Curtis Fee Raised on a farm in south central Iowa, Curtis Fee grew up knowing the joys and responsibilities of farm life. As a boy he enjoyed everything to do with sports and actually liked school. Both still hold true today. From Iowa farm boy to world-traveler, Curtis’s love for global travel began while studying Business Administration at Truman State University, when he volunteered to chaperone a high school trip to Russia for a three-week educational excursion. Later he returned to Moscow to study abroad during his junior year. A pilot program allowed him to study abroad for yet another semester, this time in Nice, France, located on the French Riviera. These experiences whetted his appetite for living abroad. Subsequently, he lived for a short time in Dordrecht, The Netherlands, and then for an extended period of time back in Moscow. In addition to living abroad, extensive travel has allowed him to visit five continents and nearly forty countries, taking him from Quito to Singapore, and multiple splendid places in between.

Prior to accepting his role as Headmaster for Archway North Phoenix, Curtis served at Rivermont Collegiate, a private independent college prep school in Iowa, as Interim Headmaster,  Dean of Students, Middle and Upper School world geography and world history teacher, and basketball coach. In 2008, he earned his Masters of Theological Studies from Urshan Graduate School of Theology, and in 2014 he received the Waterman Chair of Distinguished Teaching from Rivermont Collegiate.

Thomas Taylor is originally from Oceanside, California but moved to Lake Havasu City, Arizona when he was 5. Growing up Thomas played a lot of sports but eventually turned his focus to baseball which he continued playing through his college years. Thomas attended college at Central Arizona College for two years and then transferred to Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas to finish his baseball career and degree. Thomas graduated from Benedictine College in 2009 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education. Immediately after graduation he began working for Beginner’s Edge Sports Training where he was coaching children from 18 months-8 years old in soccer, baseball, basketball, football, and golf. Thomas also  spent his summer months coaching in the Arizona Wood Bat League for collegiate level players.

After 4+ years of working for B.E.S.T and the AZWBL Thomas was offered a position at Chandler Preparatory Academy as an assistant baseball coach for the varsity team, later becoming the head coach. That position led him to the opportunity to  become a physical education teacher at another Great Hearts Academy, Teleos Preparatory Academy. Throughout his time at Teleos Thomas served in a variety of different roles including physical education, fourth grade lead teacher, and dean of students. During the 2018-2019 school year Thomas accepted a position as a fourth grade lead teacher at Archway North Phoenix and is looking forward to his first year serving as assistant headmaster in 2019-2020.

In 2014 Thomas married his high school sweetheart, Andria. They are now living in Gilbert with their two daughters, Paige (4) and Natalie (1). They enjoy going to baseball games, hiking, swimming, and riding bikes around the neighborhood.

After growing up in the mountains in Tennessee, Mrs. Trevino attended St. John’s College- Annapolis where she developed a deep love of the Western Canon and the beauty of mathematics.  She later received her M.A. in Humanities with an emphasis in Classical Education from the University of Dallas. She joined Archway North Phoenix in its inaugural 2012-2013 school year and taught 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade before transitioning to her present role as the Academic Dean. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and trail running.

Kelli Sneed received her B.A in Elementary Education from Arizona State University in 2003. Mrs. Sneed began her teaching career as a 5^th and 6^th grade teacher in the Gilbert Public School District. Before joining the ANP team in 2011 Mrs. Sneed also had the privilege of teaching kindergarten at a private school in Missouri and 2^nd -4^th grades at a Phoenix area public school. Mrs. Sneed came to Archway North Phoenix in its inaugural year. After 5 joyful years as a kindergarten classroom teacher, she transitioned into her present role as ANP Dean of Students. This year Mrs. Sneed continues her role as Dead of Student, but is also thrilled to be the Kindergarten PE teacher as well. In her free time, she enjoys a big cup of coffee and time outside with her bunny and chickens.

Seth Rutt has been teaching physical education in classical schools for 8 years. He is passionate about teaching students to love being healthy. He has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in physical education. In his spare time, Mr. Rutt enjoys spending time with his wife and 2 year old son. They enjoy camping, hiking, trail running and anything else outdoors.

Talitha van Leeuwen  received her B.A. in Elementary Education from Arizona State University with an emphasis in English. She later received her M.A. in Humanities from California State University. From 2000 – 2009, Mrs. Van Leeuwen taught Language Arts in the middle school grades at a Phoenix area public school as well as a Phoenix area classical school, where she also served as secretary of the school board. She joined the Archway North Phoenix team in the 2012-2013 school year and taught 4th grade before transitioning to her present role as the Archway North Phoenix Dean. In her free time, she enjoys a cup of coffee and a good book or anything streaming on Netflix that happens to be British.

Maryanne English is originally from New Jersey.  She is a graduate of Arizona State University with a B.S. degree in Speech and Hearing Science.  Her background includes experience in the private financial sector, working with special needs students and as an Office Manager for a private school in Tucson, Arizona.  Maryanne enjoys the interactions she has with the students, parents, and faculty as part of the Administrative Team.  When she is not at work, Maryanne enjoys hiking, mountain bike riding, reading and travelling.

Jackie Curtis is originally from Ogden Utah.  Her background includes fifteen years of experience in retail management and operations; working if the various fields as a key part of the management team overseeing high-level HR duties, such as attracting talent and setting training standards and hiring procedures. She was also in charge of analyzing and improving organizational processes, and work to improve quality, productivity and efficiency.  Jackie joined the development team as the Academy Giving Manager at North Phoenix in February 2018; enjoying the interactions she has with the students, parents, faculty and loves serving the Great Hearts North Phoenix community.  When she is not at work, Jackie enjoys spending time with her family. They have a daughter finishing up her junior year at Prep and when she graduates with the class of 2020, their son will start kindergarten at Archway as one of the newest Argonauts.

An Arizona native, Sheila Conner received her Bachelor’s Degree in Women’s Studies from Arizona State University. She is an avid reader of philosophy, gender studies, and science fiction. Her twin daughters began their enrollment at Archway North Phoenix in Kindergarten and are now entering 4^th grade as Argonauts.

