Meet our leadership team

Mr. Salk joined Rancho Solano in 2015. He has 17 years of private school administrative experience specializing in operations, finance, facilities management, admissions, development, and marketing. Mr. Salk has a BS in Marketing from the University of Arizona and earned his MBA from the University of Phoenix.

Mrs. Goethe joined Rancho Solano in 2015 with 25 years of experience in Middle School education and holds a BA in Political Science and a MA in Education. It is her passion and absolute joy to work with middle school-aged children. Mrs. Goethe has successfully built schools based upon best practices in education, which are founded in adolescent development.

Mr. Brown has been teaching for the last 26 years including public, private, and community college schools. Mr. Brown holds a BA in Biological Sciences as well as Physical Education and earned his Master’s Degree from Northern Arizona University in Exercise Physiology. Mr. Brown joined RS in the fall of 2010 from Glendale Community College. Prior to becoming the Upper School Principal, he taught IB Biology and Anatomy Physiology.

Dr. Mark Culbertson has been a school principal for 14 years in both private and public school settings. He earned a Masters in Elementary Education from Arizona State University, a Masters in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University, and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Grand Canyon University. He has been married to his beautiful wife for 23 years and has two fantastic kids, a 22-year-old daughter and an 18-year-old son. In his free time, he enjoys mountain biking, hiking, and traveling with his family.

Coach Trigg joined Rancho Solano in 2013 as Athletic Director and Head Boys Basketball Coach. Since his arrival, the Athletic Department has grown into one of the top small school programs in Arizona. In the past seven years Trigg has led the addition of seven new sports and each year the program has set new records for participation. On the playing field, the Mustangs have seen incredible success in winning four State Championships, and 20+ team and individual State Tournament appearances. As the Boys Basketball coach, Trigg has led one of the largest program turnarounds in Arizona history, taking the program from a 2-20 record in his first season to winning two State Championships (2018, 2020), while assisting numerous athletes to play collegiately. Coach Trigg is passionate about the role athletics plays in the overall education of all students and his goal is for all athletes to become Scholar-Athletes of high character prepared for lifelong success. Trigg is a graduate and Hall of Honor member of Gordon College (B.A. Finance and Business Administration) and of the DeVos Sports Business Management Program at the University of Central Florida (MBA; MSBM). While at UCF Trigg was a member of The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sports and Co-Authored two “Racial and Gender Report Cards” with world renowned social justice pioneer Dr. Richard Lapchick.

Ms. Myzwinski joined Rancho Solano the Rancho Solano admissions team during the 2016-17 school year. After spending a decade in the Chicago area in private school enrollment management, Ms. Myzwinski returned to her hometown of Scottsdale to continue her love of assisting families with finding the right school environment for their students. Ms. Myzwinski holds a BA from California Lutheran University and an MA in Statistics and Cross Cultural Education from the University of Chicago.

Ms. Brinson joined Rancho in August 2024. Before joining Rancho, she gained valuable experience working in recruitment and events at a private university. She is a proud summa cum laude graduate of Arizona State University with a bachelor's degree in Tourism Development and Management. In her free time, Ms. Brinson enjoys traveling and exploring new places.

Mrs. Wyrowski is passionate about creating a school experience that is supportive, enriching, and joyful. She has been a proud member of the Rancho community since 2016 and holds a MS in Education from the University of Kansas. Mrs. Wyrowski is trained in Restorative Practices and has international teaching experience, which enriches her perspective and approach to supporting students.

Mr. Kotila joined Rancho Solano in 2015 with 15 years of experience in Middle School education. He holds an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State University and a BA in Mass Communications with a specification in Graphic and Web Design from Principia College. He is passionate about teaching students and working with them to learn real-world skills.

Mrs. Kimberley Marchisotto brings 28 years of experience in education, having served as a Teacher, Assistant Principal, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and Head of School. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Arizona State University, a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University, and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University.

In addition to her school-based leadership roles, Kimberley has worked as a curriculum consultant with the Core Knowledge Foundation, where she has had the opportunity to train and support schools across the United States.

Outside of her professional work, Kimberley enjoys spending time with her three dogs, attending concerts and theater productions, and following soccer.

Mrs. Ferry joined Rancho in 2020 and fulfilled the roles of substitute teacher, Social Studies teacher for Grades 4-5, and  5th-grade teacher. She taught in the Chicagoland area for 10 years, helped build a charter school, and did data consulting for various charter schools in Chicago. She has a BA in Community Health Education from Southern Illinois University where she was also in the swim division 1. She also has an M.eD. in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Illinois, as well as an Administrative Certification from DePaul University. Mrs. Ferry loves to travel, lead an active lifestyle, and spend time with her husband and daughters.

Ms. Michelle Sprinkle has been in Early Childhood Education since 2009. She holds a BA in Elementary Education from Illinois State University with ECE Director Credentials and a Family Service Worker Certificate. Ms. Sprinkle has had many roles such as teacher, Education Coordinator, Assistant Director, Program Director, and Family Service Worker. She has a great passion for leading teachers to be the best they can be for each child and family at our school. Ms. Sprinkle strives to create a positive school community where everyone is welcome!

Mrs. Schutz joins Rancho Solano with six years of experience in college admissions at the University of Chicago, where she also earned her B.A. in International Studies. In addition to her work in admissions - recruiting students and reading thousands of applications - she spent two years teaching English in Mozambique. Mrs. Schutz is passionate about guiding students through the college search process, emphasizing fit, and empowering them to express their unique voice in their college essays.

Ms. Laura Lorenz brings a wealth of experience and deep cultural insight to her work in mental health and education. She has served as a trauma therapist for the Navajo Nation and Indian Health Services in Flagstaff, Arizona, and as a Native American counselor for the Yavapai Nation. A proud Chahta (Choctaw) woman, Laura remains actively engaged with Native American communities and is a strong advocate for culturally grounded approaches to healing.

Ms. Strimbu joined Rancho Solano in 2022 with over 13 years of experience in K-12 education as a school counselor, prevention specialist, and behavior interventionist. Ms. Strimbu earned a BS in Family and Human Development from Arizona State University an M.Ed. from Bowling Green State University. Ms. Strimbu is trained in crisis counseling, motivational interviewing, and prevention education.

Ms. Sidney holds Master’s degrees in both Psychology and School Counseling, and has spent many rewarding years working as a counselor in both schools and private practice. Her heart lies in helping children discover their strengths, supporting parents, and building connections that help our entire community thrive.

Ms. Babcock is an elementary school counselor with over fifteen years of educational experience. She loves being part of the Rancho community. Ms. Babcock earned a BS in Elementary Education with endorsements in math, science, and French from Western Michigan University. In May 2006, she earned an MA in School and Clinical Counseling from Oakland University. Before working at Rancho Solano, she was an award-winning elementary school teacher and also worked as a family and child clinician in the mental health field.

