Greenfield Staff

Bailey, Julie

Mrs. Bailey received her Bachelors in Education from the Pennsylvania State University. She taught second grade for one year and fourth grade for 7 years. She has also led fencing and gymnastics clubs over the years. Mrs. Bailey loves to listen to music, walk her dog every morning, and hang out with her family. She has been married to her husband, Brian, for 20 years and has three teenage children. Mrs. Bailey currently attends Redemption Gateway Church with her family. She loves serving in the nursery with her eldest daughter. Her first year at GCS was in 2023 but her fourth year teaching in a Christian school.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” -Isaiah 41:10

Baker, Melissa

My name is Melissa Baker, and I am honored to be a part of the Gilbert Christian School family. I am from Ohio but have lived in Arizona for most of my life. I graduated from Grand Canyon University in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. I have been married for 15 years and have been blessed with two beautiful girls ages 18 and 12, one of which has special needs. This is my fourth year of teaching and I am very excited to be used by God in fulfilling my passion. In my spare time, I love to go camping and hiking and am an avid reader and writer. One day, I hope to be able to publish a book. My husband and I are members of  Family of Faith Fellowship in Queen Creek where I serve as the Children’s Ministry Director. I believe that academic excellence is an expression of worship of our Almighty God. Each child is an expression of God’s principle of individuality. Students are seen as individuals created in God’s image, unique and possessing certain gifts and qualities that set them apart from all others. My purpose in teaching is to creatively identify my students’ gifts and abilities and have them apply these for the Kingdom. I desire for my students to be immersed in modeling God’s love as they work diligently through each subject. It is my role as an educator to address the ‘whole child’ by providing instruction, opportunity, and setting an example in loving God, loving our neighbors, developing a prayer life, embracing the Great Commission, and walking in purity in our thoughts and actions.

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.” I Timothy 4:12

Barchus, Courtney

Bauslaugh, Joy

In 2018, Joy graduated from Spring Arbor University with a degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood. She student taught in a second-grade classroom and preschool classroom after graduation. She has been working in preschool centers since then. Joy is from Michigan! She loves being outside especially near the ocean or the mountains. She loves listening to music, watching movies, being alive outside, and being with her friends and family. Joy currently attends Mission Community Church. Joy comes from a family of educators. Both her parents taught at the Christian school she attended from preschool to senior year. She has a brother who lives in Virginia and a sister who is a teacher here in the chandler school district. Joy has 5 nephews–3 of the 5 live in Virginia and the other 2 live here in Gilbert. Joy started at GCS in the fall of 2020.

“Do you send the lightning bolts on their way? Do they report to you, ‘Here we are’? Who gives the ibis wisdom or gives ibis wisdom or gives the rooster understanding? Who has the wisdom to count the clouds? Who can tip over the water jars of the heavens?” Job 38:35-37

Bostaph, Tammy

Tammy received her B.A. in Elementary Education from Arizona State University and a Masters of Education with Distinction from Northern Arizona University emphasizing curriculum and instruction. She carries certifications in Structured English Immersion (SEI), Logic of English, Facilitative Leadership, and Gifted Education. Tammy has taught first, third and fifth grades in the Chandler Unified School District as well as BASIS.ed in Chandler. She has served in administration as the kindergarten through seventh-grade Director of Student Affairs for the past five years. Her responsibilities as the Director were to oversee the well-being of the student body, create and cultivate a positive school culture, mentor and professionally develop teachers, as well as lead the Student Support Department through academic, social/emotional, and behavioral support. In her spare time, Tammy enjoys baking. She is determined to perfect the tasty and delicate French Macaron, and she is getting pretty close! Tammy and her husband Joe have been married since 1990. They have two married children, Jessica and Joey, as well as one granddaughter, Blake. As a family, they love spending down time together, going to the beach, cruising, competing in board games, watching movies, baking, cooking, and playing with their dogs. Tammy and Joe attend Desert Springs Church in Gilbert. She joined the GCS team in 2022.

Proverbs 3:5-6 “TRUST in the Lord with all your heart; lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and he will direct your paths.”

