Agritopia Staff

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

Adams, Laurel

Ms. Adams received her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism in 1998 and her Master of Elementary Education in 2014. She has been teaching for 8 years–5 years in 3rd grade and most recently, 2 years in 5th grade ELA. She also was a teaching assistant for 3 years in Kindergarten. Ms. Adams grew up in Wisconsin, enjoys spending time outdoors, and has a pet aquatic turtle named Annie. She has two sons–Joey who graduated in 2021 and Alex who will graduate this school year. Ms. Adams currently attends Redeemer Bible Church and serves on the greeting team and sings in the choir. She will begin working at GCS in 2023.

“Be joyful in hope; be patient in affliction, be persistent in prayer.” Romans 12:12

Allison, Shelby

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 ’17, Claudia

Claudia graduated from Grand Canyon University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. She completed her student teaching in the Gilbert Public School District and is thrilled to continue her education journey at GCS. Claudia is a GCS alum and attended from kindergarten to senior year of high school. She is so grateful to be a part of the GCS family where Christ is the center of everything that we do. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys time with her family and friends, traveling, and spending time outdoors. Claudia attends Christ Church Central Phoenix and enjoys serving in the children’s ministry. She began teaching at GCS in the fall of 2021. She feels so blessed to be a part of the GCS community with opportunities to point her students towards Christ every day.

“In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37

Betz, Teresa

Bills, Ricky

Ricky graduated from Grand Canyon University in December of 2015, with a Bachelor’s degree in Christian Studies with an emphasis in Biblical Studies. Ricky is currently attending Phoenix Seminary. He will be graduating with his Master’s of Divinity in May of 2021. Ricky loves playing basketball and golf. Ricky also enjoys snowboarding, hiking, camping, and many other outdoor activities. He and his wife Erica have been married since 2017  and currently attend Desert Hills Bible Church. Ricky has been a part of the GCS teaching staff since 2020.

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”  Revelation 21:4

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.

Brown, Kristin

Carver, Jamie

Christy, Annelise

Mrs. Christy has received her Masters in Elementary Education along with her teaching certificate and her Bachelor of Science in Journalism/Public Relations. This will be her first year with her own classroom though she has two years of experience teaching. Mrs. Christy loves to be active, enjoys singing, and likes to travel with her family whenever possible. She has been married to her husband, John, for eight years and has two young children. Mrs. Christy attends Mission Community Church and serves in Women’s Bible study and Children’s Ministry. She began working at GCS in 2023.

“The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14

Clark, Desiree

Mrs. Clark enjoys teaching our 2nd and 3rd grade mathematicians at the Agritopia campus. She has earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication, and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State University. She loves partnering with GCS parents in “all things math”, is often found traveling from one classroom to the next, and specializes in encouraging her students to feel confident when exploring various math concepts. Mrs. Clark and her family attend Sun Valley Community Church, and her 2 daughters attend Gilbert Christian too! Her hobbies include hiking, reading, writing, trying new recipes, and spending time with her family. She began working at GCS in 2023.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” Proverbs 3:5

Clayton, Donna

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.

Cowan, Allison

Cox, Amy

Amy received her B.S. in Business Management  from University of Phoenix and her Masters in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University.  She taught 4th grade before moving to Gilbert Christian in 2022 as a 5th grade teacher. She is married and has 4 children that also attend Gilbert Christian. She also has a golden retriever, a german shepherd and a bunny, and they hope to get chickens and horses soon as well. In her free time she loves to spend time with her family swimming in the pool, hiking, reading, cooking, and baking. Her family attends Redeemer Bible Church and serves in the Children’s Ministry program. Amy has a deep love for the Lord and feels called to teaching and sharing her passion for God and children with her students.

Her favorite bible verse is Phillipians 1:21 “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

