SUMMIT SCHOOL - Key Persons
I have been a certified K-8 teacher for 13 years and have had the privilege of teaching at many grade levels including 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grades. I graduated from Arizona State University with a BA in elementary education and an MA in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. In the past, I served on district committees focusing on best practices in reading instruction, served as a grade level team leader, mentor teacher, and have completed an administrative internship. I hold an SEI endorsement and continue to grow professionally through workshops and training. I believe teachers must always be seeking to learn right along with their students. I am happy to join the Summit community as a teacher after having been a Summit parent for many years.
Job Titles:
- Language Arts & Drama Teacher
I am an experienced K-12 teacher and reading specialist. I received my teacher training at Northern Arizona University and taught for ten years before completing a Master's in Educational Leadership at N.A.U. I was selected as the Graduate Student of the Year in the leadership program. In addition, I have worked closely with the university to participate in the N.A.U. Writing Project, Regional Initiatives in Math and Science and have been awarded several arts and science grants through the university. I have also partnered with the University of Arizona and Lowell Observatory with Project Astro, the U.S.G.S. and Arizona Game and Fish to bring enrichment opportunities to my students.
I have had the pleasure of teaching middle school for 25 years, with 20 years of teaching at Summit. In addition to teaching, I am Summit's middle school coordinator. My passion for teaching stems from the importance of providing an engaging, energetic, and rich learning environment for all students. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Millsaps College and am a member of the National Middle School Association. I have been the recipient of a "Golden Gator, Excellence in Teaching Award" from Xavier College Preparatory High School. This award recognizes junior high teachers who have been inspirational to Xavier's freshmen students. I spearhead two instrumental programs designed for Summit eighth grade students, "ROPES" and "SERVE", which teaches leadership, confidence and community service.
I have a Bachelor's degree in Education from the Universidad Latina de Costa Rica. I have been teaching for over 25 years as an Elementary School teacher (in both English and Spanish) and as a Spanish Language teacher for children and adults. I started teaching in my native country, Costa Rica, where I taught Kindergarten as well as 4th, 5th, and 6th grades for several years. I also started and managed a Private Preschool/Daycare program for Costa Rica's largest industrial park early in my career (1992 - 1996). In 1997, I moved to Washington D.C with my husband and started working at the United States Justice Department Preschool for two years until my husband‘s work relocated us to Arizona. In 1998, I started working for the Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) in Arizona. In 2012, as my husband's work commitments relocated our family to China, I worked as a Lead 4th and 5th-grade teacher and Student Admissions Lead for the DAIS American International School in Dalian, China. I also started and ran the DAIS After School Spanish Program during this time.
Upo n my return back to the US in 2012, I started my Spanish program. This program offered small-group Spanish teaching for children 3 and up, private one-on-one tutoring, and international Spanish summer camps in Costa Rica.
Ms. Nicholas holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Arizona State University. She has worked in the area of Youth Development for over 30 years, and she is a former Facilities Manager for the American Cancer Society. Ms. Nicholas oversees building development, vendor selection and management and implements safety protocols here at Summit. She ensures that our campus is safe and that all operations are in working order.
I have experience in the field of education for 30+ years, initially as a K-8 Special Education teacher, moving on to be trained and serve as a School Psychologist. I received a B.A. in Special Education/Psychology from the University of Dubuque, Dubuque, Iowa. My graduate degrees were obtained from Gallaudet University in Washington D.C. and includes a Master's degree in Developmental Psychology and a Specialist degree (Psy.S.) in School Psychology. I have additional specialized training in working with Deaf/Hard of hearing students, certification from Harris Institute for Early Childhood, and Diplomate status in School Neuropsychological assessment. I have worked at Summit since 2014 and love the community of this school!
Job Titles:
- Director of Business Operations
I hold a Master degree in Community Psychology from Michigan State University, where I assisted youth at risk and worked in program evaluation. Besides my 17 years of business management at Summit School, I managed a busy medical practice and co-owned a specialty catering company. In 2004, I was selected as a student chef to cook in the American Pavillion at the Cannes Film Festival in France. I am a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer from Benin, West Africa (1991-1993) where I worked with women in development groups, Co-ops, and assisted small business development. Upon my return to the States, I was an Evaluation Specialist for the US Peace Corps headquarters in Washington D.C.
