Meet Our Wonderful Teachers and Staff
Here at Tres Rios we have an outstanding team of teachers, administrators, and support staff. Working together with you, we strive to provide a safe, nurturing, and positive environment for your children to learn and flourish in. We believe one of the most powerful tools for student success is frequent, ongoing communication with parents and guardians. Please do not hesitate to contact a member of our faculty or staff with any questions or concerns you may have. We are here to help!
Administration
Ricardo
Cordova
Principal
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Biography
Meet Ricardo Cordova
Hometown
Willcox, ArizonaFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
I love traveling, weightlifting, wrestling, snowboarding, video games, hiking, going to the movies, and spending time with my family.Message
I am very happy and ready to serve our students, parents, and staff here at Tres Rios Service Academy.
Marieka
Michaud
Assistant Principal
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Biography
Meet Marieka Michaud
Hometown
Kingston, JamaicaFavorite Subject
Math and scienceHobbies
Family time, crafting, and travelingMessage
"Don't worry about failures; worry about the chances you miss when you don't even try." - Jack Canfield
Lindsay
Kent
Dean of Students
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Biography
Meet Lindsay Kent
Favorite Subject
MathHobbies
Playing sand volleyball and hikingMessage
One of the most wonderful things about education is that a single teacher can change a kid’s life.
Office Support
Grace
Gutierrez
Support Specialist, Sr.
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Biography
Luciana
Vargas
Administrative Assistant
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Biography
Judith
Collins
Librarian
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Biography
Annita
Quintana
Support Specialist, Jr.
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Biography
Katrina
Mosey
Nurse
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Biography
Teachers
Kindergarten
Elizabeth
Ramos
Kindergarten
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Biography
Meet Elizabeth Ramos
Hometown
Renfrew, Ontario CanadaWhere I Started Teaching
I started teaching in 2003.Favorite Subject
ReadingHobbies
Book club and watching my kids in their activitiesMessage
Teaching kindergarten has been my passion for over ten years!
Shana
Trotter
Kindergarten
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Biography
Meet Shana Trotter
Hometown
Kincheloe, MichiganWhere I Started Teaching
Tres RiosFavorite Subject
ReadingHobbies
Traveling, reading, and spending time with my friends and familyMessage
I'm beyond excited to get to know you your children better, and I'm ready for a great year of learning.
Patricia
Wawrzyk
Kindergarten
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Biography
Meet Patricia Wawrzyk
Hometown
New YorkWhere I Started Teaching
PendergastFavorite Subject
Social studiesHobbies
Hiking, shopping, and bakingMessage
I look forward to watching your children grow academically and as an individual.
First Grade
Danielle
Ramirez
First Grade
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Biography
Meet Danielle Ramirez
Hometown
Phoenix, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Tres Rios ElementaryFavorite Subject
Reading and writingHobbies
Reading and craftingMessage
"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own, and you know what you know. And you are the guy who'll decide where to go." –Dr. Suess
Melissa
J. Rice
First Grade
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Biography
Meet Melissa J. Rice
Hometown
Glendale, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Sundance Elementary School in Peoria, ArizonaFavorite Subject
MathMessage
I am excited to begin a new journey with the students, staff, and community at Tres Rios!
Kristina
Sessler
First Grade
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Biography
Meet Kristina Sessler
Hometown
Phoenix, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Tres Rios Elementary SchoolFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
Sewing, hiking, and rock climbingMessage
Let's make this year great!
Jessa
Stegall
First Grade
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Biography
Meet Jessa Stegall
Hometown
Muskegon, MichiganWhere I Started Teaching
Tres Rios ElementaryFavorite Subject
PsychologyHobbies
Reading, fashion, cooking, gardening, and exploring new placesMessage
I'm very excited to get to know all of you throughout this school year. First grade is a big time with lot of big changes, and I feel privileged to be here to make that step of the journey with you all.
Second Grade
Claudia
Lopez
Second Grade
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Biography
Meet Claudia Lopez
Hometown
MexicoWhere I Started Teaching
Tres Rios ElementaryFavorite Subject
Math and scienceHobbies
Playing sports, traveling, fishing, and hikingMessage
"Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you!" - Dr. Suess
Jennifer
Maidment-Stout
Second Grade
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Biography
Meet Jennifer Maidment-Stout
Hometown
Phoenix, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Tres Rios ElementaryFavorite Subject
ELA and PEHobbies
Hiking, volleyball, and some occasional tennis. I love being with my family, our granddaughter, and our friends.Message
I strive to encourage, influence, and inspire each child to the best of my abilities!
