Meet Our Team

Dr. Hart has been in education for over 15 years. She joined K12 as a middle school Math Teacher in 2016 and earned New Teacher of the Year for the District in the 2016-2017 school year. Dr. Hart graduated from Northern Arizona University with her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, and immediately earned her master’s degree in Early Childhood Education with a Reading Endorsement. She holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Management from Capella University.

Dr. Hart is thrilled to continue to serve as Principal for AZVA Middle School. She believes in finding ways to remove student barriers and developing a strong connection with teachers and families. Dr. Hart is looking forward to strengthening a positive school culture and supporting indivuadual students needs. She is driven to ensure that every student has access to education and a strong desire to serve the community.

Dr. Hart currently resides in Prescott, Arizona with her husband and two children. She enjoys all water sports and hiking in the mountains.

Fun Fact: She and her husband own and operate a community flag football league in the Prescott area.

Amy Mayes has over 18 years of experience in education. She joined K12 as a middle school teacher in 2017. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Science in Secondary Education from Michigan State University, and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University.

Mrs. Mayes believes making connections and building relationships is the foundation for student success. When administrators, teachers, learning coaches, and students work together, anything is possible.

She currently resides in Glendale, Arizona with her husband and four kids.

Fun Fact: Her high school soccer team won the state championship in 2002.

Mr. Smith brings vast experience serving students and families in brick-and-mortar and virtual schools. Over the past 18 years, Forrest has had the privilege of working with more than 150 schools in both the United States and South Korea.

Since 2021, Forrest has served as Senior Director of Retention for Stride/K12.

Before moving to the corporate office, Forrest served as Head of School/Executive Director at Texas Online Preparatory School for nearly four years.

Before his time at Stride/K12, Forrest spent many years living and working in South Korea. During this time, he worked as a university professor, after-school academy owner, and curriculum consultant. These experiences led him to work and consult with more than 35 public and private schools and multiple departments within the Ministry of Education.

Forrest and his family enjoy spending time on the golf course, outside around a pool, and driving children to one of their many events/activities.

I have been teaching since 1985 and have taught Pre-K, Kindergarten, First, 2nd Grade and Art. This will be my 3rd year with AZVA. I have degrees in Elementary Education, Arts Administration, Elementary Curriculum and Development and in Education Technology Curriculum Development. I have endorsements in K-12 Art, and Early Education. I love spending time with my family, traveling, drawing, painting, sewing, decorating and reading are a few of my hobbies.

Mrs. Baca began her teaching career 16 years ago as a Kindergarten reading teacher. She has taught grades K-3 throughout her career. She began teaching with AZVA in August of 2020. She is excited to continue working with all of the wonderful families and students here at AZVA this school year.

Miss Barnes has been working in special education for 10 years and is starting her 4th school year at AZVA. She is a kid at heart, and her goal is to make sure her students know they are always supported in whatever they do inside and outside of the classroom. Miss Barnes lives in Phoenix, Arizona and enjoys spending time with friends and family.

Mx. Danni Bond has been in education for over 17 years as a reading intervention aide, a classroom teacher for 2nd and 4th grades, a specialist teaching Science to preschool through 5th grades, and an online teacher in 4th and 5th grades since the COVID pandemic. All of these varied experiences has taught them that there is something to appreciate about EVERY student! In their down-time, Mx. Bond loves playing video games and crocheting. They would go for hikes, but it’s awfully hot down by the US-Mexico border!

Mrs. Cericola has been teaching for 17 years. She started at AZVA in 2022 and has taught 2nd grade throughout her time here. She loves to read and passes that passion for reading onto her students. Mrs. Cericola lives in San Tan Valley, Arizona with her husband and her dog. When she is not teaching she loves to spend time outside by her pool with a good book in hand.

Ms. Chamberlain is in her first year with the AZ Virtual Academy and is an Interventionist! She has been in education for over 20 years as a Certified Reading Specialist, Dyslexia Designee, and Educational Consultant. Ms. Chamberlain holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s of Education in Counseling Human Relations, both from Northern Arizona University. Ms. Chamberlain lives in Phoenix, AZ and enjoys traveling, kayaking with her dog, and perusing local bookstores!

I have been teaching for over 20 years. I began teaching online with AZVA 18 years ago and love being a part of this online community! My master’s degree is in Education; I have a Reading Specialist Endorsement (K-12) as well as Middle School ELA Endorsement. My husband and I have five grown children and three grandbabies, so far. I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, working on crafts & everything sourdough. I was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona.

