Val Vista Staff

Hay, Brian

Mr. Hay has served as the Val Vista Campus Principal since 2023. He holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Arizona State University, as well as being a commissioned Colson Fellow. Mr. Hay attends Shepherd’s House Bible Church and is also the proud father of two children. His passions include education, reading, and sports. He is deeply committed to faith-based education and helping students grow in a Biblical worldview.

Bills, Ricky

Mr. Bills has served as the Val Vista Campus Vice Principal since 2024. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Grand Canyon University. He holds a Master’s of Divinity degree from Phoenix Seminary. Mr. Bills attends Desert Hills Bible Church. He is married to his wife, Erica, and they have two wonderful daughters. Mr. Bills loves reading, sports, and playing board games with friends. He is passionate about teaching and training others about the importance of a biblical worldview and views it as a huge blessing to get to do that every day in his role at GCS Val Vista. 

Anderson, Joanna

Joanna has her BAE in Elementary and in Special Education along with an ESL Endorsement. She is also C.L.I.P. Trained (Reading Recovery). Her experience involves 4 years of teaching Sp. Ed in Tempe, AZ, 5 years teaching Elementary Ed. (grades K-3) in Tempe, 1-year teaching 1st grade in Mansfield, TX, and 2 and a half years homeschooling her children in Queen Creek. Joanna is a native Arizonian and has spent the last 2 and a half years homeschooling so that the family could travel. Her favorite place is to be with family and friends at their cabin in the White Mountains. Joanna met her husband Mark in school and have been friends since 1975. They went to kindergarten together and have now been married for over 15 years. They have 3 children: Avery, Caden, and Tessa who all attend Gilbert Chrisitan Schools. The whole family worships at Sun Valley Community Church where Joanna and Mark have served as mentors for engaged/pre-engaged couples. Joanna became a part of our Gilbert Christian Schools staff in 2018.

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Ashley, Megan

Ms. Ashley is a second grade teacher and has been working with Val Vista since 2023. She holds a Science of Education bachelors degree from NAU. Ms.Ashley attends Redeemer Bible Church. She loves reading, art, and spending time with her family. Ms. Ashley loves living for the Lord and sharing God’s word with her students everyday!

Azeka, Alyssa

Mrs. Azeka has been teaching since 2017 and has been teaching 1st grade at the Val Vista Campus since 2023. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Northern Arizona University and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Arizona State University. Mrs. Azeka attends Christ Greenfield Lutheran Church in Gilbert, Arizona. She loves spending time with her family, reading, traveling, creating, and being married to her husband, Bryan. Mrs. Azeka has a passion for infusing creativity with learning to make it engaging, building genuine relationships, and shepherding the hearts of children as they grow academically and deepen their faith.

Bell, Emily

Mrs. Bell has been teaching ELA at GCS since 2024. She has her bachelor’s degree from Grand Canyon University and loves sharing her passion for learning with her students. Mrs. Bell and her husband are active members at Christ Church Gilbert. She enjoys studying God’s word, and hanging out at coffee shops with friends! She is deeply passionate about inspiring the next generation — not just by helping them reach their full potential in ELA, but by equipping them with biblical truths and walking alongside them in their journey of faith in Christ.

Berger, Ashlyn

Mrs. Berger (formally Ms. Abraham) has been teaching 3rd grade at Val Vista since 2023 and holds a Bachelor degree from Grand Canyon University. She attends Christ Church and has a heart for shaping the next generation to be on fire for Jesus. Raised in a large family, her interests include doing anything active and outdoors such as camping, paddle boarding, hiking, and rock climbing (oh, and don’t be surprised if she breaks out in a praise dance party!).

Blunt, Jennifer

Mrs. Blunt has been teaching kindergarten at the Val Vista campus since 2023. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Susquehanna University (PA) and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Reading and Literacy from Walden University. Mrs. Blunt has been attending Risen Savior Lutheran Church in Chandler for 20 years. Mrs. Blunt loves tending to her chickens and garden, walking her rescue dogs, and hiking, golfing, and visiting the beach with her husband Brian and their 2 teenage children. Mrs. Blunt feels called to teach children about the power of prayer and building life-long relationships with God.

