LEADING EDGE ACADEMY - Key Persons
Miss Lagana was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and moved to San Tan Valley when she was eleven years old. Miss Lagana recently graduated from NAU last December with her Bachelors in Special and Elementary Education. She currently lives in Gilbert, AZ with her furbaby, Ziggy. Miss Lagana enjoys traveling and exploring new places with her family and friends.
Mrs. Ivy grew up in Virginia, and she moved to Arizona in 2017. She attended Virginia Wesleyan College (now Virginia Wesleyan University). She has worked in the education field (Sylvan Learning Center, substitute teaching, and teaching) for over nine years. She has been with Leading Edge Academy since the fall of 2019.
Amy was born and raised in Oregon. She graduated from Oregon State University with a Master's Degree in Teaching Physical Education. She taught PE for 18 years before moving to Arizona in 2017. Amy has been happily married for 19 years and has three children, all who attend Leading Edge Academy. Amy began her time at Leading Edge Academy over the summer and is very grateful for the opportunity to work in the Mountain View Campus as a Business Specialist.
Anna Sawyer graduated from CSU Fresno with a BA in education and attended Chapman University as a graduate completing her studies in education. She taught two years in California and took some time off to raise her two daughters. She began teaching again in 2016 in Yuma AZ and then moved to South Carolina in 2018 where she continued to teach. Recently her husband has retired from the the military and they now live in Gilbert where she is excited to be a part of the Leading Edge family.
Ashley grew up in California and graduated from LIFE Bible College (now LIFE Pacific University) with a theology degree and an emphasis in Christian Teaching before getting married and moving to Washington state in 2003. Her and her husband have two children, ages 13 & 15. Their family moved to Arizona in 2021 and this is her first year as a teacher ('22-'23). Before becoming a Kindergarten teacher, she and her husband pastored a small church in WA. She has also been a children's, youth, and women's pastor, as well as a paraeducator at different points in her life.
Job Titles:
- Special Education Teacher at the Leading Edge Maricopa
Bernard Shavers is a special education teacher at the Leading Edge Maricopa campus. He currently provides services for middle grades, 6th through 8th. He has been in the education field for 9 years
Ms. Gomez has been working in the field of education for 15 years. For the last five years, she has been working at Leading Edge Academy. This is her second year at the East Mesa campus. Ms. Gomez graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor's degree of Science in Elementary Education K-8; she received her degree with a Summa Cum Laude honors recognition. She has a love and passion for teaching. It has been her dream career since she was a young child. In her free time, she enjoys working out, reading, hiking, and spending time with her two Aussies, Marlee and Ruby.
Ms Wattelet is an adventurous soul with a deep passion for hiking, camping, and staying active in nature. When she's not exploring the great outdoors, she loves getting lost in a captivating book or cherishing precious moments with her beloved family. For nearly 4 years, Ms Wattelet has been an essential part of Leading Edge Academy East Mesa, contributing as an administrative assistant. Being part of a vibrant community and supporting its growth has been a rewarding journey and she can't wait for more years to come.
Job Titles:
- Special Education Teacher
Job Titles:
- Gov'T / Economics / Social Studies
Charmayne is about to embark on her 7th year in education after completing the Career Switcher Program through Shenandoah University. It has been one of the best decisions she has ever made and has allowed her to pursue the career of her dreams. After college, Charmayne began a career in retail management followed by a stint in banking. She stayed home for a few years to raise her children. Her youngest child was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2 and due to this had to learn all she could about education to be the best advocate she could be for him. This was a blessing in disguise that led to her future career and passion, teaching. Charmayne believes that all children can learn and must be given every opportunity possible to be successful.