Dr. Durden has been in education for 20 years. She is an Arizona native and loves exploring the Arizona desert. She is also a big Phoenix Suns and Arizona Diamondbacks fan. This is the start of her second year in 3rd grade at AZVA. Dr. Durden is looking forward to a wonderful year of learning and growing this year!

Mrs. Feldstein began her teaching career more than 32 years ago. She has spent the past six years at AZVA, first as a third-grade teacher and later as a Federal Programs Coordinator. She returned to our K – 5 community in January 2026 as a Kindergarten teacher, but has returned to Third Grade for the 2026 – 2027 school year.

She is married to her husband Marc and they have a 16-year-old daughter, Carolyn. Mrs. Feldstein loves the beach, coffee, Disneyland, Penn State football, and spending time with her family. She especially enjoys learning and growing alongside her students and their families.

Hi! My name is Gentry Fields, and I’m thrilled to be starting my first year with AZVA. I live in Texas with my husband and our two boys, Max (9) and Creager (5). I’ve been in education for 19 years and hold a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech and a master’s from Texas State. When I’m not teaching, you can find me playing tennis, raising mini-Highland cows, or cheering on my boys at their sports games. I’m so excited to work with you this year! If you or your family ever need to reach me, you can email me anytime at [email protected]

Ms. Flor has worked in education for the last 10 years. This is her second year at AZVA and she is very excited to work with the 3rd grade students. She has lived in Arizona all of her life and has lived in Apache Junction for nearly 20 years. Some of her favorite things are; diamond painting, playing board games, traveling, and spending time with her cats. She can’t wait to meet all her students and help them continue to grow and learn in the 3rd grade!

Mrs. Glay has been a teacher for 12 years, and has spent most of her time teaching 2nd and 3rd grades. Since 2020, she has been a dedicated 3rd grade teacher at AZVA, where she loves creating a warm and welcoming classroom for all students and their families.

Mrs. Glay lives in Peoria, AZ, with her husband and 8-year-old son. When she’s not in the classroom, she enjoys diving into a good book and experimenting in the kitchen! Mrs. Glay is looking forward to creating a classroom environment where everyone feels happy, safe, and ready to learn together!

Mrs. Higgins has worked in education for over 10 years and has experience as a paraprofessional, after-school program assistant, and classroom teacher. She’s taught Kindergarten through 5th grade and loves helping students grow at every level. Mrs. Higgins lives in the East Valley with her husband and their 5-year-old son. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, arts and crafts and spending time with her family. She’s excited to be part of your child’s learning journey this year!

Mrs. Hindman has been teaching for over 18 years and joined AZVA in 2023. She is passionate about working with the incredible students and families in the AZVA community and loves helping her students learn and grow every day.

Mrs. Hindman lives in Mesa, Arizona, with her husband, John, and their two children. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, grabbing her favorite drink from Starbucks, and browsing the aisles at Target.

Mrs. Hiser has over 20 years of experience in education. She joined the AZVA team in 2012, teaching 5th and 2nd grades before moving into the role of Lead Master Teacher in 2018. She loves working with and supporting our amazing AZVA teachers, students, and families. Mrs. Hiser lives in Flagstaff, Arizona with her husband and two children. She enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors hiking and running, and she loves coffee.

Hi! My name is Mrs. Hudson. I have been teaching for 12 wonderful years. I truly love supporting students as they grow and learn. I am a big animal lover. I have two cats who keep me busy and happy. In my free time, I enjoy reading, journaling, hiking, and taking road trips. I am looking forward to being your servicing teacher this year!

Mrs. Johnson is a first grade teacher at AZVA. She has taught for twenty-three years. This is her fourth year at AZVA. She has three adult sons and a daughter in law. Mrs. Johnson and her husband currently reside in Queen Creek, but are Iowa Hawkeye fans! Her favorite thing to do is spending time or traveling with her family. She also loves going on walks and bike rides with her two dogs, who she absolutely adore. She is looking forward to a wonderful school year!

Mrs. Knisely has been a teacher in grades K-5 for 2 years. This is her 4th year teaching Kindergarten with AZVA. Mrs. Knisely lives in Surprise, Arizona, with her husband, 3 kids, and 2 dogs. She loves spending time with her family, especially boating and camping. She is looking forward to another great school year with AZVA students and families!