Mr. Brown began teaching in 2006 and joined Rancho Solano as an educator in 2017. As a member of the Media Arts Department, he taught courses in computer science, podcasting, web design, information technology, and yearbook. He holds a BA in Education with an emphasis in History from Arizona State University and an MA in Educational Technology from Northern Arizona University. Mr. Brown now proudly serves as the Director of Technology and Chair of the Media Arts Department.

Mr. Strickland joined Rancho Solano in 2015 and has been teaching middle school for more than 20 years. He has an M.Ed. in Educational Technology from Northern Arizona University and a BA in Elementary Education from Arizona State University. He has taught various subjects in the past including Math and English, and History.

Mr. Brown joined Rancho Solano in 2025, bringing more than ten years of professional experience in sales and marketing. He holds a Masters in Sports Law and Business from Arizona State University's Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law and currently serves on the program’s Alumni Advisory Board. Originally from Minnesota, Mr. Brown was a member of the men's basketball team at St. Cloud State University and has called Arizona home for the past 10 years.

Mrs. Holland joined Rancho Solano in October 2025, bringing years of experience in admissions, outreach, and higher education recruitment. A summa cum laude graduate of Arizona State University, she holds a degree in Community Advocacy and Social Policy. Mrs. Holland is passionate about creating organized, transparent, and student-centered recordkeeping systems that help families and staff navigate the enrollment process with ease. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her family, volunteering with a local rabbit rescue, and watching movies.

Mrs. Crane has a BBA in Marketing from Texas A&M University. After raising two boys and being active in PTO groups, she enjoys working at Rancho! She and her husband relocated to Arizona in 2021.

Ms. Canavan graduated from Grand Canyon University in 2021 with a BA in Educational studies. She has over 10 years of experience in child care. She enjoys working out, cooking and spending time with her family.

Ms. Jessica joins Rancho Solano with 20 years of experience in education, operations, and student support. She holds a BA in French and a BS in Merchandising from Northern Arizona University and has earned a TEFL certification. Her international background includes studying abroad in France and teaching English in Italy, experiences that deepened her appreciation for language, culture, and building meaningful connections. Ms. Jessica is passionate about creating a warm and welcoming environment where students, families, and staff feel supported.

Mrs. Mercier has worked with children for 20 years in preschools, elementary and Junior High Schools.  She has a teaching credential from Cal State Fullerton, California and a certification for the AVID program and feels teaching young children is very rewarding in watching them grow and develop through the years.

Ms. Zausmer joins Rancho Solano in August 2026 with more than 21 years of nursing experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and most recently served as the school nurse at a K-8 school. Ms. Zausmer values supporting the health and well-being of students so they are ready to learn each day.

Mrs. Gordon joined Rancho in 2020 with over fifteen years of experience in Early Childhood Education. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Arizona State University. Mrs. Gordon is passionate about teaching preschool and partnering with families. When not at school, she enjoys spending time with her children, traveling, and volunteering in her community.

Ms. Johnson joined the Rancho Team in 2021 with 5+ years of experience in Early Child Development and specializes in Play therapy. She started her career in Early Child Development in 2007 as an elementary volunteer tutor. Her journey truly began when she volunteered for a 2-year service as an AmeriCorps VISTA where she built long-lasting partnerships between schools, organizations, and communities through the development of sustainable projects and programs. Ms. Johnson has an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis on Childhood and Adolescence Disorders from Grand Canyon University and a BA in Psychology from Arizona State University.

Ms. Leon is excited to join Rancho Solano as a PreK 2 Classroom teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Northern Arizona University, with a minor in Psychology, and a Montessori certification for ages 0–3. She has over two years of experience working with children in educational settings and is passionate about educating the whole child, believing that children thrive when their emotional, social, physical, and intellectual development are supported together. She is committed to creating a nurturing classroom environment where students feel encouraged, confident, and empowered to learn and grow.

Ms. Christian joined Rancho Solano in 2023. She has been a teacher in public and private schools for over 25 years, and her teaching experience includes preschool, art education K-8, and special education. Ms. Christian has a BA in Fine Art from Missouri Southern State University, Joplin, and is working on an MA in Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education. She loves learning and creating a positive learning environment, focusing on building relationships and a strong community. Ms. Christian loves to spend time outdoors hiking with her dog, attending her grandson’s basketball games, and doing arts and crafts.

Ms. Petras joined Rancho Solano in 2010. This is her second career as she is also a Registered Nurse with 25 years of experience. She has a BS in Nursing from the University of Phoenix and a BA in Management from Eckerd College in Florida. She graduated from the Cardiovascular Nurse Specialist program at the Arizona Heart Institute. She has been teaching preschool for 12 years and loves her students. She is an author and she loves photography.

Miss Tai has been teaching for almost four years and has worked with preschool-aged children between the ages of 3 and 8. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood from Mayville State University and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree. Miss Tai is passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences that nurture each child's curiosity, confidence, and sense of belonging.

Mrs. Erskine was born in Glendale, Arizona and raised in Brussels, Belgium. She earned her master’s degree in philosophy from the Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium. She is fluent in both English and French and aspires to improve her Spanish. She joins us from the International School of Arizona where she taught from 2006 to 2009, then moved back to Belgium before returning to Arizona and the International School of Arizona from 2016 to 2023. She has taught 2-, 3-, and 4-year old's. Mrs. Erskine loves teaching because she can help shape beautiful little minds and see the kids growing into amazing people. In her free time, she loves to cook, make Sourdough bread, and find the best restaurants in town. She is a foodie at heart! Ms. Erskine also loves to travel and spend time with friends and family.

Mrs. McMahon started teaching at Rancho Solano in 2021. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Arizona State University in 2001. She enjoys teaching PreK-4 and strives to give her students the best academic foundation possible while being creative and having fun with her students!

Ms. Ramsey has been teaching for two years and joined Rancho Solano in 2022. She is a former Rancho Solano student from 2003-2018 and graduated from the Ventura Campus. Ms. Ramsey holds a BS in Anthropology from Arizona State University and plans to earn her master’s degree in Elementary Education.

Ms. Chelse has 13 years of experience working with children ranging from preschool to high school and especially enjoys working with younger age groups. In addition to classroom support during the school year, she has worked in after-school programs, assisted with summer school, and managed her own classroom during the summer. She took a short break to explore a different field but realized how much she missed working with kids and is excited to return to education.

Mrs. Grant joined Rancho Solano in 2010. She was introduced to Rancho when her grandchildren attended the school. She is originally from South Africa, where she owned her own business. She loves working with children of all ages. She worked summer camp at Rancho for seven years where she received the special teacher recognition award and was featured on the local news Channel 12. Mrs. Grant has been married for over 50 years and enjoys being with her family. During the summers, she spends time with her grandchildren who live in California.

