The Jones-Gordon Team

Dana Herzberg, BAE, M.Ed.

Founder & Head of School

Founded JGS in 2010; Founded On-Track Tutoring (now a division of Jones-Gordon) in 1999

With an undergraduate degree in Special Education from ASU (summa cum laude), a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on Gifted Education, also from ASU (summa cum laude), and more than 20 years in the education industry, Dana is well known in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area for her work with students who have learning differences, ADHD and executive functioning challenges. In 1999, she founded On-Track Tutoring in order to provide children of all abilities with the same high-quality educational services that she had received growing up with a learning difference.

For most of her early career, Dana enjoyed working as an educational consultant helping schools identify and plan for students with learning differences, while at the same time, working with families to find the right school for their child(ren). Over time, the need for a small, nurturing, and supportive college-preparatory learning environment for high-potential children with attention and learning challenges became increasingly more apparent. As a result, in 2010 Dana founded JGS, which now serves approximately 160 students in grades 1-12!

• dana.herzberg@jonesgordon.org

Monica Yaeger, BS, M.Ed.

Director of Foundations & Lower School

With JGS since 2013

An accomplished educator with strong leadership skills, Monica leads the JGS Foundations (grades 1-2) & Lower School (grades 3-5) teams. With JGS since 2013 (and a tutor with On-Track Tutoring­—Jones-Gordon's private tutoring division­—for several years before that), she has proven to be an invaluable, capable, and trusted member of the JGS community. Monica holds a master’s degree in Special Education, Consultation, and Collaboration. She began her career as an elementary school teacher in the Scottsdale Unified School District, where she specialized in working with kids with learning differences. Monica has considerable experience working with students of all abilities & in all subjects, grades K through 8. Over the past 10+ years, she and her husband have traveled extensively to develop Spanish skills, volunteer, & learn more about different cultures. Wanting to share her love of travel with our students, she now spearheads all of the JGS student travel opportunities.

• monica.yaeger@jonesgordon.org

Kris Shen, BS, M.Ed.

Dean of Students for Middle and High School

With JGS since 2017

When first enrolled in college, Kris pursued a Fire Science degree with the intention of becoming a firefighter. While waiting for an EMT job opening, he accepted a position at a public school as a paraprofessional in a self-contained classroom. He had no idea the impact that decision would have on his career path. Four years later, Kris graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education from Grand Canyon University and now holds a master’s degree in educational leadership (also from GCU). Kris first joined the JGS Team in 2017 as a member of the Support Team. Later that year, Kris accepted the role of Athletic Director—a role that combined his own passion for sports with his love of seeing students’ self-esteem soar and their social skills thrive from being a part of a team! After years of working closely with the school leadership team, Kris stepped into the role as the Director of Middle School and has now spent a year in the role of Dean of Students for 6th-12th grades. Working closely with teachers, parents, and students, Kris continues to ensure a positive JGS experience.

• kris.shen@jonesgordon.org

Ashley Cunningham

Foundations Teaching Assistant; Art Educator; Wilson® Reading System Teacher

With JGS since 2018

Ashley takes pride in assisting our students with the basic skills they need for success! A former preschool teacher, Ashley also previously worked with fellow JGS teachers Kate Wilkes and Jennifer Roscoe at another independent private school and served as the Extended Day Coordinator, a position that gave her the opportunity to work with kids from 2 years old up through 8th grade. She has completed coursework at Rio Salado Community College and is working toward completing her degree. Ashley is a naturally gifted educator and someone who her team relies on in the classroom. During the pandemic, she successfully implemented virtual learning for Foundations and Lower School families who chose distance learning. Highly creative, Ashley leads Foundations and Lower School art classes and brings STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) to the Foundations project-based curriculum.

• ashley.cunningham@jonesgordon.org

Caylin Kacmarcik, BA, M.Ed.

Lower School Special Education Teacher

With JGS since 2017

Caylin graduated from ASU with an undergraduate degree in Special Education/Elementary Education as well as a master’s in education. Since joining our Lower School Team in 2017, Caylin has been instrumental in helping create cross-curricular, project-based learning experiences for our students. She is the lower school’s resident expert in creativity and technology, which she integrates throughout all content areas and in afterschool clubs. In Caylin’s classroom, students enjoy an occasional visit from Burton, her minipig (it's safe to say that like most of us at JGS, Caylin is an animal lover!).

• caylin.kacmarcik@jonesgordon.org

Olivia Nieves

Lower School Paraprofessional & Student Teacher

New to JGS this school year

Olivia joined the JGS Lower School Team under unique circumstances—and we are delighted to reap the benefits! In a joint venture with ASU, Olivia has been authorized to complete her student teaching at JGS while concurrently working as a paraprofessional. Olivia has worked with children as a nanny & childcare professional since 2014. Our students are already enjoying her positive energy & ability to make learning fun! Olivia will complete her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education & Special Education from ASU in May 2023.