Amy Hill was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. She graduated from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and later earned her Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) in 2007. Her professional background includes Hotel Restaurant Management and POS software Major Accounts Sales. Since moving to Arizona 20 years ago she has worked as a Realtor, Managing Broker, and Owner of Phoenix Central Realty. Ms. Hill was in the top 20 in Arizona Real Estate Transactions in 2006 and 2007. After many years of volunteering in her daughter’s classrooms, she decided to join the staff at ANP. Amy enjoys assisting the students, staff, and community at Archway North Phoenix. Her daughter attends 6th grade this year at ANP.

Deb Powell arrived in Phoenix 21 years ago by way of Kansas, Missouri and Florida. Along the way she attended Marymount College, SMSU, and Ottawa Universities, with a focus in Business and Education. She chose retail and banking in her early career years. The last 19 years have been dedicated to our ANP Library, ESS, teaching second and third grades, which have brought her great joy! Summers afford her time for reading, knitting, and crafting. Her husband and two grown daughters are a great support.

Jenne McGinnis was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. She graduated Nursing School in November 2013 and began working for Great Hearts in 2014. She is a CPR Certified Instructor and trains our faculty and staff in CPR, AED, and basic first-aid.  She knew at a young age she wanted to become a nurse and really loves caring for all of the children at school. Having a student who attends Great Hearts provides her valuable insight to deliver the best care for our students and help support our parents. When not at work she enjoys watching her son play tournaments with his club baseball.

Gidgett Herrier was born in Augusta, Georgia but spent the first decade of her life on various military bases as her father was a fighter pilot in the United Stares Air Force. Arizona was her families last stop and has remained her home. Gidgett has a BS from the University of Arizona and an MBA from Arizona State University. Prior to starting a family, Gidgett was in sales and consulting for the pharmaceutical industry. She and her husband have two children at Archway North Phoenix, the oldest entering the 6th grade and the youngest entering 2nd grade. After years of volunteering at school and being active in the PSO, Gidgett decided to take a more permanent role helping out at the school as the lunch coordinator. Being able interact daily with ANP faculty and scholars has been a wonderful experience for her and she looks forward to the new year.

Ms Subramanian grew up in South India and did her Masters in Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language, and is a proud recipient of a gold medal in that field. She continues her passion for Sanskrit, by teaching it to other passionate students. She enjoys reading philosophy, traveling and playing badminton. She is looking forward to help in the lunch room this year. She has a sixth grader and a first grader in Archway.

Rachael Michael was born in Texas but had the opportunity to live in two other states before settling in Phoenix, Arizona in 1990.  Rachael married her high school sweetheart and recently celebrated her 21^st wedding anniversary.  Rachael received her Education Degree with an early childhood endorsement in 2000 from Arizona State University.  She has taught preschool, first, and third grade.  Rachael took some time to stay home with her children before joining the Great Hearts team in 2014 teaching kindergarten.   Rachael enjoys cultivating curiosity in her students by encouraging her students to ask questions, explore, and test out reasoning.  Rachael enjoys researching engaging activities for her students at her favorite coffee café with her husband on Saturday mornings.  She also cherishes time with her family and friends.

Ms. Baines is a graduate of Pillsbury Baptist Bible College in Owatonna, MN with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Bible, minoring in English and French. In 2015, she received her Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from California Coast University. This year begins her 25^th year of teaching, and her second in classical education at Archway Classical Academy North Phoenix. She has a passion for reaching the hearts of her scholars and is so thankful to be a part of the Kindergarten team at ANP. When she is not in the classroom, you could find her spending time with family, traveling, baking, or reading.

Mrs. Leahy is very happy to be a part of Great Hearts.  She thinks being a Kindergarten teacher is the best and loves all her students.  Mrs. Leahy prefers to be outside as much as possible when she is not in her classroom with her students.  She likes to hike, bike, and run.  She has a wonderful husband of 28 years and 4 children.  Mrs. Leahy likes to go out to different restaurants on weekends.  Her favorite is Carolinas!  She often has a smile on her face and is always excited to have a friendly conversation.   Mrs. Leahy enjoyed traveling this past summer to the beaches of California and Mexico with her family and friends.

Sarah Huntley grew up on a dairy farm in  Wisconsin. She learned and enjoyed responsibility from a young age.
The summer of her junior years was spent touring Europe visiting 8 countries, thus began a love of cultures near and far.
She received  a B.S. in Intercultural Studies in 2003 taking a semester to study and serve in an orphanage in Kenya, Africa. She  went on to receive a MAED in elementary education in 2006. The next few years were spent teaching in a behavior disorder school and several more in a local district teaching Kindergarten. In 2009, she and her husband started their family. After taking a 10 year break to raise her children she returned last year to be close to her children and to her love of teaching. In her spare time you may find her reading, running or cheering on her children in any number of extra curricular activities.

Mrs. Wittmann is originally from California but moved to Arizona when she attended Northern Arizona University where she graduated with Honors and a degree in Business Administration. After graduating, she moved to Phoenix where a passion for education led her to serve at Great Hearts as an Assistant Teacher. The 2019-2020 school year will be Mrs. Wittmann’s third year with ANP and her first year as a Lead Teacher. She is honored to build up students’ knowledge as well as their character by bringing virtues into the classroom. One activity Mrs. Wittmann enjoys most is reading; two of her favorite books are The Hobbit and The Biggest Bear. She believes that students who do not like reading just haven’t read the right book yet.

Mrs. Gianforte was born and raised in Brazil. She’s been living in the USA since 2001 after she got married to her husband Tony.  Mrs. Gianforte has a Business Degree and worked for many years in Bank Institutions. They have two children Enzo and Sophia, which also attends Great Hearts School. This is Mrs. Gianforte’s second year at Archway  North Phoenix and is excited to be the lead teacher in first grade. Her passion for learning and for helping her own children created the desire to serve other children to achieve their full potential through our Liberal Arts curriculum. She believes that shaping the minds and hearts of our young students will lead them to a life of virtues and greater ideas. In addition to helping her students,  Mrs. Gianforte enjoys hiking, any form of workout, reading, and playing with her children and her beloved Goldendoodle Chloe. Her family also loves to travel and explore new places around the world.

