High School Staff

Garza, Holly

Holly Garza enjoys building relationships with students, staff, and parents all while glorifying Christ at the High School campus. She earned a Bachelors in Elementary Education from Arizona State University and a Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas. Holly holds an Arizona Elementary Education (K-8) Certification, as well as an Arizona Principal Certification. She loves partnering with GCS parents in helping their children pursue God and His holiness, is often found reading books on apologetics, theology, and the Christian life, and specializes in encouraging students, seeing their heart, and inspiring them to be who God created them to be. Holly and her family attend Christ Church Gilbert. Her hobbies include watching sports, traveling, cooking, and reading books! Holly joined the GCS Education team in 2012. Her favorite Bible verse is: 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

Pasquariello, Jason

Mr. Pasquariello Graduated from Washington State University in 2007 with a BA in History. He received his Masters in Teaching from City University of Seattle in 2009. After moving to Arizona in 2009, Mr. Pasquariello began working in the Washington Elementary District at New Beginnings Academy, the behavior school for that district. In his final year at New Beginnings, he was the on-site coordinator. In 2013 Mr. Pasquariello took a job at Carson Jr. High teaching 7th-grade social studies. At the same time, he began first as an assistant then as the JV Boys coach at Westwood High School. In 2015 He began teaching at Westwood High School where he taught World History, US History, and AP US History. In addition to basketball, Mr. Pasquariello also coached Girls Golf. Mr. Pasquariello enjoys spending time with his family, whether it is a quiet night at home or going out to experience what Arizona has to offer. He also enjoys watching and playing basketball, reading (mostly history), and playing video games. Mr. Pasquariello and his family currently addend Redemption Church Gateway. Mr. Pasquariello married current GCS teacher Mrs. Pasquariello in 2011. They have two children. The oldest, Tate, born in 2012, began Kindergarten at GCS in 2018. Bryton was born in 2015. Mr. Pasquariello joined the GCS staff in 2019.

“For it is by grace that you have been saved through faith. And this is not of yourselves but it is the gift of God” Ephesians 2:8

McCollum, Robert

Dr. McCollum has served as the Vice Principal of Academics at GCHS since 2020. He earned his PhD in Educational Leadership with a concentration in curriculum and instruction from Columbia International University. His dissertation focused on the relationship between students’ spiritual development and the degree to which a school engages in biblical integration across the curriculum. Dr. McCollum spent the first part of his career in public high schools in the suburbs of Chicago where he taught high school mathematics and physical science, and served as a mathematics department head and an associate principal for curriculum and instruction. In 2008, Dr. McCollum began his career in Christian schools serving as a missionary administrator at El Camino Academy in Bogotá, Colombia and then as the Upper School Principal at Annapolis Area Christian School before moving to Gilbert. Dr. McCollum is married to Vicki, a GCHS mathematics teacher, and they have two daughters and grandchildren. Being a husband, father, and Papi are his favorite roles. Dr. McCollum was raised in the Chicago suburbs and is an avid Chicago Cubs fan. Serving at GCHS as the VP of Academics is a great fit as we train students follow the Apostle Paul’s advice in Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Beeler, Nicolette

Birdsall, Isaac

Mr. Birdsall has been with GCS since 2024. He is a high school English teacher, an assistant men’s soccer team coach, and a Student Council advisor. He received his B.A. in English Literature from North Park University in 2011. Mr. Birdsall is married to his wife, Maria, and they attend Antioch Community Church. He loves traveling with his wife, reading, Hawaiian pizza, and watching his favorite soccer team, AC Milan, attempt to have a somewhat respectable season. He is passionate about building relationships with his students and integrating a biblical worldview into his classroom.

Boylan, Rachel

Ms. Boylan has been at Gilbert Christian High School since 2015 as an English teacher and head of the English department. She holds bachelor’s degrees in English and education, a master’s degree in reading, and various certifications or licensures in Bible, literature, and history (most from Concordia University Nebraska). A lifelong specialist in words, books, languages, and stories, Ms. Boylan loves all things verbal for one reason: By words we know the Word, through whom “all things were made,” and through whom we “have the right to become children of God” (John 1).

