Meet our leadership team

Mr. Salk joined Rancho Solano in 2015. He has 17 years of private school administrative experience specializing in operations, finance, facilities management, admissions, development, and marketing. Mr. Salk has a BS in Marketing from the University of Arizona and earned his MBA from the University of Phoenix.

Mrs. Goethe joined Rancho Solano in 2015 with 25 years of experience in Middle School education and holds a BA in Political Science and a MA in Education. It is her passion and absolute joy to work with middle school-aged children. Mrs. Goethe has successfully built schools based upon best practices in education, which are founded in adolescent development.

Mr. Brown has been teaching for the last 26 years including public, private, and community college schools. Mr. Brown holds a BA in Biological Sciences as well as Physical Education and earned his Master’s Degree from Northern Arizona University in Exercise Physiology. Mr. Brown joined RS in the fall of 2010 from Glendale Community College. Prior to becoming the Upper School Principal, he taught IB Biology and Anatomy Physiology.

Dr. Mark Culbertson has been a school principal for 14 years in both private and public school settings. He earned a Masters in Elementary Education from Arizona State University, a Masters in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University, and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Grand Canyon University. He has been married to his beautiful wife for 23 years and has two fantastic kids, a 22-year-old daughter and an 18-year-old son. In his free time, he enjoys mountain biking, hiking, and traveling with his family.

Coach Trigg joined Rancho Solano in 2013 as Athletic Director and Head Boys Basketball Coach. Since his arrival, the Athletic Department has grown into one of the top small school programs in Arizona. In the past seven years Trigg has led the addition of seven new sports and each year the program has set new records for participation. On the playing field, the Mustangs have seen incredible success in winning four State Championships, and 20+ team and individual State Tournament appearances. As the Boys Basketball coach, Trigg has led one of the largest program turnarounds in Arizona history, taking the program from a 2-20 record in his first season to winning two State Championships (2018, 2020), while assisting numerous athletes to play collegiately. Coach Trigg is passionate about the role athletics plays in the overall education of all students and his goal is for all athletes to become Scholar-Athletes of high character prepared for lifelong success. Trigg is a graduate and Hall of Honor member of Gordon College (B.A. Finance and Business Administration) and of the DeVos Sports Business Management Program at the University of Central Florida (MBA; MSBM). While at UCF Trigg was a member of The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sports and Co-Authored two “Racial and Gender Report Cards” with world renowned social justice pioneer Dr. Richard Lapchick.

Ms. Myzwinski joined Rancho Solano the Rancho Solano admissions team during the 2016-17 school year. After spending a decade in the Chicago area in private school enrollment management, Ms. Myzwinski returned to her hometown of Scottsdale to continue her love of assisting families with finding the right school environment for their students. Ms. Myzwinski holds a BA from California Lutheran University and an MA in Statistics and Cross Cultural Education from the University of Chicago.

Ms. Brinson joined Rancho in August 2024. Before joining Rancho, she gained valuable experience working in recruitment and events at a private university. She is a proud summa cum laude graduate of Arizona State University with a bachelor's degree in Tourism Development and Management. In her free time, Ms. Brinson enjoys traveling and exploring new places.

Mrs. Wyrowski is passionate about creating a school experience that is supportive, enriching, and joyful. She has been a proud member of the Rancho community since 2016 and holds a MS in Education from the University of Kansas. Mrs. Wyrowski is trained in Restorative Practices and has international teaching experience, which enriches her perspective and approach to supporting students.

Mr. Kotila joined Rancho Solano in 2015 with 15 years of experience in Middle School education. He holds an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State University and a BA in Mass Communications with a specification in Graphic and Web Design from Principia College. He is passionate about teaching students and working with them to learn real-world skills.

Mrs. Ferry joined Rancho in 2020 and fulfilled the roles of substitute teacher, Social Studies teacher for Grades 4-5, and  5th-grade teacher. She taught in the Chicagoland area for 10 years, helped build a charter school, and did data consulting for various charter schools in Chicago. She has a BA in Community Health Education from Southern Illinois University where she was also in the swim division 1. She also has an M.eD. in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Illinois, as well as an Administrative Certification from DePaul University. Mrs. Ferry loves to travel, lead an active lifestyle, and spend time with her husband and daughters.

Ms. Michelle Sprinkle has been in Early Childhood Education since 2009. She holds a BA in Elementary Education from Illinois State University with ECE Director Credentials and a Family Service Worker Certificate. Ms. Sprinkle has had many roles such as teacher, Education Coordinator, Assistant Director, Program Director, and Family Service Worker. She has a great passion for leading teachers to be the best they can be for each child and family at our school. Ms. Sprinkle strives to create a positive school community where everyone is welcome!

Mrs. Schutz joins Rancho Solano with six years of experience in college admissions at the University of Chicago, where she also earned her B.A. in International Studies. In addition to her work in admissions - recruiting students and reading thousands of applications - she spent two years teaching English in Mozambique. Mrs. Schutz is passionate about guiding students through the college search process, emphasizing fit, and empowering them to express their unique voice in their college essays.

Ms. Laura Lorenz brings a wealth of experience and deep cultural insight to her work in mental health and education. She has served as a trauma therapist for the Navajo Nation and Indian Health Services in Flagstaff, Arizona, and as a Native American counselor for the Yavapai Nation. A proud Chahta (Choctaw) woman, Laura remains actively engaged with Native American communities and is a strong advocate for culturally grounded approaches to healing.

Ms. Strimbu joined Rancho Solano in 2022 with over 13 years of experience in K-12 education as a school counselor, prevention specialist, and behavior interventionist. Ms. Strimbu earned a BS in Family and Human Development from Arizona State University an M.Ed. from Bowling Green State University. Ms. Strimbu is trained in crisis counseling, motivational interviewing, and prevention education.

