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Mr. McAfee serves as Headmaster at Scottsdale Preparatory Academy and joined our community in 2022-23 after serving as a teacher and Headmaster in other classical schools.

Mr. McAfee earned his BA in Education and Social Science from Prescott College, and his M.Ed in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. He has taught History (particularly US History) and English in different schools since 1997. In 2013 he was the founding Principal at Benjamin Franklin High School in Queen Creek, AZ. He also served two years as Headmaster in Ascent Classical Academy in Colorado.

Mr. McAfee lives in Queen Creek with his wife Sheila. Their two daughters have graduated college, and their son is at Washington and Lee University. Mrs. McAfee works at the Phoenix Airport (a job taken so they could bring home their college students for the holidays without selling a kidney). Mr. McAfee, a retired collegiate baseball player, has traded in his soccer/football/baseball/softball coaching career for golfing (when it is hot and cheap), long walks with his dog Montie, reading, and a new passion for smoking meats.

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Mrs. Lengel-Zigich has been with Great Hearts since 2015 and came to work at Scottsdale Prep. in 2021. She first began as a Kindergarten Assistant Teacher then became a Lead Teacher in Fourth Grade before moving to Scottsdale Prep to teach 6th and 7th grade Literature & Composition. Prior to Great Hearts Mrs. Lengel-Zigich taught Freshman and Sophomore Honors English at Pinnacle High School and additionally created Core Knowledge curriculum for local non-profits in coordination with the Scottsdale and Paradise Valley School Districts.

Mrs. Lengel-Zigich received her Bachelor’s Degree from ASU in English Literature with an Emphasis in Secondary Education and a Minor in Religious Studies. She received her Master’s Degree in Classical Education from the University of Dallas through Great Hearts’ Quintilian Fellowship.

Mrs. Lengel-Zigich is a proud mother to two Great Hearts students and additionally a mother to two dogs, three cats, and a fish! She married her high-school sweetheart and best friend, Mr. Lengel-Zigich and agreed to take his lengthy name. In her spare time Mrs. Lengel-Zigich loves watching wonderful films and devouring great books.

Teacher Blog: Here

Mr. Laugen began serving Scottsdale Prep as an Assistant Headmaster in Spring 2023. He is a 1993 graduate of Coe College, a private liberal arts college in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He spent fifteen years as a classroom instructor in both Iowa and Arizona before making the move to administration while earning his MEd. in Education Administration from Grand Canyon University in 2009. He fondly shares that over his thirty years of experience, he has enjoyed working with students and families in every capacity from substitute teacher to Head of School. Most recently, Mr. Laugen served as the Head of School at Cross Schools in Bluffton, South Carolina. He has also held roles as an administrator at independent schools of caliber in Arizona, Michigan and Texas. Mr. Laugen also brings a deep appreciation for developing students through extra-curricular activities, cultivated over his twenty-three years of experience as a high school football coach, and twelve years of experience as a high school baseball coach.

Mr. Clement serves as both Assistant Headmaster and the Director of Campus Operations. He first joined the Scottsdale Prep faculty in 2012-13 and has served the Academy as the Fine Arts Master Teacher, Network Instructional Coach, middle school music teacher, Speech & Debate coach, and Director of Instrumental Ensembles. He was honored to be recognized as Scottsdale Prep’s 2015 Teacher of the Year.

He is a native of Arizona and earned his Bachelor of Music from Arizona State University, where he has also completed his training in both Kodaly and Orff-Schulwerk music pedagogies. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Arizona Speech and Debate Coaches Association, directing State Tournaments as well as Scottsdale Prep’s annual Congressional Debate tournament.

Mr. Clement is blessed to be married to “the better Clement.” He and Mrs. Chasse Clement began dating a few months after she joined the faculty and have been happily married since 2016. They enjoy travel, escape rooms, milkshakes, and spending time with their two black cats (Rosencrantz and Guildenstern).

Mrs. Kim has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Parsons School of Design in New York. She was Art Director at TransImage, Inc., a graphic design firm based in New York City, designing for diverse clients, including a number of Fortune 500 companies, for eight years. In this capacity, she lead a design team and developed corporate identities, including logos, brochures, annual reports, package designs, and various promotional materials.

Mrs. Kim joined the Academy in January, 2022 as our school Registrar/Assistant Office Manager, and was promoted to Office Manager. She resides in Scottsdale with her husband and two beautiful girls, and is a Scottsdale Prep parent.

Mrs. Heiner serves as the Registrar and Assistant Office Manager at Scottsdale Preparatory Academy, and joined our community in 2022-23. She is excited to welcome to new families to the wonderful classical education available at Scottsdale Prep, and proud of the classical education that her own children have been able to receive.

Prior to coming to Scottsdale Prep, Mrs. Heiner served with Mr. McAfee at both Benjamin Franklin High School and Ascent Classical Academy. Her experience in schools includes serving as registrar, lunch coordinator, purchasing clerk, and SIS Management Coordinator for State data submissions.

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Mrs. Komarnisky is the Science Department Head and is a Dean of Students at Scottsdale Prep. Since joining the Academy in 2015, she also taught 7th Grade Life Science for 5 years and 9th Grade Honors Biology for 7 years.

She was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada but has called Arizona her home for two decades. She studied Biology, Psychology and Pre-Med at Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University. Before teaching at Scottsdale Prep, she worked with college freshmen and upperclassmen as a Psychology Department TA at ASU in several courses for three years. She also worked as an Anatomy TA and tutored student-athletes.

She is happily married, is a proud mother, and is very close with her family. She loves watching biological documentaries narrated by David Attenborough, playing Settlers of Catan, playing the violin, hiking, and throwing moderately centered pottery on the wheel.

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Mr. Gore serves as Dean of Students and teaches 6th grade Literature & Composition. He joined Scottsdale Prep in 2022-23, after teaching four years at Archway Scottsdale.

He first began as a Fourth Grade Assistant Teacher, then became a Lead Teacher in Fourth Grade. Prior to Great Hearts Mr. Gore was a coach for Fit Kids America and worked for a few years as a caregiver for those with dementia. Mr. Gore received his Bachelor’s Degree from GCU in Digital Film with an Emphasis in Screenwriting.

Mr. Gore married his college sweetheart and best friend, and together they are parents to two crazy cats! In his spare time, Mr. Gore drinks too much coffee, roots for the Green Bay Packers, and avidly collects films and books.

Mr. Chapman was on the founding faculty of Scottsdale Prep in 2008-09, after teaching at Tempe Prep for a number of years. He has served in various capacities including Assistant Headmaster, LitComp Teacher, and Humane Letters teacher before retiring in 2021. We are grateful to have him return to Scottsdale Prep in the Fall of 2023.

Miss Smith serves Scottsdale Prep as both a Dean of Faculty and Director of Campus Life. She was thrilled to launch the new role of “Director of Campus Life” in Fall of 2022, after joining Scottsdale Prep as a College Counselor in 2019! She has also briefly served as an interim Assistant Headmaster in third quarter of 2022-23. She began her Great Hearts adventure in 2010 as a third grade teacher at Archway Chandler. From there she went on to help open North Phoenix Prep where she gained experience teaching 6th, 7th, and 8th Literature & Composition, 8th Medieval History, and 10th Humane Letters. She also spent time serving in the roles of Athenaeum Director and Dean of Students before settling into her favorite role of College Counselor in 2015.

