with the surrounding Maryvale community, and help every student at Maryvale discover their brilliance.
Mr. Wolfrum Lopez grew up in Peoria and has worked in various fields such as health care, hospitality, and now education. Her hobbies include hiking, exercise, watching movies, and attending musical concerts. Ms. Wolfrum earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology Emphasis in Physician Assistant. She understands the importance of a quality education and is honored to work in the classroom to expand the minds of the future generation. The outstanding staff and community are what engaged her interest to accept this opportunity.
Ms. Alvarez has a long history working in social work and customer service, and she is delighted to return to Maryvale Prep and work with our families.
During her senior year of high school, Ms. Georgia volunteered at an integrated private school. She quickly developed a passion for working with students with exceptional needs. Ms. Georgia became a Special Education Teacher, and was employed where she originally volunteered for 14 years. Ms. Georgia received her BA in Sociology from CSUSB and Special Education Certification and Master’s degree in Special Education from National University. Upon moving to Phoenix in 2012, Ms. Georgia worked as a Program Director for a K-12 private school for students with exceptional needs. She conducted a monthly parent support group meeting, developed the curriculum, including tools and techniques to modify it for individual needs, and helped implement positive character building and social success for students, community service projects, and teacher training in positive behavior interventions and interpreting and analyzing assessment data. Ms. Georgia is looking forward to another year with the Maryvale Prep Team and helping students achieve their goals and conduct evaluations. Ms. Georgia’s own daughter will also return to Maryvale Prep as a sixth grader and her son as a third grader.
Mr. Richard Galewski is returning with great excitement to continue serving as the Athletic Director of Maryvale Prep. Mr. Richard Galewski hails from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Prior to his arrival, Rich taught in Mineral Point, Wisconsin and was an assistant baseball coach at the University of Wisconsin Platteville. While at Platteville, Rich perused to earn his Master’s Degree in Adult Education. As a former college athlete, his competitiveness of sports allowed him to play professionally in Shanghai, China upon receiving his Liberal Arts degree from Cardinal Stritch University (2009). As a Physical Education teacher, Rich has been influenced throughout the sports world and likes helping kids of all ages extend their comfort zone and to guide students to reflect gratitude in their attitude. He has taught for 9 years at the high school and elementary level and has been a coach for nearly 12 years where he has worked with young inspiring competitors and college student athletes. His style and charismatic delivery engages his students to help strengthen their character.
Ms. O’Dowd was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, and graduated magna cum laude from Gonzaga University with a degree in French Language and Literature. She then pursued a Masters of Art in Art History from Arizona State University, from which she graduated summa cum laude. Ms. O’Dowd has spent the past seven years working in the art and e-commerce industries in New York City, but felt a calling to return to the academic world and share her love of learning with her students. Ms. O’Dowd approaches each day with a positive attitude and the belief in the power and importance of a liberal arts education to educate and inspire the whole person. Outside of school, Ms. O’Dowd enjoys riding her bike, reading, hiking, and attending concerts of all her favorite bands.
