Ms. Acosta excitedly joins the team at Maryvale Prep this year as a 5th grade teaching assistant. She grew up in Goodyear and has held a plethora of odd jobs from a classroom assistant to a pizza maker to a tutor for middle and elementary school students. Ms. Acosta recently returned from Orange, California where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in screenwriting along with a minor in psychology from Chapman University. She has seen what a higher education can provide and hopes to guide future students to pursue their own passions in higher education. Her interests include reading, writing, boxing, watching movies, and spending time with her nieces and nephew. She is honored to join the faculty at Maryvale Prep and hopes to continue their exceptional work of cultivating young minds to better the community and eventually the world.
Alexia Acuña is eager and excited to join the team at Maryvale Prep as a kindergarten TA! For the past three years, she has worked as a preschool teacher for two and three year olds and is currently a bible school teacher on Sundays. Ms. Acuña volunteers every summer to care for and mentor students of all grades at youth camps. She 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.
Samantha Adam is very excited to return for her second year as one of the Lead Teachers for Kindergarten at Maryvale Prep Academy. She has grown tremendously in her time here, both as a person and as an educator and has enjoyed watching her students blossom and flourish over time. Ms. Adam graduated from GCU with a Bachelors in Fine Arts and hopes to further education and obtain her Masters in Education where she may continue to impact the minds of young lives. Ms. Adam enjoys serving at her church during the weekend where she also works with toddlers and infants. She loves every opportunity she gets to work with kids and hopes to make a difference in their lives by giving hope and encouragement to a bright future.
Eden Alvarez is returning to Maryvale Preparatory Academy for her fifth school year as the Medical Assistant. She is from a small town in the Yuma County known as Somerton, AZ and attended Apollo College where she received her Diploma/Certification as a Medical Assistant. She worked in Mesa and Tempe as a Medical Assistant before relocating back to her hometown. For the next two years in Somerton, she served both internal and pediatric patients at the Sunset Community Health Center. She also helped the clinic in reaching out to people with no medical insurance by volunteering at community health fairs. During her spare time, Eden enjoys reading, writing, cooking, hiking, and motivating and inspiring people with their fitness goals. She is excited to continue helping the children of Maryvale Prep not only with their health needs but also by supporting their growth as individuals as they pursue their goals and life aspirations.
Rebecca Anderson received a B.A. in English with a minor in Reading Specialization K-8th grade from Texas A&M International University. Arizona has been her hometown for the past three years. This is her second year teaching Spanish at Maryvale Prep. She loves working with children and strongly believes an education should empower a child and help him or her make a positive contribution to our world. Her professional interests focus on communicative approaches to language teaching, thematic planning, and cooperative learning. She has a beautiful family, which includes two very special four-legged children. She enjoys spending her free time with her loved ones, cooking, gardening, kickboxing and reading about personal growth and holistic health and wellness.
Rachel Bonn is excited to return to Maryvale as the K-3 music teacher. Ms. Bonn is a native to Arizona although spent her childhood in El Paso, Texas, before returning to The Valley as a teenager. Ms. Bonn has been a musician for 30 years and has performed as a violinist in symphonies, quartets, musicals, operas, dances, recordings, other small ensembles, and various special events. Knowing the broad and limitless reach music possesses, gifts her dedication to foster children’s innate love of music. Over the last 17 years, she has worked as a music educator in public schools, private studios, and cultural centers. Her experience as a music therapist, in the field of mental health, has deepened her understanding of the powerful healing aspect of music. Ms. Bonn holds two degrees from Arizona State University, a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and a Master of Music in Clinical Music Therapy. In addition to a love of music, Ms. Bonn enjoys yoga, nature, conversation, humor, exploration, and knowledge. She looks forward to continue sharing her passion and enriching the lives of Maryvale Archway students with the joy of music.
Mackenzi Byrnes is excited and ready to join the Great Hearts team at Maryvale prep as a fourth grade teacher apprentice. From a young age, Ms.Byrnes has had a passion for working with children and helping them learn and grow. At age15 started her first job running a second grade Sunday school classroom. Through her church Ms.Byrnes learned about Great Hearts and fell in love with the mission. Within a few years she was working in a Great Hearts Academy through the Athenaeum program and slowly moved up to where she is today. Ms. Byrnes enjoys nature, hiking, animals, and reading. She is looking forward to growing and flourishing with her students.
Matthew Cartee is ecstatic to work at Maryvale Prep as the Prep ESS Coordinator. This will be his fourth year working with exceptional students. Previously, Mr. Cartee worked with exceptional students of all levels in Colorado Springs. He completed his bachelors degree in History at Colorado College. Mr. Cartee is passionate about ensuring that all students have access to a high quality education and the means to live a good life. He is excited to join a staff and community that share this passion. In his free time he enjoys weight-lifting, reading, singing, cooking, and exploring restaurants. He joins the faculty at Maryvale Prep to continue working towards equitable education for all students.
Alexandra Castro is thrilled to be part of the team at Maryvale Prep Academy for her 3rd year as an Exceptional Student Services Coordinator. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and Special Education from Arizona State University in 2013. She is also Highly Qualified in the subject area of English Language Arts in the state of Arizona. She has worked with students with exceptional needs ranging from Kindergarten to 8th grade, as well as being a 7th grade English Language Arts teacher. Alexandra was born and raised in the valley of the sun by immigrant parents and is a first generation college graduate. She enjoys her free time with her son (a fellow Matador!) and their Boxer puppy. She is delighted to continue to share her passion and dedication for educating children this coming school year.