Before staying home with my boys when they were very young, I taught in public education for six years. When my youngest son started kindergarten, I returned to teaching and after a year at a charter school, I began teaching at Summit in 2002. After a few years of teaching Second Grade here, I moved to Third Grade and have been there ever since. I received my BA in Elementary Education from the University of Arizona and my Masters Degree in Education from Chapman University. I continue my education by taking various workshops and courses, as well as through reading books about teaching methods and strategies. I am assistant coach for our elementary volleyball and cross country teams.
I have a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Arizona State University and a minor in literature. I hold an additional certification as a Reading Specialist, and endorsements in English as a Second Language and Early Childhood Education. I have been teaching for 23 years with the last 17 at Summit. My desire to grow professionally has led me to teach at multiple grade levels, focusing on the primary grades of kindergarten through fourth grades. Teaching is an endeavor that requires constant devotion to the craft. Throughout my teaching career, I have pursued many professional development opportunities, and I spend much of my time away from the classroom reading professionally and researching new and innovative ideas to enhance my skills. Most recently, I have narrowed my study to current research on the best practices for teaching reading. I am excited to have the opportunity in my new role to apply scientifically based instruction to support students and teachers.
I came to Arizona 25 years ago and will never leave! My husband of 40 years and I love to hike,
Hi my name is David Preston. I was born and raised in Arizona. I graduated from NAU with my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 2006 and have been an educator for 15 years. I have taught grades 2nd-8th and even spent a few years teaching in Washington and Oregon. I love learning and continue to develop and grow as an educator by taking professional development courses with a particular interest in STEM education. I believe every child deserves a safe, caring, inspiring, an engaging class atmosphere to grow and learn as an individual. My goal as an educator is to help students reach their full potential by providing a safe, risk taking, collaborative environment. I also believe that education should help students develop positive character and leadership traits so that all students can be productive citizens in our communities.
I've been in education for over 20 years. I graduated with a BS degree in Child Development from the University of LaVerne. I have worked in a variety of different levels in the Early Education field. I have been a classroom teacher, Director of a college child development Lab School, teaching Child Development Class at the College level and being a state trainer. Out of all the classrooms I've been in, the Preschool classroom is my favorite! It is a joy to watch children grow and develop into eager learners!
I joined Summit in 2019 and couldn't be happier! I am excited to be working with our Pre-K students! Their laughter, joy and excitement of discovery makes my heart smile! I have a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education with a reading endorsement from Northern Arizona University. I have taught Kindergarten, 2 nd and 6 th grade, but my heart is in preschool where I have spent most of my teaching career.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Nonvoting
- Representative
- Teacher
I teach the Sabrecat Band, Fourth and Fifth Grade Music, and Suzuki Guitar at Summit School. I earned a Bachelor of Arts, Commercial Music, from Belmont University (Nashville, TN), Master of Arts, Music from Middle Tennessee State University (Murfreesboro, TN), and a Doctor of Musical Arts from Arizona State University (Tempe, AZ). The title of my doctoral dissertation is Guarango como guitarra en tango [Awkward as a Guitar in the Tango]: The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of the Guitar in the Argentinean Tango. I have studied flamenco in Spain and Tango in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I am a registered Suzuki teacher in Guitar and Suzuki in the Schools and also hold an Arizona Teacher Certification in Music.
I toured throughout the United States and also in Mexico and Northern Europe with the Santa Fe Guitar Quartet from Argentina and recorded two albums with the quartet: Journeys (2003) and Wapango (2007). I have also studied Argentine Folklore with guitarist/composer Marcelo Coronel in Rosario, Argentina where I recorded a solo album of the composer's music, Antiguo canto (2010).
