Stephanie Alexander has been with Great Hearts Anthem Archway since 2022, and quickly established
herself as an essential part of the 5th grade team. She has two daughters who are currently in Prep but started in Kindergarten and 3rd grade. She is a firm believer in Anthem Prep’s approach to a classical education and was excited to start contributing to that with the opening of our new building.
Mrs. Alexander is known for her ability to make people feel calm and content simply by being around her. She brings this kindness to her students every day and helps them find the very best versions of themselves.
She is incredibly organized and believes that if she is on time, she is actually late. She consistently demonstrates to her students how these qualities are essential for success upstairs in Prep and beyond.
Mrs. Alexander was born in Maryland and moved to Arizona at 8 years old. Prior to Anthem Prep she worked as a 911 dispatcher for the Phoenix Police department, got her EMT certification, and worked as a school Health Technician. Given her background, even the stress of starting a new role in a brand-new building did not affect her. She has been described as a “superhero” by coworkers, but due to dress code, she has thus far refused to wear her cape to school. Mrs. Alexander states that the only thing she
does not like about her job is knowing that next year she will not see her students often because they are upstairs in Prep. However, she states it gives her a lot of comfort knowing that they are very well prepared for sixth grade and beyond.
When Mrs. Alexander is not at school she loves to hike, read, and make healthy meals but most of all she loves to spend time with the most important people in her world, her family.
Ruth Anthony is the kindergarten through fifth grade music teacher. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music and plays the piano and clarinet. She also has 2 children that have been students at Anthem Archway and Anthem Prep for the past 12 years. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys hiking, exercising, reading, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Cherise Begalke is currently a 5th grade teacher at Archway Classical Academy Anthem. This begins her 10.5 year as a faculty member. Ms. Begalke began at Archway Anthem as a 5th-grade assistant teacher, and then became a 5th grade teacher. Ms. Begalke has been teaching for over 25 years. She has a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor of Education with endorsements in Gifted Education, Reading Specialist, English Language Learner, and Early Childhood. Ms. Begalke enjoys spending time with her family as well as running, sailing, playing tennis, scuba diving, and traveling to other countries in the summer.
Angie Davis is currently in her third year as a kindergarten teaching assistant. She previously enjoyed volunteering a for one year at the Anthem Prep /Archway front office. Angie started her career with children working with preschoolers for several years. She worked at a mutual fund company for eight years as a supervisor. Angie has a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. She enjoys exercising and spending time with her husband and two kids.
Lillian Domina is currently a 4th grade Teacher Assistant at Archway Classical Academy Anthem. She has been in the educational field for 13 plus years. This begins her 4th year as a faculty member. When not spending time with her beloved fourth grade students, Ms. Domina enjoys spending time with family, especially with her first and only granddaughter.
Kristin Dumpit is currently a second-grade lead teacher at Great Hearts Anthem. This year begins Mrs. Dumpit’s 13th year as a faculty member and her 2nd year as a second-grade teacher. Mrs. Dumpit began at Archway Anthem as a 5th-grade assistant, and then became a 3rd grade co teacher. She then worked as an assistant in first grade and then later became a first-grade lead teacher. She is now settled into a second-grade lead teacher position. Mrs. Dumpit has a bachelor’s in health administration and has her Arizona state teaching certificate. Mrs. Dumpit enjoys time with her family, gardening, and completing projects around the house.
Michelle Elmer is an ESS Coordinator at Great Hearts Anthem and is beginning her seventh year with Great Hearts Schools. She has recently completed her master’s degree in special education, mild to moderate (K-12) at Arizona State University. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism. She has been an Arizona native for nine years, previously residing in Washington state where she raised four children and co-owned a business. Outside of work, Michelle enjoys traveling, walking, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
Mrs. Gottschalk started teaching Latin at Great Hearts Anthem Archway in 2022. She grew up in Minnesota where she attended college and law school. The Gottschalks moved to Arizona in 2013 and have not once missed the Minnesota winters. The Great Hearts curriculum, ethics, high expectations, and methodology instantly appealed to the Gottschalks for their own son. (There may have been mention of crying for days if her son did not get in during their first tour.) Happily, her son started at Anthem Archway as a kindergartener and continues now as a Prep student. Mrs. Gottschalk is grateful to be able to give back by being the Latin teacher at a school that has given so much to so many. Mrs. Gottschalk lives in Anthem and enjoys going to the movies, baking, reading, hiking, quilting, and laughing with friends and family.
