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
Susan Gibson
Principal
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Biography
Meet Susan Gibson
Hometown
Phoenix, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Glendale Elementary School District, Smith ElementaryFavorite Subject
Math, dramaHobbies
Theater, travel, adventuresMessage
I'm excited for a great year at the Fine Arts Academy.
Charles Blanton
Assistant Principal
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Biography
Stefani Bender
Dean of Students
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Biography
Meet Stefani Bender
Hometown
Northport, New YorkWhere I Started Teaching
Dysart School District, Willow Canyon High SchoolFavorite Subject
Photography and film classHobbies
Painting and cookingMessage
"Once you become fearless, life becomes limitless" - Author UnknownOffice Support
Rosa Martinez
Administrative Secretary
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Biography
Daisy Diaz
Nurse
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Biography
Janeen Gaston
Office Support Senior
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Biography
Ana Contreras
Office Support Junior
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Biography
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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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.
Caitlyn Adams
Kindergarten
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Biography
Meet Caitlyn Adams
Hometown
Rochester, New YorkWhere I Started Teaching
Littleton School District, Fine Arts AcademyFavorite Subject
Language artsHobbies
ReadingMessage
"Working hard is important. But there is something that matters even more: believing in yourself." -Harry Potter
Nora McGlown
Kindergarten
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Biography
Meet Nora McGlown
Hometown
Chicago, IllinoisWhere I Started Teaching
Chicago, IllinoisFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
Cooking and jigsaw puzzlesMessage
Life is like a rainbow; it's a struggle when you first start climbing; when you get to the middle you can rest a little; and after that, it will be a grand slide into the pot of gold waiting on the other side.
First Grade
Celeste Henry
First Grade
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Biography
Meet Celeste Henry
Hometown
Lexington, MissouriWhere I Started Teaching
Littleton School District, Fine Arts AcademyFavorite Subject
World historyHobbies
Traveling, hiking, camping, being outdoors (weather permitting), and spending quality time with friends and family. I enjoy a good book and great coffee to go with it.Message
"Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or self-confidence."- Robert Frost
Shannon Govern
First Grade
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Biography
Meet Shannon Govern
Hometown
Twinsburg, OhioWhere I Started Teaching
Fine Arts AcademyFavorite Subject
Reading and scienceHobbies
Hiking/walking, movies, traveling, time with family and friendsMessage
"You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and loved more than you know." - A.A. Milne
Kelly Manges
First Grade
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Biography
Meet Kelly Manges
Hometown
Phoenix, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Peoria Unified School DistrictFavorite Subject
ReadingHobbies
Reading whenever I can, crocheting, and hikingMessage
You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax—all you need is a book. - Dr. SeussSecond 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."
Delany Luthy
Second Grade
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Biography
Meet Delany Luthy
Hometown
Mt. Sterling, IllinoisWhere I Started Teaching
Fine Arts AcademyFavorite Subject
EnglishHobbies
Knitting, crocheting, watching movies, spending time with family, and travelingMessage
"Today is your day. You're off to great places! You're off and away! You have a brain in your head. you have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose." - Dr. Seuss
Third Grade
Clarissa Alvarez
Third Grade
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Biography
Meet Clarissa Alvarez
Hometown
Nogales, MexicoWhere I Started Teaching
Littleton School District, Fine Arts AcademyFavorite Subject
MathematicsHobbies
Sports and hikingMessage
"Children must be taught how to think and not what to think." -Margaret Mead
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
Selma Berlanga
Fourth 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."
Robert Crouse
Fourth Grade
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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.
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
Raby Gueye
Fourth/Fifth Grade
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Biography
Meet Raby Gueye
Hometown
Dakar, SenegalWhere I Started Teaching
Littleton Elementary SchoolFavorite Subject
Math and social studiesHobbies
Traveling and meeting new peopleMessage
"Teachers...are those who help find strengths, drive away tears, overpower demons, and conquer fears."Fifth Grade
Peyton Bergmann
Fifth Grade
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Biography
Meet Peyton Bergmann
Hometown
Broken Arrow, OklahomaWhere I Started Teaching
Littleton District, Fine Arts AcademyFavorite Subject
ReadingHobbies
Crafting, reading, running, and travelingMessage
"No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world." - Robin Williams
Jaqueline Roeske
Fifth Grade
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Biography
Meet Jaqueline Roeske
Hometown
San Diego, CaliforniaWhere I Started Teaching
Fine Arts AcademyFavorite Subject
HistoryHobbies
Volleyball and travelingMessage
"Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light." - Dumbledore
Diana Olivarria
Fifth Grade
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Biography
Meet Diana Olivarria
Hometown
Nogales, Son. MexicoWhere I Started Teaching
Deer Valley Unified School DistrictFavorite Subject
HistoryHobbies
Watching movies, reading comic books, and playing with my dog, ThorMessage
"Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams." - Paulo CoelhoSixth Grade
Hazen Dauphinee
ELA and Social Studies
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Biography
Meet Hazen Dauphinee
Hometown
Bradley, MaineWhere I Started Teaching
Old Town, MCFavorite Subject
Social studiesHobbies
Reading, writing, golf, fly-fishing, cookingMessage
I believe that everyone should know their history and have the courage to be a life long learner.
