Rancho Solano Preparatory School

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Lower Campus: 602.996.7002
Upper Campus: 480.646.8200

My RSPS

Leadership, Faculty & Staff

LEADERSHIP

Mr. Scott Salk

Managing Director
Mr. Salk joined Rancho Solano during the 2015-2016 school year with 14 years of private school administrative experience. While specializing in the areas of admissions and marketing, he also has school experience in operations, finance, facilities management, and development. Mr. Salk has a BS in Marketing from the University of Arizona and earned his MBA from the University of Phoenix.

Mr. Gordon Brown

Associate Head of School/Upper School Principal
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.

Ms. Erika Goethe

Associate Head of School/Middle School Principal
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.

Dr. Theresa nabavi

Lower School Principal
Dr. Nabavi joined Rancho Solano in 2021 with over 15 years of experience in PK-12 private education. She is a three-time graduate of the University of Florida earning a Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Prior to her role at Rancho Solano, Dr. Nabavi was an administrator at Windermere Preparatory School in Windermere, Florida. Dr. Nabavi began her career in education as a Kindergarten and First Grade Teacher.

Mr. Ben Paulson

Lower School Vice Principal
Mr. Paulson joined Rancho Solano as an educator in 2014. As a member of the Physical Education Department, he taught and coached elementary and middle school Physical Education and sports to Mustangs for 7 years. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and a minor in Adapted Physical Education from Minnesota State University, Mankato and a background in Applied Behavior Analysis. Mr. Paulson now proudly serves as the Vice Principal for the Lower Campus.

Ms. Juli Jeffers

Chief Financial Officer
Mrs. Jeffers joined Rancho Solano in March of 2018 with over ten years of accounting and finance experience. She holds a Master of Accountancy from Arizona State University and is a Certified Public Accountant. During her master’s program, she had the opportunity to teach a few classes at ASU and teaching quickly became a passion of hers. After that endeavor, she accepted a position at Heinfeld & Meech, Inc. performing Audits and Consulting work for school districts and non-profit organizations. She leveraged the knowledge she obtained in this job to jump into the corporate world at Republic Services, a waste company with over $10B in annual revenue. She helped to build the company’s quarterly and annual financial statements and managed the largest liability of the company- their landfills. Near the end of her term with Republic, she managed all the accounting aspects of an $80M/year in revenue division of the business. Mrs. Jeffers is very excited to be a part of the Rancho Solano community where she can bring her passion of teaching, her school district auditing knowledge, and her corporate and field accounting experience to such a wonderful organization that she truly believes in!

Mr. Aaron Trigg

Director of Athletics
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.

Staff / ADMINISTRATION

MRs. kaitlyn myzwinski

Director of Admissions

Ms. Kaitlyn Myzwinski

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.

MRs. lindsay fitzpatrick

College Counselor

Ms. Lindsay Fitzpatrick

Biography Coming Soon

Ms. Elizabeth Strimbu

Upper School Counselor

Ms. Elizabeth Strimbu

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. Jill Babcock

Lower School Counselor

Ms. Jill Babcock

Ms. Babcock is an elementary school counselor with over fifteen years of educational experience. She loves being part of the Rancho community for the past four years. 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. chris brown

Director of Educational Technology

Mr. Chris Brown

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.  

Mrs. Ilse Chaigneau

Communications Manager

Mrs. Ilse Chaigneau

Mrs. Chaigneau has a BA in Mass Communication from Emerson College and a Certificate in Business Administration from Harvard Extension School. She has over 20 years of professional experience working in marketing, communications, and education in Switzerland, France and the United States.

MRs. Kristin Liley

Registrar

Ms. Kristin Liley

Biography Coming Soon

Mrs. Judith Crane

Upper School Admin

Ms. Judith Crane

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.