Brandt, Tracy

Branton, Cindy

Burgess, Jennifer

Mrs. Burgess has received her Bachelors in Elementary Education and her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. She has been a classroom teacher, interventionist, academic coach, curriculum coordinator, and assistant principal over the last 17 years. Mrs. Burgess recently moved to Arizona from Tennessee and loves to travel with her family to explore new parts of the country. She has been married to her husband Jason for over 29 years and has two sons. Reed is 22 and is married to Kaylie. Jack is 10 and will be in the 5th grade at GCS Greenfield. Mrs. Burgess is currently visiting churches in the area with her family as they look for a new church home. They look forward to finding their new church home where they can worship, serve, and make connections. She began working at GCS in 2023.

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

Burke, Maggie

Mrs. Burke received her Bachelor’s in K-6 Elementary Education from Grove City College in 2019. She taught 3rd grade at an English Immersion school in Xela, Guatemala for her first year of teaching. She then taught 5th and 6th grade Math and Science for 3 years in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Burke is going into her fifth year of teaching! Mrs. Burke loves to run! She ran cross country in college and usually trains for races throughout the year. She recently got married to her husband Justin this past June!  She began working at GCS in 2023.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” – Romans 15:13

Clements, Tyffany

Tyffany Clements received her B.A. in Elementary Education from Arizona State University. Her experience includes 2 years of teaching kindergarten at Hull Elementary in Chandler, 2 years of teaching preschool in her home, and 8 years of homeschooling. She grew up in Salina, Kansas, but has lived in Arizona since 2001. Outside of teaching, Tyffany enjoys spending time doing large puzzles and camping, hiking, and biking with her family. Tyffany and her husband Kirby have been married since 2002 and have three boys, Keaton, Treyton, and Carsten, who all attend Gilbert Christian Schools. Tyffany has been a part of our Gilbert Christian Schools staff since 2019 and is excited to be a part of all that God is doing here. She is thrilled to be following her passion for teaching as well as leading her students to discover and follow God’s purpose for their lives. She and her family currently attend Desert Springs Church. Tyffany joined the GCS staff in 2020.

“The heart of a man heart plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

Doest, Tara

Mrs. Doest received her Bachelors of Arts in Liberal Studies from California State University, Fullerton in 1998, and in 2000 her teaching certification and Masters in Education from National University. She started teaching 6th grade in 2013 at Mesa Public Schools and, through an incredible God story, was placed at GCS in 2019.  The Doest Family attends Christ Church of the Valley-East Valley campus where they have the opportunity to serve God and others through various ministries. Her life is filled with the love from her husband and three boys. She enjoys running, cooking yummy meals, and her most treasured times are with her family around the dinner table or at the beach in Southern California.

Philippians 2:3 “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”

Emery, Cory

Cory earned a bachelor’s degree from Eugene Bible College in 2005. He has been a pastor for many years and has served as a graphic design, Bible, & theology teacher as well. Cory plays guitar in a band based here in Gilbert, and writes and records worship songs. He and his wonderful wife Rebekah have two sons Caleb and Ezekiel who both attend GCS. Cory pastors Heritage Chapel here in Gilbert. He began working at GCS in 2021.

“Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths.” Isaiah 2:3

Emery, Rebekah

Farrish, Karen

Garza, Holly

Holly Garza has a Bachelors in Elementary Education from Arizona State University and a Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin. She has been in education for eleven years. Holly has lived in six states but in Arizona the longest. Holly has been married to Josh since 2014, and together they have a golden retriever named Parker. She and Josh attend Christ Church Gilbert. She began working at GCS in 2012.

“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 8:28

Gorski, Daniel

Hafdal, BreAnna

Halaby, Christina

Hallaran, Angel

Mrs. Hallaran served as an elementary substitute teacher and Pre-K aide at Gilbert Christian Schools and found herself genuinely enjoying loving, nurturing and guiding preschoolers in particular. She is thrilled for the opportunity to teach Pre-K at the Greenfield campus. Mrs. Hallaran is an Arizona native, married for almost 25 years to her husband Scott, and has three beautiful children, McKenna, Olivia, and Jameson. Having earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business, she is now pursuing an Early Education degree. She is passionate about learning and playing while sharing Christ and guiding our “littles” to know and love Jesus.

