Our K-8 Staff.
Staff Profiles
Shalisa Arnold has worked as a teacher, principal, and director for over 20 years to positively impact children in Arizona’s charter school system. Shalisa has a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Arizona State University and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. She holds a current Standard Professional K-8 Arizona Teaching Certificate as well as a current Standard Professional Principal PreK-12 Arizona certificate.
As the Principal, Shalisa is excited to bring her classroom, leadership, and organizational experience to the new Heritage Academy Gateway K-8 campus and add to the successful traditions and reputation that Heritage Academy enjoys.
Click on the link below to read a message from Ms. Arnold.
My name is Jessilee Staggie, and I am thrilled to be the Assistant Principal of Heritage Academy Gateway K-8! I started my education with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Brigham Young University – Idaho. I quickly fell in love with learning and the field of education while working with students who had disabilities at the college level. This love increased as I found myself teaching kindergarten, and I saw firsthand students developing a love of learning. Desiring to make a larger impact than one classroom of students each year, I obtained my master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Western Governors University and have been working in administration since. I am excited to work alongside the best of the best to create an environment of positivity and learning that will change the lives of many scholars each year.
Hello! My name is Tera Nelson, and I am excited to be the new Dean at the Gateway K-8 campus and help support our scholars. I am married to my best friend, and we have three kids: 21, 19, 17. We also have a husky who keeps us very busy. I love reading, kayaking, hiking, and spending time with my family. I have a master’s degree in education, a master’s degree in educational leadership, and I am currently pursuing my doctoral degree in educational leadership. My dissertation is on trauma-informed strategies for teachers. I have taught kindergarten for 10 years, college for 1 year, 2nd and 4th grade for 1 year, and have been an assistant principal for the last 2 years. My leadership philosophy is that supported teachers can support scholars to the best of their ability. I also believe in preserving student dignity. Scholars feel embarrassment and shame the same way we do when we make mistakes so I am always mindful of how I would like to be corrected when I make a mistake. Lastly, I am so grateful to be joining such an amazing team! I look forward to getting to know all of you!
My name is Shereen Shaw, and I am thrilled to be at Heritage Academy Gateway K-8! I have the opportunity to serve scholars and their parents as the Registrar. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Utah State University, and then went on to work in the fields of media relations and communications at San Diego State University and Arizona State University. I previously worked as a K-8 front office secretary for six years before meeting, greeting and serving Heritage families. My husband and I have three children, and my favorite hobbies are spending time with them, watching movies and cheering on my beloved Diamondbacks, USU Aggies and SDSU Aztecs sports teams.
My name is Heather Winters, and I have the opportunity to serve the families and students of Heritage Academy as the Receptionist. I have been a teacher aide for kindergarten and first grade for the past four years. Prior to this I ran my own daycare for over 10 years. I am a wife of 16 years and a mom of 3 beautiful children who keep me very busy. When I am not working I enjoy the mountains, working out, puzzles, crafts, and being with my little family. I am very excited to work at the new school, and I look forward to getting to know the amazing scholars and parents at Heritage Academy.
My name is Rose Arellano, and I am so excited to be teaching kindergarten at Heritage Academy this year! I am looking forward to seeing my scholars grow and experience all of those wonderful AHA moments. We are going to have an amazing year! I was raised in the cold state of Utah and moved to Arizona to attend college. I fell in love with everything about Arizona. My hubby and I have been married for 26 years and have two amazing boys, two dogs, and a snake……yikes!. I absolutely love the outdoors, crafting, and spending time with my family and friends. Can you guess what my favorite flower is?
I have a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Master’s in Early Childhood Education. This is my 13th year teaching and my third year at Heritage Academy…my new home! Teaching is MY JAM! I can’t wait to see what we all accomplish this year!
Hi there! I’m Heather Prusse, and I can’t wait for a fantastic year of kindergarten at Heritage Academy! I’m an Arizona native and am married with five children. As a family, we love to travel, try out new restaurants, and just enjoy time together (especially when there’s good food involved!). Teaching is truly my passion. Over the years, I’ve taught kindergarten, K-6 general music, 4th grade and preschool. I also had the exciting opportunity to create a music curriculum for a private company. Music and movement are such powerful learning tools, and I love bringing that energy into my classroom. When I’m not teaching, you’ll probably find me singing, curled up with a good book, or out for a run.
