Meet Our Faculty and Staff
We are fortunate to have such a high quality of administration, faculty, and support staff members at Country Place Elementary. Our teachers hail from Seattle to Syracuse, Charleston to Chicago, and we’ve even imported from Hawaii. When we mix this new blood with our homegrown talent, we can offer you a rich foundation on which to base your children’s learning experiences.
Administration
Dr.
Michael Cagle
Principal
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Biography
Meet Dr. Michael Cagle
Hometown
Fort Worth, TexasFavorite Subject
HistoryHobbies
Rooting for the University of Arizona, NASCAR, reading, learning and teaching about leadership and the 7 Habits, positive psychology, Dallas Cowboys, basketball, watching the Walking Dead, everything Star Wars, playing games with my boys, and countryMessage
My mission is to develop leadership in myself and others in all aspects of my life. I believe that we control our own happiness and that each individual has immense power over his or her own life. Many people give this power away. Through my example, actions, and words, I want to help empower people to take charge of their lives and capture their power. I believe that we have immense power to make the world a better place—one interaction at a time. When we are kind to others and recognize the worth of each other, it makes our community a better place. Say a kind word or share a smile—change the world.
Donna Allsman
Assistant Principal
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Biography
Meet Donna Allsman
Hometown
WittmanFavorite Subject
ScienceHobbies
CraftsMessage
My name is Donna Allsman. I have been in the education career field for over 16 years. I have been a classroom teacher, master educator, instructional coach, and school counselor. I believe in building a leadership culture within our learning community. All students have leadership within them. I am excited to support them in tapping into their ability and achieving their goals. I am thrilled to be part of the Country Place Mustang family!
Cody Cherland
Dean of Students
P: (623) 478-6107
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Biography
Office Support
Brianna Amaro
Support Specialist, Jr.
P: (623) 478-6104
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Biography
Eliana Barrera
Administrative Secretary
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Biography
Vaneza Chavez
School Social Worker
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Biography
Meet Vaneza Chavez
Hometown
Phoenix, ArizonaFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
Cooking and spending time with my daughter.Message
I look forward to working with students and families of the Littleton district.
Aimee Dolejs
Psychologist
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Biography
Meet Aimee Dolejs
Hometown
Surprise, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
OhioFavorite Subject
PsychologyHobbies
Spending time with my family, reading, and exercise.Message
Marie Gutierrez
Librarian
P: (623) 478-6109
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Biography
Ruby Espana
Support Specialist, Sr.
P: (623) 478-6103
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Biography
Melinda Naomi Martinez
Nurse
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Biography
Teachers
Kindergarten
Anastasia Hanns
SEI
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Biography
Meet Anastasia Hanns
Hometown
Cashion, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
I began teaching when I worked at the Brighter Angels Learning Center while I was attending college to earn my bachelor's in education. I then got my first job in the Creighton School District teaching first grade at Larry C. Kennedy School. I taught four years in this school and then moved here to Country Place where I plan on staying for a very long time.Favorite Subject
ReadingHobbies
Softball, hikingMessage
Shane Howe
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Biography
Meet Shane Howe
Hometown
ChokioFavorite Subject
HistoryHobbies
Camping, fitness, playing sports, and board gamesMessage
"Hello! My name is Mr. Howe and I am very excited to be joining the kindergarten team at Country Place Elementary! I am very excited for the 2021–2022 kindergarten school year! It will be an exciting year of academic achievement, personal growth, and many fun memories for each of us! I would share some personal information about myself as we get to know each other this year! I was born and raised in Chokio, MN., where my family once raised Buffalo! I attended and graduated college in Moorhead, MN. This will be my sixth year teaching in a public school and it will be my third year as a kindergarten teacher! I am very excited to meet each of you and for the school year to begin!"
Jaylene Yazzie
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Biography
Meet Jaylene Yazzie
Hometown
Tuba CityFavorite Subject
WritingHobbies
Hiking and taking photos of natureMessage
"I am excited to be working with the students and getting to know you all! I am a new teacher, just graduated with my B.A. in Arts. I am excited for this new journey."
