Meet Our Team

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.

Mrs. Vargas has been an educator for 17 years, joining ISAZ in 2018 as an electives teachers and as the districts Instructional Design and Professional Development Specialist since 2022. She graduated from Arizona State University with her bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education and with her master’s degree in Educational Administration and Leadership in 2012. She is married to her husband of fifteen years with five children and one grandbaby. She enjoys the outdoors; camping, hiking and spending time on the soccer field watching her children. Mrs. Vargas’ passion is working with students, families and teachers to provide a fun, well-rounded educational experience for all. She is excited to begin working as AZVA K5 Assistant Principal.

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.

Ms. Noriega started her professional career as a classroom teacher twenty-four years ago; serving elementary and middle school students for six years. Ms. Noriega completed her graduate studies at the University of Phoenix, with a focus on School Counseling. She has served as a school counselor for ten years, at both the elementary and high school level. Three of those years have been with K12. Following her counseling work, she obtained her certificate in Educational Leadership. Serving as an Associate Principal in a brick-and-mortar school for eight years. Ms. Noriega is very excited and truly honored to return to Administration and proudly serve the AZVA community as the Assistant Principal. She is committed to working in collaboration with staff, parents, and the community to provide the best possible educational experience for every child. In her free time, Ms. Noriega enjoys spending time with family, cooking, watching movies and baseball.

Mrs. Tinsley started her teaching career 23 years ago teaching in the classroom. She then joined the AZVA team as a highly qualified teacher in July 2007; at that time, she taught all grades K–8. After a few years, she went grade-level specific and taught 1st grade for many years. Mrs. Tinsley enjoys spending time with her four children and resides in Queen Creek, Arizona. She graduated from Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with SEI and early childhood endorsements. She was honored to receive the Teacher of the Year award during the 2016–2017 school year and the Administrator of the Year award during the 2022-2023 school year. Mrs. Tinsley has been part of the K–5 leadership team for several years and transitioned into the lead master teacher role in 2020 and the assistant principal role in 2021 and the principal role in Fall of 2023. She believes that all students are capable of success.

Tamika Cleveland is an accomplished educator with twenty years of experience shaping the educational landscape. Hailing from Toledo, Ohio, she has been a transformative force in urban education, particularly in turnaround initiatives. Throughout her dynamic career, Tamika has seamlessly transitioned through roles as a teacher, coach, principal, Director, and Superintendent, showcasing her versatility and unwavering commitment to student success.

Tamika’s dedication to educational excellence is evident in her academic achievements. She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Toledo, underscoring her commitment to continuous learning and leadership development.

Driven by a passion for inclusive education, Tamika has worked tirelessly to bridge gaps and create equitable learning opportunities for all students. Her efforts reflect a belief in the transformative power of education. Currently residing in Chandler, AZ, Tamika is embarking on a new chapter in her career as she joins our organization as the Assistant Principal for our Middle School, stepping into the world of virtual education for the first time.

Tamika Cleveland is not just an educator; she is a catalyst for positive change. Her dedication to turning challenges into opportunities and fostering inclusivity serves as an inspiration to colleagues and students alike. As she embraces her new position, Tamika continues to be a beacon of transformation in the educational landscape.

Mr. Land describes himself as a father, son, brother, husband, and teacher. He has been a dedicated educator for over 20 years, holding positions from teacher to administrator. Mr. Land believes that nurturing positive relationships with students and staff while also mentoring teachers is the key to a successful school. He is proud to support K12 and AZVA High School as its principal. Mr. Land believes the following quote by Malcolm X: “Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.”

Mrs. Knisely has been a teacher in grades K-5 for 24 years. This is her 3rd 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!

Mrs. Baca began her teaching career 15 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.

Mrs. Baker began her career in education being a paraprofessional in a self-contained special-education classroom for 5 years right after high school. She then taught kindergarten in person for one year, second grade in person for two years, and is now entering her second year teaching kindergarten with AZVA. She is looking forward to the upcoming school year!