Mr. Mylott graduated from Bradley University in 1995 with a BS in Biology. Mr. Mylott is a forensic scientist specializing in trace chemical analysis. He has managed a food and environmental laboratory and directed the special pathogens unit for the Arizona Department of Health laboratory. He is a father to five amazing children and he been blessed to teach middle school and high school Science for the past 13 years. He is highly qualified in Middle Grades Mathematic, HS Biology, HS Chemistry, and HS Physics. Mr. Mylott also conducts the Leading Edge Academy Jamaica Field Expedition annually giving students the opportunity to learn in a living marine laboratory while giving back to the local communities.
Mrs. Givens was born in Huntington Beach California and moved to Arizona when she was 13. Mrs. Givens teaching degree is from NAU. She has been a teacher for over 20+ years. She has taught pre-school, Kindergarten - 3rd grade. Most of her teaching experience has been in 1st grade. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband, 3 biological and 2 bonus children. She enjoys camping, kayaking, and swimming. When she has time alone she enjoys reading a good book and snuggling with her dogs.
Mr. Collins is stepping into his role as a fifth-grade teacher for the 2023/2024 school year at Leading Edge Academy. While this is his inaugural year at the academy, he brings with him a rich teaching legacy spanning two decades. His experience encompasses roles in both the public school system and a charter school in Phoenix. Mr. Collins is fervently looking forward to the academic journey ahead with his fifth graders. Together, they will delve into U.S. History, unravel the mysteries of environmental and space science, master fraction and volume concepts, craft compelling descriptive and expository essays, and foster a tight-knit learning community. Outside the classroom, Mr. Collins cherishes moments with his family, indulges in golf, immerses himself in adventure novels, and is an avid football enthusiast. He holds a vision of academic excellence and personal development for all his students in the coming year.
Felina has a gift and love for teaching, passing on her passion for music to her students in a way that motivates them, and tailoring their weekly lessons to meet their goals. Felina is a Multi-instrumentalist (13) and Singer. Her love for music started at the age of 3 Singing, being fluent in reading and playing music. Felina has taught private music lessons in both children and adults for 7+ years. She was in the top 60 finalists in the cast of "American Idol" in 2019. Felina graduated High school in Queen Creek, Arizona 1 whole year early due to her knowledge of music.
Ms. Gabriela Villaescusa is from Douglas, a small border town in SE Arizona. She attended the University of Arizona and is a proud Wildcat! This is her second year of teaching, but she has been with Leading Edge Academy since 2014. She has 2 daughters and a 13 yr. old Chihuahua. Her favorite pastime is reading.
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Principal, Leading Edge Academy - Gilbert K - 8
Jennifer Lucas has been in education for 15 years. She graduated from ASU with a Bachelor's in Elementary Education, SEI endorsement and a specialization in math. She continued her educational journey and graduated from GCU with a Master's in Educational Administration. She has several years of educational experience as a mentor teacher, instructional coach, dean and assistant principal. She has been married over 20 years and has 3 beautiful daughters who are very active in sports and theater.
Mr. Foltz is enjoying his second year as a teacher at LEAM. A 2010 graduate of Liberty University he has taught in a classroom setting for a little over 4 years, the rest of the time being spent experientially teaching on challenge courses on the East Coast. In his free time Mr. Foltz enjoys hiking, biking, paddle boarding and most importantly any sport that involves a disc.
Mr. Lee was born in North Carolina, but moved to Arizona when he graduated high school! He is married and has three wonderful (most of the time) kids. He spent the last ten years as a youth pastor at various churches around the East Valley! He took his passion for students and decided to channel that into becoming a teacher. He loves the AZ Cardinals almost as much as his family. When he isn't teaching or watching football you can find him playing video games or golfing. He loves being part of the LEAO team and looks forward to partnering with you to best help your student be successful in the online environment!
Justin Rosepapa is an alumnus of Northern Arizona University. He earned a Master's Degree in Literature during the spring of 2019. When he is not teaching, you may find him hiking far and wide throughout the southwest, writing and reading at local coffee shops, and jaunting through used bookstores and record shops.
