Teachers and Staff
At FAA, you’ll find teachers dedicated to meeting the individual learning needs of their students. Together with a team of office and support staff members, we create a positive environment, which nurtures creativity and inspires learning.
Administration
Cathie Sylvester
Principal
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Biography
Meet Cathie Sylvester
Hometown
Las Vegas, NMFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
Reading, gardening, hiking, yoga, and board gamesMessage
Welcome Falcons! It's an honor and a privilege to be your new principal here at the Fine Arts Academy. I look forward to meeting each and every one of you as we begin the new 2022–2023 school year. It's a great day to be a Falcon... every day!
Antonio Bryant
Assistant Principal
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Meet Antonio Bryant
Hometown
Compton, CAFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
Traveling, reading, dancingMessage
"Together may we give our children the roots to grow and the wings to fly" - Author UnknownFront office
Janeen Gaston
Administrative Secretary
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Vicky Torres
Office Support Senior
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Zoyla Ortiz
Office Support Junior
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School Support
Donna LaPointe
Registered Nurse
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Meet Donna LaPointe
Hometown
Litchfield Park, AZFavorite Subject
ScienceHobbies
Show dogs (Border Collies), Crochet, SewingMessage
Because there is no agreement about the definition of family, a family is what a patient considers it to be.
Diane Hedges
Library Clerk
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Biography
Meet Diane Hedges
Hometown
Hoquiam, WAWhere I Started Teaching
I am not officially a teacher, but the first school I worked at was Corte Sierra in Avondale, AZ.Favorite Subject
ScienceHobbies
Reading, meeting authors, and travelingMessage
"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." – Dr. Seuss
Guadalupe Okamura
Cafeteria Manager
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Martin Aguilar Cruz
Lead Custodian
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Jesus Cabrera
Night Custodian
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Carlos Mancio
Night Custodian
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Adela Navarette Perez
Day Custodian
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Biography
Teachers
Kindergarten
Beth Raymond
Kindergarten
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Biography
Meet Beth Raymond
Hometown
Hillsdale, MichiganWhere I Started Teaching
Cartwright School District, John F. Long ElementaryFavorite Subject
Band and readingHobbies
Reading and hanging out with familyMessage
The more we practice the better we get.
Jessica Raeder
Kindergarten
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Biography
Meet Jessica Raeder
Hometown
AvondaleFavorite Subject
EnglsihHobbies
Fitness and readingMessage
I am very excited to teach you guys for the 2021–2022 school year. We will have lots of fun!
Lakwauna Tinsley
Kindergarten
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Biography
Meet Lakwauna Tinsley
Hometown
Detroit, MIWhere I Started Teaching
Redford, MIFavorite Subject
Reading/Social StudiesHobbies
Shopping and traveling.Message
I am looking forward to working with your children this year.
First Grade
Sianna Galindo
First Grade
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Biography
Meet Sianna Galindo
Hometown
Buckeye, AZ and Avondale, AZFavorite Subject
ArtHobbies
Folklorico dancing, spending time with familyMessage
I'm looking forward to working with everyone. I will work hard for my students, and I hope we can have a great school year together.
Angelice Martinez
First Grade
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Biography
Meet Angelice Martinez
Hometown
San Antonio, TexasFavorite Subject
Home EconomicsHobbies
Reading, bike riding, baking, cooking, and family board gamesMessage
Welcome to first grade! My name is Angelice Martinez, and I am going to be your child’s first grade teacher this year! I am so excited that your child is going to be in my class! First grade is an exciting time as children embark upon new adventures in the world of learning. I am looking forward to a very exciting and productive year working with your child. I will strive each day to make learning a fun and enriching process for your child.
Lillian Valdez
First Grade
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Biography
Meet Lillian Valdez
Hometown
Cheyenne, WyomingFavorite Subject
ReadingHobbies
Reading various literatureMessage
I am very excited to be an educator in the Littleton School District. Please stop by our kindergarten classroom!
