Our Staff
At Sun Canyon Elementary school, you’ll find teachers dedicated to meeting the individual learning needs of their students. Together with a team of office and support staff members, we create a positive environment that nurtures creativity and inspires learning.
Administration & Office
Angela Krenkel
Principal
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Biography
About Angela Krenkel
Education
Masters of Education: Administration and Supervision and Masters of Education: Curriculum and Instruction
Experience
Four years as principal, five years as assistant principal, eight years teaching, two years substitute teaching.
Why I Teach
Tobie Stevens
Assistant Principal
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Biography
About Tobie Stevens
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education
Masters Degree in Education Administration
Along with the following endorsements: Early Childhood, Gifted Education, English as a Second Language, and Reading
Experience
I have been teaching for 25 years, and 20 of them have been here at Sun Canyon and the Fowler School District. I am excited for this 21st year to be your assistant principal. I have taught many grades through the years and have enjoyed them all.
Why I Teach
In college I thought teaching would be fun and give me a chance as a mom to be off when my own children were off of school. As I have grown and changed over the years, I have come to love the excitement in all of our children's eyes when they realize they can do something, know it, and use it. The learning, just not academic learning, but all learning, that takes place within the walls of a school is wonderful to watch.
Natalie Hempelmann
Secretary
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Biography
About Natalie Hempelmann
Education
Experience
Why I Teach
Maggie Valencia
Clerk
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Biography
About Maggie Valencia
Education
Experience
Why I Teach
Preschool
Brenda Perea
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Biography
About Brenda Perea
Education
Computer Systems
Experience
Eighteen years working with children.
Why I Teach
I decided to work with children because I love to teach and prepare them academically. I love to see kids grow socially and emotionally. I love to work with kids to make a difference and make a better future.
Wendy Tarin
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Biography
About Wendy Tarin
Education
High School Diploma
Experience
I started off as an instructional assistant (IA) in the preschool program here at Sun Canyon. I have been an IA for four years and became a lead teacher for preschool this year.
Why I Teach
I teach because working with children has always been a passion of mine.
Kindergarten
Claudia Balderrama
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Biography
About Claudia Balderrama
Education
Masters of Education: Curriculum and Instruction
Experience
20 years in elementary education.
Why I Teach
I teach because I enjoy seeing children develop and grow through and as the school year progresses. I love to see how they gain confidence in themselves as they learn new things. My goal as a teacher is to provide my students with a safe caring environment where they feel safe and appreciated so they can easily acquire all the skills they need to become successful learners.
Claudia Beltran
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Biography
About Claudia Beltran
Education
Bachelor in Elementary Education K–8
Experience
Before teaching kindergarten, I worked for 11 years as a teacher assistant in Special Ed.
Why I Teach
I teach because I love to grow, learn, and care with my students all together. I enjoy watching them grow and develop throughout the school year.
My goal is for my students to have a safe, loving environment where they can each grow as their own individual persons. I believe that all kids are capable of being successful with the necessary sources that they need.
I won't stop to grow and learn from my students; they inspire me to continue every day. I think that this profession is the most beautiful job anyone can have.
Lizbeth Obeso
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Biography
About Lizbeth Obeso
Education
Child Development Associate Certification
Experience
Five years
Why I Teach
I've been working with young children for five years. I enjoy teaching because it is rewarding to see children grow and develop throughout the school year. I love to watch the interaction between children and see how they learn through play. My goal is to prepare all children academically and socially. It is a joy to see them progress and gain confidence through their education.
Maylene Ulloa
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Biography
About Maylene Ulloa
Education
BS Elementary Education with endorsement in full SEI, K–12 - Northern Arizona University
Experience
Before student teaching, I completed three semesters of practicum in the Flagstaff Unified School District. I started my first semester on the Navajo Nation at Leupp Public School with first graders. The following year, I worked at a bilingual magnet school with kindergarten and third grade students in the dual-language immersion program on the Spanish track.
Why I Teach
I teach because I am passionate about learning and being able to share that knowledge with others. Everyone deserves to have a safe space to explore their curiosity in and feel like their voice, identities, and contributions are valued and appreciated. I strive for creating a community of learners that are not afraid of making mistakes along the way as long as they find the determination to do better and be better. Everyone is capable of great things, and my job is to provide the specific tools and resources each individual student needs to achieve their goals and dreams. It would be an honor to have contributed to the change and impact my students will make in this world today and in the future!