Jessica Cherry is thrilled about joining the Maryvale Prep team as a lead Kindergarten teacher. In April 2018, she graduated from Grand Canyon University with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. While spending several years in the education program, she got lots of experience in different classroom settings and age ranges, which has helped shape her into the enthusiastic, hardworking and loving teacher she is. She is passionate about working with children and is looking forward to helping shape the minds and hearts of her students.
Mrs. Evelyn Christen excitedly awaits serving in Kindergarten at Maryvale Preparatory Academy as a Lead Teacher. She grew up in Waco, Texas and thus has a deep love for the stars at night, bluebonnets, and sweet tea. For a long time, Mrs. Christen has desired to share truth, goodness, and beauty with the youngest of souls to preserve their very good natures. This is the reason she pursued her dream of becoming a teacher. She graduated from Tarleton State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and an ESL Certification. This summer, Mrs. Christen got married to her beloved husband and Arizona native, Matthew. They made the 1000-mile trek to move her to Arizona, and started their lives together here in the valley of the sun. Mrs. Christen enjoys singing, baking, running, coffee, and fishing with her husband. She is happy to see how this school year will blossom with her students.
Christina Coley is very excited to begin her seventh year at Maryvale Prep. This year Mrs. Coley is enthusiastically taking on a new role as the Archway Dean. She is eager to guide students in moral formation and continue supporting other academic initiatives around campus. Throughout her time at Maryvale Prep she has served in many different roles. She served as Dean of Lower School, Curriculum Specialist, First-grade teacher, Third-grade teacher, Structured English Immersion teacher. Mrs. Coley graduated from Biola University with her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies and Teaching Credential. In addition, she also received two minors in Intercultural Studies and Biblical Studies. In 2012, she moved to Phoenix to begin a career working Maryvale Prep and it is since become much more than a job, but truly a home. A few years later, Mrs. Coley continued her education at Concordia University and received her Master of Arts Degree in Educational Administration and her Principal Certificate. Mrs. Coley is a lifelong learner and is always looking for ways to continue developing as an educator and leader. She is passionate about guiding and equipping teachers to effectively lead their students in intellect and virtue. Mrs. Coley is eager to work alongside such a passionate group of teachers and leaders as they serve the students of Maryvale Prep. Outside of school, Mrs. Coley enjoys spending time with her husband, Andy, as well as hiking, cooking, reading, and exploring new places.
Erin Crawford is delighted to be joining the team at Maryvale Prep Academy as a Music Teacher. She is from a small town in Northern Minnesota. She has a Bachelor of Music degree from Arizona State University and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University. She taught Piano and Music Theory at Rosie’s House: A Music Academy for Children for 11 years and served as Piano Department Chair for 7 years. She most recently taught in the Phoenix Elementary School District as a General Music Teacher in grades K-8. Mrs. Crawford looks forward to sharing her passion for music. She aims to guide students in a life-long love of pursuing the beauty of music. In addition to teaching, Mrs. Crawford enjoys hiking, playing piano, and spending time her husband Kevin, daughter Simone, and her son Clifton.
Kiley is so excited to become a part of the Maryvale Prep Team as a Teacher’s Apprentice in the 3B classroom. This is her first time working in a classroom, but she has been coaching gymnastics for over 5 years, so she has plenty of experience working with kids! Kiley is originally from Massachusetts but has been loving Arizona life ever since moving here for school in 2015. She just graduated from Arizona State with degrees in psychology and communication. Kiley has also accepted an offer to be a part of the 2019 Phoenix Teach For America Corps, meaning she will begin training to be a lead elementary school teacher in May and have her own classroom come fall! She believes strongly that education equality is important, and can’t wait to start making a difference in a community she has grown to love! Kiley’s passions and hobbies include gymnastics, spending time with family, hiking, going to the beach and trying new restaurants! She is looking forward to joining the Maryvale team and hopes to contribute a lot of positive energy!
Tony Cruz is delighted to be returning to the Maryvale Preparatory Academy family as the Prep Assistant Headmaster. As he heads into this next year, he will continue to partner with parents and teachers in cultivating a desire to pursue moral virtue in the hearts of his students. After moving to Phoenix from Texas, Mr. Cruz went on to complete his undergraduate degree at Arizona State University in Theatre Performance. After graduating from ASU, Mr. Cruz moved to San Jose, CA, earned his Master of Arts (Biblical and Theological Studies), and began his work in churches connecting people to one another and creating systems to ensure organizational and financial sustainability in the companies he was serving. Mr. Cruz is humbled in identifying, empowering, and unleashing leaders for service as a response to their unique gifts. He is passionate about building legacies, calling people to live their fullest potential, and instilling in the hearts of people a deep sense of hope. For those reasons, Mr. Cruz is thrilled to be serving the Maryvale community by guiding these children to passionately pursue a life of virtue as the future leaders of this community, this city, and this country.