Ms. Babcock is an elementary school counselor with over fifteen years of educational experience. She loves being part of the Rancho community. Ms. Babcock earned a BS in Elementary Education with endorsements in math, science, and French from Western Michigan University. In May 2006, she earned an MA in School and Clinical Counseling from Oakland University. Before working at Rancho Solano, she was an award-winning elementary school teacher and also worked as a family and child clinician in the mental health field.

Mr. Brown began teaching in 2006 and joined Rancho Solano as an educator in 2017. As a member of the Media Arts Department, he taught courses in computer science, podcasting, web design, information technology, and yearbook. He holds a BA in Education with an emphasis in History from Arizona State University and an MA in Educational Technology from Northern Arizona University. Mr. Brown now proudly serves as the Director of Technology and Chair of the Media Arts Department.

Mr. Strickland joined Rancho Solano in 2015 and has been teaching middle school for more than 20 years. He has an M.Ed. in Educational Technology from Northern Arizona University and a BA in Elementary Education from Arizona State University. He has taught various subjects in the past including Math and English, and History.

Mr. Brown joined Rancho Solano in 2025, bringing more than ten years of professional experience in sales and marketing. He holds a Masters in Sports Law and Business from Arizona State University's Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law and currently serves on the program’s Alumni Advisory Board. Originally from Minnesota, Mr. Brown was a member of the men's basketball team at St. Cloud State University and has called Arizona home for the past 10 years.

Mrs. Holland joined Rancho Solano in October 2025, bringing years of experience in admissions, outreach, and higher education recruitment. A summa cum laude graduate of Arizona State University, she holds a degree in Community Advocacy and Social Policy. Mrs. Holland is passionate about creating organized, transparent, and student-centered recordkeeping systems that help families and staff navigate the enrollment process with ease. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her family, volunteering with a local rabbit rescue, and watching movies.

Mrs. Crane has a BBA in Marketing from Texas A&M University. After raising two boys and being active in PTO groups, she enjoys working at Rancho! She and her husband relocated to Arizona in 2021.

Ms. Canavan graduated from Grand Canyon University in 2021 with a BA in Educational studies. She has over 10 years of experience in child care. She enjoys working out, cooking and spending time with her family.

Mr. Nyabela holds a degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from Karlshochschule International University in Karlsruhe, Germany, and recently earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Arizona State University.

Mrs. Gordon joined Rancho in 2020 with over fifteen years of experience in Early Childhood Education. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Arizona State University. Mrs. Gordon is passionate about teaching preschool and partnering with families. When not at school, she enjoys spending time with her children, traveling, and volunteering in her community.

Ms. Johnson joined the Rancho Team in 2021 with 5+ years of experience in Early Child Development and specializes in Play therapy. She started her career in Early Child Development in 2007 as an elementary volunteer tutor. Her journey truly began when she volunteered for a 2-year service as an AmeriCorps VISTA where she built long-lasting partnerships between schools, organizations, and communities through the development of sustainable projects and programs. Ms. Johnson has an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis on Childhood and Adolescence Disorders from Grand Canyon University and a BA in Psychology from Arizona State University.

Ms. Christian joined Rancho Solano in 2023. She has been a teacher in public and private schools for over 25 years, and her teaching experience includes preschool, art education K-8, and special education. Ms. Christian has a BA in Fine Art from Missouri Southern State University, Joplin, and is working on an MA in Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education. She loves learning and creating a positive learning environment, focusing on building relationships and a strong community. Ms. Christian loves to spend time outdoors hiking with her dog, attending her grandson’s basketball games, and doing arts and crafts.

Mrs. Erskine was born in Glendale, Arizona and raised in Brussels, Belgium. She earned her master’s degree in philosophy from the Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium. She is fluent in both English and French and aspires to improve her Spanish. She joins us from the International School of Arizona where she taught from 2006 to 2009, then moved back to Belgium before returning to Arizona and the International School of Arizona from 2016 to 2023. She has taught 2-, 3-, and 4-year old's. Mrs. Erskine loves teaching because she can help shape beautiful little minds and see the kids growing into amazing people. In her free time, she loves to cook, make Sourdough bread, and find the best restaurants in town. She is a foodie at heart! Ms. Erskine also loves to travel and spend time with friends and family.

Ms. Petras joined Rancho Solano in 2010. This is her second career as she is also a Registered Nurse with 25 years of experience. She has a BS in Nursing from the University of Phoenix and a BA in Management from Eckerd College in Florida. She graduated from the Cardiovascular Nurse Specialist program at the Arizona Heart Institute. She has been teaching preschool for 12 years and loves her students. She is an author and she loves photography.

Mrs. Brewster holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Western Michigan University, and a Master of Arts in Teaching in Reading and Language Arts from Oakland University.  Her classroom teaching experience includes kindergarten, first grade, and special education. Mrs. Brewster cultivates a love of learning by fostering a sense of wonder and joy with her students. She believes in creating a heart-centered classroom, focused on building relationships and a strong community.

Mrs. McMahon started teaching at Rancho Solano in 2021. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Arizona State University in 2001. She enjoys teaching PreK-4 and strives to give her students the best academic foundation possible while being creative and having fun with her students!

Ms. Ramsey has been teaching for two years and joined Rancho Solano in 2022. She is a former Rancho Solano student from 2003-2018 and graduated from the Ventura Campus. Ms. Ramsey holds a BS in Anthropology from Arizona State University and plans to earn her master’s degree in Elementary Education.

Ms. Bustamante is originally from California but grew up in various locations as part of a military family before settling in Arizona. She is currently pursuing a degree in Education at Grand Canyon University. With four years of experience working with children ages 1–5, she began her career as a Special Education Instructional Assistant, where she discovered her passion for early childhood education. Ms. Bustamante is dedicated to understanding each child’s unique needs. She is committed to fostering a safe, nurturing environment where every student can thrive and grow across all areas of development.