Jean Page was born and raised in Nacogdoches, Texas.  She attended Texas A&M University and earned a degree in secondary education.  After teaching middle school science for four years, she married and moved to Phoenix where she taught preschool and kindergarten for the next two years.  In 1992, she began working for an environmental group that ran education programs for public utility companies.  From 1996 to 2013, Mrs. Page lived with her family in Turkey and in the United Arab Emirates. During this time, she homeschooled her three children.  In 2015, Mrs. Page began teaching first grade at Archway North Phoenix.  She loves everything about first grade.  In her free time, Mrs. Page likes to read, go for walks, and spend time with family.

Annalise Herr was born in Denver, Colorado, but spent a majority of her years as a youth in Bainbridge Island, Washington. She moved to Tucson, Arizona in 2009 to attend the University of Arizona, where she earned her B.A. in Elementary Education. She worked in public school districts teaching 3rd, 4th, and 6th grade for four years before joining Great Hearts as a 5th grade teacher at Archway Veritas. During this time, she earned her M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction with GCU and is thrilled to be transferring to Archway North Phoenix for a new adventure with 2nd grade. While she loves teaching all subjects, she is most passionate about math and cherishes the moments when a student discovers a new way to look at numbers. In her leisure time, she enjoys golfing, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Hi.  My name is Jaime Alexander.  I am originally from Pennsylvania but moved to Arizona with my family when I was three.  I call myself a native from Arizona because I do not remember anything from where I was born.  I have an older brother. Growing up in Arizona my brother and I went to a summer camp through the City of Scottsdale.  We both grew up in that camp until we were old enough to volunteer and then finally working for the City as counselors.  I played a lot of sports growing up.  In high school, I played volleyball, basketball and ran track.  While in high school, I hurt my knee.  After getting x-rays and an MRI, doctors told me that I torn a few ligaments in my knee.  I had surgery and went through six months of intense physical therapy.  While I was going through the process of physical therapy, everything was very intriguing to me and wanted to learn more about it.  Though I loved working with kids and had always wanted to become a teacher, going through physical therapy I chose to study kinesiology in college.  I went to Mesa State College in Grand Junction, Colorado.  I graduated with a BS in Athletic Training.  After I graduated, I moved back to Arizona and worked at two different outpatient physical therapy clinics as a PT technician.

After six years of working in physical therapy, I knew that it was not something I wanted to do the rest of my life.  So I went back to school for education at ASU.  I graduated with my masters in elementary education in December of 2012 and began teaching kindergarten in January 2013.  I taught kindergarten for 4 years and this is my second year teaching second grade here at Great Hearts.

I got married two year ago in Temecula, CA.  My husband and I have been together for over ten years.  Between the two of us we have eight nieces and two nephews.  My favorite color is purple.  In my spare time, I like to play golf and sand volleyball.  My favorite place to go would be to relax on the beach.

Fallon Nelson is an Arizona native raised in Tucson. She was an athlete growing up, playing sports year round, and almost going to college on an academic/athletic scholarship for soccer. Instead she went to Northern Arizona University to stay closer to family, and graduated in May of 2018 with a Bachelor in Administration with an emphasis in Marketing and Finance. Post graduation, she found herself unsatisfied in her career choice and knew in her heart teaching was her passion. This feeling was solidified in her first year of teaching, and so with the support of her family and pup (Louie), she decided to go back to school to get her Masters of Education in October of 2018. Now she is eager to join the Great Hearts family, a place that continuously supports the personal and intellectual growth of students and teachers alike. In her spare time you might find Ms. Nelson at a coffee shop studying or at the park with Louie.  She enjoys the outdoors and spending time with her friends and family.

Alyssa Courchaine is an Arizona native and graduated from Arizona Christian University with a degree in Elementary Education with a Biblical Studies minor. With three years of experience teaching 4th grade, Mrs. Courchaine has always had a passion for teaching. This passion has extended to coaching swim and dive teams as well as a summer spent teaching English, Sports, and Wilderness camps in Bulgaria. In her free time Mrs. Courchaine enjoys spending her time hiking, camping, and traveling to explore new places with her husband, dogs, and friends. She is thrilled to be joining the Archway North Phoenix family as 2nd grade teacher. 

After growing up on the coast of Long Island, New York, Ms. Diesing attended the University of St Andrews in Scotland where she developed a deep love of history and art history. After graduating, she moved to Phoenix, AZ, where she discovered her passion for teaching. She is grateful for the opportunity to pursue Truth, Goodness, and Beauty with her third grade students. In her free time she enjoys hiking, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.

Taylor Marshall was born and raised in Columbia, SC. She graduated with a degree in Elementary Education from Covenant College in Chattanooga, TN. Ms. Marshall has been teaching 2nd Grade at Archway North Phoenix since she moved to Phoenix four years ago. She is excited to be teaching 3rd Grade this year. She has a passion for young hearts and minds and is so thankful to be a part of the ANP family! In addition to teaching, Ms. Marshall enjoys spending time with good friends, exploring the outdoors, traveling, cooking, and reading.

Britney Smith has a passion for reading, family, health and fitness, and her dear students. Originally from Kentucky, Britney attended the University of Illinois at Springfield and earned a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. Upon graduation, she joined the Great Hearts team. As she starts her second year, she is looking forward to educating a new class of young hearts and minds.

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Bethany Hunter was raised in Phoenix, Arizona. She received her BA in United States History from Arizona State University. During her undergraduate, she studied French in Quebec, was involved in a community service organization, and had internships at both Walt Disney World and the Arizona State Legislature. Subsequently, she went on to earn her MA in Early Modern History at King’s College London. There she sifted through primary source documents in archives, museums, and libraries and wrote her dissertation on the Abolition of the British Slave Trade. In 2015, she returned to Phoenix and joined ANP’s fourth grade team, where she’s been happily teaching ever since. In her spare time, she likes to read, travel, practice yoga, and visit her five younger siblings (ranging in age from 2 to 23). Since becoming a teacher, she has had a tradition of visiting one new foreign country every summer break.