I began teaching classical guitar at the university level in 1996 and have been teaching children and youth since 1999. In 2005, I established the Dorsey Guitar Studio at Summit School, which offers high-quality instruction in music and classical guitar to children and youth. I am also on the Board of Directors for the Arizona Suzuki Association. I joined the Summit School faculty in 2007.
Job Titles:
- Head of School
- Member of the Nonvoting
I love my role as Summit's Head of School. I have nearly twenty-five years of experience in education as both teacher and administrator. I am a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, hold two master's degrees from Marian University, and a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Phoenix. I taught all grade levels 1-8 during my teaching career. I am also licensed as a Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Director of Special Education and Pupil Services, and at-risk and alternative education.
Reflecting on a career that spans 20-plus years, I am the Sabrecats' full-time PE Teacher. I have taught PE for over 5 years while also coaching basketball at various levels since 2001. Through my 8 years of teaching - I've also taught English/Language Arts, Poetry, Speech & Debate, History of Cinema, and even Social Studies. A native of Brooklyn, NY - I earned my B.A. degree in Sociology from SUNY Polytechnic (formerly SUNYIT/Utica). Upon moving to Arizona in 2006, I attended NAU's Distance Learning campus to complete my M. Ed. in Educational Leadership. Most recently, my career was focused on Academic Advising at the college level. I considers myself a servant-leader, life-long learner, and social justice advocate. Outside of Summit, you'll find me supporting my students in their extracurricular activities from sports to art and music & theatre. #GoSabrecats
I graduated from Boston College with a degree in English and Philosophy. I went on to earn my Master's Degree in Elementary Education from Lesley University. As a public school teacher in Connecticut, I also worked at the Connecticut Department of Education as a trainer and evaluator. An avid learner, I have continued my education by participating in many literacy intervention trainings and professional development courses. During my 29 year career as a teacher, I have been a reading specialist and taught every grade from kindergarten to seventh.
I have loved teaching preschool at Summit since 2004. I obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Interpersonal Communication from The Ohio State University. While at Ohio State, I also completed coursework in the field of Elementary Education. I student-taught in a second-grade classroom, but discovered that my true passion is teaching young children! In 2014, I completed the required coursework to achieve an Early Childhood ‘Academic Certificate in Child and Family Professional Development.' Each year, I attend continuing education training classes and seminars. Currently, I am pursuing the completion of a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education.
I graduated from Arizona State University in 1988 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. I have loved teaching preschool at Summit since 2007. I am a life-long learner, annually taking continuing education classes in Child Development, Early Literacy Acquisition, and Early Childhood Math. I have enhanced my education through an INTEL math training course to further my math knowledge and familiarize myself with Common Core learning trajectories in preschool and in the early elementary grades. I have also attended the Erikson Early Childhood Math Conference in Chicago. I am very excited about my role as the Preschool Math Specialist at Summit. Additionally, I work as a peer reviewer to screen presentation proposals for the National Association for Education of Young Children's (NAEYC) Annual Conference, and previously, I held a board position for the Valley of the Sun Chapter of AZAEYC, which is our local NAEYC affiliate.
I have been the Financial Analyst at Summit School for the past five years. I am responsible for our school's financial reporting, budgeting, accounts payable, and payroll. I have a B.S. degree in Finance and over 25 years of accounting management experience with both corporate and non-profit organizations.
I have a bachelor's degree with a minor in Spanish from Texas Christian University and a master's degree in Spanish from the University of North Texas. I have been teaching Spanish since 2005 when I opened my own Spanish language school. Since 2019 I have been teaching Spanish at an honors middle school. It has been a privilege to teach Spanish over the course of these many years. It is of equal privilege to have the opportunity to teach the students at Summit School. I feel strongly that each student carries within them a tremendous potential. I believe in tapping into a student's second language potential by providing them with challenging academic material, real life connections, and the joys of art, culture and conversation. I hope to impart in my students an excitement about the Spanish language while helping them achieve academic confidence and mastery in the subject.
