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

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  • Krenkel Angela
    Angela Krenkel Principal Send message »

    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.


    Angela Krenkel
  • Stevens Tobie
    Tobie Stevens Assistant Principal Send message »

    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. 

     


    Tobie Stevens

Preschool

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  • Alvarado Maya
    Maya Alvarado Send message »

    I have a teacher website in case you want to know about me and my work.

    Education
    Associate degree in art, emphasis in early childhood education
    Arizona general curriculum certificate

    Experience
    I was a former medical assistant at East Valley Family Physicians for four years. I would treat patients ages newborn to geriatrics. This is my first year as a teacher assistant at Sun Canyon Elementary.

    Why I Teach
    I teach because I believe that it’s a very important for students to become invested and motivated to continue their school career. I want to be the positive influence in their lives and help them set themselves up for success in their future. I have always had a passion for help others in any way possible and teaching was where I found I could help the most.


    Maya Alvarado
  • Huerta Ana
    Ana Huerta Send message »

    Education
    I graduated from Arizona State University in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in community advocacy and social policy in the school of social work. My main focus was in special education, the LGBTQ community, and social emotional development.

    Experience
    This is my first year teaching; however, I have volunteered in kids' classroom settings in the past two years. I have also volunteered during summer school in a social emotional class for kids, specifically kids with special needs, and helped parents gain knowledge of what resources are available to them and how to qualify.

    Why I Teach
    I decided to teach preschool because I highly believe it is one of the most concrete stages in a child’s life. I wanted to be part of this pivotal experience and set a positive tone for their new academic journey. I really enjoy watching how kids start to socialize with others, talk about their feelings, and learn all the knowledge that will prepare them for their next chapter in their educational journey. Watching the little ones connect with new friends and seeing how inclusive they are with their peers really allows me to sit back and learn from them as well. Kids deserve a safe, fun, and inclusive learning environment to help them be confident in themselves and flourish in all aspects of this academic experience, and I want to provide that for them.


    Ana Huerta
  • Medina Rocio
    Rocio Medina Send message »

    Education
    I graduated from South Mountain Community College in 2018 with an Associates in Arts Elementary Education.

    Experience
    I have over 15 years of experience working with children.

    Why I Teach
    I teach because I love working with children and enjoy their excitement of learning! Working with little ones take energy and enthusiasm. Each day you see the world through their eyes, all that possibility, positivity, and excitement for life. Working with children is fun! I love that no single day at work is the same. Helping children is the most rewarding job I can think of!


    Rocio Medina
  • Tarin Wendy
    Wendy Tarin Send message »

    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.


    Wendy Tarin

Kindergarten

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  • Balderrama Claudia
    Claudia Balderrama Send message »

    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 Balderrama
  • Beltran Claudia
    Claudia Beltran Send message »

    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.


    Claudia Beltran
  • Obeso Lizbeth
    Lizbeth Obeso Send message »

    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.

     


    Lizbeth Obeso
  • Ulloa Maylene
    Maylene Ulloa Send message »

    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!


    Maylene Ulloa

First Grade

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  • Amavsica Sonja
    Sonja Amavsica Send message »

    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!

     


    Sonja Amavisca
  • Bonnano Christine
    Christine Bonnano Send message »

    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!


    Christine Bonanno
  • Mazon Zelda
    Zelda Mazon Send message »

    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! 


    Zelda Mazon
  • Rivera Sandra
    Sandra Rivera Send message »

    Education
    MA Special Education - Grand Canyon University, BA Elementary Education with endorsement in ESL - Arizona State University.

    Experience
    My first two years of teaching I was a special education resource teacher for grades kindergarten through third. The following five years, I co-taught for a first-grade dual language program where my focus was on the English components. The next seven years, I taught first grade, where one of those years I looped with my students to second. 2019–2020 is my 14th year of teaching.

    Why I Teach
    I teach because I feel every child deserves to have a safe learning environment, to be motivated to learn, to feel they are valued, and to be unafraid to make mistakes. I want them to feel excited about coming to school every day. I want them to feel loved and like family. I want them to learn new things in a nurturing environment. I teach because I love kids and want them to know that they are important and are capable of anything.


    Sandra Rivera

Second Grade

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  • Davy Amanda
    Amanda Davy Send message »

    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!


    Amanda Davy
  • Eastman Montana
    Montana Eastman Send message »

    Education
    BA in Elementary Education - Central Washington University

    Experience
    I started my teaching career in Washington state where I taught one year. After that, I moved to Arizona to teach. I have been teaching a total of eight years.

    Why I Teach
    I have always wanted to be a teacher for as long as I can remember. 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.


    Montana Eastman
  • Joe Andrea
    Andrea Joe Send message »

    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.


    Andrea Joe
  • Sumayang Daniel
    Daniel Sumayang Send message »

    Education
    BA in Elementary Education and MA in Educational Management - Davao Del Norte State College

    Experience
    I taught for five years in private schools and five years as a public teacher, teaching second grade at Visayan Village Central Elementary School in Tagum City, Philippines.

    Why I Teach
    I am passionate about teaching children and consider myself a resourceful and inventive educator. I aim to foster an inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive by applying effective teaching methods and integrating technology to meet the needs of modern learners. My ultimate goal as an elementary teacher is to help learners become ready and excel in the future.


    Daniel Sumayang

Third Grade

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  • Enderson Morgan
    Morgan Enderson

    Education
    Bachelor of Science in History, minor in sociology - North Dakota State University
    Currently working on a master's degree in education - Arizona State University.