Miss. Ramirez will be starting her 11th year as an educator this year. 10 years with kindergarten and 1 year with first grade. This is her second year with AZVA and very excited to get started! She will be getting married this year which she is also excited for! She loves iced coffee, Christmas and her orange cat, Neko. Looking forward to the new school year!

I have been teaching for over 20 years. I began teaching online with AZVA 17 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, two grandbabies and one on the way. I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, working on crafts & camping. I was born and raised (most of my life) in Phoenix, Arizona.

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. 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 travelling as much as possible, reading great books, and helping with volunteer groups during her free time.

Mrs. Hindman has have been teaching for over 18 years! She has taught grades K-3rd. She started with AZVA in 2023.She loves working with and supporting our amazing AZVA students and families. Mrs. Hindman lives in Mesa, Arizona with her husband John and two kids. She loves spending time with her family, drinking Starbucks and shopping at Target.

Mrs. Johnson is a first grade teacher at AZVA. She has taught for twenty-two years. This is her third year at AZVA. She has three sons, all in college. 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!

Hi! I’m Mrs. A and this year is my 6th year at AZVA and 10th year teaching overall. Some of my favorite things to do are spending time with my family and thrift store shopping! I have a husband and two kids, Miles and Reese. I love tacos and anything sweet. I’m looking forward to getting to know each of you this school year and learning together!

Ms. McDermott has been teaching for 26 years. She has taught every grade from first through fourth. This is her eleventh 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 teaching students to 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.

Miss Cericola has been teaching for 16 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. Miss Cericola lives in San Tan Valley, Arizona with her husband and 2 dogs. When she is not teaching she loves to spend time outside by her pool with a good book in hand.

Hello! My name is Mrs. Lackey, and I teach 2nd grade at AZVA. I joined the school in 2022 and have been teaching for 6 wonderful years. I love being creative in and out of the classroom, spending time with my family, and traveling whenever I can. Mexican food specifically chips and queso are my absolute favorite, and I adore my sweet rescue dog, Kleo. I live in a small town in Iowa and am looking forward to a fantastic school year together!

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!

Mrs. Vatland has worked in education for the past 13 years. This is her second year here are 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 bearded dragon. 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!

Mrs. Crouse has been a teacher for 13 years. This will be her fourth year at AZVA and she loves teaching 3rd grade! Mrs. Crouse lives in San Tan Valley with her husband and four of their seven kids. When she is not teaching, she enjoys reading, swimming, hiking and spending time with her family.

Mrs. Glay has been a teacher for 11 years, and has spent 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. Wingle has been teaching for nine years and is excited to begin her second 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!

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. Reyes brings 13 years of experience in education, Mrs. Reyes is thrilled to join Arizona Virtual Academy for her first year. 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.

My name is Mr. Sobczak, and I am very excited to be starting my third year here in 4th Grade at AZVA! I have been teaching elementary school for 8 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]

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.

Mrs. Perez has devoted 12 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. 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 4-year-old son. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, and spending time with her family. She’s excited to be part of your child’s learning journey this year!

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. Lohr has been a K-8 elementary teacher in Arizona for over 15 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!

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.

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. St. Clair has been a teacher for over 18 years! She’s taught 5th, 6th and middle school throughout those 18 years, with a fondness for teaching math and science. This is her 3rd year teaching at AZVA. Currently, Mrs. St. Clair lives in Wisconsin, but is originally from CA, and lived in AZ for 18 years prior to moving to WI. Mrs. St Clair has 4 kids (one of her own and three bonus sons), all boys, and 2 fur babies: Maisy and Bella. In her spare time, Mrs. St Clair enjoys cooking, hiking, working out, watching reality TV and shopping on Amazon. She’s looking forward to having a great year with her students and watching them grow throughout the year!

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. Snelling has been a teacher for 35 years! She taught 4th and 5th grades in Topock and Kingman for 30 years. She currently lives in Bisbee with her husband and 2 dogs. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys traveling, reading, listening to podcasts, doing puzzles, or spending time with her 3 grown daughters and 3 grandchildren. She is excited to start her fifth year at AZVA.