Born and raised in upstate New York, I earned both my bachelor's and master's degrees in Music Education from the Crane School of Music at State University of New York College at Potsdam. I have taught general, instrumental, and vocal music at all levels, preschool through collegiate, during my 21 years of experience. Recognized for my expertise in encouraging creativity through music education, I was invited to co-create Music, Meaning, and Imagination, an elective music course for undergraduate non-music majors at Arizona State University, which I taught for three years. I also play flute, piano, sing, and have a basic proficiency on guitar, ukulele, and most wind instruments. I am currently in my 15th year at Summit School, helping children dig deeper into how music works and setting them up for a lifetime of musical engagement.
Mr. Douwstra has an extensive background teaching and serving as a technology coach that spans over 20 years. He has a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Elementary Education and a Masters in Educational Technology from Northern Arizona University. As a former district trainer and a member of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), Jeremy is dedicated to staying current with emerging technologies. Mr. Douwstra joined Summit's faculty in 2016.
I joined Summit's faculty in 2021 and have ten years of experience as a middle school science educator. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Illinois State University with an endorsement in Junior High/Middle School Education and Science. I am also a member of the National Science Teacher Association (NSTA) and the Arizona Science Teacher Association (ASTA). I have mentored many young adults during my professional career while coaching high school color guard and middle school cheerleading. I have also received the Jr. High Division Teacher award at the Arizona Science and Engineering Fair. I am the current advisor of Summit Middle School's National Junior High Society (NJHS).
I had a career in the semiconductor industry before making the switch to education. After having two sons, I discovered a love for working with children. I thrive on the creative thinking and joyous energy of being in the classroom. I currently teaches first grade, but I have also taught preschool at Summit and worked previously in the Kyrene School District. I am happy to be part of the Summit team.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Nonvoting
- Summit PTO President
I graduated from Adrian College with a bachelor's degree in English and Secondary Education. After receiving my degree, I taught 9th grade and Honors American Literature in South Carolina before returning to Michigan to teach 9th, 11th, and 12th grade English. While back in Michigan, I returned to Adrian College and earned my Masters in Education in Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction and coached collegiate hockey. Seeking a change, I moved to Phoenix and taught 4th-6th English at BASIS before moving to Summit. I love furthering my education through various professional development opportunities throughout the entire year.
I am very excited to be here at Summit! I received my Bachelors of Education from Southwestern College, now Arizona Christian University. I also received endorsements in Early Childhood and Structured English Immersion. As I continue to grow professionally, I love attending professional development training and conferences as often as I can. When I first began teaching 12 years ago, I taught Kindergarten. Then, I moved down to preschool for the last few years. Now for my 4th year, here at Summit, I have moved back up to Kindergarten! I am looking forward to a great school year!
I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Brain and Cognitive Science from MIT, where I researched toddlers' mental representation of counting. My master's degree is from Boston College in Early Childhood Education. I designed educational software programs for five to nine year olds, and worked as a software development manager for customized K-6 software programs requested by teachers to support their curricula. I also taught at the Caltech-JPL Child Education Center. As a parent in the Kyrene and Tempe school districts, I was vice-president of the PTO, the writer/publisher of the school newsletter, and the parent representative on the Kindergarten Solutions Committee, the Superintendent Council, and the Gifted Advisory Board. Currently, I am enjoying teaching in the Toddler classroom.
Job Titles:
- Director of Admissions
- Member of the Nonvoting
- Director of Admissions and Marketing
Mr. Allen brings his 20+ years of teaching experience to the Director of Admissions role. He graduated with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Language Arts and is always looking for new ways to extend his knowledge base; whether it is through Intel Math, presenting at the Bet-c conference, or attending a National GYTO conference. Mr. Allen joined Summit in 2006 and is mostly known for his booming voice and energetic personality. He truly loves Summit and can't wait to show you what makes this school community such an incredibly special place to learn.
I began my career as an educator in 2000. I have had the pleasure of teaching first grade and Enrichment in an independent school in New Mexico, Manzano Day School, and at Knox Gifted Academy in Chandler. In addition, I taught second, third and fourth grade. I graduated from the University of New Mexico with a BS in Elementary Education and a Language Arts endorsement. I am also SEI endorsed, Teaching Reading Effectively (TRE) certified, and a Google Certified Educator.