Hi! My name is Heather Stutsman, and I am originally from colorful Colorado. I still love to visit whenever I can. I moved to Arizona for college, where I met my husband, and we have made it home ever since. We have a fun and spirited 4-year-old daughter named Tegan and two goofy dogs, Peanut and Russell, who keep us on our toes. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and cheering on the Braves, the Golden State Warriors and KU basketball. I graduated with a degree in Elementary Education, summa cum laude, from Grand Canyon University. This year marks my 6th year in kindergarten, following 5 years of teaching preschool. I absolutely love working with our kinder bugs and helping them build the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.
Hello, my name is Tracy Whittaker, and I have the amazing honor of teaching kindergarten. I have taught kindergarten through third grade throughout my career, and kindergarten is my absolute favorite! I am delighted to be part of this new adventure at Heritage Academy. I am looking forward to meeting all of our new students and families. When I am not at school, you will find me spending time with my family. We love to travel, hike, kayak, and spend time at the beach!
I am Mrs. Jackie Alexander. I am originally from North Carolina. I lived twelve years in California before moving to Arizona 12 years ago. I attended North Carolina A&T State University, where I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology. I have happily dedicated twenty-nine years to teaching. When I am not teaching, I enjoy watching movies, curling up with a good book, painting, and spending time with my loving family, which includes my husband and three children. My educational philosophy is that I firmly believe to be an effective teacher you must have high expectations, provide a classroom that not only nurtures intellectual development but also fosters self-confidence, pride, strong character, and a love of learning. I am thrilled to be a part of the Heritage Academy family as a first grade teacher. I look forward to what the school year holds and helping my young Heroes have a successful year in first grade.
My name is Tami Burgess, and I am thrilled to be joining the first-grade team at Heritage Academy! Teaching at Heritage has been a dream of mine for years, and I truly feel like I’m exactly where I belong. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Brigham Young University and hold a Gifted Endorsement. I’ve taught both 1st and 3rd grades, and for the past several years, I’ve had the joy of teaching in a self-contained gifted classroom.
I am passionate about helping students grow into confident, resilient learners. I believe in building strong academic foundations while also nurturing character, integrity, and critical thinking. I am committed to creating a classroom where every student feels loved, cared for, and empowered.
My husband and I have six children, and we have seven (almost eight!) amazing, beautiful grandchildren. We love spending time together, especially in our happy places—Disneyland and Hawaii. I can’t wait to meet my new scholars and start learning and growing together!
I am excited to be teaching first grade at Heritage Academy Elementary at Gateway. This will be my thirteenth year teaching elementary students. In the past thirteen years, I split my time between the computer lab and first grade. I am an Arizona native, and I love our great state of Arizona! Prior to moving to San Tan Valley in 2014, I spent all of my life living in Mesa, Arizona. I have three daughters ages 25, 24, and 22. I have one grandson whom I adore, and I love being a grandma. I am a Disneyland fanatic and cannot wait until my next trip to the “Happiest Place on Earth.” When I am not in the classroom my favorite hobbies include traveling, reading, crafting, and spending time with my family. I am excited about teaching and making memories with my new class of heroes this year!
Hello, my name is Kellie Neill. I am beyond thrilled to be entering my second year as a first-grade teacher at Heritage Academy. I just completed my 23rd year of teaching, most of which was at the first-grade level. I have a degree in liberal studies from Cal State Fullerton, and a master’s degree in education with a specialization in reading. I have a passion for teaching first graders. I love their inquisitive minds and sweet personalities. First grade is a huge year of growth, and it is always such a privilege to be a part of that. My husband, Karl and I relocated to Queen Creek, Arizona from Southern California. I was originally born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and still have many family members there. We are excited to be in Arizona with all my husband’s family. We have a son, Ryder, who is 15 and will be a sophomore at HA Gateway across the street. We also have two parrots that are a huge part of our lives.
In our free time we love the outdoors and hiking. Heritage Academy Gateway is a special place, and I am blessed to be here.
My name is Emily Boxley, and I am a second grade teacher at Heritage Academy Gateway K-8. This will be my 14th year teaching and 12th year in second grade. I received my Bachelor’s of Science in Health as well as my General Education and Special Education Certification from State University of New York College at Brockport. After graduation and student teaching, I moved to sunny Arizona for the amazing weather and opportunity. Once there, I met my husband and we have now been married for 8 years with a sweet 1st grader here at Heritage. I am beyond excited for what we are going to build together at Heritage! Let’s make our dream school a reality together!
Hey, y’all! My name is Sarah Buys, and I am excited to be teaching 2nd grade at Heritage Academy Gateway K-8. I am a proud Texan who was an Idaho transplant for a few years while I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in teaching English as a second language. The Idaho cold drove me to Arizona for the sunshine and beautiful sunsets! You will often find me at the movies, my favorite place! I love dogs, Dr. Pepper, crafting, and spending time with my family. I am so excited to learn alongside the scholars and participate in Heritage’s rich tradition and culture. It will be a fantastic year.
