Abbott, Michelle

Michelle Abbott attended Baylor University where she received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music History and Literature. In 2017, she completed a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education at Arizona State University. Michelle lived in California, Texas, and Washington before moving to Arizona in 2007. Michelle has been married to her husband Josh since 2000 and they have two daughters, Grace and Mercy, who both attend Gilbert Christian Schools. The Abbott family attends Christ Church in Gilbert.

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17

Avery, Susan

Mrs. Avery graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education from Western Baptist College in Oregon with an emphasis on Bible and music. She has taught grades PreK-3rd for over 20 years most of which in Christian schools. Mrs.Avery is excited to help students relate the Word to their lives. She enjoys getting to know the students and their families. She attends Grace City and serves in leading worship. She’s been married since 1990, and her twins graduate in 2020 from Gilbert Christian High School.  She loves to plan vacations and of course go on them!

Betz, Teresa

Boggs, Kelly

Kelly Boggs graduated from Asbury University, a Christian college in Lexington, Kentucky, in 2001 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Middle School Education with an emphasis in English and social studies. Over the years Mrs. Boggs has taught English in grades 7-9 since 2001 in both Christian and public schools with a few years of substitute teaching in between while her daughters were young. Her family moved to Arizona from the Buckeye state in the summer of 2018, and she homeschooled her daughters in their year of transition before teaching at GCS. Kelly loves to read all kinds of books, enjoys traveling when she can get away, and can be found playing cards and board games with her family in most of her free time at home. She and her family worship at Life Link Church in Gilbert, and she and her husband currently serve in the greeters ministry. She has been married since 2003 to Chris Boggs and has two beautiful daughters, Charis and Gianna, who also attend Gilbert Christian. Mrs. Boggs began teaching at GCS in 2019.

“Put your heart and soul into every activity you do, as though you are doing it for the Lord Himself and not merely for others.” Colossians 3:23 (The Message)

Brown, Kareena

Mrs. Brown is an ASU graduate and earned her BA in elementary education. After graduation, she worked at Hull Elementary School in Chandler until she left the workforce to raise her two children, Grafton and Deklan. She returned to teaching in 2015 and considers Gilbert Christian the perfect place to work. “I love working in an environment where my passion for teaching and my Christian faith go hand-in-hand. I love the Word and Jesus, so to teach in a Christian school thrills me.” Mrs. Brown and her husband Vince attend Desert Springs Church where she serves in children’s ministry and women’s ministry as a speaker and Bible study leader.

Buchanan, Diane

Diane Buchanan is returning to co-teach art for 2-8 grades.  Her passion is writing and teaching art curriculum that incorporates a biblical component.  Diane earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Ohio University. The Air Force moved her and family to Phoenix in 1975 where she has lived ever since. She spent 25 years serving as a Children’s Pastor before returning to the art classroom where she can combine her three passions: Jesus, art, and children. She is blessed with three children who have families of their own.  Her granddaughter, Natalie Smith, will once again be one of her GCS art students. Diane feels totally blessed to be a part of the GCS community.

Burgess, Maranatha

Carver, Jamie

Cifuentes, Jessica

God brought Mrs. Cifuentes to Gilbert Christian in 2012 after teaching middle school for six years in the Kyrene School District. The integration of faith and learning was what attracted her most to GCS in addition to the genuine care teachers and administrators hold for each student. Mrs. Cifuentes currently teaches 4/5 science and loves seeing students explore, problem-solve, and understand God’s world around them. Mrs. Cifuentes was blessed to attend Wheaton College (IL) (M.A.) and NAU for her Master’s in Educational Leadership. She and her husband enjoy spending time with their three daughters, attending Christ Church, going on lots of walks, and trying not to step on too many Legos around the house.

Clouatre, Marnie

Mrs Clouatre has a passion for Christian education and years of experience teaching 4th and 5th graders. Before joining the GCS in 2014, she taught 4th grade for six years at a California Christian school, and two years at the 4th and 5th grade at Bios Christian Academy. She delights to make learning interesting and see God glorified in each lesson. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from New Mexico State University.

Cunningham, Michele

Mrs. Cunningham began teaching at GCS in the year 2000 and is now blessed to serve as PK-8 Principal. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Ottawa University and an M.Ed in Curriculum & Instruction: Leadership Emphasis from Concordia University Portland. Mrs.Cunningham is passionate about encouraging students at GCS to live a life worthy of the Lord (Colossians 1:9-10). She loves developing programs and fostering a community that helps students to think deeply about the word of God and its application to their lives. She is thankful for the great blessing of her amazing husband, Jim, her three loving adult sons, and her two beautiful grandchildren. Mrs. Cunningham worships at Scottsdale Bible Church.