Ms. Conner is thrilled to begin her first year with AZVA! Although new to AZVA, she brings valuable experience from teaching at a Colorado-based K12 online school, as well as several years in traditional brick-and-mortar classrooms. Originally from Southern California, Ms. Conner now lives in Colorado. Outside of teaching, she enjoys spending time with her fiancé and their playful puppy, Fiona. She also loves going to beach, watching sports, and playing pickleball in her free time.

Hi my name is Mr. K. This is the start of my 5th year working here at AZVA & InsightAZ. I am a Para Educator/Substitute Teacher. I really enjoy getting to work with students, families, teachers, staff & administrators working together in a positive way to achieve goals and being successful together throughout the 2025-2026 school year. I am here to help, if you have any questions please feel free to call, text my work phone or email me. My wife Ally is registered nurse at St. Joes hospital, my son Henry is starting Preschool in August 2025. We have two chocolate and tan mini dachshunds named Jax and Jinxy. I have my music education degree and I play alto saxophone in my spare time. I am looking forward to a great 2025-2026 school 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. 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. Hudson has been teaching for 11 wonderful years. She truly loves supporting students as they grow and learn. Outside the classroom, she is an animal lover- she has two cats and one dog who keep her busy and happy. She has been married for one year, an in her free time, she enjoys reading, journaling, hiking, and taking road trips. She is looking forward to being your servicing teacher this year!

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]

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.

Mrs. Tinsley started her teaching career 23 years ago teaching in the classroom, and in 2007 joined the AZVA team. Mrs. Tinsley is eager to start her third 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. Vargas has been in education for 20 years. She joined K12 in 2018 teaching at Insight Academy of Arizona. This will be her third school year as Assistant Principal at AZVA. She loves icebreaker games with staff, supporting teachers, students and families. Mrs. Vargas, a native to Arizona, lives in Glendale with her family of seven. She enjoys all outdoor activities, caffeine, watching her kids play sports and traveling. She is excited to see students learn and grow at the best online school in AZ!

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.

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

Tamika Cleveland, from Toledo, Ohio, is an accomplished educator with 20 years of experience in urban education and turnaround initiatives. She has held various roles, including teacher, coach, principal, Director, and Superintendent, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to student success.

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

My name is Miss Meg Fry & I live in Salem, Oregon with my 21-year-old son, Quinn.

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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’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!

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!

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.

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.

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 Ms. Bruno, and I am excited to be your 8th-grade Civics and Economics teacher.

I have been fortunate to teach incredible students for over 25 years across various grade levels, from Kindergarten to 8th grade. Additionally, I have experience as a substitute teacher, working with students from Kindergarten all the way to 12th grade. I have been teaching history as well as Civics and Economics at K12 Arizona since 2017, and I am grateful for the opportunity to do so.

When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and riding dirt bikes with my family. I also love to unwind with a warm cup of red rooibos tea while watching my pet betta fish, named “Elephant Ears,” as it swims gracefully in its aquarium. As an educator, I am dedicated to fostering a learning environment that is enjoyable, safe, and welcoming for all students.

I am looking forward to an amazing school year as we explore the topics of Civics and Economics together.

I’m passionate about making science fun, helping students grow, and creating a supportive space where everyone can shine. I’m a huge KC Chiefs and KC Royals fan, and when I’m not teaching, I love playing sand volleyball, traveling, gardening, and spending time with my family.

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.

I graduated from Arizona State University and this is my 4th year in education. In my free time I enjoy reading, traveling, and completing DIY home projects.

I look forward to working with your child this 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!

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!!

Hello and welcome! I’m Mrs. Van Gaal, and I love all things Disney, board games, arts & crafts, and dungeons & dragons. This is my 14th year in education, and 7th year at AZVA. I’m looking forward to helping you have a fun and successful school year! When I’m not in class, you’ll find me baking, playing video games, or travelling with my husband and four kids. Let’s have a FANTASTIC year!

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!

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.

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.

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!