Hello! My name is Ashlee Gibson.
I’ve been a teacher for nearly 16 years, with 13 of those years dedicated to teaching 2nd grade—a grade I absolutely love! I hold a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and am passionate about creating engaging, meaningful learning experiences for my students.
My husband and I have one daughter who also attends Heritage Academy, where I’m proud to be both a teacher and an alumna. Outside of the classroom, I’m an avid reader, a plant enthusiast, and I enjoy spending time outdoors. Our family loves to travel—Disneyland is one of our favorite destinations!
I truly love teaching and believe learning should always be fun, purposeful, and full of joy.
My name is Krissi Preshaw, and I am a 2nd grade teacher. I am originally from Washington State, but have been here in Arizona for 13 years now, and we love it! My husband and I have a 18-year-old son and a 12-year-old daughter, as well as 2 dogs, Lexi and Rusty. I absolutely love to hike, camp, swim in my pool, and do anything outdoors! I also enjoy reading, cheering on my daughter at dance and swim, and simply hanging with my family. I have my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, a minor in Special Education, and a minor in Psychology. This will be my 7th year teaching 2nd grade, and I feel so blessed to be a part of this amazing school.
My name is Leslie Abney, and this will be my 13th year teaching. I taught second grade for five years and have been in third grade for the last seven. Before that, I stayed home raising my four children. In my free time, I find joy in spending time with family, being involved in my church, and shopping for the latest, greatest bargain. I am obsessed with children’s literature, pilates, and all things decorating. As a teacher, I love to help children find joy in reading and learning. I believe it is important to instill in students diligence, hard work, neatness, and respect for others and their country. I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of the new Heritage Academy Gateway K-8 teaching third grade!
Hello! My name is Heather Briggs, and I love teaching 3rd grade at Heritage Academy. I grew up in Queen Creek, Arizona, and I love the desert. I played volleyball for Southern Virginia University, where I met my husband. We lived back east for a few years while he attended law school, and I completed my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Western Governors University. This will be my sixth year teaching.
My husband and I have four children, a giant mastiff named Brutus, and a mini goldendoodle named Crush. In my spare time, I love to play volleyball and spend time with my family. I also enjoy woodworking, building furniture, and taking on new home improvement projects.
Hello Heritage families! I’m Linda Chandler and I am so happy to be a part of the Heritage Academy team! As a former Heritage Mesa parent, I love HEROES! Teaching at Heritage is the perfect place to be!
Originally, I am from the midwest, however Arizona has been my home for many years. While my husband and I raised three children,
I began teaching, over 15 years ago. I have been in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade classrooms, and I can say that 3rd grade is my favorite!
What I love about teaching the most is helping each scholar gain confidence in new skills, and having fun along the way!
When I am not teaching, I love spending time with my family, having adventures in my yard, creating something from nothing in my sewing room, and giving our dogs their best life!
I love being here at Heritage and I look forward to getting to know you and your child!
My name is Melissa Pavlicek, and I love teaching third grade. I received my Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education from Brigham Young University. Upon graduating, I moved back to my home roots in Queen Creek. I am so happy to be a part of Heritage Academy on the K-8 campus. This will be my eighth year teaching third grade. My desire is that each student can become a lifelong scholar and learn to love learning! Curiosity should be pursued until one can be satisfied in having learned something new. I want scholars to leave the third grade with the confidence to know that hard work, problem solving, and a positive attitude can take them anywhere they want to go! Outside of the classroom, I love spending time with family and friends, traveling, listening to music, sewing, watching movies, and reading a good book.
Hi there! I’m Angie Clegg, and I feel incredibly lucky to be part of the amazing 4th grade team at Heritage! I earned my degree in Elementary Education from BYU and later added a Master’s in Educational Administration from ASU. I’ve been teaching elementary school for 12 wonderful years.
When I’m not in the classroom, I’m busy at home with my awesome crew—I’ve been married for 20 years, and I’m the proud mom of five kids, including two sets of twins (yes, really!). We round out the chaos with our two fluffy Shih Tzus, who rule the house.
Hello Heritage families! My name is Jennifer Clonts, and I am thrilled to be your fourth grade teacher. I am a Gilbert girl and have lived in this area of the valley since I was 5 years old. After graduating from Gilbert High School, I pursued a teaching degree through Arizona State University. I graduated with my bachelors degree in Elementary Education in 2006. I then began teaching fourth grade for Gilbert Public Schools. I had the privilege of teaching alongside some wonderful, experienced educators and administrators who taught me a lot in my young years.