Dominique Lefaive has been teaching on the 4^th grade team since 2017. Growing up in Tucson, AZ, she attended public, charter, and parochial school during her upbringing. She attended Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio and received BA degrees in Theology and Catechetics (religious education). After working in religious ministry, she returned to Arizona to work as a missionary at a home of hospitality for new mothers in need. She became familiar with the Great Hearts network of schools and fell in love with its mission and philosophy. While teaching at Great Hearts, she plans to obtain a Masters of Arts in Humanities and Classical Education through the network’s Quintilian Fellowship. Outside of school she spends her time doing creative projects, learning new things, laughing, and spending quality time with her cat.

Mr. Rigas is from a small town in north central Pennsylvania. After high school, Mr. Rigas went to Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vermont. He majored in history and minored in mathematics, and worked as a sports editor for the college’s student-run newspaper. During his junior year, he spent a semester abroad at the University of Oxford, studying British history and literature and rowing on one of the school’s teams. After graduating in May 2018, Andrew moved to Phoenix. He was a fourth grade AT in his first year at ANP, which he enjoyed a lot. He loves the Arizona weather, since he can play golf and tennis in January. He also likes to ski, play and watch sports, and read in his free time.

Lee Raper was born and raised in Seattle, Washington.  She graduated from Northwest University, a small Christian college in a Seattle suburb, with her BA in Elementary Education in 2006, and a Master’s in Teaching in 2007.  Before achieving her goal of becoming a teacher, she worked in the banking industry for nine years.  She has taught 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th grade over the past 12 years, staying home for a period of time to raise her children.  She and her husband Devin were married in 2006.  They have two children together, Whitney, who is currently a fourth grader at ANP, and Tanner, who is in second grade and attends a special needs program though Paradise Valley School District.  Their family moved to Arizona in 2012 and enjoy traveling, playing games, and spending time together.  Mrs. Raper loves to read historical fiction, watch her daughter play volleyball, and her son sing in his school choir.

Katy Kwan has spent most of her life in Arizona. She graduating from NAU with a bachelors degree in Social Work and received her masters degree in Cross-Cultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA. She has been with ANP since 2014 and has spent most of that time teaching fifth grade. When not working with Singapore Math manipulatives she and her husband have a food truck which keeps them both busy. They love to travel and explore as well as spend quality time arguing over tv and movie plots. They have recently added another pup to their family so please excuse any missed dog hair. 

Evan Cain was born in Cortland, Ohio. He graduated from Azusa Pacific University in Southern California in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in biblical studies and honors humanities. Due to the inspiring influence of many teachers and mentors in his life, Mr. Cain was strongly encouraged to become a teacher. The objectives of ANP–most especially the cultivation of virtue and the striving for the good life–strongly resonated with Mr. Cain’s own loves. Mr. Cain enjoys excellent literature, stimulating conversation, and performing music.

Ms. Mueller has called North Phoenix home for as long as she can remember. After high school she attended the University of Arizona, where she studied Philosophy and Religious Studies. In addition to teaching 5^th grade, Ms. Mueller also attends Arizona State University, and is currently pursuing a Masters of the Great Books. For fun Ms. Mueller enjoys walking her dog, coaching softball, doing yoga, lifting weights, cooking food, and spending time with family. She is excited for another wonderful year at ANP.

Ben Milton is a Portland, Oregon native and the second of ten children. He attended Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, CA, where he received a bachelor’s degree in the Liberal Arts and wrote his senior thesis on whether a natural right to intellectual property exists. After graduation in 2010, he worked in advertising and branding before accepting a lead teacher at Great Hearts. In addition to teaching, Ben is a game designer working in the field of tabletop roleplaying games and has published several titles. He lives in north Phoenix with his wife and three children.

Samuel Martin was born and raised in Wisconsin. After high school Mr. Martin’s first career was in radio broadcasting. He hosted a variety of shows and timeslots from Green Bay to Chicago from the mid-90’s to early 2000’s. After the birth of his first child, Mr. Martin went back to school obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management and later a General Masters degree. Mr. Martin is a board member for the Someday Known Foundation which is an advocacy group for families of missing persons. Mr. Martin is a published poet, cold case investigator, and avid reader. Mr.Martin has four years of teaching experience and is in his second year with Archway North Phoenix.                                            

Ms. Brennan grew up in Maryland and later Oklahoma. She attended the University of Dallas and received a bachelor’s degree in English. At the University of Dallas she met many former Great Hearts scholars, and decided to continue her pursuit of classical education, this time as a teacher. She is entering her second year at Archway North Phoenix as part of the middle school Language Arts/History team. In her spare time she enjoys reading, writing, and hiking.

Mr. Hamilton is a second-year teacher who graduated in May 2018 from Azusa Pacific University. He finds it an honor to teach and learn alongside your students this year in the study of American history and the English language. This year, he has decided to call  his classroom “Mr. Hamilton’s Harbor.” Amidst all the rough seas and churning waves of life, he endeavors to make this space a safe place to anchor. He looks forward to a meaningful and memorable year!

Mrs. Marrufo grew up in Phoenix and is excited to continue her life in the city. After completing a BA in Psychology with a minor in Philosophy and Biblical Studies from Arizona Christian University, she discovered a hidden passion for teaching. Through working at Athenaeum she decided it was time to pursue teaching as a full time career. She is entering her third year as part of the middle school math and science team at Archway North Phoenix. She looks forward to continuing to inspire the hearts and minds of young scholars. When she is not working, Mrs. Marrufo enjoys reading, spending time with her husband, and preparing for the birth of their first child this upcoming January.