Hanson, Shannon

Mrs. Hanson has received her Bachelors in Elementary Education from Arizona State University. She taught 4th grade for 4 years before spending some time at home raising her 3 children. Mrs. Hanson enjoys her time working out, baking, and spending time with her family! She has been married to her husband Aaron for 16 years. They have 3 children who will be joining GCS this school year. Mrs. Hanson and her family currently attend Redeemer Bible Church and they serve in various ministries. Mrs. Hanson became part of the GCS staff in 2023.

“…for He has said “I will never leave you nor forsake you” So we can confidently say the Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me” Hebrews 13: 5-6

Harder, Natalie

Henderson, Mark

Mr. Henderson graduated from NAU in 1983 with a B.S. in Public Relations. In 1991, he completed his B.S. in Elementary Education. He worked as a classroom teacher at Shumway Elementary School in Chandler teaching 5th and 6th grade for nearly 8 years. He left the classroom and joined the school fundraising industry, and as a result,  worked with students in over 350 different schools and organizations all across the state of Arizona.  In 2015, he returned to the education field joining GCS at that time.  Mr. Henderson grew up in a Christian home and at age eleven he made a decision to follow Christ. He has been married to Trinka, a first-grade teacher with GCS, for 37 years. Their daughter, Mariah and husband, Luis, live in the valley with their new granddaughter, Kodi. Mr. and Mrs. Henderson currently attend Sun Valley Community Church, while serving in the area of missions. They previously attended Compass (Chandler) Christian Church where Mr. Henderson served as an elder for nine years and youth/children’s ministry leader for 19 years. He has a true heart for leading young people to understand God’s Word and looks forward to teaching Bible and ELA to students in his new GCS homeroom.

Mr. Henderson explained the call on his life during his interview, “I know God has given me a talent and gift to work with kids as a teacher. He has given me a passion to work with young people.”

Henderson, Trinka

Mrs. Trinka Henderson is a First Grade teacher at the Greenfield campus.  She received her B.S. in Early Childhood Education with a Special Ed. an emphasis in 1985 from NAU.  She began teaching in the Chandler School District that year as well.  In 2001 she received her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from NAU. She was called into teaching in Christian schools in 2002 where she taught at Hope Christian Academy for 13 years and 2 years at Bethany Christian School.  She joined GCS in 2016 and helped open the Greenfield campus the following year.  Mrs. Henderson’s husband, Mark is a 6th-grade teacher here as well, and they attend Sun Valley Church, where they serve in the missions area.  They previously attended Compass Christian Church where she served in youth ministry for 19 years.  Their daughter, Mariah, husband Luis, and new granddaughter, Kodi live in the valley.  Mrs. Henderson is looking forward to helping little Kodi learn to read and loves summer travels to the cool pines of northern Arizona and Colorado. Teaching is her passion and she says “it is a gift from God, to pour His life into young lives enabling them to grow spiritually, emotionally and academically.” Her students have a unique way of beginning each school day. “We recite Eph. 6:10-20 every day and the kids love to put on the full armor of God to begin our day of learning.”

Hershey, Casey

Mr. Hershey received his Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies and Master’s in Divinity Working in schools and churches for 5 years as a teacher, pastor, and administrator. He likes to play golf and basketball and snowboard with his wife. Mr. Hershey has been married to his wife Patience for over three years and has a daughter named Shiloh. He and his family attend Christ Church and he serves on the prayer team. Mr. Hershey became part of the GCS staff in 2023.

“One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.” Psalm 27:4

Holly, Kelly

Hoyle, Jenn

Mrs. Hoyle teaches all-day kindergarten.  She received her B.A. in elementary education from Westmont College. She began teaching elementary school in Colorado in 1993.  She taught second and third grade in Colorado, and then she stepped away from teaching to be home with her children. She is enjoying being back in the classroom.  Her favorite things to do are spend time with her family, read, and explore the outdoors. Mrs. Hoyle loves to teach and feels honored to be able to share the love of God with her students.  Her family attends Christ Church. Mrs. Hoyle and her husband have been married for over 25 years and have four wonderful children. Three of her children have the privilege of attending GCS. She has been a part of the GCS staff since 2018.