Bridinger, Keli

Miss Bridinger has been teaching Chemistry and Honors Chemistry since 2010 and currently serves as the Science Department Chair at the high school. She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University, as well as two Bachelor of Arts degrees from Arizona State University—one in Chemistry and another in Education with an emphasis in Secondary Education in Chemistry. She is also certified to teach dual enrollment chemistry courses.

Miss Bridinger attends Grace Community Church in Tempe and is the proud owner of an adorable chihuahua named Jesse. She is passionate about the GCS culture and deeply values the caring, connected community it fosters. Being a teacher at the high school has been one of the greatest blessings of her life.

Burgess, Maranatha

Burgett, Cole

Mr. Burgett holds a BA in Theology from the Moody Bible Institute and a ThM in the Exposition of Biblical Books and Systematic Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary.

Ceton, Katie

Mrs. Ceton has been in education since 2014, but specifically with GCS since 2016, serving as a high school English teacher. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s from Biola University, as well as some additional grad level English credits from GCU. Mrs. Ceton is married to her husband, Aaron, and has 2 children, Charleigh Mae and Skylar. They attend Cornerstone Church-Chandler. Her passions include reading, spending time with family, nature, and challenging herself to achieve lofty goals. She is passionate about forming relationships with students in order to have deep conversations about God and truly know them for who they are as a person.

Cisneros, Julie

Mrs. Cisneros has been teaching choir since 2003. She spent most of her career teaching junior high and high school choir in a small town on the shores of Lake Michigan. She joined Gilbert Christian Schools in 2023 and teaches high school choir and worship team. She holds a Bachelor’s of Music in Vocal Music Education from Michigan State University, and a Master’s in English Language Arts from Baker College. Mrs. Cisneros attends Christ Church and serves on the youth worship team. Mrs. Cisneros and her husband, Pedro, have four sons. She enjoys music, cooking with her family, and reading. Mrs. Cisneros loves teaching students how to worship God through music and song.

DeSena, Frank

Mr. DeSena has been with GCS since July of 2015, serving as the Dean of Students at Agritopia for one school year, then the Director of Student Services at Agritopia, Greenfield, and GCHS, and now just at GCHS. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Dayton and a Master’s Degree from California State University, Los Angeles in Counselor Education. Mr. DeSena had School Counseling, School Psychology, and Administrative Services credentials while working in CA. Mr. DeSena also worked as an Adjunct Professor at California State University, Dominguez Hills in the Graduate Education Department. Mr. DeSena has been blessed to find GCS as a place of employment upon moving to Arizona!

Duitsman, Mark

Field, Anna

Mrs. Field graduated with her Master’s degree in natural science from ASU, where she completed a research project on the benefits of teaching proportional reasoning to strengthen understanding of scientific concepts. She completed her bachelor’s degree in physics at San Diego State as a McNair scholar, where she published multiple papers and worked as a GTA. After graduation, she worked in a research position for two years. Since 2008, Mrs. Field has taught at GCS, teaching everything from 7th-grade science to college physics and robotics.  She coaches the robotics teams- FTC Knights of the Lab Table #8081, Carbo-Knights #19728 and FRC team Knights of the Lab Table #9777, and has led them to the First Tech Challenge World Championships two years in a row. Mr. and Mrs. Field and their 4 children attend Harvest Bible since 2008.

Fraher, Joseph

Mr. Fraher has been with GCS since 2022 serving in the role of high school social studies teacher. He has a his Bachelor’s Degree from Northern Arizona University and a Masters from Chapman University. He held National Board Certification from 2002-2022. Mr. Fraher has been married to his wife Gina since 1990 and attends Generation Church where he serves on the Service Team. His passions are almost all sports, politics and good food and music. He loves being able to teach about American History, Government and Economics using a Biblical Worldview to show God’s hand in the direction of our nation.