Dahlberg, Lindsay

De Bruin, Laura

Miss De Bruin is a seasoned Christian teacher with years experience teaching in upper elementary Christian classrooms both in the Midwest and in the Phoenix area.   She has a degree in Elementary Education from Dordt college and began teaching at GCS, 4th grade in 2017. She loves working at Gilbert Christian and seeing how God helps young 4th graders grow and mature both academically, socially, and spiritually.  She attends church at Redemption Tempe and runs marathons in her free time.

Dennis, Randi

Dudley, Amy

Mrs. Dudley earned her M.A. in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix and a B.S. in Exercise Physiology from Grand Canyon University. In 2009, Mrs. Dudley found her love of teaching when she became involved in children’s ministry. Mrs. Dudley decided to go back to school to become a state certified teacher in Early Childhood Education. She began teaching at GCS in 2016 and feels blessed to teach the minds and hearts of her students, keeping Jesus as the focus. Mrs. Dudley and her husband have two children. The family attends and serves at Central Christian Church.

Earle, Holly

Holly Earle started at GCS in 2008 as a playground aide as well as substituting and coaching varsity softball team. She began teaching morning pre-kindergarten in 2011 and currently teaches both morning and afternoon pre-kindergarten. Mrs. Earle provides an excellent program that prepares each child for kindergarten with a focus on the joy of the Lord.

Field, Curtis

Curtis Field received his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Arizona State University in 1995. He received a Certificate from the East Valley Bible Church Pastoral Training Center in 2007. This was a three year Master’s Level education from within EVBC. He is currently pursuing a Master’s in Missional Theology through Covenant Seminary. Curtis was a Pastor at Redemption Church Gilbert from 2005 to 2019. He was the Gilbert/Queen Creek Area Pastor and the Pastor of Care Ministries for the first 5 years and the Pastor of Biblical Counseling and Care Ministries for the next 9 years. Curtis loves spending time with his family and loves having extended family through his brothers and sisters in Christ in the Redemption Community Curtis and Angela lead. He also enjoys traveling when possible and is interested in other cultures. He has been blessed to travel through Europe, Scandinavia, and Mexico. He grew up in Southern California 30 minutes from the beach and loves the ocean. However, being landlocked in a desert can make it difficult to visit the ocean. Movies, great TV shows, and his beloved Steelers are regularly showing at home. Curtis and Angela have attended Redemption Church Gilbert since 1999, and it has been a wonderful church home where they have grown to love Jesus and desire to honor Him with all of their lives. Curtis is truly blessed to be married to Angela, an amazing woman who loves Jesus and is his best friend and the love of his life. They have been blessed by God with four beautiful daughters – Anna (27), Savannah (24), Alyssa (22), and Tiana (20). They also have two ridiculously cute dogs named Wyatt and Toby, a Maltese and a Yorkshire Terrier. He joined our GCS staff in 2019.

Curtis finds it impossible to have a favorite verse and has too many favorite verses to count. However, it’s hard to beat a verse that lays out comprehensively the North Star of the Christian life: “Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it. ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” – Matthew 22:37-40

Garza, Holly

Holly Garza graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education in 2011. Holly has been teaching for nine years, eight of which have been at GCS. Holly has a love for science and firmly believes that studying God’s creation on a daily basis with students is one of the greatest privileges. Holly and her husband, Josh, currently attend and serve at Christ Church Gilbert.

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:288

Gerber, Kathy

Gonzalez, Michelle

Mrs. Gonzalez earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from The King’s College in New York. She has taught PreK, 2, 3, 4, and 6-8 grades in Christian schools in New Jersey and Tennessee before coming to Gilbert Christian in 2013. Mrs. Gonzalez desires to see her students grow in their knowledge, understanding, and love of the Lord while helping them develop a Biblical worldview. She is passionate about Christian education and feels blessed to be a part of Gilbert Christian Schools where she can minister to the students in her class and their families.

Gorecki, Tracie

Gripp, Sarah

Ms. Sarah Gripp graduated from Northern Arizona University with degrees in instrumental music education and violin performance and began teaching at GCS in 2018. Prior to this, she was an intern in the NAU Suzuki Strings program, teaching private lessons and helping with group classes for elementary students. Additionally, she has student taught elementary and junior high orchestra students with Gilbert Public Schools. Sarah played with the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra for several years and enjoys playing violin and mandolin in her church worship teams. She is excited to help students develop excellence in God’s gift of music, for His glory!

