Meet Our Wonderful Teachers & Staff
We have a wide range of talented professionals at Quentin STEM Academy for Health Sciences. Our team of administrators, teachers, instructional aides, and support staff all have the same passion: teaching. They all want one thing: for your children to be and feel successful during their academic career at Quentin. We believe a good education empowers students to follow and achieve their dreams. Please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher with any questions or concerns. Parents are as important to our team as the rest of our wonderful members.
Administration
Loni Fife
Principal
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Biography
Meet Loni Fife
Hometown
La Blanca, TexasFavorite Subject
Math and scienceHobbies
I enjoy reading, running, and cooking.Message
"Who you are on a daily basis is who you are when you compete. If you want to be a champion, you have to have the mindset of a champion every day." - Jerry Ignalls, Olympic Weight Lifter
Kari Chicas
Assistant Principal
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Biography
Regan Schied
Dean of Students
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Biography
Meet Regan Schied
Hometown
Sturgis, MichiganFavorite Subject
English/ReadingHobbies
Growing indoor house plants and reading mysteries.Message
Hello, Shark family! I am so grateful to be here at Quentin, and I am looking forward to supporting you on your academic journey!
Office Support
Irene Dargan
Admin Secretary
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Biography
Ana Arce
Support Specialist, Sr.
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Biography
Jaquline Chan
Support Specialist, Jr.
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Biography
Angelica Verdugo
Health Aide
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Biography
Teachers
Kindergarten
Deborah Ellis-Byrd
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Biography
Meet Deborah Ellis-Byrd
Hometown
Los Angeles, CaliforniaFavorite Subject
Language artsHobbies
Reading, writing, gardening, and traveling.Message
Greetings, I am looking forward to getting to know you and your child, and to have a fabulous year of growth and lasting memories. I believe that kindergarten is the foundation for education success. It should instill and ignite a student's love of becoming a lifelong learner. The kindergarten experience may help build a student's confidence in their competence and ability to learn. They also learn important life skills such as motivation, discipline, patience, and persistence. I am happy to be a part of the Quentin STEM Academy family.Thank you,
Mrs. Byrd
Gabrielle Huntington
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Biography
Meet Gabrielle Huntington
Hometown
Perry, IowaFavorite Subject
ScienceHobbies
I enjoy singing, painting, and spending time with friends and family.Message
"Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody." - Brad Montague
Nora McGlown
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Biography
Megan Medcalf
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Biography
Meet Megan Medcalf
Hometown
Goodyear, AZFavorite Subject
WritingHobbies
I like to read and spending time with my family.Message
Hello! My name is Miss Medcalf, and I am a first-year kindergarten teacher. I am thankful to spend my first year with Quentin STEM Academy and looking forward to a happy, healthy, and successful school year. My goal is to create an environment that welcomes everyone, promotes individual and collective growth, and makes learning exciting. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions, comments, or concerns.
First Grade
Alisa Barrio
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Biography
Meet Alisa Barrio
Hometown
Las Cruces, New MexicoFavorite Subject
Literature, ReadingHobbies
I love to read, listen to music, and spend time with my family.Message
Hello! My name is Mrs. Barrio and I am going to be your first grade teacher! This will be my first year teaching at Quentin Stem Academy but my eighth year in early childhood education. I have a master's degree in early education and I love to teach! I can't wait to help you become a great learner and provide you with many new learning adventures!
Megan Holman
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Biography
Meet Megan Holman
Hometown
Tacoma, WashingtonWhere I Started Teaching
This is my first year teaching.Favorite Subject
English and historyHobbies
Reading, coloring, music, going to hockey games, spending time with family and friends, and playing soccerMessage
I am so excited to be joining the Quentin family, and I look forward to teaching and helping my students become responsible citizens who love to learn. 
Lacy Piper
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Biography
Meet Lacy Piper
Hometown
Madison, WIFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
Reading, cooking, hiking, and spending time with familyMessage
I am overjoyed to be part of the first-grade team, and I look forward to this year with you and your student.