Fredrickson, Heather

Griffin, Julie

Mrs. Griffin began teaching at Gilbert Christian High School in Fall 2024. She holds a B.A. in Media Production with a minor in Graphic Arts from California Lutheran University. Before teaching, she spent eight years in Marketing Communications at a Fortune 100 company in Scottsdale. After becoming a mother, Julie stepped into part-time entrepreneurship through portrait photography, web design, brand consulting, and mentoring other creatives. She brings a wide range of real-world experience in visual media and is excited to grow the digital media program at GCHS. Julie and her husband attend Rock Point Church with their four children, who attend GCS Agritopia. She is also a proud aunt to eleven GCS students and alumni, and deeply values being part of the GCS community. She considers it a joy and a calling to get to teach creative and technical skills that students will be able carry with them into future careers, service, and everyday life.

Griffin, Luke

Mr. Griffin has been with GCS since 2024 serving as Band Director, Worship Teacher and Fine Arts Department Head. He holds a Bachelor’s of Music (Education focus) from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, which is the same town he grew up and went to High School in. Mr. Griffin is married to his lovely wife Aly and has two amazing sons, Levi and Elisha. In 2022 Mr. Griffin moved to the Phoenix Valley from the St. Louis area to help plant a church, Flatiron Church, where he serves as IT and Production Director. In his spare time, Mr. Griffin plays his Nintendo Switch and tries his best to read as much “classical” literature as he can. Mr. Griffin loves every day at GCS for the bonds he gets to develop with students, walking with them through a critical time in life and help them make God honoring decisions for their future.

Heintz, Peter

Mr. Heintz has been teaching high school mathematics at Gilbert Christian Schools since the fall of 2020. In 2002 he earned his Bachelor’s in Science in mathematics with an emphasis in secondary education from the University of Wisconsin – Platteville. Since then he has been teaching mathematics and life science in Wisconsin and Arizona. Mr. Heintz loves seeing students use their God given talents to the best of their abilities to identify patterns, perform computations, use logical reasoning, analyze data, and solve problems.

Herrejon-Ruiz, Anica

Hohmann, Cindy

Holsinger, Joel

Joel Holsinger is passionate about God and His beautiful creation and enjoys pointing to Jesus Christ through teaching Visual Fine Art and creating artwork that is inspired by timeless truth, beauty, life, wisdom, and love. Many of Holsinger’s artistic subjects are derived from music, landscapes, architecture, biblical passages, classical literature, and world history, all synthesized with various contemporary influences. Joel received a full-tuition scholarship from the Gibson Greetings Foundation to study Fine Art at Miami University where he earned a BFA degree with two areas of artistic specialization in 1996—Fine Art Painting and Graphic Design. After beginning his career as a graphic designer for Campbell Hausfeld, and later at Cedarville University in their on-campus public relations department, Mr. Holsinger began teaching Visual Fine Art at Dayton Christian High School in 1997. After that, Joel relocated to Phoenix, Arizona to begin work as a professional fine artist and commercial art apprentice to a highly successful Phoenix abstract artist/designer—one of the co-owners of the Phoenix Art Group. Mr. Holsinger worked there as a professional artist/designer for over six years in their large art studio and gallery space along with more than forty other professional artists. In 2004, he left to establish his own fine art business, Holsinger Fine Art Studio, where he created fine art for various private clients, businesses, agents, art publishers, and art galleries, nationally and internationally. Joel continues to do painting commissions for private client, designers, and art galleries. In 2011, after sensing the Lord’s tug at His heart toward his gift and calling as a teacher, Joel began teaching Art, Illustration, and Creative Design at GCHS where he is excited to continue pointing students to Jesus Christ through the Visual Fine Arts. Joel and his wife, Natalie, have five children, two of which have graduated from GCS and two that currently attend GCS at the High School and the Agritopia Campus. They enjoy attending Redeemer Bible Church in Gilbert, Arizona.