In 2013, I graduated with my masters degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Grand Canyon University in 2015. I have had several opportunities to fill in as an interim dean and principal since then. This has shaped much of my professional growth in the latter years of my career.
As your child’s teacher, I am committed to creating a classroom atmosphere that encourages intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and respectful discussion. My goal is not only to impart knowledge but also to inspire and empower each of your children to reach their full potential.
Outside of the classroom, you can often find me exercising, spending time with my family and friends, or doing anything that makes me laugh. I believe in the value of pursuing passions outside of academia and finding balance in life.
I am incredibly excited to embark on this journey with you all and look forward to getting to know each of you better. Together, we will have the best time learning, discovering, and making memories. Here’s to a wonderful year filled with laughter, learning, and limitless possibilities!
My name is Mrs. Manha, and I am so fortunate to have been able to teach at Heritage Academy for the past six years. I love this school, our scholars, and the adventure that is 4th grade!! I was also a Heritage parent. All 3 of my children graduated from Heritage! I am originally from Louisiana, but I have lived in Arizona for most of my life, having moved here in 1980. I graduated from ASU with a BS in Education. I have taught all ages from the littles on up! I have been married for 31 years to my college sweetheart. When I am not teaching I am probably reading, watching soccer, or going to Disneyland!! Looking forward to a great year!
Hello, I am Jenni McOmber. I am excited to teach fourth grade at Heritage Academy Gateway K-8. I am originally from Utah where I attended Brigham Young University and graduated with my degree in Education. I have lived in Arizona for over 20 years. During that time my family and I moved to Florida where I got to hold a baby alligator! This will be my 27th year teaching in Elementary School. My favorite grade is whichever grade I am teaching at that moment.
When I am not in the classroom, I can be found spending time with my amazing husband and my 5 children. I love watching my children play sports, especially soccer. As a family, we enjoy spending an afternoon at the lake or swimming in the pool. I love exploring nature and the outdoors.
Teaching is a passion of mine! I love watching children learn and grow. I look forward to teaching the scholars at Heritage Academy Gateway K-8 and sharing my love of learning.
My name is Rachelle Allen, and I am a fifth-grade teacher at Heritage Academy Gateway K-8. I received my bachelor’s degree in Marriage and Family Studies from BYU Idaho and then went on to get my Master’s degree at GCU. I recently received my certification as a Spalding-certified teacher. I enjoy sharing what I learn and know with my students. My favorite thing about teaching is when I get to see the “Light Bulb” moment happen in my students. I love it when they make connections.
I originally came from Idaho, but I call Arizona my home. I am the mother of eight children and the grandmother of two. I have been teaching for seven years. I love date nights with my husband, game nights with my family, reading, working out, sleeping in on the weekends, and helping children know how great they can become!
My name is Kellie Bowers, and I grew up in Southern California, but have been living in the Phoenix area since 2013. After graduating with my BA in Psychology with a minor in American History from the University of Southern California, I was accepted to the Teach for America program. I spent the first two years in the valley teaching fifth and sixth grades in Glendale while completing my master’s in Elementary Education from Arizona State University. In 2015, I moved to Gilbert with my husband, Stephen, and have spent the last nine years teaching elementary school in the east valley. I have two children, Lily (8), and Luke(5). I started at Heritage Academy Gateway K-8 three years ago and love teaching fifth grade here! When I am not at school you can find me reading a book, playing a game with my family, or enjoying the sunshine.
Hello! My name is Aubrey Luma. I am so excited to join the 5th grade team at Heritage Academy Gateway K-8. I received my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Utah and later went back to school for Elementary Education.
I am an Arizona native, but my husband grew up in Michigan, so we travel there quite a bit. I’ve become a huge fan of Michigan! We have 4 kids ages 9-15. I love traveling, reading, the beach, college football, and spending time with family. I can’t wait to help inspire my 5th graders and watch their young minds grow.
Hello, my name is Mrs. Tasha McMorrow. I have been a teacher for over nine years. I received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Art and my Master’s Degree in Educational Technology from the College of Saint Scholastica in Duluth, MN. I have lived in Minnesota all my life and recently made the move to Arizona to be closer to family who have all moved out of the snow to the sunshine. My husband, Tommy, and I enjoy traveling and spending time with family. I am a proud dog mom to our Mini Goldendoodle named Bubba. I love all things Disney and spend many of my vacations at Disneyland or Disney World. Teaching has always been a passion of mine, and I am so excited to be a member of the Heritage Academy community. I look forward to helping our scholars be heroes and learn together every day.