Ms. Laliberte is excited to start her 3rd year teaching at AZVA. She previously taught in the Cartwright school district where she taught kinder through 3rd grade. She has lived in Arizona her whole life. Ms. Laliberte has 2 kids, and 2 dogs, Winnie and Tiberius. In her spare time Ms. Laliberte is on the soccer pitch, playing golf or crafting. She is excited for a wonderful year ahead!

Mrs. Layman began her career in education in 2005 as a licensed daycare and preschool owner and operator. From there, she transitioned into the Public Education System as an Elementary School Teacher. Over the last 20 years, she’s held roles as an Online School Administrator, Director of Leadership & Learning, as well as a School Administrator in brick and mortar settings (public charter and district schools). She loves to travel, adventurous activities are a must, shop, and spend time with her family and friends. She is the mother of three; the oldest is a 20-year old senior at Louisiana State University that plans to attend law school next fall, a 15-year old high school student and rodeo competitor, and a vivacious one year old little girl that keeps us busy!

Miss Lindsay has been teaching for 9 years now, and this is her 6th year teaching online. This is her first year at AZVA and she is very excited for this journey to begin! She taught Kindergarten for three years before switching to online as a private tutor when her son was born. She has 3 kids; a 15 year old daughter, a 6 year old son, and a 3 year old son. She loves to read during her free time and spend time with her family! She is excited to help your students grow and make learning a time they look forward to.

Mrs. Lohr has been a K-8 elementary teacher in Arizona for over 16 years. Formerly, she has taught K-2, upper elementary, and middle school. She graduated from Grand Canyon University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education and emphasis in Social Science. She is currently studying a Masters of Education in Learning Design and Technologies at ASU. Her favorite subjects to teach are ELA and Social Studies. In her free time, she loves writing short stories and exploring historical sites in Arizona with her husband and two rescue dogs. She is passionate about finding ways to make learning meaningful and fun for all of her virtual students!

Hi! My name is Ms. Gabi Mallett, I am so excited to be joining the AZVA community this year. It will be my 3rd year teaching, and my second year teaching 5th grade. In my free time I love to read, mostly fantasy, historical fiction and mystery. I also love Disney, playing video games, going to the gym and playing with my 4 year old dog, Zaura. My boyfriend and I also love going hiking on the weekends and to Disneyland during school breaks. I am looking forward to the new school year and teaching 5th grade again! If you have any questions you can contact me at

Hi! My name is Ms. Gabi Mallett, I am so excited to be joining the AZVA community this year. It will be my 3rd year teaching, and my second year teaching 5th grade. In my free time I love to read, mostly fantasy, historical fiction and mystery. I also love Disney, playing video games, going to the gym and playing with my 4 year old dog, Zaura. My boyfriend and I also love going hiking on the weekends and to Disneyland during school breaks. I am looking forward to the new school year and teaching 5th grade again!

Ms. McDermott has been teaching for 27 years. She has taught every grade from first through fourth. This is her twelfth year with AZVA. She is from New Mexico and has family there. She also enjoys reading epic fantasy series and singing in the car. Ms. McD’s favorite foods are Mexican, Italian, and dark chocolate. Her family is looking forward to welcoming a rescue dog soon. Ms. McDermott loves helping students enjoy reading and has a passion for working with children who are on the spectrum. She can’t wait to start this new school year with you and share your learning journey!

Ms. McFadden will be starting her first year with AZVA. She has had 5 years of classroom experience. She has taught 1st grade and 3rd grade. She loves spending time with her 3 border collies, drinking iced coffee, and watching superhero movies. Ms. McFadden can’t wait to work with all of the amazing families and students here at AZVA this school year.

Mrs. Mendoza is entering her 17th year teaching and most of her experience is in 1st and 2nd grade. This is her first year with AZVA and she is excited to have an amazing year with her students! She lives in Texas with her husband and 8 year old son. She loves watching her son play baseball, baking, reading, hiking, and spending time with family.

Mrs. Molina started her teaching career in 1990 when she moved to Arizona from her home state of New York. She has taught both special education and general education since then. She has happily been with AZVA for 5 years as a special education resource teacher, and loves building relationships with and supporting her colleagues, students, and families. Mrs. Molina lives in Surprise, AZ with her husband, son, dog, and cat. When she is not teaching, she enjoys cooking, building Legos, drawing and coloring, and spending time with her family.