    Experience
    My experience includes teaching ninth grade, focusing on English and photography, and assisting high school students with college-level courses in Arizona. My educational journey began with involvement in AVID and STEM programs in Fargo, North Dakota.  

    Why I Teach
    I chose to pursue a career in education because I am passionate about making a meaningful impact on students and their families. I believe in fostering creativity, promoting continuous learning, and empowering students to grow. My goal is to make a difference in the lives of those around me.


    Morgan Enderson

Fourth Grade

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  • Chamu Jose
    Jose Chamu Send message »

    Education
    BA Political Science - Arizona State University

    Experience
    I have years of experience helping tutor kids in math, reading, and other extracurricular activities. This is my first year teaching at Sun Canyon Elementary.

    Why I Teach
    The reason I teach is because I want to make a difference in children’s lives. I want to show them that what we do in school pertains to real life. I want to show them that learning is fun and that what they learn today will help them tomorrow.

     


    Jose Chamu
  • Lowery Sheila
    Sheila Lowery Send message »

    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.

     


    Sheila Lowery
  • Mason Stephanie
    Stephanie Mason Send message »

    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.


    Stephanie Mason
  • Valdez Tiffani
    Tiffani Valdez Send message »

    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! 


    Tiffani Valdez

Fifth Grade

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  • Fierro Stephanie
    Stephanie Fierro

    Education
    BA in Elementary Education with a minor and certificate in ESL - NAU
    SEI endorsement
    Master’s in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) - SHSU

    Experience
    I was a fourth grade teacher for two years at CO Greenfield in the Roosevelt district. Then I was an ABA therapist for a year, providing ABA therapy to kids with autism at Action Behavior Centers. I was also an ELA tutor for grades K–8.

    Why I Teach
    I teach because I want everyone to discover what their interests are, what they're good at, and what new things they can try out. I wanted to become a teacher to create a learning environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and respected. I want to let kids know they can achieve so many great things if they keep trying and keep their curiosity. Kids should be able to feel safe and supported at school. I want to foster that kind of learning environment so any kid can continue to learn and grow in their skills and become great human beings capable of bringing more ideas, kindness, and empathy to the world.


    Stephanie Fierro
  • Rodriguez Jessica
    Jessica Rodriguez Send message »

    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.


    Jessica Rodriguez

Special Area Teachers

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  • Black Kim
    Kim Black Math Coach/Interventionist Send message »

    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.


    Kim Black
  • Gutierrez Nelia
    Nelia Gutierrez Interventionist Send message »

    Education
    MA Education/Reading Specialist

    Experience
    27 years of experience teaching K–8

    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.


    Nelia Rodriguez
  • Herrera Edel
    Edel Herrera PE Send message »

    Education
    In Mexico, I studied two years of psychology at the Technological Institute of Sonora (ITSON). I am currently attending Ottawa University and finishing my bachelor's degree in education.

    Experience
    My name is Edel Herrera, and I was born and raised in Mexico. I came to the United States in 2007, and lived for a while in California. In 2011, I moved to Arizona.
    Initially, I started working at Sun Canyon Elementary School in the cleaning department as a custodian. After eight years as a custodian, I moved to Tuscano Elementary School as P.E. teacher. Last year, I came back to Sun Canyon where I am currently teaching P.E. I am excited to finally be back home!

    Why I Teach
    I love to be surrounded by kids. I want to transmit my knowledge in physical education, but apply it in a fun way. For me, seeing the face of the kids when they enter my classroom makes me feel extremely happy.


    Edel Herrera

Special Education

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  • Arriaza Astrid
    Astrid Arriaza Resource Send message »

    Education
    Special Education Teacher, Master in Education and Psychologist Degree.

    Experience
    Seven years of experience working in special education.

    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.


    Astrid Arriaza
  • Cromwell Meghann
    Meghann Cromwell Self-Contained Functional Skills Send message »

    Education
    MA Special Education, BA Business Administration

    Experience
    I worked for three and a half years as a paraprofessional for Agua Fria Union High School District in the resource setting while I was going to college. Since completing my master's degree, I have taught at Sun Canyon Elementary for nine years as a special education cross categorical teacher. I taught my first year in kindergarten–second grades and the remaining eight years in the third–fifth grades.

    Why I Teach
    When I was growing up, even though I didn't enjoy school, I did well academically because I knew it was important. Today, I teach because I want my students to always enjoy coming to school. I teach because every child deserves a safe, positive, fun environment to learn each and every day. I teach special education because I love working with all types of children. I love trying to find things that work for each child, and I don't give up until I've found it. My students challenge me each day to be a better teacher. That's why I teach.


    Meghann Cromwell
  • Royer Kim
    Kim Royer Special Education Teacher Send message »

    Education:
    Bachelors in Education and Masters in Special Education

    Experience:
    I started my teaching career on the island of Guam and spent five years at a very small village school. Then moved to a K–1 school with 800 students. For the next thirteen years, I taught at Lyndon Baines Johnson Elementary School as a special education kindergarten teacher. I returned to the States to complete my Master of Special Education Degree. Completed the program with Grand Canyon University and begun teaching Kindergarten here in the Fowler School District.

    Why I teach:
    I love the challenges and rewards that are a part of teaching. I was very lucky to have teachers who challenged and supported my love of reading and learning. I never wanted to leave school, so I found a job that let me stay at school.