Job Titles:
- Special Education Teacher
Job Titles:
- Special Education Teacher
Ms. Gillespie started teaching PE at Leading Edge Academy in 2020. She received her Bachelors of Science in Sports Science in 2015 and her Masters of Science in Kinesiology in 2019. She played college soccer at Mesa Community College and Briar Cliff University. Currently she is coaching soccer at the GEC campus. In her spare time she is often playing, coaching, or watching soccer.
Krista is married with a daughter who attends LEAO. She graduated with an arts degree in Fashion Merchandising, but has been working with charter schools for the past seven years. In her free time she enjoys going to the movie theater, shopping, and hiking!
Mrs. Kramer is a native to Arizona. She has been in the field of Education for almost 20 years. She has taught Pre K, Kindergarten, and 1st grade. Mrs. Kramer graduated from Ottawa University in 2009 with a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education and Grand Canyon University in 2018 with a Masters in Reading. In her free time Mrs. Kramer loves spending time with her husband and kids.
Job Titles:
- US / World History Teacher
Job Titles:
- English Language Arts Teacher
Ms. Laura Gulbranson is a native Arizonan who has just joined the Leading Edge Academy family. She graduated from Arizona State University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. She specializes in English as a Second Language for 6th through 12th grade but has found her home in sharing her love for literature and writing with her junior high and high school students. When not teaching, you can find Ms. Gulbranson dreaming to travel again or reading until the wee hours of weekend mornings with a cup of hot chocolate or tea. She is currently working on her first novel and is overjoyed to be your child's English teacher!
Lianna Torcellini is from San Diego, California where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Child Development. The four major developmental areas of the program focus on the intellectual, social, emotional, and biological development of children. Mrs. Torcellini understands that children are unique because of their experiences and personality, and genuinely cares about her students' overall well being atop of their educational growth.
Ms. Lindsey Hammer has a always known she wanted to teach music. She received her bachelors from Liberty University and her masters from Anderson University, both in music education. She taught general music and beginner band at Easton Elementary school for 6 years before moving to Arizona. In her free time, she likes outdoor activities, playing sports, and hanging out with her husband, Jordan, and their three furry babies.
Job Titles:
- Special Education Teacher
Mrs. Bush has been working in Education since 2013. She received her Bachelor's in Elementary and Special Education in 2016 from Grand Canyon University and her Master's degree as a Reading Specialist in 2019 from Grand Canyon University. She is currently working as the Special education teacher at the Maricopa campus for grades K-3rd.
Ms. Barth is an experienced teacher. She has taught Math, business, and Spanish classes since 2002 at all levels in traditional and online settings. Ms. Barth was born in Managua, Nicaragua but was raised in Miami, Florida. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. She earned her master's degree in Business from the University of Upper Iowa. Ms. Barth is the mother of three grown sons and grandmother to two young girls. She enjoys reading, travelling, playing board games, and spending time with her family in her spare time.
Mrs. Rodriguez is a mother of two and has been married for 10 years. She moved to Maricopa in 2016 and loves it. She has her AA in Medical Specialty and has worked in medical offices doing front desk & medical billing before joining our team.
Job Titles:
- Special Education Teacher
Mary Jean holds a Bachelor of Science in Commerce Major in Business Management with Entrepreneurship. She has been with Leading Edge Academy Maricopa for 3 years. The first 2 years, she was a Para-Professional supporting the 4th grade and the 2021-2022 year is her first year as a 4th Grade Teacher.
Job Titles:
- Principal of Leading Edge Academy Maricopa
Mathew Reese is the Principal of Leading Edge Academy Maricopa. He has been a Teacher, Coach, Athletic Director, Assistant Principal, and Principal over the past 40 years. He has turned several schools around using the best in technology, curriculum, intervention, and best practices. He expects teachers and students to perform at high levels and visits the classrooms daily. Through his experience and high expectations he has developed highly achieving schools.