Mrs. Grant joined Rancho Solano in 2010. She was introduced to Rancho when her grandchildren attended the school. She is originally from South Africa, where she owned her own business. She loves working with children of all ages. She worked summer camp at Rancho for seven years where she received the special teacher recognition award and was featured on the local news Channel 12. Mrs. Grant has been married for over 50 years and enjoys being with her family. During the summers, she spends time with her grandchildren who live in California.

Ms. Mary Johnson is thrilled to be part of the Rancho Solano community as a Preschool Teacher Assistant. She recently graduated with a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies from Liberty University and has proudly been a part of Rancho Solano for the past three years.

Ms. Shaw recently graduated from Arizona State University, earning a Bachelor's degree in Counseling and Applied Psychological Sciences. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Social Work, with the long-term goal of becoming a school social worker. Her journey in early childhood education began at Montessori schools in both Colorado and Arizona, where she worked closely with children ranging from 6 weeks to 5 years old. Ms. Shaw is passionate about supporting children's emotional and developmental growth and finds great joy in watching them explore, learn, and become their unique selves. Outside the classroom, she enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, and traveling with her family.

Ms. Wilson has worked with children for over 25 years. She joined Rancho in 2022, after retiring as a Child Specialist. Ms. Wilson is also a foster parent who has adopted 5 siblings. She holds an AA and BA in Behavioral Health. Ms. Wilson loves working with children to ensure growth and development.

Mrs. Baird joined Rancho Solano in 2022 and is in her fourth year of teaching. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood and Family Studies from The University of Washington and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from City University of Seattle. Mrs. Baird is passionate about creating a loving and welcoming environment where her students feel safe to grow socially and academically. She also enjoys cultivating strong relationships with families as they experience a memorable year of Kindergarten.

Ms. Sabrina Leal holds a Bachelor's degree in Speech Pathology from Northern Arizona University and an Arizona State Teaching Certificate. While this is her first year at Rancho Solano, she brings with her five years of experience teaching kindergarten—a grade level she is truly passionate about.

Ms. Stine joins Rancho Solano after completing her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education at Northern Arizona University. She has several years of experience working in early childhood education as a preschool teacher, substitute teacher, and most recently, a full-time student teacher in a kindergarten classroom. Ms. Stine is passionate about helping young learners grow through curiosity, creativity, and a strong foundation in both academics and social-emotional skills.

Mrs. Wahl joined Rancho Solano in 2015. She has ten years of experience in early childhood education. She holds a BA in Early Childhood and Special Needs Education from Arizona State University and a minor in Communications. She is passionate about teaching Kindergarten and feels it’s a privilege to be a part of her student’s learning journey.

Ms. Tenyi-Varga holds a BA and an MA in International Relations with a focus on foreign studies and diplomacy, along with a Certificate in Asian Studies from Waseda University. Most recently, she spent two years in Japan as part of her PhD research on public policy, education, and geopolitics in East Asia. With over 11 years of teaching experience at the preschool, middle school, and university levels across the United States, Japan, and Europe, she brings a strong international perspective to her work. Ms. Tenyi-Varga holds a valid Arizona teaching certificate and applies a student-centered, inquiry-based approach that fosters critical thinking, global awareness, and cross-cultural understanding. She is fluent in English, French, and Hungarian, basic conversational in Japanese, and is committed to building internationally minded learning environments.

Miss Tai has been teaching for almost four years and has worked with preschool-aged children between the ages of 3 and 8. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood from Mayville State University and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree. Miss Tai is passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences that nurture each child's curiosity, confidence, and sense of belonging.

Mrs. Dang holds a BA in Early Childhood Education from Ottawa University. This is her 6th year with Rancho & 14th year being involved in the Early Childhood Education setting. Mrs. Dang is incredibly passionate about early childhood education and making sure her students have the best foundation for their academic journey. In her free time, she enjoys nature photography, hiking, camping, off-roading, crafting, and spending time with her family.

Mrs. Kennard comes to us from BASIS Goodyear Primary, where she recently taught First Grade as a Learning Expert Teacher. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Development and Education from The Ohio State University and obtained her teaching licensure from Indiana Wesleyan University. With 7 years of teaching experience, Mrs. Kennard enjoys outdoor activities, spending time with her family, and reading.

Ms. May came to us in 2024 from Wichita, Kansas. She graduated with honors from Grand Canyon University, earning a B.S. in Psychology, and recently completed her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from the same institution. Ms. May brings three years of experience as a teaching assistant and early childhood aide at Wichita Collegiate School. Known for her creativity and passion for calligraphy, she has always enjoyed dance and musical theater since childhood. She is thrilled to be part of the Rancho Solano community.

Mrs. Padilla has over fifteen years of experience in childcare. Mrs. Padilla graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in Elementary Education and a Structured English Immersion endorsement.

Mrs. Liebentritt joins the Rancho team with years of experience teaching second grade at an A+ school and also a National Blue Ribbon school. Mrs. Liebentritt grew up in the Midwest and attended Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio where she received her BA in Early Childhood Education. Mrs. Liebentritt moved to Scottsdale in 2007 and began teaching second grade. She continued her education and has an Elementary Education degree along with a reading endorsement and a Structured English Immersion endorsement.

Mrs. Robinson holds a BA in Elementary Education as well as Psychology from Kean University in New Jersey. Mrs. Robinson has been teaching for over 20 years and joined Rancho Solano in 2005. She has taught kindergarten through fifth grade.