Brasier, Linda

 Dr. Brasier has served as a 5th Grade Teacher at the Val Vista Campus since 2024. She has been a teacher for many years and a private Christian school principal for 8 years prior to returning to the classroom. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education, 3 Master’s Degrees in Elementary Education, General Music, and K-12 Educational Leadership. She also holds a Doctorate of Education Degree in K-12 Organizational Leadership.  Dr. Brasier attends Rock Point Church and loves spending time with her husband and two adult children. She has a passion for Christian education and enjoys sharing what it means to be a life-long learner with her students.

Brotherton, Mary

Mrs. Brotherton has taught Pre-K at the Val Vista Campus since 2023. She holds her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Arizona State University. Mrs. Brotherton attends and serves at Christ Church Gilbert with her family. She is married to her best friend, Mike, and has four children who all attend Gilbert Christian Schools. She enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, reading, and eating. She is passionate about teaching her students about God and His word, and making learning fun and engaging.

Carson, Sarah

 Mrs. Carson joined Gilbert Christian schools in 2018 and is an Elementary Math Specialist at the Val Vista campus.  Mrs. Carson has over two decades of teaching experience.  Mrs. Carson graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education from Millikin University in 1997.  She attends Sun Valley’s Queen Creek campus and is the mother of two sons who are both graduates of Gilbert Christian High School.  Her passions include reading, hiking, kayaking, and fitness.  Teaching has been her passion from a young age and after many years in public education, being a part of this GCS community has been a dream come true!

Cervantez, David

Mr. Cervantez has been a PE teacher since 1995 and has been at Val Vista since 2023. He holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University and a Bachelors in Physical Education from Arizona State University. He is married to his wife Carina, and they are blessed with 4 children. The Cervantez family attends Redeemer Bible Church. Mr. Cervantez enjoys the blessing of discipling students to be followers of Christ in belief and action. 

Clower, Janelle

Mrs. Clower has been teaching kindergarten since 2017 and has been at the Val Vista campus since 2023.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ottawa University and also holds an Early Childhood Endorsement.  Mrs. Clower regularly attends Echoes Church in East Mesa.  She is married to her husband, Scott, and together they have three children ages 21, 20, and 11.  Mrs. Clower loves to decorate, hike, fish, adventure throughout Arizona, and spend time cheering on her children at their various sporting events.  She loves being a part of GCS, as it allows her to inspire young minds with truth, hope, faith, and love while also nurturing their spiritual and academic growth.

Collins, Bree

Mrs. Collins has been part of the GCS team since the school opened in 2023. She began as a campus and classroom aide and now serves as an office assistant, supporting a wide variety of needs around campus. From helping at the front desk and in the health office to stepping in as a substitute in classrooms, she enjoys the variety and the opportunity to stay connected with students and staff. She and her husband have three children who all attend GCS in 5th grade, 2nd grade, and kindergarten. Their family attends Sun Valley Church in South Gilbert. In her free time, she loves spending time on the lake. She feels blessed to be part of the GCS community and values the chance to pour into the lives and be the hands and feet of Jesus to students each day.

Contreras, Ugena

Mrs. Contreras has proudly received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Arizona State University in 2017. She has taught in both 1st and 2nd grade with Gilbert Public Schools since 2017, and has a love for all things primary. Mrs. Contreras began teaching at GCS in 2024 as the 1st Grade Math Specialist, and feels incredibly blessed to teach math with God as the center of instruction. She has been married to her husband Sergio for 3 years, and they had a sweet baby girl in 2023. Mrs. Contreras attends Ironwood church, and loves serving in the kids ministry with her husband. As an educator, she is most passionate about students growing in their faith and learning about the goodness of our God!

Cook, Ally

Mrs. Cook has taught first grade at the Val Vista campus since 2023. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development from Cal State Fullerton and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State University. Mrs. Cook attends Christ Church. She is married to her husband, Jared and they have 3 children. She enjoys cooking, decorating, hiking, and cheering on her kids in their sports. She’s passionate about teaching and creating a warm, welcoming environment where her students feel loved and supported, all while pointing them to Christ.

Craig, Saraab

Mrs Craig has been a part of the Val Vista family since they opened in 2023. She has been working in kindergarten classrooms for 10 years. Mrs Craig’s home church is Broadway Christian, where she has taught preschool for the last 10 years but is currently working in their youth group program. She is happily married to Brandon Craig for 16 years, has 4 kids, 2 bio and 2 adopted as well as 3 grandsons. She loves to cook, bake and be the loudest possible cheerleader for her boys. Both of her boys currently attend GCS. Mrs Craig loves working at GCS as it is an answer to prayer. God moves in ways that will encourage you to stay faithful and this job was meant just for her. She thrives in an environment where God comes first and she can let her love for Jesus shine through in everything she does!