Mrs. Ochoa has been teaching since 2001. After many years as an in-person educator in both public and private schools, she began working at Arizona Virtual Academy in 2022 as a first grade teacher. Mrs. Ochoa has taught many different grades and especially enjoys working with younger students. She holds her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education as well as a Master’s Degree in Learning and Technology. She loves spending time with her adult children and husband. She also enjoys traveling as much as possible, reading great books, and helping with volunteer groups during her free time.

Mrs. Ohrt-Pouliot is excited to begin her second year at AZVA! Before joining AZVA, she taught at a K12 online school in Colorado and spent several years teaching in a traditional classroom.

Mrs. Ohrt-Pouliot lives in sunny Southern California with her husband and their dog, Fiona. When she is not teaching, she enjoys going to the beach, watching sports, and relaxing at home with a good movie and a cozy nap.

She can’t wait to start the school year and meet all of her amazing 5th-grade students!

Hello, I am Mrs. Pekarek. This is my 3rd year teaching in Special Education. I started my educational career as a substitute – then para, and now teacher. I attended UTSA and Purdue Global. I live in central Texas with my family and I am blessed with two sons, and a bonus mom to twin girls. I love to travel – all while trying new foods, and I very much enjoy making connections with people. I am excited to join AZVA this year and cannot wait to be a part of this journey with our students.

Mrs. Perez has devoted 13 years to the field of education, teaching students from preschool through 6th grade. Since joining AZVA in 2020, she has embraced the role of a 4th-grade teacher, where she fosters a nurturing and engaging atmosphere. Her classroom is a place where students feel safe to express themselves, learn from their mistakes, and thrive. Residing in Chandler, Arizona, Mrs. Perez enjoys a vibrant family life with her husband and two children. Outside of her teaching responsibilities, she finds joy in baking, reading, taking walks, and playing games.

Mrs. Peña has been teaching and working and schools since 2012! This is her first year with t AZ Virtual Academy. Mrs. Peña has taught most grades Kinder through the University level and is passionate about education. Mrs. Peña holds 2 MA Degrees as a Licensed Reading Specialist with Grand Canyon University and a STEM Educator with Northern Arizona University, she is currently pursuing her PhD with Grand Canyon University. Mrs. Peña is had a husband and 2 puppies at home that make up her family, they enjoy traveling together, camping, and family book studies. You can always reach out for support with her as needed by email at

Hello! I’m Mrs. Ponter and I’m so excited to join AZVA this year! I have been teaching for 9 years with experience in Special Education and General Education classroom settings. Outside the classroom, I love spending time with my husband, our two sons, and four dogs. I also enjoy reading, singing, walking, and doing puzzles with my kiddos. I’m thrilled to be a part of the K12 family and look forward to a fantastic year!

Mrs. Preciado has been a been classroom teacher since 2016 and has experience ranging from 3rd through 8th grade. Since starting at AZVA in 2021, she found her niche in teaching 4th grade.

Her goal is for students to feel safe and accepted in the classroom and to have fun while learning, keeping in mind that mistakes are the first step towards becoming great. Mrs. Preciado lives in Phoenix where she likes to frequent boba tea shops, hike along South Mountain, visit libraries, and wander around museums.

Mrs. Ramirez will be starting her 12th year as an educator this year. 11 years with kindergarten and 1 year with first grade. This is her third year with AZVA and very excited for a new school year! She has been enjoying being a newlywed, with her wedding being held last November! (Also currently in the process of changing her last name to, Hauflaire) 🙂 She loves iced coffee, Christmas and her orange cat, Neko.

Ms. Reaves is an experienced and passionate educator entering her 10th year of teaching, with 6 of those years in 4th grade. She graduated from the University of Arizona in 2016 with a degree in Elementary Education and also proudly served six years in the Air Force Reserves. Ms. Reaves loves traveling, trying new foods, reading, watching movies and TV shows, and getting creative with crafts. She’s excited to help her students grow and is looking forward to another fun and successful school year!

Mrs. Reyes brings 14 years of experience in education, Mrs. Reyes excited to begin her second year with Arizona Virtual Academy. She lives in Marana, Arizona with her husband and two sons. In her free time, she enjoys reading, coloring, and spending quality time with her family.