Hunt, Josiah

Ives, Keith

Mr. Ives currently teaches Biology and Forensic Science, though his teaching experience since 2009 spans a wide range of subjects, including Biology, Honors Biology, AP Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Forensics. Science is undoubtedly his sweet spot. As Psalm 111:2 declares, “Great are the works of the Lord; they are studied by all who delight in them.” This verse encapsulates Mr. Ives perfectly—he has always been deeply fascinated by the intricacies of God’s creation and never tires of exploring how it all works.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology from Arizona State University, with a focus on genetic engineering. He also earned a post-baccalaureate degree in Secondary Education with a specialization in science, along with a master’s degree in Educational Leadership.

Mr. Ives and his wife, proud parents of their son Hunter, are members of Calvary East Valley. As a family, they are outdoor enthusiasts who delight in nature and often find refreshment on road trips in their RV. While they love adventure, their true passion lies in serving others—a calling that drives Mr. Ives in his role as an educator. He’s here to share his love for God’s creation with anyone willing to join him—and maybe even engage in a few friendly conspiracy theory debates along the way. He looks forward to walking alongside others on their journey of discovery.

Jette, Marc

Johnson, Amanda

Mrs. Johnson earned her BS in Physical Education, with minors in Sports Physiology and  Bible, from Biola University.  Following graduation, she completed her post-baccalaureate teaching certification through Ottawa University, in Arizona. In 2002, she earned her Masters in Education from Northern Arizona University. Mrs. Johnson has also earned her certification in College Guidance from Anderson University in conjunction with the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals. She taught in the local public schools as a science and PE teacher, before staying home to take care of her children. While staying home with her children, she continued to teach online for a distance learning program. Amanda was grateful to move back into the classroom when she came to Gilbert Christian.  She has taught in the computer lab, as well as science classes.  God had plans when He made a way for her to move into the counseling department.  She loves working with students in social, emotional, and academic ways.  She and her children are grateful to be part of the Gilbert Christian family for so many years.

Jones, Kelly

Mrs. Jones has been with GCHS since 2019, serving as a high school English teacher, STUCO Co-Advisor, and now STUCO Director. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Vanguard University, and a Teaching Credential from California State University, Dominguez Hills. Mrs. Jones has been married to her husband, Chris, since 2002. They have two sons, Asa and Gavin, and they attend Ironwood Church. Her passions include family, reading, sports, and leadership training. She is passionate about training the leaders of Gilbert Christian High School to be true worshippers of Jesus who go on to make an impact for Christ the rest of their lives.

Jones, Nicholas

Kass, James

Mr. Kass is a Phoenix native and has taught high school mathematics and computer science for many years throughout the valley. Apart from teaching, he plays the trumpet professionally and formerly worked in IT and Advertising. He has authored one book, Success Secrets for Young Adults, and enjoys reading and hiking in the Arizona wilderness. Mr. Kass holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Education Degrees from Arizona State University, is father to two beautiful adult daughters, and attends Two Rivers Church. Teaching at GCHS is a fulfillment of God’s leading to share mathematics in a Christ-centered community.

Keener, Kurt

Mr. Keener has been at GCS 2014 serving as a social studies teacher and varsity boys basketball coach. He is now serving as a student monitor for all morning study halls. He has been an educator, coach and athletic director for 47 years, spending the first 35 years in private school education in Michigan. As a head coach his basketball teams have won 11 state championships. He holds a Bachelor’s from Wittenberg University and a Master of Science degree in Sports Management from the United States Sports Academy. Mr. Keener and his wife Nedra have been married for 39 years and have two adult sons. He is a member of Rosedale Park Baptist Church. Mr. Keener enjoys hiking, collecting coins and followings the Detroit sports teams in his spare time. He is passionate about the power of prayer to change peoples lives.