Cruz, Iris

Mrs. Cruz has been teaching elementary since 2005, she has taught 4th grade at the Val Vista campus since 2023. She holds a Bachelors of Arts in Education from Ottawa University and a Master’s in Bilingual and Multicultural Education from Northern Arizona University. Mrs. Cruz attends Shepherd’s House Bible Church with her husband. She enjoys cooking for family and friends, she likes to paint, and her favorite places to visit are the beach and mountains. She has been married to her husband for over 30 years. They have two grown children, her daughter and her son and his wife. Mrs. Cruz has a passion to share God’s goodness and love and for teaching her students how to find the truth in life through God’s Word.

Dobbs, Shawna

Mrs. Dobbs has been with GCS since 2023 as the technology teacher for 1st-8th grade at the Val Vista Campus. She is originally from Tucson, Az, and attended the University of Arizona for her Undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and then went on to get her Masters in Educational Technology from Northern Arizona University. She previously taught 1st and 2nd grade for 9 years in Casa Grande and was a technology teacher in New Jersey for Prek-8th grade for 3 years. Mrs. Dobbs loves to travel and has been to The UK, France, Germany, Holland, Greece, Ireland, Mexico, and Canada. She also enjoys a good trip to Disney whenever she can. She has been married for 9 years to her Husband Charles. They have 3 children. Her stepson Sean is 19 years old and now resides in North Carolina, Their daughter Harper is 6 years old and will be in the 1st Grade at Val Vista, and they have a 4-year-old son named Hunter who will be starting the 5 day ½ day Pre K program at Val Vista. She and her family attend church at Cornerstone in Chandler. She is involved in their women’s ministry, and MOPS.  “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” Philippians 4:13

Earl ’18, Madison

Ms. Earl has served as the Val Vista Campus elementary music teacher and a middle school worship team leader since 2023. She takes pride in being a GCS alumni. Ms. Earl holds a Bachelor’s degree from Northern Arizona University, where she performed with the NAU collegiate a cappella group for all four years. Ms. Earl sings and plays piano on a worship team every Sunday. When she is not working, she enjoys traveling with family & friends, reading, and drinking iced coffee. She is deeply committed to creating a fun environment where students enjoy honoring God through music.

Friend, Kristen

Gall, Tanya

Geopfert, Amy

Amy joined the GCS family in 2023 when the Val Vista campus first opened. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Azusa Pacific University and has a strong background in children’s ministry, which continues to influence the way she connects with students and teaches from a Christ-centered perspective.

Amy is also a proud GCS parent, with three children currently attending 7th grade, 6th grade, and  2nd grade. Her family attends Echoes Church in Mesa, is very active in youth sports and her husband, Tyler, coaches Track & Field at GCS High School.  What Amy loves most about teaching science is the opportunity to highlight God’s creativity and intentional design in the world around us. She strives to inspire worship, wonder and curiosity in her students every day.

Gundlach, Melissa

Mrs. Gundlach has been serving as the Val Vista campus Health Aide since 2023 and brings over a decade of experience in the health field. She is a proud parent of two children who attend GCS, currently in 1st and 3rd grade. Mrs. Gundlach and her family are active members of Christ Church, where they enjoy worship and community. Outside of school, Mrs. Gundlach loves spending quality time with her children—visiting the zoo, exploring parks, and playing sports together. Mrs. Gundlach is passionate about supporting the GCS community and considers it a blessing to serve in the health office, where she strives to reflect Christ’s love and compassion in all she does.

Hargarten, Holly

Mrs. Hargarten has been teaching 2nd grade at the Val Vista Campus since 2024. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Bob Jones University and a Master’s degree from the University of Phoenix. Mrs. Hargarten attends Rock Point Church. She is married to her husband, Mike and they have two active boys. Mrs. Hargarten loves being outside, hiking, kayaking, and watching baseball. She has a passion for creating a classroom environment where students are encouraged to grow academically and spiritually. 

Hendrix, Tiffany

Mrs. Hendrix has been with GCS since 2010. Serving first on the Agritopia campus and then moving to Val Vista in 2023. She is currently a classroom aide in Kindergarten. She has been married for 35 years and has two children who have graduated from GCS. She attends Compass Christian Church. When not at school she enjoys running, reading, and traveling. Her joy is to foster the love of learning and to teach and show her students the love of God.

