High School Staff

Band Teacher

Andress, Geoffrey

HS Study Hall

Barnett, Darcey

Sports Information Coordinator

Beeler, Nicolette

HS Principal

Behnken, Talbott

HS English Teacher

Boylan, Rachel

HS Science Teacher

Bridinger, Keli

HS Theatre Arts Teacher

Burgess, Maranatha

HS Bible Teacher

Burgett, Cole

Orchestra Teacher

Burkhart, Barbara

HS Video Production & STUCO Teacher

Caraveo, Robert

HS English Teacher

Ceton, Katie

HS Math Teacher

Chisum, Derek

HS Event Coordinator & STUCO Teacher

Conover, Julie

Director of Student Services

DeSena, Frank

Athletic Director

Duitsman, Mark

Online Computer & Yearbook Teacher

Fellows, Laura

HS Science & Robotics Teacher

Field, Anna

HS Social Studies Teacher

Fraher, Joseph

Lunchroom Coordinator

Goda, Angela

HS Math Teacher

Heintz, Peter

Receptionist

Hohmann, Cindy

HS Art Teacher

Holsinger, Joel

HS Science Teacher

Ives, Keith

Counselor

Johnson, Amanda

HS English Teacher

Jones, Kelly

HS Bible Teacher

Jones, Nicholas

HS Spanish Teacher

Jorgensen, Cathy

HS Social Studies Teacher

Keener, Kurt

HS Girls P.E. Teacher

Klassen, Maria

College & Career Counselor

Lang, Christina

HS Teacher

Liddy, Krista

Vice Principal of Student Affairs

Littlefield, Matthew

HS American Sign Language Teacher

Lott, Kathy

Receptionist

McCloskey, Taylor

Vice Principal of Academics

McCollum, Robert

HS Math Teacher

McCollum, Vicki

HS Teacher

McLaurin, Michelle

HS Teacher

Miller, Michael

HS Bible Teacher

Mitchell, C.L.

Facilities Manager

Moncivaiz, Sam

Facilities Tech

Moncivaiz, Sambo

HS Spanish Teacher

Ontiveros, Abel

Principal's Assistant

Otto, Carol

Counselor

Paasch, Mike

HS Choir Teacher

Pacheco, Itzel

HS Social Studies Teacher

Pasquariello, Jason

HS Keyboarding Teacher & Choral Accompanist

Perry, Melody

HS Girls P.E. & Stuco Teacher

Petrey, Michelle

HS GEAR Math Teacher

Pireh, Edward

Athletic Coordinator

Rasmussen, Andrew

HS English Teacher

Ridgeway, Kathi

HS Bible & Guitar Teacher

Robinson, Andrew

Campus Security Guard

Ruettinger, Justin

HS Math Teacher

Russell, Chris

Facilities Tech

Schiff, Brittney

Assistant Athletic Director & Athletic Trainer

Storey, Ashley

HS Math Teacher

Trainor, Kathleen

Receptionist

Wallace, Mikele

HS Science Teacher

Whitney, Dorothy

No Results Found

Band Teacher

Andress, Geoffrey

HS Study Hall

Barnett, Darcey

Sports Information Coordinator

Beeler, Nicolette

HS Principal

Behnken, Talbott

HS English Teacher

Boylan, Rachel

Rachel Boylan graduated from Concordia University Nebraska in 2011 with a B.S. in Education and a B.A. in English and completed a master’s in reading instruction in 2015. Originally from Southern California, Ms. Boylan has spent her life traveling around the world with her missionary family. She’s lived in Namibia, Guatemala, Mexico, Sierra Leone, and all over the U.S., and she now calls Arizona home! Ms. Boylan loves school and loves her students even more. She has taught English at Gilbert Christian since 2015 and is looking forward to many years to come!