Mrs. Hoyle’s favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans that I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

Imel, Rachel

Jabeck, Katie

Johnson ’17, Faith

Faith attended Colorado Christian University where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Faith began teaching in the spring of 2021 and feels confident that this is the career that the Lord has called her to. Faith was born and raised in Gilbert, Arizona, and is a Gilbert Christian alum. She is so excited to be teaching at GCS and pour into her students as her teachers did for her. Although teaching is her main passion, Faith loves to be creative through painting and lettering. Faith has attended and served at Christ Church Central Phoenix since its launch in December 2020. Faith joined the GCS staff in 2021. She is excited to be able to point her students to Christ through teaching!

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

Johnston, Taryn

Taryn graduated from Arizona State University where she received her Master’s in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Structured English Immersion. She began her teaching career in 2017 as a 5th grade teacher at a small private school in San Tan Valley before joining the 5th grade team at CTA Independence in the Chandler Unified School District. She took a short break from full-time teaching when her daughter was born and feels excited and privileged to be getting back in the classroom and joining the GCS family. Outside of teaching, Taryn enjoys spending time with her family and friends, crafting, and traveling. She married her loving husband, Nathan, in 2015 and together they have two wonderful children, Kynsley and Levi. Taryn and her family attend Central Christian Church in Queen Creek. Taryn began attending Central, with her family, as a young child and she feels incredibly blessed to be raising her children in the same church/ministries that had such a profound impact on the daughter, wife, mother, and teacher she is today. Taryn began teaching at GCS in the Fall of 2022.

“This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Kaemmerer, Rachel

Kailey, Kristena

Koch, Jennifer

Landis, Vanessa

Lopez, Mayra

She studied International Commerce in her hometown Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, at Kino University, where she received her bachelor’s degree. She became part of our GCS family as a Spanish middle school teacher in 2016. In her school days, she had the privilege of attending a Christian high school. For her, those were the most meaningful years of her childhood. She loved how all her teachers taught her to approach every situation in her life with the Bible, and it was there that she learned to have a real relationship with Jesus. She also met her best friends there, and even over time, they still stayed close, like family. She married the love of her life, Josue Lopez, in 2001. He is now one of the pastors and the worship leader at their church: Redemption Church West Mesa. They have two children: Misael and Michelle, and both love to serve in their church as part of the worship team by playing drums and piano.

Her favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:8, and she would love to share it with you in Spanish: “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

Lyon, Jennifer

Majeski, Amy

My name is Amy Majeski, and I have been a part of the Gilbert Christian community since 2013. I feel very privileged to work in a school where the Lord is the foundation and focus. I know that God specifically called me to Gilbert Christian Schools, a responsibility I do not take lightly. It is my goal as an administrator to cultivate a trusting and productive relationship between parents, students, and staff through a Biblically centered worldview, where students can gain an understanding of the world we live in, interpret life situations and apply Biblical truths in all areas of life. I earned a BA in Social and Behavioral Science and Elementary Education from Seattle Pacific University with endorsements in K-12 Social Studies and History in 1995, and MS of Education in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University in 2019. God truly directed me to Christian Education where my philosophy of education is firmly founded in my love for Christ. Living out 1 Corinthians 13:4 “Love is patient, love is kind….” gives me strength every single day to share this love with others around me.

Majeski, Karissa

Martin, Kim

Mrs. Martin has been part of Gilbert Christian Schools since 2000. She teaches all-day Kindergarten and feels blessed to partner with parents in the education of their children. Mrs. Martin grew up in Phoenix and attended college at Arizona Bible College, where she studied Elementary Education. She continued her education at NAU receiving a MA in Education.  Mrs. Martin and her husband have been married for over 30 years and have three children, Amanda, Nik, and Michael. Mrs. Martin’s favorite thing about teaching is sharing the love of Jesus with her students every day. Her prayer is that they will know they are loved with the everlasting love of God and will accept the free gift of salvation through Jesus.

