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Mrs. Brown has dedicated herself to being the glue in our administrative team here at Cambridge! Graduating with Honors from Arizona State University, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. For seven years, Mrs. Brown devoted herself to the fields of Radiology and Oncology, where she provided exceptional care and support to patients. Her passion for making a positive impact on the lives of others became the cornerstone of her career.
Looking to serve her immediate community, Mrs. Brown made a significant transition to join the Cambridge Family, where she assumed the pivotal role of Office Specialist and Registrar in 2022. She plays a crucial part in the school's day-to-day operations, offering invaluable support to students, parents, and staff. Her dedication to Cambridge goes beyond her visible duties, as she efficiently manages various behind-the-scenes tasks, ensuring the school runs smoothly.
Beyond her professional achievements, Mrs. Brown's roots run deep in her beloved Arizona. As a second-generation Arizona Native, she proudly comes from Gilbert (technically born in Mesa since there was not a hospital in Gilbert at the time!). Her passion for education is a family legacy, with both of her grandparents being educators, and managing photography and yearbook programs. Mrs. Brown followed in their footsteps and took the reins of creating Cambridge's yearbook these past few years, continuing the family tradition.
Mrs. Brown has been happily married to her high school sweetheart, Jeremy, for almost a decade. The couple welcome their first child to the world in early January 2024, starting a joyous new chapter in their lives. Their home is currently shared with three cuddly cats, but if they could, they would have a whole zoo!
Nature and the great outdoors hold a special place in Mrs. Brown's heart. She enjoys spending time in her garden and taking various day trips around Arizona. This little desert school feels right at home to her.
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Cindi Wilson is a remarkable educator with over two decades of experience, leaving an indelible mark on the world of early childhood education. As a devoted wife, loving mother of two daughters and one son, and proud grandmother of three, Cindi's passion for teaching extends far beyond the classroom, touching the hearts of her family, colleagues, and the community.
Cindi's educational journey began right here in Mesa, Arizona, where she grew up and developed a deep connection to the community. Her roots in the area have provided her with a unique perspective on the needs and aspirations of local families, which has played a crucial role in her career as an educator.
For the past nine years, Cindi has been an invaluable part of the Cambridge Academy family, where she has not only served as a preschool teacher and director but has also been instrumental in shaping the institution's early childhood literacy programs. Her dedication to promoting literacy has been unwavering, as she has taken on the role of a reading specialist and instructional coach, collaborating with the administration to develop and implement innovative curriculum strategies that foster a love for learning in the hearts of the youngest students.
One of Cindi's standout qualities is her innate creativity, which she seamlessly weaves into her teaching methods and curriculum development. Her ability to infuse imagination and innovation into the learning process has captivated the minds of countless children and has helped them thrive in their early educational journeys.
Cindi's commitment to her community goes beyond the walls of the classroom. She leads the staff sunshine committee, where she spreads joy and cheer throughout the campus on birthdays and special events, creating a warm and inclusive environment for students and colleagues alike. Her dedication to building a positive and supportive community at Cambridge Academy is a testament to her leadership and caring nature.
Cindi Wilson is not just a teacher; she is a beacon of inspiration and a driving force behind the betterment of early childhood education. Her journey, from a local Mesa resident to an esteemed educator and community leader, is a testament to the enduring impact one individual can make.
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Ms. Martinez is a proud graduate of Grand Canyon University (Lopes Up!), where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 2024. Originally from Anaheim, California, she brings both enthusiasm and dedication to her teaching. Although she’s a recent graduate, Ms. Martinez is deeply rooted in the Cambridge Academy community—she spent all four years of college completing practicum hours as well as her student teaching program right here under the guidance and support of our very own, Mrs. Adams.
In the classroom, Ms. Martinez creates a welcoming, engaging environment where students feel supported, challenged, and encouraged to be themselves. She believes that learning should be meaningful, fun, and filled with opportunities for growth.
Outside of teaching, Ms. Martinez enjoys spending time with her family, collecting vinyl records and Funko Pops, attending concerts, and listening to music. She’s a big fan of Dutch Bros coffee, loves cheering on the Arizona Diamondbacks, and has a special place in her heart for dogs—especially when it comes to boxers!
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Mr. Joshua Williams is a graduate of ASU and also holds a certificate as a Sound Engineer, which he received from the Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences (CRAS). He is going into his fourth year of teaching here at Cambridge Academy. Prior to teaching here, Mr. Williams had fun teaching multiple grades of children in various schools all about places in Arizona like the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Kartchner Caverns and what cool native amphibians and reptiles can be found here while he was working for Project Exploration. His favorite was always the lizards and the trips he taught on the Wild Things Bus. He was also an instructor at CRAS after receiving his certificate.