Keiser, Abby

Mrs. Keiser has been with GCS since 2024, serving as a high school science teacher. She holds a Bachelor’s from Grand Canyon University. Mrs. Keiser is married to her husband, Josh, with whom she attends Shepherds House Bible Church and enjoys serving in kids ministry each week. Outside of the classroom she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and reading. She feels so blessed to be a part of the GCS community and for the opportunity to point students to Christ every day!

Kerth, Sonja

Mrs. Kerth has been teaching science with GCS since 2024. She started working in healthcare in 2006. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Azusa Pacific University and a doctor of nurse practice (DNP) degree with a specialty in family medicine from Arizona State University. Sonja is married to her husband, Andrew and they have three daughters. They attend Redeemer Bible Church. Her passions include running outside with family members, healthcare ethics and disparities, arthritis treatment, and audiobooks. She is passionate about teaching about the amazing detail and intention with which God has created us.

Klassen, Maria

Mrs. Klassen has been with GCS since 2020, serving as the Assistant Varsity Girls Basketball Coach at the high school, JV Girls Basketball Head Coach at the high school and a substitute teacher on all campuses; and now in addition to coaching, she is also a Physical Education Teacher at the High School. She holds two Bachelor’s degrees; a Bachelor’s in Human Kinetics from the University of British Columbia and a Bachelors in Education from Simon Fraser University. Mrs. Klassen is affectionately known on campus as Coach MK, she is married to her husband, Gene, with whom she attends Redeemer Bible Church. Together they have seven grown children and currently two grandchildren. Her passions include camping, hiking, biblical studies, her family, and paddle boarding. She is passionate about seeing students come to a saving faith, growing in their biblical literacy and glorifying Christ through physical activity and excellence in sports.

Kronwald, Jamie

Lang, Christina

Mrs. Lang is a California native who graduated from Azusa Pacific University (Go Cougs!) with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and minors in English and Bible. Christina has served in her role as College and Career counselor at GCHS since 2017 and feels so blessed to work alongside and mentor students as they process through their next steps. Education and church ministry has been her focus since 2000 as she has taught in Jr. High/High School, Children’s Ministry, Marriage Ministry, Women’s Ministry, and as a keynote speaker in several churches and conferences across the country. Her greatest joy is to proclaim the message of freedom that can be found only when one surrenders their entire life to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Her role as the College & Career Counselor allows her to pair two of her greatest passions: education and ministry. Working with students, teaching them to live intentionally by setting attainable goals, while simultaneously realizing that their greatest worth will always be found in their Creator is what she loves the most about coming to school every day. Christina and her husband Brandon are active members of Mission Community Church along with their teens and adult children (who are all either current GCS students or alumni of GCS).

Langford, Stephania

Liddy, Krista

Mrs. Liddy has been with GCS since the 2015-2016 school year, where she began teaching Algebra at the High School. She moved to Agritopia but circled back to the High School at the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year. She began her teaching career in Mesa Public Schools from 2000 to 2005 and took 10 years off to stay at home with her children and help raise two foster girls. She graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Education and a minor in Mathematics. She holds endorsements in Reading, Math, Middle school, and ESL. She is grateful she can come to work where she is surrounded by the Word and seizes the opportunity to point students to the light of Christ.

Littlefield, Matthew

Matthew Littlefield has been an educator for the last 19 years, starting his career as a Science teacher and Baseball coach at Oaks Christian High School in California. He became a teacher after graduating Summa Cum Laude from Vanguard University with his Bachelors of Science in Biology and Chemistry. His family moved to Arizona in 2005, where he continued teaching at an all-boys boarding school, St. Paul’s Academy, while working on his Masters in Educational Leadership from Ottawa University. Upon getting his Principal certificate, he became an administrator at St. Paul’s before moving on to AAEC South Mountain and AAEC Red Mountain where he was the Principal until 2011. During this time he completed a Certificate in Graduate Studies from Ottawa in Psychology. After completing his Masters, he continued his education at ASU where he completed his doctoral work in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Change. He joined the GCS team in February of 2014 . His four kids attend GCS and allow him to see his students grow and mature under the guidance of Christian teachers. Matthew raises his four children by himself after being widowed in January 2013 when his wife suddenly passed away. He feels incredibly blessed to be part of such an amazing community and school.