Ms. Cremeens has mentored students here for three years. She started in Archway’s after school program, Athenaeum, when she was just 18. She is currently enrolled at Northern Arizona University online, for her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Her favorite part about working for Great Hearts is the love and respect that is fostered in its community of lifelong learners. She loves working with all age groups, and has been an AT for several classrooms, including fourth grade and kindergarten. She has lots of pets: dogs, cats, a fish, and even chickens! She likes to volunteer her extra time for the Maricopa Park Ranger Service and a birds of prey rescue and rehabilitation center “Wild at Heart”.

This is Ms. Garcia’s third year with Great Hearts. She previously taught preschool for 7 years at a small church in Glendale AZ. She is currently in school working towards getting a degree in elementary education. She has two young boys who keep her very busy. She enjoy painting or anything artistic or creative, spending time with her kids and exploring new parks or museums.

Kelli Dunn was born and raised in Bellingham, Washington. She attended Seattle University on a basketball scholarship majoring in English. Kelli has lived in Arizona for 15 years and likes to escape the heat by heading back to her hometown. While she is in WA she spends time with her family and friends, builds sandcastles, swims, walks and explores new towns unseen before. Kelli’s passions are her family, animals, crafting, reading, refurbishing furniture and gardening. Her daughter Isabella, attended Kindergarten at Great Hearts last year and Kelli was so moved by the teachers passion, dedication, love, respect and overall well being of each scholar, she knew this was a place she wanted to be a part of. Kelli looks forward to helping educate and cultivate her first class of young hearts and minds. 

Ms. May was born and raised in South Africa. She moved to the States five years ago as an Aupair. She pursued an Associates in Science while she continued to work with children. Back in South Africa, she worked with at-risk youths through youth empowerment programs and education programs. Ms. May feels that teaching children to be critical thinkers is one of the most important traits we can give them, as well as giving them an education they deserve. Her passion is to empower youths and help mold them into future leaders and why she feels she is a perfect fit for Archway North Phoenix. During her free time, Ms. May loves to play games, fish and relax at home with her husband, husky-lab Ikhephu and hedgehog Maze.

Taylor Wingo was born and raised in Redlands, California. She graduated from Grand Canyon University with a B.S. in Psychology. During college and after graduating, she has been working as a respite and habilitation provider for clients on the Autism Spectrum. After being in Arizona for college, she has decided to move here and pursue a career the will eventually blend education and psychology. She wants to continue making an impact in people’s lives by entering the field of education. Outside of school, she enjoys hanging out with friends, walking her playful puppy, playing volleyball, spending time with family, and continuing to gain experience in working with children on the Autism Spectrum.

Olivia Hunt was raised in Sonoita, Arizona but moved to Phoenix to attend Grand Canyon University. She received her degree in Early Childhood Education and enjoys spending time with young children. Her plan was to always work with young children in some manner due to her mother being a teacher, as well. Having attended a classical school both in elementary and high school; she was ecstatic to discover Great Hearts and start her career with a school whose educational philosophy aligns with hers. She is excited to build foundations in students based on Truth, Beauty, and Goodness. In her free time, she loves to read, spend time with family, travel, and have game nights with friends.

I am married to a wonderful man and now I have a blended family of eight, four boys and four girls. I have thirty-six grandchildren. I homeschooled my children and babysat which led to opening a daycare and had about a hundred children in my care. I sold the daycare and I finished school and got my degree in teaching from ASU. I taught in the Cartwright school district for seventeen years. I retired but as an empty nester I decided to go back and help in the classroom. I’m really glad I did. I love being at Great Hearts.

Corrie Nahar grew up in a small farming community in Washington state.  While growing up she played sports, loved to fish, hike, camp, and anything else out doors.  She graduated from Eastern Washington University, with a degree in Business Management.  Corrie and her husband, Allan, have been married since 2010 and have four rowdy boys, Andrew, Cameron, Corbin, and Austin.  Corrie and Allan moved to Phoenix in 2011 and love it here.

Cori Hanson began her Great Hearts career as an apprentice teacher at Archway Scottsdale in 2018-2019. She transferred to ANP mid-year to fill in as a third grade AT and is excited to be back again in second grade. Mrs. Hanson holds a Bachelors degree in English and Creative Writing, as well as a Masters degree in Theology. Team Hanson consists of Mrs. Hanson, her husband, and their beautiful daughter, entering kindergarten soon at ANP. Her interests include classical literature, high tea (accents and all), crafting, thrifting, hiking, loving the Lord Jesus and forming lasting friendships. 

Mariah Allan was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ and from a very young age, has always had the passion to help others. After graduating high school she decided massage therapy was her path, but about 6 months into her career, she realized it just was not the path for her and wanted to help form souls with Truth and Goodness. She worked as a lead preschool teacher at Orangewood Christian Academy for 4 1/2 years before coming to us through Athenaeum Scottsdale. This will be here third year with ANP as an Assistant Teacher and knows now that she is where she is supposed to be. She plans on enrolling in night classes to receive her degree in psychology and child education. In her spare time she loves binge watching shows with her high school sweetheart, making pallet furniture, playing catch with her two fur babies, and soon she will add “making memories with my niece/nephew” to the list because her brother and sister-in-law are bringing the first baby into the family this coming January!

Ms. Nithya Ramasubramanian was born and raised in India. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in History, a Master’s degree in Human Rights, and a Diploma in Business Administration. She calls Phoenix home and has been living here for over a decade. She loves spending time with young children and has worked with children ages 14 months to 5 years in her previous role as a preschool teacher at PVUMC Preschool. She believes in continuous learning and is pursuing an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Paradise Valley Community College. Ms. Ramasubramanian likes music and reading books to children. A history aficionado, she likes to test her knowledge of trivia with Jeopardy. Her family consists of her husband, daughter, and three pets. Ms. Ramasubramanian is usually on the lookout for fun, knowledge-building experiences that also provide a global view.

