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
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Baeza AndreaAndrea Baeza Dean of Students baeza.andrea@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Goodyear, AZFavorite Subject
ELAHobbies
SewingMessage
In 1980, I was new to my school in 5th grade mid-year. I was having a hard time adjusting and didn't have any friends. I was being bullied. My teacher, Miss Byars, would let me eat lunch with her every day. Eventually I made friends but her going out of her way made a huge impact on me and I decided then that I wanted to be a teacher so that I could have opportunities to positively impact the lives of students. I stayed in touch with her until she passed away in 2008.
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Chicas KariKari Chicas Principal chicas.kari@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Salem, ORFavorite Subject
Math and ELAHobbies
Sports, family, and travel.Message
I love being a Shark! I hope to inspire students to reach for their goals and dreams!
Administration
Teachers
Kindergarten
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Bell NicoleNicole Bell Kindergarten bell.nicole@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Phoenix, AZFavorite Subject
ScienceHobbies
Singing, Facebook, and drawing.Message
I am excited to be at Quentin because of the love and support they have for their students, staff, teachers, administration, and community!
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Mejia RubyRuby Mejia Kindergarten mejia.ruby@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Fontana, CAHobbies
TravelingFavorite Subject
MathMessage
I am so excited to be at Quentin because I love the people and the community that makes you feel like you are a part of a big family. I became an educator because I am committed to helping each child reach their full potential, nurturing their curiosity, and guiding them as they embark on their educational journey. The opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of these young learners is a privilege that I cherish every day. Go, Shark nation!
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Nickerson ZoeyZoey Nickerson Kindergarten nickerson.zoey@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Peoria, AZFavorite Subject
Reading/EnglishHobbies
Hiking, fishing, camping, and hanging with my dogs.Message
I am so excited to be at Quentin because I love the environment and all of the staff. I became an educator because of my past teachers who inspired me to make an impact on other lives, like they did mine. I love the grade level I teach because they are so new and fresh in life, everything is so exciting for them.
First Grade
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Hall AnayaAnaya Hall First Grade hall.anaya@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Harlem, NYHobbies
TravelingFavorite Subject
ELAMessage
I was inspired to be an educator, because I love having the opportunity to help shape and build students into better individuals! I am excited to be at Quentin because I have had the opportunity to build wonderful bonds with my previous students, and having supportive colleagues!
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Lopez Ibarra GuadalupeGuadalupe Lopez Ibarra First Grade ibarra.guadalupe@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Tolleson, AZFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
I love going shopping, eating (trying new places to eat), watching Greys Anatomy (for the 100th time), and going to concerts.Message
I became an educator for two reasons. The first reason was because when I was growing up, I didn’t have many teachers that looked like me, were like me, or spoke my native language. I had one teacher who was my color and my ethnicity. He made one of the biggest impacts in my life because he related to me, he showed he cared about my education, he took the time to have in depth conferences with my parents in their language. Not once was I the one translating for my parents, he communicated with them. He was also a teacher that made education relatable to my life. He never lowered his expectations because I was ELD or because I’m a girl of color, he was stern but fun, he created a safe environment for Hispanic students! The second reason I wanted to become an educator was because I like making bonds with kids. I love the fact that I get to see them grow for a year and still get to see them in the hallways.
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McGlown NoraNora McGlown First Grade mcglown.nora@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Chicago, ILFavorite Subject
Arts and craftsHobbies
Decorating and drawingMessage
Quentin makes teaching relaxing and smooth. I became an educator because my son was special ed and I would have to volunteer with him. I knew then it was my calling to teach, and I passionate about teaching. I love teaching my babies, because when I taught all grade levels, I knew that my calling and patience was for the little ones.
Second Grade
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Brady-Shea KathleenKathleen Brady-Shea Second Grade shea.kathleen@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Las Vegas, NMFavorite Subject
ScienceHobbies
I play keyboard, guitar, bass, ukulele, banjo, and Mandolin.Message
I have been at Quentine STEM Academy going on four years. A number of those years was teaching science to 6th graders. This year I am teaching second grade which is where I started...student teaching and then classroom teaching second grade ten years ago. I am very happy to be a part of the Quentin Family!