Mr. Guardado has enjoyed working with children for the past two years, primarily with ages 3-5. He is passionate about supporting young learners and enjoys watching them grow and develop throughout the school year.  Outside of school, he loves being a father of two littles and enjoys fitness. Mr. G also has a special interest in cars, especially mustangs.

Ms. Medina is thrilled to support Rancho’s Pre-K program this year. She has been working in early childhood education since 2022 and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Arizona State University. She has a true passion for helping children learn through play while discovering their unique strengths and abilities.

As a teacher’s aide, Leyana enjoys fostering a positive classroom community and supporting each child’s academic, social, and emotional growth. Outside of school, she enjoys exercising, spending time with her chihuahua, and exploring new places. She is excited to get to know the students and families and looks forward to a wonderful year together.

Miss A has five years of experience teaching students across all grade levels, but her true passion has always been working with preschoolers. She loves watching young children grow, build confidence, and discover their unique abilities. Miss A holds an associate degree in Early Childhood Education and plans to continue her education at ASU, with the goal of becoming an elementary school teacher. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys reading and spending time crafting.

Miss Reading joined Rancho Solano in 2026. Originally from Massachusetts, Miss Reading began working in Early Childhood Education while in high school. Her classroom teaching experience includes toddler through fifth grade, including special education. Miss Reading is passionate about working with children to develop their ability to learn and grow in a safe and welcoming environment. Miss Reading holds a BA in Sociology and Social Change with a minor in Social Work. In her free time, she loves to cook, enjoy the outdoors and spending time with her family. 

Ms. Deb has 4 years of teaching experience and joined Rancho Solano in 2026. She has taught second and fifth grade. Ms. Deb holds a BA in Elementary Education from Central Michigan University.  She loves to witness the wonder and curiosity in young children as they explore and discover the world around them.

Ms. Wilson has worked with children for over 25 years. She joined Rancho in 2022, after retiring as a Child Specialist. Ms. Wilson is also a foster parent who has adopted 5 siblings. She holds an AA and BA in Behavioral Health. Ms. Wilson loves working with children to ensure growth and development.

Mrs. Baird joined Rancho Solano in 2022 and is in her fourth year of teaching. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood and Family Studies from The University of Washington and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from City University of Seattle. Mrs. Baird is passionate about creating a loving and welcoming environment where her students feel safe to grow socially and academically. She also enjoys cultivating strong relationships with families as they experience a memorable year of Kindergarten.

Ms. Sabrina Leal holds a Bachelor's degree in Speech Pathology from Northern Arizona University and an Arizona State Teaching Certificate. While this is her first year at Rancho Solano, she brings with her five years of experience teaching kindergarten—a grade level she is truly passionate about.

Ms. Stine joins Rancho Solano after completing her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education at Northern Arizona University. She has several years of experience working in early childhood education as a preschool teacher, substitute teacher, and most recently, a full-time student teacher in a kindergarten classroom. Ms. Stine is passionate about helping young learners grow through curiosity, creativity, and a strong foundation in both academics and social-emotional skills.

Mrs. Wahl joined Rancho Solano in 2015. She has ten years of experience in early childhood education. She holds a BA in Early Childhood and Special Needs Education from Arizona State University and a minor in Communications. She is passionate about teaching Kindergarten and feels it’s a privilege to be a part of her student’s learning journey.

Mrs. Krick joined Rancho Solano after teaching Kindergarten during the 2024–2025 school year. She holds a BA in Communications with a minor in Studio Art from Samford University. Mrs. Krick is passionate about creating engaging classroom experiences that inspire curiosity and creativity. She enjoys helping students develop confidence, a love of learning, and skills that support their growth both inside and outside the classroom. 

Ms. Pappas is joining Rancho Solano this upcoming academic school year. She graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Early Childhood Development. She has a few years of previous experience working at an after school daycare program and as a student aide. She aspires to help children fundamentally grow inside the classroom! 

Ms. Terzic holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Arizona State University. She has 5 years of experience working with children in a variety of educational settings, including as a classroom aide, general aide, and substitute teacher. Through these experiences, she has worked with students across different grade levels and subjects and has developed a passion for creating positive, supportive, and engaging learning environments.

Mrs. Dang holds a BA in Early Childhood Education from Ottawa University. This is her 6th year with Rancho & 14th year being involved in the Early Childhood Education setting. Mrs. Dang is incredibly passionate about early childhood education and making sure her students have the best foundation for their academic journey. In her free time, she enjoys nature photography, hiking, camping, off-roading, crafting, and spending time with her family.

Mrs. Kennard comes to us from BASIS Goodyear Primary, where she recently taught First Grade as a Learning Expert Teacher. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Development and Education from The Ohio State University and obtained her teaching licensure from Indiana Wesleyan University. With 7 years of teaching experience, Mrs. Kennard enjoys outdoor activities, spending time with her family, and reading.

Ms. May came to us in 2024 from Wichita, Kansas. She graduated with honors from Grand Canyon University, earning a B.S. in Psychology, and recently completed her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from the same institution. Ms. May brings three years of experience as a teaching assistant and early childhood aide at Wichita Collegiate School. Known for her creativity and passion for calligraphy, she has always enjoyed dance and musical theater since childhood. She is thrilled to be part of the Rancho Solano community.

Mrs. Padilla has over fifteen years of experience in childcare. Mrs. Padilla graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Elementary Education and a Structured English Immersion endorsement.

Christina Johnson is entering her fifth year of full-time teaching. In addition to her classroom experience, she has worked in education as a coach and aide since graduating from high school in 2018. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Arizona State University and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education.

Christina is deeply passionate about early childhood education and supporting young learners as they grow and develop. Coming from a family of educators, teaching has always been an important part of her life.

Mrs. Liebentritt joins the Rancho team with years of experience teaching second grade at an A+ school and also a National Blue Ribbon school. Mrs. Liebentritt grew up in the Midwest and attended Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio where she received her BA in Early Childhood Education. Mrs. Liebentritt moved to Scottsdale in 2007 and began teaching second grade. She continued her education and has an Elementary Education degree along with a reading endorsement and a Structured English Immersion endorsement.

Mrs. Santa Maria brings over a decade of experience in human resources, where she honed her skills in communication, leadership development, and training. For the past two years, she was at Cherokee Elementary. She recently earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education. Outside of school, Mrs. Santa Maria enjoys traveling, playing board games, and hiking with her family.

Ms. Stannard was born and raised in Arizona. She attended Arizona State University and got her BA in Elementary Education. This will be her seventh year as an educator and her first year at Rancho Solano. Miss Stannard loves teaching and being a part of her student's educational journey.

Ms. Modesto earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Utah, graduating in 2018. Since moving to Phoenix in 2020, she has spent the past five years teaching at a traditional elementary school.