Mr. Williams loves to learn and loves to teach. In his spare time, he enjoys sports, mostly basketball, taking drives to explore more of this beautiful state, making music, spending time with his dog, Mac, and enjoying family and friends time.
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Mrs. Adams received her Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in Art Education degree from Arizona State University in 2003, as well as her Elementary Education Certification for K-8 in 2005 and a Master’s in Education in 2007. She began teaching at Cambridge Academy in 2005 and has taught several grade levels including fifth, kindergarten, and first. Mrs. Adams strives to be a guide and mentor to students as they embark on their learning journeys filled with excitement, challenges, and learning opportunities. She is thrilled to be a part of the Cambridge Academy family!
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Kristin Smith has had many roles here at Cambridge and this year she is one of our second grade teachers! She is originally from Vermont, but has lived in Arizona for most of her life. Mrs. Kristin is married with two children, Aidan and Maggie, and three dogs. Both of Mrs. Smith’s children are Cambridge Academy alumni! When she’s not working, she enjoys doing projects around her house and spending time with her family.
Mrs. Kristin has a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from ASU and a master’s degree in English from NAU. Before working at Cambridge, Mrs. Kristin taught high school English.
Faculty & Staff
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Born, raised, and proud, Mr. Reyce Carrasco is a fourth-generation Arizonan and a fourth-generation Arizona teacher. Even in the face of sweltering summers, the Sonoran Desert is the only place he considers home.
Mr. Carrasco resides in the East Valley with his high school sweetheart, now his wife, their daughter, and their two scrappy dogs: River, an Aussie mix, and Laika, a Husky mix. Prior to studying Geographic Sciences at ASU and transitioning into the teaching profession, his first career began in wildland fire with the Bureau of Land Management and the United States Forest Service.
His academic education is used to construct classroom lessons, but he also draws on his real-world experiences to breathe life into their curriculum. Mr. Carrasco’s initial career allowed him to approach teaching through a lens that appreciates teamwork, creative problem-solving, self-discipline, endurance, and the belief that the most effective learning occurs through practical application.
Mr. Carrasco understands that every student is unique and learns best with tailored instruction and a teacher who invests time in recognizing each of them as the young souls they are. His pledge as their teacher is to do whatever is necessary to spark their love for learning and, in 10 months' time, to have students who are not just more confident academically but also more self-assured in their own potential to achieve great things.
In whatever spare time he’s blessed with, Mr. Carrasco can be found deep in the Superstitions or at home tending to his peach trees.
Should you have any questions, comments, or ideas, he encourages anyone not to hesitate and reach out. His door is always open.
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Ron Sericati is the Athletic Coach for Cambridge Academy. He grew up in Wisconsin but has lived in Arizona for the past 30 years. A lifelong advocate for youth sports, Ron believes in the many important character traits and values that sports can impart to young people. With 20 years of experience coaching, he is excited about launching Cambridge Academy's athletic program and being a part of the Canyon Athletic Association.
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Ms. Haley Jourgensen is one of our kindergarten teachers here at Cambridge Academy! Ms. J was born and raised in Arizona and began teaching elementary students after graduating from Grand Canyon University in 2021. She strives to make her classroom a safe and loving learning environment for all students. This will be her second year teaching kindergarten here at Cambridge and is looking for to another year of adventure. She enjoys spending her spare with her beloved puppy named Poppy.
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Mrs. Stewart has been a part of our Cambridge education family for the past 11 years. She graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary/Special Education K-8th grades from Grand Canyon University. Mrs. Stewart enjoys planning classroom activities, including fun and creative ways for her students to learn.
Mrs. Stewart and her husband, Terry, have a blended family with 5 daughters and four grandchildren, with one more on the way! She loves spending time at the beach and at her family cabin in Pine, AZ, with family and friends.
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Amy Monarrez is an educator with a career spanning over two decades, characterized by an unwavering commitment to educational excellence. Her profound belief in the power of education as a tool for positive change led her to pursue a Master's degree from Northern Arizona University, equipping her with the knowledge and expertise that have driven her career.
Having started her professional journey as a teacher, Amy understands the challenges and rewards of the classroom environment. Her teaching experience has allowed her to connect with students on a personal level, inspiring a lifelong commitment to their success. Her years in the classroom have also given her invaluable insights into effective teaching methods and the importance of fostering a nurturing learning environment.
