Meet Our Teachers and Staff
We are very fortunate to employ such talented and committed faculty members at Littleton Elementary STEM Academy. Our qualified staff strives to keep lines of communication open and is happy to receive any questions or comments. Please feel free to contact us as needed.
Administration
Eric Atuahene
Principal
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Biography
Samantha Armstrong
Assistant Principal
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Meet Samantha Armstrong
Hometown
Phoenix, ArizonaFavorite Subject
Literature and yearbookHobbies
Reading, puzzles, and being a band mom.Message
I am looking forward to continuing to work with the Quentin community to help foster a growth mindset for teachers and students so we can put in the effort needed to be our best! "Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right." - Henry Ford
Office Support
Maria Del Toro
Administrative Secretary
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Lilianna Hernandez
Support Specialist, Jr.
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Pamela Ricci
Nurse
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Teachers
Preschool
Jazmin Pacheco
TOSA
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Marlea Alward
Preschool
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Meet Marlea Alward
Hometown
Harsens Island, MIFavorite Subject
ReadingHobbies
Reading, cooking, and spending time with family.Message
I am looking forward to working with parents and the preschool team in order to make the students first school experience a positive one and setting the students up for success.
Vanessa Asarisi
Preschool
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Karen Garza
Preschool
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Meet Karen Garza
Hometown
La Mirada, CAFavorite Subject
EnglishHobbies
Cross stitching, swimming, playing games, watching moviesMessage
As an educator, I feel strongly about providing the best for all students. My experience and creativity will be used to expand a child's social, emotional, and educational involvement. I understand the importance of structure and positive collaboration with students and parents. In addition, I will work to provide a positive environment and implement various behavioral strategies for student success. My goal is for every student to feel safe, confident, and successful.
Celeste Kolinchak
Preschool
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Bertha Plaza
Preschool
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Jasmine Rodriguez
Preschool
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Kindergarten
Napua Alvarez
Kindergarten
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Meet Napua Alvarez
Hometown
Buckeye, AZFavorite Subject
ScienceHobbies
Spending time with my two beautiful children, my husband, and family. I also enjoy watching sports and getting outside whenever I can.Message
My mission is to bring the aloha spirit to my kindergarten classroom so that I can inspire your student's first love of learning. I would like to share my Hawaiian culture to all of Littleton in hopes of being that happy, encouraging teacher that students come back to, even after years of kindergarten have gone by. E komo mai (welcome) to my ohana (family).
Jordan Thompson
Kindergarten
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Meet Jordan Thompson
Hometown
El Paso, TXFavorite Subject
ScienceHobbies
Reading, yoga, and spending time with family and friends.Message
Hello. I am really excited to get to know you and your student while motivating them to learn and grow as the year goes on.
First Grade
Taylor Burke
First Grade
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Meet Taylor Burke
Hometown
Melbourne, FLFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
Crafting, reading, spending time with my four-legged kiddos.Message
I am so excited to adventure into first grade, and look forward to growing with you and your kiddo throughout our partnership together.
Alyssa Kemp
First Grade
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Eliana Romero
First Grade
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Meet Eliana Romero
Hometown
Santa Fe, NMFavorite Subject
Reading and MusicHobbies
Reading, dancing, shopping, and spending time with friends and family.Message
I am excited to have your students in my classroom, and I am ready to learn and grow with them.
Second Grade
Courtany Bartels
Second Grade
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Meet Courtany Bartels
Hometown
Polson, MTFavorite Subject
Social StudiesHobbies
Hanging out with friends, football, and craftingMessage
My name is Courtany Bartels, and I am currently the second grade teacher in Leola, SD. I have been happily married to the gym teacher for four years. I am mom to Kenton, an active, hilarious, two year old, and a baby on the way. I am privileged to be a Montana native that has been born and raised in the beautiful landscape of America. My setting would not have been as beautiful if it were not for my incredible family. Being the youngest of three daughters, I have been able to experience blessings and guidance from my entire family. My family has taught me the importance of building relationships with those around you to help create a great environment wherever you find yourself.
Kasey Hauck
Second Grade
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Meet Kasey Hauck
Hometown
Inver Grove Heights, MNFavorite Subject
WritingHobbies
Running, kickboxing, reading in the sun, and spending time with my family.Message
I am very excited to get to know the students and families at Littleton. I believe that learning should be fun, exciting, and hands-on.
Alejandra Valdes
Second Grade
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Third Grade
Brenda Alamillo
Third Grade
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Meet Brenda Alamillo
Hometown
Los Angeles, CAFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
Gardening and readingMessage
I am excited to be your child's teacher this year! We are going to have fun learning math, reading, writing, science, and lots more.
Ashley Avechuco
Third Grade
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Meet Ashley Avechuco
Hometown
Phoenix, AZFavorite Subject
ReadingHobbies
Spending time with my family and practicing self-careMessage
Hello! I am very excited to be your child's teacher this year! We will learn lots and have fun doing it! It is going to be a great year.
Bailey Vander Molen
Third Grade
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Meet Bailey Vander Molen
Hometown
Escalon, CAFavorite Subject
ScienceHobbies
Volleyball, sports, hiking, and craftingMessage
Hi! I am Mrs. Vander Molen! I am so excited for third grade together. I am looking forward to all the fun times and great things we will accomplish.
Fourth Grade
Elizabeth Johnson
Fourth Grade
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Meet Elizabeth Johnson
Hometown
Greenvile, WisconsinFavorite Subject
Social StudiesHobbies
I enjoy watching the Packers and Wisconsin Badgers, playing softball, traveling, and reading.