First Grade
Sonja Amavsica
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Biography
About Sonja Amavsica
Education
MA Education, BA Business Management
Experience
This is my ninth year at San Canyon and my 16th year teaching. I previously taught in the Pendergast School District. In my 16 years of teaching, I have taught kindergarten through third grade, mainstream and ELD.
Why I Teach
I changed my profession from business to education after I got married and started my family. I always wanted to be a teacher but initially chose a different path. Many family members were teachers. When I was ready to start my family, I decided to become a teacher. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Teaching is the profession that creates all other professions. I love when my students greet me in the morning and are ready to learn. I love when the light bulb goes off and they realize how to do something. I love how I am there for them when they need someone. I love that I can make a difference. That is why I teach!
Christine Bonnano
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Biography
About Christine Bonnano
Education
MA Education - Claremont Graduate School, BA English - Scripps College
Experience
I have been teaching for 24 years, the majority of that being in the Fowler district. I have taught first and second grades and also was a reading facilitator many years.
Why I Teach
I love learning and want to instill that love in all my students. I especially love teaching the little ones. It is a joy to see faces light up when they understand a concept or make a connection between what is being taught and something in their own lives. Teaching can be challenging, but there is never a dull moment!
Zelda Mazon
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Biography
About Zelda Mazon
Education
Ottawa University
Experience
I have been at Sun Canyon for 18 years. I have held many positions here at Sun Canyon from reading tutor, special education assistant, librarian, substitute teacher, and now teaching first grade where my passion lies.
Why I Teach
If someone had asked me 30 years ago if I wanted to teach, I would have thought they were crazy. Once I started working with children I knew this was the path I wanted to go down. I go home every day exhausted but wake up in the morning ready to do it all over again. I teach because I love making a difference in these children’s lives!
Sandra Rivera
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Biography
About Sandra Rivera
Education
MA Special Education - Grand Canyon University, BA Elementary Education with endorsement in ESL - Arizona State University.
Experience
Why I Teach
Second Grade
Amanda Davy
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Biography
About Amanda Davy
Education
BA Early Childhood Education - Grand Canyon University. Working on master's in reading - Grand Canyon University
Experience
This is my fourth year teaching. I have been teaching kindergarten at Sun Canyon for all of them. I love this school!
Why I Teach
I teach because I love watching the children learn and grow throughout the year. Especially in kindergarten, we take a child who has never been in a school setting to be able to read, write, and do basic math problems.They are like sponges soaking up everything. I like to think that I am making a difference in these children's lives and helping them become amazing children who grow up to be fantastic adults!
Montana Eastman
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Biography
About Montana Eastman
Education
Experience
This is my fourth year teaching. My first year, I taught third-grade ELD in Washington State. I then decided to move to Arizona and taught two years in the Glendale Elementary School District as a first-grade ELD teacher. I am now the elementary PE teacher for kindergarten through fifth graders at Sun Canyon Elementary School.
Why I Teach
I have always wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. I remember growing up, I loved going to my aunt's classroom to help her set it up every summer. Whenever I got the chance to go help in her class, I did. I have a passion for teaching because I love knowing I make a difference in our students' lives. I wake up with a purpose every day and that purpose is to put a smile on our students' faces and build those relationships with them. I also grew up playing sports my entire life, and I am very lucky to be the PE teacher here at Sun Canyon. I love my job because I get to use my knowledge of sports and physical fitness to good use and have fun doing so!
Andrea Joe
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Biography
About Andrea Joe
Education
BA Elementary Education
Experience
I've been an assistant for two years in kindergarten and eighth grade. I also taught one year in third grade, five years in kindergarten, and am going on my fifth year in second grade.
Why I Teach
I teach because every day is different and a challenge and because teaching has purpose. I love teaching because it's an awesome feeling when you see the light bulb go off and they are understanding what is being taught. I learn something new everyday along with my students. As their teacher, I hope to influence my students in their learning but also in their ability to solve problems. I want my students to learn to have confidence in themselves.
Third Grade
Kim Black
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Biography
About Kim Black
Education
MA Education/Human Relations/Counseling, BA Education
Experience
I have taught first grade for five years, second grade for 12 years, and third grade now for six years. This is my 23rd year teaching for the Fowler District.