Though she graduated from The University of Arizona Honor’s College with a BA in Psychology, this does not bias her advising! She loves helping students find fantastic college fits both in and out of state. Her favorite aspect of college counseling is facilitating self-discovery through application essays. Miss Smith delights in all forms of creative expression and crafting, so she frequently finds ways to indulge in sewing, crocheting, drawing, painting, singing, dancing, acting, and writing both in and out of school. She cannot say no to a puzzle of any sort, most board games, or the opportunity for puns and dad jokes. She shares her love of food, parks, hiking, and couch-based activities with her two rescue dogs, Baudelaire and Lucy Maud. Both have been subjected to lengthy read-aloud sessions on the works of their namesakes (French poet Charles Baudelaire and author L.M. Montgomery), but with less enthusiasm than they display for food or walks.

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Dr. Cetaku Tammaro is our Dean of Academic Support. She has different levels of math, literature/composition, and Humane Letters since joining SPA in the Spring of 2022. She has been an educator for over 26 years, both as a teacher and administrator. Dr. Cetaku Tammaro has taught multiple grade levels and subjects and currently also teaches college-level classes at Rio Salado Community College.

She is a native of Albania, in Eastern Europe, and has called Arizona her home since 2003. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics as well as in English as a Foreign Language from the University of Tirana, Albania. She later moved to Arizona enrolling at ASU where she graduated with a Master’s in Education. Dr. Cetaku Tammaro is in the last stages of her Doctorate in Leadership and Organization from Grand Canyon University.

Dr. Cetaku Tammaro is happily married to a wonderful retired Marine and they have four children. In her free time, she likes to read, travel, and spend quality time with her family.

Teacher Website: Here

Dr. Szadzinski is Director of Campus Life and teaches 7th-grade Latin and 11th-grade Humane Letters at Scottsdale Prep. He started at SPA in 2022-23.

While born and raised in Chicago, Dr. Szadzinski has spent significant time living in Vermont and the UK. He earned a Graduate Teaching Certificate in Latin and a M.A. in Greek and Latin Languages from the University of Vermont. He obtained a M.A. in Ancient History from Cardiff University. In May of 2021, he was awarded his Ph.D. from King’s College London, where he worked with both the Classics and War Studies Departments in crafting a thesis focused on the battlefield tactics and practices of mid-republican Roman legions.

When not teaching or researching, Dr. Szadzinski loves to golf, hike, snowboard, travel, and spend time with friends and family.

Teacher Website: Here

Mrs. Michaels is excited to teach math again and be an instructional coach after serving in other roles. Since joining the Scottsdale Prep community in 2014, she has served as Assistant Headmaster, Dean of Academics, Master Teacher of Mathematics, Lead 504 Coordinator, and Mathematics teacher both in the Middle and High Schools.

She was born and raised in Scottsdale, and understands the desire of Arizona natives to move to where it snows! She studied Metallurgical Engineering at Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado before realizing that her true passion was in Mathematics. She received her B.S. in Computational Mathematical Sciences from ASU, and later received her M.Ed. in Secondary Education from GCU.

She enjoys traveling and adventuring with her husband and son during her time off, and is always up for a good game of Clue or Liverpool Rummy.

Ms. Roberts is the Front Office Assistant and has been at Scottsdale Prep since the beginning of the 2015-2016 school year.

She enjoys watching sports, playing games, reading, and drinking AJ’s orange blossom iced tea.

Ms. Nelson is a front office assistant at Scottsdale Prep, having joined the staff in 2022.

She graduated from Grand Canyon University in 2018 with a B.A. in Biblical Studies and a minor in Philosophy.

She enjoys being able to serve faculty, students, and their families through her work in the front office. In her free time, Ms. Nelson enjoys writing, analyzing films, cooking new foods, and spending time with her best friend.

Nurse Warrington joined Scottsdale Prep as the Nurse in 2021. She has been a Registered Nurse since 2013 and worked in various roles as a nurse throughout the valley, but found her calling as a school nurse here at Scottsdale Prep. In addition to being our school nurse, she teaches First Aid and CPR to our seniors, faculty and staff.

She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Grand Canyon University in 2018. In 2008, Nurse Warrington received her Master’s in Public Health from the University of Arizona.

She has been married since 2010 and has 4 children. Her oldest 3 attend Archway Scottsdale. She loves listening to audiobooks, science fiction and walking her dog, Prescott.

Mrs. Lacy Walther joined the SPA staff in 2022-23 as our School Counselor. She is a native and second-generation Arizonan. She graduated from ASU with a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Religion and a minor in Southeast Asian Studies. In 2009 Mrs.Walther received her Master of Science in Community Counseling, and has worked as a licensed therapist in Arizona with adolescents and their families in various settings.

Mrs. Walther lives in Scottsdale with her husband and two daughters, and enjoys traveling in Asia with her family, vegetable gardening, and reading classic mystery novels.

Officer Sloan serves as our Campus Security Officer and began serving Scottsdale Prep and Archway Scottsdale in the 2022-23 school year.

Mr. Powell joined Scottsdale Prep as a Facilities Technician in March 2024.

Before Great Hearts, he worked in many trades, including residential and commercial construction/renovations, a 15 year career with Costco, and being an apartment maintenance technician.

In his spare time, he loves spending time outdoors (any sport, fishing, camping, hiking, etc.) and watching movies (particularly comedy, action, and documentary genres).

Duane Ediger is the Athletic Director for Scottsdale Prep; he joined the SPA faculty in the 2014-15 school year. Duane grew up in Edmonds, WA, and moved to Phoenix after graduating from college in 1986.

He earned his undergraduate degree in Education with an emphasis on physical education at Seattle Pacific University followed by earning a Masters degree from the University of Phoenix in Educational Counseling. Before joining the SPA faculty, he was a teacher and athletic director at a local private school for 28 years.

Duane has been married to his wife Debbie for 36 years. He enjoys spending time with his wife, dogs, and horses in the Colorado Mountains, and training for physical challenges.

Mr. Allen-Lisbon (also known as Coach T) is the Middle School Athletic Director, 6th Grade P.E. Teacher, and Girls Basketball Coach. Coach T joined Scottsdale Prep in the winter of 2018.

Coach T received his degree in Sociology from an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) in Little Rock, Arkansas at Philander Smith College. He moved to Arizona from Dallas, Texas in 2017 to receive his Master’s Degree in Higher Education from the GREAT Arizona State University. Prior to coming to Great Hearts, Coach T worked at ASU within the admissions department. He also has been coaching basketball for over 6 years prior to joining SPA.

He is a dog dad to a pug named Bruno, loves sports, outdoor activities, and working with kids. He also has ventured into the entrepreneur world and created his Athletic Personal Training business called Talented Athletic Leaders.

Mrs. Collins is a long-time Scottsdale Prep parent, before joining the Academy as a part-time Athletic Coordinator in November of 2023.

Mrs. Noyes joined Scottsdale Prep in 2021 as the Academy Giving Manager.

She is originally from the Midwest where she attended Miami University, and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Marketing and Finance.

Although she grew up in Ohio, she considers Southwest Colorado her home. She lived in Durango with her family where she enjoyed winter sports and cycling. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, watching her son play ice hockey, and traveling to the Caribbean with her husband and three children.

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Mrs. Coolidge began her Great Hearts career as a College Counselor and Registrar for Cicero Preparatory Academy before joining Scottsdale Preparatory Academy as a College Counselor in 2021. Passionate about helping students and families navigate the college admissions process, she is a firm believer that ‘college fit’ is the greatest determinant of post-secondary success.

Born and raised in Canada, she is a proud dual US-Canadian citizen. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada followed by a Master of Industrial Relations degree from Queen’s University in Kingston, Canada. Mrs. Coolidge previously worked in corporate and third-party recruiting, and as a freelance Career Coach and Certified Professional Resume Writer, before taking time off to raise her family.