First Grade
Sandra Matadamas
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Biography
Maria Meza
ELD
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Biography
Meet Maria Meza
Hometown
Yuma, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
I student taught at Country Place for the 2012-2013 school year, and I have been teaching here since.Favorite Subject
MathHobbies
Photography and bakingMessage
Hello! I can't wait to meet you and work with you. It's going to be an exciting year.
Kristina Palacios
ELD
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Biography
Meet Kristina Palacios
Hometown
Chandler, ArizonaFavorite Subject
ScienceHobbies
Hiking, baking, sewing, readingMessage
Jessica York
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Biography
Meet Jessica York
Hometown
Kingman, ArizonaFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
Cake decorating, sportsMessage
Every child deserves a chance to learn. I am here to provide a safe and fun learning environment that will benefit all students.
Second Grade
Alejandra Hernandez
Permanent Substitute
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Biography
Nancy Martinez
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Biography
Gloria Rodriguez
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Biography
Meet Gloria Rodriguez
Hometown
Goodyear, ArizonaFavorite Subject
WritingHobbies
ExerciseMessage
Hello, and I welcome your child to third grade.
Edward Tafolla
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Biography
Meet Edward Tafolla
Hometown
Los Angeles, CaliforniaWhere I Started Teaching
Country Place Leadership AcademyFavorite Subject
HistoryHobbies
Spending time with family, reading books, and travelingMessage
Third Grade
Jemille De La Cruz
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Biography
Meet Jemille De La Cruz
Hometown
Rio Rico, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Nogales, ArizonaFavorite Subject
ELAHobbies
I like to scrapbook. I like to go to the movies, go dancing, and be with friends and family.Message
Lynette Hill
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Biography
Meet Lynette Hill
Hometown
Goodyear, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Country Place Elementary in 2010Favorite Subject
ReadingHobbies
Reading, wakeboardingMessage
Welcome to a new and exciting year! I am very happy to play a role in your child's education. As a parent of two students here at Country Place, I know how important it is to know what your child is learning in school. I have an open door policy so please feel free to stop in and see for yourself. 
Maria Serrano
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Biography
Meet Maria Serrano
Hometown
Duarte, CaliforniaWhere I Started Teaching
I started in the education field in 2000 in the Cartwright District as a kindergarten paraprofessional. In 2005, I moved to the Littleton District at Country Place where I began working as a kindergarten paraprofessional and a SPED paraprofessional. I moved to my own classroom in 2014 to teach third grade at CPLA and counting.Favorite Subject
ReadingHobbies
Spending time with family and craftingMessage
Fourth Grade
Astrid Garcia
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Biography
Meet Astrid Garcia
Hometown
El Paso, TexasWhere I Started Teaching
TexasFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
Reading, watching movies, and puzzlesMessage
Great minds don't always think alike.
Daniel Mainord
Fourth Grade
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Biography
Serina Puebla
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Biography
Rocio Suarez-Ruiz
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Biography
Meet Rocio Suarez-Ruiz
Hometown
San Luis, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Gadsden Elementary School District in San Luis, Arizona.Favorite Subject
Social StudiesHobbies
Movies, family time, and campingMessage
Fifth Grade
Lance Fox
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Biography
Meet Lance Fox
Hometown
Paducah, KYFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
Spending time with family and playing the keyboard.Message
Tatum Green
Math
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Biography
Meet Tatum Green
Hometown
Alamogordo, New MexicoWhere I Started Teaching
Country Place Leadership AcademyFavorite Subject
Math and PEHobbies
Sports, reading, playing with my puppies, and volunteeringMessage
I am so excited to be a part of the Country Place staff and community this year! Lets make it an amazing year! 
Sylla Hydiah
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Biography
Meet Sylla Hydiah
Hometown
Lilburn, GeorgiaFavorite Subject
Language ArtsHobbies
Cooking, reading, and hikingMessage
"I am so excited to work with y'all this school year in our fifth-grade class."