Mr. Garcia considers himself the luckiest teacher in the world because he gets to teach the subjects he is most passionate about which are Art and Music. Mr. Garcia wants to make learning fun and strives to teach students to believe in their abilities and realize how amazing they are! Mr. Garcia has been married for 23 years and has 3 grown sons who have all attended the Leading Edge Academy GEC campus.
Mrs. Smith is Canadian by birth. As long as she can remember she has had a love for math and number manipulation. She completed a Bachelor of Science at Indiana Wesleyan University and a Bachelor of Education at University of New Brunswick. Since marrying and moving to the USA she has taught high school math in North Carolina and Arizona. Outside of school she likes to read, repurpose bargain finds and travel.
Mr. Nicholas Kretsedemas received a BA from Arizona State University in 1985 and previously taught in Winslow, AZ for 16 years. He moved to Chandler, AZ in 2001 and taught at Chandler Scholastic Academy for 11 years. He has been teaching at Leading Edge Academy Mountain View since 2010. He is married to his wonderful wife Denise and has 2 children. They enjoy all outdoor activities and are actively involved with St. Katherine's Greek Orthodox church
Mr. Nick Towner has a bachelors degree in elementary education from the University of Mary. He taught 5th grade for 9 and a half years in Mandan, North Dakota. Nick moved to San Tan Valley, Arizona last January and was hired full time at Leading Edge Academy Mountain View in 2016..
Mr. Reggie Overton has previously tutored for Kumon Learning, Sure Prep, and Achievement Learning. He completed his student teaching and interning through ASU. He is excited to be on board this year with Leading Edge Academy at the Maricopa campus.
Mr. Troy Riester come to Leading Edge Academy with over 20 years of child development experience in the aquatics profession. As a coach Mr. Riester developed many athletes to regional, national, and global recognition. Many of the programs that Mr. Riester stepped into were turned into top programs in the country. He accomplished this by implementing new theories, practices, and research. Troy's degree in Information technology is a key component of his approach to teaching.
Mr. Vaughan graduated from Arizona State University. Go Sun Devils! He is an avid outdoor enthusiast and enjoys hiking, mountain biking, running, golfing and furniture making. His favorite subjects are history and science.
Mrs. Amanda Steib has been teaching at Leading Edge Academy since 2012. She has been teaching since 2006 and absolutely loves third graders. She received my B.A. degree from Northern Arizona University. As a native Arizonan it was very hard learning to live with the snow while she was at college! When not at school she keeps very busy spending time with her 4 dogs, cat, two daughters, and husband!
Mrs. Amy Sundeen began her educational career in 2007. After several years of teaching special education, and then supporting special education teachers as a coordinator, she pursued her Master's Degree in Education Leadership which she obtained from Grand Canyon University. Mrs. Sundeen was excited to join the Leading Edge Academy team who shared her vision and commitment to providing every student the opportunity to be successful as well as helping them establish a love for learning.
Job Titles:
- Special Education Teacher
Mrs. Barbara Durant taught in Mesa Public Schools for 24 years. After being retired for one year, she took the opportunity to teach for Leading Edge Academy. Mrs. Durant has a Bachelors Degree in Special Education from ASU and a Masters Degree in Counseling from NAU. Mrs. Durant has been married for over 36 years and has three daughters and 4 grandchildren. In her spare time, Mrs. Durant enjoys spending time with family, her pets, hiking and traveling.
Job Titles:
- Special Education Teacher
Mrs. Bonnie McCalley is married with 4 adult children. She is an almost native of Arizona and received her elementary and special education degrees from Northern Arizona University. Bonnie has been teaching children for over 20 years and believes all children have the ability to learn; some just need different techniques to reach their individual learning style.
Mrs. Charna Menker has a BA in History from Arizona State University. She has experience as a one-on-one aid, paraprofessional, substitute teacher, and now as a fourth grade teacher. This is her second year teaching full time at Leading Edge and her ninth year with a child at Leading Edge.