“Therefore, he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” Hebrews 7:25

Hammond, Tatum

Ms. Hammond earned her Master’s degree in Education from Southern Methodist University and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Arizona. She began teaching middle school when she moved to Dallas, Texas where she served two years with Teach for America. Ms. Hammond is excited to be at GCS and to be able to work in a faith-based educational environment. She loves the opportunity to be able to study and learn more about God’s creation on a daily basis with students. In her free time, Ms. Hammond loves to run, read and spend time with loved ones. She currently worships at Redemption Church Tempe. Ms. Hammond is looking forward to becoming Mrs. Lazorchak later this year and celebrating this sweet season alongside her family and loved ones.
She joined the GCS staff in 2019.

“We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Romans 5:1-5

Hayes, Rachelle

Rachelle Hayes has been teaching in Arizona for ten years and is excited to integrate her love for the Lord and to teach in the classroom.  Mrs. Hayes is originally from Minnesota where she earned her teaching degree from St. Cloud State University. Rachelle received her Masters in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University.  She and her husband Dean have been married for 15 years. They have three children ages 13, 11, and 9.  As a family, they worship at Rock Point Church.  They also enjoy watching and playing sports, swimming, vacations, and going to the movies together. She is passionate about God and teaching his children and considers it a blessing to be his hands and feet in the classroom and their home.

Hendrix, Tiffany

Mrs. Hendrix has been an Aide at Gilbert Christian Schools for 6 years. Additionally, she taught Kindergarten science for three years. Before coming to GCS, Mrs. Hendrix homeschooled her two children and helped her husband run a business. She has been married to her husband Gary for 26 years and has two children, one graduated from GCS and the other is currently a senior. Mrs. Hendrix attends The Grove church in Chandler. She is blessed to be a part of GCS. Mrs. Hendrix loves teaching the children and sharing Jesus’ love.

Hightower, Deborah

Having been a part of Gilbert Christian Schools for over twenty years, in a variety of roles including parent, prayer/mission coordinator, substitute, part-time and full-time teacher, I have experienced from, a unique perspective, the development and emergence of a quality Christian school. My passion for my own four children, as well as those who continue to attend here, has been to do all I can to help them grow physically, academically, emotionally and spiritually to be all they can be in Christ. My varied background including a B.A. from East Stroudsburg State University, PA, along with extensive dance and performance experience gleaned from years of living in the NY metropolitan area, have enabled me to serve in a variety of roles at the school. The shared focus of staff and teachers alike, to support one another, while wholeheartedly serving the Lord, our families and students is unmatched by anything I have encountered. I am exceedingly blessed to be able to continue to teach, facilitate prayer and provide ministry opportunities that lead to the expansion of God’s kingdom at GCS and beyond, through the impacted lives of our students!

Hoppal, Breanna

Mrs. Hoppal holds a Master’s Degree from Northern Arizona University in Educational Technology, a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Missouri Southern State University, and an Associate’s Degree in Bible and Elementary Education from Ozark Christian College. Before coming to Gilbert Christian in 2010, Mrs. Hoppal taught sixth grade for two years (2008-2010) at J.O. Combs Unified School District in San Tan Valley. She loves to travel. Each summer, her husband and their 4 kids pack up and road trip around the country. They are planning to visit each state before their oldest son, Tommy, graduates high school. Central Christian Church- Gilbert campus She and her husband Jason married in 2012 on the beautiful island of Kauai. Together, they have 3 sons and 1 little princess, our daughter.
Mrs. Hoppal as been a part of the GCS staff since 2010.

Matthew 6:27,  “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

Kao, Yan

Mrs. Kao has completed her B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Massachusettes (Amherst, MA). She also has a K-8 Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Notre Dame de Namur University (Belmont, CA.) and a Master of Education – Language and Literacy from Harvard Graduation School of Education (Cambridge, MA). Mrs. Kao has been teaching for since 2011 and has been a Children’s Ministry Director since 2015. An interesting fact about her is that she still stays in touch with her own 3rd-grade teacher. Her and her husband George, have 2 boys and 1 girl. They currently worship together at Cornerstone Church in Chandler. Mrs. Kao has been a part of our GCS Staff since 2017.