HS Science Teacher

Bridinger, Keli

HS Theatre Arts Teacher

Burgess, Maranatha

HS Bible Teacher

Burgett, Cole

Orchestra Teacher

Burkhart, Barbara

Mrs. Burkhart received her Bachelors of Music Education from Spring Arbor University where she studied Violin, Voice and Piano. She received her Masters in Educational Counseling from the University of Phoenix. She taught General Music, Choir and Orchestra in Florida for 10 years, and while on vacation in Arizona was hired to teach Orchestra in Phoenix. She has now been teaching for a total of 37 years, with students earning many Superior awards as well as an invitation to participate in a National Festival of Gold in Chicago where her students also received a Superior rating. Mrs. Burkhart likes to travel, visiting with family and friends, who are spread all over the country. Other interests include various kinds of needlework. Mrs. Burkhart has been married to her sweetheart, Richard, for 54 years this August. They have 2 daughters, Christine and Bethany, and one grandson, Brian Burkhart. Christine is a Certified Pharmacy Tech at Banner Desert Hospital, and Bethany is a 2nd-grade teacher at the GCS Val Vista campus. Brian makes barn doors for Eden Down Home and is also a mentor for the GCS Robotics Team. He is a graduate of GCS High School. Mrs. Burkhart currently attends First Baptist Chandler. Mrs. Burkhart taught Strings at the Agritopia campus in 2017 for some time and then returned to GCS in 2023.

“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it.”  I Corinthians 10:13

HS Video Production & STUCO Teacher

Caraveo, Robert

HS English Teacher

Ceton, Katie

Mrs. Ceton was raised in a Christian household and attended Christian schools her whole life. She attended Phoenix Christian Preparatory Schools from Preschool-12th grade. After high school, she attended Biola University. While she originally wanted to work with 1st graders, she felt God leading her to work with high schoolers. She graduated in 2013 with a Bachelors in English, as well as 3 minors: Secondary Education, TESOL (teaching ESL), and Bible. She decided to continue pursuing her education and graduated wither Masters of Arts in Teaching in 2015 from Biola University. She just completed taking some grad-level English classes through GCU in order to be certified to teach Dual Enrollment. Before coming to Gilbert Christian, she worked 2.5 years at Phoenix Christian focusing on freshman and sophomore English. She has worked for Gilbert Christian since 2017 teaching freshman, juniors, and seniors. She has been married since 2015 and has two daughters named Charleigh (3) and Skylar “Sky” (born on February 14th). She attends Cornerstone Church in Chandler, where she is a part of the “Young Families” group.

HS Math Teacher

Chisum, Derek

Mr. Chisum has been working in the schools since 1996 and been a teacher since 1999.  He has a Master’s in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University.  He is a 3rd generation Arizona teacher as both his father and grandmother were teachers at ASU and Globe respectively. Mr. Chisum’s wife has also been working in schools since 1996 in varying positions.  He has two daughters who attended Gilbert Christian Schools and has been a part of our teaching staff since 2016.

HS Event Coordinator & STUCO Teacher

Conover, Julie

Director of Student Services

DeSena, Frank

Frank received his B.A. with a major in Psychology from the University of Dayton and his M.S. with a major in Counselor Education from California State University, Los Angeles.  He received credentials to work as a school counselor and school psychologist.  He also earned a License to practice as an Educational Psychologist.  Frank received his Administrative Services credential from California State University, Dominguez Hills.

He worked as a special education teacher, a school psychologist, the Director of Special Education, and then became the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services.  Frank was also an Adjunct Professor at CSUDH in the graduate education department as well as serving on the Advisory Committee for the Loyola Marymount University School Psychology Program.  Overall, he has spent over 30 years in the field of education, working with populations that include special needs and at-risk students, as well as being in positions where he would make policy decisions for the entire unified school district.

Athletic Director

Duitsman, Mark

Originally from Nebraska, Mark Duitsman earned his Bachelor of Science in Education in 2003 from Concordia University, NE, with an emphasis in Theology and Physical Education. Following his time at Concordia, where he also played college basketball, he took his first teaching and coaching position at Faith Lutheran MS/HS in Las Vegas, NV. The next year Mark had an opportunity to accept a position at Lutheran High School in Parker, CO, near his wife’s hometown of Denver, where he has since served in a variety of roles over the past 17 years, including teacher, coach, Dean of Students, and Athletic Director. He earned his Master of Arts in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University, CA, in 2011. During his tenure at Lutheran, the school grew from an enrollment of 80 students to more than 800, and Mark directed the high school athletic department’s successful transition through the many stages of that growth, focusing on the ministry and culture of the athletic programs while pursuing competitive excellence and opportunity for student-athletes.
As the Varsity Girls Basketball Head Coach for the past 16 years, Coach Duitsman’s teams earned 8 State Tournament appearances, 6 State Final Four appearances, 8 League Championships, and two State Championships. He was named the NFHS Colorado Girls Basketball Coach of the Year in 2016 and the CHSAA Colorado Girls Basketball Coach of the Year in both 2014 and 2016. Mark was inducted into the Metropolitan League Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017.
Mark has been married to Abbie since 2004 and they are blessed with five children: Lillian (12), Jackson (9), Cooper (5), and twin girls Emerson and Charlotte (3). As a family, they enjoy being active and attending each other’s many activities. Mark is honored and excited to join the Gilbert Christian Schools family in the role of District Athletic Director beginning in the 2021-22 school year.
“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.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Online Computer & Yearbook Teacher