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

Milchman, Jacob

Monaco, Frank

Nelson, Becca

Miss Nelson is an Arizona native and recently graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Education for Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education. She feels blessed to be able to combine her love for the Lord with her passion for teaching and can’t wait to see what God has in store this school year! Miss Nelson has been teaching at Gilbert Christian Schools since 2017.

“For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.”  John 1:16

Nelson, Tammy

Pallesen, Rachel

Pensyl, Deb

Perey, Sheila

Mrs. Perey has her Bachelor’s in Education and 28 years of experience. She is married to her husband Dale and has four children Lane, Allison, Sara, and Grant. She and her family currently worship at Reformation OPC. Mrs. Perey has been a part of GCS Staff since 2018.

“They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

Perry, Brittney

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.

Peters, April

Phillips, Shelly

Pichler, Sarah

Ruggiero, Christine

Mrs. Ruggiero was born and raised in New York City. She earned a B.S. in Elementary Education from East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania. She taught in private schools until she and her husband, Will, and daughter, Jessica, relocated to Apache Junction, Arizona. As her husband built his horseshoeing business, she began teaching second grade in a small Christian school in Apache Junction and then in Chandler. Six years after moving to Arizona, her family was blessed with another little girl. With her husband’s business established, she stepped away from her teaching career to home-school their daughter, Janelle. Although it was an incredible blessing to home-school, they are thrilled that Janelle now attends Gilbert Christian. Mrs. Ruggiero has taught second grade at Gilbert Christian since 2017. As a family, they attend Rock Point Church and enjoy horseback riding, hiking and family game night. They continually praise and thank God for His faithfulness and provision as they look forward to another great year.

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen” Ephesians 3:20-21

Ryberg ’14, Carol

Carol Ryberg graduated from the University of Arizona in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in Linguistics, along with a certificate in teaching English as a second language. For the past two years, she has worked as an aide and tutor at the GCS Agritopia campus, where she also taught 7th/8th grade art. In her free time, she enjoys swing dancing, traveling with her husband, and reading. She and her husband, Elijah, attend San Tan Bible Church.

Psalm 119:65-66 “You have dealt well with your servant, O Lord, according to your promise. Teaching me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments.”

Sager, Sarah

Schmersahl, Susan

Mrs. Schmersahl earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with an emphasis in special education, a Master of Arts in Educational Studies with an emphasis in learning disabilities, and was certified in 2007 as a psychological examiner in the state of Missouri qualifying her to diagnose educational exceptionalities. She holds current teacher certificates from the state of Missouri in elementary and special education. Mrs. Schmersahl has 17 years of professional experience teaching in a variety of professional roles including middle school special services teacher and coordinator, elementary education classroom teacher, district response to intervention coordinator and trainer, and college instructor in a teacher preparation program. Mrs. Schmersahl enjoys studying theology, exploring new places with her family, watching her kids’ activities, hiking beautiful trails, kayaking, snow skiing, reading, journaling, and spending quality time with good friends. She has been married to her husband Jeff since 2000 and they have a son and daughter who both attend GCS. Mrs. Schmersahl and her family worship at Christ Church. She began working at GCS in 2023.

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”  James 4:8

Shumate, Joanna

Sitton, Kenny

Soenen, Brittney

Stow, Jay

Mr. Stow has a B.S. in Physical Education from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, an M.A in Christian Education from Southwestern Seminary, and an M.A. in Organizational Leadership from Biola University. He has over 15 years of teaching experience and also has experience working in a church and non-profit settings. From 2015-2017, Mr. Stow and his family lived and served on a University campus in east Asia. He loves to travel and experience new cultures. Mr. Stow has traveled to six of the seven continents (Antarctica is on his bucket list). Jay and his family enjoy serving International students at ASU. Jay is thankful for his family, his wife Jennifer and daughter Landry. Mr. Stow joined our Gilbert Christian Schools staff in 2018.

“Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.” Philippians 2:2

Tolson, Linda

Mrs. Tolson is the Preschool Director at the Greenfield Campus and provides Aide support in the Pre-K 4’s class.  She has a degree in Early Childhood Education and also attended Northern Arizona University majoring in Business Administration.  She has taught preschool for more than 30 years and has been the Director at previous Christian Preschools.  Mrs. Tolson is enthusiastic about teaching and brings extensive experience and knowledge to the classroom.  She is active in the Children’s Ministry at Sun Valley Community Church and believes it is critically important to provide a Christ-inspired classroom environment and to instill moral values in our children.  Her goal is to help the children learn the educational basics and to understand that all of our blessings come from God.  Mrs. Tolson has been a part of the GCS teaching staff since 2017.

“Always give thanks to God.”  Ephesians 5:20

Tutty, Kandis

Mrs. Tutty received her B.A. in Music and Speech Communication from the University of Washington and her Masters in Music from Boise State University. She also holds an Arizona Teaching Certification for K-8. Her teaching experience includes 2 years as a 4th-grade teacher and Choral/Music faculty at Arizona School for the Arts, Rosie’s House, and Rolling Hills Charter School. As a performer, she has played piano for Opera Idaho and sung on 2 Grammy award-winning albums with a professional choir. Mrs. Tutty has served as Assistant Artistic Director and Accompanist with the Phoenix Girls Chorus since 2010. She loves family hiking, jogging, listening to her favorite podcasts, Boise State Football, and Starbucks dates with her husband. Jeremy and Kandis have three children; Kambry, Chaucer, and Ellerie, and currently worship and serve at Central Christian Church in both Children’s and Marriage Mentoring ministries. She has been a part of GCS Staff since 2018 and loves guiding students to sense and experience God in unique ways through music.

“Cast all your anxiety upon Him because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

Underwood, Cathy

Van Den Top, Anna

Vaught, Aly

Aly has a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in English and has two years of teaching experience before becoming a full-time teacher at GCS in fall of 2021. Aly is married to JD and they have three children. She is a huge lover of cats! Their family attends Fresh Start Church.

“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Hebrews 1:3

Vilhauer, Nicole

Mrs. Vilhauer has a Masters in Education and a Bachelors in Biblical Studies. She holds an AZ Teaching Certificate as well as a Lifetime ACSI Teaching Certificate. She has been teaching for over 20 years with most of those years being in 2nd grade and a few in 1st grade and 3rd grade. Mrs. Vilhauer’s first teaching job was in rural Montana where she taught in a one-room schoolhouse on a Hutterite Colony. She had 8 students that were spread out from 1st grade to 7th grade. She has been married to her husband Kevin for 24 years and has 2 sons. The oldest lives in Washington with his wife and son. The youngest is studying at Grand Canyon University. Mrs. Vilhauer and her family currently attend Generation Church in Mesa. She began working at GCS in 2023.

”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

Wadekamper, Breena

Breena graduated from Northwest University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She has experience in kindergarten classrooms but was also a student teacher in a 3rd grade class at an elementary school in Bothell Washington. Breena has taught swimming lessons for 3 years and tends to find herself outside or doing water activities. She loves spending her extra time traveling with her friends and family.  Most of her family is back in Oregon and Washington but she has two wonderful parents, an amazing older brother, and a great sister-in-law! Breena and her mom are currently attending Cornerstone Church in Chandler. She joined the GCS family in the Fall of 2022.

“Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’, and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20

Wietzema, Christine

Woods, Jene

Mrs. Woods received her Bachelors in Education from Grand Canyon University. She has been teaching science for 8 years and also has led/taught peer-leadership clubs and classes. Mrs. Woods loves to be out in nature. Reading and baking are close seconds, but whether it is hiking or camping with her family, the outdoors is her favorite place to be. She has been married to her wonderful husband David for 11 great years. They have three young, amazing children Everly, Mila, and Noah. Mrs. Woods is a member of Redemption Gateway Church. She serves alongside her husband as a small-group leader. She began working at GCS in 2023.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:1-3