Lopez, Misael

Macias, Andrea

Mrs. Macias is passionate about serving others at the Gilbert Christian Schools campus. Originally from Northern California, she has lived in Arizona for over 20 years and earned her bachelor’s degree from Grand Canyon University. She has also begun working on her Master’s in Business Administration at Grand Canyon University to further grow in her calling and leadership. Mrs. Macias thrives in partnering with GCS parents to support students and families, and she is often found volunteering at her church, where her family is active in ministry. A dedicated wife and mother of two children—a son and a daughter, she enjoys camping and spending quality time with her family. Her children attend one of the Gilbert Christian Schools, and they love being part of the GCS community. She joined GCS in 2024 as a Registrar and brings over a decade of experience in education, having served in the field since 2012. Driven by data and a heart for service, Mrs. Macias believes her purpose is to serve God by serving others with the gifts and talents He has entrusted to her.

Martin, Jason

McCloskey, Taylor

Mrs. McCloskey has been with GCHS since 2021, beginning by teaching math and more recently working at the front desk. She earned a B.A. from ASU in Secondary Education (Mathematics) and a M.A. from GCU in Teacher Leadership. Mrs. McCloskey married her high school sweetheart, Trevor, and loves being a dog mom. She enjoys reading, baking, playing board games, trying different restaurants, and traveling to new places. An Arizona native, she is blessed to have attended Christian schools her 4th-12th grades and is thrilled to support students and staff in an environment that seeks to exalt Christ.

McCollum, Vicki

Mrs. McCollum has been teaching mathematics at GCHS since 2020. She taught mathematics in West Chicago, Illinois, the United Arab Emirates, Bogotá, Colombia, and Annapolis, Maryland. She graduated from Wheaton College with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Secondary Education and from the University of Illinois – Chicago with a Master of Science in the Teaching of Mathematics. She is married to Dr. Robert McCollum who is the Vice Principal of Academics. They attend Redeemer Bible Church and have two daughters and now grandchildren as well. Mrs. McCollum and is passionate about helping students grow in their knowledge of God and of mathematics which leads them to better understand God’s amazing creation and ultimately brings them to honor and worship Him.

McLaurin, Michelle

Mrs. McLaurin earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at Minnesota State University with a minor in English Language Arts. She later received her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership at Arizona State University, Tempe. The majority of Mrs. McLaurin’s teaching career has been English Language Arts in the public school system. She loves teaching at Gilbert Christian High School to have the freedom to share her faith with the students. Throughout her years of teaching, it has always been her mission, to build relationships with students and to learn about their interests and aspirations. Her and her husband fellowship with Cornerstone Church. The following verse has brought her through many of life’s opportunities. Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God.”

Miller, Alex

Mr. Miller loves spending time with his wife, Laura, and doing anything he can to get a laugh out of his kids, Rain, Trinity, and Haddon. Originally from Colorado, Mr. Miller spent 20 years in missions with Youth With A Mission, in New York City and Battambang, Cambodia, primarily leading the School of Biblical Studies. After completing his Master of Arts in Old Testament Studies at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in 2024, Mr. Miller and his family moved to Arizona to begin teaching at GCHS. The Millers attend New Valley Church in Chandler.

Mitchell, C.L.