Ms. Ramsey has been teaching for over 25 years and joined Rancho Solano in 1996. She has taught the second through fifth grades throughout the years. Ms. Ramsey holds a BA in Elementary Education as well as Computer Sciences from Arizona State University and earned her Master’s Degree in Mathematics K-5 Curriculum Design from Walden University.

Ms. Smith joined Rancho Solano in 2021 with 14 years experience in the elementary classroom. She holds a BS in Early Childhood Education from Arizona State University. Ms. Smith’s goal for every school year is to create a safe and fun learning environment in which every student can succeed. A place where children are challenged to reach their full potential and think outside the box. She believes the only way to do this is to forge strong bonds within the classroom where every child feels safe and loved.

Ms.Bagai will be joining Rancho Solano with 15 years of experience in education, including the past 5 years teaching at the elementary level. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a Master’s in Business Administration. Passionate about teaching, she is dedicated to creating a learning environment that encourages growth, curiosity, confidence, and student success. She believes in making learning engaging and meaningful for every student. She is excited to join the Rancho Solano community and looks forward to utilizing her experience and passion for education to contribute to the continued growth and success of the school and its students.

Mrs. Bush has spent the past seven years teaching and helping students grow in confidence and curiosity. She has taught first through eighth grade throughout her career. Building strong relationships with students and families is the heart of her teaching. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in Spanish from Walla Walla University. Outside of work, Mrs. Bush enjoys traveling, paddle boarding, reading, and baking.

Ms. Severson is a recent graduate of Grand Canyon University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Her time at Grand Canyon provided her with valuable classroom experience that ignited her passion for teaching.

Mrs. Kate Wildfong was born and raised in Russia. She earned her master’s degree in Education from Pskov State University, Russia and is fluent in both Russian and English. Kate has seven years of teaching experience and has worked with students in 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grades. She recently moved from Michigan and is currently pursuing certification in Behavior Analysis through Arizona State University. She is most passionate about student growth and helping each learner reach their full potential.

Ms. Bell is an Arizona native with a true passion for education. She earned her degree from Arizona State University in Elementary Education, holds a K-5 Reading endorsement, and is a proud Teach For America Alum. Going into her 6th year, Ms. Bell thrives on building connections with her students so that she can nurture a love for learning within them that sparks curiosity, excitement, empowerment and fosters growth.

Mrs. Magana is excited to join Rancho Solano this year. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature from Arizona State University and an Associate’s Degree in Elementary Education. She has seven years of teaching experience, primarily in middle school English, and has worked with students in grades K–8. In addition, she has over 15 years of experience working with children. She is passionate about building strong relationships with her students and creating a supportive classroom environment where children feel confident, challenged, and excited to learn.

Ms. Calynne Rosholt holds a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Early Education and Family and Human Development from Arizona State University. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Elementary Education at Grand Canyon University.

Ms. Wilkerson holds a BS in Psychology from Arizona State University and brings over 25 years of teaching experience to the classroom. She began her career in dance education, working with students of all ages and helping to build dance programs in schools and youth organizations. Her background also includes work in adolescent behavioral health, where she developed activity-based programs to support emotional and social growth.

Mrs. Brewster holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Western Michigan University, and a Master of Arts in Teaching in Reading and Language Arts from Oakland University.  Her classroom teaching experience includes kindergarten, first grade, and special education. Mrs. Brewster cultivates a love of learning by fostering a sense of wonder and joy with her students. She believes in creating a heart-centered classroom, focused on building relationships and a strong community.

Mrs. Mayeux has taught students from two years old to adults for 16 years and has worked at public and private schools. She earned her BA from Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora in Ciudad Obregon Sonora, Mexico in Accounting. Her classes are taught by optimizing immersion using storytelling through visuals, gestures, acting out the stories, reading, writing, songs, and games. This methodology of teaching a foreign language is called TPRS® and helps learners acquire a language through storytelling and repetition. She wants her classroom to be a fun and welcoming environment for all her students.

Mr. Hamel is an experienced educator and STEM facilitator with more than 25 years of experience in education and school leadership. He is looking forward to becoming the new STEM Facilitator at Rancho Solano, where he plans to engage students in hands-on learning experiences that encourage creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, and technology integration.

Mr. Hamel holds multiple advanced degrees and certifications in educational leadership, gifted education, English language learning, and curriculum development, including a Master of Education in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University. Throughout his career, he has served as a teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, and district gifted educator within Alhambra Elementary School District.

He is passionate about helping students grow academically, socially, and emotionally while preparing them for future success in a rapidly changing world. Outside of school, Mr. Hamel enjoys running, hiking, biking, sports, and volunteering with youth and community organizations.

Ms. Nyabela has been in education for over 25 years and joined Rancho Solano in 2020. She has been a teacher, administrator and instructional coach for preschool and kindergarten, and has experience teaching 1st through 3rd grades. Ms. Nyabela earned a BA in Philosophy from Ripon College.  She then completed post graduate studies at California State University where she specialized in Early Childhood Education.  She also holds a master’s degree in Educational Technology from University of Central Missouri.  She is thrilled to have the opportunity to expose young learners to STEM education.

Ms. Urich holds a Bachelor's degree in Education from Northern Arizona University and brings over 20 years of experience working with youth of all ages. She is deeply passionate about guiding students as they explore scientific concepts and develop creative solutions to real-world challenges.

Mrs. Behrana joined Rancho Solano in 2022 and has been teaching Elementary Art Education for 7+ years. She earned her Bachelor of Design from IVSAA with a major in print design and minor in apparel design. Prior to her role at Rancho Solano, Mrs. Behrana was an art teacher at Great Hearts -Archway Scottsdale and was also a lead teacher for Pre-school at La Petite academy. Mrs. Behrana loves inspiring young artists and is excited to be a part of the Rancho community.

Mrs. Hannah Carter joins Rancho Solano as a passionate and experienced K–8 art educator with 18 years of experience in both early childhood and primary education. She holds a BFA in Printmaking from The University of the Arts and has taught across a range of educational settings, from preschool to middle school, with a focus on interdisciplinary learning and creative expression. Mrs. Carter brings a deep commitment to nurturing student creativity and building inclusive, student-centered learning environments. Her professional journey is grounded in fostering artistic confidence, celebrating diversity, and connecting visual arts with meaningful real-world learning.

Ms. Rena has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Arizona and has been teaching youth art classes for 6 years. In addition to her teaching career, she enjoys traveling, learning new skills, and collecting houseplants!

Ms. Cook is excited to join the Rancho Solano family with four years of teaching experience in music and musical theatre. She earned her BA in Music Education from Claflin University and MM in Musical Theatre from Arizona State University. Her passion includes teaching and performing.