Robert Dowdy
ELA and Social Studies
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Biography
Meet Robert Dowdy
Hometown
Goodyear, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Saddle Mountain DistrictFavorite Subject
Math and readingHobbies
Music, reading, and vacationsMessage
"My job is to help create students' visions so students can be successful."
Rebecca Portillo
Math and Science
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Biography
Meet Rebecca Portillo
Hometown
Los Angeles, CaliforniaWhere I Started Teaching
Fine Arts AcademyFavorite Subject
MathematicsHobbies
Reading, going to concerts, playing board games, watching Netflix and going to moviesMessage
I believe every child can succeed! "Make each day your masterpiece."
Lynn Tran
Math and Science
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Biography
Meet Lynn Tran
Hometown
Garden Grove, CaliforniaWhere I Started Teaching
Littleton School District, Fine Arts AcademyFavorite Subject
ScienceHobbies
Hiking, traveling, and watching live musicMessage
"The lotus always blooms in the mud."
Seventh Grade
Daniel Budzban
ELA
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Biography
Meet Daniel Budzban
Hometown
Green Bay, WisconsinWhere I Started Teaching
Rainbow Valley ElementaryFavorite Subject
ArtHobbies
Graphic design, watching sportsMessage
Any dream can be attained if you believe enough in yourself to achieve it!
Jay Leach
Math
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Biography
Meet Jay Leach
Hometown
Binghamton, New YorkWhere I Started Teaching
Buckeye Union High SchoolFavorite Subject
ScienceHobbies
Golf and woodworkingMessage
Math makes the world turn.
Manuel Torres
Social Studies
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Biography
Meet Manuel Torres
Hometown
Phoenix, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Dysart Unified School DistrictFavorite Subject
PEHobbies
Camping, fishing, watching sports and moviesMessage
"Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." -Maimonides
Eighth Grade
Jovonnie Quintero-Avelar
ELA
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Biography
Meet Jovonnie Quintero-Avelar
Hometown
Tempe, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Fine artsFavorite Subject
ChemistryHobbies
Thrift shopping, making playlists, talking about social justice, hiking, bakingMessage
“Accept who are—and revel in it.” – Mitch Albom
Sharon Jones
Math
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Biography
Meet Sharon Jones
Hometown
Malta, OhioWhere I Started Teaching
Morgan County, OhioFavorite Subject
Social studiesHobbies
Sewing, camping, and cookingMessage
While in college, one of my math teachers recommended me as a math tutor and I found I really enjoyed teaching math. This is my 12th year teaching in Arizona. Teaching and learning are a true passion for me!
Margaret Peterson
Social Studies
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Biography
Meet Margaret Peterson
Hometown
Bountiful, UtahWhere I Started Teaching
LittletonFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
Crafting and logic puzzlesMessage
Teaching is my true calling in life, and I will continuously support students in finding their true callings.
Vanessa Rios
Science
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Biography
Meet Vanessa Rios
Hometown
Glendale, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Littleton School District, Fine Arts AcademyFavorite Subject
ScienceHobbies
Drawing, acting, painting, writing, comic conventions, making props and costumesMessage
Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.Exceptional Learning Teachers
Kristina Crowson
Gifted/Dance
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Biography
Meet Kristina Crowson
Hometown
Espanola, New MexicoWhere I Started Teaching
Glendale Elementary DistrictFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
Yoga, volleyball, cake decoratingMessage
"Set your life on fire. Seek those who fan your flames." - RumiStudent Achievement Coach
Mia De La Rosa
Student Achievement Coach
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Biography
Meet Mia De La Rosa
Hometown
Brownsville, TexasWhere I Started Teaching
Collier ElementaryFavorite Subject
Math and historyHobbies
I enjoy anything that keeps the mind and body active and happy.Message
"It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." -Aristotle
Reading Interventionist
Dawn Christensen
Reading Interventionist
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Biography
Meet Dawn Christensen
Hometown
Algonquin, IllinoisWhere I Started Teaching
Elign School DistrictFavorite Subject
Social studies and scienceHobbies
Hiking, traveling, playing American Indian flute, walking the dogsMessage
"The person who does the work is the only one who learns." -Harry Wong
Special Areas
Michelle Walla
Art
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Biography
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
Michelle Smith
P.E.
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Biography
Meet Michelle Smith
Hometown
St. Louis, MissouriWhere I Started Teaching
Littleton School District, Tres RiosFavorite Subject
PEHobbies
Hanging with friends and going on vacations.Message
"I enjoy helping students learn to live an active, healthier lifestyle."
Susan Knighton
Band/Music
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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
Travis White
Music/Choir
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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.School Support
Instructional Services
Helen Coreas-Mendez
Psychologist
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Biography
Martin Aguilar Cruz
Lead Custodian
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Biography
Laura Sampsel
Resource Teacher
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Biography
Deb Viste
Resource Teacher
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Biography