“The Lord God is my Strength, my personal bravery, and my invincible army.” Habakkuk 3:19a AMPC

Kost, Bobbie

Mrs. Kost loves to create wonderful lessons and encourage her students to always do their best and glorify God with their lives. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon College and is Arizona State Certified.  Before coming to GCS, she taught 4th grade in public school and homeschooled her own children for 15 years. God has given her a tremendous heart for children and her entire family loved and cared for foster children in their home from many years.   Mrs. Kost has three grown daughters and two who attend GCS. She and her family worship God together at Cornerstone church.

Lauer, Lindsay

Mrs. Lauer earned her BA in English and Education and is a teacher educator with the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, and an ambassador teacher with the US Department of State. She is certified to teach K-12 Gifted & Talented, English Language Learners, as well as International Baccalaureate. She first began teaching in 2010. Mrs. Lauer loves to travel and explore God’s creation, and also enjoys reading, writing, and singing! She is blessed to be able to volunteer her time working with homeless youth on literacy and study skills. Mrs. Lauer and her family worship at Central Christian Gilbert. She is married to her husband, Matt and is blessed to live in Tempe, near her entire family – including her seven nieces and nephews! While they have no children yet, Mr. and Mrs. Lauer are kept busy with their silly bullmastiff, Jordy Beans. She began teaching for GCS in 2019.

Job 19:25-27, “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end, He will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see Him with my own eyes – I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!”

LeBlanc, Laura

Liddy, Krista

Krista received her Bachelor Degree in Education from ASU with reading and math endorsements. She also received a Middle School endorsement. Krista has spent 5 years teaching junior high math in Mesa Public Schools and 3 years teaching in various positions at Gilbert Christian Schools. An interesting fun fact about Krista, is that she does Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. She has worshiped at Central Christian since 4th grade and attended for about 30 years.  Krista is married with 3 children who attend Gilbert Christian Schools and her and her husband also foster. She has been a part of our GCS staff since 2015.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; and he shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil.” Proverbs 3:5-7

Lopez, Mayra

Mayra Lopez studied International Commerce in her hometown Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico at Kino University, where she received her bachelor’s degree. It was until 2009 that she began working in Children’s Ministries with East Valley Bible Church and also started teaching private Spanish lessons to small groups of homeschool children. In 2012, she taught Spanish for elementary and middle school (fifth-eighth grades) at Grace Community Christian School in Tempe. After that, she worked at Eduprize Schools for three years as an aide, and just for the last year, as an aid in the enrollment department too. She became part of GCS as a Spanish middle school teacher in 2016. In her school days, she had the privilege of attending to a Christian high school. For her, those were the most meaningful years of her childhood. She loved how all teachers taught her to address every situation in her life with the Bible, and it was there that she learned how to have a real relationship with Jesus. She met her best friends there, and after all these years they still stayed so close, as a family. Mayra is married to her best friend and love of her life Josue Lopez who is one of the pastors at Redemption Church West Mesa, and he is also the worship leader. They have two children: Misael (16) and Michelle (12), and they’re also part of the worship team by playing drums and piano.

“Por lo demás, hermanos, todo lo que es verdadero, todo lo honesto, todo lo justo, todo lo puro, todo lo amable, todo lo que es de buen nombre; si hay virtud alguna, si algo digno de alabanza, en esto pensad.” Filipenses 4:8

MacArthur, Shelly

Manley, Valerie

Mrs. Manley holds a B.A in elementary education she earned from Arizona State University. Before coming to Gilbert Christian School, she taught first grade for three years for Gilbert Public Schools. For three years, Mrs. Manley worked in Gilbert Christian’s kindergarten program as a teacher in the half day and full day program before taking over the full day first-grade classroom from 2016-2019. 2019-2020 school year, Mrs. Manley will return to the kindergarten full-day program to serve our families. Mrs. Manley loves being able to combine her two passions in the workplace; her love for the Lord and her love of teaching. She enjoys working towards the success of her students with both families and staff. Her children attend GCS, and her family worships at Rock Point Church.

McLaughlin, Dorene

Mrs. McLaughlin earned her bachelor’s degree in secondary education/English from Edinboro University, graduating Cum Laude. Her master’s degree in English is from Northern Arizona University. Mrs. McLaughlin began teaching in 1991 and has taught at the high school, middle school, and elementary levels. She leads her students to be better communicators and critical thinkers through a variety of creative means. Mrs. McLaughlin is a committed believer with a strong Christian testimony.