She is married to her best friend with whom she shares two sons, a sophomore in high school and a freshman at the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!). Not to be forgotten are her two dogs, Rose, a golden retriever, and Shaka, a poodle-terrier mix. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, walking her dogs, traveling, spending time with friends and family, and visiting colleges!

Ms. Monica Ware is very excited to partner with families in the college application and career exploration process and joined Scottsdale Prep in 2023, after previously working for Anthem Prep from 2020-23.

In her undergraduate studies, she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science with a minor in Film at the University of Central Florida. She went on to obtain her Master of Sciences degree in Psychology at Grand Canyon University. She has completed doctoral research and post-masters level research work studying educational leadership, the psychology of higher education, and subjects relating to college admissions and higher education retention strategies at Northern Arizona University, Grand Canyon University, and UCLA. She has worked for many years in higher education at institutions including the University of Central Florida, Grand Canyon University, University of San Francisco, and Arizona State University. In higher education years, she has worked in Residence Life, the Office of the President, the Orientation Team, the Office of the First Year Experience, Career and Professional Development Services, the Office of Admissions, International Coalitions, Veterans Scholar Support Services and with the Title IX Advocacy Department.

Her favorite thing about being a College Counselor is working with students to determine the next right step for them, especially during major decision-making times. She loves to volunteer and most recently spent the summer in Paris working at the American Church in Paris serving in office administration, and with the Children, Youth, and Young Adult Ministries. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, watching movies (especially literature adaptions), and reading.

Mrs. Paffenbarger was the Director of College Counseling at Veritas Prep Academy during the last 11 years. Prior to that she worked at Arcadia High School. She has served numerous years on the UA Franke Honors College High School Counselor Board and the Scottsdale Community College Achieving a College Education Board. Her previous educational and work background include social work and hotel management at Marriott resorts.

Mrs. Paffenbarger believes every student has unique talents, inclinations, values and personalities that can find expression in the vocation they choose to undertake after high school. Indeed, finding the best college fit is often the beginning of this path. She looks forward to joining the Scottsdale Prep college counseling team and assisting students in discerning their post high school goals and completing the tasks to achieve those goals. Mrs. Judi Paffenbarger will be on campus every Wednesday to support the work of the Scottsdale Preparatory College Counseling staff.

In her spare time, Mrs. Paffenbarger enjoys hiking, traveling to see the beauty of nature, painting and spending time with her new grandson.

Ms. Alexander teaches sixth-grade Latin. She began her teaching career at Scottsdale Prep in 2024.

Ms. Alexander received her degree in Classics with a minor in Education from Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. She worked both as a student archivist in the Special Collections department, and as a translator and text encoder for various digital humanities projects. Ms. Alexander developed a passion for teaching after working with seventh-grade Latin students in the classroom and K-5 students in an afterschool Latin program.

Ms. Alexander looks forward to living in Arizona where she will be closer to her family in Utah. She loves to crochet, listen to traditional Irish music, and visit the local duck pond.

Mr. Allen-Lisbon (also known as Coach T) is the Middle School Athletic Director, 6th Grade P.E. Teacher, and Girls Basketball Coach. Coach T joined Scottsdale Prep in the winter of 2018.

Coach T received his degree in Sociology from an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) in Little Rock, Arkansas at Philander Smith College. He moved to Arizona from Dallas, Texas in 2017 to receive his Master’s Degree in Higher Education from the GREAT Arizona State University. Prior to coming to Great Hearts, Coach T worked at ASU within the admissions department. He also has been coaching basketball for over 6 years prior to joining SPA.

He is a dog dad to a pug named Bruno, loves sports, outdoor activities, and working with kids. He also has ventured into the entrepreneur world and created his Athletic Personal Training business called Talented Athletic Leaders.

Teacher Website: Here

Mrs. Alofs teaches 9th Grade Honors Biology. She joined the Scottsdale Prep faculty in 2023-2024 but she is also a Scottsdale Prep alumna. She returned to teach at SPA after being on the founding faculty of Great Hearts Forest Heights in San Antonio, TX, where she taught Physical Science, Earth Science, and Biology.

Mrs. Alofs was born and raised in Scottsdale, Arizona. She graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in Neuro and Cognitive sciences as well as a minor in studio art. While at the University of Arizona, Mrs. Alofs taught an undergraduate Molecular and Cellular Biology lab. After graduation, she moved to Austin, TX with her husband.

Mrs. Alofs is happily married to her husband whom she met while attending Scottsdale Prep. She enjoys painting, board games, and spending time with her wonderful family.

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Teacher Website: Here

Dr. Cetaku Tammaro is our Dean of Academic Support. She has different levels of math, literature/composition, and Humane Letters since joining SPA in the Spring of 2022. She has been an educator for over 26 years, both as a teacher and administrator. Dr. Cetaku Tammaro has taught multiple grade levels and subjects and currently also teaches college-level classes at Rio Salado Community College.

She is a native of Albania, in Eastern Europe, and has called Arizona her home since 2003. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics as well as in English as a Foreign Language from the University of Tirana, Albania. She later moved to Arizona enrolling at ASU where she graduated with a Master’s in Education. Dr. Cetaku Tammaro is in the last stages of her Doctorate in Leadership and Organization from Grand Canyon University.

Dr. Cetaku Tammaro is happily married to a wonderful retired Marine and they have four children. In her free time, she likes to read, travel, and spend quality time with her family.

Mr. Chapman was on the founding faculty of Scottsdale Prep in 2008-09, after teaching at Tempe Prep for a number of years. He has served in various capacities including Assistant Headmaster, LitComp Teacher, and Humane Letters teacher before retiring in 2021. We are grateful to have him return to Scottsdale Prep in the Fall of 2023.

Teacher Website: Here

Mrs. Clement teaches 12th-grade drama and 6th-grade literature & composition. She has been a part of the academy since 2015. In that time, she has served in several teaching positions including 11th grade drama, 5th grade drama, and 6th grade Literature and Composition. She is a Fine Arts Master Teacher and Director for the Extra Curricular Drama Clubs, Thespian Troupe #8334 Director, and will be spearheading our Improv Troupe, Laughletes, this year as well.

Born in Germany, but raised in Arizona, Mrs. Clement considers Arizona her always home, minus a stint in Chicago. She attended Arizona State University, Barrett the Honors College, and received her BA in Theatre Arts with an emphasis in Education and Production Management. Previous to her time at SPA, she worked in multiple theatres in Chicago as a Stage Manager and Dramaturg.

Mrs. Clement is lucky to see her other half, Mr. C, every day as they both continue to serve the Scottsdale Prep Community. While not at school, she considers herself a local foods expert and loves to read or watch a good murder mystery curled up with her cats, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.

Teacher Website: Here

Mr. Copeland has been teaching at SPA since 2011. He usually teaches 7th and 10th grade Latin, but has also taught 8th grade Latin, 9th grade Latin, and 11th grade Greek. He currently serves as Master Teacher of Classical Languages, overseeing the academy’s Latin and Greek curricula.

Mr. Copeland holds a B.A. in Classical Languages from the University of St. Thomas, and an M. A. in Classics from the University of Arizona, where he also taught prior to coming to Scottsdale Prep. He is the recipient of numerous professional and teaching awards.

Outside of school, he enjoys spending time with his wife and seven children. He loves driving on the highways of Arizona, fixing things, and playing old video games.

Teacher Website: Here

Ms. Duensing teaches 6th grade Literature and Composition, as well as 10th-grade Humane Letters. She joined the Scottsdale Prep faculty in 2023 and is a Great Hearts alumna.