Mrs. Joanna case-sanders

Lower School Office Admin

Mrs. Joanna Case-Sanders

Mrs. Case-Sanders has a BA in Ethnic Studies from Arizona State University. She has worked in education in a support role for over 18 years. She is originally from Mexico City but has lived in Arizona for 32 years. She loves to travel, read and spend time with her family.    

MS. Gabriella Canavan

Lower School Office Admin

Ms. Gabriella Canavan

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. Kamani Odina-Herbert

Upper School Nurse

Ms. Kamani Odina-Herbert

Ms. Odina recently joined Rancho Solano. She obtained a BSN from Arizona State University in 2019 and worked at Phoenix Children’s Hospital in their inpatient psychiatric unit for 3 years prior to joining the Rancho team. She is currently working to obtain her DNP in psychiatry at ASU.

Ms. Kim Kaplan

Lower School Nurse

Ms. Kim Kaplan

Biography Coming Soon

FACULTY - LOWER SCHOOL

Ms. Genesis Gordon

Pre-K 2

Ms. Genesis Gordon

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. myeisha johnson

Pre-K 2

Ms. Myeisha Johnson

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. Tina KHalil

Pre-K 3

Ms. Tina Khalil

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. Kim Lugowski

Pre-K 3

Mrs. Kim Lugowski

Mrs. Lugowski has been teaching for over 25 years and joined Rancho Solano in 2023. She has taught Kindergarten and first grade in the public-school setting. She has also taught children grades K – 5 in a variety of special education programs. She spent time as an administrator at a charter school as their special education coordinator. Mrs. Lugowski holds a BA in Elementary Education as well as Special Education from Northern Arizona University.

MS. Debbie Petras

Pre-K 3

Ms. Debbie Petras

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.

Mrs. Jessica Dang

Pre-K 4

Ms. Jessica Dang

Mrs. Dang holds a BA in Early Childhood Education from Ottawa University. This her 4th year with Rancho & 13th year being involved in the Early Childhood Education setting. In her free time she enjoys nature photography, hiking, camping, off roading, crafting, and spending time with her family.

Ms. Stephany McMahon

Pre-K 4

Ms. Stephany McMahon

Biography Coming Soon

MS. Margaret ramsey

Pre-K 4

Ms. Margaret Ramsey

Ms. Ramsey has been teaching for a year 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. Karen Carter

Pre-K Teacher Assistant

Ms. Karen Carter

Biography Coming Soon

MS. teena dennis

Pre-K Teacher Assistant

Ms. Teena Dennis

Ms. Dennis joined Rancho Solano in 2019. She has been teaching in the Valley since 1997. Ms. Dennis holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance and a Master's Degree in Music Education. Over the years, she has taught Music Education, Pre-K 3 as an assistant teacher, as well as Pre-K 4 as an assistant and lead teacher. Ms. Dennis also spent quite a fe

Mrs. Patricia Grant

Pre-K Teacher Assistant

Mrs. Patricia Grant

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.

MS. KAitlyn Hauser

Pre-K Teacher Assistant

Ms. Kaitlyn Hauser

Biography Coming Soon

Ms. Olivia Hewlett

Pre-K Teacher Assistant

Ms. Olivia Hewlett

Biography Coming Soon

MS. Mary Johnson

Pre-K Teacher Assistant

Ms. Mary Johnson

Biography Coming Soon

MS. quinn madow

Pre-K Teacher Assistant

Ms. Quinn Madow

Ms. Madow is from Pepper Pike, OH, and has lived in Arizona for 21 years after finishing her education at Arizona State where she majored in Art. She has been teaching for 17 years and joined Rancho Solano in 2021. She has a Pomeranian Tory and in her free time, she likes to make chocolate for holidays and special occasions and loves to travel and spend quality time with friends and family. 

Ms. Jeannette Suarez

Pre-K Teacher Assistant

Ms. Jeannette Suarez

Biography Coming Soon

MS. Theresa Wilson

Pre-K Teacher Assistant

Ms. Theresa Wilson

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.