Miller, Ron

Moir, Heather

Heather graduated from Western Washington University in 2012 with a degree in Early Childhood/Special Education. In 2013, Heather moved to Zambia, Africa, where she provided Special Education for elementary school children, as well as coordinated the Special ed. program at an International school. She also volunteered in community outreach through a ministry in Zambia. She returned to her Bellingham, Washington, hometown in 2016, and taught 2nd grade for three years at a Christian Classical School until 2019 when she transitioned to teaching 1st grade at GCS. In her free time, Heather enjoys reading Classic literature and traveling. She is a self-proclaimed Tolkien fan and crazy cat lady.

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3

Moore, Susan

Mrs. Moore is so happy to teach children in a Christian environment because she loves to help each child grow academically and spiritually. She has a BS in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University and is Arizona state certification. She homeschooled her own children and has spent many years in the elementary classroom including teaching at GCS since 2016. Teaching children to love reading is one of her passions, and she enjoys sharing and discussing books with budding second-grade readers.  She and her family, including 3 children who attend GCS, worship at Grace Community Church.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

Mosby, John

John received his Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance from Grand Canyon University in 2018. He has been teaching since 2019. John serves as a deacon at Agros Reformed Baptist church, enjoys rock climbing, and within three weeks had sung at Carnegie Hall, graduated from GCU, and married his beautiful wife! John joined the GCS staff in 2019.

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”‘ John 11:25-26, NKJV

Murray, Jeanne

Mrs Murray earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, then a Master’s Degree in Special Education from the University of Phoenix. She began her teaching career at Gilbert Christian Schools as a substitute teacher in 2008. Mrs. Murray considers teaching at GCS a great blessing and cherishes every day with her students!

Palacio, Pam

Pasquariello, Cassie

Cassie has her Bachelor’s in Health Education from Lee University. She has a huge passion for kids of all ages and has taught since 2006. She also loves God, basketball, coffee and chocolate. She is a native of beautiful Arizona and actually a Sun’s fan, she says, if you can believe it! Cassie worships at Redemption Gateway with her family. Her and her husband, who is also a teacher at the High school, have been married Since 2011. They are blessed with two little boys, Tate and Bryton. Cassie joined our GCS staff in 2017.

“In him, we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.” Ephesians 1:7

Patterson, Jacqueline

Mrs. Patterson graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay in 1990 receiving a BS in communication and business. She had been home raising her four children until her last child entered GCS in 2006. Since then Mrs. Patterson has been teaching Middle School History at Gilbert Christian. She is married to Shawn Patterson, head of the Security Department at GCS. All of their children are grown now and two presently attending the United States Air Force Academy!

1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Perry, Melody

Ms. Perry is an accompanist with over 30 years experience. She studied piano performance at Western Oregon State University. She taught music at Eastside Christian School for fourteen years and was the accompanist at Central Christian Church (Mesa) for twenty-three years. She currently performs with various groups around the valley and teaches private piano lessons. She has accompanied all of the Gilbert Christian Schools choirs since 2007.

Peterson, Lori

Phillippe, Mary

Mary Phillippe has been a believer in Jesus Christ since she was 15 years old, and she is looking forward to sharing her faith with GCS first graders as a first-grade teacher for 2019-20. She holds a master’s degree in elementary education, and she has over 17 years of classroom experience. “I am very excited to get to know the children at GCS. I want to know each child and family well,” said Mrs. Phillippe. Her son Austin works in the family business and attends college and her daughter Logan is an ASU graduate.  Mary attends and serves at Sun Valley Church and has served as a volunteer at the Crisis  Pregnancy as part of her ministry to others.

Poweleit, Nancy

Mrs. Poweleit has been teaching at GCS since 2006. Her life’s passion is to reach others about the love and freeing joy found in the life-saving blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! God placed the ministry of teaching on her heart years ago and, after receiving her Masters in French Literature in 1992, she taught AP and Baccalaureate French classes at Dixie High School in KY, and long distance learning classes in French, Spanish, German, and Japanese at the elementary level. She delights in her amazing husband and children, women’s Bible studies and Christian fellowship, and has been a Minister of Care since 2005 to her church’s homebound and nursing home parishioners with whom she prays, shares the Gospel, and offers Eucharist. Mrs. Poweliet was a Foreign Language Teacher in  KY (1992-1996) and has been teaching at GCS since 2006. “I have an amazing twin sister and I am one minute older than her.  Also, I am
learning to play the ukulele.” She currently worships at Holy Cross Catholic Church with her husband Christian David and they both have two sons Christian and Drew.