She was born and raised in Denver, Colorado before her family moved to Arizona, where she attended Trivium Preparatory Academy for high school. She graduated from the University of Arizona in May 2023 with Bachelor of Arts in both French and Philosophy.

Ms. Duensing loves all animals, especially her two cats, Jacob and Dorothy. She spends most of her free time reading, listening to music, and writing.

Teacher Website: Here

Mr. Duttlinger joined the faculty of Scottsdale Prep in the fall of 2022 after teaching at two other classical charter schools for the preceding 7 years. Known primarily as a math teacher, having taught most levels of high school math, he has also enjoyed teaching Latin and ballroom dance. Classically educated himself, he wonders at the beauty in all of the “good arts and sciences”.

Before becoming a teacher, he served in the US Marine Corps Reserve from 2006 to 2012. He served one tour in Iraq (2009) and was Honorably Discharged at the rank of Sergeant. During the second half of his contract, he attended Hillsdale College, graduating in 2013 with a B.A. in politics and a minor in Latin.

It was, in fact, during his time steeped in the study of the humanities that a love for mathematics took root. Through independent and leisurely consumption of mathematical content online, he began to understand how rich and noble is this utterly uncompromising, true, and pure expression of the very thing that defines our species: rationality. Years later, he relishes his duty to guide his students in exploring the universe of mathematics and thereby growing in strength and humanity.

Teacher Website: Here

Ms. Emmerson is excited to join the SPA faculty in 2023-24, teaching music.

Ms. Emmerson grew up in Southern California and has been living in the Phoenix area for 1 year. She received her Bachelor of Music from Biola University in California with a minor in Biblical Studies.

After school hours, she is a private piano instructor and sings with the Canto Vivo Chorale in Mesa. In her free time, Ms. Emmerson enjoys reading, going to museums, listening to Bach’s cantatas, cooking without a recipe, and playing card games with her family.

Teacher Website: Here

Ms. Fornabaio teaches 6th grade Physical Science and 7th Life Science. She joined the academy in 2020 and in that time she has also taught 7th grade Life Science, served as the assistant Swim & Dive Coach and now the Head Swim & Dive Coach.

She was born and raised here in Scottsdale, AZ and attended Northern Arizona University where she received a bachelor’s degree in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Psychology. Passionate about animals, she originally planned on applying to vet school and volunteered at Hopi Animal Hospital since she was in middle school. While at NAU, she started the pre-veterinary club and worked as a DNA research assistant at TGEN North. She also worked as an Anatomy TA, swim coach, and taught a freshmen level honors course which is where she discovered her passion for teaching, which led her to Scottsdale Prep.

She loves hiking, camping, traveling, painting, and she especially enjoys water sports like swimming, kayaking and surfing. Her two favorite places to visit are Maui and Siena, Italy, where she studied abroad. She enjoys spending time with family and friends and sharing her fun facts about animals with them.

Teacher Website: Here

Ms. Garcia joined Scottsdale Prep in 2022-23 as a 6th grade Art teacher, but worked for Great Hearts the previous two years. Recently, she has worked as a graphic designer, math tutor, barista, and a 4th Grade Assistant Teacher across the street at the Archway campus.

While she grew up in California, she went to a small liberal arts college in New York City to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Art. The King’s College introduced her to the Socratic style of teaching and New York showed many great cups of coffee. Ms. Garcia has loved the many years that she spent on the East Coast, but is glad to be back in the West!

You can generally find Ms. Garcia roaming museums or tending her many plants, while always having a cup of coffee in her hand.

Teacher Website: Here

Mrs. Noelia Gomez joined Scottsdale Prep in 2022-23. She taught Spanish at the International School of Arizona for five years prior to coming to Great Hearts. She also conducted classes on watercolor.

She was born in Madrid, Spain, and grew up in Seville in the south of Spain. She finished her Nursing degree in 2014 and worked in different healthcare settings in Spain. She has always enjoyed taking care of others.

She met her husband in Spain in 2003. They have one child (Leonard). They arrived in Arizona in 2017, looking to give their son the opportunity to learn from a different culture and a different language. Her hobbies include traveling, hiking, painting, and watching documentaries about the universe.

Teacher Website: Here

Mr. Gore serves as Dean of Students and teaches 6th grade Literature & Composition. He joined Scottsdale Prep in 2022-23, after teaching four years at Archway Scottsdale.

He first began as a Fourth Grade Assistant Teacher, then became a Lead Teacher in Fourth Grade. Prior to Great Hearts Mr. Gore was a coach for Fit Kids America and worked for a few years as a caregiver for those with dementia. Mr. Gore received his Bachelor’s Degree from GCU in Digital Film with an Emphasis in Screenwriting.

Mr. Gore married his college sweetheart and best friend, and together they are parents to two crazy cats! In his spare time, Mr. Gore drinks too much coffee, roots for the Green Bay Packers, and avidly collects films and books.

Teacher Website: Here

Mrs. Carmel Groenwald is thrilled to have joined Scottsdale Prep in 2022-23. She will be teaching music to 7th & 8th, as well as directing some extracurricular choirs. She graduated ASU in 2011 with a BA in K-12 Music Education and she is nearing completion of her Masters in Secondary Education from NAU.

Prior to Great Hearts she directed choirs at Connolly Middle School, Scottsdale Christian Academy, the Phoenix Girls Choir, Genesis Church and Camelback Bible Church. She has also taught piano lessons in her private studio for many years as well as at Alice Cooper’s ‘The Rock’ Teen Center in Phoenix. In addition, she sang professionally with The Phoenix Chorale for 3 years.

In her spare time, you can find her hanging out with her wonderful husband, Joseph, or her exuberant children, Windsor and Jojo. When on her own, she loves to knit or crochet, play piano, or perform locally with her 90’s Cover Band.

Teacher Website: Here

Ms. Hakanson teaches American Rhetorical Tradition and Poetry I. She joined the Scottsdale Preparatory Academy faculty in 2015 and has served in various roles such as yearbook advisor, MS Cross Country Assistant Coach, master teacher (Literature and Composition), and 504 Coordinator.

A native of Oregon, Ms. Hakanson holds a B.A. in English from the University of Oregon and an MFA in Writing from Pacific University. Prior to joining Scottsdale Prep, Ms. Hakanson directed her language and writing energies toward various marketing and communication roles in both the public and private sectors. She also taught writing in community colleges in Oregon and Arizona.

When not teaching, Ms. Hakanson enjoys hiking and mountain biking with her husband, writing poetry, reading eclectically, and baking cowboy cookies.

Teacher Website: Here

Dr. Hall started at Scottsdale Prep in 2019. He teaches 11th and 12th grade Humane Letters, works as a Senior Thesis Director, and runs the Writing and Seminar Lab.

Dr. Hall received his M.A. in Philosophy from the University of Colorado, Boulder and his PhD in Philosophy from ASU. Prior to coming to Scottsdale Prep, he taught numerous philosophy courses at Arizona State University and Chandler Gilbert Community College.

Outside of his love for reading philosophical works, he enjoys creating music and working on the virtues of the body through weightlifting.

Teacher Website: Here

Ms. Harman is a math teacher at Scottsdale Prep. She joined the Scottsdale Prep faculty in 2019-2020.

Though born in the Pacific Northwest, Ms. Harman spent most of her childhood years in Arizona. She studied mathematics at Baylor University and then taught at a classical school in Texas for a couple of years.

In her free time, Ms. Harman enjoys walking her sweet dog, running, hiking, and reading.