MS. Kelsey Lambert

Kindergarten

Ms. Kelsey Lambert

Mrs. Lambert has been teaching for eight years and has experience teaching grades pre-k 4, Kindergarten, second, third, and fourth. She graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, as well as Human Development and Family Studies. Mrs. Lambert joined Rancho Solano in 2020 as a pre-k 4 teacher and moved up to Kindergarten the following year. Mrs. Lambert’s favorite subject to teach is Phonics, and she loves helping students establish a love of reading from an early age.

Mrs. Sara paulson

Kindergarten

Mrs. Sara Paulson

Mrs. Paulson joined Rancho Solano in 2016 and has been teaching kindergarten for 5 years. She holds a BS in Psychological Sciences from Northern Arizona University, and a M.Ed. from Arizona State University.

Mrs. Trysten Melhart

Kindergarten

Mrs. Trysten Melhart

Mrs. Melhart has been teaching for three years and joined Rancho Solano in 2022. Mrs. Melhart holds a BA in Early Childhood and Family Studies from The University of Washington and earned her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from City University of Seattle.

Mrs. sydney wahl

Kindergarten

Mrs. Sydney Wahl

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.

MS. janie helfinstine

1st Grade

Ms. Janie Helfinstine

Ms. Helfinstine received her BA in Elementary Education with an emphasis in English as a Second Language and a minor in French from the University of Arizona. Her passion has always been to not only help shape young minds but to also allow them to feel safe and loved every time they set foot in the classroom.

MS. kristen roden

1st Grade

Ms. Kristen Roden

Ms. Roden has been teaching for 4 years and joined Rancho Solano in 2021. She has taught first, third, and fifth grades throughout the years. Ms. Roden enjoys yoga, crocheting, and cooking in her free time. She holds a BS in Communications and has a minor in Sociology and was recently certified to become a teacher. “If your plan is for one year, plant rice. If your plan is for ten years, plant a tree. If your plan is for one-hundred years, educate children.” Confucius

MRS. Pamela Vernon

1st Grade

Mrs. Pamela Vernon

Mrs. Vernon joined Rancho Solano in 2022 with over 30 years of teaching experience in both public and private elementary schools. She is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University earning a BA in Elementary Education and Early Childhood. She also has a specialization in teaching reading. Prior to joining Rancho, Mrs. Vernon taught in Colorado and in Texas.

MS. sheena barton

2nd Grade

Ms. Sheena Barton

Mrs. Barton graduated from Arizona State University with a BA in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education. She has 14 years of teaching experience and joined Rancho in 2021. She is married with three children and loves to cook, read, spend time with her family and tries to go to Disneyland as often as possible!

MS. Nicole Liebentritt

2nd Grade

Ms. Nicole Liebentritt

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.

MS. denise robinson

2nd Grade

Ms. Denise Robinson

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

MS. Mary Hegwood

3rd Grade

Ms. Mary Hegwood

Ms. Hegwood has been teaching for four years and is so happy to be at Rancho Solano to continue her career. She graduated from the University of Arizona in 2019 with a BS in Elementary Education, and an emphasis in Spanish English Immersion. She is very passionate about teaching, focuses heavily on growing close relationships with her students and their families, and loves watching her students grow and succeed throughout the years.

MS. tamy ramsey

3rd Grade

Ms. Tamy Ramsey

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. rachel smith

3rd Grade

Ms. Rachel Smith

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. Kristine Harrison

4th Grade

Ms. Kristine Harrison

Ms. Harrison has been teaching for over 18 years and joined Rancho Solano in 2022. She joins us from the Department of Child Safety where she was most recently a First Responder, Investigator, and a Kinship Support Specialist for four years. Ms. Harrison has taught Kindergarten through Fifth Grade throughout the years. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University. Ms. Harrison grew up in Austin, Texas and moved to Scottsdale, Arizona after her father retired from the Air Force.