Second Grade
Kyrie Arellano
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Biography
Meet Kyrie Arellano
Hometown
Silver City, NMFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
Spending time with my family, reading, and traveling.Message
Welcome to the new school year! I am so excited to have your child in my class this year! I look forward to working with your child and helping them succeed in their education. This school year will be filled with excitement, discovery, and learning. We are going to have a great year together.Sincerely,
Ms. Arellano
Jake Brashear
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Biography
Samantha Liddell
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Biography
Meet Samantha Liddell
Hometown
Tooele, UTFavorite Subject
ReadingHobbies
I love music and playing the guitar. I also love singing. I enjoy gardening and crocheting as well.Message
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." - Nelson Mandela
Third Grade
Araceli Barrera
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Biography
Meet Araceli Barrera
Hometown
Los Angeles, CaliforniaWhere I Started Teaching
4th Grade, Fowler District (Phoenix)Favorite Subject
Reading and mathHobbies
Playing with my kiddos, reading, and shoppingMessage
I am excited to be part of Shark Nation!"I am so lucky because I teach—I get to do what I love." - JH
Nicole Bell
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Biography
Meet Nicole Bell
Hometown
PhoenixFavorite Subject
ScienceHobbies
I love spending time with my family.Message
I am so excited to become a Quentin Shark!
Mary Mesich
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Biography
Meet Mary Mesich
Hometown
Milwaukee, WisconsinWhere I Started Teaching
Avondale, ArizonaFavorite Subject
Reading and scienceHobbies
Taking care of my doggies, playing with the plants, and wondering aroundMessage
Believe in yourself and you can learn anything!
Fourth Grade
Monique Hines
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Biography
Meet Monique Hines
Hometown
Las Vegas, NevadaWhere I Started Teaching
Las Vegas, NevadaFavorite Subject
ScienceHobbies
Spending time with family, movie watching, listening to music, and travelingMessage
"You could be the greatest! You can be the best!" - The Script
Laura Rivera
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Biography
Meet Laura Rivera
Hometown
El Paso, TXFavorite Subject
Visual ArtsHobbies
I really love to spend time outdoors and always want to find hidden gems throughout the city I am at. On my free time, I really love to paint, draw, and do some photography.Message
I am really excited to begin this new school year with families, parents, and students. As we begin this journey, I hope that I can be someone whom you trust and will always have an open line of communication for any questions or concerns. I also believe that all students are capable of learning and achieving academic success by providing then with all resources needed in order for them to feel prepared. Above all, I commit to follow three essential beliefs: all children can learn, all students are powerful, and I must center students in the classroom.
Janet Thatcher
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Biography
Meet Janet Thatcher
Hometown
Avondale, AZFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
Quilting, traveling, being a grandma, and directing children's musicals.Message
Thank you for the opportunity to teach your child. We will have a fun time as we learn and grow this year. Fifth Grade
Marilyn Gutierrez
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Biography
Meet Marilyn Gutierrez
Hometown
Albuquerque, New MexicoWhere I Started Teaching
Yuma, ArizonaFavorite Subject
ScienceHobbies
TravelingMessage
Life is good! 
Nicole Hanson
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Biography
Meet Nicole Hanson
Hometown
Clintonville, WisconsinFavorite Subject
Biology, Health, PsychologyHobbies
My hobbies include trail running, reading, traveling, writing, hiking, and exploring in nature.Message
I can't wait to meet everyone and begin the exciting adventure that is learning!
Melissa Saucier
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Biography
Meet Melissa Saucier
Hometown
Grand Rapids, MichiganWhere I Started Teaching
Yuma, ArizonaFavorite Subject
ReadingHobbies
Reading, swimming, spending time with my familyMessage
Michelle Thiede
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Biography
Meet Michelle Thiede
Hometown
Scottsdale, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Winslow, ArizonaFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
Hiking, traveling, watching sports, and shoppingMessage
I am happy to be back at Quentin. I am ready to show my students how to be better people and show them how to get where they want to go. Sixth Grade
Kathleen Brady-Shea
Science
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Biography
Meet Kathleen Brady-Shea
Hometown
Rowland Heights, CaliforniaFavorite Subject
ArtHobbies
Musician - keyboards, guitar, bass, ukulele, percussion, vocalsBaking - cupcakes and cookies
Message
Welcome to the 2020–2021 school year! Whether we are in the classroom or learning online, we will strive for excellence in all things science! I look forward to building a relationship based on mutual respect with all my students and their families ... we are a team: teacher, parents, and student.
