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
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
Norma Martinez
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Biography
Meet Norma Martinez
Hometown
Phoenix, AZFavorite Subject
Life scienceHobbies
CookingMessage
Welcome, I look forward to being a part of this learning journey and working with you.
Andrea Nowbath
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Biography
Meet Andrea Nowbath
Hometown
Phoenix, AZFavorite Subject
Language arts and social studiesHobbies
Reading, road trips and traveling, cooking, dancing, and going to concerts.Message
"You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make." - Jane Goodall First Grade
Jodi Beck
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Biography
Meet Jodi Beck
Hometown
Brooklyn, NYFavorite Subject
Reading and writingHobbies
My favorite things to do are writing stories, reading, coloring pictures, and making art projects.Message
I am so glad to be coming back to the Littleton District once again. I can't wait to share the journey and love of learning that we will embark on together. This will be my twentieth year in education.
Anna Beckwith
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Biography
Meet Anna Beckwith
Hometown
Akron, OHFavorite Subject
Biology (science)Hobbies
Reading, hiking, playing piano, singing, shopping, and looking for deals.Message
I am so thankful to work with this coming generation. I look forward to teaching and learning with each of my students, allowing all students and families to enjoy the beauty and love of life.
Jacquelyn Lim
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Biography
Meet Jacquelyn Lim
Hometown
Yuba City, CaliforniaFavorite Subject
Math and scienceHobbies
Hiking, paddle boarding, and running.Message
It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you don't stop! Never stop learning and never give up!
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. 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.
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. Third 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
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
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.
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
Marilyn Gutierrez
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Meet Marilyn Gutierrez
Hometown
Albuquerque, New MexicoWhere I Started Teaching
Yuma, ArizonaFavorite Subject
ScienceHobbies
TravelingMessage
Life is good! 
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
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
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
Fifth Grade
Christopher Jessen
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Biography
Meet Christopher Jessen
Hometown
Waterloo, IAFavorite Subject
Anthropology, history, and environmental geologyHobbies
My hobbies include backpacking, hiking, biking, kayaking, yoga, listening to podcasts, watching documentaries, learning anything I can about history, traveling, and volunteer work.Message
"Determine to live life with flair and laughter." - Maya Angelou
Chanel Phillips
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Biography
Meet Chanel Phillips
Hometown
Milwaukee, WisconsinFavorite Subject
EnglishHobbies
Sleeping, spending time with my family, traveling, and cooking.Message
I am very happy to be a part of the Littleton Elementary School District (Quentin). I look forward to having a great year of learning and getting to know all of you.
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
Adam Johnson
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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. 
Erin McAlear
Math & Science
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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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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!
Ryan Taylor
ELA/Social Studies
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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."
Seventh Grade
Sean Flynn
ELA
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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
Armando Teran
ELA
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Meet Armando Teran
Hometown
Goodyear, AZFavorite Subject
E.L.A.Hobbies
I enjoy reading and watching sports.Message
I look forward to a wonderful year of teaching and learning.
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!
William Bond
Social Studies
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Meet William Bond
Hometown
Grosse Pointe, MichiganFavorite Subject
HistoryHobbies
Golfing and gardeningMessage
"The problem with learning history, is that we don't learn from history." - George Bernard Shaw
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! 
Jami Rivera
Resource K-2
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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 3-4
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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.
Autumn Urbigkit
Resource 5-6
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Meet Autumn Urbigkit
Hometown
Mitchell, SDFavorite Subject
MusicHobbies
Performing music, painting, and playing games with friends.Message
I am so excited to get to know all of you. It takes a village to raise a child, and I'm thrilled to be part of yours!
Keith Carter
Resource 7-8
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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.
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
Haley Burney
Art
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Meet Haley Burney
Hometown
Davenport, IowaFavorite Subject
Art and scienceHobbies
I love to take my dog to the park and on walks! I enjoy reading, creating art, and finding new places to hike.Message
I cannot wait to explore new artists and projects! I have wanted to be an art teacher, and I cannot wait to start my first year of teaching!
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.
Rosa Garcia
Technology
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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
Joseph Mansfield
Band
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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.
Brittany Truax
Music
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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
Aimee Dolejs
Psychologist
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Meet Aimee Dolejs
Hometown
Surprise, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
OhioFavorite Subject
PsychologyHobbies
Spending time with my family, reading, and exercise.Message