Stacey Sobelman
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Biography
Meet Stacey Sobelman
Hometown
St. Louis, MissouriWhere I Started Teaching
Country Place Leadership AcademyFavorite Subject
WritingHobbies
Crafts, Reading, and Watching SportsMessage
Sixth Grade
Paul Budge
Math
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Biography
Ashley Farrell
Social Studies
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Biography
Meet Ashley Farrell
Hometown
Port Byron, IllinoisWhere I Started Teaching
Raul H. Castro Middle School in Phoenix, ArizonaFavorite Subject
ELAHobbies
Reading, dancing, playing with my puppies, and spending time with family and friends.Message
I am looking forward to some amazing things happening this year!
Shannon Fitzgerald
ELA
Biography
Meet Shannon Fitzgerald
Hometown
Phoenix, ArizonaFavorite Subject
HistoryHobbies
Swimming, walking, watching moviesMessage
Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s), Hello. My name is Shannon Fitzgerald and I am your child's sixth grade English Language Arts teacher this school year. I am very excited to begin working with your child to help make this a successful year for him or her. This will be an excellent year for your child. I am looking forward to helping your child succeed academically.
Alexandra Gerber
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Biography
Meet Alexandra Gerber
Hometown
Glendale, ArizonaFavorite Subject
Math and language artsHobbies
I play four different instruments. I love to paint and read books. I absolutely love snowboarding and getting active.Message
I am so excited to be a teacher with Country Place Leadership Academy this year! I student taught last year in this same, exact position and can't wait to get to meet all my new students. I believe all students have their own strengths, and I love getting to know each and every one of them! Seventh Grade
Sarah Huber
English
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Biography
Meet Sarah Huber
Hometown
Davenport, IAFavorite Subject
LiteratureHobbies
Hiking, camping, and craftingMessage
"Hello, all! I am so excited to be joining the Littleton community this year and even more so to get to know each of you. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions, comments, or concerns."
Larry Lopes
History
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Biography
Meet Larry Lopes
Hometown
New Bedford, MassachusettsWhere I Started Teaching
Quentin STEM AcademyFavorite Subject
HistoryHobbies
Working out, community service through my fraternity (Omega Psi Phi), and spending time with my wife and two sons.Message
Respect each other's differences and one another. Realize that we all are gifted in our own unique way.
Fanta Walker
Math
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Biography
Eighth Grade
Evgeniia Galstian
Social Studies
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Biography
Meet Evgeniia Galstian
Hometown
Abroad/Russia/UlyankovskFavorite Subject
LiteratureHobbies
Art, reading, movies, runningMessage
"My main goal is to engage you in education, not schooling."
Randy McCleery
Science
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Biography
Peter Messieha
Math
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Biography
Meet Peter Messieha
Hometown
East Lansing, MichiganWhere I Started Teaching
Downtown PhoenixFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
Pool: Swimming and billiards Games: Basketball, board games, card gamesMessage
I am excited for the opportunity to teach your kids math and look for chances to help them grow from last year!
Exceptional Learning Teachers
Melissa Castro
4–6 Resource
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Biography
Meet Melissa Castro
Hometown
Avondale, ArizonaFavorite Subject
Language ArtsHobbies
ShoppingMessage
I am so excited to be your teacher. It will be a great year. Go, Mustangs! 
Rajwant Cheema
7-8 Resource
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Biography
Kimberly Eberlein
C.C. K-2
Biography
Meet Kimberly Eberlein
Hometown
Wickenburg, ArizonaFavorite Subject
ScienceHobbies
Reading, hunting, hiking, and spending time with familyMessage
I'm excited to begin the new school year and to work with each of you and your families. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions, concerns, or comments you may have. Let's make it a great year!
Teresa Marquez
K–3 Resource
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Biography
Meet Teresa Marquez
Hometown
Phoenix, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School - Glendale, ArizonaFavorite Subject
Language ArtsHobbies
Walking, biking, reading and travelingMessage
I am very excited to be at Country Place! I look forward to sharing my love of education and leadership with my students and colleagues. 