Mrs. Goldthwaite joined Rancho Solano in 2026 as the 1st–3rd grade music teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Music and has 8 years of experience teaching piano and voice, along with 3 years of experience teaching K–8 music in schools. She is passionate about helping students build confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of music through singing, movement, instruments, and musical exploration. Mrs. Goldthwaite enjoys creating engaging lessons that help students feel successful, expressive, and connected in the classroom. Outside of teaching, she enjoys singing, crochet, and other creative projects.

Ms. Khalil is thrilled to have joined the Rancho Solano family in 2018. Ms. Khalil has over 18 years of educational experience and has taught theatre, English, and General Music/Musical Theatre to Pre-K, 3rd Grade, and High School. She graduated from Ottawa University with her Education degree and has a BM from Arizona State University.

Mrs. Gutiérrez holds a Bachelor’s in Educational Studies from GCU and is currently completing her Master’s in ELE (Español como Lengua Extranjera) through VIU - Valencia International University - Valencia, Spain. Having taught every level from introductory Spanish to AP, she brings a wealth of experience to the classroom. Mrs. Gutiérrez is passionate about cultural immersion and inspires her students to explore the world with the mindset of a lifelong traveler.

Miss Kaim was born in France and lived in California for 16 years before moving to Arizona in 2022. She brings over 15 years of experience working with children in bilingual and multicultural environments and previously worked at San Diego French American School before joining the International School of Arizona, where she recently serves as a Head Teacher.

Fluent in French, English, and Spanish, Miss Kaim is passionate about different cultures and deeply committed to supporting children’s emotional well-being by creating caring and inclusive environments where every child feels safe, confident, and valued. She believes strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues are essential to helping children grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

Miss Kaim loves the outdoors and enjoys exploring new places and cultures. She loves traveling, hiking, paddleboarding, reading, and sports in general.

Mrs. Ning is an experienced Mandarin Chinese educator with over 20 years of teaching and school leadership experience in both the United States and China. She has taught students in private schools, church-based programs, immersion settings, and community education programs across multiple grade levels. Mrs. Ning holds a BA in English from Jilin International Language and Culture College in China and also holds a professional certification in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language (TCFL).

Mrs. Ning enjoys sharing language and culture through storytelling, music, movement, and interactive classroom activities. She enjoys creating a warm and engaging classroom environment and working with students and families.

Coach G holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Grand Canyon University. This will be Coach G's 2nd year at Rancho. Prior to teaching full-time Coach G served as a full-time substitute teacher at Rancho. He is excited to teach and instill the importance of living an active and healthy lifestyle to his students.

Coach Lyttle has 10 years of Physical Education teaching experience. At university, she studied Sports Science and completed her Physical Education teacher training degree at the University of Southampton, in the UK. She is passionate about all sports and physical activity, with a vision of supporting her students to live healthy active lifestyles.

Ms. Joyce has a BS in Early Childhood Education from Kent State University, and an MA in Teaching: Reading and Language Arts from Oakland University.

Mrs. Robinson holds a BA in Elementary Education as well as Psychology from Kean University in New Jersey. Mrs. Robinson has been teaching for over 20 years and joined Rancho Solano in 2005. She has taught kindergarten through fifth grade.

Mrs. Phillips has been with Rancho Solano since 2013 and previously worked as a multi-grade teacher at Camelback Desert School and as an eighth-grade English teacher at Roxbury Preparatory Charter School in Massachusetts. She also worked as a Program Coordinator and Assistant to the Chair at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design. She served as a Technology Specialist in the US Air Force Reserves, 4th Combat Camera Unit, a camera operator for ABC/CNN News, and is a published photographer. Mrs. Phillips received her BA in Sociology with a concentration in Race, Class and Gender Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles. She holds a M.Ed. with Distinction and a Teaching Certification from the University of Massachusetts, Boston and a Certificate in Leadership Essentials from Harvard University. She is licensed and certified in the state of MA and AZ in General Education grades K-8th and holds a Language Arts Endorsement in AZ. She is an avid hiker, coffee drinker, and a community service advocate.  She loves climbing mountains and spending time outdoors with her family.

Mrs. Blincoe holds a BA in Economics from the University of Arizona and an MA in English Literature from DePaul University. Her main interests are English Composition and Medieval and Renaissance Literature. She has taught both middle and high school English and history. Mrs. Blincoe's goal is to provide middle school and high school level students with a broad and practical vision of the importance of literature, history, and writing as part of their academic, professional and personal education.

Ms. Jongewaard joins Rancho Solano with experience teaching grades seven through twelve since earning her BA in Secondary Education English from Northern Arizona University in 2018. She also holds a Master’s degree in English with a focus in Rhetoric, Writing, and Digital Media Studies, also from NAU.

Mrs. McCarty began teaching at Rancho Solano in 2016 after six years overseas where she taught the IBDP in private schools in Thailand and in Bulgaria. She holds a BA in English with a minor in Theater from Saint Leo University and a MA in Secondary Education and English from The Catholic University of America. She became an international educator after experience in both public and private schools in Maryland and Oregon where she taught AP English before transitioning to IB in 2005. She has over 30 years of teaching experience and enjoys inspiring her students in creative endeavors with her work on the school literary magazine, the school newspaper and all arts integration projects. Mrs. McCarty is the Extended Essay Coordinator, an Examiner in English A, and is passionate about the teaching of the literary arts as a vehicle for exploring the human condition.

Mr. Oden holds his MA in English from Ohio University and a BA in History from Faulkner University. He is entering his twentieth year of teaching in the university and upper school classrooms and is passionate about sharing his enthusiasm for a well-crafted piece of writing with his students. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Oden is a published essayist, musician, and screenwriter who spends his free time putting LEGO sets together with his three children and planning their next trip to Disneyland.

Ms. Seiz has been teaching for 13 years and loves being in the middle grades. She earned her BA in Business and Public Administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and her MA in Teaching from the University of Central Missouri. She’s passionate about providing a learning environment where literature is brought to life and critical thinking skills are being sharpened, all while ensuring kids have fun while learning.

Mr. Spencer has a PhD in English from the University of Tulsa, an MA in English from Brigham Young University, and a BA in English from Brigham Young University.

Mr. McLeod has been a faculty member at Rancho Solano since 2014. He served as the Math Department Chair from 2016 – 2022 and is now the chair again. He teaches various Upper School Math courses and serves as the Blackbaud Scheduling Specialist. Mr. McLeod graduated from Ferris State University with BS in Education and is certified to teach K-12 Mathematics.

Mr. Berman has an MA in Mathematics from Columbia University and a BS in Mathematics from Arizona State University.

Dr. Hamann joined Rancho Solano in the fall of 2021 after three years of teaching high school mathematics in Vermont.  Prior to teaching high school, Dr. Hamann taught at the University level for five years at California Baptist University and UC Riverside.  She holds a BA in both Mathematics and French from Calvin College as well as a PhD in Mathematics (Complex Geometry) from UC Riverside.