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Johnson JakiraJakira Johnson Second Grade johnson.jakira@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Chicago, ILFavorite Subject
ELA and Social StudiesHobbies
Dance, reading, and creative writing.Message
I want to teach because I want to impact students and be the teacher that inspired me growing up. I am very excited to help the students achieve their goals, the smile on their faces when they get that word they have been trying to spell or the book they have been trying to read. I love to see the happy smiles on my kids' faces.
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Sanchez SerinaSerina Sanchez Second Grade sanchez.serina@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Avondale, AZFavorite Subject
Social StudiesHobbies
Reading, family time, and trying new foods.Message
I found my love for teaching while working as a paraprofessional. I loved it so much that I decided to change my degree to elementary and special education. I love working with students and helping them grow and gain new knowledge. I am so excited to work at Quentin and be a part of a school district that truly cares about their students and staff.
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Tafolla KyrieKyrie Tafolla Second Grade tafolla.kyrie@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Silver City, NMFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
Spending time with my family, big Disney fan, and going for hikes.Message
I love teaching because every single day I can make a difference in a student's life which goes far beyond knowledge. I like to inspire, support, and make a great impact in my student's life so that they can feel empowered to successfully continue with their education journey. 
Third Grade
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Luis Santiago Nestor AgustinNestor Agustin Luis Santiago Third Grade santiago.nestor@littletonaz.orgBiography
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Luis Santiago Nestor AgustinNestor Agustin Luis Santiago Third Grade santiago.nestor@littletonaz.orgBiography
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Lim JaquelynJaquelyn Lim Third Grade lim.jaquelyn@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Yuba City, CAFavorite Subject
Math and readingHobbies
Hiking, paddle boarding, swimming, and spending time with family and friends.Message
I became a teacher to make a difference and share my love of learning.
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Luis Santiago Nestor AgustinNestor Agustin Luis Santiago Third Grade santiago.nestor@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Tlacolula de Matamoros, Oaxaca, MexicoFavorite Subject
ScienceHobbies
Playing the guitar and jogging in the morningsMessage
Get ready for a year of learning, personal and academic growth, cultural activities, music, and fun experiences!
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Mesich MaryMary Mesich Third Grade Mesich.Mary@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Born in Tucson, AZ, raised in South Milwaukee, WIFavorite Subject
ScienceHobbies
Playing with my dog, growing plants, and reading.Message
Quentin is like a second home to me. I love the families and watching the children grow. Third grade is exciting, the students grow and learn so much in just one year! 
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Pena Corral LesleiLeslei Pena Corral Third Grade corral.leslei@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Phoenix, AZFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
Going to the movies and bowling.Message
I became an educator because I wanted to make an impact on our future generation. Growing up, I had a teacher that believed in me; she was patient, kind, and supportive. She always went above and beyond for everyone. She inspired me to become an educator. Now, I strive to make my students become the best version of themselves. I love building relationships with my students and having a classroom where they feel loved and safe!
Fourth Grade
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Brashear JakeJake Brashear Fourth Grade brashear.jake@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Avondale, AZFavorite Subject
ReadingHobbies
Going to the movies and watching sports.Message
I became a teacher to follow in the footsteps of my family and continue to change the lives for all my great students!
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Hernandez AnaAna Hernandez Fourth Grade hernandez.ana@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Avondale, AZFavorite Subject
My favorite subject is science. I like learning about natural science and biology.Hobbies
A couple of my favorite hobbies include cooking, hiking, gardening, camping, working out, and watching movies.Message
What I am most excited to be at Quentin is the community. From the students, parents, and staff all join together to make the most for our students and can see the passion for our student's growth. For one of the reasons, I chose to become an educator and advocate for our students. I am currently a fourth-grade teacher and what I love most about this grade is their growth mindset. I enjoy hearing their ideas and not afraid of being wrong but most importantly willingness to hear out others' opinions.