Nathaniel Short
C.C. 5–6
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Biography
Ishmia Reed-Smith
C.C. 3–4
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Biography
Meet Ishmia Reed-Smith
Hometown
San Diego, CaliforniaWhere I Started Teaching
Quentin Elementary SchoolFavorite Subject
Social studies and readingHobbies
Hiking, reading, movies, and time with familyMessage
Student Achievement Coach
Kathy Larm
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Biography
Meet Kathy Larm
Hometown
Duluth, GeorgiaWhere I Started Teaching
I started to teach at Rainbow Valley Elementary School.Favorite Subject
MathHobbies
Reading, hiking, decorating, and spending time with my familyMessage
I am so excited to be a part of the Country Place team! It's going to be a great year!
Reading Interventionist
Special Areas
Emily Bentley
Art
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Biography
Meet Emily Bentley
Hometown
St. Louis, MissouriFavorite Subject
ArtHobbies
Swimming, hiking, cooking, drawing, painting, and readingMessage
Hello all! I am excited to begin my teaching career as the art teacher at Country Place Leadership Academy. My first priority is helping our young learners grow and develop their independence and creativity. I cannot wait to get to know each one of you and your families and to see what this school year will bring!
Gloria Chadwick
Band
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Biography
Meet Gloria Chadwick
Hometown
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaWhere I Started Teaching
Pendergast Elementary School DistrictFavorite Subject
MusicHobbies
Exercising, marine aquatics, and travelingMessage
Brayden Crowe
P.E.
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Biography
Meet Brayden Crowe
Hometown
Wichita, KansasWhere I Started Teaching
Quentin Elementary SchoolFavorite Subject
PE, psychology, and sociologyHobbies
Exercising, reading, and hikingMessage
I'm looking forward to a great year.
Roberta Garcia
Gifted
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Biography
Meet Roberta Garcia
Hometown
Cashion, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Quentin Elementary SchoolFavorite Subject
ReadingHobbies
Anything sportyMessage
¡Sí, se puede!
Alejandra Hernandez
Permanent Substitute
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Biography
Anitra Morin
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Biography
Meet Anitra Morin
Hometown
Joplin, MissouriWhere I Started Teaching
Estrella Mountain ElementaryFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
I enjoy spending time with family, reading, and running.Message
My mission is all about love. Love yourself. Love others. Love learning. Approach anything and everything with a happy heart and a helping hand. Love is all you need; it conquers all!
Earl Souders
Technology
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Chandler Weesner-Vasquez
Music Teacher
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Biography
Meet Chandler Weesner-Vasquez
Hometown
Peoria, ArizonaFavorite Subject
MusicHobbies
Making and listening to music and going on road trips.Message
Hello, Country Place families! My name is Mr. Vasquez, and I will be joining the Mustangs this year as our new music teacher. I look forward to exploring various musical ideas, mediums, and experiences with everyone in the subject meant for all.School Support
Paraprofessionals
Sara Aranda
CC 6–7
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Biography
Mara Castillo
CC K–2
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Biography
Meet Mara Castillo
Hometown
San Jose, CaliforniaWhere I Started Teaching
Santa Clara Country of EducationFavorite Subject
Reading and historyHobbies
Cooking and gardeningMessage
Angelica Clark
Early Childhood
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Biography
Yesenia Delgado
Childhood
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Biography
Jessica Jaramillo
CC 6–7
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Biography
Eugenia Lopez
CC 2–5
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Biography
Norvy Lopez
Early Childhood
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Biography
Anali Meza
CC 3–5
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Biography
Maria Rodriguez
LD
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Biography
Linda Rubalcaba
CC K–2
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Biography
Meet Linda Rubalcaba
Hometown
Cashion, ArizonaWhere I Started Teaching
Country Place gave me the opportunity to be a special education paraprofessional for the 2017-2018 school year. This is a new adventure for me, as I had worked in the judicial system and as a criminal courtroom clerk for over 20 years.Favorite Subject
Reading and EnglishHobbies
Cooking, reading, sewing for Stitches of Love, crafts, selling Avon, and spending time with my kids and grandkids.Message
Cafeteria
Marlene Pedroza
Cafeteria Manager
P: (623) 478-6108
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Biography
Custodial
Mercedes Aguilar
Lead Custodian
P: (623) 478-6112
Biography
Blanca Gonzalez
Night Custodian
Biography