Crystal Cruz is thrilled to continue her journey with her Maryvale Prep family as the Archway Assistant Headmaster. Originally from New Mexico, Dr. Cruz went on to pursue her undergraduate degree in Economics and International Political Science at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, CO. She moved to Phoenix in 2005 to teach in the Isaac School District where she taught second and third grades for a few years and also served as a K-8 Instructional Coach for the district. While teaching she attended Arizona State University and obtained a Masters in Educational Administration and Supervision and her principal certification. In 2010 she began working at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University as the Director of Recruitment and also taught several courses. In 2013, Dr. Cruz earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Innovation and superintendent certification. Dr. Cruz loves serving the students and teachers but always looks forward to continuing her pursuit towards lifelong learning with such a passionate group of people each year. She has a strong belief in the impact that a teacher has on his or her students and looks forward to serving our teachers as they selflessly serve our children and our parents as they partner with us in the moral and academic growth of their children. Outside of school, Dr. Cruz enjoys spending time with her husband, Henri, and her two daughters, Chloe and Abigail.
Allison Cumberworth is ecstatic to be returning to Maryvale Prep for her 3rd year as a 4th grade teacher and her 4th year at Maryvale Prep. She has a passion for impacting children with truth and empowering them to be who they were made to be. Previously, she worked for 3 years at Griffith Elementary 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.
Chelsea Delgado is blessed to be returning to Maryvale Prep as a first-grade lead teacher this year. She was born and raised in Hawaii and brings the Aloha spirit with her. After earning her Associate’s Degree from the University of Hawaii, she moved to Arizona and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication with an emphasis in English from Grand Canyon University. She loved coaching the girls’ volleyball and basketball teams last year and looks forward to doing so again this year! Go, Matadors! Her son, Mason, will also be returning to Maryvale Prep as a first grader this year. When she isn’t teaching, Ms. Delgado enjoys reading, swimming, traveling, attending church, and spending time with Mason, her fiancé, Michael, and their puppy, Koa
Jessica DeVries is excited to be returning to Maryvale Prep for her third year and will be again teaching second grade. She grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan and graduated from Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. While attending there, she taught classes for a local ESL program and also volunteered with an after-school program that provided tutoring and fun activities for children from the community. Ms. DeVries has a passion for learning the Spanish language and would like to continue developing this skill. During her free time, Ms. DeVries enjoys reading, traveling to new places, and playing the piano. She is looking forward to working with the students in 2nd grade and growing alongside of them in knowledge and character this year.
Kate Eagen looks forward to joining Maryvale Prep Academy this year as an 8th Grade Earth Science and 9th Grade Biology Teacher. She graduated from the University of Virginia where she received her bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Spanish Literature. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Secondary Science Education with Arizona State University in conjunction with Teach for America. Kate was born in Boulder, Colorado and moved to Philomont, Virginia at a young age, but has continually returned to the Southwest to visit with extended family, fueling her love for Arizona. The state of public education in Arizona inspired Kate to join a team of educators actively fighting the status quo, as the faculty/staff at Maryvale Prep have so proven themselves. Additionally, Great Hearts’ liberal arts education model attracted Kate, as her mother teaches at a liberal arts High School and she has directly benefited from such an education. She enjoys reading, hiking, construction, and crafting in her free time as they allow her to experience the beauty of the world in its various forms. She looks forward to fostering students’ inquiry through scientific discovery and developing their leadership. She is ecstatic to be joining Maryvale Prep in its grand opening of the new campus and is thrilled to be teaching the first section of 9th graders. She is continually inspired by the community love that she has felt for Maryvale Prep and is eager to contribute to student growth and development as human beings and scientists.
Mac Esau is returning as the Headmaster of Maryvale Preparatory Academy. Prior to Maryvale Prep’s opening, he spent the previous ten years teaching physical education, fourth grade core classes, and middle and high school mathematics and serving in various school leadership positions. After his third year in the fourth grade classroom, he became the Director of Personnel & Education at West Valley Christian School in Los Angeles, CA. After moving his family to Phoenix, he served as the founding Assistant Headmaster of Glendale Preparatory Academy and then the Interim Headmaster of Teleos Preparatory Academy, leading these schools effectively in all areas including hiring, financial planning, school operation, and teacher mentorship. He received his Bachelor of Arts in both Psychology and Communication Studies from UCLA and his Master of Arts in Education and Teaching Credential from Biola University. In addition to his great love for the Maryvale community, Mr. Esau plays basketball weekly and cherishes spending time with his lovely wife, Pearl, and his three young children, Kaiya, Zeke, and Niko.
Lucy Everett is thrilled to be returning for a second year with 4th grade at Maryvale Prep! She graduated from Grove City College with her Bachelor’s degree in English and a minor in Classical Education. She also found a love for people and their stories while working as a resident assistant in the freshman dorms for two years. Through this position, Lucy had the opportunity to mentor freshman woman – to love them, help them see their potential, and develop their gifts and talents. Having worked with kids in a variety of capacities, summer camps and volunteering in classrooms, she is inspired by the joy with which they embrace life and is excited to journey alongside them this year in pursing truth and being captivated by the beauty found in the world
around us. Lucy grew up in the Pacific Northwest and just moved to Phoenix this month, but so far loves the unique beauty of the dessert and is truly blessed to be joining the wonderful Maryvale family.
Kristen Flanigan is excited to join the Maryvale First grade team! She is currently a senior at Arizona State University, graduating this May with a Bachelors in Nutrition, as well as a minor in early elementary education. She has plans of pursuing her Masters in Education this upcoming August. She grew up in Mesa, while living the past few years in Phoenix. In her free time she loves hiking, camping and just being outside! Her favorite teaching philosophy is “love first, teach second!” She is ecstatic in being able to help Maryvale grow and become the best possible school for the students.