Jorgensen, Kyle

Mr. Jorgensen has received a Bachelors degree in Finance and Math Education. He has taught Jr high and High School Math for 27 years, but is moving to a new position in the Christian School. Mr Jorgensen likes to do home improvement projects and hang out with his beautiful wife and four dogs. He has been married to his bride Cathy for 30 years and has two married sons and daughter-in-laws. Arek and Grace are Veterinarians in Missouri, while Seth and Chloe live in Phoenix working in real estate and graphical design. Mr. Jorgensen and his wife attend Rock Point church. He began working at GCS in 2024.

Look at the birds of the air, they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?……So do not worry, saying, “what shall we eat?” or “what shall we drink?” or “what shall we wear?”…..Your heavenly Father knows what you need. Matthew 6: 26-32

Kerr, Katrina

Mrs. Kerr has been teaching 3rd grade at the Val Vista Campus since 2023. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Point Loma Nazarene University and a Master’s degree from Sam Houston State University. Mrs. Kerr attends Gold Canyon Community Church. Her passions include being out in God’s creation, watching hockey, and playing with her dog. Mrs. Kerr loves being able to share about Jesus everyday with her students!

Knop, Joe

Kreun, Cami

Ms. Kreun has been a fifth-grade teacher at Val Vista since 2024. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Dordt College and actively attends Christ Church in Gilbert. As a proud mother of two adult children and a grandmother to one, Ms. Kreun finds joy in her family. Her passions include reading, hiking, and traveling. She is dedicated to guiding her students in developing a deeper love for Christ and recognizing His goodness in their daily lives. Teaching at Gilbert Christian and being surrounded by a community that shares her Love of God has been the highlight of her career

Lawson, Deborah

Lawson, Ron

Mr. Lawson is currently working as the Advanced Math Teacher for 4th, 5th, and 6th grades at the Val Vista campus. He just finished his third decade as a teacher. He received his undergraduate degree from Cal State Fullerton and his Masters in Elementary Education from Arizona State University. He is married to his beautiful wife Deb, and they have five children and five grandchildren. They love biking, hiking, working out, kayaking, playing worship music, and traveling. Mr. Lawson loves interacting and getting to know each of his students while having the opportunity to impact the next generation for Christ in his role as a teacher. 

Lentz, Emily

Mrs. Lentz has been teaching 6th grade since 2018 and has been teaching at the Val Vista Campus since 2023. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Arizona State University as well as a Master’s Degree in Gifted Education from Grand Canyon University. Mrs. Lentz and her family attend Redemption Gilbert Church. In her freetime she loves to sing and play guitar, go out to restaurants, tend to her garden and play Mario with her six year old son. Mrs. Lentz loves teaching at Gilbert Christian because she loves being able to openly speak about God, pray with her students, and help them to grow academically and spiritually.

Lobato, Danielle

Mrs. Lobato has been an instructional aide at GCS since 2024. She and her husband have three children. All three of her children attend GCS both at the High School and at the Greenfield campus. Mrs. Lobato and her family attend and serve at Echoes Church. When she’s not on campus, you can find her reading, watching movies, or spending quality time with her family. Her heart’s desire is to connect with students, making sure school is a place where they can grow in their faith and feel the love of Jesus.

Lorg, Amy

 Mrs. Lorg joined the Val Vista Campus in 2025 as the Lunchroom Coordinator. Mrs. Lorg has a Bachelors or Arts from Morningside University in World Religions and Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Ottawa University.  She has been married to her husband Shawn for over 20 years and has two teenage daughters who currently attend GCHS.  In her spare time she loves to cook, travel and spend time with her family. 

Martin, Ethan

Mr. Martin has been a Bible Teacher and Campus Pastor since 2024. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Divinity degree in Christian Apologetics from Liberty University. Mr. Martin attends Apologia Church in Mesa. He is married to his wife, Madeline, and they have a daughter and a son. Some of his passions include guitar, music, ice hockey, the Lord of the Rings, disc golf, and premium Bibles. He loves equipping the students and leading them through great biblical conversations and debates to strengthen their biblical foundation and mindset in Christ. He also loves teaching how to defend the faith against worldviews contrary to Christ.