Ms. Ross began teaching in 2010, and joined K12 Arizona in 2021. She earned her bachelor’s degree in history through the University of Michigan-Flint, and her master’s degree in elementary education through Grand Canyon University. She has taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades, with all but one year of that teaching 4th or 5th grade. Ms. Ross loves spending her free time with her two children, as well as other family and friends. She is a big baseball fan, and loves watching the Arizona Diamondbacks and Detroit Tigers. She also enjoys swimming, reading, and going to the beach.

Mrs. Snelling has been a teacher for 36 years! She taught 4th and 5th grades in Topock and Kingman for 30 years. She currently lives in Bisbee with her husband and dog. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys traveling, reading, listening to podcasts, doing puzzles, or spending time with her 3 grown daughters and 4 grandchildren. She is excited to start her sixth year at AZVA.

My name is Mr. Sobczak, and I am very excited to be starting my fourth year here in 4th Grade at AZVA! I have been teaching elementary school for 9 years, and before that I taught in music programs at the high school level for 5 years. Outside of education I have also been a working musician (playing drums) for many years, and I love any opportunity to put music and learning together in my classroom. In my free time I also enjoy playing games, watercolor painting, traveling with my wife, and spending time with our 3 cats at home in Mesa. I’m so excited to be your teacher for this coming school year!

I can be reached at [email protected]

Hi Friends! I am a proud Wisconsin resident (Go Pack Go! 🧀), but here’s a funny secret—I actually hate being cold! That’s probably why I spent 19 years in sunny Arizona, where I built my teaching career across both traditional classrooms and as an educator at Arizona Virtual Academy (AZVA). I’m a mom to four boys, so I’m used to lots of energy, laughter, and a little chaos (which means our classroom will feel like home!). When I’m not teaching, you’ll find me hiking with my three dogs, who are basically my furry best friends.

Mrs. Tinsley started her teaching career 24 years ago teaching in the classroom, and in 2007 joined the AZVA team. Mrs. Tinsley is eager to start her fourth year as Principal at AZVA. Mrs. Tinsley enjoys spending time with her four children and resides in Queen Creek, Arizona. She loves spending time outdoors, being creative, ice cream, and eating Mexican food. She believes that all students are capable of success.

Mrs. Vatland has worked in education for the past 14 years. This is her third year here at AZVA, and she has really enjoyed teaching Third Grade! She was born and raised in Arizona and now lives in Tolleson with her husband, two sons, two cats, and one dog. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, playing The Sims, and going to the movies. Mrs. Vatland can’t wait to see her students’ growth this year!

Hi there! I’m Ms. Watson, and I’ve been a teacher for 10 years. I’m certified to teach both general education and special education here in Arizona.

Mrs. Wingle has been teaching for nine years and is excited to begin this year with AZVA. She lives in Surprise, AZ with her husband, son, and their beloved dog. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, spending quality time with her family, and getting outside for walks and bike rides when the weather allows. Mrs. Wingle is looking forward to another wonderful year with AZVA!

Hi everyone! My name is Mrs. Woolf. This is my second year teaching with AZVA, and have loved being a part of such a great community of staff and students. I have been working in the field of education in a variety of different roles for over 6 years now. I am so excited to spend another year teaching elementary school in 5th grade at AZVA. I love to do anything outside! From rock climbing and skiing to swimming and hiking. I love being in the water! My husband and I welcomed our first child in April this year, a little boy named Axel, who we could not love more! I am excited for a great school year!

Mrs. Yorksmith has been a teacher for 33 years, and has been with AZVA since 2010. She lives in Show Low, a small mountain town in Arizona where she and her husband were both raised. She has 4 kids, 1 grandson, a dog and a cat. She loves to read, play volleyball, travel, play board games, and spend time with her family. She’s looking forward to a wonderful year with her 2nd grade students and families!

My name is Mrs. Brooks. I am so excited to work with your student this school year in Math 8. I am here to encourage each and every student to strive for their individual best as we work together.

I have taught math at elementary, middle and high school levels. My years of teaching math has given me insight to the scope and sequence of skills needed for student success. I look forward to supporting your student and their growth in Math 8 through the school year.