Fellows, Laura

Mrs. Fellows was born and raised on the east coast working as a licensed commercial insurance broker/legal admin before moving to Arizona with her family in 1996. Since her children were still quite young, she was a stay-at-home mom. During those years, she decided to fulfill a life-long goal to complete college and graduated with honors from the University of Phoenix in 2004 with a B.S. degree in Management with an emphasis on technology. Wishing to keep the same school hours/vacations as her children, she became a certified substitute and moved from being a Para-educator to substituting in the Chandler Unified School District. She did this for 11 years and gained most of her teaching experience from long-term positions in kindergarten, first, fourth, and fifth grades. In 2015, she became certified in Career and Technical Education. Through daily prayer and devotion, Mrs. Fellows feels God has led her to Gilbert Christian HS. She feels truly blessed and humbled by all the Lord has helped her achieve. Mrs. Fellows looks forward to directing her Christian beliefs and values through education to encourage the growth of students who embrace God’s wisdom in every subject they study. Mrs. Fellows has been married to her husband, Bill, since 1987. She has two adult children and is blessed with grandchildren. They currently attend Sun Valley Community Church.

HS Science & Robotics Teacher

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 team, The Knights of the Lab Table and has led them to the First Tech Challenge World Championships two years in a row. Mrs. and Mrs. Field and their 4 children attend Harvest Bible since 2008.

HS Social Studies Teacher

Fraher, Joseph

Joseph received his Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education-History and his Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Chapman University in 1997. From 2002-2012 Joseph earned his initial National Board Certificate. He renewed the certificate in the 2012-2022 school year. Joseph began his teaching career in 1990 in which he taught both middle-level social studies, served as the Athletic Supervisor and In School Suspension Teacher, and taught a variety of social studies topics at the high school level in the valley. In 1997 Joseph moved to the Gilbert Public Schools and taught at Mesquite Junior High, Highland Junior High, and Gilbert High School until the 2022 school year was completed. Joseph was unintentionally named for both of his parents’ high schools. His mother attended St. Joseph’s Academy in Prescott, AZ. while his father attended St.Ignatius High School in San Francisco, CA. Joseph grew up in a large family in Prescott, AZ. being the sixth of eight children. In 1990 Joseph married his beautiful bride Gina and had two amazing sons, Noah and Will. Noah is a member of the Arizona National Guard and a member of the Mesa Police Force this fall. Will is an avid golfer who is playing college golf.  Joseph and Gina attend Generation Church-Mesa where they both serve for the early afternoon service in the Foster Group Ministry and as an usher during the service. Joseph is beginning the newest phase of his career at GCHS in the fall of 2022 and looking forward to spreading God’s love to the students in his classes.

2 Timothy 4:17: But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.

Lunchroom Coordinator

Goda, Angela

HS Math Teacher

Heintz, Peter

Mr. Heintz attended UW-Platteville, a small state school in the University of Wisconsin system. In 2002, he graduated with a bachelor of science in mathematics with a minor in biology and an emphasis in secondary education. Since then Peter has taught mathematics and science at the middle and high school levels and has coached baseball and football. He currently holds an Arizona Department of Education Certificate to teach mathematics and biology in grades 6-12. He enjoys coaching and traveling with his wife. In the past couple of years they were able to go to San Antonio, TX, Kauai, HI, Washington D.C, Milwaukee, WI, and Huntsville, AL. Mr. Heintz is currently attending Redemption Church – Gateway. In 2015, Peter married his lovely wife, Kira. Mr. Heintz has been a part of our GCS teaching staff since 2020.