Mr. Lundquist came to Rancho Solano after living overseas for twenty-five years in Hong Kong preceded by five years in Japan. He holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration from Arizona State University. Mr. Lundquist has experience teaching courses ranging from Pre-Algebra and Algebra at the Middle School level to Critical Thinking at the College level. He is conversant in Japanese and French, and when he is not teaching, he enjoys traveling with his family.

Ms. Otter holds a BA in Mathematics with a minor in Statistics from Western Washington University and a Masters in Secondary Education with an emphasis in STEM from Grand Canyon University. She is passionate about mentoring students and growing creative problem-solvers as she begins her teaching career.

Mrs. Robertson joined Rancho Solano in 2015. She has over 17 years of experience teaching 4th through 6th grades. She holds an M. in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University and completed her Elementary Education degree at St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, IN. She believes that successful students learn best when they grow their competence in tandem with their confidence.

Mr. Sharma joined Rancho Solano from India where he taught diverse grade levels and classes for over two decades. He has a master’s in mathematics and a bachelor's in education from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India, and a postgraduate diploma in Management from Indra Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi, India. In addition to teaching, he also works on different educational projects, and he is an International Baccalaureate Diploma Program Examiner for Mathematics HL and SL courses since 2012.

Mr. McCulley is passionate about teaching and mentoring students and strives to both enrich and challenge them in their educational journey. He has an MS in Biology with an emphasis in Education from Grand Canyon University. He has a background in teaching general biology and anatomy & physiology labs at Grand Canyon University.

Paul Azabu is a high school Physics teacher from Cameroon who recently moved to the United States with his family. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Dschang Cameroon, an MSc in Engineering Project Management from Roehampton University, UK, and teaching certifications for high school Physics from the University of Yaoundé 1.  Paul has taught A-level Physics and Mathematics for 17 years, leaving a lasting impact on countless students in Cameroon, South Africa and Dubai, United Arab Emirates.  He is passionate about being instrumental in shaping the future of young scientists and engineers.

Mrs. Fajardo started at Rancho in 2026 and has been teaching for over 5 years. She holds a BS in Exercise Science with an Emphasis in Sports Performance and a M.Ed. in Secondary Education with an Emphasis in STEM from Grand Canyon University. She has taught Biology, Honors Biology, Earth/Space, and Integrated Sciences, and has also done some curriculum writing. She has been a strength and conditioning coach for over 5 years at the high school level including strength coaching for all sports, program design, corrective exercise, and rehabilitation programming. 

Ms. MacKenzie joined us in 2024 from Oregon State University's Honor's College where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, complemented by minors in Chemistry and Psychology. Ms. MacKenzie is excited to be teaching Middle School Science. Her passion lies in science and fostering a love for science among her students. She hopes to curate a welcoming learning environment where everyone can succeed. Her goal is to incite curiosity and provide students with the framework needed to become critical thinkers.

Mrs. Powell has a BS in Biology with an emphasis on Pharmacology from Grand Canyon University. She has a background in teaching organic and general chemistry collegiate laboratories and assisting all collegiate levels of chemistry lectures. She continues to assist with teaching undergraduate students at Grand Canyon University in research involved with carbon nanotubes and electrochemistry. In her spare time, she likes to kayak in northern AZ lakes with her family or read books in her backyard hammock.

Mr. Garbarino began teaching IB Economics at Rancho Solano in 2017 and added the role of IB Coordinator in the fall of 2019.  He earned a BA in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley, and received his MBA from Saint Mary’s College of California. Mr. Garbarino had taught economics for over fifteen years at a premier college preparatory school in the Bay Area called The Branson School prior to moving and teaching in Arizona.  In addition, he has been an entrepreneur and has had a private equity firm in San Francisco for over 30 years.

Mr. Moran has over 25 years of experience as a teacher and administrator working in both New York and his native Arizona. He returned to Rancho Solano in 2023, where he served as both the IB Coordinator and IB History teacher from 2011 – 2015. Mr. Moran is an enthusiastic, creative, and passionate educator, mentor and advisor who believes that all students can learn and thrive in a learning environment that is stimulating, comforting and appropriate to their unique talents and abilities.  He has had the good fortune of working with students in Pre-K 3/4 up through grade 12. He has served as Principal, Assistant Principal, Athletic Director, IB Coordinator and History Department Chair. Additionally, he has worked with several curricula: Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and the NY State Regents. He graduated with a BA in Political Science from the State University of New York, College at Buffalo.

Ms. Chelsea Hurt is a dedicated educator who earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Education from Taylor University in 2024. She also holds a minor in Sport Management and a concentration in Psychology. Now entering her second year as a full-time teacher, Ms. Hurt brings a strong passion for both education and athletics to her work in the classroom. A former multi-sport athlete, she played softball, basketball, and volleyball in high school, and continued her athletic career as a collegiate volleyball player for four years. Her love for sports and commitment to student growth are at the heart of her teaching philosophy.

Heather Leedy is excited to join the Rancho Solano team this year. She has been teaching for over 17 years, with experience in ELA, Math, and History across upper elementary and middle school grades. Heather holds a BA in History from Utah State University and a Master’s Degree in Education from Arizona State University. She is also a certified instructor in Love and Logic for educators and parents. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her family, beach camping in California, studying American history, volunteering with her church youth group, and coaching basketball.

Mr. McCauley joins Rancho Solano bringing nine years of teaching experience at both the middle and high school levels. He holds a Master’s degree in History and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and History from Arizona State University (Go Devils!). Mr. McCauley challenges his students to reflect on the words of President Calvin Coolidge:"All growth depends upon activity. Life is manifest only by action. There is no development physically or intellectually without effort, and effort means work."

Mr. Seagrave brings over 30 years of experience in education, with a strong background in both academics and athletics. He holds a J.D. from the Indiana University School of Law and a B.S. in Social Studies Education. A licensed attorney and member of the Indiana Bar, Mr. Seagrave has taught Government, U.S. History, Psychology, Law, and Geography at the high school level. Mr. Seagrave enjoys his time with family. His son Jackson, a 2020 graduate of Rancho Solano, now works at Google in San Francisco. His oldest son, Morgan, is an attorney in Indianapolis, and his wife, Erica, is the CEO of a company. Mr. Seagrave is excited to be part of the Rancho Solano community and looks forward to contributing to its continued success.

Ms. Mary is the Co-Founder and CEO of Girls Mentorship and has spent the past six years creating and facilitating leadership and personal development programs for tween and teen girls. She holds a BS in Exercise & Wellness from Arizona State University and previously owned and operated a CrossFit gym. Mary is passionate about helping students build confidence, develop leadership skills, and discover their potential both inside and outside the classroom.

