Elementary Staff
School Director
Jennifer Hook
Education:
B.A., Secondary Education with English/Drama emphasis
M.A., Early Childhood Education
Bible Verse:
"Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14
Passions & Joys:
Pointing children to Jesus, reading, singing, being in nature, visiting family in far away places.
Dean of Students, Inclusion Coordinator
Jane Metzger
Education:
B.S., Education in both Elementary & Special Education
Certifications in Early Childhood, Learning Disabilities, & Behavior Disorders & a minor in Psychology from Illinois State University
Bible Verse:
"The Lord Your God is with you. He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you. He will
quiet you with his love!! He will rejoice over
you with singing!" Ephesians 3:17
Passions & Joys:
Chocolate, shopping, vacation with family /friends, walking, music (singing & dancing), watching Hallmark movies, going to restaurants, being a "MIMI!"
Kindergarten Lead Teacher
Nicole McMillan
Education:
B.A., Early Childhood Education, University of Arizona. Magna Cum Laude
Bible Verse:
"Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21
Passions & Joys:
Spending time with her husband and their two dogs. Camping, travel, and spending time with loved ones. She also has a passion for dance, and teaches dance at a local studio in town.
First Grade Lead Teacher
Lacey Elisea
Education:
B.A., Communications, Minor in Spanish, University of Arizona
Post-Baccalaureate Early Childhood Education, Rio Salado College
Arizona Early Childhood Teaching Certification
Bible Verse:
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Passions & Joys:
Teaching, learning, traveling, hiking, reading, and spending time with my family.
Second & Third Grade Lead Teacher
Meghann Kjolsrud
Education:
B.A., Theology Franciscan, University of Steubenville
M.Ed., Early Childhood specialization, Northcentral University
Bible Verse:
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love endures forever. Psalm 118:1
Passions & Joys:
Communicating God’s love to her students and inspiring them to become the best version of themselves. She finds joy in nature.
Fourth & Fifth Grade Lead Teacher
Joshua Landi
Education:
B.G.S., Arts, Media and Entertainment, University of Arizona
Bible Verse:
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." Collossians 3:16
Passions & Joys:
I love to walk the dog, play instruments and watch movies.
Math & Teaching Support Specialist
Valerie Hoffman
Education:
Associates Early Childhood, Pima Community College
B.A., Elementary Education, University of Arizona
Bible Verse:
"I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13
Passions & Joys:
Family, traveling, going to movies
First Grade Aide
Vanessa Ruiz
Education:
B.S., Environmental Biology, Grand Canyon University
Passions & Joys:
Family, friends, reading, camping, napping, early childhood education, nature, and coffee. Not necessarily in that order.
Paraprofessional
Alicia Wittke
Education:
B.S., Secondary Education: Math and Science, Indiana University
Passions & Joys:
Family, Nature, learning
Physical Education & Art Teacher
Cassi Sutherland
Education:
B.S., Industrial Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Passions & Joys:
She enjoys playing soccer in the TWSL, league volleyball, archery league, hunting, backpacking, sewing, gardening, and painting.
Music Teacher
Brenda Buys
Education:
B.M. in Clarinet and Bassoon Performance, University of Arizona
M.M. in Woodwind Performance, Florida State University
D.M.A. in Bassoon Performance, University of Arizona
Bible Verse:
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1
Passions & Joys:
Music, Pottery, Tap dance, Family, Traveling, Art, Crafts, Baking, Yoga
Technology Teacher
Vanessa Hoang
Education:
B.S., Retailing & Consumer Science, Minor in Business Administration, University of Arizona
Master in Management, University of Phoenix
Bible Verse:
"I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
Passions & Joys:
Family, exploring and traveling new places, crafting.
Global Literature
Prisca Martens
Education:
B.S., Elementary Education, Valparaiso University
M.Ed., Elementary Education, Valparaiso University
Ph.D., Language, Reading, and Culture, University of Arizona
Bible Verse:
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Passions & Joys:
Family, teaching, hiking, reading, children’s books, puzzles.
Global Literature
Ray Martens
Education:
B.F.A., Minneapolis College of Art and Design,
M.A., Art Education, Arizona State University
Ed.D., Art Education, Arizona State University
Bible Verse:
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
Passions & Joys:
Family, drawing and painting, reading, history/archeology, children’s books, gardening, aviation.
Financial Aid Advisor & Administrative Assistant
Liz Kanon
Education:
B.S., Social and Behavioral Science, Arizona State University
Masters Health Administration, University of Phoenix
Bible Verse:
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7
Passions & Joys:
Travel, family, wine, food and fun
Coati Club Coordinator
Nam Ngo
Education:
B.S. Human Physiology, University of Arizona
Bible Verse:
‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:31
Passions & Joys:
Running, Hiking, Piano