Romans 5:8 is his favorite verse, “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Receptionist

Hohmann, Cindy

HS Art Teacher

Holsinger, Joel

Mr. Holsinger received a full-tuition scholarship in 1992 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 as a graphic designer 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, he moved from Dayton, Ohio 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 creates fine art for various private clients, businesses, agents, art publishers, and art galleries, nationally and internationally. In 2011, after sensing the Lord’s tug at His heart toward his gift and calling as a teacher, Mr. Holsinger began teaching Visual Fine Art and Creative Design at GCHS. He and his wife, Natalie, have five children, four of which currently attend GCS at the High School and the Agritopia Campus. They attend Apologia Church in Mesa, Arizona.

HS Science Teacher

Ives, Keith

Keith has a BS in Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology with a Minor Secondary Education and a MEd Principal Leadership. He has 12 years of teaching experience before joining GCS in the fall of 2021.  An interesting opportunity he had was spending the night in an igloo! Keith is the middle child of three and is one of over 50 grandchildren. Keith has been married to Jennifer since 1998 and a father to Hunter. Keith and his family attend Calvary East Valley.

“Have I not commanded you? 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 (ESV)

Counselor

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.

HS English Teacher

Jones, Kelly

She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Vanguard University of Southern California in 2000 and her teaching credential from California State University Dominguez Hills in 2005. She has been teaching since 2001 in California She enjoys reading, cooking, baking, and spending time with her family. She can also play the guitar and has led worship at her church in the past. As she and her husband are new to the area, they are still searching for a home church. She and her husband, Chris, have 2 boys: Asa and Gavin. Kelly began working for GCS in 2019.

Her favorite verse is Psalm 37:4 “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

HS Bible Teacher

Jones, Nicholas

Mr. Jones is very thankful to be part of the GCS team and is thrilled to encourage the next generation of Christian leaders. Before coming to GCS, Mr. Jones had the privilege of serving as the pastor of Maranatha Baptist Church in Globe, AZ for 6 years. He received his master’s degree in Pastoral Theology from the Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary. However, before entering full-time ministry, Mr. Jones taught theatre and music for 7 years at a K-12 charter school. He continues to be interested in the intersection of the arts and theology having a background in the performing arts and spending time studying acting at the New York Conservatory of Dramatic Arts. Mr. Jones lives with his lovely wife, Laura, and two daughters, Kate and Samantha. He is thankful that God has placed him in this wonderful community at GCS where he strives to glorify God by instilling a love and passion for the Lord and His Word in the hearts of all his students. 
“Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” Psalm 25:5
HS Spanish Teacher

Jorgensen, Cathy

Mrs. Jorgensen earned an M.A. in Foreign Languages from Illinois State University and later an M.A. in Spiritual Formation from Lincoln Christian University. She holds an ACSI Life-time certificate besides being certified to teach in Illinois and Arizona. She taught for 25 years before joining GCS in the fall of 2021. She jokes that “chocolate” is her middle name, but it must be Dove Dark Chocolate. She has been married to her husband, Kyle, since 1993. They have two sons who both graduated the same Christian school where their parents taught down the hall from each other for 16 years. One is studying Veterinary Medicine and the other is studying Finance. She has four small dogs that love the Arizona sunshine as much as her. She attends Central Christian Church.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:1-3

HS Social Studies Teacher

Keener, Kurt

Mr. Keener graduated from Wittenberg University in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and secondary education. He earned his Masters of Science degree in Sports Management from the United States Sports Academy in 1986. Mr. Keener spent 35 years at Detroit Country Day School in Beverly Hills, Michigan where he taught history, coached the boy’s varsity basketball team and served as the Director of Upper School Athletics. When he left Michigan, he had the second highest boys coach winnings in Michigan prep history with a record of 688-121. In that time he coached DCDS to nine state championships and produced four McDonald’s All-Americans. As a member of Rosedale Park Baptist Church, he was active in many ministries including youth Sunday School, church landscaping, the homeless ministry and the urban garden ministry. Mr. Keener came to Gilbert Christian Schools to work in an environment in which the pursuit of academic and athletic excellence is achieved in an atmosphere of Scriptural based spiritual growth. Away from school, Mr. Keener enjoys gardening, hiking, and watching sports events. He and his wife Nedra have two grown sons.