Gwen
Walt-Eastwood
Second Grade
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Biography
Meet Gwen Walt-Eastwood
Hometown
Tampa, FloridaWhere I Started Teaching
Country Place Elementary SchoolFavorite Subject
Math and scienceHobbies
Reading, movies, shopping, traveling, and spending time with familyMessage
"A #2 pencil and a dream can take you anywhere." - Joyce A Meyers
Becky
West
Second Grade
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Biography
Meet Becky West
Hometown
San Diego, CaliforniaWhere I Started Teaching
Collier ElementaryFavorite Subject
ReadingHobbies
Reading, spending time with my dogs, and visiting the beachMessage
Every child can succeed. I look forward to meeting all of you and supporting your student.
Third Grade
Kari
Burd
Third Grade
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Biography
Meet Kari Burd
Hometown
Ann Arbor, MichiganWhere I Started Teaching
Tres Rios Service AcademyFavorite Subject
Social studiesHobbies
Hiking, cooking, baking, crafting, and spending time with family and friendsMessage
I am excited to be back a Tres Rios! I am looking forward to being a partner in your child's learning and success.
Crystal
Carrera
Third Grade
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Biography
Meet Crystal Carrera
Hometown
Avondale, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Tres Rios ElementaryFavorite Subject
ELA/ReadingHobbies
I love traveling and exploring.Message
Welcome to third grade! I am looking forward to a great year full of learning and fun!
Jami
Petersen
Third Grade
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Biography
Meet Jami Petersen
Hometown
Syracuse, New YorkWhere I Started Teaching
Tres RiosFavorite Subject
Reading and writingHobbies
Playing sports, hiking, reading, and being with family and friendsMessage
I am looking forward to a wonderful and learning-filled first year with the LESD family.
Shelley
Storaska
Third Grade
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Biography
Meet Shelley Storaska
Hometown
Allentown, PennsylvaniaWhere I Started Teaching
Tres Rios ElementaryFavorite Subject
ScienceHobbies
Traveling, cross stitching, collecting rocks, stamps & coinsMessage
I am excited to join the second grade team. My goal is to inspire children to love learning and to create a safe, respectful community.
Fourth Grade
Scott
Fusi
Fourth Grade
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Biography
Meet Scott Fusi
Hometown
Fresno, CaliforniaWhere I Started Teaching
American Union in Fresno, CaliforniaFavorite Subject
AgricultureHobbies
Watching Netflix and spending time with familyMessage
I am very interested in the 4-H program. We are starting a 4-H club here at Tres Rios Academy this year as part of the service-learning community. If you are interested in 4-H, please let me know, and I will give you all the information you need to become an active part of the program.
Maxwell
Horowitz
Fourth Grade
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Biography
Meet Maxwell Horowitz
Hometown
Bethesda, MarylandWhere I Started Teaching
Georgetown Day School - Washington, DCFavorite Subject
ArtHobbies
Soccer, photography, and drawingMessage
Strive to Thrive
Diana
Sandoval
Fourth Grade
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Biography
Meet Diana Sandoval
Hometown
Costa Mesa, CaliforniaWhere I Started Teaching
Tres RiosFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
Working out and spending time with familyMessage
I am excited to be at Tres Rios Service Academy! Go, Pumas! "Kid, you'll move mountains!" Dr. Seuss
Marvin
Villa
Fourth Grade
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Biography
Meet Marvin Villa
Hometown
Phoenix, ArizonaFavorite Subject
Math, science, and readingHobbies
Hiking, gardening, attempting to draw/paint, learning new thingsMessage
I am excited to start the year and meet my new future students and the parents as well! The year is filled with great new things and material to learn and much more.
Fifth Grade
Kimberly
Clyde
ELA/Social Studies
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Biography
Meet Kimberly Clyde
Hometown
Garden Grove, CaliforniaWhere I Started Teaching
Wilson Colton, CaliforniaFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
Spending time with my family and relaxingMessage
I hope that this year will be filled with a lot of growing and learning together. I look forward to getting to know all of you this year.
Sean
Fair
Fifth Grade
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Biography
Meet Sean Fair
Hometown
Phoenix, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Tres RiosFavorite Subject
Math, science, P.E.Hobbies
Spending time with my family, coaching, playing sports, and going to the moviesMessage
I am so excited for another school year here at Tres! I look forward to helping my students become better learners and to show growth every day!