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Teacher Website: Here

Ms. Hutchings is a Latin teacher for Scottsdale Prep, and she joined the SPA faculty in 2015-2016. She is the 8th and 9th grade Latin lead teacher and has the privilege of teaching Greek this year. In addition to classical languages, she tutors students in German. In her time here, she has been the Field Day Coordinator and Summer School Coordinator, and involved with Homework Club, Creative Writing Club, Rock Climbing Club, Mythology Club, the Junior Classical League, building sets for theater, groups focused on giving back, and in numerous theses.

She hails from Redford Township, MI, but is now a Phoenician. Ms. Hutchings has a double Baccalaureate in History, and in Classical Languages and Literature at the University of Michigan, followed by a Masters in Classics and in Education at the University of Arizona. Prior to coming to Great Hearts, Ms. Hutchings taught in public schools in Ann Arbor, MI, and in private schools in Tucson, AZ.

She enjoys cuddles with her fluffy puppy, whom you might recall played Toto in the Wizard of Oz, and is working on finishing her novel (about Rome, of course!).

Teacher Website: Here

Mrs. Kashihara is a 6th Grade Physical Science and 8th Grade Earth Science Teacher at Scottsdale Prep. Mrs. Kashihara joined the Scottsdale Prep faculty in 2018-2019. She has served as the course level lead for 6th grade physical science, assistant conductor of the symphony orchestra, and homework club monitor.

She is originally from Gloucester, England. She studied for her Bachelor of Science with Honors degree in Geography at Keele University in England. During her Bachelor of Science with Honors degree, Mrs. Kashihara spent one semester as an exchange student at the University of Utah. She earned a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at the University of Nottingham in England. Prior to coming to Great Hearts, Mrs. Kashihara served three seasons as a Park Ranger in Environmental Education with the National Park Service and US Forest Service in California, Oregon, and Idaho. She also taught in public schools in Indianapolis, Indiana and Avondale, Arizona.

Mrs. Kashihara is happily married. She enjoys playing the violin and piano. She played the violin in county orchestras in England. She enjoys traveling, hiking, gardening, and nature / landscape photography.

Teacher Blog: Here

Mr. Laugen began serving Scottsdale Prep as an Assistant Headmaster in Spring 2023. He is a 1993 graduate of Coe College, a private liberal arts college in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He spent fifteen years as a classroom instructor in both Iowa and Arizona before making the move to administration while earning his MEd. in Education Administration from Grand Canyon University in 2009. He fondly shares that over his thirty years of experience, he has enjoyed working with students and families in every capacity from substitute teacher to Head of School. Most recently, Mr. Laugen served as the Head of School at Cross Schools in Bluffton, South Carolina. He has also held roles as an administrator at independent schools of caliber in Arizona, Michigan and Texas. Mr. Laugen also brings a deep appreciation for developing students through extra-curricular activities, cultivated over his twenty-three years of experience as a high school football coach, and twelve years of experience as a high school baseball coach.

Teacher Website: Here

Ms. Magdalena Lawer-Borfigat joined the Scottsdale Prep Faculty in 2021, teaching High School French.

She is originally from Poland where she completed a Bachelor’s Degree in French Philology, and studied French Literature and Linguistics. She then moved to France where she completed a Master’s Degree in Teaching French as a Foreign Language. She has taught French in various school settings in Europe. After having moved to Arizona, she taught French to middle schoolers at BASIS Goodyear.

In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with her daughter. She also is a big enthusiast of French cinema and food, especially pastries! She never says no to her favorite French dessert – “fondant au chocolat”.

Teacher Website: Here

Mr. Leahy joined Scottsdale Prep in Spring 2023, taking on a position teaching 6th and 7th-grade Literature and Composition.

A Phoenix native, Mr. Leahy achieved his B.A. in Philosophy from Arizona State University in 2022. Prior to joining Great Hearts, Mr. Leahy lived in several states including Missouri, California, and Arizona, while working at Starbucks and earning his degree through the Starbucks College Achievement Program at Arizona State University.

When not teaching, Mr. Leahy enjoys hiking, running, biking, ping pong, and spending time with friends. Mr. Leahy is also a voracious reader, who has a particular love for fantasy, and is typically tackling one audiobook and one physical book at any given time.

Teacher Website: Here

Mrs. Lengel-Zigich has been with Great Hearts since 2015 and came to work at Scottsdale Prep. in 2021. She first began as a Kindergarten Assistant Teacher then became a Lead Teacher in Fourth Grade before moving to Scottsdale Prep to teach 6th and 7th grade Literature & Composition. Prior to Great Hearts Mrs. Lengel-Zigich taught Freshman and Sophomore Honors English at Pinnacle High School and additionally created Core Knowledge curriculum for local non-profits in coordination with the Scottsdale and Paradise Valley School Districts.

Mrs. Lengel-Zigich received her Bachelor’s Degree from ASU in English Literature with an Emphasis in Secondary Education and a Minor in Religious Studies. She received her Master’s Degree in Classical Education from the University of Dallas through Great Hearts’ Quintilian Fellowship.

Mrs. Lengel-Zigich is a proud mother to two Great Hearts students and additionally a mother to two dogs, three cats, and a fish! She married her high-school sweetheart and best friend, Mr. Lengel-Zigich and agreed to take his lengthy name. In her spare time Mrs. Lengel-Zigich loves watching wonderful films and devouring great books.

Teacher Website: Here

Mr. Lubert rejoins the Latin faculty in 2024, after previously teaching at Scottsdale Prep from 2020-2023. He has taught 11th Grade Greek I and 7th Grade Latin II, and has been a sponsor of the Junior Classical League.

Mr. Lubert was born in Brighton, England, and has lived in Spain and the UAE and now the USA. As an undergraduate, he studied Classical Languages and Literatures at Pomona College. In addition, he has studied Greek at Oxford University and Hebrew through Harvard Divinity School. Prior to teaching at Scottsdale Prep, Mr. Lubert worked in marketing for an international property developer in the UAE.

He enjoys traveling, learning ‘dead’ languages and spending time with his family, who live in Los Angeles.

Teacher Website: Here

Mr. Mathieux joined Scottsdale Prep at the end of 2023, after deciding to pivot his career from business to his true passion, teaching. He started at Scottsdale Prep as a Math Teacher, teaching 6th and 8th-grade Algebra classes, but now teaches 9th grade Spanish.

Mr. Mathieux grew up in France and moved to California at the age of 10, where he developed his interest in Math and languages. He received his BA in Economics from UC Berkeley and his MBA from ASU’s Thunderbird School of Global Management. He began his corporate career working with logistics/supply chain in Brazil. After returning state-side, Mr. Mathieux developed his entrepreneurial spirit by launching and running small businesses in San Francisco. In 2020 he moved to Scottsdale with his family, where he finally pulled the plug on the business world by sending a job application to Great Hearts Academies.

When not teaching, Mr. Mathieux loves spending time with his wonderful wife and two daughters. He has an annoying habit of telling his daughters silly jokes while they laugh at him. Mr. Mathieux enjoys hiking, golf, skiing, traveling, and practicing foreign languages.

Teacher Website: Here

Mr. McAfee serves as Headmaster at Scottsdale Preparatory Academy and joined our community in 2022-23 after serving as a teacher and Headmaster in other classical schools.

Mr. McAfee earned his BA in Education and Social Science from Prescott College, and his M.Ed in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. He has taught History (particularly US History) and English in different schools since 1997. In 2013 he was the founding Principal at Benjamin Franklin High School in Queen Creek, AZ. He also served two years as Headmaster in Ascent Classical Academy in Colorado.