Danielle Hendrickson is the K–3 art teacher at Archway Classical Academy Anthem. Now entering her tenth year of teaching, Mrs. Hendrickson loves inspiring her young “artists” to explore and enjoy all areas of art—including portraits, still lifes, sculpture, perspective, and landscapes.
Ms. Hendrickson holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the New York Institute of Technology and has also served as the school’s 504 Coordinator for the past seven years. In addition, Mrs. Hendrickson is the Dean of Students for grades 3–5.
Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, camping, and traveling.
Teresa Kruger is a PE teacher at Anthem Archway Classical Academy. This is Teresa’s fourth year at Anthem Archway, second year in the PE position. Teresa taught Kindergarten for 8 years and was also the director of the school before joining the Archway team. She has also taught PE/ health and subbed fulltime for a Highschool in MN. Teresa has a BA in Early Childhood along with a MA in human services. Teresa loves spending time with her husband, their three adult children, dog Minne, and family back in MN where she is from. She enjoys hiking, working out, traveling, and reading.
Shannon Lozano is currently a 5th Grade Teacher at Great Hearts Anthem Archway. This is her 4th year at Great Hearts where she has also taught Latin and worked as a Math Interventionist. Mrs. Lozano has a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of San Francisco and teaching credentials in Elementary Education from National University. She has 19 years of experience teaching every level from K-7. Mrs. Lozano is passionate about classical education and loves spending time with family and friends.
Ms. MacDuff is currently a third-grade teacher at Great Hearts Anthem. This year begins Ms. MacDuff’s fifth school year at Great Hearts Anthem as a teacher but 13th year as a family of the school. Ms. MacDuff has a BS degree in Criminology and a Post-Baccalaureate Elementary Education K-8 certification as well as an AZ state teaching certification with SEI and Literacy K-5 endorsements. In her free time, Ms. MacDuff loves spending time with her kids, drinking good coffee, traveling, and crafting.
Julie-Anna McKinnon is a first-grade lead teacher, and this is her fifth year working at Great Hearts. She has served in many different roles including a 4th grade teaching assistant, a first-grade teaching assistant, and is currently in her second year of teaching first-grade as a lead teacher! Miss McKinnon is also an alumni student as she attended Great Hearts Anthem throughout high school. She has a passion for teaching and helping students grow and learn! Her favorite subject is math but enjoys teaching all subjects! Miss McKinnon also has a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University!
Shannon Miller is an ESS coordinator at Great Hearts Anthem. She is a native Phoenician and has taught valley wide for 29 years. She received her dual major bachelor’s degree in elementary education (K-8) and cross categorical special education (K-12) with endorsements in learning disabilities, emotional/behavioral disorders, and mild/moderate intellectual disabilities. Since graduation, she has obtained a Structured English Immersion endorsement (PreK-12). She is the mother of three grown children who are all Great Hearts graduates. She now enjoys her two granddaughters, hiking Arizona trails, and traveling the world.
Barbara started with Great Hearts Archway in Anthem during the 2022 school year. She previously worked in the other area schools since 2020 in the same capacity. She was born and raised in North Dakota. Her job history in North Dakota consisted of working in the insurance industry as a processing clerk; in a glass replacement/auto repair shop as a customer service rep for 7 years and then taking the business over as the owner/manager for another 15 years; and working in the banking industry as a teller, teller supervisor, and fraud/security officer. She left North Dakota in 2012 residing for a year in Kansas working in a credit union as a teller and in a Denny’s restaurant as a hostess. Moving on to Arizona for 3 years working in the processing center for a bank and later as a caregiver for seniors along with being a hostess at Denny’s restaurant. Proceeding unto southern California where she got into the paraprofessional work with elementary students and again working part time at a Denny’s restaurant for the next 5 years. In 2020, she moved back to Arizona right before Covid hit in March leaving her unemployed until the following school year that fall. Barbara has one son and 3 beautiful grandsons along with a blended foster family of 3 adult parents, 8 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. She stays active with a walking/jogging schedule meshed in with time at a local gym. She enjoys traveling back to North Dakota for the summers to spend time with family and friends.