Martin, Megan

Megan Martin has received her Bachelors Kinesiology and a Masters degree in Education She has taught kindergarten through 8th-grade physical education for over 15 years and has coached after-school athletics for 10 years. “Coach” Martin loves to spend time weightlifting and traveling with her family. She has been married to her husband, Michael for over 7 years and they have one daughter who is in first grade at GCS. Coach Martin currently attends Rock Point Church with her husband and volunteers with the Kids Ministry. She began working at GCS in 2023.

“I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength. Philippians” 4:13

Mearig, Arin

Ms. Mearig has served as the Athletic Director at the Val Vista Campus since 2024. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from California Baptist University. She attends Christ Church. She enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and playing all the sports! Ms. Mearig is passionate about using athletics as a powerful tool to help kids grow not only in skill and teamwork but most importantly in their relationship with Jesus.

Merino, Katy

Meyer, Faith

She has been the reading Interventionist G.E.A.R. teacher since 2023 and has been teaching since 2003. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University in Early Childhood Education. She also holds a Master’s degree from the University of North Dakota in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree from Grand Canyon University in Curriculum and Instruction. She holds a National Board Certification in Early Childhood Generalist. She attends Sun Valley East Valley Church. She enjoys gardening, camping, hiking, reading, crafting, baking, and card games. She is married to husband Rob and the mother of three amazing children. She is passionate about serving her community for Christ, growing my faith, sharing the gospel, and teaching reading with a biblical worldview.

Milchman, Amy

Mrs. Milchman has worked as an educator for 21 years, 6 of those years at Gilbert Christian.  She holds her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from California State University, Long Beach, as well as her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Azusa Pacific University. She has taught every grade level preschool-6th grade, Gifted, Special Education, Reading Intervention for English Language Learners, has been an Instructional Coach, and has served as Gilbert Christian’s K8 Student Services Coordinator for the past 3 years. Mrs. Milchman is happily married to her high school sweetheart, has 3 beautiful children, and attends Echoes Church in Mesa. She is excited to get back into the classroom and do what she loves- teach and discipline students.

Milchman, Jacob

 Mr. Milchman is an experienced educator with 18 years in the field, having served in various roles including administrator, instructional coach, and athletic director. He currently teaches 7th and 8th grade science and has been teaching science in the district for the past six years. Jacob earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Long Beach. He is passionate about education and values the unique opportunity at GCS to teach both his favorite subject—science—and share Godly truths with his students. Jacob has been married to his wife, Amy, for 21 years, and they have three children: Adam (17), Aubrey (14), and Austin (10). The Milchman family attends Echos Church.

Miller, Shelly

Mrs. Miller joined the Val Vista campus in 2023 as the lunchroom aide. She attends Sun Valley Community Church with her family. Mrs. Miller has been married to her husband Ed for 25 years. They have 2 adult children, one child at GCS, and 3 grandchildren. She enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, and paddle boarding. She enjoys serving the children of GCS as a way to honor and represent Christ.

Monaco, Frank

Mr. Monaco has taught at Val Vista and Greenfield as their band teacher since 2023. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Music education and has taught since 2022. Mr. Monaco attends East Valley Church of Christ and is married to his wife Ani. He enjoys playing all sorts of games from tabletop games to video games. He believes that music is for everyone and can be used to help support others and glorify God. 

ODaniell, Keh

Olson, Ashley

Padgett, Alison

Painter, Leah

Mrs. Painter is thrilled to be part of the GCS community at the Val Vista campus, serving as one of the 7th grade English teachers and reading aides. A proud graduate of the University of Washington, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences. Her teaching experience spans elementary through middle school, and she has also held leadership roles with Young Life, where she mentored and discipled high school and college students. Mrs. Painter is married to her husband, Phil, and they have three energetic teenage sons. Together, they are active members of Redeemer Bible Church in Gilbert. When she’s not in the classroom, you’ll likely find her enjoying the outdoors—whether at the beach, in the mountains, or cheering on her boys at football games and basketball tournaments. She believes that every student is uniquely created in the image of God and is committed to creating a classroom environment grounded in grace, respect, and discipleship. Her goal is to challenge students to strive for academic excellence while deepening their faith and learning to love and support one another.

Pastor, Michael

 Mr. Pastor has been a math teacher at Val Vista since 2023.  He holds a Master’s degree from the University of Arizona.  He attends Ironwood Church.  He is a father of two adult children and a grandson.  He enjoys hiking, puzzles, exercise, and traveling.  His passion has always been to guide his students to a deeper relationship with the Lord.  He wants to instill a love of learning and share his love of God with his students.