MS. Emma Pappas

4th Grade

Ms. Emma Pappas

Ms. Pappas joined Rancho Solano as a 4th grade teacher in 2022. She holds a M.Ed. in Elementary Education from Arizona State University and earned her BA in Journalism with minors in Spanish and Theatre & Drama from Indiana University.

Mrs. Jessica robertson

4th Grade

Mrs. Jessica Robertson

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.

Mrs. Priscilla ferry

5th Grade

Ms. Priscilla Ferry

Mrs. Ferry joined Rancho in 2020 as a substitute teacher and quickly became the Social Studies teacher for Grades 4-5 before becoming a full-time 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.

MS. kelsie nielsen

5th Grade

Ms. Kelsie Nielsen

Ms. Nielsen has a BFA in Film and TV production from La Sierra University (Riverside, CA) and an MA in Teaching: Elementary Education from Andrews University (Berrien Springs, MI). She recently joined Rancho with previous experience teaching middle school English and history, as well as STEM and Photography/Film. Ms. Nielson is also the 5th grade girls Volleyball coach.

Mr. Martin Garcia

Substitute/Support Teacher

Mr. Martin Garcia

Biography Coming Soon

SPECIALISTS - LOWER SCHOOL

Mrs. maria mayeux

Spanish PK 3-1st

Ms. Maria Mayeux

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.

Mrs. lourdes armas frezza

Spanish 2nd-5th

Ms. Lourdes Armas Frezza

Mrs. Armas has been teaching Spanish for 4 years. She was born and raised in Venezuela and graduated from Santa Maria University in Caracas, Venezuela. She is a journalist with an MA in audiovisual communication. Mrs. Armas values the importance of learning a second language at an early age and having fun with it. She strives to make a difference in her student's learning with multicultural traditions in a foreign language.

Ms. kimberly nyabela

IT/STEM PK3-1st

Ms. Kimberly Nyabela

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. Lyttia Cancinos

IT/STEM 2nd-5th

Ms. Lyttia Cancinos

Ms. Cancinos graduated from Grand Canyon University in 2013 with a BS in Elementary Education and an Emphasis in Science. She joined Rancho Solano as the Lower School I.T. Teacher in 2021. Ms. Cancinos hopes to nurture a love of learning in all her students and loves to support them in all their marvelous endeavors.

MRS. Cyra Behrana

Pre-K/1st Grade Art

Mrs. Cyra Behrana

Mrs. Behrana joined Rancho Solano in 2022 and has been teaching Elementary Art Education for 3+ 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. ellen king

Lower School Art

Mrs. Ellen King

Mrs. King joined Rancho Solano in 2022 with 20 years of experience in Elementary and Middle School Arts Education. She holds a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and an MAT in Elementary Education from National-Louis University. Upon completing her undergraduate coursework, she spent time working as an Art Instructor for the Chicago Park District. After obtaining her Master's degree, she became the Elementary Arts teacher, School Librarian and IB Visual Arts teacher for the Middle Years Program at Kate Starr Kellogg School in Chicago. It was during this time that she was voted “Most Outstanding Teacher of 2010” by the student body. She is well versed in Curriculum Planning and Design, Social and Emotional Learning practices and incorporates the tenets of the “Calm Classroom” method into each of her lessons.

MS. carrie caruso

Music and Orchestra

Ms. Carrie Caruso

Biography Coming Soon

Mr. christopher webb

Music & Band

Mr. Christopher Webb

Mr. Webb holds a BM in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from Brigham Young University. He teaches Band and General Music at the lower school. He has operated a private music studio since 2015.  Mr. Webb has previously taught TESOL in China and Spain. Mr. Webb is passionate about instilling an appreciation of music and the fine arts in students from an early age.

Mr. Dante Hunter

Physical Education

Mr. Dante Hunter

Biography Coming Soon

Mrs. Vicki Smith

Physical Education

Mrs. Vicki Smith

Coach Smith 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. erin joyce

Lower School Reading Specialist

Ms. Erin Joyce

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.