My name is Janelle Emory, and I am the Gifted and Talented Education teacher at Heritage Academy Gateway K-8. In addition to GATE, I will also be providing STEAM enrichment for all our K-5 scholars! This is formally my 9th year in education, but I have spent many more years in education as a substitute, a preschool teacher, and even the child of two educators. I have a Master’s in Elementary Education and a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, both from NAU! Currently, I am working towards a Gifted Education endorsement from ASU. I have a love of learning and a passion for inquiry, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share those with our scholars!
My name is Heather Buck, and I have the privilege of being the librarian at Heritage Gateway Academy. I am an Arizona native with 28 years of teaching experience. I earned my Bachelor’s of Arts degree in psychology and elementary education from Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA. I earned my Master’s degree in early childhood education from the University of Phoenix. One of my proudest accomplishments is becoming a National Board Certified Teacher in 2010 and again in 2020. Prior to becoming a librarian, I was a classroom teacher for 19 years in grades kindergarten and second grade. I am married and have two amazing children, one of which attends Heritage. In my spare time, I love to travel, read, and spend time with my family.
I am Rosalyn Pieczynski and am the Reading Specialist. I have been in education for over 16 years and hold a Master’s Degree with a Reading Specialist Endorsement. I am an Executive Trainer with Spalding and have seen the incredible success gained through this program, both professionally and personally. I am passionate about helping scholars become confident readers and instilling a love for literature. I have 4 children, ranging from a high school sophomore to a recent college graduate, GO ASU! When not at school; I love traveling with my family, playing games, or reading by the pool.
My name is Vanessa Motroni, and I am honored to be teaching computer literacy at Heritage Academy Gateway this year! This will be my eighth year teaching. I graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education. Teaching is my passion and what I was born to do! I am an Arizona native and love being able to call this incredible state my home. When I am not in the classroom, my hobbies include spending time with my family, trying new restaurants, and reading. I am so excited for the memories that we will make together this year!
I am Megan Rodriguez, and I am the 1st-5th grade music teacher at Heritage Academy Gateway. I have been an elementary music teacher for seventeen years. Elementary music is my passion, and I love to create engaging, fast-paced, and fun music lessons that allow all students to engage and explore music. I have a Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Baldwin-Wallace College and a Master of Music Degree from ASU. I have completed my Kodaly level I, II, and III training and Orff level I which have heavily influenced my teaching. I play French horn in the Chandler Symphony, and I enjoy traveling, cheering for the Green Bay Packers, and spending time with my husband and three daughters.
My name is Wendi Canchola! I was born and raised in Gillette, Wyoming. I played basketball and golf from high school into college. I have a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a master’s degree in Physical Education from Arizona State University. I taught first grade for seven years, and I have taught elementary physical education for five years. I love to hike, travel, read, golf, hang out with my husband, and work out in my spare time. I am so excited to be a part of Heritage Academy! I look forward to teaching physical education and helping my scholars succeed in and out of the classroom.
My name is Jen Attaway, and I will be teaching K-5 Resource. I am originally from Southern California and have lived in Arizona for over 20 years. I have a Bachelor of Arts from Cal State San Marcos, a Master’s Degree in Special Education from University of Phoenix, and a Master’s Degree in Bilingual/Multicultural Education from NAU. I have been an educator for over 18 years, all in special education. My husband and I have two daughters and two grandkids. I enjoy the beach, relaxing by the pool, and watching soccer. I am excited for this new adventure at Heritage Academy!
My name is Robin Holliday, and I am excited to continue my journey teaching K-5 Resource here at Heritage. I moved to Arizona from California 7 years ago. I have my Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and Special Education from the University of Nevada-Reno, and a Master’s Degree in Reading from California Baptist University in Riverside, CA. I have been an educator for 34 years. I have taught special education grades K-12, both in resource and self-contained. I also have experience in the general education classroom. I have two grown children who are successful in their own lives. When I am not teaching, I love spending time with my horses, dogs and family.
Hello! My name is Mrs. Bitz, and I teach 6th grade math. I graduated from Eastern Washington University with a Bachelor of Arts in Math and Reading and have been teaching for the last 11 years. Teaching math is a passion of mine, and I love making it engaging, accessible, and fun! My husband and I have been married for six years, and we have two pups named Maddy and Willow. I enjoy hanging out with family, playing games, and going to concerts. I am looking forward to meeting everyone and having a successful year at Heritage!
As a Heritage alumnus, I am so excited to be teaching at Heritage Academy for the first time this year. I will be teaching middle school choir and drama. I graduated with a master’s degree in Music Education with a choral emphasis in 2020, but have been in education and loving it for over 6 years teaching private voice, piano, flute, and guitar lessons to all ages. I have directed community choirs for the past 3 years, have led children’s music groups on and off over the past 4 years, and taught choir in the public schools for the past year.