I’m Mrs. Christopher (AKA, Mrs. C). I love all things language arts, but more than that, I love teaching my students to love all things language arts! Nothing excites me more than watching my students get excited as they make meaningful connections to what we read and learn in class. When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading historical fiction, swimming, crafting, and binge watching way too many shows. I’m looking forward to a great year filled with lots of learning and laughter. Dad jokes are my jam, so be prepared for some eye rolling in my class!

My name is Mrs. DeMarco, and I’m excited to teach 7th grade ELA this year. I’ve been teaching for 18 years, and I still find joy and inspiration in helping students grow as readers, writers, and thinkers. Outside of school, I’m a proud mom of two elementary-aged kids who keep me busy and laughing. I love to spend my free time reading, cooking new recipes, working out, and enjoying time with friends and family. I’m looking forward to a fun and successful year together in ELA!

I’m looking forward to working with you! I’m Mr. De Mouy and I have been working with AZVA MS as a Math Teacher since 2016. Thanks to a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering I’m able to speak to applications, in addition to students often giving feedback that I do a good job explaining things. Please remember that if you need help with anything to let us know, and I’m currently living in Tucson so may see you for in person events if you’re in Tucson too.

I have been teaching online with K12 for 16 years now! Besides teaching art, I make art – usually drawing, painting and mixed media artworks. I also enjoy staying active by hiking, jogging, traveling and practicing yoga! I look forward to getting to know a little about you this year while exploring your creativity in class.

My name is Edward Favela. I have been an educator for over 20 years. I love working with the middle school grades teaching math and helping students do their best. I enjoy spending time with friends and family and in my spare time, I also enjoy reading and exploring the beautiful state of Arizona.

I’m Ms. Garcia and I teach 6th Grade Math. This is my eight year here at AZVA, and I have been teaching middle school math for more than 10 years! I believe that EVERY student can experience success and growth in math. Outside of the classroom I enjoy watching sports and playing games with friends and family. I look forward to meeting you and having a great school year together.

My name is Amanda Glantz and I teach 6th grade Language Arts. I am proud to share that this will be my 20th year as a teacher at AZVA. I earned my Master’s Degree in Educational Technology from NAU in 2018, and have taught in both California and Arizona. I enjoy reading historical fiction, riding my e-bike with my family, walking my Golden Retriever Arlo, organizing and thrifting, crocheting, and creating Lego MOCs with my sons. I look forward to learning about your talents and interests as well!

Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year! I am Geri Gowen and I am one the Special Education Teachers this year. I will be supporting you in reading, writing, math and behavior support. We may also meet at other times to make sure you have all the support you need. This is my 10th year of teaching. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy walking my dog and watching reality TV. I am a military spouse and currently stationed in Texas. I am thrilled to support you in all of your instructional needs and make this year a success!!

I’m thrilled to be your science teacher with Stride! With a focus on inquiry-based learning, real-world connections, and student voice, I help learners explore science in ways that are meaningful, interactive, and fun. My science classes make every student feel empowered to think critically and discover the scientist within.

My name is Mr. Hansen and I am looking forward to a fantastic year! I have been teaching for 23 years and am always excited to see what the new school year brings. I enjoy to laugh, workout, listen to music, cook, travel (When I can). I always look for the “positive” in things and focus on encouragement and never giving up. There is no “can’t”.

Our goal this year is to not only learn, but to ENJOY learning, helping each other overcome obstacles, and to understand the “why/how” of math.

My name is Kimberly Hensley and this is my 13th year in education. I’ve had the privilege of working as both a math teacher and school counselor and have a strong passion for helping students grow and succeed, both academically and personally. Outside of school, I’m a big sports fan—especially basketball and football. I am obsessed with my two dogs, and in our free time, we love to travel and explore new places together.

I am Mrs. Hicks, and I am passionate about helping student grow and connect to the world around them! This is my 14th year in education and when I am not in the classroom, you will find me traveling, hiking, baking or playing with my children! I am looking forward to a great year of having fun growing and learning together!

My name is Ms. Hinson, and I will be your 6th grade science teacher this year! I love to explore the beautiful state of Arizona, and in my free time, I enjoy paddleboarding, gardening, hiking, cooking, and traveling. I graduated from Arizona State University, and this is my 8th year teaching. I love all things science, I love to teach, and I am so excited for an amazing year together!

I’m Mrs. Kirvan, and math is my love language. My goal is help students understand and enjoy math. This will be my 5th year teaching at AZVA following several years of teaching pre-K up to high school math. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, exploring outdoors, and creating. I look forward to getting to know you better this year!