Jack Franicevich is grateful for another year with his students, teaching Humane Letters. As growing communities are rewriting America’s story, there is no better time to go read our sources closely and humbly inquire into who we are as Americans. Mr. Franicevich graduated from Biola University’s Torrey Honors Institute and was named their G. Campbell Morgan scholar. Upon graduating, he moved to Colorado to study Scripture and theology at Denver Seminary and the Denver Institute for Faith & Work. This year, he is excited to be finishing his first masters degree in Scripture and theology, developing two non-profits, recording an album, and continuing to pursue ordination in the Anglican Church of North America. Most of all, he is excited to continue to build a hospitable home with his roommates, Richard and Kayle Graham. When he is not working, he can be found sitting on their front porch playing the piano, pacing their library while commissioning art pieces and planning the next house feast.
Monse Garcia will be returning for a second year as a Lead Teacher in sixth grade. Monse enjoys playing and watching soccer, volleyball, and basketball. She has coached first through twelfth grades in her church’s basketball league. She enjoys the arts and has a hobby of photography. She used to be a nanny for ten years. She has four siblings, an older sister and three younger brothers. Before coming to Maryvale Preparatory Academy was at Christian Challenge where she mainly worked with college students. She is looking forward to continuing to assist with the education of the students at Maryvale Preparatory Academy.
Lindsay Gensichen is excited to join the team at Maryvale Prep this year as a kindergarten teacher apprentice. She has most recently served as a Sunday school teacher and is eager to share her love of learning with her students here at Maryvale Prep. She grew up in Orange County, California, but moved out to Arizona to attend college. Miss Gensichen earned her bachelor’s degree in Communications at Grand Canyon University. One of her greatest passions includes empowering her students to become strong leaders and great thinkers. She enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family. Miss Gensichen joins the faculty at Maryvale with a full heart and a positive outlook on this upcoming school year.
Nikki Georgia is excited to be part of the team at Maryvale Preparatory Academy for a fifth year. 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, support faculty and conduct evaluations. Ms. Georgia’s own daughter will also return to Maryvale Prep as a 4th grader and her son will return as a 1st grader.
Sophia Grado is extremely excited to return for her fifth year at Maryvale Preparatory Academy. She spent her first four years serving as a Teacher Apprentice as well as co-teaching in first grade. This year, Ms. Grado is honored to be serving students as a 1st Grade Homeroom Teacher. Her time with the Maryvale Prep Family has been remarkable and she desires to continue serving and
loving our children. Prior to her employment at Maryvale Prep, she was employed with Litchfield School District. There she worked as an instructional aide for special education, specifically trained to work with autistic students. Ms. Grado completed her Bachelors of Science in Psychology last year and is excited to take a new role as a Lead Teacher. Her goal at Maryvale Prep is to help students reach their full potential academically and to become compassionate individuals. She is a mother of two young children and devotes all her time to them when she is not working. Ms. Grado is from El Paso, Texas where she was taught the importance of family values and gained a strong moral foundation.
Kurt Guenther joins the Maryvale Prep team this year where he will be teaching 7th grade Pre-Algebra and 8th grade Algebra I. 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 there, 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 student-centered 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 spent the last 2 seasons coaching basketball at Great Hearts Scottsdale Prep. He also enjoys playing guitar, live music, and exploring new places. He is excited to be a part of the Maryvale Prep team and join such a great community of students, parents, faculty, and staff.
Christian Hall returns this year to his position as TA for 1B alongside Sophia Grado. This is his third year at Maryvale Prep, but his second full year with the team. Christian is a Phoenix native and loves the state of Arizona, even in the summer. Since graduating from Manhattan Christian College in Manhattan, KS with a B.S. in Bible and Leadership, Christian has worked in various churches as a worship leader. His passion is music and people. Christian got married to his dream girl since middle school, Haley, in April 2017. She birthed their beautiful daughter, Georgia, in April 2018, on his birthday. Needless to say (but he’ll say it anyway), it has been an eventful, beautiful, dynamic past few years. Christian enjoys creating music, laughing, talking, listening and making people feel loved. The Maryvale Prep community and its’ supportive leadership has shown Christian who he can be and that he can make a difference in the lives of students, which has been immensely impactful for his development as a person. He presses on eagerly into this 2018-2019 school year with hopes to make his first-grade class and all students in his path see their potential.
James Hall is ecstatic to be rejoining the team at Maryvale Prep this year as a middle school history teacher in 7thgrade Ancient History and 8th grade Medieval History. He spent the previous year completing his Master’s degree in Secondary Education at Grand Canyon University. Mr. Hall enjoyed being a stay-at-home dad while completing his degree, cherishing the extra time with his wife and 2-year-old daughter. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Psychology at Arizona Christian University. He has previously served as a behavioral technician and youth advocate, working with children in the Arizona foster-care system. Upon joining Maryvale Prep three years ago, Mr. Hall fell in love with the Great Hearts model of excellence in education paired with moral formation. He has always had a passion for history and travel. Mr. Hall has had the opportunity to visit ancient Mayan ruins in southern Mexico, and hundreds-year-old temples throughout Taiwan. Mr. Hall looks forward to teaching his students about the story of where we come from, and what brought us to this time. His other passions include reading, athletics, audio/visual work, and spending time with his family. Mr. Hall and his wife are awaiting the birth of their son, who is due the first week of school.