Mr. McAfee lives in Queen Creek with his wife Sheila. Their two daughters have graduated college, and their son is at Washington and Lee University. Mrs. McAfee works at the Phoenix Airport (a job taken so they could bring home their college students for the holidays without selling a kidney). Mr. McAfee, a retired collegiate baseball player, has traded in his soccer/football/baseball/softball coaching career for golfing (when it is hot and cheap), long walks with his dog Montie, reading, and a new passion for smoking meats.

Teacher Website: Here

Mr. McCauley is a middle school history teacher and a high school humane letters teacher at Scottsdale Prep. He joined Scottsdale Prep in 2016-17, and has previously served as the head of the middle school history department, a course-level lead for 6th and 7th grade history, an assistant coach for middle school baseball, and the substitute coordinator for the school.

Mr. McCauley is native to Arizona and graduated from high school in Scottsdale. He received a B.A. in both history and political science from Arizona State University, as well as an M.A. in history from Arizona State University.

In his free time he enjoys playing, writing and recording music, playing ice hockey and rooting for his favorite sports teams.

Teacher Website: Here

Mr. McKernon joined Scottsdale Prep in 2010-2011. Mr. McKernon will be teaching the 6th-grade math curriculum this year. In past years, Mr. McKernon has taught 7th and 8th-grade math as well.

Originally from Southern California, and after obtaining an M.A. in Education from Claremont Graduate University, Mr. McKernon moved to Scottsdale in 2010. Prior to teaching Mr. McKernon was a data sales engineer with telecommunication companies like ATT and MCI.

Mr. McKernon is an avid financial markets researcher, biblical history layman, and exercise enthusiast who loves chocolate chip cookies.

Teacher Website: Here

Mr. McPherson teaches 9th grade Humane Letters at Scottsdale Prep. He joined the Academy in 2019-2020. He has been a Humanities teacher both in the Middle and High Schools.

He grew up in SC. He studied Humanities, History, and the Arts at Davidson College and received an MFA from ASU. Prior to coming to Great Hearts, Mr. McPherson taught in charter and private schools in AZ (Tempe Prep) and SC.

He is happily married to his beloved wife and loves fly fishing and wood working.

Teacher Website: Here

Dr. Mershon joined Scottsdale Prep in 2022. She currently teaches Economics and 8th-grade Medieval History, and previously taught Ancient History. She received a BA degree in Art History from Arizona State University, an MBA in International Business from Thunderbird, and an Ed.D. from the University of West Florida. Before joining the SPA faculty she worked in different capacities with Junior Achievement and in higher education. Her family was very happy to make Arizona their forever home in 2015 after living in many different places in the US and abroad while her husband served in the Air Force. She enjoys spending time with her family, including her husband and their two adult daughters, Morgan and Erin. In her free time, she also loves to travel and read.

Teacher Website: Here

Mrs. Michaels is excited to teach math again and be an instructional coach after serving in other roles. Since joining the Scottsdale Prep community in 2014, she has served as Assistant Headmaster, Dean of Academics, Master Teacher of Mathematics, Lead 504 Coordinator, and Mathematics teacher both in the Middle and High Schools.

She was born and raised in Scottsdale, and understands the desire of Arizona natives to move to where it snows! She studied Metallurgical Engineering at Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado before realizing that her true passion was in Mathematics. She received her B.S. in Computational Mathematical Sciences from ASU, and later received her M.Ed. in Secondary Education from GCU.

She enjoys traveling and adventuring with her husband and son during her time off, and is always up for a good game of Clue or Liverpool Rummy.

Teacher Website: Here

Ms. Miller has been a Studio Art Teacher at Scottsdale Preparatory Academy since 2012 and is currently the Department Head for the Visual Arts. She teaches both Middle School and High School Studio Art classes.

A native of Scottsdale, she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drawing from Arizona State University and a Master of Fine Arts in Printmaking from Clemson University. Before Scottsdale Prep, she taught several Art Classes and Workshops to students ranging from Elementary through College. As a practicing Artist, her works have appeared in public and private collections and publications.

Ms. Miller enjoys spending time with her family, drawing, and painting. In addition, she is an avid bird watcher and a voracious reader.

Teacher Website: Here

Ms. Moore is a Literature and Composition teacher at Scottsdale Prep, having joined the faculty in 2021.

An Arizona native, Ms. Moore has lived across the Phoenix-metro area in Litchfield Park, Scottsdale, and now central Phoenix. She graduated in 2021 from Grand Canyon University with a B.A. in English for Secondary Education and a minor in Philosophy, with honors. Having been introduced to Great Hearts by her father (who now teaches Humane Letters at Anthem Prep), she completed her last semester student-teaching at Scottsdale Prep Spring 2021 teaching 8th grade Literature and Composition and 9th grade Humane Letters.

In her free time, she enjoys drinking coffee, writing fantasy for pleasure, making meals for her family, and spending leisure time with her best friend.

Teacher Website: Here

Mr. Robin Neely joined SPA in 2013. In that time, he has taught our 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th-grade curricular music classes and conducted our extra-curricular choirs. In addition to being a music educator, he is also a senior thesis director at SPA. Mr. Neely’s proudest accomplishment is the creation of the “Caroling Club” which spends its holiday season singing for nursing homes, Hospice Homes, and Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

Mr. Neely earned his Bachelors of Music at Northern Arizona University and his Masters of Music at Arizona State University. He also sang with the Sonoran Desert Chorale under the direction of Jeff Harris for 9 years, touring a variety of countries including Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, France, Ireland, and Scotland. He is proud to have served as an adjudicator, clinician, or chair for numerous honor choirs across Arizona.

Outside of the arts, Mr. Neely takes great pride in managing his coral reef aquarium, doing photo shoots for local aquarium hobbyists or fish stores, hiking extensively, rock climbing, and taking care of his family.

Teacher Website: Here

Mr. Nordtvedt has been a 7th-grade life science teacher at Scottsdale Prep since 2021. He joined Great Hearts in 2020 at Archway Classical Academy Scottsdale and as an assistant baseball coach at Scottsdale Prep.

He is a Minnesota native but has been living in the Phoenix area since 2013. He received his bachelor’s degree from Cornell College in Mount Vernon, IA. He later completed his master’s degree in exercise science at California University of Pennsylvania.

Mr. Nordtvedt and his wife have two sons and two dogs at home. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family, sports, and being outdoors as much as possible.

Teacher Website: Here

Ms. Patton joined Scottsdale Prep in 2023-2024 and teaches 6th grade US History and 9th grade Humane Letters. She will also be directing the middle school play this winter, and serves as a co-leader of the Scottsdale Prep Shakespeare Society which is open to both middle and high school students.

Ms. Patton grew up on both coasts, in California and New Hampshire. Her passion for timeless wisdom and truth led her to study at the University of Dallas, where she received a BA in Drama. Ms. Patton previously worked in Los Angeles as the director of a non-profit serving at-risk youth and seniors. While in Los Angeles she also produced, wrote, directed and acted in many theater productions and short films.

When not teaching, Ms. Patton enjoys working on her screenplay about the American Renaissance, embroidering, and she’d love to see you at both the middle school play and Shakespeare Society!

Teacher Website: Here

Mr. Peters joined SPA in the Fall of 2015 and is a middle and high school math instructor at the academy. Across this time, he has served as a teacher for Pre-Algebra, Advanced Algebra, and Honors Geometry. He was also the lead sponsor for the Yearbook Club (10th Anniversary Edition) and the Archery Club (4 years).