Curtis, Brianne

Dyer, Hannah

Ehlers, Rachel

Rachel attended ASU for her undergrad, receiving her B.S. in Elementary Education with an ESL endorsement. Later, she went through GCU for her Master’s degree in TESOL (Teachers of English to Students of Other Languages). She’s been so fortunate to have spent the last 12 years in Mesa Public Schools for both student teaching and her educational career. Rachel started in 2nd grade, but has taught 1st through 4th grade, with 3rd grade being her absolute favorite! This next year will be her 11th year of teaching. Being raised in private Christian education, Rachel is so excited to be coming back now as a teacher – having the privilege to combine her passions of faith and education. She LOVES working with kids and sees it as God’s calling in her life! When not working with kids or on school-related things, reading, cooking, and watching baseball (Go Red Sox) are some of her favorites. She’s a morning person and can usually be found working out around 5 am and finding ways to stay active and healthy. In the winter months, this involves snowboarding and hiking with her husband. Rachel married her amazing husband, Nathaniel, in the fall of 2020. They just finished building their “forever home” and share it with their rescue dachshund-pug, Lolli. They love exploring Arizona, finding new restaurants, traveling to new places, and spending time together. Rachel and Nathaniel attend Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Tempe. She has been a part of the GCS team since 2022.

Philippians 4:6-7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Espinoza, Yuridia

Gerber, Kathy

Ghena, Caleb

Mr. Ghena received his Bachelors in Political Science from Azusa Pacific University. He also studied abroad at Oxford University in the United Kingdom. He previously taught 7th-grade ELA and 7th and 8th-grade science at a charter school. This is his second year teaching and first year teaching 6th grade ELA. Mr. Ghena likes to watch Michigan sports, play golf, explore history documentaries, try new restaurants, and travel internationally. He also cherishes time spent with his family. He spends every Sunday with his parents who live in the Phoenix area. He also has a brother and a sister who live in the Valley that he sees quite often. Mr. Ghena attends Foothills Baptist Church in Ahwatukee and greatly enjoys worshipping with his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. He began working at GCS in 2023.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Gill, Heather

Mrs. Gill received her Bachelor of Music Education, specializing in string instruments She has been teaching music and performing professionally over the past 20 years. Mrs. Gill enjoys coffee dates with her husband, spending time with and raising her children, playing violin professionally, and being active. She and her husband, Chris, have been married for 19 years and met in church preschool. They have four children who all love singing and playing instruments. Mrs. Gill attends Rock Point Church where the family is getting plugged into children’s, middle and high school ministries. She began teaching at GCS fall of 2023.

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

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

Hass, Jaime

Hixenbaugh, Breanna

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 in 2024. Her family attends 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 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?”

Hopper, Cami

Cami graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Dordt College where she majored in elementary education. She taught 8 years in Christian schools and 12 years in public schools before joining GCS in the fall of 2021. Ms. Hopper has lived all over the United States, but spent most of her childhood right here in Arizona. She has two college-aged kids. Her son Tyler attends Grand Canyon University, and her daughter Lauren attends Grace College in Indiana. She is currently attending Arizona Community Church.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” John 14:1

Hunt, Kristy

Kristy received her B.S. in Education from Northern Arizona University in December of 2003. She taught 4 years as a kindergarten teacher in Gold Canyon before stepping out of the classroom to raise her own children. She then decided to homeschool and did that for 9 years before her children started at GCS in 2020. Kristy loves the gardening and the farm-to-table joy of harvesting from your own yard. Additionally, Kristy spends time each year hunting with her husband. Kristy has been married to her husband Troy since 2004, and they have two children, Charity and Josiah. Kristy and her family attend Calvary East Valley Church. Kristy began teaching at GCS in the fall of 2021.

Kristy’s favorite Bible verse is a constant reminder to live and move and breathe in God’s power, provision, and strength, Psalm 73:26, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Hurtado, Jamie

James, Justine

Justine received her English Education degree and Middle School level endorsement at Illinois State University in 2010. She’s been a teacher for 10 years. She attends church at Antioch Community Church in Chandler. She joined the GCS family in 2020 after moving from Illinois in 2019.

Her favorite verse is Ephesians 1:17, “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.”

Jarrett, Mindy

Mrs. Jarrett earned her degree in Child Development from Harding University in Arkansas. She has hours towards her Masters in Education from Grand Canyon University. After graduation, she came back to Arizona to teach Kindergarten in Phoenix for 1 year. She then taught Kindergarten at Bright Beginnings charter school in Chandler for 4 years. After that she then moved over to teach Kindergarten at Archway Chandler, she worked in Great Hearts for 10 years. She is excited to come to GCS and be a part of the team. Mrs. Jarrett loves to teach Kindergarten and is looking forward to the opportunity to help her students grow to their full potential. She is married and has two children. Their family serves and attends Sun Valley Church of Christ. Mrs. Jarrett began working at GCS in the fall of 2022.