My name is Mackenzi Byrnes, I was born and raised in Phoenix Arizona. I am currently pursuing a degree in education and I’m hoping that one day, I will be working with special education students. I have been interested in a career educating children for as long as I can remember, at the age of thirteen I came across an opportunity to work with 2nd grade students at a church. I worked with and led the group of girls every Wednesday and Sunday and I fell in love. It was so much fun teaching and growing with them, I had decided then, that this was something I was very passionate about. I went on to work for a tutor time and eventually made my way into archway north Phoenix in 2016. I began my work in the after-school program Athenaeum. Eventually, I made my way to a TA position where I have happily been serving for 2 years. I have many other interests and hobbies, some of my favorites are painting, playing the piano, reading, and being with nature. I’m very passionate about art, science, and gardening and I love to share my interests with my students.

After growing up in beautiful Big Sky Country and Seattle, Nicole Herman attended Wheaton College for a Bachelor’s in Chemistry, Master’s in Intercultural Communication, and an Illinois Teaching Certificate in Secondary Education. She taught Chemistry and Physics in Naperville, IL for ten years before moving to Phoenix where she taught at Desert Mountain High School for three more years. In the past eight years, she has been privileged to stay home with her son, being a full-time mom and homeschool teacher while working part-time as a tutor and nanny. Having missed being in the classroom, she is excited to embark on this new adventure working with younger scholars in a wider array of subjects and in the pursuit of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty. When not working, she loves to spend time with her family, animals of all shapes and sizes, and reading.

Eternity Hamilton was born and raised in Fountain Hills, Arizona. She graduated from Arizona State University with a BM in Music Therapy. Eternity did a full time internship as part of her degree at Brookdale Hospice and gained experience using music to heal the hearts, bodies, and minds of Phoenix’s senior population. She came to Archway North Phoenix in December 2018 and has loved teaching students music ever since. She enjoys spending time with her husband Logan Hamilton who also teacher at ANP, playing guitar, learning to use her slow cooker, and having game nights with her friends and family.

Brad Golich was born in the San Francisco Bay area, but raised in Phoenix after age eight. He attended Washington High School and Arizona State University, receiving his B.S. in business finance. After college, Brad worked in general administration for several small businesses and non-profit organizations including the ASU Alumni Association. Several years after starting a family, he made a mid-life change and pursued a career in teaching. He started as a second-grade teacher at Valley Classical Christian Academy, where he taught and later served as an administrator for nine years. When the school closed, with a heavy heart, he moved on to the admissions office at Scottsdale Community College. However, he missed being in the classroom and so was excited to join the ANP community as an AT for second grade last year. He is delighted to join the fourth-grade team this year, and looks forward to helping young scholars in their pursuit of the True, the Good and the Beautiful. Brad has been married to his lovely wife Stephanie for 22 years. They have two children, both of whom graduated from Veritas Preparatory Academy and are now attending ASU. In his spare time, he likes to read, eat out, travel, but mostly spend time with his family.

Sowmya Devi Sundaresan has been in The United Stated since 2013. She is from India and holds Bachelor in Engineering with an emphasis in Computer Science. Mrs. Sundaresan worked as a Software Engineer in India. After spending lots of time in her son’s classroom as parent volunteer and helping out with Boy Scouts activities, her passion for learning and teaching made her join the ANP fourth grade team. Mrs. Sundaresan and her husband are married for 12 years. They have two children together. Both her sons attend Great Hearts Academy. Her family loves to cook, travel, and working on small home projects together.

Lydia Robb is originally from Ohio. She moved to Arizona in 2015 and has been reveling in the warm winters ever since. Currently she is pursuing a fine arts degree and enjoying her 3rd year at Great Hearts, this year with 4th graders. In her free time she enjoys, in Charlotte Mason’s words, “the habit of reading beautifully written books”. She also enjoys adventuring to new places with any of her 4 older brothers.

I am very excited to be joining the Archway North Phoenix staff after having been a Great Hearts parent for the past 7 years. After graduating with a degree in Child Development
from Cal State University Northridge, I completed my California credential work in elementary education and began my career in El Segundo, California as a teacher in an early intervention literacy based program. Upon moving to Arizona I became a lead teacher at a preschool in
Paradise Valley. I am grateful for the education and virtues that Great Hearts instilled in my children and I look forward to instructing future scholars.

Melissa Moore was born and raised in Kalamazoo, MI. She attended Cornerstone University and earned a degree in secondary education.  Ms. Moore has experience working for Sylvan Learning Center; and being an on-line teacher for Alpha Omega Publications.   She is excited to be an Apprentice Teacher for fifth grade. Ms. Moore has six children that all attend Archway North Phoenix and North Phoenix Prep. In her spare time she loves to read, hike, and play with her kiddos.

William Buckley is a full-blown native of Phoenix, Arizona, having been born and raised here. He graduated from University of Dallas in Irving, Texas, in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Drama and Liberal Arts, with enough credit in Psychology to have an unofficial concentration. Due to his high school experience at Glendale Preparatory Academy and work experience at Irving Prep’s Athenaeum program during college, Mr. Buckley was pulled by fate to stay within the Great Hearts Academies when he returned to Arizona. He is grateful to have found such a ‘family’ of colleagues in North Phoenix for the past two years and is constantly inspired by the culture and personal development of his students. Mr. Buckley also enjoys building a career in the theatre/film business on the side.

I was born and raised in the Lone Star State; specifically in Katy, TX (just west of Houston).  I recently moved to Phoenix on January 1^st, 2020 after my husband, Joseph Page, and I got married on December 30^th, 2019. We had a very quick transition and now I am adjusting to the wonderfully different lifestyle in Arizona.  In case you are wondering, yes I am now the daughter-in-law of Joe and Jean Page here at Great Hearts. Can’t have too many Pages right?

   At Archway North Phoenix, I am the Apprentice Teacher for Ms. Mueller in 5C and I am loving it! I plan on attending Arizona State University to complete my degree in Physical Therapy in order to become a Physical Therapy Assistant. I have competitively played volleyball my whole life and currently coach club volleyball with Ignite near Scottsdale. Apart from coaching and playing volleyball, my hobbies include cooking, reading, hiking, adventuring, and finding new things to challenge my brain like working on logic puzzles and games. I am excited to continue to get to know my students and I am looking forward to a fun and growing semester here at Great Hearts!