Ines Hayouna is so excited to join the Maryvale Prep team as a kindergarten teacher. She is extremely excited to work as a kindergarten in her home state of Arizona. She grew up in Phoenix and graduated from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana with a double major in Music and French and a minor in Philosophy. Her passions include cultivating a culture of care within her classroom and educational equity for all. She enjoys hiking, reading, playing the piano and learning new things each and every day. She joins the faculty at Maryvale Prep ready to learn and work hard to ensure that every child has a good and beautiful education.
Ilse Hernandez-Allen is very excited to begin her new career this year at Maryvale Prep. Mrs. Allen is very excited to be a teacher apprentice for first grade for the first time. She grew up in Nevada before moving to New Mexico and finally making Arizona her home. Mrs. Allen graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Exercise Science and Pedagogy, with a minor in Spanish. She also received her Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine. Currently Mrs. Allen is pursuing her speech language pathology certification through Northern Arizona University. For the past few years, she has volunteered in schools providing reading assistance, Spanish translation, and volunteer teacher assistant. She is looking forward to serving these new minds to help nourish their interest and promote their wonder of learning.
Ashley Horne is looking forward to teaching at Maryvale Prep for a second year. She is pretty much a Phoenix native, as she moved here from California when she was five. She graduated from Grand Canyon University with a Bachelor’s degree in Christian Studies and an emphasis in Youth Ministry, cum laude. While learning in the classroom and taking on several internships, she found her love for teaching. Mrs. Horne had the opportunity to lead the children’s ministry at her church and to mentor students of all ages. During her spare time, she enjoys serving the community, camping, singing, and spending time with her husband, Shaun. This is going to be an exciting year for her, as she steps in the classroom in hopes of teaching in a way that her students are filled with wonder and curiosity. Mrs. Horne is honored to walk alongside the students in 1st grade. She is thrilled about helping them grow and discover who they are as virtuous leaders.
Renee Kanuri is excited to join this year’s Maryvale Prep team as a fourth-grade teacher Apprentice. She most recently taught in Maryvale Prep’s summer school program. She is an Arizona native, growing up in both San Luis and Peoria, Arizona, where she has been actively involved in helping her community in areas such as health education and community outreach. Ms. Kanuri received her education from Grand Canyon University where she earned a bachelor’s degree (BS) in Biology with an Emphasis in Pre-Medicine. During her time at Grand Canyon University, she discovered the importance of education and health care and made it her mission to showcase the beauty in learning in all areas. Teaching became a noble calling, understanding the significance a good education has had on her life, and she hopes to not only enrich the lives of her students with the beautiful curriculum, but also learn and grow from them. She enjoys reading, baking, and learning about great leaders and historical events. She joins Maryvale Prep because of how its’ wonderful staff and community are dedicated to show students how a classical education can foster creative and curious minds for lifelong learning.
Matt Levy is looking forward to his fourth year at Maryvale Prep! He is from a small town outside of New York City called Rockaway Beach. He has Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and a Master’s Degree in Physical Education from Adelphi University. He has taught tennis for 12 years and coached varsity boys tennis for five years at Packer Collegiate Institute in Brooklyn, NY. He has also coached middle school soccer. In his fourth year at Maryvale Prep, Mr. Levy looks forward to offer students skills and experiences to help them succeed and have fun in PE and life after school regardless of the sport or activity. During Mr. Levy’s free time, he enjoys playing tennis, exploring and doing DIY projects. Also, in the mornings and on Thursdays, say hello to Mr. Levy, as he is also our facilities manager. He will be fixing and building things around campus for everyone to use and enjoy.
Ms. López eagerly joins the team at Maryvale Prep this year as a 4th Grade Homeroom Teacher. She grew up in Gilbert and has worked in various fields from, higher education, state agencies, education and humanitarian non-profits. Ms. López earned her bachelor’s degree (BA)in Political Science and double minors in Justice Studies and Women and Gender Studies with a certificate in Civic education. She is currently enrolled in Arizona State University’s Master’s program (M.ed) in Elementary Studies. Being a Great Hearts’ alumna, she has seen the long-term impact a liberal arts education has on an individual both personally and professionally and is excited to return and commit her passions to the community that fostered her passion for education. Her passions include community and civic engagement. She enjoys reading, hiking National Parks, art museums, and traveling. She joins the faculty at Maryvale Prep in belief that a liberal arts education has the ability to pave the way for systemic change, and because of the matchless staff and community.
Ms. Lopez is excited to serve her second year at Maryvale Preparatory Academy as an Exceptional Student Services Coordinator and Special Education teacher. She graduated from Arizona State’s renowned ASU iTeach program with a dual degree in Special Education and Elementary Education. She is an Arizona native and has worked in the Arizona Public School System for 12 years. She has served as a Reading Interventionist, Math Instructor, 1st grade teacher, Middle School Teacher, and Special Education teacher in the Glendale and Pendergast Elementary School Districts. She has also served as a K-8 Physical Education teacher at St. John Vianney Catholic School in Goodyear, Arizona. She will be collaborating with teachers, parents, students, and school personnel to enrich student academic development and achievement. Her goal is to guide students by differentiated instruction with a strategic multi-sensory approach to lessons that promote growth in reading, writing, and math. She has a profound adoration for the arts, and is trained in musical theater. She has a devoted heart for service, and believes that all children are capable of success. Ms. Lopez and her two children are very delighted to be a part of the Maryvale Prep Community.
