Meet Our Wonderful Teachers & Staff
We have a wide range of talented professionals at Quentin STEM Academy. 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
Eric Atuahene
Principal
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Biography
Meet Eric Atuahene
Hometown
Toronto, OntarioFavorite Subject
PhysicsHobbies
SportsMessage
Work hard, play hard!
Loni Fife
Assistant 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
Dean
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Office Support
Elizabeth Garcia
Library
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Biography
Maria Del Toro
Admin Secretary
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Ana Arce
Support Specialist, Sr.
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Jaquline Chan
Support Specialist, Jr.
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Biography
Stephanie Holstein
Health Aide
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Biography
Teachers
Kindergarten
Thomas Schneider
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Biography
Meet Thomas Schneider
Hometown
Omaha, NebraskaWhere I Started Teaching
CaliforniaFavorite Subject
Art and theaterHobbies
Working out, baking, crafts, drawing, reading, and ceramicsMessage
Looking forward to the new school year.
Sarah Steward
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Biography
Meet Sarah Steward
Hometown
Columbus, OhioWhere I Started Teaching
Quentin ElementaryFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
Volleyball, hiking, and travelingMessage
Tall people can be nice too.
Karen Williams Riffenburg
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Biography
Meet Karen Williams Riffenburg
Hometown
Phoenix, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
2nd Grade, Alhambra District (Phoenix)Favorite Subject
Language artsHobbies
Reading, crafts, grandparenting, and travelingMessage
I believe that life is a bold and dashing adventure!
First Grade
Christine Leppla
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Biography
Meet Christine Leppla
Hometown
Long Island, New YorkWhere I Started Teaching
Littleton School DistrictFavorite Subject
Writing, reading, and theaterHobbies
Reading, cooking, concerts, and spending time with family and friendsMessage
I am excited to get to know my students and their families. I strongly believe that when parents and teachers work together, great things happen for the child. We are going to have a great year!
Brittany Bonner
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Biography
Meet Brittany Bonner
Hometown
Army ChildWhere I Started Teaching
Quentin STEM AcademyFavorite Subject
EnglishHobbies
Basketball, volleyball, and readingMessage
I am so excited to be joining the Quentin first grade team. I am looking forward to making great memories with all the super first-graders in my class!
Angelica Robles
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Biography
Meet Angelica Robles
Hometown
Rancho Cucamonga, CaliforniaFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
Traveling, snowboarding, soccer, and volunteeringMessage
I am looking forward to working with the students. I hope to have a positive impact on them. I am very excited to get to know them and teach them. 
Rhiannon McGowan
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Biography
Second Grade
Brenda Alamillo
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Biography
Meet Brenda Alamillo
Hometown
Los Angeles, CaliforniaWhere I Started Teaching
ArizonaFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
I like to read books, and I also like to explore and eat at different restaurants.Message
I am excited to start a new school year at Quentin. Thank you to the parents, Quentin teachers, and staff for making our students our number one priority.
Ashley Avechucco
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Biography
Meet Ashley Avechucco
Hometown
Phoenix, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Quentin ElementaryFavorite Subject
EnglishHobbies
Card making and scrapbookingMessage
Hand in hand together we can!
Karin Middeker
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Biography
Meet Karin Middeker
Hometown
Rochester, New YorkWhere I Started Teaching
Gila Bend, ArizonaFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
All things dog-related and exploring the west coast.Message
I am excited to start my second year at Quentin Elementary and grow with my students.
Nicole Conn
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Biography
Meet Nicole Conn
Hometown
Surprise, ArizonaFavorite Subject
Language ArtsHobbies
Coloring, reading, and going to the movies with friendsMessage
I cannot wait to grow along side my students!
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
Rosa Garcia
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Biography
Meet Rosa Garcia
Hometown
Surprise, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Quentin ElementaryFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
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
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!
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. Fourth 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! 
Christine Russell
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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
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. 
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
Fifth Grade
LeAnne McKanna
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Biography
Meet LeAnne McKanna
Hometown
Dallas, TexasWhere I Started Teaching
Southlake, TexasFavorite Subject
Social StudiesHobbies
Traveling, baking, and spending time with friends and familyMessage
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
Meagan Spencer
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Biography
Meet Meagan Spencer
Hometown
Peekskill, New YorkWhere I Started Teaching
Quentin Elementary SchoolFavorite Subject
ELAHobbies
Yoga, hiking, and readingMessage
I am looking forward to this school year!"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." - Dr. Seuss
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!
Sixth Grade
Adam Johnson
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Biography
Meet Adam Johnson
Hometown
Phoenix, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Quentin Elementary SchoolFavorite Subject
ScienceHobbies
Reading, dancing, gym-going, cooking, and playing soccerMessage
You are your biggest obstacle. When you believe you can, you will. 
Andy Schaefer
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Biography
Meet Andy Schaefer
Hometown
Frankenmuth, MichiganWhere I Started Teaching
Quentin ElementaryFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
Video games, Netflix, hiking, ASU and Patriots football, golfing, weightlifting, and running 5K'sMessage
I look forward to making a positive impact in the lives of my students this year and in all the years to come!
Ryan Taylor
ELA/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."
Erin McAlear
Math & Science
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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!