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Mosely MeganMegan Mosely Fourth Grade medcalf.megan@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Goodyear, AZFavorite Subject
ReadingHobbies
Reading, writing, watching movies, drawing, going to concerts, and going on trips.Message
I love being an educator because I love learning! I love getting to share my passion for education with all of my students, and I am grateful to have a front row seat in seeing each one of them grow along the way. I love teaching fourth grade because it is the best grade! 
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Rivera LauraLaura Rivera Fourth Grade rivera.laura@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
El Paso, TXFavorite Subject
My favorite subject is art because I can express myself, but I also enjoy ELA because the stories transport me to another world.Hobbies
I really enjoy art, hiking, and traveling!Message
Hello! My name is Ms. Rivera, and I am very excited to continue teaching 4th grade at Quentin STEM Academy! Being an English Language Learner myself I recognize the difficulties of learning a new language all while also learning the curriculum in English; that is why I became an educator. I strongly believe that all children can learn, all students are powerful, and all students can be the best version of themselves with a caring support system. Let's have a great year! 🙂
Fifth Grade
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Gutierrez MarilynMarilyn Gutierrez Fifth Grade Gutierrez.Marilyn@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Albuquerque, NMFavorite Subject
ELAHobbies
Arts and craftsMessage
I have been loyal to Shark nation for 10 years+ because I have always felt valued and trusted. I love the grade I'm in because I understand the educational level they are coming from and where they need to go, and I get to watch them grow and mature. I originally became an educator because I was helping out a friend but soon found out how rewarding it is even with all the challenges.
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Halmrest LacyLacy Halmrest Fifth Grade halmrest.lacy@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Madison, WIFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
Reading, cooking, and traveling.Message
I am excited to be at Quentin because it is the best place to be. I became a teacher because I love sharing and giving knowledge in any form. I love 5th grade because they are so fun and exciting and super smart. I especially love math because math is the only universal language, and it is the best language to speak!
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Ortiz AdamAdam Ortiz Fifth Grade Science ortiz.adam@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Glendale, AZFavorite Subject
ScienceHobbies
Sports (playing and watching), family, church, and friends.Message
I was very excited to become a teacher at Quentin because I wanted to make an impact with our students. I want to be a positive role model and give back to our community.
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Salazar GabrielaGabriela Salazar Fifth Grade salazar.gabriela@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Cananea, Sonora, MexicoFavorite Subject
Social StudiesHobbies
Family activitiesUniversities Attended/Graduated
Universidad Pedagogica Nacional Instituto Tecnologico Superior de CananeaMessage
It is a pleasure to be your child's teacher. This is going to be an awesome school year!
Sixth Grade
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Balogun SaudatSaudat Balogun Sixth Grade balogan.saudat@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Ogbomoso (Nigeria)Favorite Subject
Anatomy & physiologyHobbies
Partying and travelingMessage
The staff at Quentin is very friendly and accommodating. I love the culture at Quentin. I am passionate about education, and I love to impact lives. Social studies is fun, as we unravel historical events and developments.
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Ntonja DianaDiana Ntonja Sixth Grade ntonja.diana@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
NairobiFavorite Subject
BiologyHobbies
Dancing, reading, swimming, vacationing, and sportsMessage
If you can dream it, you can achieve it.
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Stultz BriannaBrianna Stultz Sixth Grade ELA stultz.brianna@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Phoenix, AZFavorite Subject
HistoryHobbies
Coloring, watching football, and reading.Message
I am so excited to be at Quentin. My really good friend has worked at Quentin for years and has told me all about the amazing things happening at the school. My mom is a retired teacher. When I was in high school and college, I helped her in her classroom. I loved working with her students and decided to go into education. I've taught primary and middle school science/social studies (and now ELA). I'm also special education certified.
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Thiede MichelleMichelle Thiede Sixth Grade thiede.michelle@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Scottsdale, AZFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
Zumba, listening to music, and baseball games.Message
I am excited to be at Quentin because it is a great school to work at. The students are amazing, and staff are wonderful to work with. The reason I became a teacher was because I had an English teacher in high school who helped me get out of my shell and had high expectations for me. I love math because you can use the subject in so many activities.