• olivia.nieves@jonesgordon.org

Jennifer Roscoe, BS, M.Ed.

Lower School Teacher

With JGS since 2017

Jennifer has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Tulsa and a Master's in Reading Instruction and Curriculum Design from GCU. She has taught and tutored for over sixteen years in the elementary grades, including eight years of team-teaching with fellow JGS teacher, Kate Wilkes, at a local independent school. She enjoys co-teaching Humanities where she combines her expertise in reading and writing with creative, project-based curriculum, and teaching science classes where she has the opportunity to teach hands-on thematic units. Most of all, Jennifer loves teaching her students about their brains and the power of a growth mindset.

• jennifer.roscoe@jonesgordon.org

Vickie Shen, BAE

Lower School Teacher

With JGS since 2020

An ASU grad with a degree in Elementary Education, Vickie is a well-established veteran teacher, having previously taught K-2 in the Madison District for 6 years and 5th-7th grade at a local charter school for 4 years. Vickie is no stranger to hard work and ambition; she obtained her bachelor's degree in just 2 years and continues to pursue her own educational opportunities so that she can help her students learn in the most effective, meaningful ways. “Learning never stops. I love learning from others and sharing ideas, and I learn from my personal successes and blunders as well. The motto I like to follow is ‘Practice makes progress!’”

• vickie.shen@jonesgordon.org

Adrienne Springfield, BA

Lower School Teacher

With JGS since 2017

Adrienne holds a Bachelor of Education degree from ASU and is an accomplished, highly effective educator. She joined our team in 2017 after having been a lower school teacher at another well-regarded local private school for nearly two decades. At JGS, Adrienne enjoys teaching math and collaborating with her team for science instruction. She is also the lower school “go-to guru” for organization and executive function. It says a lot about Adrienne's talent and skill that JGS students love going to her classes — YES, they all love going to MATH (and not just to see her fluffy canine companion, Niko)!

• adrienne.springfield@jonesgordon.org

Kate Wilkes, B.Ed.

Foundations Teacher

With JGS since 2017

An exceptional educator, Kate came to JGS after nearly two decades at a local independent school during which time she team-taught with fellow JGS teacher, Jennifer Roscoe, for eight years. Born and educated in England, Kate and has a B.Ed. (Honors) degree from Brighton University, EC-4th Grade. Kate’s accomplishments include a nomination for independent school kindergarten Teacher of the Year (for which she received an award from the Governor), training in Jolly Phonics (a child-centered approach to teaching literacy based in the UK), and Level 1 certification in Responsive Classroom (an evidence-based approach to teaching that focuses on the strong link between academic success and social-emotional learning). Kate leads the JGS Foundations Program, our developmental 1st/2nd-grade play-based educational model that ensures the social, emotional, and academic success of each child.

• kate.wilkes@jonesgordon.org

Samantha Clark, BS, M.Ed.

ERWA (Executive Function/Reading/Writing/Arts); Humanities; Art Educator; FLEX Teacher

With JGS since 2020

Samantha holds a BS in Developmental Psychology and Elementary Education from Boston University and recently completed her Master’s in Education, Specialist Teacher of Reading. A strong advocate for language and literacy, she is dedicated to providing a supportive, well-balanced learning environment that fosters individuality, character building, creativity, and social-emotional support. Samantha previously taught grades 1-3 at a Montessori school, and prior to that, 6th grade at a community charter school. A very talented artist as well as teacher, she sells her work locally and online. Samantha has had the opportunity to combine the two passions when she added Middle School Art Teacher to her resume!

• samantha.clark@jonesgordon.org

Jennifer Inderberg, BSEd, MSEd

ELA & Humanities

New to JGS this school year

Jennifer earned her BS in Elementary Education from NAU and her Master of Science in Education degree (with an emphasis in Literacy and Mathematics) from Walden University. "Ms. I" has enjoyed a 20+ year career as a PK-12th grade general and special education teacher in a variety of public, charter, & private school settings. Additionally, she works as a curriculum specialist & content creator for several large curriculum organizations. At JGS, she teaches middle school ELA & Humanities & is also working with Sam in our high school English department. Jennifer is an authentic, student-centered, creative, & dynamic teacher—a great addition to our team!

• jennifer.inderberg@jonesgordon.org

Maggie Roberts, BA, M.Ed.