Samantha Montemayor is a first grade Teacher Assistant at Anthem Prep and has been part of the school community for the last four years. She’s a busy mom of two boys and loves spending as much time as possible with her family. When she’s not at school, you can usually find her camping, enjoying the outdoors, or cheering on a sports game. Samantha enjoys supporting students, seeing their growth throughout the year and being part of the Great Heart Anthem family.
Stephanie Motter is currently a Kindergarten teacher at Archway Classical Academy Anthem. This will be Mrs. Motter’s 11th year as a faculty member. She began her career at Anthen Archway as a Kindergarten Teaching Assistant, then moved into a Kindergarten Lead Teaching role and spent a year as the Reading Specialist. After working several years in banking and regulatory law, she found her passion for education through volunteering in her children’s classrooms. Watching her students grow in their sense of wonder and seeing that spark grow as they begin their journey with reading are among her greatest joys in teaching Kindergarten. Mrs. Motter has a Juris Doctor, Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Mrs. Motter enjoys reading, travel, and spending time with family, friends, and pets.
Mrs. Lenka Pascanu is in her eighth year as part of the ESS team at Great Hearts Anthem, and this is her seventh year as an ESS Coordinator. Mrs. Pascanu has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and has completed Arizona’s special education mild-moderate disabilities certification for certified teachers’ post-degree certificate. Over the last 26 years, Mrs. Pascanu has worked in both general and special education. She enjoys working with ESS students, tailoring her instruction to meet the unique needs of her students, and watching her students’ growth not only academically, but also in their understanding of truth, beauty, and goodness.
She enjoys being outdoors, going to her sons’ sports events, exploring new places, and walking her dogs.
Kristin Pegram is currently the Reading Interventionist for grades K-5 at Archway Classical Academy Anthem. Mrs. Pegram has a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Cincinnati. She possesses a strong passion to serve others and help instill a lifetime love for learning in her students. She enjoys spending time with her family, Pilates, reading and spending time outdoors.
Kendra Pillsbury has served as a master 4th grade teacher at Archway Classical Academy Anthem for the past 9 years. Mrs. Pillsbury has a Bachelor of Arts in History and Psychology and a Masters of Business Administration. Mrs. Pillsbury is passionate about teaching a liberal arts curriculum and has appreciated this gift for her four children. Mrs. Pillsbury enjoys reading, coffee, and family time.
Dana Rideout is beginning her 6th year as a Lead Teacher at Anthem Archway. Previously, she taught first grade here at Archway and high school history to 10th and 11th graders for five years at Washington High School.
In her free time, when she’s not watching her kids play a variety of sports, she loves to read, hike, and spend time with family and friends. She enjoys watching and playing sports and attending Arizona State football games. She has three children, all scholars at Archway, a loving husband, and a black labrador retriever.
Mrs. Rideout has a Bachelor’s of Arts in Broadcast Journalism and a Master’s of Arts in Secondary Education from Arizona State University.
Susan Spickler, M.A., NBCT, is Great Hearts Anthem’s English Language Learner Coordinator. Susan has taught English Language Learners in every year she has been in education. Guiding development in reading, writing, listening, and speaking so learners can access the core curriculum at a deeper level. Within her additional work as an IEP meeting facilitator with Key2ed, Susan shares genuine experiences and situations with her training members. With her 25 years as a Special Educator for students with multiple disabilities, she also bridges the gap between general education and specialized classes for students in self-contained and resource programs. Teaching in San Diego, Texas, and Arizona has broadened her perspective on supporting diverse students and families. Believing in the worth of every child, Susan is determined to make a difference in the students’ lives she encounters. She academically and emotionally supports families and school staff in every opportunity that is presented.
Maria Swartz is currently a First Grade teacher. Mrs. Swartz was a Kindergarten and First Grade assistant for 3 years and this is her third year as a First Grade lead. Prior to teaching here, Mrs. Swartz taught preschool at North Valley Christian Academy. She lives in North Phoenix with her husband and her two kids. She enjoys being a Great Hearts parent, Latin American foods, photography, and spending time with her family.