Proverbs 3:5-6 ” Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. “

Jones, Toni

Josephson, Angela

Kaiser, Ken

King, Carrie

Knight, Alisa

Knop, Isabella

Lamberth, Mandy

Mrs. Lamberth received her Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Missouri-Kansas City-Conservatory of Music and her Master of Music in Music Education from the University of Florida. She has been teaching music for over 20 years. Mrs. Lamberth enjoys traveling and playing games with her family. She has been married to her husband Nathan for over 20 years and has two sons, Max and Tate. Mrs. Lamberth currently attends The Oasis where she and her husband both serve on the worship team. She began working at GCS in 2023.

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” Psalms 100:4

Lottes, Mandie

Mrs. Lottes received her Bachelors in Multi-age Music Education from Cedarville University in Ohio. She has been teaching music and theatre for over 20 years. Mrs. Lottes has a deep love of God’s creation, and spending time outdoors. She has been married to her husband Michael for for over 10 years and has two children. They have a son who attends GCS Agritopia, and a daughter who hopes to join pre-k there when she is old enough. Mrs. Lottes and her family attend Christ Church Gilbert, and she serves on the worship team for the Students ministry. She began working at GCS in 2023.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Manley, Kenny

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.

Masters, 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.

“BUT GOD shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” -Romans 5:8

Milchman, Amy

Amy graduated from California State University, Long Beach in 2006 with my Bachelor’s Degree and Teaching Certificate for K-8th grade. Then, she graduated from Azuza Pacific University in 2009 with my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. Amy also holds my Standard Arizona Teaching Certificate for PreK-12th grade and Arizona Principal’s Certificate for PreK-12th grade. She began teaching in 2003 at a Christ Lutheran Preschool in California. In 2006 Amy moved on to teaching elementary school first in California and now in Arizona. She taught all grades preschool through 5th grade and have been an Instructional Coach as well. Amy loves to exercise and take Zumba and Hip-Hop classes. She was in competitive dance as a child (for 18 years actually) which lead me to my first job working at Disneyland in the character department. Disneyland was a magical place to work. She and her family currently attend and serve at Rockpoint Church in Queen Creek and love it! She is married to her high school sweetheart in 2004. They have three beautiful children and two fur babies. Amy became part of the GCS staff in 2019.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Miller, Ron

Miller, Tamera

Moore, Susan

Susan loves teaching children in a Christian environment and helping students grow academically and spiritually. She has a B.S. in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University and has over 10 years of classroom teaching experience, in addition to home educating her own children for 9 years. She has enjoyed being a second-grade teacher 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 Sun Valley Community Church.

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

Murray, Jeanne

Mrs. Murray began her career at Gilbert Christian Schools in 2008.  She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA, as well as Masters Degrees in Special Education and Sports Management. Mrs. Murray has had the pleasure of teaching multiple grade levels at GCS, including 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade.  Currently, she is embracing her latest position as a middle school G.E.A.R. Resource teacher. Mrs. Murray cherishes every student individually and loves the learning and laughter that takes place in her classroom.  She is passionate about teaching from a Christian worldview and considers her job an absolute blessing!

Newcomb, Stacey

Oletzke, Melodee

Otto, Bri

Mrs. Otto graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a focus in Physical Education. She has been teaching PE since 2014. Mrs. Otto likes to take weekend trips up to Prescott and travels to Balboa Island during the summers with her family. She also enjoys being outdoors and fishing with her husband. She has been happily married to her husband, Josh, since 2015. Mrs. Otto currently attends Redemption Church Gateway with her husband and family. This is her first year teaching at Gilbert Christian School. She is excited to come alongside fellow believers and serve the students, families, and staff of GCS! She is praying that God uses her to instill the importance and enjoyment of being active and taking care of the bodies that God has gifted us.

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

Ozbun, Victoria

Mrs. Ozbun graduated from Grand Canyon University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education and a Bachelor’s of Arts in English Literature. She started out teaching 2nd grade until she realized that middle schoolers were better able to appreciate her terrible puns. She’s been teaching 6th grade English for the last 4 years and was head of the middle school English department. In her spare time, Mrs. Ozbun loves to go on long hikes (anywhere from 17.5 miles in Iceland to a little jaunt in the Superstitions), read books, and write novels. She spends quite a bit of time catching up with her 10 siblings and is the loving aunt to 6 (soon to be 7!) nieces and nephews, and in October, she will be marrying her fiance! Mrs. Ozbun has led worship and served in prayer ministry at churches in the Gilbert area for the past 10 years and is currently transitioning to Sun Valley Community Church to attend where her fiance works in full-time ministry. Mrs. Ozbun joined the GCS staff in 2023.