FACULTY - MIDDLE & UPPER SCHOOL

Dr. Dane spencer

Upper School English, TOK & Dept. Chair

Dr. Dane Spencer

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.

MS. Michelle Blincoe

Middle School English

Ms. Michelle Blincoe

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. Charlie Drummond

Upper School English

Ms. Charlie Drummond

Biography Coming Soon

Mrs. Pamela Mccarty

Upper School English & Extended Essay Coordinator

Mrs. Pamela Mccarty

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.

Mrs. Shasta Phillips

Middle School English

Mrs. Shasta Phillips

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. Kathleen Wyrowski

Middle School English

Mrs. Kathleen Wyrowski

Mrs. Wyrowski has been teaching at Rancho since 2016. She has a BS and MA in Education from the University of Kansas. She also teaches IB Psychology and serves as an 8th Grade advisor.

Dr. Kaylee Hamann

Upper School Math & Dept. Chair

Dr. Kaylee Hamann

Dr. Hamann joined Rancho Solano in the fall of 2021 after three years of teaching high school mathematics in Vermont. During her high school teaching career, she has taught everything from Algebra (1 and 2) to Geometry, Pre-Calculus to AP Statistics. 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. Jim Berman

Upper School Math

Mr. Jim Berman

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

Ms. yukari bromfield

Upper School Math

Ms. Yukari Bromfield

Biography Coming Soon

Ms. Alisha Eisenstock

Upper School Math

Ms. Alisha Eisenstock

Ms. Eisenstock has over 10 years of teaching experience and also operates a tutoring business. She holds a BS in Political Science and Communication from the University of Arizona. She has an MA in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. 

Mrs. Shelly Jain

Middle School Math

Mrs. Shelly Jain

Mrs. Jain joined Rancho Solano in August 2022 with over 15 years of teaching experience specializing in various Math topics. She holds a Master’s degree in Mathematics and a Bachelor’s degree in Education. She loves the challenge of helping kids understand the nuances of mathematics so that the knowledge will stay with them forever. She is passionate about sharing her wealth of knowledge on Math topics with her students.

Mr. ryan mcleod

Upper School Math

Mr. Ryan Mcleod

Mr. McLeod has been a faculty member at Rancho Solano since 2014. He served as the Math Department Chair from 2016 – 2022. He now 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. Jackson Oldham

Middle School Math

Mr. Jackson Oldham

Mr. Oldham graduated from Friends University with a BS in Business Administration. Prior to teaching full-time, Mr. Oldham served at Rancho as a substitute teacher. He also coaches middle and high school basketball for the Mustangs. 

Ms. Jennifer Printz

Middle School Math

Ms. Jennifer Printz

Mrs. Printz is an Arizona native with ten years of experience teaching Algebra. She earned her Master of Education in Mathematics Instruction from Arizona State University. She also has a decade of experience in the business sector in commercial property and land management. Mrs. Printz is looking forward to building meaningful relationships with students, families, and staff at Rancho.

Mr. Chris Kotila

Middle School Science & Dept. Chair

Mr. Chris Kotila

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. 

Ms. karen martinson

Middle School STEM & Science

Ms. Karen Martinson

Biography Coming Soon

Mr. John McCulley

Upper School Biology, Anatomy & Physiology

Mr. John McCulley

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.

Ms. Molly Poniatowski

Middle School Science

Ms. Molly Poniatowski

Ms. Poniatowski joined Rancho Solano in 2022. Within her Education experience, she has facilitated classes in Secondary Earth/Environmental Science, Green Architecture, Engineering, App Creation, and Computer Science. Ms. Poniatowski holds a BS in Geology/Education and a Master's Degree in Secondary STEM Education from State University of New York at New Paltz. Ms. Poniatowski holds teaching credentials in New York as well as California and is passionate about allowing students space to practice soft skills through the lens of Science.