I love to create and have written pop music, theater music, and enjoy writing any chance I get. Most recently, I wrote and performed music for a local theater production for Tempe Arts in the Parks initiative. I also love to perform and have been in many local choirs, performed in local theater productions, and performed as a solo artist in local venues. I am so excited to teach students to be independent musicians, actors, and artists.
Aside from being an artist and teacher, my family is my life. I am happily married with 4 children in elementary school.
My name is Jesse Brown and this will be my 18th year in education. My first 14 years were as a PE teacher at San Tan Elementary and Sossaman Middle School in the Higley Unified School District. I have been the athletic director here at Heritage Gateway JH since we opened our K-8 building in 2022. I graduated from ASU with my bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education with a specialization in K-12 Physical Education in 2007. On top of teaching P.E. I have coached basketball, football, and track at both the high school and middle school levels. My wife and I have four children, Jackson, Callie, Mason, and Miller. When not teaching or coaching, I enjoy spending time with all of them, watching a sporting event (especially ones involving our Heritage Heroes and my own children!), hiking, mountain biking, participating in a good mud run, and of course playing all the sports!
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Hi! I’m Mrs. Burgess, and I’m so excited to be your art teacher. I began teaching art when I was 15 at a private studio in Seattle, went on to earn my BA in K-12 Art Education from BYU, and continued to teach art to all ages in a variety of settings. I have been teaching junior high art at Heritage for almost two years now, and it’s my favorite group ever!!
I love spending time with my family (I’m married and mom to four wonderful kids), working on my own creative projects, reading, travelling, and trying new things. I can’t wait to see you in the art room!
“Math is Fun!” My name is Laura Clark. I will be your 7th grade math teacher. I am extremely proud to be part of the Heritage family. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts from LaVerne University and a Master’s Degree in Teaching from Chapman University. I am certified to teach K-8, Middle Grades Mathematics, and High School Mathematics. I have been a teacher for 19 years, married for 31 years, and have 2 grown children. My outside interests are hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing. I am so excited to share my enthusiasm for math and to create an environment where each scholar will start to believe or confirm that math can be fun! Junior High RULES!!!
My name is Coach Condie. I was born in Rochester, New York. I started swimming competitively at the early age of 4. At the age of 10, I joined a club team in Maryland and began swimming year-round. During this time, I participated in Junior Olympics, Metro Honors (Watkins Mill HS), and helped lead my high school swim team (Mountain View HS) to the State Championships in both individual and relay events . After graduating from high school, I was offered scholarships to swim for several Universities. More recently, I have run several successful swim clinics out of my house. I have a real passion for swimming and helping others succeed. When I am not working with the swim team, I spend most of my time with my husband of 20 years and my three amazing children. I am very excited about my role at Heritage Academy and look forward to helping our scholars reach their full potential both in and out of the pool.
Hello, my name is Jim Cook. I will be teaching 6th Grade World History as well as Speech & Debate. I am very excited to go on a journey with you through the major civilizations of our world. We will learn what makes a civilization great and how we can be part of making our civilizations strong. We will learn how to organize our thoughts and communicate with each other in an exciting, fun, engaging, and respectful manner.
I am a native of Arizona. My wife and five wonderful kids love to explore the diverse climates and history of Arizona. I love to read, be in nature, watch my daughter play volleyball, and lose at pickleball to my four sons. I have a Bachelor’s in Business Management and a Master’s in Education. I have taught one year in 2nd/3rd grade, four years in 6th grade and ten years in 5th grade. I am excited that we will lift each other up as part of the Heritage community.
Hello, my name is Casey Craffey, and I’m excited to be joining Heritage Academy for my first year of teaching. I recently graduated from Northern Arizona University with a degree in Special and Elementary Education. I’m originally from Illinois but moved to Arizona to attend college and have loved being here ever since. While at NAU, I was a student-athlete on the swim team, which taught me a lot about discipline, balance, and perseverance. In my free time, I enjoy swimming, hiking, spending time outside, and being with friends and family.
I love teaching Kenpo at Heritage Academy; I have been a Black Belt since 1996. I absolutely love my Kenpo Instructor (he happens to be my husband) and I speak three languages: French, English and Laotian. I love fitness, hiking and being with my family.