Seventh Grade
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
Thomas Simpson
Math
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Meet Thomas Simpson
Hometown
Albemarle, North CarolinaWhere I Started Teaching
Quentin STEM AcademyFavorite Subject
HistoryHobbies
Running, hiking, basketball, and enjoying the outdoorsMessage
I am still learning, and I enjoy learning. My desire is to help students enjoy developing the skill of becoming lifelong learners.
Larry Lopes
Science
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Meet Larry Lopes
Hometown
New Bedford, MassachusettsWhere I Started Teaching
Quentin ElementaryFavorite Subject
HistoryHobbies
CoachingMessage
Focus and Follow Through
Abby Dickinson
Social Studies
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Biography
Meet Abby Dickinson
Hometown
Elk River, MinnesotaWhere I Started Teaching
Quentin ElementaryFavorite Subject
HistoryHobbies
Being outdoors and spending time with my family and friendsMessage
Eighth Grade
Kaitlin Vasil
ELA
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Biography
Meet Kaitlin Vasil
Hometown
Nampa, IdahoWhere I Started Teaching
Challenger Private SchoolFavorite Subject
English and scienceHobbies
Soccer, cooking, traveling, and exercisingMessage
I am excited to begin a new adventure at Quentin. My goal is not only to educate my students but also to question and challenge their own thoughts of literature.
Jeremiah Gallegos
Math
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Meet Jeremiah Gallegos
Hometown
Litchfield Park, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Copper Trails Elementary School, Avondale DistrictFavorite Subject
HistoryHobbies
Soccer, reading, and PS4Message
In my classroom, everyone is a teacher and everyone is a student.
Suzanne Hudson
Science
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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!
Marcos Quintana
Social Studies
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Meet Marcos Quintana
Hometown
Phoenix, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Copper Trails School, Goodyear, ArizonaFavorite Subject
HistoryHobbies
Cooking, camping, college ready mentoringMessage
Everyone is capable of success; they just have to prove to themselves they want it bad enough.
Exceptional Learning Teachers
Cecilia Stratton
MD Classroom
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Meet Cecilia Stratton
Hometown
Cashion, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Quentin ElementaryFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
Cooking and hosting family gatheringsMessage
Learn all that you can! 
Jaime Mercado
Resource 4-5
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Biography
Meet Jaime Mercado
Hometown
Union City, CaliforniaWhere I Started Teaching
Quentin ElementaryFavorite Subject
HistoryHobbies
Netflix, sleep, traveling to new places, and trying new foodsMessage
I want to help my students learn and grow as individuals and reach their greatest potential in whatever they set their mind to! 
Keith Carter
Resource 7-8
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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.
Jami Rivera
Resource K-2
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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!
Nonubari Nsagane
K-8 Gifted
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Student Achievement Coach
Samantha Armstrong
Student Achievement Coach
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Meet Samantha Armstrong
Hometown
Phoenix, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Western Valley Middle SchoolFavorite Subject
Literature and yearbookHobbies
Reading, puzzles, and being a band momMessage
I am looking forward to continuing to work with the Quentin community to help foster a growth mindset for teachers and students so we can put in the effort needed to be our best!"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right." - Henry Ford
Reading Interventionist
Kimberly Buckner
Reading Interventionist
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Biography
Meet Kimberly Buckner
Hometown
Syracuse, New YorkWhere I Started Teaching
Glendale, ArizonaFavorite Subject
Language artsHobbies
I love to spend time with my family, shop, read, watch movies, and travel.Message
I love being a part of the Quentin family and look forward to the Sharks achieving more great things. Here's to another amazing year!
Special Areas
Gabrielle Angulo
Art
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Biography
Meet Gabrielle Angulo
Hometown
Chihauhua, MexicoWhere I Started Teaching
Quentin ElementaryFavorite Subject
ArtHobbies
Creating art and spending time with my family and friendsMessage
Brianna Cramer
PE
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Biography
Meet Brianna Cramer
Hometown
Glendale, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Quentin Elementary SchoolFavorite Subject
PE, math, and psychologyMessage
I'm excited to be teaching at Quentin! Go, Sharks!"You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." - Christopher Robin, Winnie the Pooh
Brayden Crowe
PE
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Biography
Meet Brayden Crowe
Hometown
Wichita, KansasWhere I Started Teaching
Quentin Elementary SchoolFavorite Subject
PE, psychology, and sociologyHobbies
Exercising, reading, and hikingMessage
I'm looking forward to a great year.
Brittany Lott
Music
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Meet Brittany Lott
Hometown
Petersburg, West VirginiaWhere I Started Teaching
Braxton County High SchoolFavorite Subject
Music and mathHobbies
Playing the ukulele, baking, spending time with my familyMessage
Sarah Pigza
5-8 Band
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Biography
Meet Sarah Pigza
Hometown
Goshen, OhioWhere I Started Teaching
Littleton Elementary SchoolFavorite Subject
BandHobbies
Playing instruments, reading, and outdoor activitiesMessage
I am so excited to make music with your students this year!
School Support
Aimee Dolejs
Psychologist
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Biography
Meet Aimee Dolejs
Hometown
Surprise, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
OhioFavorite Subject
PsychologyHobbies
Spending time with my family, reading, and exercise.Message