I have 2 wonderful boys. My oldest son graduated from Anthem Prep in 2023 and my youngest son is in 8th grade at Anthem Prep. Volunteering at GH Anthem in numerous roles while being a stay at home mom led to joining the team as a TA. I love assisting in every way with our 5th grade students and preparing them for their journey to middle school. It’s pure joy to see and visit with our past 5th grade graduates as the continue their journey.
Kathryn Young has been teaching art at Great Hearts Anthem since 2022 to both Archway and Prep students. As of the 2025-26 school year she will be teaching art to grades 6, 7, and 8 at Anthem Prep. Originally from Maryland, she previously worked in the private sector for ten years as a graphic designer and accountant before returning to school to earn her master’s degree and teacher certification. After moving to Arizona in 2017, Kathryn taught art at a Deer Valley K-8 public school in the Anthem community. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts, a Master of Arts in Teaching, and is a certified teacher in the state of Arizona. Outside of teaching, she loves to spend time with her husband and two children (both attending Great Hearts), travel, cook, read, and listen to music.
Brenda Mancini is currently the Lead Teacher in 3B. This is her third year at Great Hearts Anthem. She spent many years volunteering at the school before becoming part of the faculty. Mrs. Mancini has a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Montclair State University. Mrs. Mancini enjoys teaching religious education classes and has done so for eight years. She also enjoys cooking, gardening, camping and spending time with her family and friends.
My name is Ms. Jacqueline James and this is my 15th year as an elementary school teacher. I was born and raised in New York. I served as a Broadcast Journalist in the United States Navy. I have always loved being a teacher and 2nd grade is my favorite grade to teach. I have a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, a master’s degree in Curriculum and Design and in Educational Leadership. I am passionate about instilling Leadership Skills in my students and facilitating the Leader in Me in my classroom.
Doug Sarsany is a 5th Grade Teacher at Great Hearts Anthem Archway. This is his first year as a full-time teacher, having previously taught in a substitute teacher capacity and tutor. Prior to joining Great Hearts, he worked in consulting and derivatives trading. Mr. Sarsany has a BA in Economics from DePauw University and an MBA in Finance from The University of Chicago. He enjoys building furniture and DIY projects. When schedules permit, you can find him hiking in the Costa Rica jungles looking for monkeys and sloths.
Elle Pickering is currently the instructional aide for Ms. White’s second grade class. This is her first year at Anthem Archway. She is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in business management from Grand Canyon University. She is a triplet and loves spending time with her family. She also loves fitness, snowboarding, hiking, and traveling.
Valerie Manzella is in her first year at Great Hearts Anthem Prep as a Kindergarten Teacher Assistant. Prior to working at Great Hearts Anthem, she volunteered her time there as the Parent Services Organization (PSO) President. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in Linguistics from Stony Brook University and a master’s degree in Education from Dowling College. Her prior teaching experience includes ELL Teaching Assistant for the Brentwood Union Free School District in New York; K, 2nd, 4th & 5th grades Teacher for the Clark County School District in Nevada, and ELL Instructional Coach for both the Clark County School District and the Peoria Union Free School District in Arizona.
Ms. Bostwick moved to Arizona from NYC 8 years ago and has never looked back! After years of practicing and owning her own permanent makeup studio, she decided to make the transition to education so that she could join her children and serve her local community at Great Hearts. On weekends, you can find her at a thrift shop, practicing wellness routines, or scoping out upcoming rodeos.
Audree Hempelman is currently the fourth and fifth-grade art teacher. This is her first-year teaching at Great Hearts, and she is excited to guide the students through the world of visual arts. She earned her bachelor’s degree in art from Arizona State University. She is passionate about helping students build confidence through their own artistic expression. She also loves nature, poetry, and cooking.
Bev Abbott begins her 5th year as a school counselor at Anthem Archway Anthem. She has worked as a Guidance Counselor at the high school level for seven years and ten years within the elementary school setting. She has also taught in the classroom setting for over 15 years. Ms. Abbott has a School Counseling Certificate from Ottawa University and a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Northern Arizona University. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, hiking, reading and being outdoors. She is excited to be a part of the Great Heart’s Family.