Email: dduke@heritageacademyaz.com
Hello! My name is Nicole Figgins, and I am thrilled to be teaching Jr. High Resource for the 2025-2026 school year at Heritage Academy Gateway. This marks my 14th year in education! I am dual certified in both Special Education and General Education, and throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to teach a wide range of grade levels and settings. I am married to my high school sweetheart, and together we have five children ranging in age from 13 to 22. Our youngest are twins, Kael and Kolette, who are in 8th grade this year. As a family, we absolutely love to travel and are passionate about American History. Some of our favorite cities to explore include Boston, Chicago, and Washington D.C.—rich in culture, stories, and learning opportunities. I am looking forward to another amazing year at Heritage Academy!
Language is awesome! That’s one of the first things I tell my scholars, and the reason I earned a BA in English Education from BYU-Hawaii. I’ve split my professional career between teaching and copywriting (marketing writing). I’m excited to share my knowledge of both as I teach 6th grade ELA and Creative Writing this year. When I’m not teaching, I love spending time with my husband and 3 kids, watching plays and movies, reading, and writing. (I was the ghostwriter of a New York Times best-selling business book.) All 3 of my children attend Heritage, and we love being part of the Heritage family.
Hello, Heritage Academy families! My name is Carla Gardner, and I teach 7th grade Science. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Psychology from Arizona State University and later earned a Master in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University. This will be my tenth year in education and my fifth year as a junior high science teacher. I have always had a love for science and found it to be a compelling subject to teach due to its natural connection to scholars’ curiosity and wonder about the world. When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy all outdoor activities, sports, artistic endeavors, and spending as much time as possible with my family. My husband and I have been married for 20 years, have three teenage daughters, and a coop full of chickens. I am honored to be your child’s teacher and excited for the amazing school year here at the Gateway campus!
Hayley Hansen is the 6th grade Science teacher at Heritage Academy. She graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in STEM Education and has been teaching middle school science since 2020. Her passion for science began in 7th grade during a Heritage Academy science class that sparked her curiosity and love for the subject.
Ms. Hansen loves being a science teacher and finds joy in helping scholars explore the world around them through hands-on learning and discovery.
Outside the classroom, she enjoys hiking, camping, reading, and spending time outdoors. She also loves spending time with her family and proudly holds the title of favorite aunt to over 50 nieces and nephews. Ms. Hansen is thrilled to be part of the Heritage Academy team and looks forward to inspiring the next generation of scientists.
Angela Huston received her Bachelor’s Degree in History with a minor in English from Brigham Young University. She has taught English in the middle school ages in Utah and Arizona. As a parent of Heritage scholars, she is passionate about the quality of education provided at Heritage Academy and thrilled to be a part of it.
Email: ahuston@heritageacademyaz.com
Webpage: Mrs. Huston’s Webpage
Hello, Gateway families! My name is Chad Jefferies. I will be teaching Physical Education this year. I am also the High School and Junior High tackle football coach. This will be my third year teaching and my eighth year coaching. I enjoy spending time with my family. My wife and I have been married for four years, and we have a one year old son named Benjamin. I am excited to be here at Heritage Academy Gateway because of the exceptional learning environment and emphasis on traditional values.
Brandon Kiesgen began his journey into music in the fifth grade playing the Euphonium. Since then, his adventure has been rewarding. He attended the Curry Summer Music Camp at Northern Arizona University for 6 years while participating in his school band programs through high school. In 2003, Brandon was the principal euphonium player for the Arizona All-State Band. From 2002-2004 Brandon performed with The Academy Drum & Bugle Corps during the ensemble’s first years. Brandon received his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Arizona State University in 2008 and Master’s degree from Kent State University in 2013. From 2008 to 2022, Brandon instructed high school marching, concert, and jazz bands at Basha and Perry High School in the Chandler Unified School District. Brandon’s performance experience consists of prior membership with the Salt River Brass Band of Arizona from 2007-2013 and various community and solo performances. Brandon continues to fulfill his lifelong passion for music by sharing the experience with his scholars at Heritage Academy.
My name is Kim Little, and I love math! I have a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education with a minor in PE/Coaching from Brigham Young University. I am excited to be back in the classroom after spending some time at home with my 4 kids and tutoring individual students in every subject from 3rd grade math to Pre-Calculus. Outside of the classroom, I love to participate in physical activity, spend time in the sunshine, and spend time with my husband and children.
Email: kimberly.litt@heritageacademyaz.com
Webpage: Mrs. Little’s Webpage
8th grade Science is the place to be! I am so excited to start a new chapter here at Heritage. I am Andraya Lyons. I was born and raised in Tucson, and about ten years ago my family moved to Queen Creek! I earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona in Elementary Education, GO CATS! I hold a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from United States University. I love to learn by exploring how the world works and why. I have taught a variety of ages and subjects but always seem to find my way back to junior high. I look forward to this year and the adventure we will go on together.