Second Grade
Rhea Ciadella
Second Grade
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Biography
Meet Rhea Ciadella
Hometown
Surprise, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Littleton ElementaryFavorite Subject
TechnologyHobbies
Traveling, board games, YoutubeMessage
"Be the best you, you can be."
Amy Gontarczyk
Second Grade
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Biography
Meet Amy Gontarczyk
Hometown
Lockport, New YorkWhere I Started Teaching
Littleton Elementary School District - Fine Arts AcademyFavorite Subject
History, Social Sciences, and English Language ArtsHobbies
Spending time with family and friends, baking, cooking, crafts, and readingMessage
I am so excited to be your child’s second grade teacher. It is going to be a great year full of new friends, new adventures, and new discoveries. This will be my first year teaching at the Fine Arts Academy. To my students, I want you to know that I cannot wait to get to know you and learn more about you!
Bonnie Martin
Second Grade
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Biography
Meet Bonnie Martin
Hometown
Laguna Niguel, CaliforniaWhere I Started Teaching
I started teaching 16 years ago.Favorite Subject
Reading, Writing, and Social StudiesHobbies
Swimming, shopping, and spending time with family and friendsMessage
Third Grade
Selma Berlanga
Third Grade
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Biography
Meet Selma Berlanga
Hometown
Torreon, CoahuilaWhere I Started Teaching
Littleton School District, Country PlaceFavorite Subject
Social studies and readingHobbies
Nail art and collecting moviesMessage
"I am excited to be a part of your child's education and future."
Aurora Mattern
Third Grade
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Biography
Meet Aurora Mattern
Hometown
Anaheim, CAFavorite Subject
Math and MusicHobbies
Hiking, playing my flute, modern calligraphy, reading, video games, baseballMessage
I may have my students for only a year, but I strive to create relationships that last a lifetime.
Danielle Van Dalen
Third Grade
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Biography
Meet Danielle Van Dalen
Hometown
Clovis, CaliforniaWhere I Started Teaching
Fine Arts AcademyFavorite Subject
History and language artsHobbies
Going to Arizona Diamondback games, reading, swimming, hiking, and watching NetflixMessage
I am beyond excited to start my teaching career! I can't wait to meet my students and their parents/guardians and work with them throughout the year! Teachers who love teaching teach children to love learning.Fourth Grade
Sara Hall
Fourth Grade
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Biography
Meet Sara Hall
Hometown
Phoenix, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Pendergast School DistrictFavorite Subject
Language artsMessage
"Don't judge me by my successes. Judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again." - Nelson Mandela
Maria Moreno-Leyva
Fourth Grade
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Biography
Meet Maria Moreno-Leyva
Hometown
Phoenix, ArizonaFavorite Subject
Language ArtsHobbies
Hang with my family, watch movies, eat, and travelMessage
I will be the best teacher I can be, so you can be the best "you" you can be!
Raymond Thomas
Fourth Grade
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Biography
Meet Raymond Thomas
Hometown
GoodyearFavorite Subject
LiteratureHobbies
My favorite hobbies are outdoor recreational activities like camping and hiking in isolated places where I can off-road, swim, photograph, read, craft, explore, fish, and hunt while enjoying the amazing beauty of nature. I also am an avid do-it-yoursMessage
I consider working with young people to be a great opportunity to help prepare them for their amazing futures. I remember growing and changing during my elementary school years and how that progression and development impacted my whole life. I believe everyone is capable of learning (and we all learn at our own pace) as long as we have the mindset of wanting to learn, and we have someone to guide us. To that end, I believe one of the greatest accomplishments a teacher can achieve is helping others learn how to learn for themselves for the rest of their lives.