Mrs. Claudia Vergamini, a seasoned educator with an impressive 25 years of teaching experience, is excited to embark on her first year teaching 3rd grade at Leading Edge Academy. A graduate of Mid-America Nazarene University with a Bachelor's degree and the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a Master's degree, Mrs. Vergamini is deeply committed to nurturing the academic, emotional, and physical development of her students. She values collaboration with parents, recognizing them as a child's primary educators, and emphasizes high standards, effective classroom organization, and varied teaching methods. Building meaningful relationships with her students is central to her teaching ethos, and their daily interactions bring her immense joy. Outside the classroom, Mrs. Vergamini has a passion for quilting, sewing, reading, gardening, cooking, and baking. She eagerly anticipates connecting with students and their families and encourages them to reach out via Class DoJo or other communication channels for any inquiries or information.
Mrs. Connie Tinkam loves teaching and stretching children so that they reach their highest potential. She enjoys teaching project-based lessons and literature studies. She has over 16 years of teaching experience, holds an Arizona teaching certificate, and is Spalding certified. Connie has been teaching at Leading Edge Academy since 2012. She is married with children. She was formerly a missionary in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Her heroes are Jesus Christ, Corrie Tenboom, and Deitrich Bonhoeffer. Her hobbies include reading, DIY projects, and frugal shopping. Her favorite movie is Lord of the Rings and favorite TV show is Stargate SG1…but she loves any SciFi!
Mrs. Dallas Jandreau graduated from A.S.U with a B.A. in the Multilingual Multicultural program in Elementary Education. She has taught kindergarten at Monte Vista Elementary in the Creighton School District, was a substitute teacher in all grades K-7 in the Creighton school district, and taught pre-k at Totspot Preschool . She was hired at Leading Edge in December 2015. Mrs. Jandreau loves the culture here at Leading Edge Academy and looks forward to helping your child become the best learner they can be, while building character within. While not at school, Mrs. Jandreau loves spending time with her husband and twin boys. She also enjoys polynesian dancing and camping with her family.
Job Titles:
- Music & Performing Arts Teacher
Mrs. Denise Carlson proudly serves as the K-10 music teacher at East Mesa, bringing with her a rich tapestry of experiences spanning three decades. Hailing from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where she was born, raised, and educated, Mrs. Carlson embarked on her teaching journey in her hometown. Her path then led her to Las Vegas for three years before she settled in Arizona, drawn by the warmth of family. Over the years, she has enriched students with her musical expertise at three distinct schools in Arizona.
Outside the classroom, Mrs. Carlson has a penchant for cruises, engrossing reads, and reality TV shows-with "Big Brother," "Survivor," and "Amazing Race" topping her list. Her musical journey extends beyond teaching; she has graced various churches as an organist for over 35 years. The piano holds a special place in her heart, serving as both her favorite instrument and a source of relaxation. When she's not immersed in music, Mrs. Carlson delights in the theatrical performances at Gammage Auditorium. Above all, she eagerly anticipates witnessing the musical evolution of her students each year.
Mrs. Donna Pond is a graduate of Liberty University. Her degree is in Mathematics Education. She has been in education for 26 years. She has taught in Virginia, Japan, and Arizona. Her most recent experience was at Hamilton for the last 11 years. She also enjoyed a 6 week long term substitute position in Hawaii. She is married to a wonderful man and has two sons and one daughter, one very hyper dog, and a very shy guinea pig. Her hobbies are reading and music and enjoys playing different kinds of instruments.
Mrs. Gina Strasser has been working as an Administrative Assistant II for more than 26 years and has always worked in schools. She enjoys interacting with students and getting to know them. She loves antiquing and even has her own antique booth. She also enjoys reading, cooking and traveling. She has been married to her husband Bill for 16 years, has a 32 year old daughter and is a grandma to two cats, one who is blind.