Amy's dedication to education extends beyond her professional life. Her love for the great outdoors leads her on camping adventures, and her wanderlust takes her to explore different parts of our country, enriching her own perspective and broadening her horizons. However, her most cherished moments are those spent with her family and friends, a testament to her warm and nurturing personality.
In addition to her professional and personal interests, Amy takes immense pride in her Cuban ancestry, which has profoundly influenced her identity and values, instilling in her a deep appreciation for her cultural heritage.
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Maggie Oglesby has been dedicated to teaching at this Cambridge for nearly 5 years. Her passion for teaching was ignited at a young age by her mother, our very own Mrs. Kim, whose lifelong commitment to education has been an inspiration to her.
Ms. Maggie is currently pursuing her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education at ASU. Outside of work, Maggie enjoys indulging in art, movies, and music. She cherishes spending her free time with her beloved twin kitties, Zack and Cody.
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Kaylee Smith is a proud third-generation Arizonan, deeply rooted in the history and culture of this beautiful state. Her commitment to education runs as deep as her Arizona roots, with over 20 years of experience in the field. She has a profound love for her community and a desire to make a lasting impact. Her family's legacy in education, spanning three generations, served as a guiding light in her own career path.
Starting her career as a classroom teacher, Kaylee had the privilege of working with students across various grade levels, from 2nd to 8th grade. Her early experiences in the classroom laid the foundation for her understanding of the needs of young learners and helped to ignite her passion for education.
Over the years, Kaylee's dedication was recognized, leading to her transition into roles of greater responsibility. Her leadership skills continued to shine as she took on the roles of vice principal and principal, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape of her school community.
With a Master's degree from Northern Arizona University, Kaylee's educational journey has been marked by both her practical experience and her commitment to academic growth and scholarship. Currently, she serves as the principal of Cambridge Academy, a position she takes very seriously. In this role, she has not only continued her commitment to fostering academic growth but has also embraced the responsibilities of a charter representative. This dual role demonstrates her commitment to the pursuit of educational excellence, ensuring that every child under her care receives the best possible opportunities for success.
Beyond her professional achievements, Kaylee's personal life is equally fulfilling. She is a loving and dedicated mother to three remarkable young men, each of whom is carving their own path in the world. One of her sons has followed in her footsteps as an educator, working to make a difference in the lives of young learners. Another has chosen a path of service as a police officer, ensuring the safety and well-being of his community. Her third son, currently in 9th grade, represents the bright future ahead.
Kaylee's legacy as a third-generation Arizonan and educator continues to shine brightly, illuminating the path for those who aspire to make a positive difference in the world of education.
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Mrs. Rianne Headley’s career at Cambridge Academy's started as our Reading Interventionist. In the past, she also assisted in the cafeteria at lunchtime and can be counted on to aide wherever needed. Stepping in to accommodate services for Cambridge Academy's Before and Aftercare Program was a new task she took on last school year. This will be her fourth year with Cambridge.
Mrs. Headley has a trained background in caring for Special Needs individuals. She began her journey in that field when her own son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of two years old. Providing Habilitation for Special Needs children is a part-time job for her as well, working with Watch Me Grow Pediatric Therapy.
Mrs. Headley is excited for her second year in her newest role as the Front Desk Receptionist! She will be working closely with Mrs. Brown to take care of all front-end operations. Cambridge would be lost without all that Mrs. Headley does!
During her free time, Mrs. Headley enjoys spending time with her family, going on motorcycle rides with her husband, and cooking. As part of having a blended family with four adult children, Mr. and Mrs. Headley have three grandchildren and another one on the way! The Headley household loves animals and has two English Bulldogs (Molly & Miles), a mini Yorkie (Mabel), and a cockatiel (Murphy).
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LaShon Placencia is a dedicated and compassionate special education teacher with a passion for making a positive impact in the lives of her students. This will be her 6th year teaching at Cambridge Academy. LaShon attended Arizona State University, where she received her undergraduate degree, and continued on to Grand Canyon University, where she received a Master of Education degree in Special Education; LaShon has equipped herself with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the unique needs of students with diverse abilities.
Lashon’s journey in special education began with a desire to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment. She firmly believes that every student deserves an equal opportunity to succeed regardless of their abilities. Her teaching philosophy is centered around fostering a sense of belonging, building confidence, and unlocking the potential of each student.