Seventh Grade
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Quesada Quinones LauranaLaurana Quesada Quinones Seventh Grade ELA quinones.laurana@littletonaz.orgBiography
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Quesada Quinones LauranaLaurana Quesada Quinones Seventh Grade ELA quinones.laurana@littletonaz.orgBiography
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Covert DarrellDarrell Covert Seventh Grade covert.darrell@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Glendale, AZFavorite Subject
My favorite subject is history.Hobbies
Anything outdoors, ie: camping, hunting, fishing, and hiking. Building models and reading.Message
I'm excited to be at Quentin because I have been a part of this school as a parent for many years before I became a teacher. I became an educator because I feel like it's important to mold the minds of children. I love teaching history because it's my favorite subject, and I believe that history is just as important to know as ELA and math.
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Garcia JohnJohn Garcia Seventh Grade Math garcia.john@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Phoenix, AZFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
Watching sportsMessage
I became an educator because I wanted to help children reach their full potential in life. I feel that building positive relationships with students will have an impact on their lives, even more than the learning they will acquire while I teach them math. I love what I do, and I wouldn't change my career for anything. This is where I should be and for the past 30 years, I have found great reward in the students that I have encountered and taught.
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Hatheway LaurenLauren Hatheway Seventh Grade Science hatheway.lauren@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Ottawa , TXFavorite Subject
My favorite subject is science!Hobbies
I enjoy cooking, practicing yoga, and playing card games.Message
I am very excited to be a part of Quentin and watch our 7th graders' grow through this school year!
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Quesada Quinones LauranaLaurana Quesada Quinones Seventh Grade ELA quinones.laurana@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Mayaguez, PRFavorite Subject
EnglishHobbies
Photography, writing, and skateboarding.Message
I am so excited to develop positive relationships with the students and help them get to a place where they enjoy learning!
Eighth Grade
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Vasalin ChristopherChristopher Vasalin Eighth Grade Science vasalin.christopher@littletonaz.orgBiography
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Vasalin ChristopherChristopher Vasalin Eighth Grade Science vasalin.christopher@littletonaz.orgBiography
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Abujbarah NoraNora Abujbarah Eighth Grade ELA Abujbarah.nora@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Phoenix, AZFavorite Subject
English Language ArtsHobbies
Reading and hikingMessage
I love 8th grade ELA because it helps students prepare for high school and communicate their thoughts and feelings better!
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DeRosa TrishaTrisha DeRosa Eighth Grade Social Studies demola.trisha@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Chicago, ILFavorite Subject
History/Social StudiesHobbies
Reading, biking, and going to the movies with my son.Message
I am excited to be at Quentin because I like that my son and I are part of a helpful, supportive community.I became an educator because I wanted to have a career where I was helping make a positive difference in kid's lives.
I love teaching 8th grade because I am preparing my kids for high school, and I want them to graduate from 8th grade with confidence and excitement for the future.
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Vasalin ChristopherChristopher Vasalin Eighth Grade Science vasalin.christopher@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Detroit, MIFavorite Subject
ScienceHobbies
Hiking, camping, and fishing.Message
I am here to change the world, one student at a time.
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Carlo JamiJami Carlo Resource carlo.jami@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Military bratFavorite Subject
ReadingHobbies
Sports events, shopping, and new adventures.Message
I'm here for the kids! They are the reason I love what I do and being a Quentin Shark!
That we do, teachers are the best! Love what you do, I know I do!
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Marshall JeniJeni Marshall Exceptional Learning Teacher marshall.jeni@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Greensburg, PAFavorite Subject
LiteratureHobbies
Reading, swimming, and playing with animals of all kinds.Message
I became a special education teacher because I love to help students achieve learning to the best of their abilities. Special needs students are loving and caring even when they are having a bad day. They light up when they have learned something new.I'm excited to be a part of the CASA team at Quentin to add to the program from my experiences and to learn new things also.
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Mercado JaimeJaime Mercado Resource Mercado.Jaime@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Union City, CAFavorite Subject
TechnologyHobbies
Marvel fan, video games, movies, and traveling.Message
This is my 6th year at Quentin and my 9th year of teaching! I started my teaching career here and love the community. I teach special education resource. I love teaching resource because I get to work in smaller groups with students and get to see them grow as individuals and become leaders in our community! Once a Shark always a Shark!