Welcome, Heritage families! This is my third year at Heritage and I am thrilled to continue teaching kindergarten music along with our Early Bird, Beginning and Intermediate orchestras. I have been a classically trained musician since I learned my first instrument at 3 years old. Now, I hold a bachelors in violin performance from NAU and a master’s in violin performance/pedagogy from ASU. Teaching this diverse range of music to our Heritage scholars has given me some of the best memories of my teaching career. In my free time, I like to travel, try new foods and have movie nights with my fur baby and husband.
I’ve worked at Heritage Academy for collectively 13 years as a collaborative pianist for the high school choirs and currently as the Piano Lab instructor for junior high scholars. I have taught private and group piano lessons to all ages for over 30 years and helped perform in the pit for multiple musicals in the Heritage Academy drama department. My passion for music and education is a life-long pursuit. I began studying music and education, but life led me to complete a degree in Applied Business Management from BYU–Idaho. I’ve run a musical theatre camp for 12 years and own a private piano studio. All year long, I treasure time with my family. My choice to teach is to not only share my passion with these amazing scholars, but to learn from them as well. I am honored to associate with such outstanding youth.
My name is Mrs. Ryan, and I am excited to teach JH History at Heritage Academy! There is something special about getting to work at a new school right from the beginning. I have been a teacher for over twelve years and have taught many grades.
I was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, so green chile and spicy foods are a necessity. I have lived in Arizona (on & off) since high school. I graduated from the University of Arizona and Arizona State University. Even though I went to both schools, I am a Wildcat at heart.
I have been blessed with a patient husband, Steve, and two amazing children: Tabitha and Ace. I cannot wait to cheer them on during their school journey at Heritage Academy and see the school through their curious eyes.
When I am not teaching, I like to visit new restaurants, watch movies, read, hang out with family and friends, attend yoga classes, and travel. My husband and I are trying to visit all 50 states and are about halfway to our goal. One of the best things I have ever done was live and teach abroad in South Korea. I cannot wait to go back and visit someday!
My name is Casey Shaffer. I started my teaching career in the fall of 2013. My experience includes teaching World History, American History, Economics, and Government. I became a National Board Certified Teacher in Social Studies in 2021. I’m thrilled to be teaching 8th grade American History at Heritage Academy Gateway K-8 this year. I live in Queen Creek and have three amazing daughters. I am excited to start the new school year!
Mr. Shaw holds a master’s degree in Classics from the University of Arizona. He has taught Latin, Greek, and Classics for 10 years. A Navy veteran, Mr. Shaw has lived all over the world, which travels have shaped his perspective. He reads in Biblical Hebrew, ancient Greek, and Latin and the Western literary tradition. Mr. Shaw generally prefers spending time at home with family, surrounded by books or in his garage lifting weights.
I am Cara Thornley, the Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) teacher. I graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Family and Consumer Sciences Education, and I also have a Baking & Pastry diploma from Art Institute of Phoenix. I have taught FACS for 10 years, most of which has been at the junior high level. I’m grateful to be a part of the Heritage Academy Gateway K-8 team, and I look forward to sharing my love of FACS with the amazing scholars here! In my leisure time, I enjoy baking, sewing, playing cards with friends, and spending time with family.
My name is Andria Timmons, and I will be teaching dance this year. I have always been into the arts in one form or another. Throughout my childhood, I was a competitive figure skater and dancer. Dance became a more prevalent art form for me because of its freedom of self-expression. This led me to pursue dance in college and obtain a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in dance choreography from Arizona State University. I have danced with several companies including Off Center Dance Company with Mesa Arts Center, coached a varsity pom team for years, and have choreographed numerous musical theater productions. I am heading into my 17th year as a teacher, having taught a range of grades from pre-k through high school. Teaching dance is my favorite! When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family and doing anything artistic. I am excited to join the Heritage Academy team and share my passion for dance with my scholars!
My name is Robert Willcutt, and I will be teaching Latin here at the Heritage Academy. I’ve lived my entire life here in Arizona, born and raised in Mesa. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree from Arizona State University in History. I have taught multiple subjects in my years as a teacher, ranging from math to history. I have three academic loves in my studies: The Roman Republic and Empire, the American Civil War, and the American Revolutionary War. It brings me great joy to be able to elucidate the students on one of the major pillars of Western Civilization. In my downtime, I enjoy reading and taking my dog, Caesar, on walks throughout the valley.
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To reach Mrs. DeChristina, please call the school office (480-461-4440) or email her: stasi.dech@heritageacademyaz.com