Mrs. Santa Maria brings over a decade of experience in human resources, where she honed her skills in communication, leadership development, and training. For the past two years, she was at Cherokee Elementary. She recently earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education. Outside of school, Mrs. Santa Maria enjoys traveling, playing board games, and hiking with her family.

Ms. Stannard was born and raised in Arizona. She attended Arizona State University and got her BA in Elementary Education. This will be her seventh year as an educator and her first year at Rancho Solano. Miss Stannard loves teaching and being a part of her student's educational journey.

Mrs. Hardy is excited to begin the new school year at Rancho Solano. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Texas A&M University. Prior to joining Rancho Solano, she taught 3rd and 4th grade in Texas for four years. She is passionate about creating a positive and encouraging classroom environment that supports and fosters student growth.

Ms. Ramsey has been teaching for over 25 years and joined Rancho Solano in 1996. She has taught the second through fifth grades throughout the years. Ms. Ramsey holds a BA in Elementary Education as well as Computer Sciences from Arizona State University and earned her Master’s Degree in Mathematics K-5 Curriculum Design from Walden University.

Ms. Smith joined Rancho Solano in 2021 with 14 years experience in the elementary classroom. She holds a BS in Early Childhood Education from Arizona State University. Ms. Smith’s goal for every school year is to create a safe and fun learning environment in which every student can succeed. A place where children are challenged to reach their full potential and think outside the box. She believes the only way to do this is to forge strong bonds within the classroom where every child feels safe and loved.

Ms. Wesner joined us in 2024 and came from Charlotte Patterson Elementary School, where she completed her student teaching in 6th grade. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education with an Endorsement in Structured English Immersion, PreK-12. Ms. Wesner brings experience teaching 3rd, 5th, and 6th grades. Outside of school, she enjoys being outdoors, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Mrs. Bush has spent the past seven years teaching and helping students grow in confidence and curiosity. She has taught first through eighth grade throughout her career. Building strong relationships with students and families is the heart of her teaching. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in Spanish from Walla Walla University. Outside of work, Mrs. Bush enjoys traveling, paddle boarding, reading, and baking.

Ms. Carl graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor’s degree in Retail and Consumer Sciences. After gaining valuable experience managing a team in the luxury fashion industry, she discovered her true passion lies in education. Now in her second year teaching 4th grade at Rancho Solano, Ms. Carl approaches teaching with enthusiasm, originality, and an innovative mindset. She is currently pursuing her teaching certification through Teachers of Tomorrow. Outside of work, Ms. Carl enjoys cooking and traveling, activities that inspire her creativity and love of new experiences.

Ms. Deliman joins Rancho Solano for her seventh year in education. She holds certifications in PreK–4th Grade and Special Education from The Pennsylvania State University, University Park. Throughout her career, she has taught in New Jersey and Tennessee and now brings her experience and enthusiasm to Arizona. Passionate about fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment, Ms. Deliman is excited to inspire and connect with her students at Rancho Solano.

Ms. Bell is an Arizona native with a true passion for education. She earned her degree from Arizona State University in Elementary Education, holds a K-5 Reading endorsement, and is a proud Teach For America Alum. Going into her 6th year, Ms. Bell thrives on building connections with her students so that she can nurture a love for learning within them that sparks curiosity, excitement, empowerment and fosters growth.

Ms. Modesto earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Utah, graduating in 2018. Since moving to Phoenix in 2020, she has spent the past five years teaching at a traditional elementary school.

Ms. Wilkerson holds a BS in Psychology from Arizona State University and brings over 25 years of teaching experience to the classroom. She began her career in dance education, working with students of all ages and helping to build dance programs in schools and youth organizations. Her background also includes work in adolescent behavioral health, where she developed activity-based programs to support emotional and social growth.

Ms. Calynne Rosholt holds a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Early Education and Family and Human Development from Arizona State University. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Elementary Education at Grand Canyon University.

Ms. Severson is a recent graduate of Grand Canyon University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Her time at Grand Canyon provided her with valuable classroom experience that ignited her passion for teaching.

Mrs. Mayeux has taught students from two years old to adults for 16 years and has worked at public and private schools. She earned her BA from Instituto Tecnológico de Sonora in Ciudad Obregon Sonora, Mexico in Accounting. Her classes are taught by optimizing immersion using storytelling through visuals, gestures, acting out the stories, reading, writing, songs, and games. This methodology of teaching a foreign language is called TPRS® and helps learners acquire a language through storytelling and repetition. She wants her classroom to be a fun and welcoming environment for all her students.

Ms. Nyabela has been in education for over 25 years and joined Rancho Solano in 2020. She has been a teacher, administrator and instructional coach for preschool and kindergarten, and has experience teaching 1st through 3rd grades. Ms. Nyabela earned a BA in Philosophy from Ripon College.  She then completed post graduate studies at California State University where she specialized in Early Childhood Education.  She also holds a master’s degree in Educational Technology from University of Central Missouri.  She is thrilled to have the opportunity to expose young learners to STEM education.

Ms. Urich holds a Bachelor's degree in Education from Northern Arizona University and brings over 20 years of experience working with youth of all ages. She is deeply passionate about guiding students as they explore scientific concepts and develop creative solutions to real-world challenges.

Mrs. Behrana joined Rancho Solano in 2022 and has been teaching Elementary Art Education for 3+ years. She earned her Bachelor of Design from IVSAA with a major in print design and minor in apparel design. Prior to her role at Rancho Solano, Mrs. Behrana was an art teacher at Great Hearts -Archway Scottsdale and was also a lead teacher for Pre-school at La Petite academy. Mrs. Behrana loves inspiring young artists and is excited to be a part of the Rancho community.