Born and raised in Arizona, she has spent the last seven years working in education. This is her first year being a TA at Great Hearts, and she is excited to begin this new chapter. When she’s not at work, she loves to read, stay active, and cheer on her favorite teams at baseball games. She enjoys building connections and supporting students in their academic journey.
Helen Paulis is currently a Kindergarten Teaching Assistant who began her journey with Anthem Archway August of 2025. Previously, she was the Manager of Operations for a local small business here in Anthem.
Mrs. Paulis has lived in Anthem since March of 2007 and has loved being part of such a special community. Born and raised in Southern California, she has a deep love for the beach, and a great sunset paired with a good book.
In her free time, Mrs. Paulis enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, being outdoors and a great Sunday Service full of worship.
Jordyn Emert, BSN RN is a registered nurse with nine years of pediatric experience. Previously, Nurse Emert worked at Seattle Children’s Hospital in the craniofacial and neurosurgery operating room and in the Division of Cleft, Craniofacial, and Plastic Surgery at Phoenix Children’s Hospital . Nurse Emert is passionate about helping students establish healthy habits and empowering them to manage their care for both acute and chronic conditions.
In her spare time, Nurse Emert enjoys spending time with her family and two goldendoodles, running marathons, and drinking a good cup of coffee.
Kathy is excited to be a new TA this school year, has been a lead teacher in Athenaeum since 2023, & will continue with that as well this year. The highlights of every day for her, are the waves, hugs, & hello’s from the children!
Kathy loves to travel, & has many wonderful memories from road trips & international destinations. She & her husband of almost 40 years, have taken their oldest grandchild to 17 national parks, where he has earned a Jr. Ranger Badge in each. Her favorite places to go as often as possible are Montana & Idaho, where her kids & 4 grandkids live.
Kathy has a Bachelor’s Degree in Technical Journalism from Colorado State University. Her passions are the Bible, volunteering, music/concerts (she’s a former radio D.J.), reading & collecting books, Formula 1 racing, rodeos, Native American & Western culture, learning how to paint from an artist-friend, & making Greek (her ethnicity) food for special occasions.
Janet Helms is a 3rd Grade Teacher Assistant at Archway Classical Academy Anthem. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and is beginning her first year as a faculty member. Mrs. Helms finds great joy in supporting and encouraging her beloved 3rd grade students. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their children, watching movies, and cheering at her children’s baseball and softball games.
Katherine Liek is in her first year of teaching kindergarten at Great Hearts, bringing over eleven years of experience teaching Kindergarten and Pre-K. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Northern Arizona University. A Wisconsin native, she now enjoys exploring Arizona’s natural beauty with her husband, son, and playful pug.
Jordan Fahrenkrug is in her first year of teaching first-grade at Great Hearts Anthem. She graduated from Grand Canyon University with a Bachelor’s in Behavioral Health Science. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing stories and poetry, playing video games with her husband, and exploring books on personality psychology. You can also find her discussing Tolkien and authors like Bradbury or Huxley with anyone who will listen.
Christina lives in Anthem with her husband and four boys, two of which attend Great Hearts Anthem. Originally from Tucson, she grew up in the valley and loves to explore the state of Arizona. Christina loves working at the school and having the opportunity to get to know all the families. While her background is in hospitality, she has enjoyed the transition into working for the school and is excited for this school year. On the weekends, she enjoys watching her boys play soccer, tennis or the piano.
Matt is in his second year at Archway Anthem, serving in a unique dual role as the K–1 Physical Education teacher and a K–1 ESS support team member. He is also proud to be an uncle to an Archway student, which makes being part of the school community especially meaningful to him. Matt loves helping students build confidence through movement, encouragement, and strong relationships, and his goal is to create an environment where every student feels supported, included, and excited to grow. He previously earned his Personal Training certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from SUNY Oswego. His strong passion for mental health inspired a career switch into the helping professions, and he is currently completing his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with the goal of becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). He also holds various mental health certifications, including Mental Health First Aid and QPR training. Outside of school, Matt enjoys classic cinema, painting and other art, music, staying active, golfing, fishing, and playing guitar. He enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, Jazzy, and their pets, Basil and Kiki.
