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 AngelaAngela Krenkel Principal Send message »
Education
Masters of Education: Administration and Supervision and Masters of Education: Curriculum and InstructionExperience
Four years as principal, five years as assistant principal, eight years teaching, two years substitute teaching.
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Stevens TobieTobie 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 ReadingExperience
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.
Preschool
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Alvarado MayaMaya 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 certificateExperience
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.
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Huerta AnaAna 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.
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Medina RocioRocio 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!
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Tarin WendyWendy Tarin Send message »
Education
High School DiplomaExperience
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
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Balderrama ClaudiaClaudia Balderrama Send message »
Education
Masters of Education: Curriculum and InstructionExperience
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.
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Beltran ClaudiaClaudia Beltran Send message »
Education
Bachelor in Elementary Education K–8Experience
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.
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Obeso LizbethLizbeth Obeso Send message »
Education
Child Development Associate CertificationExperience
Five yearsWhy 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.
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Ulloa MayleneMaylene Ulloa Send message »
Education
BS Elementary Education with endorsement in full SEI, K–12 - Northern Arizona UniversityExperience
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
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Amavsica SonjaSonja Amavsica Send message »
Education
MA Education, BA Business ManagementExperience
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!
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Bonnano ChristineChristine Bonnano Send message »
Education
MA Education - Claremont Graduate School, BA English - Scripps CollegeExperience
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!
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Mazon ZeldaZelda Mazon Send message »
Education
Ottawa UniversityExperience
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!
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Rivera SandraSandra 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.
Second Grade
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Davy AmandaAmanda Davy Send message »
Education
BA Early Childhood Education - Grand Canyon University. Working on master's in reading - Grand Canyon UniversityExperience
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!
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Eastman MontanaMontana Eastman Send message »
Education
BA in Elementary Education - Central Washington UniversityExperience
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.
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Joe AndreaAndrea Joe Send message »
Education
BA Elementary EducationExperience
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.
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Sumayang DanielDaniel Sumayang Send message »
Education
BA in Elementary Education and MA in Educational Management - Davao Del Norte State CollegeExperience
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.
Third Grade
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Alvarez RocioRocio Alvarez Send message »
Education
AA in General Education
BA Early Childhood and Special Education
MA in Curriculum and InstructionExperience
I’ve been an instructional assistant for five years in special education preschool. I have taught eight years in K–2nd special education self-contained classroom. I was also a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) for one year at Sunridge Elementary School, and I am currently teaching ELD 3rd grade at Sun Canyon Elementary School.Why I Teach
Working with students and teaching is my passion. I believe that each student is unique and has different abilities, and it is our job as educators to find ways to help them discover their potential. I believe that all students, without exception, are capable of succeeding. Therefore, it is important that we provide all the students with the tools and environment that will allow them to be successful in all areas of life.
Fourth Grade
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Chamu JoseJose Chamu Send message »
Education
BA Political Science - Arizona State UniversityExperience
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.
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Lowery SheilaSheila Lowery Send message »
Education
BA from Luther College, Decorah IowaExperience
6th grade at Western Valley Middle School - Feb 2020 to May 2020Why 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.
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Mason StephanieStephanie Mason Send message »
Education
BA Elementary Education - Northern Michigan UniversityExperience
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.
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Valdez TiffaniTiffani Valdez Send message »
Education
B.S. in Elementary Education from NAUExperience
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
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Fierro StephanieStephanie Fierro Send message »
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) - SHSUExperience
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.
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Hussey DecodaDecoda Hussey Send message »
Education
Bachelors in Education - International University of the CaribbeanExperience
I have 15 years of teaching experience with students ranging from ages seven to 12 years old. Fourteen of these years were spent teaching in Jamaica, and the last year at Sun Canyon Elementary School.Why I Teach
Teaching has always been my passion, therefore once I completed high school I enrolled in teacher’s college. I believe that the teaching profession is the most noble and invaluable profession as we pave the way for all other professions. The main reason I teach is because I love to see the joy on students' faces when they are able to accomplish a task and I know that I played a role in that achievement. Children are the future and teaching them will help to foster a better future for this generation.
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Rodriguez JessicaJessica Rodriguez Send message »
Education
BA and MA Elementary Education - Arizona State University WestExperience
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.
Special Area Teachers
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Afowowe TemitopeTemitope Afowowe Art Send message »
Education
Bachelor of Art EducationExperience
I have taught art across elementary, middle and high schools in Nigeria for 23 years. Moving to Sun Canyon Elementary School in September 2024 opens another exciting chapter of my teaching experience.Why I Teach
I teach because I believe in the transformative power of art. Throughout my career, I’ve seen how creativity fosters emotional development, critical thinking, and self-expression. Art allows students to explore their unique perspectives, connect with the world around them, and find their voice. It’s not just about technique or skill, it's about inspiring confidence, imagination, and a lifelong appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the world. Teaching art is my way of empowering the next generation to see the world through a different lens and to realize their full potential.
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Black KimKim Black Math Coach/Interventionist Send message »
Education
MA Education/Human Relations/Counseling, BA EducationExperience
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.
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Gutierrez NeliaNelia Gutierrez Interventionist Send message »
Education
MA Education/Reading SpecialistExperience
27 years of experience teaching K–8Why 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.
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Herrera EdelEdel 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.
Special Education
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Arriaza AstridAstrid 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.
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Cromwell MeghannMeghann Cromwell Self-Contained Functional Skills Send message »
Education
MA Special Education, BA Business AdministrationExperience
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.
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Royer KimKim Royer Special Education Teacher Send message »
Education:
Bachelors in Education and Masters in Special EducationExperience:
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.
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