Moyer, Sydney

Nemec, Tyler

Mr. Nemec joined Gilbert Christian School in the 2024-2025 school year and currently serves as the Entrepreneurship Teacher. Prior to this role, he taught World History & Economics/Government at GCS also in 2024-2025. Before moving to Arizona, Mr. Nemec taught Economics at Lanier High School in Georgia from 2021 to 2024. He began his teaching career in 2018 at Mount Pisgah Christian School in Georgia, where he was an 8th Grade US History teacher and the Middle School Student Life Director. Coach Nemec has been involved in coaching football since 2015 and has also coached Golf and Fishing. He holds a Specialist in Advanced Educational Studies and Innovation from Augusta State University, a Masters of Art in Teaching Social Studies from Georgia State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Management, also from Georgia State University. Outside of school, Tyler enjoys golfing, fishing, and hiking with his wife, Jensen. Tyler and Jensen attend Christ Church. His passion centers around redefining failure, fostering growth in his students and players, and building personal connections that lead them to Jesus.

Noble, Lee

Oplinger, Allyson

Paasch, Mike

Mr. Paasch serves as a high school counselor at Gilbert Christian Schools, where he supports students spiritually, academically, and emotionally. He also brings extensive experience in cross-cultural ministry and education, having lived and served internationally. He has taught Spanish, Yearbook, STUCO, and other positions since 2011. He earned his Master’s Degree in Spanish Linguistics from New Mexico State University and holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Arizona State University. He is also a certified Biblical Counselor through Association of Certified Biblical Counselors. Mike Paasch is married to Lynne, and they have two grown daughters, Hannah (River) and Amy. Their family has lived abroad for the gospel in Mexico and North Africa and fostered immigrant children from Central America who also attended GCS. He currently serves in a multi-ethnic church in the valley. He desires to encourage this generation of students to know Jesus and to live their lives fully for Him.

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.

Petrey, Michelle

Mrs. Petrey has been with GCHS since 2022, serving first as the sports medicine teacher, and currently the strength training and athletic development & performance teacher along with PE department chair. She holds a Bachelor’s in Exercise Science from Indiana University and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach through the NSCA. Mrs. Petrey is married to her husband, Barry, and they have one daughter, Makayla. They attend Christ Church. Her passions include traveling, watching sports, attending concerts, and being outdoors. She is passionate about seeing students develop their character in Christ and glorify God through development & movement of their bodies.

Phillips, Shelly

Shelly Phillips enjoys inspiring students to grow in their knowledge and love of literature and writing. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Barrett, The Honors College from Arizona State University, and a Master’s in Secondary Education from the University of Phoenix. Shelly maintains an Arizona Department of Education (6-12) Certificate. She loves facilitating project-based activities and motivating students to dig-deeper with how they connect the literature to Biblical applications as well as to their own lives. Shelly and her family attend Redeemer Bible Church. Her hobbies include reading, attending the theater, music, trying new recipes, and spending time with her husband and two daughters. Shelly joined Gilbert Christian Schools in 2020. Her favorite Bible verse is: “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” (Eccl 3:1).

Pireh, Edward

Rasmussen, Andrew

Mr. Rasmussen has been on staff at Gilbert Christian Schools since 2022 and currently serves as the Athletic Coordinator and Head Girls Volleyball Coach. He began his career in education/coaching in 2017 and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Health and Physical Education from GCU. Andrew is married to his wife, Savanna, and is the proud dad of three daughters. The Rasmussen’s are active members at Christ Church. He enjoys spending time outdoors, health & fitness, and enjoying good BBQ. Passionate about serving others, he is the product of Christ-following mentors who impacted his life in high school, and desires to be that same kind of influence in the lives of GCS students.

Ridgeway, Kathi

Kathi graduated from Whitworth University in 1998 with a Bachelor’s of Arts in English with an emphasis in Secondary Education and a minor in Biology. She is certified in both English and mathematics for grades 7th – 12th. She’s taught to a total of 12 years, but took time off for a season to be home with her children when they were young. Kathi was a heptathlete in college and began running distance after graduating. She fell in love with the marathon and then ultra-marathons, racing frequently until 2017. She’s run across the Grand Canyon several times, completed multiple 50ks, 50 milers, and even a 100k! She married her husband, Chris, in 2000 and had her first baby, Carson, in 2004, then Bethany in 2005. They are a family who loves the outdoors and escapes the heat to the mountains as often as possible. The Ridgeways attend Redemption Gateway. Kathi joined the GCS team in the fall of 2021.