Mrs. Hannah Carter joins Rancho Solano as a passionate and experienced K–8 art educator with 18 years of experience in both early childhood and primary education. She holds a BFA in Printmaking from The University of the Arts and has taught across a range of educational settings, from preschool to middle school, with a focus on interdisciplinary learning and creative expression. Mrs. Carter brings a deep commitment to nurturing student creativity and building inclusive, student-centered learning environments. Her professional journey is grounded in fostering artistic confidence, celebrating diversity, and connecting visual arts with meaningful real-world learning.

Ms. Khalil is thrilled to have joined the Rancho Solano family in 2018. Ms. Khalil has over 18 years of educational experience and has taught theatre, English, and General Music/Musical Theatre to Pre-K, 3rd Grade, and High School. She graduated from Ottawa University with her Education degree and has a BM from Arizona State University.

Coach G holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Grand Canyon University. This will be Coach G's 2nd year at Rancho. Prior to teaching full-time Coach G served as a full-time substitute teacher at Rancho. He is excited to teach and instill the importance of living an active and healthy lifestyle to his students.

Coach Lyttle has 10 years of Physical Education teaching experience. At university, she studied Sports Science and completed her Physical Education teacher training degree at the University of Southampton, in the UK. She is passionate about all sports and physical activity, with a vision of supporting her students to live healthy active lifestyles.

Ms. Joyce has a BS in Early Childhood Education from Kent State University, and an MA in Teaching: Reading and Language Arts from Oakland University.

Mrs. Phillips has been with Rancho Solano since 2013 and previously worked as a multi-grade teacher at Camelback Desert School and as an eighth-grade English teacher at Roxbury Preparatory Charter School in Massachusetts. She also worked as a Program Coordinator and Assistant to the Chair at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design. She served as a Technology Specialist in the US Air Force Reserves, 4th Combat Camera Unit, a camera operator for ABC/CNN News, and is a published photographer. Mrs. Phillips received her BA in Sociology with a concentration in Race, Class and Gender Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles. She holds a M.Ed. with Distinction and a Teaching Certification from the University of Massachusetts, Boston and a Certificate in Leadership Essentials from Harvard University. She is licensed and certified in the state of MA and AZ in General Education grades K-8th and holds a Language Arts Endorsement in AZ. She is an avid hiker, coffee drinker, and a community service advocate.  She loves climbing mountains and spending time outdoors with her family.

Mrs. Blincoe holds a BA in Economics from the University of Arizona and an MA in English Literature from DePaul University. Her main interests are English Composition and Medieval and Renaissance Literature. She has taught both middle and high school English and history. Mrs. Blincoe's goal is to provide middle school and high school level students with a broad and practical vision of the importance of literature, history, and writing as part of their academic, professional and personal education.

Ms. Jongewaard joins Rancho Solano with experience teaching grades seven through twelve since earning her BA in Secondary Education English from Northern Arizona University in 2018. She also holds a Master’s degree in English with a focus in Rhetoric, Writing, and Digital Media Studies, also from NAU.

Mrs. McCarty began teaching at Rancho Solano in 2016 after six years overseas where she taught the IBDP in private schools in Thailand and in Bulgaria. She holds a BA in English with a minor in Theater from Saint Leo University and a MA in Secondary Education and English from The Catholic University of America. She became an international educator after experience in both public and private schools in Maryland and Oregon where she taught AP English before transitioning to IB in 2005. She has over 30 years of teaching experience and enjoys inspiring her students in creative endeavors with her work on the school literary magazine, the school newspaper and all arts integration projects. Mrs. McCarty is the Extended Essay Coordinator, an Examiner in English A, and is passionate about the teaching of the literary arts as a vehicle for exploring the human condition.

Mr. Oden holds his MA in English from Ohio University and a BA in History from Faulkner University. He is entering his twentieth year of teaching in the university and upper school classrooms and is passionate about sharing his enthusiasm for a well-crafted piece of writing with his students. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Oden is a published essayist, musician, and screenwriter who spends his free time putting LEGO sets together with his three children and planning their next trip to Disneyland.

Ms. Seiz has been teaching for 13 years and loves being in the middle grades. She earned her BA in Business and Public Administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and her MA in Teaching from the University of Central Missouri. She’s passionate about providing a learning environment where literature is brought to life and critical thinking skills are being sharpened, all while ensuring kids have fun while learning.

Mr. Spencer has a PhD in English from the University of Tulsa, an MA in English from Brigham Young University, and a BA in English from Brigham Young University.

Mr. McLeod has been a faculty member at Rancho Solano since 2014. He served as the Math Department Chair from 2016 – 2022 and is now the chair again. He teaches various Upper School Math courses and serves as the Blackbaud Scheduling Specialist. Mr. McLeod graduated from Ferris State University with BS in Education and is certified to teach K-12 Mathematics.

Mr. Berman has an MA in Mathematics from Columbia University and a BS in Mathematics from Arizona State University.

Dr. Hamann joined Rancho Solano in the fall of 2021 after three years of teaching high school mathematics in Vermont.  Prior to teaching high school, Dr. Hamann taught at the University level for five years at California Baptist University and UC Riverside.  She holds a BA in both Mathematics and French from Calvin College as well as a PhD in Mathematics (Complex Geometry) from UC Riverside.

Mr. Lundquist came to Rancho Solano after living overseas for twenty-five years in Hong Kong preceded by five years in Japan. He holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration from Arizona State University. Mr. Lundquist has experience teaching courses ranging from Pre-Algebra and Algebra at the Middle School level to Critical Thinking at the College level. He is conversant in Japanese and French, and when he is not teaching, he enjoys traveling with his family.

Ms. Otter holds a BA in Mathematics with a minor in Statistics from Western Washington University and a Masters in Secondary Education with an emphasis in STEM from Grand Canyon University. She is passionate about mentoring students and growing creative problem-solvers as she begins her teaching career.