Mrs. Shelli Powell

Upper School Chemistry

Mrs. Shelli Powell

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.

Dr. Jean Witty

Upper School Biology

Dr. Jean Witty

Dr. Witty joined Rancho in 2018 with over 20 years of experience in high school and college level education. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in biology and chemistry from Monmouth College, a Master's Degree in Neurobiology and Physiology from Northwestern University and a PhD in Cell Biology from Vanderbilt. She teaches IB biology years one and two and developed the Sports Medicine course.  Dr. Witty enjoys sharing her passion for science and medicine with new groups of students each year.

Mr. paul zukowski

Middle & Upper School Physics

Mr. Paul Zukowski

Mr. Zukowski has been an educator at Rancho Solano since 2016. He has taught STEM, EPICS, Introductory Robotics, Advanced Robotics, as well as Upper School Introductory Physics and IB Physics. Mr. Zukowski holds a BS in Physics with a minor in Music from Northwest Nazarene University and serves as the head coach of the Competitive Robotics and Science Olympiad teams.

Mr. Ted strickland

Middle School History & Dept. Chair

Mr. Ted Strickland

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, but he currently teaches History, which is one of his passions.

Ms. Francesca Angelone

Middle School History

Ms. Francesca Angelone

Mrs. Angelone-Pavlatos is not only a native Arizonan, but she is also a former Rancho Solano graduate, having graduated from the Greenway campus in 2010. After working in the corporate sector for a number of years, she received her Master’s in Secondary Education from Arizona State University. This will be her second year teaching at Rancho! She has always had a love of history and loves being able to share that interest with her students.

Dr. Jennifer Bryant NAgel

Upper School History

Dr. Jennifer Bryant Nagel

Dr. Bryant holds an MFA from the University of Notre Dame and a PhD in English Literature and Textual History from the University of Washington in Seattle. She serves on the Historical Advisory Committee for the Town of Paradise Valley and as Paradise Valley’s volunteer Town Archivist.

Mr. marco Garbarino

Upper School Economics & IB Coordinator

Mr. Marco Garbarino

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.

Ms. Angela George

Upper School History

Ms. Angela George

Ms. George is from Brooklyn, NY as well as Alabama.  She has been in education and working with youth organizations since 1997 throughout the country and has taught in New York, Florida, Georgia, Alabama and now in Arizona. She is highly qualified in Social Sciences and Secondary Education.  Her areas of expertise are History (World/US), Psychology, Sociology, Geography, Anthropology, Government and Economics. She is also a Reading and Writing Interventionist. She is very happy to be part of the Rancho Solano faculty and family.

Ms. Devorah Kenney

IB History, Economics & Government

Ms. Devorah Kenney

Ms. Kenney holds an M.Ed. and a BA in Political Science from Emory University. She has 22 years of classroom experience teaching high school social studies, including Advanced Placement and IB History. Early in her career, Ms. Kenney and her students were nationally recognized for service learning campaigns that promoted activism in underserved communities. She has had extensive training in teaching literacy in the content area. Ms. Kenney encourages students to critically examine texts, to find messages depicted in visuals, and challenges students to read and share narratives that provide unique perspectives on historical events. 

MS. Molly Lawson

Middle School History

Ms. Molly Lawson

A Phoenix native, Ms. Lawson is in her 9th year of teaching at Rancho Solano and her 20th year of teaching overall. Ms. Lawson holds an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University, an MS in International Affairs from The Georgia Institute of Technology, and a BA in United States history from Washington and Lee University. Ms. Lawson is passionate about leading and teaching young people about the places, people, and events that shape their lives and helping Rancho Solano’s Middle School develop a Model United Nations program.

Mrs. Carmen Sanchez

Middle School Spanish & Dept. Chair

Mrs. Carmen Sanchez

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. Sylvia Adam

Upper School ELL

Ms. Sylvia Adam

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. Richard Cao

Upper School Mandarin

Mr. Richard Cao

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.