Pastor, Teri

Mrs. Pastor has been teaching 4th grade at the Val Vista Campus since 2023.  She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Northern Arizona University. She attends Ironwood Church. She is married to her husband, Mike, and they have two adult children and one grandson.  Mrs. Pastor loves reading, hiking, traveling, and working on puzzles.  She desires to instill God’s love in the lives of her students and to be an instrument to guide them academically and spiritually. 

Pearson, Isaac

Mr. Pearson received his Bachelors in Education from Arizona State University. He has been teaching 4th grade since 2015 and has been at the Val Vista campus since 2023. Mr. Pearson enjoys all things nerdy (Superheroes, Star Wars, Video Games, and much more). He collects comic books and loves to play board games whenever he gets a chance. He has been married to his wife Kayla for over 10 years and is a foster parent who has had many littles ones over the last 5 years. Mr. Pearson currently attends The Source Church in East Mesa and serves as an elder. He loves being able to bring the truth of God’s Word into the classroom each day through all of his lessons. 

Person, Wendy

Mrs. Person has served as the Middle School GEAR teacher at the Val Vista Campus since 2023. She has over 20 years experience in teaching specific needs in K-8th grades. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University and a Master’s degree from Grand Canyon University. The Person family attends Redemption Gilbert Church. She has been married for over 35 years, has 3 adult children, and 5 grandchildren. She loves to hike, camp, and hunt the mountains of Arizona. Mrs. Person is passionate about supporting students’ needs in their academic and spiritual growth. 

Peterson, Heather

Ms. Peterson has served as the Principal’s Assistant at the Val Vista Campus since 2023.  She has worked for GCS for 9 years and is also a Certified Nursing Assistant.  Ms. Peterson attends Rock Point Church with her two children.  Her passions include reading, and watching her kids play basketball.  She believes every role on campus is more than a job – it’s a calling.  An opportunity to plant seeds of faith, speak life and reflect God’s love into the hearts of the children, parents and staff she serves.

Reinke, Gavin

Mr. Reinke has served as a Teacher’s Aide at GCS since 2024 and is currently working toward his Bachelor’s degree in Education, as he grows both in knowledge and his calling to teach and guide young hearts and minds. Outside the classroom, Mr. Reinke attends Shepherds House Bible Church and enjoys volleyball, reading, and playing board games with friends. With a strong passion for education and discipleship, he considers it a blessing to be able to walk alongside and support students as they develop their faith and love of learning. “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” – Romans 15:4

Richmond, Jenny

 Mrs. Richmond has been a GCS teacher since 2019.  She has taught 3rd, 4th and currently 5th grade.  She received her BA from Western Governors University and University of South Florida. She and her husband attend Echoes Church in Mesa. Mrs. Richmond is a mom to four boys and will soon be a grandmother for the first time! She enjoys family time, swimming, movies, and reading. She knows the Lord has blessed her with the ability to teach His children and she always loves the students she teaches.

Russell, Emily

Mrs. Russell has been teaching elementary school since 2014 and has been in 3rd Grade at the Val Vista campus since 2023.  She holds a Bachelors of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies and Master of Education from Arizona State University.  Mrs. Russell and her family attend Sun Valley Community Church, South Gilbert Campus.  She is married to her husband, Geoff, and together they have three active girls.  Mrs. Russell loves to travel, play pickleball, volleyball, and enjoy spending time with her puppies.  Her classroom is an environment where students will uncover Who and Whose they are by discovering the gifts God has blessed them with.

Schwindt, Camille

Mrs. Schwindt has been teaching 2nd grade at the Val Vista Campus since 2023. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Western Governors University. Mrs. Schwindt attends Rock Point Church. She is married to her husband, Brandon and they have four children. Mrs. Schwindt loves cooking, going on walks to enjoy God’s creation, cheering on her children at their various sporting events, and volunteering at church. She loves being a part of GCS where she gets to share the truth and love of God’s Word everyday with her students.

Smith, Nicole

Mrs. Smith joined the Gilbert Christian Schools teaching staff in 2022. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington, as well as a Bible & Theology Certificate from Emmaus Bible College. Mrs. Smith attends Christ Church with her husband and two children. She enjoys traveling with her family, cheering for her son and daughter in their activities, and doing diy home projects. She is incredibly thankful for the opportunity to serve at the Val Vista Campus; she strives to encourage each student to love the Lord with all their heart, all their soul, and all their mind.