Mrs. Petersen brings more than 15 years of experience in leadership development, coaching, and education. She holds a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Communication and Mass Communication from Arizona State University and is the co-founder of Girls Mentorship, an organization that provides life and leadership skills programming for girls ages 10–18. She is passionate about helping students build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and develop the tools they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Ms. Adam joined Rancho Solano in 2012. Over the last 10 years, she has taught English language acquisition courses to international English language learning students in middle and high school. She has also taught beginner Spanish in middle school. In the last 2 years, she has also taught a Practical living course in high school at Rancho. Ms. Adam holds a BA in University studies with an emphasis in TESOL from Brigham Young University -Hawaii and earned her MA in Curriculum and Instruction from Grand Canyon University.

Mr. Cao joined Rancho Solano in 2020 with 17 years of private school teaching experience. While specializing in the areas of Chinese and English language acquisition, he also learned Greek, Hebrew, German, and Korean. Mr. Cao has a BA in Linguistics from Yantai University in China.

Mrs. Descloux joined Rancho Solano in 2019. She is from Switzerland and came to the United States in 2017. Mrs. Descloux has a BA in English, German, and Psychology from the University of Lausanne (UNIL), Switzerland, and has taught French, English, and German for over 30 years. Teaching is her passion; she embraces the IB spirit and is trained to teach IB at every level. She is pleased to see that more and more students are joining the French program and that everyone finds their right place.

Mrs. Herrera has been teaching Spanish for 14 years and has had the pleasure of teaching students at every level of learning from pre-k to college. She was born and raised in Mexico City where she graduated from Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. After moving to Arizona in 2003, Mrs. Herrera discovered her passion for teaching her native language to others. Her teaching career includes 10 years of experience at BASIS Peoria teaching AP Spanish Language and Culture and Capstone Spanish Literature and Culture, and online teaching at Johns Hopkins University and Arizona State University. Additionally, she serves as national mentor and reader for the AP Spanish Language and Culture exam through the College Board. Mrs. Herrera is a teacher with a passion for sharing her language and culture and helping students reach their full potential. She is excited to be part of Rancho Solano and share her experience and knowledge with the students.

Katia Lane is a Canadian author, entrepreneur, and educator from Montreal, known for her lifelong passion for storytelling and teaching. She draws inspiration from her cultural roots, her love of language, and the vibrant experience of raising four daughters.

Madame Lane brings 14 years of teaching experience in both the United States and Canada, and is dedicated to creating engaging, meaningful learning environments. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in History and Education from Athens University.

Mrs. Sanchez holds a BA in Cultural Anthropology from Kent State University and an MA in Spanish Education from the University of Akron. She joined Rancho in 2012 and has sixteen years of experience in teaching Spanish.

Ms. Tolman joined Rancho Solano in 2022 as a middle school Spanish teacher.  She holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras in addition to an M.Ed. in curriculum and instructions from Grand Canyon University.  She has over 20 years of teaching experience.  Ms. Tolman is overjoyed to be part of the Rancho community working with her middle school students.

Ms. Wahl, a seasoned Mandarin instructor with nearly 20 years of experience, is driven by a deep commitment to enhancing language proficiency and cultural awareness. She has a B.A. in Foreign Language and International Communications from Shih Chien University (Taipei, Taiwan, ROC) and an M.A. in Logistics and Business Marketing Management from the National Penghu University of Science & Technology (Taiwan, ROC). Her teaching philosophy focuses on developing all four language skills, emphasizing real-life language use. Beyond language, she passionately introduces students to Chinese culture, aiming to foster not just Mandarin speakers but also cultural enthusiasts. Ms. Wahl's ultimate aspiration is to nurture global leaders by equipping them with Mandarin proficiency and cultural knowledge, enabling them to engage positively in our interconnected world.

Mr. Zale came to Rancho in 2015 after teaching in schools in Phoenix and his native Chicago since 2001. He has taught various courses in General Music, Choir, Theatre, and Musical Theatre to grades Pre-K through high school. Mr. Zale holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Millikin University. In addition to teaching, Mr. Zale is also a freelance artist and professional actor, having sung, acted, directed, and performed in numerous venues both nationally and internationally.

Ms. Barnes joined Rancho Solano in 2021. She holds a BA in Studio Art and Spanish from the University of Oregon, in addition to a BFA and an MAT in Art Education from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She has had over 18 years of teaching experience. Ms. Barnes is thrilled to be part of the Rancho community, working with her favorite age group.

Ms. Berech has lived and worked as an artist and teacher in Africa, Europe, and The United States. She has master’s degrees from UCLA and the Academy of Art in San Francisco and has taught IB Art (ACST Tunisia) as well as AP Studio Art and AP Art History (BASIS Scottsdale). She has also served as an officer and on the board of directors of the Tempe Artists Guild. When she is not teaching, she loves to take kayaking trips and wildlife photography and to create paintings of people and places. Her artworks are in private and public collections around the world.

Mrs. Gamez has been the dance teacher and high school varsity pom team coach at Rancho Solano since 2017. She has a BA in Dance Education from Grand Canyon University and is recognized with honors for the completion of the National Honors Society for the Dance Arts Program (NHSDA) in both the high school and university levels. She has had numerous performance opportunities such as being a part of the Be Kind People Project, as a professional dancer on the Be Kind Crew, and performing in many schools across the valley.

Mrs. Allison Land has been dancing since the age of 6 and teaching since the age of 12. She holds a B.S. in Psychology and has been recognized for research on neurobiology and its connection to dance. She has been coaching at Rancho Solano as the JV Pom Coach and assisting with Middle School Pom, and she uses this experience along with her academic background to help make dance healthier and more accessible for students both mentally and physically.

Ms. Germaine joined Rancho Solano in 2026 after earning a BA in Music with an emphasis in Music Theory and Composition from Arizona Christian University. She has studied viola for over a decade and is passionate about exhibiting beautiful, high-quality orchestral music with excellence. Ms. Germaine strives to inspire students to discover the joy of playing in a string orchestra while developing the skills, discipline, and collaboration essential to ensemble performance. In addition to teaching, Ms. Germaine works as a freelance musician and composer, with experience in Christian worship music, musical theater, and choral and orchestral writing.

Dr. Sloyka joins Rancho Solano Preparatory School teaching guitar, ukulele, and piano. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts and a Master of Music in Music Performance from Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Music from the Eastman School of Music. With extensive experience as both a performer and educator, Dr. Sloyka is passionate about helping students build strong musical foundations while fostering creativity, confidence, and enjoyment in music through both classical and contemporary styles.