Job Titles:
- Teacher
- Art & Yearbook Advisor
Mrs. Katie Bradley received her BA in Liberal Arts and Sciences from Wichita State University, majoring in English with a minor in Speech Communication. In 2011, Katie received her Master of Arts in Communication. From 2005-2009, Katie was a starter for the Div. 1, Wichita State Shockers' Volleyball Team and went on to play for Arizona's professional volleyball team, The Arizona Sizzle from 2013-2014. Katie coaches the Spartan's Varsity volleyball team, winning the 2013, D2 State Championship and received the "Coach of the Year" award. With both parents as art teachers, it came natural to love and teach art to others.
Mrs. Kristi Marcus has a wonderful husband named Kevin and a beautiful little girl named Khloe. She and her family moved to Arizona near the end of 2015 from Northern California. She worked in California as a Preschool Teacher and Director for 19 1/2 years. During that time, she found that she loves the Administrative side of Education. Kristi has an AA in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Child Development.
Mrs. Lora Cannegieter is a 3rd grade teacher at Leading Edge Academy Gilbert Elementary. She has been teaching since 2010 and has taught 1st-4th grades. She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Kennesaw State University in 2007. She went on to complete a Master's Degree in Education from Walden University in 2016. When not teaching, Mrs. Cannegieter likes to spend time with her family, travel, and read.
Mrs. Maria Mendoza grew up in Southwest Florida but moved to Arizona with her family right before the start of college. Ms. Phillips graduated with a B.A degree in Psychology with a minor in Child Development and a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, both from Arizona State University. She started teaching first grade at Leading Edge Academy East Mesa in 2009. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her lab/husky mix named Hurley. She also enjoys hiking, reading, going to the gym, cooking, and spending time with her friends and family.
Mrs. Melinda Erspamer proudly serves as Student Support for Leading Edge Academy, a role pivotal in guiding students through their social and emotional journeys. Drawing from her rich background in social work and advocacy, Melinda possesses a keen understanding of students' needs, approaching them holistically to ensure their well-being.
In 2022, Melinda, along with her husband and daughter, embraced a new chapter by relocating from Colorado Springs to Arizona. The move has been a refreshing change, and the family is thrilled to immerse themselves in the vibrant Arizona community. Melinda brings to Leading Edge Academy not only her passion but also her academic prowess, holding a Master's Degree in Social Work. Her diverse experience spans various advocacy roles, working closely with youth and families in schools, social services, and community outreach. This work with young individuals and their families fuels her passion, reinforcing her dedication to the students she serves.
Mrs. Nicole Fisher is currently teaching Kindergarten at the East Mesa Campus. She is originally from Toledo, Ohio where she was born and raised. She attended and graduated from The University of Toledo with her Bachelors in Early Childhood. She moved to Arizona almost 6 years ago to further pursue her teaching career. She has since then taught Pre-K for the last 5 years. Her favorite thing about Arizona is you don't have to shovel sunshine. She loves spending time with her husband and 3 year old son, especially watching football. Her favorite quote is " it takes a BIG heart to shape Little minds."
A proud native of Arizona, Mrs. Sylvia Garcia boasts an illustrious academic background, having graduated from ASU and later earning her Masters in Education from Grand Canyon University. Sylvia's roots run deep in Apache Junction, where she has resided for 16 years, raising her two teenage daughters and serving her community with pride as an educator.
Her teaching journey is both extensive and diverse, spanning over 25 years. Mrs. Garcia's commitment to education took her beyond borders as a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, where she taught English in Eastern Europe. Her passion for teaching has been enriched by her travels and experiences in various countries, bringing a global perspective to her classroom. Outside of her professional realm, Sylvia's zest for life is evident in her love for Salsa dancing and singing. Each day, she channels her international experiences and unwavering passion into nurturing and inspiring her students.
Mrs. Tanya Owen has been a teacher at GEC since 2019 but has worked as a long-term sub and paraeducator since 2014. Tanya received her Bachelor's degree in 2010 from Ashford University, now an extension of University of Arizona, Tucson where she was proud to be awarded Summa cum laude. After years in the behavioral health field, she decided to make the change to teaching, as it has been a passion of hers since 3rd grade. Mrs. Owen became highly qualified in the summer of 2019 and is proud to be a Spartan!