Why I Teach
Since the third grade, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. My family bought be a rolling chalkboard one year for Christmas. I used it to teach the younger neighbor kids their alphabet and basic math skills. I love to see that spark in kiddos eyes when they learn something new and gain confidence in themselves. I love helping, facilitating, and encouraging kids to be successful. I want them to leave my classroom knowing they can achieve anything they set their minds to.
Mallory Blaschko
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Biography
About Mallory Blaschko
Education
Bachelors degree in elementary education from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse
Experience
First year teacher
Why I Teach
I have always loved spending my time with children. During high school I volunteered in my first-grade teachers’ classroom helping students develop reading skills. Watching students improve academically was something I wanted to continue to do. I love providing a safe place for students to grow.
Stephanie Mason
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Biography
About Stephanie Mason
Education
BA Elementary Education - Northern Michigan University
Experience
I started teaching at Western Valley Elementary School in 2007, where I taught fourth grade for six years. Then I came to Sun Canyon and taught fourth grade for five years, and third grade for two years.
Why I Teach
My mother and my grandmother were both teachers, so I suppose you could say that teaching runs in my blood. I have always loved working with children, but my favorite part is watching them get excited about learning. I love seeing the "ah ha" moment when a difficult concept starts to make sense. I also realize that children are our future, and I want them to be able to make educated decisions. I know that I can help students become independent thinkers who try to make good choices. Eventually, these children will grow up to become adults who make decisions that affect everyone. I take pride in knowing that I am helping to shape the future.
Fourth Grade
Desiree Castillo
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Biography
About Desiree Castillo
Education
I am originally from Lima, Peru. I have lived in the United States for the last 32 years. I attended Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University where I received my bachelor's, master's, and doctorate educational degrees.
Experience
My first seven years of teaching were in the second, sixth, seventh, and eighth grades at Creighton Elementary School, and I loved it! The next two years of my career, I became the school principal at Academia del Pueblo - Friendly House. The last 17 years, I was the proud principal of Santa Maria Middle School in the Fowler School District. I decided to retire from my position as principal to be able to spend more time with my family. However, I am excited to continue working for the Fowler School District, as a teacher here at Sun Canyon Elementary, the Home of the Coyotes. I am happy for the opportunity to continue to work with your wonderful children in this community I have come to know and love all these years and make a positive impact in their lives.
Why I Teach
I love to teach because I want my students to find their purpose in life and how they can help their community.
Anthony Heikkila
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Biography
About Anthony Heikkila
Education
MA Education - University of Wisconsin-River Falls, BA - University of Wisconsin-Madison
Experience
Three years teaching English in South Korea, six years teaching at Sun Canyon Elementary.
Why I Teach
I teach to make a positive impact on the future workers, leaders, and innovators of our world. I believe all students deserve to enjoy a safe learning environment where they can work toward their goals and dreams for the future. I want to provide this safe space for learning and achievement.
Tiffani Valdez
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Biography
About Tiffani Valdez
Education
B.S. in Elementary Education from NAU
Experience
I have ten years of experience as a reading intervention paraprofessional, substitute, and tutor for elementary and middle school.
Why I Teach
I teach because I want to be the change I want to see in the education system! My goal as an educator is to connect concepts learned in school and show the students how they pertain to real-life situations! So we can construct highly educated students that will become active citizens who positively impact society!
Fifth Grade
Sheila Lowery
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Biography
About Sheila Lowery
Education
BA from Luther College, Decorah Iowa
Experience
6th grade at Western Valley Middle School - Feb 2020 to May 2020
Why I Teach
I differ slightly from other teachers as I never considered teaching when I was younger. I did know growing up that I wanted to work in a place that I could make a positive impact/help others but wasn't sure what that was. It wasn't until a year with Americorps working as a reading interventionist, that I really considered teaching as an occupation. During that year I found myself inspired by the students that I was working with. I was inspired by their creativity, their talents, and their resilience to overcome their obstacles no matter how big or small. I teach because these kids are incredible and the future of our world, and I want to be there as someone in their corner. Someone who will be their cheerleader for whatever goal(s) they set for themselves.
Jessica Rodriguez
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Biography
About Jessica Rodriguez
Education
BA and MA Elementary Education - Arizona State University West
Experience
I began teaching in the year 2004 as a second grade teacher. I have been teaching for a total of 16 years in a range of grades from first to eighth grade. I have spent the majority of my teaching career with fifth-grade students.