Mary Martin is thrilled to serve at Maryvale Prep this year as a Lead Teacher. She grew up in Maryland as one of five girls, babysitting and working as a nanny, until she graduated college at St. Francis University in Pennsylvania. There, very interested in development and different behaviors demonstrated as people grow, she received a bachelor’s degree (BS) in Social Work, while also studying Psychology. Ms. Martin moved to Arizona after graduation and began working in a daycare, eventually moving to a customer service position in the healthcare field. She has been greatly impacted by learning about the integrity, dignity, and worth of a person, and is eager to apply that knowledge to her passion for working with children and teaching them those same fundamentals. In her free time the things she enjoys most are hiking, exploring Phoenix, and encountering people to learn about their story. Ms. Martin is excited to get to know the students, work with the faculty, and to be a part of the school community here at Maryvale Prep.
Yosemi Mendoza enthusiastically joins the team at Maryvale Prep this year as a Spanish Immersion Teacher in 2nd-4th grade and 9th grade. She is extremely passionate about education. She grew up in the heart of Maryvale and has worked on various projects to educate and help the community in various ways. Amongst other areas, Mrs. Mendoza has experience in curriculum development, leadership development, and ministry. After earning her two bachelor’s degrees in Psychology, Criminal Justice and Criminology with a Minor in Spanish, at the Arizona State University, she has fallen in love with teaching through her experience as a corps member for Teach for America. She believes that we can change the world through education, as she has seen the outstanding positive impact education has on lives. She is honored to be teaching in her very own hometown, and is ready to influence and guide her students into becoming exceptional community leaders. It is extremely important to Mrs. Mendoza, that educational opportunities are readily available to every child where quality education is provided. She enjoys the arts including, singing, dancing, painting, and studying all fields of inquiry. She joins the faculty team at Maryvale Prep ready to foster a growth mindset, as well as to grow alongside of her peers striving to become the best teachers they can be.
Daniela Oliverio-Lauderdale is excited to be returning to Maryvale Preparatory Academy this school year as a 3rd grade homeroom teacher. After starting at Maryvale Preparatory Academy earlier in 2017 and teaching summer school, Daniela is keen to return to the classroom to serve the students and community of Maryvale Preparatory Academy. Daniela grew up in Arizona and attended Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University before moving to Vancouver, Canada to earn her graduate degree from the University of British Columbia. Daniela attended Tempe Preparatory Academy in high school and knew she would love the atmosphere and philosophy of Maryvale Prep. Before Maryvale Prep, Daniela worked with students in Italy teaching English and has worked in many other capacities with young children such as coaching volleyball and soccer. When she is not at school, Daniela loves hiking with her dog, cooking new recipes, traveling abroad and spending time with her family.
Ms. Olivier is incredibly excited to join the Maryvale Prep family! She is teaching studio art for grades K-3. Ms. Olivier graduated from James Madison University with a bachelors in Media Arts and Design. She was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia and moved all the way out to Phoenix to be a part of this special school community. Ms. Olivier loves art (obviously!) music, pasta, being outdoors, and her two chihuahuas Nico and Caesar. Ms. Olivier cannot wait to meet her students and see all of the beautiful work they create!
Rita Pasqui joins the team at Maryvale Prep this year as a middle school Latin teacher in 7th and 8th grade. She is originally from Italy, but after six years as a high school teacher in her country, she was appointed by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a Lecturer of Italian and Cultural Attaché in Egypt and then in the US. She taught Italian and Classics in several higher education institutions in this country (New York, Philadelphia, Memphis). She holds a Master’s Degree in Classics from the University of Perugia (Italy), a secondary teaching certification (Latin and Ancient Greek at the high school level), and other diplomas of specialization and MAs in Applied Linguistics, as well as in Second Language Acquisition (University for Foreigners in Perugia, “La Sapienza” University in Rome, and “Ca’ Foscari” University in Venice, Italy). Her research interests are wide ranging and include historical linguistics, in particular the evolution from Latin into Romance languages; the application of new technologies and media-based instruction in the teaching of classical and modern languages; studying and speaking foreign languages: beside her L1 (Italian) and her knowledge of Latin and Ancient Greek, she speaks Spanish and French. She is a most enthusiastic instructor and truly passionate about teaching Classical languages, able to create a nice atmosphere in and outside the classroom. In her free time, she likes reading, watching French movies, hiking and doing barre workouts. She is thrilled to join the faculty at Maryvale Prep and to be part of this exceptional community
Jackeline Perpuly is excited to be joining the Maryvale Prep family as a Teacher Apprentice in Kindergarten. She was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, where she has been lucky enough to have been taught by some truly inspirational teachers. Her own passion for working with young children extends from her desire to emulate these role models and perform the same inspirational function in the lives of her students. She is thrilled to begin this new journey of enriching the lives of her students through her dedication and hard work. In her time away from Maryvale, she enjoys spending time with her 3 year old son traveling and being outdoors.
Katie Phillips is eager to set foot onto the path of children’s education this year with Maryvale Preparatory Academy as a Teacher Apprentice. She is an Arizona native that grew up in Goodyear, AZ and is now currently living in Phoenix with her two children, Keira and Kian. In her free time, Katie enjoys spending time and building lasting memories with her children and family, such as going to the OdySea Aquarium. She also enjoys time in with her children to be able to relax, watch movies, and interact with music, as Katie is a self-taught guitar and piano player. Katie’s dream of being a teacher took root when she was just twelve years old and it is a dream that is soon to be achieved as she plans to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University. Katie has always believed in the importance of instilling both morals and core values in children, and that it is the duty of a child’s educator to help shape them into the men and women that they will become. That is why she looks forward to the opportunity to be a role model for children and have a positive impact on their lives in the same way that her teachers did for her.