I am an Arizona native and Summit has been my second home for over 20 years. I have had a passion for young children and families since high school and received my BAS in Early Childhood through NAU. I also received a Speech and Language Pathology Assistant Certificate and hold an Early Childhood teaching certificate. I have presented at both national and state conferences on woodworking and cooking with young children. I am thrilled to be teaching in the toddler classroom this year.
I began my career as an educator in elementary grades and technology before moving to the specialized field of science. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Arizona State University and take various continuing education courses. I had the opportunity to become a Master Teacher in the Intel Teach to the Future program, and the National Hands-On Science Institute. I joined Summit's faculty in 2001.
I began in the field of education by working in the library at St. Mary-Basha Catholic School. After five years of library experience, I began at Summit School. The following 11 years were as an instructional assistant in kindergarten, and receiving my teaching certificate.. I spent the Covid years teaching small group reading and presently I am in the IDEA Lab as a library supervisor.
I have had the pleasure of being a part of the Summit community since 2014. In addition to my experience with Summit, I hold over 12 years of teaching experience working with students in the state of Arizona. Teaching the middle grades is a passion of mine. My hope is that I can help students grow in their interest in the study of history. I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Education, with an emphasis in history from Arizona State University. Additionally, I have been the recipient of a "Golden Gator, Excellence in Teaching Award" from Xavier College Preparatory High School. This award recognizes junior high teachers who have been inspirational to Xavier's freshmen students.
I joined Summit's faculty in 2007 and have over twenty years of teaching experience in 1st through 3rd grade. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Gonzaga University, and a Master's Degree in Education from Northern Arizona University. I also received a reading endorsement from Arizona State University. In 2005, I expanded my teaching skills in the area of mathematics. I have taken additional training in Cognitively Guided Instruction, Intel Math, Math Recovery, DMI (developing mathematical ideas), and I am currently working on a math endorsement. My biggest accomplishment in my career was when I earned my National Board Certification in 2007 and 2014.
My name is Rachel Jones and I am a Pre-Kindergarten teacher. I have my Bachelor's degree in English Literature from Grand Canyon University and my Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Arizona State University. I was fortunate to intern and student teach with the wonderful educators here at Summit School, and become a full-time member of the community in 2021. This is my seventh year in the classroom. Working with young children is truly my passion and I couldn't imagine another career path!
I'm originally from Portland, Oregon. My husband Ryan and I, along with our kids moved to Arizona in 2015. Our family has been a part of the Summit community for the last 6 years and this is my first year working at Summit. I have my associates degree from Portland Community College and have worked in the dental field over the last 20 years. I love working with kids and I'm excited to see what this school year brings.
I joined Summit's faculty in 2012. I have taught 5th grade math, social studies, and ELA. In addition, I have taught 6th grade math and 6th grade literature. My teaching has been greatly enhanced through the fifteen years I have devoted to coaching, including middle school and high school basketball and golf teams. I have a Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education from Eastern Michigan University. I have earned a full SEI endorsement, and expanded my knowledge through numerous Kagan cooperative learning trainings and Arizona Association of Mathematics conferences. I also have a sixth through eighth grade math endorsement in Michigan.
This is my first year teaching at Summit. I have taught high school mathematics, specifically A.P. Calculus and A.P Physics, for nearly ten years now. I have earned a Bachelor's Degree of Science in Applied Physics with a minor in Mathematics from Georgia Southern University in addition to successfully completing almost 30 hours of coursework in a Master's of Science Degree in Applied Mathematics. I continue my education by participating in numerous workshops and courses specifically aimed at increasing my teaching pedagogy and overall effectiveness as a mathematics educator. I will also be the assistant flag football coach at Summit for this upcoming school year.
Job Titles:
- Athletic & Activities Director
I am new to the Summit community. I have a bachelor's degree in mathematics with a minor in secondary education from the University of Texas at El Paso. I have over nine years of experience teaching math to high school students and students of higher education. I am dedicated and excited to help the students at Summit School gain an understanding and appreciation for math.