Why I Teach
Growing up, I always dreamed of becoming an elementary teacher. I have always had a passion for helping others. And what better way of doing so than by teaching others? I find great joy in being able to help children of all ages achieve their goals in one way or another. It truly makes me happy to be able to provide students with the necessary tools they need to succeed in the real world.
Faith Sersland
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Biography
About Faith Sersland
Education
BA - University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
Experience
Long-term substitute teaching in Wisconsin
Why I Teach
Teaching and helping children has always been a passion of mine! I teach to help each child grow in their sense of self while developing academically, socially, and emotionally. As a former gymnastics coach, I value setting goals and working as a team to stay accountable to reach them. I believe that each child is a leader in their own way and helping each individual see this is my mission as an educator.
Special Area Teachers
Danni Dub
PE
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Biography
About Danni Dub
Education
My undergraduate degree is in elementary education from Lindenwood University St. Charles Missouri, and I'm currently working on my master's degree in education leadership at Saint Louis University.
Experience
Two years of physical education and one year second grade.
Why I Teach
I teach to make a difference in people’s lives. Since I struggled as a student at a younger age, I want to help every single student succeed.
Nelia Gutierrez
Interventionist
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Biography
About Nelia Gutierrez
Education
MA Education/Reading Specialist
Experience
Why I Teach
I am a teacher because I want to make a difference. I work with small groups during interventions. We focus on phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, and reading comprehension. It is rewarding to see how students make progress by giving them the extra support. My goal is to prepare our students to become fluent readers.
Christin Joe
Librarian
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Biography
About Christin Joe
Education
Experience
Why I Teach
Debra Peterson
Music
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Biography
About Debra Peterson
Education
BA Biology - Northwest Nazarene University, Teaching Certificate - Concordia University
Experience
Ms. Peterson taught a 4/5 blended classroom for four years. She taught fourth- or fifth-grade classes for eight years and currently teaches music. Ms. Peterson had many years of piano lessons and taught piano for thirty years. She enjoyed playing cello and bass violin for eight years. Her vocal training allowed her to sing with Portland Opera Chorus at Carnegie Hall, tour with the Vancouver, USA Choir in England and Scotland, perform one of the Handel Messiah solos with the Vancouver Symphony, and was the season soloist with the Vancouver Pops Orchestra. She also was the soprano soloist for Mozart's Regina Coeli with the Bravo! Choir.
Why I Teach
Laurie Stair
Art
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Biography
About Laurie Stair
Education
BA Education, ELL Endorsement
Experience
21 years teaching
Why I Teach
When I was little, I had an idea of being a teacher. I used to play school with my younger brother and sister, and of course, I was the teacher. I come from a long line of educators. I guess it's in my blood. I enjoy teaching kids. I get such joy when a student finally understands what is being taught. It's music to my ears when I hear, "Oh, I get it now." I've been teaching for over 20 years now, and I still love to hear it.
Dr. Herb Warner
Counselor
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Biography
About Dr. Herb Warner
Education
Ph.D - Counseling Psychology - California Southern University
M.A. - Counseling - Liberty University
B. A. - Psychology - Crichton College
Experience
I have been counseling for over 24 years in different settings: I have counseled in schools, hospitals, and in private practice. I have done marriage counseling and substance abuse counseling. I have contracted with DSHS to counsel foster children as well.
Why I Teach
Counseling is my superpower. It comes easy for me and I really enjoy it. I love the kiddos and enjoy talking with them every opportunity I can.
Special Education
Rocio Alvarez
Self-Contained Functional Skills
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Biography
About Rocio Alvarez
Education
MA Curriculum and Instruction, BA Early Childhood Education/Special Education
Experience
Why I Teach
Astrid Arriaza
Resource
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Biography
About Astrid Arriaza
Education
Special Education Teacher, Master in Education and Psychologist Degree.
Experience
Why I Teach
I teach special education because I want to make a difference every single day. As a special education teacher, I have the chance to help my students to learn academic, social, emotional, and behavior skills that they will use throughout their lives. My biggest goal in every lesson is having a lifelong impact on my students. It's rewarding helping a student reach their potential. I feel great knowing my students have learned something new because I was able to teach them in a way that made sense to them. It's rewarding to know I have been able to reach them and help them on their way to future independence.
Meghann Cromwell
Self-Contained Functional Skills
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Biography
About Meghann Cromwell
Education
MA Special Education, BA Business Administration