Fifth Grade
Megan Gustafson
Fifth Grade
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Biography
Meet Megan Gustafson
Hometown
Port Angeles, WAFavorite Subject
WritingHobbies
Running, hiking, traveling, and reading. Spending quality time with friends and family.Message
"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world." - Harriet Tubman
Areya Zugish
Fifth Grade
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Denette Silva
Fifth Grade
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Biography
Meet Denette Silva
Hometown
GlendaleFavorite Subject
Writing and MathHobbies
Painting and singingMessage
Hello and welcome to an amazing year of learning. I am exited to explore and challenge ourselves to reach new levels of creativity within every subject. Together we will build on individual strengths and promote excellence on a daily basis. Let's enjoy our journey this year, every step of the way. Get ready to experience personal growth by leaps and bounds. I believe in you!Sixth Grade
Robert Crouse
Math/Science
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Biography
Meet Robert Crouse
Hometown
Glendale, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Littleton School District, Fine Arts AcademyFavorite Subject
ScienceHobbies
Bicycling, Netflix, reading, and swimmingMessage
There's no such thing as mistakes—just happy little accidents.
Nora Espino
Social Studies/Science
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Biography
Meet Nora Espino
Hometown
AvondaleFavorite Subject
Science and Creative WritingHobbies
Family time; Going on adventures all over ArizonaMessage
I am excited to be a part of the Falcon family here at the Fine Arts Academy! 
Joanne Vianos
ELA/Science
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Biography
Meet Joanne Vianos
Hometown
Born and raised in El Toro, CA, but spent last 33 years in Lake Havasu City, AZFavorite Subject
ScienceHobbies
Singing in choir, reading, photography, journalingMessage
I like to teach my students the importance of "Being Aware of the World Around You." Being present in our "world" is an important part of becoming a balanced person.
Seventh Grade
Tori Chance
Social Studies
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Biography
Meet Tori Chance
Hometown
Maple Grove, MinnesotaFavorite Subject
HistoryHobbies
Hiking and fishingMessage
Hello, students and parents! My name is Ms. Chance, and I am very excited to call Arizona my new home after moving here from Minnesota. This will be my first year teaching, and I am very thrilled to do so at the Littleton Fine Arts Academy. I look forward to meeting you all and working with you this school year. I cannot wait to share my love of social studies with you and grow not only as a class, but as individuals as well!
Jaime Fierro
Science
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Biography
Meet Jaime Fierro
Hometown
Phoenix, AZFavorite Subject
ScienceHobbies
Camping, hiking, wood work, motorcycling (formerly), and I want to get back into bicyclingMessage
I look forward to working with your students and plan to make science an exciting subject for them.
Cari Koehn
Math
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Dennis Greer
ELA
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Biography
Meet Dennis Greer
Hometown
Columbus, OHFavorite Subject
U.S. HistoryHobbies
Exercising, reading, sports, music, and classic moviesMessage
Hello parents and students! I am very grateful and excited to work with each of you. As a former athlete, I learned teamwork is key to experiencing success. With the said, I anticipate collaborating with you to ensure academic achievement in the classroom. Expect regular communication from me and feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. I look forward to partnering with you to have a successful year. Have a great day!
Eighth Grade
Andrea DeMondo
Math
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Biography
Meet Andrea DeMondo
Hometown
Las Cruces, New MexicoWhere I Started Teaching
Fine Arts AcademyFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
Sports, binge watching shows, playing with my dog, hanging out with my family, sleeping, and eatingMessage
“Everything will be okay, in the end if it’s not okay, it’s not the end.” - John Lennon
Andrea Noguez
ELA
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Meet Andrea Noguez
Hometown
Pomona, CAFavorite Subject
EnglishHobbies
Watching anime and playing guitar.Message
We can all work together to create the best educational environment for our students.
Anthony Saguibo
Social Studies
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Ciara Stewart
Science
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Biography
Meet Ciara Stewart
Hometown
Buckeye, ArizonaFavorite Subject
Math and ScienceHobbies
Swimming, Tennis, Nails, and Arts and CraftsMessage
My name is Mrs. Stewart, and I will have your son or daughter in one of my science classes for the 2022–2023 school year. I am looking forward to an exciting year, and hope your son or daughter is, too. I want to help your son or daughter be successful this year, therefore, I am asking for your help. Please talk with your child about the importance of getting enough sleep, starting off the year with good study habits, and asking questions if something is unclear. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. I look forward to getting to know your son or daughter.