His B.S. degree in Mathematics was earned from the University of Louisville (1988), but he has also resided in Iowa (where he was a walk-on wrestler at Iowa State University), Illinois, Michigan, Florida, California, and Bowling Green, KY (teaching for the public schools as well as being a part-time instructor for the Information Systems Department at Western Kentucky University). Prior to joining Great Hearts, Mr. Peters taught for 9 years at a private school in California, and for 4 years at a private school in the Phoenix area. Across 7 of the 9 years in California, much of his free time was spent writing an expansive book on the amazing world of Geometric Constructions.

Mr. Peters loves his family, students, and colleagues. He also very much enjoys reading, woodworking, and learning/sharing the multifaceted aspects of health and nutrition. During times of home relaxation, he never tires of watching the hummingbirds that fly, hover, and drink around the feeders maintained in his backyard patio area.

Teacher Website: Here

Mr. Petiford joined the Scottsdale Prep faculty in 2012 and currently teaches 7th, 8th, and 11th-grade studio art. He has also taught 6th grade Intro to Fine Art, run multiple 6th-grade performances, and an extra-curricular percussion ensemble. You can frequently see Mr. Petiford playing percussion for SPA musical theater productions and numerous SPA Jazz Choir concerts.

He earned a BFA in Drawing with a minor in Printmaking from Arizona State University, summa cum laude. Prior to SPA, he taught for 3 years at East Valley High and worked as a manufacturing training and web developer for a large manufacturing corporation, and as a multimedia designer for an R&D group. He has three published papers on music pedagogy, multiple book designs and illustrations, and has participated in multiple group and solo exhibitions of fine art.

In his free time, Mr. Petiford is an avid painter, musician, and cinematic connoisseur.

Teacher Website: Here

Mr. Primavera is the Physics 1 teacher, head football coach, and head baseball coach at Scottsdale Prep Academy. He joined the Academy in 2014.

David is a native of Lincoln, NE. He received his master’s degree in education with an emphasis in science teaching from the University of Nebraska and received his undergraduate degree in Liberal Arts from Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, CA. He previously taught in Elkhorn, NE before joining Great Hearts.

He is married with 5 children. His hobbies include watching college football, golfing, and gardening.

Teacher Website: Here

Mr. Redmond teaches Geometry and Logic & Computation at Scottsdale Prep. He joined the school as a long term sub for middle school Algebra II in 2019 before becoming a full teacher during the 2020-2021 school year.

He was born and raised in Scottsdale, but went to university in Washington State for his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. He then completed a Master’s in Secondary Education from Arizona State University.

He has interests in gardening, strategy games, game design, and science fiction.

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Teacher Website: Here

Mr. Russell joined Great Hearts and Scottsdale Preparatory Academy in 2023. He currently teaches 7th Grade Pre-Algebra/Algebra and 10th Grade Algebra II/Pre-Calculus.

Before teaching, Mr. Russell worked in the charitable giving industry for three years as president and chief manager of a foundation. He has played many roles in his career: market strategist, designer, musician, and botanist. Mr. Russell has a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Humanities from Brigham Young University. Mr. Russell loves the phenomenology of life, which has translated into a love for indoor plants, maintaining as many as 300 at a time in his home.

Teacher Website: Here

Mr. Sanowski is very excited to join the Scottsdale Prep community in the 2023-24 school year.

Prior to coming to Great Hearts, he spent 32 years in the Aerospace industry and has extensive Engineering, Quality, and Management experience. He was raised in Scottsdale and received a B.S. degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Arizona and a M.S. degree from the ASU Bioengineering College.

He loves math, Engineering, and problem solving. He enjoys welding, cooking, fresh and saltwater fishing, hiking with his Australian Shepard, and traveling.

Teacher Website: Here

Ms. Sells is thrilled to join Scottsdale Prep in 2023. She teaches 7th Ancient History, and has previously taught 7th & 8th science.

Previous to coming to becoming an SPA Spartan, she taught at ASU, where she earned both her Bachelor and Masters degrees; so she is a Sun Devil through and through!

Ms. Sells is a proud mother to her three-and-a-half-year-old son and her five-year-old Golden Retriever. In her free time, Ms. Sells enjoys riding horses, as she was a National Champion horseback rider in her youth, spending time with her family, and reading classic literature.

Teacher Website: Here

Mr. Scott Shaughnessy joined Great Hearts faculty in 2012, first teaching science at Anthem Prep and transferring to Scottsdale Prep in the fall of 2018. In that time he has taught middle school Physical Science, Earth Science, and upper school Physics I and Physics II. In addition, he has been a sponsor of Astronomy Club and Mountain Biking Club.

He moved from southern California with his family where he taught physics, math, and astronomy at The Buckley School in Sherman Oaks, California since 1998. He is a graduate of ASU’s Construction Engineering program, and has taken additional classes in physics and astronomy at UCLA.

He enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, traveling to tropical islands, gazing at the cosmos, and mountain biking wherever he can find a trail.

Teacher Website: Here

Dr. Bente Shoen teaches Spanish at Scottsdale Prep and joined the Academy in 2020-21.

She is a Phoenix native with a BA in English from Dartmouth College, an MA in Spanish Language and Culture from Middlebury College, and another MA and PhD in Hispanic Literature from Boston University. Prior to coming to Great Hearts, Dr. Shoen taught Spanish at Boston University, did process engineering for nonprofits in Guatemala, and worked in logistics in the Northeast.

In her free time, she does interior design, writes poetry, and swims in any body of water she can find. She also loves to host soirées and game nights for her large extended family, friends, and colleagues.

Teacher Website: Here

Ms. Spielvogel teaches 10th-grade Humane Letters and joined Scottsdale Prep in the 2023-2024 academic year.

She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Arizona State University in 2022 and most recently finished her master’s degree in English Literature with a focus on early modern literature from the University of Oxford in 2023. Her research interests include Shakespeare and his history plays, classical reception, and kingship in the medieval and early modern periods. She is also an active theatre-maker, having been a dramaturg, deviser, playwright, and a director in Arizona, North Carolina, and Oxford.

Outside of the classroom, she enjoys participating in a variety of sports, including fencing, cycling, and swimming. She also enjoys classical music and opera, having played flute for thirteen years and having recently worked on staging two Mozart operas, The Marriage of Figaro and Don Giovanni.

Teacher Website: Here

Mrs. Stamate is a 10th and 12th grade Humane Letters teacher. She joined the SPA faculty in the 2011-2012 school year. During her years at the academy, she has taught 5th grade, 6th-8th grade Lit/Comp, and Humane Letters. She also serves as Senior Thesis Director.

Mrs. Stamate is originally from Florida, and she attended St. John’s College in Annapolis for her undergraduate degree in the Liberal Arts. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Classical Education from the University of Dallas while teaching at SPA.

She enjoys life at home with her husband of three years and their one-year-old daughter. In her leisure time, she enjoys reading, playing chess, and staying active outdoors.

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Teacher Website: Here

Dr. Szadzinski is Director of Campus Life and teaches 7th-grade Latin and 11th-grade Humane Letters at Scottsdale Prep. He started at SPA in 2022-23.

While born and raised in Chicago, Dr. Szadzinski has spent significant time living in Vermont and the UK. He earned a Graduate Teaching Certificate in Latin and a M.A. in Greek and Latin Languages from the University of Vermont. He obtained a M.A. in Ancient History from Cardiff University. In May of 2021, he was awarded his Ph.D. from King’s College London, where he worked with both the Classics and War Studies Departments in crafting a thesis focused on the battlefield tactics and practices of mid-republican Roman legions.

When not teaching or researching, Dr. Szadzinski loves to golf, hike, snowboard, travel, and spend time with friends and family.

Teacher Website: Here

Mr. Threadgall teaches sixth grade Latin at SPA and joined the Academy in 2012-13. Since then he has occasionally also taught 7th and 8th grade Latin and chaired a recorder ensemble.