Hayley
Robinson
Fifth Grade
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Biography
Meet Hayley Robinson
Hometown
New York, New YorkWhere I Started Teaching
Littleton Elementary SchoolFavorite Subject
Science and chorusHobbies
Rock climbing, swimming, and watching TVMessage
“I knew who I was this morning, but I’ve changed a few times since then.”
Erin
Van Dusen
ELA/Social Studies
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Biography
Meet Erin Van Dusen
Hometown
Buckeye, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Tres RiosFavorite Subject
Art and P.E.Hobbies
Hiking, painting, reading, and Krav MagaMessage
Hello! This is an exciting year as we are launching the new service-learning program. I am thrilled to be a part of Tres Rios Service Learning Academy teaching fifth grade—where students are learning about how to be more responsible with their resources and are developing empathy for those in need.Sixth Grade
Melissa
Hoppe
Math/Science
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Biography
Meet Melissa Hoppe
Hometown
Tolleson, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Tres Rios ElementaryHobbies
Volleyball, hiking, and spending time with familyMessage
I am excited to begin teaching in a district that I grew up in, helping students in my community.
Andrea
Luna
ELA/Social Studies
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Biography
Meet Andrea Luna
Hometown
Downey, CaliforniaWhere I Started Teaching
Tres Rios ElementaryFavorite Subject
EnglishHobbies
DancingMessage
Let's work together to help motivate and teach our children how to make our world a better place.
Lora
Morales
ELA/Social Studies
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Biography
Meet Lora Morales
Hometown
Bayard, New MexicoWhere I Started Teaching
Las Cruces, New MexicoFavorite Subject
Writing and social studiesHobbies
Scrapbooking, taking pictures, playing video games, and hanging out with my familyMessage
If a child cannot learn the way we teach, then maybe we should teach the way they learn.
Rio
Stinger
Math/Science
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Biography
Seventh Grade
Clarissa
Flores
ELA
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Biography
Meet Clarissa Flores
Hometown
Peoria, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Pioneer Preparatory SchoolFavorite Subject
EnglishHobbies
Reading, writing, cooking, and learning through social mediaMessage
"We teachers are rather good at magic, you know." - J.K. Rowling
Amber
Garcia
Science
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Biography
Meet Amber Garcia
Hometown
Scio, OregonWhere I Started Teaching
I started teaching in the Creighton School District in Phoenix, Arizona.Favorite Subject
MathHobbies
Volleyball, Rubik's Cube, and travelMessage
I am so excited to be returning to Tres, and I hope to have a great year!
Philip
Mashek
Social Studies
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Biography
Meet Philip Mashek
Hometown
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaWhere I Started Teaching
Logan Middle School in Logan, OhioFavorite Subject
Social studiesHobbies
Skiing, hiking, disc golf, cooking, and exercisingMessage
Excited to join the Tres Rios learning community and become a Puma!
Ben
Winebreak
Math
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Biography
Meet Ben Winebreak
Hometown
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaWhere I Started Teaching
Tres Rios ElementaryFavorite Subject
EconomicsHobbies
Football, basketball, traveling, and snowboardingMessage
I am very excited to help show the power and importance of mathematics to our seventh-grade students!
Eighth Grade
Milton
Melcher
Eighth Grade
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Biography
Meet Milton Melcher
Hometown
Casa Grande, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Tres Rios ElementaryFavorite Subject
HistoryHobbies
I love to travel the world, backpacking, motorcycling, and enjoying fine foods.Message
"Difficulty is the excuse history never excepts" - Edward R. Murrow Let's do this together!
Vanessa
Sanchez
Science
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Biography
Meet Vanessa Sanchez
Hometown
Mabton, WashingtonWhere I Started Teaching
Tres RiosFavorite Subject
ScienceHobbies
Watching movies, spending time with family, and creative writingMessage
I'm super excited for this school year and can't wait to meet all of my students!
Chad
Schafer
ELA
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Biography
Meet Chad Schafer
Hometown
Beal City, MichiganWhere I Started Teaching
Tres RiosFavorite Subject
English, drama, and historyHobbies
Cooking, hiking, writing, and readingMessage
Let's help our students be the positive change we wish to see in the world.