HS Girls P.E. Teacher

Klassen, Maria

Maria Klassen or Coach MK as she is known on campus, is from British Columbia (BC) Canada and has lived in Gilbert since the fall of 2019. Maria came to teaching in her late thirties after being a youth worker for a decade and staying at home with three children. Coach MK has a vast experience in teaching, coaching and youth work. She has been a substitute teacher on and off in her career for a total of 8 years, two of those right here at GCS. Her full-time teaching career began as a Grade 5 classroom teacher for three years. She has also been a Grade 6/7 split co-classroom teacher; taught Physical Education for all grades from K through 12; Social Studies to Grade 8-11, Bible for Grades 9-12, and a few different electives at the Junior and High School level. Maria’s love for basketball was fueled by a great coach while playing in Alberta, Canada on the Grade 9 team as an 8th Grade student. After winning a High School BC AAA Provincial Championship, she went on to play at the University of Victoria. She then caught the coaching bug after a summer tour in Taiwan with AIA (Athletes in Action) in 1991. She has coached basketball at the foundational levels between Grades 3-7, Varsity Girls at St. Thomas More Collegiate, JV Girls at Terry Fox Secondary, the 2012 U16 Girls Team with Basketball BC, Canada, and from 2013 to 2016 as the U14 Development Team Head Coach with Triple Threat Basketball in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Maria is passionate about the Bible and helping others to learn to love God’s word through Bible study and reading it aloud. If Coach MK isn’t teaching or coaching you will most likely find her camping, hiking, paddle boarding, enjoying Mimi life, visiting family, or traveling with her husband Gene.

College & Career Counselor

Lang, Christina

Christina 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 in 2000. Christina is entering her 4th year as the College and Career counselor at GCHS 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 for the last 20 years 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 six children who all attend Gilbert Christian School.

HS Teacher

Liddy, Krista

Vice Principal of Student Affairs

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. In February 2014 he joined the GCS community as the high school principal. 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.

HS American Sign Language Teacher

Lott, Kathy

Kathy is a native to Arizona and has spent her entire life living in the East Valley. She grew up in Tempe where she attended McClintock High School and then went on to graduate from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education. Kathy loved being the SKILLS classroom teacher in a Gilbert elementary school until starting a family of her own. She has invested the last 20 years into home educating her 4 children, K-12, and has thoroughly enjoyed a busy and full season of teaching in many co-ops as well as offering formal ASL I & ASL II classes for homeschooled high school students! Kathy also had the privilege and joy of serving as the ASL Director for a Christian dance company, Basileia, for 7 wonderful years. She brings with her a deep love and passion for the Deaf community, Deaf culture, and their rich and beautiful language, and she looks forward to sharing all of this with her students at GCS! In her free time, Kathy enjoys her work as a birth doula, cooking and baking, running, and spending time with precious friends and family. Kathy is so very grateful for the opportunity the Lord has led her to at GCS in 2022, and she looks forward to growing in the love and knowledge of Christ within this beautiful community.
Receptionist

McCloskey, Taylor

Mrs. McCloskey graduated from Arizona State University in 2012 earning a B.A. in Secondary Education (Mathematics) and from Grand Canyon University in 2016 earning an M.A. in Teacher Leadership. Prior to joining GCS in the fall of 2021, she taught for eight years in a variety of math courses at the high school and junior high levels, plus many years of private tutoring experience. An Arizona native, she is blessed to have attended Christian schools her 4th-12th grades and has a passion to be a part of Christian education. She loves helping students better understand math principles and applications, develop positive character traits, and grow in their relationships with God and come to know and love Him more. She enjoys reading, watching sports, baking, hiking, playing board games, trying different restaurants, and traveling to new places. Mrs. McCloskey married her high school sweetheart, Trevor, and they have two dogs, Simba and Nala. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to share the world of math and how it can be used to glorify God with the GCS students.

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

Vice Principal of Academics

McCollum, Robert

“I was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Educational Leadership with a concentration in curriculum and instruction from Columbia International University in South Carolina in 2019. I also hold a Master of Education degree in Educational Administration (1996) and a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education-Mathematics with a minor in the Teaching of Physical Science (1990), both from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I hold three professional certificates: Secondary Principal Administrative Certificate from ACSI (through 2023) and from the state of Illinois a General Administrative Endorsement and a Teaching Mathematics and Physical Science, Grades 6–12 (Type 09) Certificate (both through 2022). I’ve been an educator since 1990. The first 18 years of my professional life were spent in public high schools in the suburbs of Chicago where I taught high school mathematics, physical science a few times, served a mathematics department chair, and an associate principal for curriculum and instruction. In 2008, I began my career in Christian schools serving at El Camino Academy in Bogota, Colombia (2008-2013) where I filled the role of Secondary Principal (2008-2010) and K-12 Director of Academics (2010-2013). After finishing our five-year term, we relocated to Maryland where I served as the Upper School Principal (2013-20) at Annapolis Area Christian School. I was raised in the Chicago suburbs and I’ve been a Chicago Cubs fan since I could talk. It was a tortured existence most of my life until the Cubs finally won the World Series in 2016! Vicki and I met and fell in love while teaching at a public high school in the suburbs of Chicago. There was a romance in the Mathematics Department! We married in 1994 and have two adult daughters.” Mr. McCollum joined the GCS administration in 2020.