Mrs. Tracie Kruszeski and her husband relocated to Arizona from the Albany, NY area in September 2015. She graduated from the College of Saint Rose in Albany in May 1999 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education. Tracie taught in a 3rd-5th grade 15:1:1 classroom in Gloversville, NY at the beginning of her career. She later moved on to teach a 9th-12th grade 12:1:1 classroom in Stillwater, NY. Tracie took a break from the classroom and did in home teaching for special needs infants, toddlers and preschoolers through Head Start in Saratoga Springs, NY. She is excited to be teaching at Leading Edge Academy as well as being back in the classroom again.
Mrs. Tricia Nichols is a certified educator with experience in both public and charter school settings. At Leading Edge Academy, she has had the privilege of teaching both kindergarten and 2nd grade. Mrs. Nichols places the utmost importance on ensuring that every student has a secure learning environment where they feel valued and can achieve academic success. Beyond her dedication in the classroom, she has a passion for reading and fitness. Additionally, she holds a deep affection for animals.
Ms. Cynthia Pierce joined the Leading Edge family in 2012 after teaching for 11 years in the private sector. She has a BSBA and AZ teaching certification and has taught K-8th grades (with the exception of second). While Cynthia is not busy teaching she enjoys traveling with her family, reading, gardening, and being involved in volunteer opportunities.
Ms. Diane Krueger has taught 2nd Grade at Leading Edge Academy since the fall of 2011. She absolutely loves 2nd Graders and has spent almost all of her 21 years of teaching at this grade. She earned her BS in Education from Baylor University, holds her Arizona Department of Education Certificate for teaching at the elementary K-8 level, and is Arizona Highly Qualified at the K-3 level. She and her wonderful husband, Steve, have been married for thirty years. In her time away from the classroom, Diane enjoys learning more about education, reading, knitting, and finding treasures at local estate and garage sales.
Ms. Jessica Fox grew up in upstate New York (Rochester) and moved to Arizona in 2011. Having studied many instruments and being a member in several bands for years, she started college in a music education program. However, in her 3rd year she felt she needed to switch to art as she had been naturally an artist her whole life. She ended up choosing art history and loves it. She went on to earn a Masters in Art History from Syracuse University in 2010 and later attended the Rio Salado Teacher Education program in Phoenix. Her goal is to inspire kids to try new things with art and be exposed to topics through art history references. "The more we learn to really SEE, to QUESTION, to THINK and to TRY, the better."
Ms. Mindy Nelson is originally from Miami, Florida where she was born and raised. She moved to Arizona in 2009 and loves it! She currently lives in Gilbert with her very large Boerboel named Dembe. She graduated from Florida State University and remains an avid Seminoles fan. Mrs. Nelson has been teaching for over 25 years and has taught every grade (with the exception of first) kindergarten up to tenth grade. She loves photography and is a big gamer nerd playing Dungeons and Dragons in her spare time.
Ms. Shea Watkins is originally from the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. She moved to Arizona to avoid the cold winters and earn her Bachelor's degree from Arizona State University. Ms. Watkins has had a passion for helping students succeed since her first job as a math tutor, and is elated to be pursuing that dream here at Leading Edge Academy! In her free time Ms. Watkins enjoys thrifting, crocheting, and attempting escape rooms with friends - though most of that free time is actually taken up at home, spending time with her cat Elephant.
Ms. Stella Calles has been teaching for over twenty years both at charter schools and public schools. She is a graduate of Arizona State University with a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a Multicultural Emphasis. She is also a Bilingual/ESL endorsed teacher. She enjoys working with the students and their families and always encourage parents to come and visit the classroom.