Mrs. Robertson joined Rancho Solano in 2015. She has over 17 years of experience teaching 4th through 6th grades. She holds an M. in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University and completed her Elementary Education degree at St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, IN. She believes that successful students learn best when they grow their competence in tandem with their confidence.

Mr. Sharma joined Rancho Solano from India where he taught diverse grade levels and classes for over two decades. He has a master’s in mathematics and a bachelor's in education from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, India, and a postgraduate diploma in Management from Indra Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi, India. In addition to teaching, he also works on different educational projects, and he is an International Baccalaureate Diploma Program Examiner for Mathematics HL and SL courses since 2012.

Mr. McCulley is passionate about teaching and mentoring students and strives to both enrich and challenge them in their educational journey. He has an MS in Biology with an emphasis in Education from Grand Canyon University. He has a background in teaching general biology and anatomy & physiology labs at Grand Canyon University.

Paul Azabu is a high school Physics teacher from Cameroon who recently moved to the United States with his family. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Dschang Cameroon, an MSc in Engineering Project Management from Roehampton University, UK, and teaching certifications for high school Physics from the University of Yaoundé 1.  Paul has taught A-level Physics and Mathematics for 17 years, leaving a lasting impact on countless students in Cameroon, South Africa and Dubai, United Arab Emirates.  He is passionate about being instrumental in shaping the future of young scientists and engineers.

Ms. MacKenzie joined us in 2024 from Oregon State University's Honor's College where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, complemented by minors in Chemistry and Psychology. Ms. MacKenzie is excited to be teaching Middle School Science. Her passion lies in science and fostering a love for science among her students. She hopes to curate a welcoming learning environment where everyone can succeed. Her goal is to incite curiosity and provide students with the framework needed to become critical thinkers.

Mrs. Powell has a BS in Biology with an emphasis on Pharmacology from Grand Canyon University. She has a background in teaching organic and general chemistry collegiate laboratories and assisting all collegiate levels of chemistry lectures. She continues to assist with teaching undergraduate students at Grand Canyon University in research involved with carbon nanotubes and electrochemistry. In her spare time, she likes to kayak in northern AZ lakes with her family or read books in her backyard hammock.

Mr. Garbarino began teaching IB Economics at Rancho Solano in 2017 and added the role of IB Coordinator in the fall of 2019.  He earned a BA in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley, and received his MBA from Saint Mary’s College of California. Mr. Garbarino had taught economics for over fifteen years at a premier college preparatory school in the Bay Area called The Branson School prior to moving and teaching in Arizona.  In addition, he has been an entrepreneur and has had a private equity firm in San Francisco for over 30 years.

Mr. Moran has over 25 years of experience as a teacher and administrator working in both New York and his native Arizona. He returned to Rancho Solano in 2023, where he served as both the IB Coordinator and IB History teacher from 2011 – 2015. Mr. Moran is an enthusiastic, creative, and passionate educator, mentor and advisor who believes that all students can learn and thrive in a learning environment that is stimulating, comforting and appropriate to their unique talents and abilities.  He has had the good fortune of working with students in Pre-K 3/4 up through grade 12. He has served as Principal, Assistant Principal, Athletic Director, IB Coordinator and History Department Chair. Additionally, he has worked with several curricula: Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and the NY State Regents. He graduated with a BA in Political Science from the State University of New York, College at Buffalo.

Ms. Chelsea Hurt is a dedicated educator who earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Education from Taylor University in 2024. She also holds a minor in Sport Management and a concentration in Psychology. Now entering her second year as a full-time teacher, Ms. Hurt brings a strong passion for both education and athletics to her work in the classroom. A former multi-sport athlete, she played softball, basketball, and volleyball in high school, and continued her athletic career as a collegiate volleyball player for four years. Her love for sports and commitment to student growth are at the heart of her teaching philosophy.

Mr. McCauley joins Rancho Solano bringing nine years of teaching experience at both the middle and high school levels. He holds a Master’s degree in History and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and History from Arizona State University (Go Devils!). Mr. McCauley challenges his students to reflect on the words of President Calvin Coolidge:"All growth depends upon activity. Life is manifest only by action. There is no development physically or intellectually without effort, and effort means work."

Mr. Garrett Toon joins our faculty from Maryvale Preparatory Academy, bringing a deep enthusiasm for history and education. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History Teaching from the University of Utah and is dedicated to fostering a dynamic and rigorous learning environment. Mr. Toon also spent two years as a P.E. teacher in Utah and loves all sports, including baseball, football, and soccer.

Mr. Seagrave brings over 30 years of experience in education, with a strong background in both academics and athletics. He holds a J.D. from the Indiana University School of Law and a B.S. in Social Studies Education. A licensed attorney and member of the Indiana Bar, Mr. Seagrave has taught Government, U.S. History, Psychology, Law, and Geography at the high school level. Mr. Seagrave enjoys his time with family. His son Jackson, a 2020 graduate of Rancho Solano, now works at Google in San Francisco. His oldest son, Morgan, is an attorney in Indianapolis, and his wife, Erica, is the CEO of a company. Mr. Seagrave is excited to be part of the Rancho Solano community and looks forward to contributing to its continued success.

Ms. Adam joined Rancho Solano in 2012. Over the last 10 years, she has taught English language acquisition courses to international English language learning students in middle and high school. She has also taught beginner Spanish in middle school. In the last 2 years, she has also taught a Practical living course in high school at Rancho. Ms. Adam holds a BA in University studies with an emphasis in TESOL from Brigham Young University -Hawaii and earned her MA in Curriculum and Instruction from Grand Canyon University.

Mr. Cao joined Rancho Solano in 2020 with 17 years of private school teaching experience. While specializing in the areas of Chinese and English language acquisition, he also learned Greek, Hebrew, German, and Korean. Mr. Cao has a BA in Linguistics from Yantai University in China.