Ms. Cristina correas

Upper School Spanish

Ms. Cristina Correas

Mrs. Correas is a native Spanish speaker born and raised in Spain. She received her BA in Spanish Philology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She recently completed the IB Certification as an Instructor of the Spanish Language. Mrs. Correas came to Rancho Solano in 2018 and very quickly came to love the supportive and nurturing environment that is created here.

Mrs. claudia descloux-peisl

Upper School French

Mrs. Claudia Descloux-Peisl

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.

Ms. Cecile mahieux

Middle School French

Ms. Cecile Mahieux

Biography Coming Soon

Mr. Wilson Moreno

Upper School Spanish

Mr. Wilson Moreno

Mr. Moreno has 22 years of teaching experience. He holds a BA in Business Administration and several international language acquisition certifications from the University of Cambridge. He joined Rancho Solano in 2020.

MS. Jessie Tolman

Middle School Spanish

Ms. Jessie Tolman

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.

Mr. Brandon Zale

Choir, Musical Theatre & Fine Arts Chair

Mr. Brandon Zale

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. Remy Barnes

Middle School Visual Arts

Ms. Remy Barnes

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 11 years of teaching experience. Ms. Barnes is thrilled to be part of the Rancho community, working with her favorite age group.

Ms. Cheryl Berech

Upper School Visual Arts

Ms. Cheryl Berech

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. Andrea Gamez

Middle & Upper School Dance

Mrs. Andrea Gamez

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.

Dr. Therese Kerbey

Instruments & Orchestra

Dr. Therese Kerbey

Dr. Kerbey joined Rancho Solano in 2016 with 25 years of school band and orchestra teaching experience. At Rancho Solano, she has taught Beginning Orchestra, Intermediate Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Beginning Guitar and Ukulele, Intermediate Guitar and Ukulele, and IB Music HL /SL. Dr. Kerbey earned her B.M.Ed at Aquinas College, and both her M.M.Ed. in Jazz Studies and D.M.A. in Historical Research degrees from Arizona State University. In addition to being a professional woodwind musician, Dr. Kerbey served the last ten years of her 23-year military career as First Sergeant of the 108th Army Arizona National Guard Band.

Dr. Maurice Terrell

Band Director

Dr. Maurice Terrell

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.

Mr. Scott Guerin

Middle & Upper School Technology

Mr. Scott Guerin

Mr. Guerin's experience in the field of computers and technology spans over 20 years. He was born in Laguna Beach, CA but has called Arizona his home since the third grade. He graduated High School from Scottsdale Christian Academy and pursued his college education at Northern Arizona University. He received a BFA in Visual Communications from NAU, then followed his love for technology at UACT where he earned an AA in Web Development/Digital Animation. He has worked as a teacher in other private schools and with children’s organizations where he has been able to share his passions for technology education and art. Outside the education realm, he is a huge soccer fanatic and art enthusiast.

Mr. Carl Varnado

Mac Lab, Media, and Film

Mr. Carl Vernado

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.

Ms. Gail Avenell

Middle School P.E. & Dept. Chair

Ms. Gail Avenell

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. 

Ms. Vicki Dereszkiewicz

Sports Medicine and Athletic Trainer

Ms. Vicki Dereszkiewicz

Biography Coming Soon

Mr. Ryan Okwudibonye

Middle & Upper School P.E.

Mr. Ryan Okwudibonye

Biography Coming Soon

Mr. dallin payne

Middle School P.E. & Assistant Athletic Director

Mr. Dallin Payne

Mr. Payne has been in education for over 20 years in various roles and levels. He has earned a BA from Arizona State University in Family & Human Development and an MA in Educational Leadership from Walden University. He has been with Rancho Solano for 17 years.

Ms. Stacey Peed

Upper School P.E.

Ms. Stacey Peed

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. 

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