A Tennessee native, he studied Classics and English at UT Knoxville before taking an MA in Latin at the University of Virginia with a certificate in comparative literature. He has also taught middle school Latin in Tennessee and Virginia, but after ten years in the valley he is now pleased to regard himself as “from here.”

Mr. Threadgall cultivates frankincense and myrrh in his back garden, ferments a variety of vegetables and herbal tonics, and loves the monsoon season.

Teacher Website: Here

Dr. Triggs teaches 8th-grade Literature & Composition and serves as the assistant coach for the speech and debate team. She joined SPA in 2022-23, after previously teaching at Anthem Prep.

She earned her Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Composition from Saint Louis University in 2016. She has taught courses in English and the Humanities at the collegiate level.

Dr. Triggs loves to travel and also enjoys spending time with family.

Teacher Website: Here

Mrs. Walters teaches 10th grade Earth Science. She joined Scottsdale Prep in the 2022-23 school year and is excited to be a part of a school with such a distinguished reputation. She has also previously taught 8th grade Earth Science.

She was born and raised in Arizona and attended the University of Texas at Dallas where she received a B.S. and M.S. in Chemistry. While at UT Dallas, she had the opportunity to be a research assistant working on biochemical studies involving metabolism. After graduation, she worked as an analytical chemist in an environmental laboratory. She has also taught chemistry for over 10 years at Glendale Community College.

Mrs. Walters and her husband of 26 years, Dr. Darrin Walters, have two boys – Braden and Devin who are both competitive swimmers. Braden is a student athlete at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee and Devin will enter his Junior year at Chaparral High School. In their free time, they enjoy hiking and camping, but spend most of their time at the pool.

Teacher Website: Here

Mr. White joined the Scottsdale Preparatory community in 2021-22! His teaching experience has spanned 8th grade Literature/Composition, 8th grade Medieval History, as well as 9th, 10th, and 12th grade Humane Letters.

He grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and studied film and classics at Biola University. He has lots of experience working with students, from camp counselor to elementary reading teacher, and is looking forward to working with older students.

Mr. White is a huge Marvel fan, loves playing Dungeons and Dragons, and enjoys writing in his free time.

Teacher Website: Here

Mrs. White-Goss joined SPA in the 2018-2019 academic school year. She is a middle school studio art teacher. She has been teaching art for 20 years.

She was born in Michigan, but has lived in Scottsdale since she was three. She studied Art Education and Art History at Arizona State University.

She has been happily married for nearly 30 years and they have one son. She has two miniature dachshunds and loves yoga, hiking and pickle ball.

Teacher Website: Here

Mr. Zelkin, who has taught 11th and 12th-grade Humane Letters at Scottsdale Prep since 2021, comes to us from Cicero Prep (where he served as their 11th and 12th-grade Humane Letters teacher).  Prior to this, Mr. Zelkin filled in for Mrs. Stamate’s 10th and 12th-grade Humane Letters here at Scottsdale Prep in the Spring of 2020.

He was born in the former Soviet Union and immigrated to the United States as a child. He received his bachelor’s degree from Colgate University where he double majored in music and philosophy & religion.  He then studied religion at the University of Chicago Divinity School where he received his master’s degree.

Mr. Zelkin worked for over two and a half decades as a professional film composer in Los Angeles. He and his wife, with whom he continues to co-compose, have both received Emmy Awards for their music and have been nominated multiple times.  Together, they have written the music and themes for various movies, sports, and news shows including: The NBA, The WNBA,  NASCAR, The America’s Cup, Wimbledon, The Stanley Cup Finals, The X Games, The NCAA Championships, The US Open, The Masters, The British Open, CBS Sports Desk, and Tucker Carlson Tonight, among others.

Casa de Zelkin consists of his wonderful wife of three decades, their son (a student at Prep!), a very good dog, and a one eyed, three-legged cat who operates under the assumption that the entire household exists merely to serve him. Mr. Zelkin enjoys coffee, discussing great books and ideas with interesting people, reading fantasy fiction, backpacking and running…but mostly coffee.

Teacher Website: Here

Joining in the 2022-2023 school year, Ms. Gillies is an ESS coordinator at Scottsdale Prep.

Ms. Gillies is originally from Connecticut, where she taught U.S. History for ten years. She received her Bachelor’s degree in History from Florida Atlantic University and her Master’s degree in Special Education from Central Connecticut State University. She moved to Arizona three years before coming to SPA, and spent those years teaching Special Education at a public school in Tempe, AZ.

Ms. Gillies is the mother of a successful young college student and enjoys spending what precious time she can with him. In her free time, Ms. Gillies enjoys reading, hiking, and hot yoga

Mr. Gardea is currently serving as an ESS Coordinator at Scottsdale Prep, having joined the school community in the 2023-2024 academic year.

Before joining Great Hearts, Mr. Gardea’s professional background included teaching middle school at AdvancePath Academy within Stockton Unified in California. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Native American Studies from UC Davis. Upon relocating to Arizona in 2020 with his family, he enriched his experience by contributing as a substitute teacher across various schools in Mesa, AZ.

During his free time, Mr. Gardea enjoys activities such as hiking, playing ukulele, engaging in Aztec Dancing, and channeling his creativity as a commissioned miniature painter.

Teacher Website: Here

Mrs. Sajid joined Scottsdale Prep midyear in the 2022-23 school year.

Teacher Website: Here

Mr. Wilson now serves in the SPA ESS department beginning in the 2023-24 school year. Mr. Wilson first joined the SPA community as a history teacher in the fourth quarters of 2020-21 and 2021-22, before deciding to fully join the faculty full-time in 2022-23 (when he also began shepherding the school’s Ukelele Club).

A native Washingtonian, Mr. Wilson attended Oberlin College in Ohio, and received his BFA and MA from New York University. As a certified archivist/historian, he served the New York Stock Exchange, the YMCA of Greater New York, the World Bank, the Smithsonian Institution, Phoenix’s Pueblo Grande Museum, and others. As an educator, he taught at Touro College, Arizona State University, the Maricopa County Community Colleges, New York City and Tempe public schools, and charter schools in AZ and CA, including seven years at Tempe Preparatory Academy. Wilson taught ESL/ESS/Resource in Tempe Elementary School District #3 as a long-term substitute and gained valuable experience in his mother’s classroom at Washington D.C.’s National Children’s Center.

A noted author/speaker and multi-instrumentalist, Mr. Wilson’s work has touched the stage, screen, Grammy Award-winning CDs, open hearts, and bookshelves around the world. He relishes enriching experiences and healthful living with his amazing wife of over forty years; they have two lovely and talented daughters. Each day is another chance to grow.

Mrs. Shewchuk joined Scottsdale Prep’s staff in 2022-23.

Mrs. Yesenia Figueroa-Diaz joined SPA in March 2024 as an Aide in the ESS Department.

Mrs. Figueroa-Diaz received her Bachelor of Science in Psychobiology from the University of California, Los Angeles. Before joining Great Hearts, Mrs. Figueroa-Diaz was employed with the City of Scottsdale Police Department Crime Laboratory as a Forensic Scientist. She specialized in Latent Print Processing, Latent Print Comparisons, and Crime Scene Investigation.

Mrs. Figueroa-Diaz married her college sweetheart and they have been together for 27 years. She is a proud mother of two young children currently attending Archway Scottsdale.

During her free time, Mrs. Figueroa-Diaz enjoys spending time with her family. She enjoys doing outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and camping. In addition, she enjoys the theatre, watching music performances, and traveling.