Throughout her career, LaShon has worked in various educational settings, from elementary to middle school, adapting her teaching methods to cater to the individual learning styles of her students. She collaborates closely with parents, fellow educators, and support staff to create personalized education plans that address the specific needs of each student.
LaShon is known for her patience, creativity, and innovative teaching strategies. She incorporates hands-on activities, technology, and differentiated instruction to engage her students and make learning a positive and enjoyable experience. Her classroom is a warm, inviting space where students feel valued and encouraged to express themselves.
Beyond the classroom, LaShon participates in professional development opportunities to stay updated on the latest research and methodologies in special education. In addition to her role as a teacher, LaShon is a lifelong learner who is committed to continuously improving her skills and knowledge. She envisions a future where all students, regardless of their abilities, are empowered to reach their full potential, and she remains steadfast in her mission to make that vision a reality.
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Ms. Cina is one of our kindergarten teachers here at Cambridge Academy. Ms. Cina is a mother of two children and her dog and cat are her other children. Her daughter is nineteen years old and her son is twenty-one.
Prior to enrolling at Grand Canyon University, Ms. Cina was an in-home caretaker, respite, and habilitation provider for many years with children with developmental disabilities. Ms. Cina earned her Bachelor's Degree of Science and Educational Studies at Grand Canyon University.
While pursuing her undergrad, she had extensive training in Special Education and Early Education courses as well. Which included her time spent inside and outside the classroom. She has been trained and exposed to a variety of classroom environments in general education and special education settings. Which included hands-on training with methods and strategies for teaching English Language Arts and Special Education. She utilizes her skills to implement individualized goals per students’ needs. Ms. Cina also worked at an elementary school as a Title I aide and then became a one-on-one aide while completing her bachelor's degree. Ms. Cina has the experience of teaching kindergarten and the ability to identify each student’s individual needs socially and emotionally. Students not only thrive and master their goals, but they also have fun and become a part of her classroom community during their kindergarten experience!
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Zane Adams is an Arizona native who studied Corporate Accounting at Arizona State University. He has never lived in another state and always enjoys trips around this beautiful place. He spent most of his life being involved in sports, which led him to take on a job coaching high school football locally.
This is his third year teaching, and words can’t describe how excited he is to teach and grow personally and professionally. He loves being outdoors, listening to live music, and of course, watching live sports.
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Coming soon!
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Mrs. Vinita Cao is a dedicated and passionate middle school math teacher with 24 years of experience in the public school system. She holds a Master’s degree in Mathematics Education and has spent her career fostering a love for mathematics in young learners through engaging instruction and a deep commitment to student growth.
This year, she brings her wealth of experience to Cambridge Academy, excited by the opportunity to contribute to a dynamic and student-focused learning environment. Known for her supportive teaching style and classroom consistency, she believes in meeting students where they are and helping them reach their full potential, both academically and personally. She believes that all students can be successful in mathematics.
Outside the classroom, Mrs. Cao is a proud mother of two adult children and cherishes every opportunity to travel with them or to visit them wherever life takes them. She and her husband have been married for 33 years and continue to prioritize family as they now also care for their senior loved ones. Their strong family bonds and shared values guide them in all aspects of life.
Mrs. Cao brings not only knowledge and experience to her new school community but also a heart for connection, care, and lifelong learning.
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As Cambridge Academy's dedicated instructional paraprofessional and administrative aide, Ms. Katie is like the Swiss-army knife of our Coyote community. With a genuine passion for education, she excels in creating a respectful and engaging learning environment that emphasizes discipline and cooperation in every classroom. Ms. Katie intuitively connects with her students, ensuring that each one feels heard, seen, and valued. Her primary goal is to provide unwavering support to every child, helping them unlock their full potential.
Ms. Katie graduated from Seton Catholic Preparatory High School in 2020, where she was involved with volleyball, both indoor and beach. Her journey in education started as a gymnastics instructor and office manager at Aspire Kids in Chandler, AZ, where she honed her combined teaching and leadership skills for 3 years. Additionally, she has a rich background in nannying for families across the Phoenix valley. Her expertise shines in her commitment to delivering quality attention to each child, fostering a sense of respect as a collaborative team player, and championing the power of a positive attitude every day.
Outside of her professional life, Ms. Katie values quality time spent with loved ones at local restaurants, concerts, and events. She holds a deep appreciation for Sunday dinners with her family, loves a good cup of coffee, and often finds herself daydreaming about the next travel destination.