Mrs. Melinda Pridgen is grateful for the opportunity to join the Maryvale Prep family as the Office Assistant. She has over 20 years of School Administration Experience and is excited to share what she has learned with our community. Mrs. Pridgen looks forward to serving our Staff, Scholars and Families with the attention and warmth they have come to expect. In her spare time Mrs. Pridgen enjoys spending time with her family, cheering on her children from the sidelines of the many sports they participate in, crafting and serving at her Church.
Gabriel Proano will lead our students in Physical Education for the Sixth straight year. Additionally, he will continue to take the reigns as the Head Football Coach! Gabriel joined Maryvale Prep as part of the founding team of teachers in 2012. This will be his tenth year teaching since he received a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Arizona Christian University. During his time as a counselor to foster children at Royal Family Kids Camp, Coach Proano became convinced that he wanted to teach young people. He previously coached sports for five years at The Little Gym and has enthusiastically used that experience in building a Physical Education department at Maryvale Prep that centers on character, healthy habits, sportsmanship, fitness and sports skills/strategies.
Viridiana Ramirez is very excited to be returning as the School Registrarfor the 2018-2019 school year at Maryvale Preparatory Academy. Her kids have been scholars at Maryvale Prep for several years and now she joins them each day on campus. Prior to Maryvale Prep, Ms. Ramirez worked several years in office management. Ms. Ramirez began mid-year as a teacher apprentice before moving into this role and she fell in love with our families and the work we do here and knew this was just the right fit. Some people search all their lives for what makes their lives complete for what makes their lives full and happy and this is it for her. Growing with her kids and being so close to them, not missing their important moments in life is what counts most for her. This year, she will be working closely with Mrs. Welintukonis to provide excellent service to our parents and students.
Aixa Reina is thrilled to join Maryvale Preparatory Academy as part of the ESS team. She was born in Panama City, Panama and grew up in Brooklyn, New York. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, from City University of New York and completed her first Master’s degree in Sociology from SUNY New Paltz, of New York. She served as a mental health therapist for over 10 years serving children from all backgrounds. It was in this service that she saw a need to serve children from an academic standpoint, following the advise of Socrates to “prefer knowledge to wealth, for the one is transitory, the other perpetual.” She would later return to education, in what she believes is her calling, and achieved a Masters in Education Special Education from Grand Canyon University. Her flame and love for teaching can be found in the words of Socrates, “Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” This flame is in heart heart and nature. Ms. Reina is a mother of three and enjoys yoga, mindful meditation, and Astronomy. She is committed to providing your children an environment that fosters learning and a strong work ethic. She will teach and expect every child to learn the importance of integrity, compassion, and leadership. Her students will merge the importance of learning with the values found in our philosophy.
Emerson Daniel Lopez Romero is very happy to join Maryvale Prep this year as a teacher’s assistant for 1st grade with Ms. Grado. This is his 2nd year being a teacher’s assistant, he previously worked for the Alhambra district at a school called Montebello Elementary. He was born in Bogota, Colombia which is in South America. Mr. Romero graduated from Central High School and went straight into college to pursue his education and play soccer at a college level. Mr. Romero has an Associate Degree in general studies and another degree as a certified bilingual translator in medical terminology. Mr. Romero is bilingual, he can speak both Spanish and English and its currently attending Grand Canyon University. He is only 1 semester away from starting his student teaching and acquiring a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. He is looking forward to working with students and making them succeed at all cost with a great attitude and making Maryvale Preparatory the best school to attend.
Mrs. Christina Scofield is delighted to be joining the Maryvale Preparatory family this year to teach 2nd grade for the first time. She grew up in Detroit, MI and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy at the University of Dallas. Her mother, Lynette, was a 2nd grade teacher for almost 20 twenty years and she feels both honored and blessed to be able to follow in her footsteps and draw on her wisdom as she embarks on this exciting new vocation. After graduating from college, Mrs. Scofield spent two years working mostly with English-language learners as a teaching assistant at an American school in Madrid, Spain and one year working in various substitute teaching positions in the Metro Detroit area. Mrs. Scofield was ecstatic to see the reading levels and enthusiasm of the ELL students she worked one-on-one with increase steadily throughout the year. She hopes to instill not only a greater proficiency but also a passion for reading in all her future students. She believes education is one of the greatest ways to change the world, after parenting, and takes seriously the roles and duties a teacher has in a child’s life. She looks forward to getting to know all her students as well as the Maryvale Preparatory community and Great Hearts community at large. In her free time, she enjoys swimming, reading poetry, and traveling with her husband, Sebastian.
Zoё Shaw joyfully looks forward to joining the Maryvale Prep team this school year. She will be assisting Ms. Allen in the 6th grade literature and history classroom, as well as teaching 6th grade poetry. She has traveled from Wisconsin where she attended Carthage College to obtain her B.A. in Great Ideas. Great Ideas is a field of study very similar to Great Books programs which have the same values and philosophical beliefs as the Great Hearts Network. Ms. Shaw was originally an education major but felt that the system in place was insufficient for shaping children’s lives. Since her classical liberal arts studies at Carthage, she has been passionate about comprehensive education and the Socratic method. She has experience with kids through her church and developed a love for them there. A born and raised Wisconsinite, Ms. Shaw enjoys fine cheese, outdoor activities, live music, and learning. She is excited to share her love of poetry with the 6th grade students and she anticipates a wonderful year supported by an exceptional staff seeking truth, goodness, and beauty.