Romans 10:9-10 “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth, one confesses and is saved.”

 

HS Math Teacher

McCollum, Vicki

Mrs. McCollum graduated from Wheaton College with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Secondary Education in 1985 and from the University of Illinois – Chicago with a Master of Science in the Teaching of Mathematics in 1996. She has taught mathematics, mostly at the high school level, since 1985 with a 10-year break in the middle to stay home with her two young girls. Mrs. McCollum also taught mathematics at the United Arab Emirates University for 2 years and in Bogotá, Colombia for 5 years. She is married to Robert McCollum who is the Vice Principal of Academics and they have two daughters, Kaitlyn and Melissa. Mrs. McCollum has been a part of the GCS staff since 2020.

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1

HS Teacher

McLaurin, Michelle

HS Teacher

Miller, Michael

HS Bible Teacher

Mitchell, C.L.

Facilities Manager

Moncivaiz, Sam

Facilities Tech

Moncivaiz, Sambo

HS Spanish Teacher

Ontiveros, Abel

Principal's Assistant

Otto, Carol

Counselor

Paasch, Mike

Jesus saved Mike during his college studies and gave him a love for God and his people. He is married to Lynne and has two grown daughters: Hannah (River) and Amy. Mike and Lynne fostered immigrant children from Central America, who also attended GCS. He and his family have lived abroad for the gospel in Mexico and North Africa. He serves in a multi-ethnic church here in the valley. His desire is to encourage this generation of students to know Jesus and then to live their lives for Him. Mike received his Masters Degree in Spanish Linguistics from New Mexico State University and his BA at Arizona State University. He’s currently pursuing his biblical counseling certification.

HS Choir Teacher

Pacheco, Itzel

Mrs. Pacheco earned her Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Music Education from Northern Arizona University. She began her first year of teaching in spring 2021 in Queen Creek, AZ where she taught general music (K-6) and joined the GCS team in the fall of 2021. An interesting fact about Mrs. Pacheco is that she was in a hand bell choir in college in which she played the biggest and lowest sounding bells that required two hands and some major arm strength to play. She resides in Mesa, AZ with her husband Mario Pacheco Jr. She loves spending time with her husband and her nieces and nephews. She serves and loves her community at Fuente de Vida Church in Chandler, AZ. Mrs. Pacheco is excited to be a part of the GCS family!

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

HS Social Studies Teacher

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

HS Keyboarding Teacher & Choral Accompanist

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.

HS Girls P.E. & Stuco Teacher

Petrey, Michelle

HS GEAR Math Teacher

Pireh, Edward

Athletic Coordinator

Rasmussen, Andrew

HS English Teacher

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

HS Bible & Guitar Teacher

Robinson, Andrew

Mr. Robinson graduated from Grand Canyon University in 2014 with a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education (English). He currently attends Tempe Nazarene Church, where he serves on the church board and as the lead guitar player for the main service’s worship team. He married his wife, Megan Robinson, in 2010. He and his wife are parents to a 3-year-old daughter, Rory, and a 10-month-old daughter, Riley. He is also currently pursuing his Master’s in Biblical and Theological Studies at Phoenix Seminary. In his spare time, he plays guitar and enjoys spending time with his family. He also likes playing and watching soccer. He is excited to work at GCS because of the ability the school provides to implement Biblical and spiritual teaching and guidance throughout his classes, which he believes provides each student with a truly complete education.

Campus Security Guard

Ruettinger, Justin

HS Math Teacher

Russell, Chris

Facilities Tech

Schiff, Brittney

Assistant Athletic Director & Athletic Trainer

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.

HS Math Teacher

Trainor, Kathleen

Receptionist

Wallace, Mikele

HS Science Teacher

Whitney, Dorothy