Thomas
Sandoval
Eighth Grade
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Biography
Meet Thomas Sandoval
Hometown
Ahwatukee, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Tres RiosFavorite Subject
Marketing, math, and historyHobbies
Hiking, camping, and concertsMessage
I'm happy to be back and continuing to contribute to the Tres Rios family.
Exceptional Learning Teachers
Susan
Candelaria
Gifted Teacher
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Biography
Meet Susan Candelaria
Hometown
Glendale, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Countryside Elementary in the Dysart Elementary School DistrictFavorite Subject
ScienceHobbies
Crafts, watching movies, spending time with friends and family, and shoppingMessage
"To be inspired is great, but to inspire is an honor." - Stacey T. Hunt
Selene
Alarcon
Resource
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Biography
Meet Selene Alarcon
Hometown
La Puente, CaliforniaWhere I Started Teaching
Tres RiosFavorite Subject
English languageHobbies
Playing volleyball and dancingMessage
I am so excited to be able to teach our exceptional learners at Tres Rios!
Irene
Vasquez
Resource
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Biography
Meet Irene Vasquez
Hometown
Avondale, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Avondale School DistrictFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
I enjoy hiking with my family and doing yoga with my friends.Message
"You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." Winnie the Pooh
Student Achievement Coach
Gina
Forney-Lee
Student Achievement Coach
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Biography
Meet Gina Forney-Lee
Hometown
Phoenix, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Phoenix ElementaryFavorite Subject
ReadingHobbies
Shopping and bingoMessage
Looking forward to a fantastic school year getting to know your students and being able to help them achieve their educational goals.
Reading Interventionist
Markeita
Momon
Reading Intervention K-3
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Biography
Meet Markeita Momon
Hometown
Compton, CaliforniaWhere I Started Teaching
Phoenix ElementaryFavorite Subject
Reading and historyHobbies
Traveling, going on cruises, family, and friendsMessage
"The more that you read the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." Dr Seuss
Special Areas
Erika
Avelar
Service Learning
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Biography
Meet Erika Avelar
Hometown
Peoria, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Tres RiosFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
Hiking, reading, and spending time with family and friendsMessage
This is going to be a great year with my students again! I am so excited to see them and watch them grow as learners everyday!
Noah
Karvelis
Music
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Biography
Meet Noah Karvelis
Hometown
Rockford, ILWhere I Started Teaching
Tres RiosFavorite Subject
HistoryHobbies
Cooking, hiking, and playing music and recordsMessage
I am extremely excited to create and learn about music with all of you!
Gabriel
Nells
PE
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Biography
Meet Gabriel Nells
Hometown
Ramah, New MexicoFavorite Subject
PEHobbies
Playing sports, guitar, reading, and spending time with familyMessage
I am happy to be joining the Tres Rios community and look forward to a great year!
Thalia
Page
Technology
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Biography
Meet Thalia Page
Hometown
Phoenix, ArizonaFavorite Subject
Social studiesHobbies
Playing soccerMessage
I love working with kids.
Judith
M. Smith
Art
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Biography
Meet Judith M. Smith
Hometown
Phoenix, ArizonaFavorite Subject
ArtHobbies
TriathlonsMessage
"Why fit in when you were born to stand out?" - Dr. Seuss
School Support
Paraprofessionals
Rowan
Romero
Paraprofessional
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Biography
Meet Rowan Romero
Hometown
Peoria, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Tres RiosFavorite Subject
EnglishHobbies
Reading, traveling, and playing trumpetMessage
Hi! My name is Rowan, and I am a partial IB graduate from Ironwood High School. I participated in marching band and jazz band all four years of high school. I was the trumpet section leader for two years. I love all things music as well as helping others! I currently attend South Mountain Community College, and I am studying psychology and education. My career goal is to be a social worker with a focus on children, especially those with special needs.
Maria
Vargas
Paraprofessional - Early Childhood
Biography
Meet Maria Vargas
Hometown
Chihuahua, MexicoWhere I Started Teaching
Phoenix, ArizonaFavorite Subject
ReadingHobbies
Family, fun, and travelMessage
Be your best everyday!
Iracema
Leija
Paraprofessional
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Biography
Denise
Martinez
Paraprofessional
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Biography
Related Services
Helen
Coreas-Mendez
Psychologist
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Biography
Meet Helen Coreas-Mendez
Hometown
Phoenix, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Tres RiosFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
Disney collectingMessage
"The only disability in life is a bad attitude."