Dr. Terrell is a veteran of the United States Airforce. He joined Rancho Solano in 2018 with over 15 years of teaching experience in higher education, and a professional performance background. Dr. Terrell received his BA in music performance from Rollins College, Winter Park, FL., MA in music education/curriculum & instruction from the University of Central Florida, and an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership with emphasis on Organizational Development from Grand Canyon University. During his career, Dr. Terrell gained experience as a program director and department chair at Seminole State College of Florida, and program director at Yavapai College.

Mrs. Hopek grew up in Colorado and earned her degree in Geology from the University of Colorado - Boulder. During her college career, she worked two part time jobs - one as a Mad Scientist and one as a research assistant. This is when she became quite interested in teaching and fell in love with teaching middle-school aged children. Before finishing her degree, Mrs. Hopek became involved with the University Rover Challenge. She is still involved with the challenges today and is quite excited about teaching the children about Mars.

Ms. Ely has been teaching Science and History for 28 years in both Middle School and High School.  She holds an M.Ed in Educational Leadership from AZ State University and BS in Agricultural Education from the University of AZ and is passionate about working with scholars to understand that science is all around us and affects each of us every moment, of every day.

Mr. Milano has been a substitute teacher the past two years at Rancho Solano. With graphic design, copywriting, and student career and mentoring experience under his belt (for both high school and college students), he has also been a prominent member of the marketing, advertising, branding and business communities, both in Arizona and nationally. As a self-styled ‘advocate for positive change’, he graduated in 1991 with a BFA in Graphic Design and a minor in Art History from the Massachusetts College of Art & Design.

Mr. Varnado is a passionate and dedicated media arts teacher at Rancho Solano. With over a decade of experience in the field of media arts, he holds a Bachelor's degree in Film and Television Production and a Master's degree in Digital Media Arts. Throughout his career, Mr. Varnado has been deeply involved in the film and animation industry and has held various roles such as screenwriter, film and animation producer, and game designer. At Rancho Solano, he teaches a range of media arts courses including IB film, animation, screenwriting, film and production, and game design. He is known for his ability to inspire and motivate students to pursue their passion in the media arts field. He is an expert in developing and implementing a curriculum that aligns with the International Baccalaureate (IB) standards.

Mr. Varnado is dedicated to staying current on industry trends and best practices, and he is an active member of several professional organizations related to media arts. He is also a strong advocate for fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in his students. Mr. Varnado is committed to providing an engaging and challenging learning environment for his students and is dedicated to helping them achieve their full potential in the field of media arts.

Mr. Welter joined Rancho Solano in 2023 and this will be his sixth year teaching middle school. He has a Bachelor's degree in Marketing and a Master of Arts in History with an emphasis in Education from Grand Canyon University. He has taught various subjects in the past, including 5th grade, as well as 7th and 8th grade History within the Great Hearts School Network. While he has a wide range of teaching experiences, he is currently focused on teaching Robotics, Tech, and Media Arts. Mr. Welter has a particular passion for cinematography and photography, and he integrates these arts into his current subjects.

Coach Avenell has been a part of Rancho Solano since 2000. She holds an MA in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University Irvine and a BS in Physical Education from Central Washington University. As a college athlete, she stayed involved in sports which led her to teach Physical Education and coaching. She enjoys guiding young adults through life’s journey.

Coach Cauchi joins Rancho Solano as the new Head Coach of the Girls' Basketball program and Physical Education teacher. Cauchi spent the last five years at Folsom Lake College in California coaching women’s basketball, serving as an assistant coach and student personnel assistant. Coach Cauchi helped take over a program that went 5-20 the year prior to 23-7 and a Sweet Sixteen appearance in just four seasons. Cauchi’s teams consistently held over a 3.4 team GPA. As student personnel assistant his duties included overseeing all academic success for over 200 athletes at FLC. Cauchi graduated with a B.A. in English Studies from California State University, Chico- where he also began his college coaching career. After a two-year high school teaching stint, Cauchi attended and graduated with his M.A. Education in Intercollegiate Athletics Leadership from University of Washington. With his background in college academics and athletics, Cauchi believes in the power of the student-athlete experience and their preparedness in life because of the high standards and demands they live with every day.

Mr. Klein is a dedicated sports professional, educator, and coach passionate about youth development, sports journalism, and community engagement. He has worked with USA Basketball, mentoring aspiring athletes through nationwide youth camps, and currently coaches high school basketball while teaching electives such as Sports Journalism and Sports Management. Mr. Klein holds a B.A. in Journalism with a minor in Public Relations from the University of Arizona and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, graduating with Dean’s List honors.

Ms. Peed holds a BS in Health & Physical Education from Northern Arizona University and earned her MA in Secondary Education from the University of Phoenix. She has been an educator for 20 years and joined Rancho Solano in the fall of 2007 as the lower school PE teacher at the Gilbert Campus. In 2014, she moved over to the Greenway campus and in the fall of 2021, she joined the upper campus as the high school Health & PE teacher. Ms. Peed also coaches cross country, volleyball, and track & field.

Coach Izzy Hassan joins the Rancho Solano community as the newest member of the Physical Education Department, bringing over a decade of experience in education. His background includes roles as a Special Education teacher and Academic Advisor for various sports academies in the Phoenix area since 2021. Coach Izzy is passionate about supporting student-athletes in their development both on and off the field. He is excited to expand his role at Rancho Solano and looks forward to being an even more active part of the Mustang community.

Coach Trigg joined Rancho Solano in 2013 as Athletic Director and Head Boys Basketball Coach. Since his arrival, the Athletic Department has grown into one of the top small school programs in Arizona. In the past seven years Trigg has led the addition of seven new sports and each year the program has set new records for participation. On the playing field, the Mustangs have seen incredible success in winning four State Championships, and 20+ team and individual State Tournament appearances. As the Boys Basketball coach, Trigg has led one of the largest program turnarounds in Arizona history, taking the program from a 2-20 record in his first season to winning two State Championships (2018, 2020), while assisting numerous athletes to play collegiately. Coach Trigg is passionate about the role athletics plays in the overall education of all students and his goal is for all athletes to become Scholar-Athletes of high character prepared for lifelong success. Trigg is a graduate and Hall of Honor member of Gordon College (B.A. Finance and Business Administration) and of the DeVos Sports Business Management Program at the University of Central Florida (MBA; MSBM). While at UCF Trigg was a member of The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sports and Co-Authored two “Racial and Gender Report Cards” with world renowned social justice pioneer Dr. Richard Lapchick.

Mr. Edeza brings a background in military service, logistics, and security operations, with experience in fast-paced environments requiring professionalism, accountability, and strong communication skills.  He has served in the military for over 15 years and holds a security clearance as well as his emergency response certifications. Mr. Edeza enjoys fitness and strength training, outdoor activities, and spending time with his family and friends. He has visited and travelled to any state and country you can think of. Mr. Edeza strives to foster a safe, fun, and respectful environment where students and staff can succeed.