1 Peter 5:10 “And the God of all grace who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.”

Rachoy, Katelyn

Katelyn Rachoy has been an orchestra director at Gilbert Christian since 2013. An Arizona native, she earned a B.M.E. in Music Education with an Instrumental Emphasis from the University of Arizona. Mrs. Rachoy started playing the viola at age seven and loved the experiences she had in school orchestras, youth symphonies, private lessons and festivals and hopes to share that joy with her students. Her teaching experiences have been in early childhood strings, middle school outreach band, and elementary through high school orchestra. Prior to teaching at Gilbert Christian, Mrs. Rachoy substituted for music classes in the Mesa Public School district. Katelyn and her husband John attend Grace Bible Church of Phoenix where she enjoys serving in the nursery and on the worship team. She loves teaching at a Christian school where she can motivate students to glorify God with their gifts and abilities.

Ramos, Anthony

Mr. Ramos has taught MS mathematics in both public and charter school environments. He believes the junior high years are some of the most important years in a student’s education, so it is a blessing to teach students during these important years. Mr. Ramos is a veteran of the United States Air Force and holds a B.A .in Education with an endorsement in mathematics from Boise State University and is certified by the state of Arizona in science. Mr. Ramos attends Christ Church in Gilbert with his daughter. He wants families to know, “My faith in Christ is of the utmost importance in my life, followed next by family. I consider
it a privilege to serve Christ in and through Gilbert Christian Schools.” Mr. Ramos has been a part of GCS staff since 2018.

Renaud, Brenna

Mrs. Renaud has taught at Gilbert Christian since 2010, earning her Master’s Degree in Education from Texas Woman’s University and her Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature and Communications from The University of Iowa. After starting her teaching career in Texas public schools, she considers it a calling and blessing to be in Christian education because of the ability to interweave God in the school day, and specifically the atmosphere at GCS. It is her passion to teach and instill a life-long love of learning in her students. Mrs. Renaud and her family attend Central Christian (Gilbert campus).

Roberts, Jim

Mr. Roberts earned both his B.A. and M.Ed. from Arizona State University. He is certified to teach K-12 physical education and also holds an administrative certification. While at ASU, Mr. Roberts played as an offensive lineman for the Sun Devil football team. He has 35 years of teaching experience and spent the first 31 years of his career teaching Physical Education in the Mesa Public School district before joining the GCS team in the fall of 2015. Mr. Roberts was recognized as the 1998 National Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the National Association of Sport and Physical Education. He loves working with both children and young adults in order to cultivate in students a love for physical fitness and an active lifestyle. Mr. Roberts is thankful for the opportunity to impact the lives of students both in their physical development and in their development in godliness. He loves the Word of God and is blessed to be able to share the Gospel and love for Jesus with the students of Gilbert Christian.

1 Timothy 4:8 “For bodily exercise has some value, but godliness has value in all things, having the promise of the life which is now, and of that which is to come.”

Russell, Chris

Samp, Tammy

Mrs. Samp graduated, Summa Cum Laude in 2012, from Northern Arizona University with a degree in Elementary Education. She has been a volunteer at Sun Valley Community Church in their “Special Needs One-On-One” Sunday school program and taught elementary music at both Calvary Academy and Faith Christian School in Mesa. Incorporating joy through music is just one way Mrs. Samp brings God’s love to the boys and girls in her classroom.

Scheina, Athena

Shue, Chris

Mr. Shue joined the 5th-grade team during the 2019-2020 school year after teaching 6th grade the year prior. He enjoyed a 23-year United States Navy career and he retired from active duty service in 2015. For seventeen of those years, he was a classroom instructor and taught military leadership, management, marksmanship, and physical fitness curriculum. He was also a certified high school Naval Science Instructor through the Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) Program. Mr. Shue has completed studies at Vincennes University, Arizona State University, and Grand Canyon University. Towards the end of his naval career, God called him to Christian education and younger students. He is sincerely grateful to serve at Gilbert Christian Schools where he can teach, mentor, and pray with his students. His wife Jolina is the Vice-Principal at the Agritopia campus, and they have three wonderful children.

Shue, Jolina

Mrs. Shue joined the GCS family in 2016 after her husband retired from the Navy and they moved their family to Arizona. The Shue’s have three children and have been married since 1999. Mrs. Shue earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development from Azusa Pacific University in California. Her desire as an administrator is to build meaningful relationships with the students, parents, and staff while keeping God in the center and guiding the students to interpret the world through a Christian worldview.

Tyler, Jeannea

Wise, Matt