Jason Jefferson was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ. He received his BA in History, with a minor in Religious Studies, from Arizona State University. In 2011, he kicked off his education career by becoming a substitute teacher, gaining experience with all different grades and subjects. He taught junior high for 3 years before coming to ANP in 2017 to work in 4th grade. The following year, he moved up to 5th grade, where he still is today. He is excited to be able to continue helping scholars grow in their mathematical and problem-solving skills. When not at school, Mr. Jefferson likes to sing in a community men’s chorus, cook, and play board games.

Derek Barton was born and raised in Scottsdale, Arizona. Mr. Barton graduated from Northern Arizona University in May 2019 with a B.S. in Political Science. While in Flagstaff, he worked as an intern in the Coconino County Public Defender’s office. Before that, Mr. Barton briefly lived in Santa Barbara, California, attending school and working as a TA in the Sociology department at Santa Barbara City College. In his spare time, Mr. Barton continues to independently study political science, with particular interests in the judicial branch and political theory. He volunteers with a local pig rescue and has developed a love for both pigs and working with animals. Mr. Barton’s other favorite activities are playing basketball, pinball, and guitar, as well as reading and spending time with his two cats, Storm and Margot.

George is a native of Phoenix, Arizona. He graduated from Peoria High School in 2000. He is a U.S. Military Veteran, and spent 2 years deployed overseas. He graduated with distinction with an Associates Degree from Paradise Valley Community College in Philosophy, and will receive his Bachelors in Arts in Philosophy in the Fall. He has two children and has been married to his wife for 7 years. He enjoy fishing and spending time with my family. His best friend is Socrates and Plato is a very close second.

Vito Messana was born and raised in the Valley of the Sun. He had a solid education growing up, with many good educator role models, and earned a Bachelors of Arts degree from Arizona State University. After working in the food and retail industry, he was happy to finally start his career in education.

Mr. Messana’s desire for teaching goes back to Mrs. Barr’s First Grade class, when he was only 7 years old. That desire was fulfilled in August 2016, when he started working for Great Hearts in the after school Athenaeum program at our previous campus. He fell in love with the mission of Great Hearts, the curriculum of Archway North Phoenix and the students. He joined the Archway staff when we moved to our new home as an Assistant Teacher in 5th Grade and is excited to grow in his new 6th Grade position.

Besides teaching, Mr. Messana enjoys genealogy, philosophy, good food, and visiting his beloved grandmother.

Ms. Bryant graduated from the University of North Texas with a BA in Interdisciplinary Art Studies with a minor in Performance. She currently serves as the Specials’ lead teacher, 5^th and 6^th House coordinator, and is also the director for the 4^th-6^th Drama Club. She loves dancing, performing in community theatre, and making pottery in her spare time.

Ms. Rojas graduated with a Bachelor of Fine arts in Painting and a minor in Humanities from Brigham Young University. She began teaching art at Archway North Phoenix in 2016, and enjoys teaching students to love and appreciate art. An active artist, Ms. Rojas enjoys painting, book making, and spending time with her husband and four children.

Mrs. Berger is originally from St. Paul, Minnesota. She headed south to warmer climes in Dallas, TX to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Southern Methodist University. After working in health club management, Mrs. Berger changed her career focus to teaching. After twelve years as a classroom teacher in a Phoenix charter school, Mrs. Berger found her way to Great Hearts joining the inaugural team at Archway North Phoenix in 2012. She recently moved from a classroom lead teacher position to teaching Art and has relished this opportunity as a new way to reach young hearts and minds.

Mr. Lang is a Phoenix native and had worked all over the valley as a performer, director, composer, clinician, and private instructor before coming to Archway North Phoenix in 2015 for his first classroom teaching experience. When he’s not teaching at school or at home, he’s usually playing some music somewhere around town, but he also has a great love for language and grammar, the study of which keeps him busy in his spare time.

Ms. Hale was born in South Korea and raised in Canada and various places of the United States. She has received her Bachelor’s Degree in Clarinet performance in Columbus State University and Master’s Degree in music from Colorado State University. She is currently finishing her Doctorate Degree of Musical Arts in Arizona State University while teaching at Archway Classical Academy North Phoenix. Over the course of her academic career, she has received recognition and awards in concerto competitions, conferences, performing and premiering solo, and chamber music. She is still actively performing in professional chamber groups and as a soloist. Her passion towards both teaching and playing are both strong, and she is looking forward to teaching music at ANP for many more years.

Eternity Hamilton was born and raised in Fountain Hills, Arizona. She graduated from Arizona State University with a BM in Music Therapy. Eternity did a full time internship as part of her degree at Brookdale Hospice and gained experience using music to heal the hearts, bodies, and minds of Phoenix’s senior population. She came to Archway North Phoenix in December 2018 and has loved teaching students music ever since. She enjoys spending time with her husband Logan Hamilton who also teacher at ANP, playing guitar, learning to use her slow cooker, and having game nights with her friends and family.

Dana Fee was born and raised in the Netherlands where she had many opportunities to travel. It’s no surprise then that when she grew up she wanted to teach languages, of which she knows a little of seven! She earned her B.A. in French and Linguistics. She has her Master’s degree in Education, and another in Theology.  She has lived in France, Russia, Iowa, and is now enjoying life in Phoenix with her family.

Madame Fee, as her Kindergarten, First and Second graders know her, has taught students of all ages for 20 years.  She enjoys travelling, journaling, watercolor painting and spending time with her family. If you see Mrs. Fee, feel free to greet her with “Bonjour!” or any language of your choice!

Rebekah Layton started at Archway North Phoenix in 2018 as an apprentice teacher. She now teaches fifth- and sixth-grade Latin. Miss Layton graduated summa cum laude from Arizona State University in 2013 with a BA in English Linguistics and a Classical Studies Certificate. From 2016-2017, she did postgraduate studies in English language at the University of Edinburgh with a focus on the historical development of English. She is particularly interested in the Old English period. In her collegiate studies of Latin and the classical period, she focused on aspects of Roman culture and the heroic tradition. In addition to English (Old, Middle, and Modern) and Latin, Miss Layton has studied Spanish, some German, and a smattering of other languages.