Ms. Sidoti is thrilled to be returning to Maryvale Preparatory Academy this year in her role as 5th grade lead teacher. This will be Ms. Sidoti’s third year teaching at Maryvale Prep and she is excited to return to the community of students, parents, and faculty who have made this school feel like home. Ms. Sidoti is a recent alumnus of Teach For America, an organization whose mission is to fight educational inequity by building and training a cohort of culturally responsive teachers. Ms. Sidoti graduated summa cum laude from Arizona State University in 2015 with concurrent degrees in Women & Gender Studies and Communication. During her time at ASU, Ms. Sidoti developed a passion for working with students through her time as a First-Year Success Coach where she provided one-on-one academic coaching to students. Building powerful relationships with her students and helping them reach their full academic and personal potential inspired Ms. Sidoti to join Teach For America and pursue teaching. Since working at Maryvale, Ms. Sidoti has enjoyed becoming a part of the community and creating fun and exciting learning experiences for her students. In her spare time, Ms. Sidoti loves to cook, go to the theater, and spend time with her friends and family. She is very excited to build upon the past two years and witness the growth of her student both in virtue and in academics this school year.
Patty Slider is excited to begin her 4th year at Maryvale Prep as a Teacher Apprentice Coach! For the past three years she has worked with our 1st graders and is looking forward to joining our 4th grade team. She is delighted to bring her diverse corporate and educational experiences into the classroom and to continue to encourage our future graduates and college-ready students. Along with her husband, Tim and their two children, both Great Hearts Alumni, she has seen first hand the beauty of this classic liberal arts education and especially the loving, supportive leadership from both administration and faculty that is truly unique with our schools. Patty loves to travel, practice Tai Chi and can be found treasure hunting & thrifting most Saturdays.
Ms. Trish Tucker is excited to begin a new adventure with Maryvale Prep School as Athletic Director. She is from Illinois, so of course, she is a Cubs and Bears fan all the way. Right out of college, she taught Physical Education for 14 years to grades K – 12. She also coached at Lincoln Land Community College and Sangamon State University for 14 years, and had the privilege to coach Women’s Volleyball, Basketball and Softball. After leaving teaching, she went into insurance and was a Insurance Agent, District Manager, and a Trainer. Last year, she returned to teaching and taught at Abraham Lincoln Traditional School as a Special Education Teacher. In her free time, she enjoys golfing, playing softball, and spending time with family and friends.
Melissa Vaughn joins the Maryvale Prep team this year as the 7th and 8th Grade Lit/Comp teacher. This is her 12th year of teaching, and her first year back in her home state. She spent over a decade as a manager, buyer, and trainer in retail operations in Arizona and California before answering the call to be a teacher. Ms. Vaughn earned her bachelor’s degree in Merchandising and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona and began a Master’s in Education at the University of Phoenix. Her goal for each day with her students is to inspire them to improve in daily life and be the best version of themselves. Her passions include reading, swimming, and spending time with her son. Ms. Vaughn joins the faculty at Maryvale Prep in the pursuit of the good and the beautiful with the amazing team and community here.
Andrew Vilcan eagerly joins the team at Maryvale Prep this year as a 9th grade geometry and a 7th grade physical science teacher. He grew up in Lafayette, Louisiana and has worked in various fields from working at the college level in mathematics, facilities manager, a missionary, and most recently as a campus minister. Mr. Vilcan earned his bachelor’s degree (BSMath) in Applied Mathematics at the University of Louisiana. He has worked in the school system in the last couple of years in different capacities but is thrilled and excited to be entering the classroom in a more permanent role. Mr. Vilcan sees the beauty and fulfillment that a Great Hearts education can provide and wants to give students every available opportunity to be a fully formed person. He enjoys playing rugby, hunting and fishing, brewing, reading, cooking and board games. He joins the faculty at Maryvale Prep as a part of his interest in fostering a community of learning, and because of the exceptional staff and community.
Mrs. Olyvia Welintukonis is very excited about becoming a part of Maryvale Preparatory Academy as the Office Manager. She joins the team with years of school administration experience, and is eager to continue pursuing her calling at Maryvale Prep. Olyvia grew up right here in Maryvale and has a first hand understanding of the area and vibrant culture that makes it great. She has a passion for serving families and their communities and to help them raise their expectations and goals for their children. The Welintukonis’ chose Maryvale Preparatory Academy for their own children because their family strongly aligns with Great Hearts in the importance of developing strong moral character and instilling virtues in all children. She enjoys spending time with her husband Aaron and their three daughters, Liliana, Analicia and Ariella, attending church, home renovations and watching sports.
Anaïs Wolpert is thrilled to return to Maryvale Prep for her third year teaching to and learning from such curious and virtuous scholars. This year she transitions from teaching K-7 art to 4-7th grade art and 9th grade poetry, eagerly participating in both the Archway and Prep levels. As a young student, Ms. Wolpert had the fortune of attending a charter school in the Valley which valued art highly. Through this love of the fine arts and their history she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History from Arizona State University. An avid enthusiast of Masaccio-Monet art and Homer-Heine poetry, Ms. Wolpert is excited to examine the interactions of art and poetry with her students this year.