Job Titles:
- History - Athletic Director
Mrs. Nikki Austin Foster has taught at Leading Edge Academy since 2004. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Arizona State University. She has taught elementary, middle school and high school. She enjoys reading, traveling and playing softball. She is the head coach of the Lady Spartans varsity softball team and also has coached the junior high boys basketball team. She enjoys the opportunity to teach your children and share her passion of history and the world with them!
Mr. Harris is now in his second year of teaching Science at Leading Edge Academy-East Mesa. Before this, he was part of the Leading Edge family at the Gilbert Campus, where he served both as a teacher and a volleyball coach. With 11 years of teaching experience under his belt, Mr. Harris has taught at various levels: 2 ½ years at the high school level and earlier roles at Chandler Gilbert Community College, Grand Canyon University, and Park University-Gilbert. He earned his Bachelor's in Athletic Training from Grand Canyon University and a Master's in Human Movement from AT Still University. Mr. Harris is passionate about teaching kids the wonders of science, helping them understand how the world works and our role within it.
Sarah Whitney has worked with students of all ages for the past 14 years ranging from birth to 12 years old. She received her Bachelors in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University in 2018. Since then she has worked for Leading Edge Academy, and loves every minute she has with her wonderful students. Sarah is a mother to 3 boys herself and is married to her high school sweetheart. Sarah believes her students inspire her everyday and that she is blessed to work with such an amazing staff at the East Mesa Campus.
Ms. Sherreis Moreland has been in the field of education since 2001. She has a Master's in Education Administration and a Bachelor's in Family Resources and Human Development. Ms. Moreland has five years teaching experience and moved to administration in 2007. Ms. Moreland is passionate about all children having access to high quality education programs.
Job Titles:
- Junior High Receptionist - Admin
Tabatha Queen went to college for Early Childhood Development and Computer Programming. She worked closely with mentally and physically challenged children for 12 years in NC. She is certified in CPR, as well as other medical certifications. She taught preschool after moving to AZ and worked as an IA (paraprofessional) for 4 years at LEA Gilbert campus with varying grades 2nd-6th. This year she changed gears a little and is currently working as the admin/receptionist for the Gilbert Campus, Jr High office.
Mrs. Tamara Washington began working at Leading Edge in 2017. She's originally from Detroit, MI and relocated to Arizona with her family in 2007. She has taught in ministry for approximately 18 years. She received her Associates Degree in Hospitality Management from the University of Phoenix and continued on to earn a BS in Business Administration from Capella University. She is currently working on her Master's Degree at Grand Canyon University. Although she enjoys teaching, she absolutely loves learning. She strongly believes that life is only 10% of what happens to you, the other 90% is how you react to it.
Job Titles:
- Art Teacher
- Professional Artist
Tara Gamel has been a professional artist for over 18 years and has been teaching young artists for over 10 years! She found her love for art at a young age and now enjoys being able to continue to create original work and inspire the younger generation to appreciate and enjoy the arts!
Taylor was born in Illinois but has spent most of her life here in Arizona. She graduated from Arizona State University. In her free time she enjoys reading, painting and spending time outdoors.
Tyler Brines is the Middle School Social Studies teacher at LEAD East Mesa. He attended ASU for both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in History and Secondary Education respectively. He enjoys all things History related, and has a special interest in the Medieval and Renaissance periods. Tyler enjoys spending time with his wife and three dogs.
Virginia Flores has had the privilege of being an educator for an incredible 19 years. Throughout her career, she's had the honor of making a positive impact on the lives of many students, helping them on their educational journeys. Beyond her work, her heart belongs to her amazing family, which includes her loving husband and their six wonderful children. Family is everything to Virginia, and she cherishes every moment spent together, creating precious memories that will last a lifetime. When not in the classroom or with her family, you'll often find her on the softball field. Whether pitching or playing in the outfield, Virginia is fueled by her passion for the game and the camaraderie of her teammates. Another passion is crafting. Whether it's sewing, painting, or any other form of artistic expression, she finds immense joy in bringing her creative ideas to life.