Related Arts Teachers
De'Vonne Gonzales
Dance
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Biography
Meet De'Vonne Gonzales
Hometown
Ann Arbor, MichiganFavorite Subject
Science & Performing ArtsHobbies
Performing; Dance, Theater, Karaoke, cake decorating, and driving my '41 classic packardMessage
Perform like everyone is watching, the world is your stage! Be confident to show everyone who you are!
Susan Knighton
FOCUS
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Biography
Meet Susan Knighton
Hometown
Commerce Township, MichiganWhere I Started Teaching
Novi Community SchoolsFavorite Subject
Language arts, musicHobbies
Gardening, reading, playing with my catsMessage
"I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music." -Billy Joel
Fabian Sanchez
P.E.
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Biography
Meet Fabian Sanchez
Hometown
Deming, NMFavorite Subject
HistoryHobbies
Video games, jump rope, walkingMessage
I look forward to working within this community with all the phenomenal parents and students to help create an inviting atmosphere where we can all learn and grow together into an incredible unit.
Michelle Walla
Art
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Meet Michelle Walla
Hometown
Valparaiso, IndianaWhere I Started Teaching
Littleton School District, Littleton ElementaryFavorite Subject
ArtHobbies
Love to travel and see new places, watching Michigan State and Chicago Bears football, hiking, boating, and paintingMessage
Excited for another exciting school year with bright smiling faces ready to create some amazing artwork! "Every child is an artist." - Pablo Picasso
Travis White
Choir/Music/Theatre
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Biography
Meet Travis White
Hometown
Phoenix, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Littleton School District, Country PlaceFavorite Subject
ChoirHobbies
Reading, writing, hiking, playing video games, and sleepingMessage
Music is a world within itself. It is a language we ALL understand.CASA Teachers
Alexandria Barbee
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Michele Fintak
CASA Teacher
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Biography
Meet Michele Fintak
Hometown
Buffalo, New YorkFavorite Subject
HistoryHobbies
Painting, music (singing), gardeningMessage
Hello Littleton Families, I’m Michele Fintak. I’m super excited to be your child’s teacher this school year. I have twenty years of special education teaching experience. I am originally from Orchard Park, NY (Yes, it is the year for the Buffalo Bills).
Charlene Jones
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Exceptional Learning Teachers
Carla Clouse
ESS Resource Teacher
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Alvin Stewart
ESS Resource Teacher
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Biography
Susan Nance
ESS Resource Teacher
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Michele Nowell
Gifted Teacher
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Biography
Meet Michele Nowell
Hometown
Philadelphia, PAFavorite Subject
ReadingHobbies
Traveling, reading, going to the theater (performance, movies, etc.)Message
"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence PLUS character - that is the goal of true education." Dr. Martin Luther Kings, Jr.
Student Achievement Coach
Related Services
Robin Anderson
Psychologist
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Biography
Meet Robin Anderson
Hometown
Bristol, New HampshireFavorite Subject
ScienceHobbies
Cooking, playing with my children, and going on adventuresMessage
I graduated from Arizona State University for Special Education, Argosy University for School Psychology. I am truly grateful to work collaboratively with you to do what is best for ALL children to be successful.
Rainy Baldwin-Stanton
Speech
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Clayton Bowers
Hearing
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Nathan Christie
Occupational Therapy
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Lauren Keith
Social Worker
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Jessica Kelly
Physical Therapy
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Darla Stump
CASA Speech
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Paraprofessionals
Erricka Davies
CASA
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Karina Gonzales
K–5 SPED
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Nahshon Harper
CASA
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Julia Montijo
CASA
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Nancy Quinonez
Early Childhood
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Grace Steinbach
CASA
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Ruby Valdez
CASA
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Permanent Substitutes
Brianna Crafton
Substitute Teacher
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Anthony Saguibo
Substitute Teacher
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Shiva Scott
Substitute Teacher
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Biography