Abby De Roon
Social Studies
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Biography
Meet Abby De Roon
Hometown
Elk River, MinnesotaWhere I Started Teaching
Quentin ElementaryFavorite Subject
HistoryHobbies
Being outdoors and spending time with my family and friendsMessage
Erin McAlear
Math
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Biography
Meet Erin McAlear
Hometown
Twin Bridges, MontanaWhere I Started Teaching
Ennis, MontanaFavorite Subject
Math and biologyHobbies
Watching my children do sports, Fantasy Football, and anything competitive that does not require runningMessage
I am excited to be part of the Quentin team and work with your children!
Cameron Stevens
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Biography
Meet Cameron Stevens
Hometown
West Des Moines, IowaWhere I Started Teaching
Northern Iowa UniversityFavorite Subject
WritingHobbies
I enjoy being around friends and family. My hobbies include watching movies, listening to music, hiking, fishing, reading, and sports.Message
Never stop grinding for your goals in life! Seventh Grade
Priscilla De La Cruz
Science
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Biography
Meet Priscilla De La Cruz
Hometown
Los AngelesFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
Dancing, traveling, and quality time with friends and familyMessage
Dear parents and students, I am very excited to work with you all during my first year here in Arizona. I am happy to service you all with the best of my abilities.
Sean Flynn
ELA
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Biography
Meet Sean Flynn
Hometown
Orland Park, IllinoisWhere I Started Teaching
Benito Juarez Community AcademyFavorite Subject
MythologyHobbies
Travel, hiking, and fishingMessage
"Learning never exhausts the mind." - Leonardo da Vinci
John Garcia
Math
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Biography
Meet John Garcia
Hometown
Phoenix, AZFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
Watching all sporting events, especially World Cup Soccer.Message
I truly believe that math is essential to the developmental progress of all individuals.
Erica Smith
Social Studies
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Biography
Meet Erica Smith
Hometown
Mountain Home, IdahoFavorite Subject
HistoryHobbies
Binging on Netflix, going to movies, doing puzzles, spending time with my family, working with Special Olympics.Message
I am extremely happy to be working with you and your child. Working together, we can accomplish great things.
Eighth Grade
Donald Eldridge
Math
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Biography
Meet Donald Eldridge
Hometown
BillingsFavorite Subject
ArtHobbies
Rodeo, biking, fitness, campingMessage
I am so excited to be able to share my experiences teaching in an ESL classroom above the Arctic circle. From the coldest state to the hottest, I take pride in making my career an adventure and getting to know something genuine about each of my students.
Serena Garcia
ELA
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Biography
Meet Serena Garcia
Hometown
New MexicoFavorite Subject
Reading and mathHobbies
Listening to podcasts, drinking coffee, and hikingMessage
"Teamwork makes the dream work!" I am thrilled to be a part of Quentin
Suzanne Hudson
Science
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Biography
Meet Suzanne Hudson
Hometown
Clearwater, FloridaWhere I Started Teaching
Desert Oasis ElementaryFavorite Subject
MusicHobbies
Crocheting, reading, camping, and hikingMessage
It is great to officially join the Quentin team! I am excited to be here and look forward to a fantastic year with all of my fellow sharks!
Ryan Taylor
Social Studies
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Biography
Meet Ryan Taylor
Hometown
Phoenix, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Pikuni Indian ReservationFavorite Subject
HistoryHobbies
Sports, hiking, coaching, exercise, reading, politics, comedy, learning, and travelMessage
"There are two choices in life: accept things as they are or accept the responsibility to change them."
Exceptional Learning Teachers
Cecilia Stratton
CASA
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Biography
Meet Cecilia Stratton
Hometown
Cashion, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Quentin ElementaryFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
Cooking and hosting family gatheringsMessage
Learn all that you can! 
Jami Rivera
Resource
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Biography
Meet Jami Rivera
Hometown
Military brat—I was born in Germany.Where I Started Teaching
In Arizona - Dysart School DistrictFavorite Subject
ReadingMessage
"You might be the first smile your students see each morning or the first hug they've had since Friday! We have the most important job of all!" - Author UnknownThat we do, teachers are the best! Love what you do, I know I do!
Bianca Carrera
Resource
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Biography
Meet Bianca Carrera
Hometown
Avondale, AZFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
My hobbies include going to the movies, crafting, and going to the gym.Message
I am dedicated to making sure every student is successful.
Keith Carter
Resource
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Biography
Meet Keith Carter
Hometown
LakenheathWhere I Started Teaching
Quentin STEM AcademyFavorite Subject
PEHobbies
Family time, listen to music, watch moviesMessage
Success does involve you trying.