Stanley, Jennifer

With over 20 years of experience in ministry and administrative support, Mrs. Stanley brings a warm and caring presence to her role as Receptionist at our Va lVista Campus– helping others feel truly welcomed, supported, and valued. Jennifer and her husband have two children at the VV Campus in 6th and 8th grade, and their family attends Sun Valley Church in Queen Creek. She enjoys being a team mom for her kids’ sports events, hosting friends and family around the dinner table or fireside, or at the beach in San Diego. She finds joy in connecting with students, families, and staff, seeing each day as a chance to reflect Christ’s love. She considers it a blessing to serve our GCS community and is committed to creating a warm, encouraging environment for everyone who walks through our doors.

Talmadge, Crystal

Mrs. Talmadge enjoys teaching our G.E.A.R. Gifted Program at the Val Vista, Greenfield and Agritopia Campuses. She has been teaching since 2003 and earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Northern Arizona University. Mrs. Talmadge holds an Arizona Elementary Education (K-8) Certification complete with a PreK-12 Gifted Endorsement. She loves partnering with GCS parents in “challenging the minds of gifted students,” is often found traveling from one school to the next, and specializes in higher level thinking and teamwork to build confidence in each student. Mrs. Talmadge and her family attend Central Christian Church. Her hobbies include home projects, game nights, traveling, and spending time with family. Crystal joined the GCS Education team again in 2024, but previously taught at GCS for two years. Mrs. Talmadge has taught in public, charter and private schools. However, GCS is her favorite due to the Christ centered education and positive culture.

Valenzuela, Divina

Vanni, Meredith

Mrs.Vanni has been with GCS since Jan 2019. She has a Bachelor in Design from the College of Architecture at Arizona State University.  She is an art teacher at Val Vista that helps her 2nd thru 8th graders tap into their creativity and opens their eyes to God’s beautiful art that is all around. Mrs.Vanni enjoys quiet moments, paint on her hands, the smell of rain before a storm, colorful sunsets, reading a good book and helping others. She is a dreamer that loves to think up new ideas but always with her feet firmly planted in God’s word. The Vanni family attends The Gathering Church in Gilbert.

Ventrella, Heather

Mrs. Ventrella is the PreK Aide at Val Vista GCS.  She earned a B.A. in Literature from George Fox University and has taught art, and piano, led book clubs, worked with small groups at church and most notably, had the blessing of raising 4 sons and 1 daughter with her husband, Jeff.  Mrs. Ventrella likes to spend time eating and laughing with her friends and family, especially her granddaughter!  When she is not at school or eating, Mrs. Ventrella likes traveling, Pilates, hiking, creating, reading, enjoying music, and talking with her husband.  She attends Living Faith Anglican Church.  Mrs. Ventrella loves that Jesus is Lord of all for all of life – the mundane things, and the extraordinary and beautiful things, which makes it delightful for her to help and to see students blossom and grow in the world God made, in the classroom and with their friends, and especially in their knowledge and trust in Jesus.

Warbreck, Becca

Mrs. Warbreck has been teaching 6th grade at the Val Vista campus since 2023. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Central Washington University along with a Masters in Theology from Faith International University. Mrs. Warbreck and her family attend Focus 314 Church in East Mesa. She is married to her husband, Justin and they have 4 amazing children. Mrs. Warbreck moved to Arizona in 2023 and loves everything about this state. She loves spending time with her family and friends, floating down the Salt River, hiking, bike riding, watching football and baseball, and has become a Diamondbacks fan. Mrs. Warbreck has a deep passion for the Bible and loves that she has the opportunity to teach the truth of God’s Word to her students daily.

Worth, Yubiana

Ms. Worth joined Gilbert Christian Schools in 2023 and is an Elementary Math Specialist at the Val Vista campus. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of North Georgia where she Commissioned as an Officer in the United States Army. She served for 8 years, and then felt God’s calling to education. Ms. Worth attends Sun Valley Community Church, Gilbert campus and is the proud mother of a son who attends Gilbert Christian High School. She enjoys watching her son play basketball, reading, antiques, and browsing through old bookstores. Ms. Worth loves teaching math and instilling confidence in her students to do the best they can with the gifts God has given them. She especially loves the blessing of being able to share God’s word, and connecting math with biblical principles!