Mrs. Descloux joined Rancho Solano in 2019. She is from Switzerland and came to the United States in 2017. Mrs. Descloux has a BA in English, German, and Psychology from the University of Lausanne (UNIL), Switzerland, and has taught French, English, and German for over 30 years. Teaching is her passion; she embraces the IB spirit and is trained to teach IB at every level. She is pleased to see that more and more students are joining the French program and that everyone finds their right place.

Mrs. Herrera has been teaching Spanish for 14 years and has had the pleasure of teaching students at every level of learning from pre-k to college. She was born and raised in Mexico City where she graduated from Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. After moving to Arizona in 2003, Mrs. Herrera discovered her passion for teaching her native language to others. Her teaching career includes 10 years of experience at BASIS Peoria teaching AP Spanish Language and Culture and Capstone Spanish Literature and Culture, and online teaching at Johns Hopkins University and Arizona State University. Additionally, she serves as national mentor and reader for the AP Spanish Language and Culture exam through the College Board. Mrs. Herrera is a teacher with a passion for sharing her language and culture and helping students reach their full potential. She is excited to be part of Rancho Solano and share her experience and knowledge with the students.

Katia Lane is a Canadian author, entrepreneur, and educator from Montreal, known for her lifelong passion for storytelling and teaching. She draws inspiration from her cultural roots, her love of language, and the vibrant experience of raising four daughters.

Madame Lane brings 14 years of teaching experience in both the United States and Canada, and is dedicated to creating engaging, meaningful learning environments. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in History and Education from Athens University.

Mrs. Sanchez holds a BA in Cultural Anthropology from Kent State University and an MA in Spanish Education from the University of Akron. She joined Rancho in 2012 and has sixteen years of experience in teaching Spanish.

Ms. Tolman joined Rancho Solano in 2022 as a middle school Spanish teacher.  She holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras in addition to an M.Ed. in curriculum and instructions from Grand Canyon University.  She has over 20 years of teaching experience.  Ms. Tolman is overjoyed to be part of the Rancho community working with her middle school students.

Ms. Wahl, a seasoned Mandarin instructor with nearly 20 years of experience, is driven by a deep commitment to enhancing language proficiency and cultural awareness. She has a B.A. in Foreign Language and International Communications from Shih Chien University (Taipei, Taiwan, ROC) and an M.A. in Logistics and Business Marketing Management from the National Penghu University of Science & Technology (Taiwan, ROC). Her teaching philosophy focuses on developing all four language skills, emphasizing real-life language use. Beyond language, she passionately introduces students to Chinese culture, aiming to foster not just Mandarin speakers but also cultural enthusiasts. Ms. Wahl's ultimate aspiration is to nurture global leaders by equipping them with Mandarin proficiency and cultural knowledge, enabling them to engage positively in our interconnected world.

Mr. Zale came to Rancho in 2015 after teaching in schools in Phoenix and his native Chicago since 2001. He has taught various courses in General Music, Choir, Theatre, and Musical Theatre to grades Pre-K through high school. Mr. Zale holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Millikin University. In addition to teaching, Mr. Zale is also a freelance artist and professional actor, having sung, acted, directed, and performed in numerous venues both nationally and internationally.

Ms. Barnes joined Rancho Solano in 2021. She holds a BA in Studio Art and Spanish from the University of Oregon, in addition to a BFA and an MAT in Art Education from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She has had over 13 years of teaching experience. Ms. Barnes is thrilled to be part of the Rancho community, working with her favorite age group.

Ms. Berech has lived and worked as an artist and teacher in Africa, Europe, and The United States. She has master’s degrees from UCLA and the Academy of Art in San Francisco and has taught IB Art (ACST Tunisia) as well as AP Studio Art and AP Art History (BASIS Scottsdale). She has also served as an officer and on the board of directors of the Tempe Artists Guild. When she is not teaching, she loves to take kayaking trips and wildlife photography and to create paintings of people and places. Her artworks are in private and public collections around the world.

Mrs. Gamez has been the dance teacher and high school varsity pom team coach at Rancho Solano since 2017. She has a BA in Dance Education from Grand Canyon University and is recognized with honors for the completion of the National Honors Society for the Dance Arts Program (NHSDA) in both the high school and university levels. She has had numerous performance opportunities such as being a part of the Be Kind People Project, as a professional dancer on the Be Kind Crew, and performing in many schools across the valley.

Dr. Kerbey joined Rancho Solano in 2016 with 25 years of school band and orchestra teaching experience. At Rancho Solano, she has taught Beginning Orchestra, Intermediate Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Beginning Guitar and Ukulele, Intermediate Guitar and Ukulele, Piano, IB Music HL /SL, and Fiber Arts. Dr. Kerbey earned her B.M.Ed at Aquinas College, and both her M.M.Ed. in Jazz Studies and D.M.A. in Historical Research degrees from Arizona State University. In addition to being a professional woodwind musician, Dr. Kerbey served the last ten years of her 23-year military career as First Sergeant of the 108th Army Arizona National Guard Band.

Dr. Terrell is a veteran of the United States Airforce. He joined Rancho Solano in 2018 with over 15 years of teaching experience in higher education, and a professional performance background. Dr. Terrell received his BA in music performance from Rollins College, Winter Park, FL., MA in music education/curriculum & instruction from the University of Central Florida, and an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership with emphasis on Organizational Development from Grand Canyon University. During his career, Dr. Terrell gained experience as a program director and department chair at Seminole State College of Florida, and program director at Yavapai College.