Outside of her abiding interest in languages, Miss Layton is an avid reader and artist. She previously worked as a librarian for several years, and she enjoys sketching and watercolor painting in her free time. Her favorite book is Jane Austen’s Persuasion.

Khush Ajani was born in Mauritius, an island located east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. Although a republic now, Mauritius used to be a French colony and was even called “Isle de France”, which means, Island of France. Natives of Mauritius speak three languages, namely, English, French and Creole. She moved to Europe at the age of 18 to pursue her bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance, following which she was awarded a full scholarship for a Masters’ degree at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. After her firstborn son got into Archway North Phoenix, she decided to join the Great Hearts faculty team as a fourth grade and fifth grade Apprentice teacher. She loves the fact that Archway North Phoenix provides French as an academic subject from Kindergarten up and is delighted to be a part of the Specials team. Her hobbies include cooking, tea and coffee time with friends, book clubs and weight-lifting.

Seth Rutt has been teaching physical education in classical schools for 8 years. He is passionate about teaching students to love being healthy. He has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in physical education. In his spare time, Mr. Rutt enjoys spending time with his wife and 2 year old son. They enjoy camping, hiking, trail running and anything else outdoors

Being a Phoenician through and through, Kelley Madsen earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at Arizona State University. She is married to her high school sweetheart and they enjoy playing with their dog, Reggie. Besides Physical education, Coach Madsen’s other passions are running, playing games, being outdoors, traveling, cooking and baking, crafts, and spending time with friends and family. Coach Madsen hopes to influence scholars to live more active lifestyles by showing them that being active is fun.

Dylan Waugh was born and raised right here in Phoenix. He graduated from Arizona Christian University where he majored in Communication and minored in Biblical Studies. Dylan has been teaching PE at Archway North Phoenix since 2015. His passion for knowing Truth, Beauty and Goodness led him to pursue teaching in the first place. When he was introduced to the Great Hearts model, he could not apply fast enough! He considers it a high honor to work alongside some of the brightest minds in classical education and counts it a joy to partake in the cultivation of his student’s hearts and minds.

Kelli Sneed received her B.A in Elementary Education from Arizona State University in 2003. Mrs. Sneed began her teaching career as a 5^th and 6^th grade teacher in the Gilbert Public School District. Before joining the ANP team in 2011 Mrs. Sneed also had the privilege of teaching kindergarten at a private school in Missouri and 2^nd -4^th grades at a Phoenix area public school. Mrs. Sneed came to Archway North Phoenix in its inaugural year. After 5 joyful years as a kindergarten classroom teacher, she transitioned into her present role as ANP Dean of Students. This year Mrs. Sneed continues her role as Dead of Student, but is also thrilled to be the Kindergarten PE teacher as well. In her free time, she enjoys a big cup of coffee and time outside with her bunny and chickens.

Mrs. Parot graduated Summa Cum Laude from Northern Arizona University with a B.S. in Elementary Education. In addition, she is certified in Mild to Moderate Special Education, Highly Qualified, Early Childhood Development, and Structured English Immersion.  She has many years of working with special needs students and struggling readers, being the Literacy Coordinator for three years at ANP.  Her career with Great Hearts began at Archway Veritas as a 2^nd grade lead teacher, transferring to Archway North Phoenix in 2012.  She began teaching as an early childhood educator in 1986 and is currently in her twenty-ninth year of teaching.  Helping children discover what they are truly capable of lends its way beautifully to her passion for lifelong learning and refining the art of teaching.  She has a wonderful husband, three grown children, six grandchildren, and two wonderful parents that she enjoys spending her free time with, along with antiquing, and helping clients design their home interiors.

Mr. Sneed was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. He and his family moved to Arizona in 2001. While attending Webster University, Mr. Sneed earned a BA in Legal Studies and a paralegal certification. He is currently enrolled in Rio Salado’s Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Education program for Special Education. This will be Mr. Sneed’s sixth year teaching at Archway North Phoenix; he spent four years teaching 3^rd grade and is starting his second year in the Exceptional Student Services department. Mr. Sneed has the unique pleasure of having his entire family surround him at work as each of them has a role to play at North Phoenix!

Michelle Zartner was born and raised in Wisconsin and relocated to Arizona in 2018.  This is her 12^th year working as an Assistant in special education and is very excited to be working with children in a classical education setting. She also teaches part-time in Athenaeum and is enjoying working with all grade levels. It has been in her heart and a passion of hers to work with people having special needs since she was quite young.  She has over 40 years of experience working in many different facets of life with the special needs’ population, beginning in 1973.  She enjoys spending time with her 3 grown children, family, friends and meeting new people.

Deb Powell arrived in Phoenix 21 years ago by way of Kansas, Missouri and Florida. Along the way she attended Marymount College, SMSU, and Ottawa Universities, with a focus in Business and Education. She chose retail and banking in her early career years. The last 19 years have been dedicated to our ANP Library, ESS, teaching second and third grades, which have brought her great joy! Summers afford her time for reading, knitting, and crafting. Her husband and two grown daughters are a great support.

Joyce Bebow was born and raised near Detroit, Michigan. She graduated from Wayne State University with a B.S. degree in Elementary Education. After moving to Arizona her first teaching job was in the Glendale School District. Then she met her husband and had two children. Her love for her family and her passion for learning came together as she homeschooled her children.  Her understanding and knowledge as well as love for classical education grew as she taught for many years at Valley Classical Christian School in a first grade class as well as in a first and second grade combination class. In joining the Archway Classical Academy North Phoenix team for its inaugural year in 2012 she kept her enthusiasm for learning and her delight in teaching children flourishing. She is looking forward to many more years teaching young scholars at the new campus of Archway Classical Academy North Phoenix.