I am Miss Logsdon, a 5th-year English teacher. I’ve taught high school and middle school, but middle school is obviously my favorite!

This is my 10th year with AZVA and my 20th year in education.

Hello scientists! I am Mrs.Marshall and I am so excited to explore our world with you this year. This is my 6th year teaching science and I love it more each year. Know that I am always here for you and am here to help you grow! In my free time I enjoy reading, going for walks, and hanging out with my family. I can’t wait to share my love for science with you. Let’s make this year wonderful!

I am Mrs. Metler-Armijo. I love History and teaching History! Discovering something new about something old with my students is one of my great joys. This is my 32 year in education and my 4th year here at AZVA. I am passionate about my family, my horses, and my dog! I cannot wait for the new and exciting adventures to come this year!

My name is Rahnna Nichols and I’m so excited to be your child’s teacher this year! I have a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education and a certification in English Language Arts. With over 15 years of teaching experience, I bring a passion for helping students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. I believe in creating a warm, supportive classroom where every child feels valued and inspired to learn. I love finding creative ways to make virtual learning engaging and meaningful. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and soaking up sunshine whenever I can. I’m looking forward to a fantastic year ahead!

I am Mr. Oransky and I am passionate about helping students grow as readers, thinkers, and writers! This is my 20th year teaching, and I love when students become excited about reading. When I am not teaching, I enjoy reading, listening to music, watching sports, and hiking. I look forward to an amazing school year!

Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year! I’m Mrs. Orona, a passionate teacher with 6 years of experience. I’m excited to support your learning and make this year a success. Outside the classroom, I love traveling—my latest trip was to Paris. I have a 1-year-old daughter and enjoy family time, board games, puzzles, and crocheting. I’m Colombian, fluent in Spanish, and have lived in 6 states and 1 country. Math is my favorite subject!

My name is Mrs. Pacheco, and my first name is Gail. I have been teaching language arts for quite some time, so I hope you will feel safe learning with me. In getting to know you, I may or may not understand some of the things you are interested in, but you can teach me as we go. LOL Those are the best of times for me! As for me, I am trying to find new interests. I think I am bored! Anyway, I currently like to journal, mostly in the mornings; draw, not very good at it; and sew, still learning. We can share more about what we like to do when we meet. Oh my gosh, I really look forward to meeting you! I can’t wait!

Welcome! I am so happy to be here at AZVA. I know that students can do and learn anything if they set their mind to it and work hard. You need to practice and dedicate time to learning new skills because we aren’t robots. This is my 9th year teaching and 5th year at AZVA Middle School. I love all things book related and am constantly reading multiple books at a time. All in really need in life is my cats, dog, a quiet place with air conditioning, and lots of books.

My name is Kerry Pettit and I have been teaching for 30 years. Before you say “wow,” know this is my passion. I love ancient history and the students that I teach. I also enjoy gardening, hiking, and especially reading. I live in Alaska with my husband of 28 years and two children. Please reach out with any questions. I am looking forward to a great year as we explore World History!

I’m Mrs. Shakespear and I am excited to share my passion for all things science with you. This is my 10th year teaching, and I enjoy helping students understand the world around them. When I am not teaching, my spare time is occupied by caring for my many animals, reading a good book, hiking, or crocheting. I am looking forward to a year filled with inquiry, exploration, and growth.

Hi everyone! I’m Ms. Wagner, and I’ll be your 7th grade math teacher this year. I enjoy helping students see that math doesn’t have to be stressful and can actually be pretty fun. When I’m not teaching, I’m usually playing pickleball, watching a good movie, or spending time with friends and family. I’m looking forward to a great year of learning and growth together!

Hello, I’m Ms. Witt. I am very excited to welcome you to our Math 6 class! I can’t wait to be a part of this exciting adventure with you and want to thank you in advance for trusting me with this honor. My goal is to help you become a problem solver who can tackle any math problem that comes your way. All students are unique, and it is important to find a way that YOU learn math best. I’m excited to meet you and look forward to helping you learn and grow in math. It’s always a joy for me to help students succeed and feel proud of their accomplishments!

I am a California native who is currently living in North Carolina. I have been teaching for 10 years in grades preschool through high school. Something interesting about me is that I am a professionally trained ballerina and was a dancer for 17 years!