Mrs. Hopek grew up in Colorado and earned her degree in Geology from the University of Colorado - Boulder. During her college career, she worked two part time jobs - one as a Mad Scientist and one as a research assistant. This is when she became quite interested in teaching and fell in love with teaching middle-school aged children. Before finishing her degree, Mrs. Hopek became involved with the University Rover Challenge. She is still involved with the challenges today and is quite excited about teaching the children about Mars.

Mr. Guerin's experience in the field of computers and technology spans over 20 years. He was born in Laguna Beach, CA but has called Arizona his home since the third grade. He graduated High School from Scottsdale Christian Academy and pursued his college education at Northern Arizona University. He received a BFA in Visual Communications from NAU, then followed his love for technology at UACT where he earned an AA in Web Development/Digital Animation. He has worked as a teacher in other private schools and with children’s organizations where he has been able to share his passions for technology education and art. Outside the education realm, he is a huge soccer fanatic and art enthusiast.

Mr. Welter joined Rancho Solano in 2023 and this will be his sixth year teaching middle school. He has a Bachelor's degree in Marketing and a Master of Arts in History with an emphasis in Education from Grand Canyon University. He has taught various subjects in the past, including 5th grade, as well as 7th and 8th grade History within the Great Hearts School Network. While he has a wide range of teaching experiences, he is currently focused on teaching Robotics, Tech, and Media Arts. Mr. Welter has a particular passion for cinematography and photography, and he integrates these arts into his current subjects.

Mr. Varnado is a passionate and dedicated media arts teacher at Rancho Solano. With over a decade of experience in the field of media arts, he holds a Bachelor's degree in Film and Television Production and a Master's degree in Digital Media Arts. Throughout his career, Mr. Varnado has been deeply involved in the film and animation industry and has held various roles such as screenwriter, film and animation producer, and game designer. At Rancho Solano, he teaches a range of media arts courses including IB film, animation, screenwriting, film and production, and game design. He is known for his ability to inspire and motivate students to pursue their passion in the media arts field. He is an expert in developing and implementing a curriculum that aligns with the International Baccalaureate (IB) standards.

Mr. Varnado is dedicated to staying current on industry trends and best practices, and he is an active member of several professional organizations related to media arts. He is also a strong advocate for fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in his students. Mr. Varnado is committed to providing an engaging and challenging learning environment for his students and is dedicated to helping them achieve their full potential in the field of media arts.

Coach Avenell has been a part of Rancho Solano since 2000. She holds an MA in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University Irvine and a BS in Physical Education from Central Washington University. As a college athlete, she stayed involved in sports which led her to teach Physical Education and coaching. She enjoys guiding young adults through life’s journey.

Coach Cauchi joins Rancho Solano as the new Head Coach of the Girls' Basketball program and Physical Education teacher. Cauchi spent the last five years at Folsom Lake College in California coaching women’s basketball, serving as an assistant coach and student personnel assistant. Coach Cauchi helped take over a program that went 5-20 the year prior to 23-7 and a Sweet Sixteen appearance in just four seasons. Cauchi’s teams consistently held over a 3.4 team GPA. As student personnel assistant his duties included overseeing all academic success for over 200 athletes at FLC. Cauchi graduated with a B.A. in English Studies from California State University, Chico- where he also began his college coaching career. After a two-year high school teaching stint, Cauchi attended and graduated with his M.A. Education in Intercollegiate Athletics Leadership from University of Washington. With his background in college academics and athletics, Cauchi believes in the power of the student-athlete experience and their preparedness in life because of the high standards and demands they live with every day.

Mr. Klein is a dedicated sports professional, educator, and coach passionate about youth development, sports journalism, and community engagement. He has worked with USA Basketball, mentoring aspiring athletes through nationwide youth camps, and currently coaches high school basketball while teaching electives such as Sports Journalism and Sports Management. Mr. Klein holds a B.A. in Journalism with a minor in Public Relations from the University of Arizona and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, graduating with Dean’s List honors.

Ms. Peed holds a BS in Health & Physical Education from Northern Arizona University and earned her MA in Secondary Education from the University of Phoenix. She has been an educator for 20 years and joined Rancho Solano in the fall of 2007 as the lower school PE teacher at the Gilbert Campus. In 2014, she moved over to the Greenway campus and in the fall of 2021, she joined the upper campus as the high school Health & PE teacher. Ms. Peed also coaches cross country, volleyball, and track & field.

Coach Izzy Hassan joins the Rancho Solano community as the newest member of the Physical Education Department, bringing over a decade of experience in education. His background includes roles as a Special Education teacher and Academic Advisor for various sports academies in the Phoenix area since 2021. Coach Izzy is passionate about supporting student-athletes in their development both on and off the field. He is excited to expand his role at Rancho Solano and looks forward to being an even more active part of the Mustang community.

Coach Trigg joined Rancho Solano in 2013 as Athletic Director and Head Boys Basketball Coach. Since his arrival, the Athletic Department has grown into one of the top small school programs in Arizona. In the past seven years Trigg has led the addition of seven new sports and each year the program has set new records for participation. On the playing field, the Mustangs have seen incredible success in winning four State Championships, and 20+ team and individual State Tournament appearances. As the Boys Basketball coach, Trigg has led one of the largest program turnarounds in Arizona history, taking the program from a 2-20 record in his first season to winning two State Championships (2018, 2020), while assisting numerous athletes to play collegiately. Coach Trigg is passionate about the role athletics plays in the overall education of all students and his goal is for all athletes to become Scholar-Athletes of high character prepared for lifelong success. Trigg is a graduate and Hall of Honor member of Gordon College (B.A. Finance and Business Administration) and of the DeVos Sports Business Management Program at the University of Central Florida (MBA; MSBM). While at UCF Trigg was a member of The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sports and Co-Authored two “Racial and Gender Report Cards” with world renowned social justice pioneer Dr. Richard Lapchick.