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1

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 Social Studies at Gilbert Christian. She is married to Shawn Patterson, head of the Security Department at GCS. All of their children are grown adults. Their daughter Kaitlyn serving in the United States Space Force and their youngest son Kyle 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

Pireh, Kelly

Kelly received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Science Education from Northland University in 2003. Kelly has worked in Christian Education for 11 years. She has taught in various grade levels including 3rd grade, middle school science, elementary and middle school P.E., and high school Bible Teaching. She also was a middle school basketball coach for 2 years and a girls’ varsity head coach for 7 years. Kelly enjoys traveling and seeing new places with historical or spiritual significance. She visited the Holy Land with her church, went to St. Vincent on a mission trip with her college basketball team, and visited Rome and Naples with family. She and her husband Ed have been married for 15 years and have 2 boys who will be attending GCS this year. Kelly and her family is visiting several local churches and is excited to see which church God directs them to as their new home church. She joined the GCS team in 2022.

Psalm 43:3 Send me your Light and Truth, let them lead me; let them guide me to your Holy Mountain, to the place where You dwell.

Poweleit, Nancy

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.

Roberts, Kendall

Kendall graduated from the honors college at Grand Canyon University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in the spring of 2021. She received her Arizona Teaching Certification the same year. Kendall completed her student teaching here at Gilbert Christian and is thrilled to continue her teaching career at such a Christ centered school beginning in the fall of 2021. She feels so blessed to work in a school where her two passions are combined: serving Jesus and educating the next generation. A fun fact about Kendall is that she was a 4 year member of the GCU cheer team, so she loves to stay active in her free time by weight lifting, hiking, skiing, and tumbling if she gets the chance! Kendall enjoys spending time with her family and is thankful that her parents, sister, brother-in-law, and niece all live close by. Kendall worships the Lord at Rock Point Church.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Romes, Mona

Mona graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and completed the Teacher Education Program to earn her licensure to teach Kindergarten through 6th grade from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs in 1996. She has been trained in Orton Gillingham, TAP, Heggerty, Spalding, and various other practices. She holds certification in Arizona and endorsements in SEI and Early Childhood Education. Mona has over 22 years of education experience in which she taught P.E., Computer Lab, 4th grade, 1st grade, and Kindergarten. Her teaching experience has included classic programs, a Title I school, and a Classical Traditional Academy (which is an accelerated program). Mona went to college on softball and academic scholarships.  Mona is blessed with a wonderful family–husband Steve, adult children Brittain and Aubri (new son Ryan by marriage), and precious dachshund Nutmeg. Mona and Steve attend Christ Greenfield. She will begin working at the Agritopia Campus for the 2022-23 school year.

Galations 2:20 “I am crucified with Christ yet I live; but not I, but Christ who lives in me. The life I now live, I live by faith through Jesus Christ who loves me and gave himself for me.”

Ryan, Tamara

Samp, Tammy

Mrs. Samp graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2012, from Northern Arizona University with a degree in Elementary Education. In 2015 she graduated, With Distinction, completing her Master Of Education in Early Childhood 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

Shue, Jolina

Smith, Madison

Madison graduated from the University of Southern Indiana with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a minor in Mathematics. She began teaching in the spring of 2021 and is confident that this is what the Lord has called her to do. Madison is excited to see all of the ways God works through her in her journey at GCS. Outside of teaching, Madison loves spending time with friends, working out, reading, and exploring new coffee shops. On Sunday mornings she attends Rock Point Church in Queen Creek. Madison began working at GCS in 2022 and feels so blessed to teach at a school where she can combine her heart for serving the Lord and education.

“Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.” Ephesians 3:17-18

Thompson, Nicole

Vaught, Sarah

Wilhelmsen, Catharina

Catharina owns a B.A. in Psychology as well as a MBA in HR Management. In addition, she has 15 years working Creative Arts running her own business. She is bilingual with her first language Afrikaans. Catharina and her husband Kevin enjoy their busy household with their four children Emma, Tobie, Caden, and Cate. Catharina and family attend Redeemer Bible Church. Catharina has been working at GCS since 2019.

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

Wise, Matt