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Quinones AprilApril Quinones CASA quinones.april@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Glendale, AZFavorite Subject
HistoryHobbies
Walking around the park during sunset.Message
I'm excited to work at Quentin because I like that there is all female lead administration team. I became an educator because I would rather make a positive difference in a child's life then make all the money in the world. Also, I did not want to become a regular person with a regular job. I am supernatural! I can say, "I'm a teacher, how you like me now". 
Special Areas
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Russell ChristineChristine Russell Student Achievement Coach russell.christine@littletonaz.orgBiography
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Russell ChristineChristine Russell Student Achievement Coach russell.christine@littletonaz.orgBiography
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Bartels MarcusMarcus Bartels PE bartels.marcus@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Belden, NEFavorite Subject
Physical EducationHobbies
Spending time with my family, doing laundry, riding my motorcycle, and Nebraska Cornhuskers football!Message
I am excited to build meaningful relationships with the students and to encourage them to be physically active for life!
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Deremus AshlieAshlie Deremus Health Focus deremus.ashlie@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Menifee, CAFavorite Subject
HistoryHobbies
Spending time with my kids.Message
I am very excited to be at Quentin due to the impact I am able to make on the students! Teaching is my passion.
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Duplanty WendyWendy Duplanty PE duplanty.wendy@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Phoenix, AZFavorite Subject
Physical EducationHobbies
Exercising and playing games with my family.Message
Quentin is an amazing school with wonderful students, families, and staff! Go sharks!
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Garcia RosaRosa Garcia Art Garcia.Rosa@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Surprise, AZFavorite Subject
ArtHobbies
Crafting and playing sports.Message
Quentin STEM Academy is one of my favorite places, I love the students and families in this community. I am dedicated to helping our students find and develop their strengths so that they can go out in the world and make us proud.
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Madril Jimenez Jesus AliciaJesus Alicia Madril Jimenez jimenez.jesus@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Phoenix, AZFavorite Subject
ReadingHobbies
I love spending time with my family.Message
I love teaching because I know I can have a positive impact on someone's future success!
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McCan MeganMegan McCan Music McCan.Megan@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Avondale, AZFavorite Subject
Music and physicsHobbies
Crafting, cooking, and camping.Message
As an alumni of Quentin, I am so excited to be back. I look forward to fostering an appreciation of music and growing musically with all of the students this year!
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Russell ChristineChristine Russell Student Achievement Coach russell.christine@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Fontana, CAFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
Online shopping, swimming, and riding my bike.Message
I love being a Shark! Working here with the people I work with doesn't make it feel like work. It is a place I love coming to every day. As the instructional coach, I love that I get to work with every student, teacher, admin, and other staff members so that I can make an impact throughout the school. 
School Support
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Wisener KatherineKatherine Wisener Psychologist wisener.katherine@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Glendale, AZFavorite Subject
Neurological psychologyHobbies
Volunteer work through the Daughters of the American Revolution, which includes fundraisers for community cleanups, volunteering and food pantries, donations, rewards, and scholarships for education, and historical preservation. I also spend a lot of time at the dog park with the sweetest boy ever, Hendrix.Message
Education is the family business - both my parents, my grandmothers, and all of my father's siblings were teachers, and some became administrators. Therefore, I was never going to work in education. However, in college, while studying psychology, I started doing in-home therapy with children with Autism and I loved it.The elementary school I attended had a high population of students with various disabilities, some very severe, and the school did a great job teaching us students about our peers and helping us to create friendships with these students.
Therefore, I really think these two things pushed me back into education because I realized I innately understood education processes and students with disabilities due to my exposure to both of these things as a child.
I started as a paraprofessional, then a behavior specialist. As a behavior specialist, I met and worked closely with my school psychologist, Mike Linehan (now at Collier). He mentored me and pushed me to become a school psychologist. So, I started a program, and he was right! I love it! I love that I get to work with all grade levels, and all students. I like to solve the puzzle that is a student and work with teachers, families, and staff to help that student find success!