Saudat Balogun
K-8 Gifted
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Biography
Meet Saudat Balogun
Hometown
Ogbomoso (Nigeria)Favorite Subject
BiologyHobbies
Dancing and singing.Message
"There is no magic to achievement, it's really about hard work, choices, and persistence." - Michelle Obama
April Quinones
CASA
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Biography
Meet April Quinones
Hometown
Glendale, AZWhere I Started Teaching
Littleton Stem AcademyFavorite Subject
History and MusicHobbies
Food catering, running, and camping up north at Woods Canyon Lake.Message
You're capable of anything. You matter to me and everyone else in your life. My classroom is for practice, not performance. Learning is practice. 
Patricia Rzadzki
CASA
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Biography
Meet Patricia Rzadzki
Hometown
Hoffman Estates, ILWhere I Started Teaching
Lake Zurich, IllinoisFavorite Subject
Math and LiteracyHobbies
Hiking, painting, and traveling.Message
Hello, I am Ms. Rzadzki and I am looking forward to starting a new journey at Littleton STEM Academy! I strive to motivate and engage students as well as grow their love for learning. I know this will be a great year! Go, Firebirds!
Angelica Maddux
CASA
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Biography
Meet Angelica Maddux
Hometown
Avondale, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Littleton STEM AcademyFavorite Subject
EnglishHobbies
Spending my free time with family and taking pictures.Message
"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." - Walt Disney Student Achievement Coach
Christine Russell
Student Achievement Coach
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Biography
Meet Christine Russell
Hometown
Fontana, CaliforniaWhere I Started Teaching
El Dorado Private SchoolFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
Shopping and bike ridingMessage
"Be the change you wish to see in the world!" - Ghandi
Reading Interventionist
Alicia Madril
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Meet Alicia Madril
Favorite Subject
Reading and MathHobbies
Spend time with family, watch movies, and go shopping.Message
I am excited to join Shark Nation family!
Special Areas
Marcus Bartels
PE
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Biography
Meet Marcus Bartels
Hometown
Belden, NEFavorite Subject
PEHobbies
Spending time with family, working out, and NebraskaMessage
My passion and desire are that all parents and students would strive to be physically active for life!
Rosa Garcia
Art
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Biography
Meet Rosa Garcia
Hometown
Surprise, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Quentin ElementaryFavorite Subject
TechnologyHobbies
I love to craft, play softball, play volleyball, and figure things out.Message
"Working hard is important, but there is something that matters even more: believing in yourself." - Harry Potter 
Sara Holt
PE
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Biography
Meet Sara Holt
Hometown
San Diego, CAFavorite Subject
Health and NutritionHobbies
Keeping up with my toddler, powerlifting, hiking, obstacle course races, reading, cooking, traveling, and playing beach volleyball.Message
I am thrilled to be on this journey full of learning opportunities together as a team! It is my goal to help students believe in their potential and blossom their talents.
Joseph Mansfield
Band
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Biography
Meet Joseph Mansfield
Hometown
Pittsburgh, PAFavorite Subject
MusicHobbies
Music, fishing, reading history, and learning new skills.Message
I am excited to create music with you and your student.
Justin Mosely
Technology
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Biography
Brittany Truax
Music
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Biography
Meet Brittany Truax
Hometown
Petersburg, West VirginiaWhere I Started Teaching
Braxton County High SchoolFavorite Subject
Music and mathHobbies
Playing the ukulele, baking, spending time with my familyMessage
School Support
Elizabeth Garcia
Library
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Amber Enriquez
Social Worker
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Katherine Wisener
Psychologist
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Terese Wilson
ELL Interventionist
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Rosemary Garcia
Night Custodian
Biography
Brittany Celaya
Paraprofessional
Biography
Maria Garcia
Paraprofessional
Biography
Samanta Gil
Paraprofessional
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Biography
Carmen Gomez
Paraprofessional
Biography
Ana Hernandez
Paraprofessional
Biography
Marina Hernandez
Paraprofessional
Biography
Guadalupe Lopez
Paraprofessional
Biography
Maria Sauceda de Medina
Paraprofessional
Biography
Alonzo Soto Granados
Paraprofessional
Biography
Emma Valdez
Paraprofesstional
Biography