Rachel Mullins
Fourth Grade
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Meet Rachel Mullins
Hometown
Maryville, MissouriFavorite Subject
ScienceHobbies
I love to cook, spend time with my pets, play video games, scroll Pinterest and Netflix, travel to new places, and learn anything new I can learn.Message
It is my first year as a teacher, but I am so excited to begin the journey as a Littleton Firebird. My classroom will be full of exploration, creativity, and problem solving. The 2018-2019 school year will be the best school year ever.
Arizona Nguyen
Fourth Grade
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Meet Arizona Nguyen
Hometown
Phoenix, AZFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
Relaxing and winding downMessage
All students are capable of success, and I am excited to support the students in this journey to endeavor their future.
Fifth Grade
Iliana Alamillo
Fifth Grade
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Biography
Meet Iliana Alamillo
Hometown
Tolleson, AZFavorite Subject
Math, social studiesHobbies
Folklorico dancing, painting, playing tennis, and watching moviesWelcome to 5th grade! This is my third year teaching 5th graders, and they are such a blast! I grew up in the Littleton School District, and now I am so excited to be able to teach the students within my community. I am looking forward to working with you and your student to help them succeed in their education. It's going to be a great year in 5th grade!
Tearra Hunter
Fifth Grade
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Meet Tearra Hunter
Hometown
Tucson, AZFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
Bodybuilding, dog training, and binge-watching SurvivorMessage
I am looking forward to working with you. It will be an exciting year together.
Sixth Grade
Kayla Billings
English / Math
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Meet Kayla Billings
Hometown
Gorham, MaineFavorite Subject
Math and ScienceHobbies
I love to read, swim, and spend time with my family.Message
"If there is no struggle, there is no progress." - Frederick Douglass
David Irvin
Science / HSS
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Meet David Irvin
Hometown
Glendale, AZFavorite Subject
HistoryHobbies
DrivingMessage
"Let the word go forth from this time and place that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans" - John F. Kennedy, 1961
Seventh and Eighth Grade
Brendan Finegan
Math
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Meet Brendan Finegan
Hometown
BillericaFavorite Subject
HistoryHobbies
Reading, hiking, traveling, and watching movies.Message
Hello, my name is Brendan Finegan. I have the privilege of being your math teacher for the 2022–23 school year. I am originally from Massachusetts and just moved to Phoenix about a month ago. I am very excited to get started for this school year and to join a community of academic integrity and growth.
Cassandra Lockard
Science
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Meet Cassandra Lockard
Hometown
Savannah, GeorgiaFavorite Subject
History and Art HistoryHobbies
Rugby, reading, cooking, hiking, video games, and kick boxing.Message
My favorite quote is, "You can never cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore." I look forward to helping our students cross the oceans of learning with courage, excitement, and dedication.
Emily Segerman
English
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Meet Emily Segerman
Hometown
South Haven, MIFavorite Subject
MusicHobbies
Reading, exercise, and cooking.Message
"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” — Malcolm X
Exceptional Learning Teachers
Bernadette Daite
SPED 5–8
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Meet Bernadette Daite
Hometown
Surprise, AZFavorite Subject
Reading, history, math, linguisticsHobbies
Reading, traveling, camping, hiking/backpacking, photography 
Karin Middeker
SPED K–4
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Meet Karin Middeker
Hometown
Rochester, New YorkFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
All things dog-related and exploring the west coast.Message
I am excited to start my second year at Quentin Elementary and grow with my students. Student Achievement Coach
Amanda Herrera
Student Achievement Coach
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Reading Interventionist
Kimberly Buckner
Reading Interventionist
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Meet Kimberly Buckner
Hometown
Syracuse, New YorkFavorite Subject
Language ArtsHobbies
I love to spend time with my family, shop, read, watch movies, and travel.Special Areas
Adriana Amavisca
Gifted
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Jakob Deaver
Music
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Emma Laskowski
Art
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Meet Emma Laskowski
Hometown
Hong KongFavorite Subject
ArtHobbies
Hiking, drawing, spending time with friends
Kelly Murray
Physical Education
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Meet Kelly Murray
Hometown
DeKalb, ILFavorite Subject
ScienceHobbies
Shopping, swimming, barbecuing, watching movies 
Marissa Wilt
Band
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Meet Marissa Wilt
Hometown
Woodville, OHFavorite Subject
MusicHobbies
Trumpet, music, reading, and horseback riding.Message
I am very excited to be joining the Littleton and Collier team and look forward to an awesome school year. "Music can change the world because it can change people." - Paul Hewson
School Support
Gina Duran
Librarian
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Nohemi Franco
K-8 Psychologist Intern
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Dr. Kayla Hudak
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Natalie Heldenbrand
Speech
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Mariah Murphy
Speech
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Yanel Nava
Social Worker
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Meet Yanel Nava
Hometown
Pomona, CAFavorite Subject
MathHobbies
Arts and craftsMessage
I am excited to be joining the Littleton family. I am excited to meet all the students and their families and provide them with the necessary tools and resources to be happy and successful.
Chelsey Walworth
Occupational Therapy
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Yolanda Brown
Paraprofessional
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Carlos Gallegos
Paraprofessional
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Tersa Garcia
Paraprofessional
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Penny Gouveia
Paraprofessional
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Christina Hardyway
Paraprofessional
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Suzana Hernandez
Paraprofessional
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Maria Huerta
Paraprofessional
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Maria Terry Martinez
Paraprofessional
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Miriam Montes
Paraprofessional
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Veronica Moreno
Paraprofessional
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Inez Powell
Paraprofessional
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Felicita Rodriguez
Paraprofessional
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Gabryelle Almaraz
Preschool Psychologist
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Custodial
Miriam Cibrian
Lead Custodian
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Leticia Hernandez de Reyes
Night Custodian
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Javier Tarango
Night Custodian
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