Humanities & Visual Arts

With JGS since 2020 | Currently on sabbatical

Maggie grew up in Washington DC and attended Tulane University with a double major in Studio Art and Education. She received her Master of Education from NAU with a Reading Specialist certification and an English as a Second Language endorsement. Maggie has worked in a variety of educational settings and has taught most grades, 3rd through 12th, though her favorites are Middle and High School Language Arts, Humanities, English, and Studio Art. One of her best experiences was teaching GED History and English classes to native Spanish-speaking students. Passionate about all forms of art, she encourages creative and artistic expression in her students. She’s committed to being a lifelong learner and usually has three or four books that she’s reading at any one time. Maggie loves to paint, travel (especially to Central and South America), hike and run with her dogs, and practice yoga. She believes that animals make everything better, and is excited to be teaching in an environment that includes them (including her own newly-certified therapy dog, Sadie)!

• maggie.roberts@jonesgordon.org

Kelsey Sartain

Teaching Assistant

New to JGS this school year

Kelsey, an experienced, professional paraeducator & a new member of our Middle School Team, has worked in various public and private school settings over the last five years. Along with her patient, calm, and understanding demeanor, she possesses excellent classroom management and interpersonal communication skills. Although she has the ability to work with students of all levels and abilities, at JGS, Kelsey works primarily as a teaching assistant in our middle school classes. Although she has only been at JGS for a short time, Kelsey has already proven to be an indispensable member of our team!

• kelsey.sartain@jonesgordon.org

Karen Turner, BS

Math & Humanities

With JGS since 2014

After receiving her BS in Special Education from Rhode Island College, Karen moved to Arizona and taught for several years at a Special Education private school. She first joined the JGS family as a Lower School Teacher and enjoyed 4 years, looping up with students to eventually become a Middle School Teacher and softball coach. She left in 2018 to pursue teaching abroad where she worked in South Korea and traveled extensively throughout Asia. Karen then returned to her hometown in Rhode Island where she worked as a Resource Teacher and rejoined the Jones-Gordon team for distance learning as a Middle School Humanities teacher in 2020. Since then, she has remained in Arizona and we are thrilled to have yet another year with her at JGS.

• karen.turner@jonesgordon.org

Elizabeth Westerfield, BA, MS, Ed.D.

Math & Science

With JGS since 2014

Liz earned her doctorate in Special Education (her dissertation investigated the impact of theatre-based reading interventions on reading comprehension at the middle school level—wow!); MS in Environmental Science from Johns Hopkins; & BA in Theater from Ohio Wesleyan. She takes pride in her eclectic background & finds it serves her well in her interdisciplinary approach to education. A certified special education teacher, Liz has taught just about every subject in her 25+ years as an educator. Liz is not only a middle school teacher, she’s Jones-Gordon’s resident cheerleader—she can always be counted on for enthusiastic greetings, words of encouragement, and high fives!

• liz.westerfield@jonesgordon.org

Barry Boulanger, BS

CTE (Career and Technical Education); STEM

With JGS since 2016

Barry, a graduate from ASU, comes from a long line of prestigious doctors. He, too, was destined to help people, but he ultimately took a different route as a teacher! In fact, Barry is a “born teacher”—he has facilitated learning both in and out of the classroom for most of his life: he started teaching in 8th grade as a ski instructor; tutored fellow college students in math and science; and has been making those same, often confusing and challenging subjects fun and more interesting to hundreds of grade school, high school, college, and post-grad students ever since. Barry is a big proponent of hands-on learning and emphasizes the benefits of study skills & organizational strategies to his students. “Organization is often the first step to confidence and success, even when tackling challenging concepts and subject matter.”

• barry.boulanger@jonesgordon.org

Mike DeLaura, BA, MA

History & Social Studies; English

With JGS since its inception; with On-Track Tutoring since 2006

A teacher and tutor with our team for 15+ years, Mike is a student favorite for his wry sense of humor, which couples beautifully with his calm demeanor to make his classroom a fun and easy place to learn. Mike holds degrees in History from ASU and Central Michigan University, and the depth of his knowledge in his subject area is vast. His teaching style incorporates project-based learning and Socratic instruction, which helps his students become strong critical thinkers on a variety of topics. Mike is at the forefront of innovation when it comes to his secondary social studies curriculum. Most notably, he spearheaded the freshman seminar, Human Geography, which is based on the Advanced Placement (AP) class of the same name and has become a cornerstone of our high school programming.

• mike.delaura@jonesgordon.org

Samantha DePalo, BA, M.Ed.

High School English Teacher & Director of Outreach

With JGS since 2012

In addition to her position as Director of Outreach, Samantha Teaches High School English as well as AP Seminar and AP Research (key portions of the AP Capstone™ Diploma Program).

A former Fulbright scholar, Sam graduated summa cum laude with B.A.s in English Literature and Spanish Linguistics and earned her Master’s of Education (also from ASU, summa cum laude) while a Teach for America corps member.

Read her Administrative Team bio to learn more about Sam's considerable talents and achievements!