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11

Robinson, Andrew

Mr. Robinson enjoys teaching Apologetics and Worldview to seniors at Gilbert Christian High School. He holds an M.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies from Phoenix Seminary and also serves as the Worship Director at Queen Creek Bible Church. Outside the classroom, Andrew enjoys weightlifting, video games, and reading. He’s blessed with his amazing wife Megan and their two wonderful daughters, Rory and Riley—both proud GCS students. Whether it’s teaching in the classroom, leading worship, or somewhere in between, Andrew’s desire is to help others know and love Jesus. He joined GCS in 2015.

Russell, Chris

Mr. Russell has been working in the schools since 1997 and been a teacher since 1999. He has a Bachelors in Secondary Education from Arizona State University with an emphasis in mathematics. He is a 2nd generation teacher as both his father and mother were teachers in Washington/Arizona respectively. Mr. Russell’s wife, of 27 years, is a Nurse Practitioner in Gilbert. He has 4 children, three of which have attended Gilbert Christian Schools and has been a part of our teaching staff since 2017.

Santiago, Rafael

Shultz, Richelle

Mrs. Shultz has been teaching orchestra since 2010 joining GCS in 2024. She received her bachelors in music education and her bachelors in violin performance from Northern Arizona University. She and her husband, Daniel, are both Arizona natives with two wonderful boys. In her free time she loves to sit down with a good book. Her passions in life are her faith, her family, and music. Mrs. Shultz wants to share these passions with her students, showing and teaching them to do everything to the glory of God.

Sitton, Kenny

Stansberry, Heather

Storey, Ashley

Ashley first started at GCHS as the school’s certified athletic trainer in 2015 after graduating from the University of South Florida. In 2017 she began teaching sports medicine as well. Ashley currently attends Compass Christian Church in Chandler. One of her life verses is Jeremiah 29:11, “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.” She honestly believes it was God’s plan to bring her to GCHS. This school quickly became like a family to her. Nothing brings her more joy than getting to teach what she is passionate about every day while helping students and athletes grow spiritually as well. Watching students go from not knowing how to rip tape to taping ankles confidently each year has most definitely been a highlight in her time here.

Trainor, Kathleen

Mrs. Trainor is a passionate math educator who loves the Lord. Highly competitive by nature, she enjoys board games, card games and jigsaw puzzles. She and her husband have two adult daughters and attend Mission Community Church. Mrs. Trainor holds a Master’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Pittsburgh and spent six years teaching college-level math. When her first daughter was born, God shelved that passion “for a time” and replaced it with a calling to raise and educate her children – spiritually and academically – through homeschooling. In 2021, with both daughters having graduated, God opened a door at GCS for Mrs. Trainor to return to her first academic love: Calculus. It is a true joy for her to help students see how studying Calculus can deepen their understanding and awe of our Creator. God is GOOD! Math is FUN!! But Calculus is SUPER FUN!!!

Wallace, Mikele

Mrs. Wallace has served at the Gilbert Christian High School front desk since 2020. She earned her Bachelor’s of Education from Arizona State in 1998. She is married to Josh and her three children have attended GCS since kindergarten with Kate graduating from GCHS in 2022 and Miles in 2024. She attends Ironwood Church and loves reading, traveling and having fun. She absolutely adores loving on these kids and being part of an amazing team that puts God at the forefront of everything.

Whitney, Dorothy

Mrs. Whitney has been a teacher at GCS since 2022 and is passionate about guiding students both academically and spiritually. She has graduated from Grand Canyon University with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and Sports Performance. Married to her wonderful husband, Joshua, they are active members of Christ Church. As part of a big family, she values strong relationships and community. Mrs. Whitney loves all things Montana, sports and underwater basket weaving. It is an incredible honor to love and pour into these students each day for the sake of Christ.

Sager, Kyle