• samantha.depalo@jonesgordon.org

ElizaBeth (Izzy) Garcia, BA, MA

American Sign Language (ASL)

With JGS since 2019

Izzy’s academic and professional achievements, combined with her personal challenges of multi-generational hearing loss/deafness, created a passion for teaching, advocacy, and promoting awareness of Deaf history and culture. At JGS, Izzy’s American Sign Language (ASL) students benefit from that experience and passion. Izzy graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. in Psychology from High Point University (HPU) in North Carolina. While there, she guest lectured within the HPU Education department, helping teachers to understand and communicate with d/Deaf/hard of hearing students. Inspired to pursue a graduate degree, she accepted a unique summer immersion opportunity at Gallaudet University in Washington D.C., where she began her masters program. She became active among the Deaf community and Northern Virginia sign language club where she served on the board and facilitated ASL workshops and silent weekend retreats. Izzy then relocated and earned her master’s in education, Critical & Creative Thinking from UMass Boston. She continued to guest lecture at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing and UMass Boston College of Nursing & Health Sciences, where she also worked in administration, in order to bring the same communication awareness to medical professionals. After the birth of her children, Izzy taught computer skills to d/Deaf students in MA. Once here in Arizona, she became active in her children’s schools and began serving on the board of the AZ Commission for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing.

• elizabeth.garcia@jonesgordon.org

Bob Murphy, BS

Science

With JGS since 2021

Born and raised in the Bronx, Bob's own fabulous high school experience at top-rated Fordham Prep led him to pursue a career in teaching. After two years of college in New York, Bob transferred to ASU where he earned a B.S. in Biology and a postgraduate teaching certificate from NAU. For the next 11 years, Bob taught Earth Science, Biology, AP Biology, and AP Environmental Science (and coached basketball!) at Sedona Red Rock High School. For the last decade, prior to joining the JGS team, he taught at a nurturing and exceptional school — much like JGS — on Manhattan's upper east side. He is happy to have returned to Arizona and we are happy to have him at JGS!

• bob.murphy@jonesgordon.org

Jennifer Nimlo-Edmonds, BA

Spanish; Electives

With JGS since its inception; with On-Track Tutoring (now Herzberg Educational Services) since 1999

Jen graduated from Whitman College with degrees in Political Science and Spanish, but not before embarking on an incredible study abroad journey to Spain. She has dedicated her career to working to serve youth in mentor programs, prevention programs, tutoring settings, special education classrooms, and here at JGS. In response to the digital learning challenges the pandemic introduced, Jen spearheaded a new instructional tool that allows Spanish learners to leverage technology, such as speech-to-text and artificial intelligence, to engage with the language even at a distance. She believes that any and every student should try to learn a foreign language if they’d like to, even though those with dyslexia are often discouraged from doing so. Always true to herself, Jen embodies this philosophy by making Spanish accessible and enjoyable for all diverse learners.

• jen.nimloedmonds@jonesgordon.org

Leigh Stapinski, BS, MA

Mathematics

With JGS since 2011

Nearly 10 years after joining the Jones-Gordon family, Leigh has established herself as an incredibly gifted and effective math teacher in the community. She has always had a passion for both teaching and math, having studied Mathematics Education at Bowling Green State University for her undergrad degree and earning a Master's in Mathematics from Cleveland State University. Leigh leverages her knowledge and understanding of the subject with various instructional methods in order to make math enjoyable. Even the most math-anxious students feel safe and comfortable in Ms. Leigh’s class. As we always say, you haven’t witnessed differentiated math instruction until you’ve seen Leigh teach!

• leigh.stapinski@jonesgordon.org

Marcus Shaw, BA, MS

High School Electives & Executive Function Support; Middle School Math

With JGS since 2017

Marcus excels in working with our adolescent populations—especially those making the difficult transition from middle to high school. He earned his BA in Special Education and Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction. During his undergraduate studies at Western Governors University, Marcus received two Excellence Awards for exemplary work in Managing Engaging Learning Environments and Instructional Strategies and Technologies for Elementary Learners with Mild to Moderate Exceptionalities. Marcus was nominated to join The National Society of Leadership and Success as well as WGU’s Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, the International Honor Society in Education. Marcus currently teaches middle school math and high school electives such as Personal Development, Sports History, and Music Business. He also offers support for high school students who need assistance in achieving and maintaining their academic goals by providing tutoring, organizational strategies, and executive functioning support. Additionally, Marcus is a gifted writer whose contributions can be found throughout our website and publications.

• marcus.shaw@jonesgordon.org

Tesla Theoryn, BS, M.Ed.

College & Career Counseling

With JGS since 2017

With a deep passion for all things science & its interplay with culture, Tesla was driven to study biological anthropology at the U of A, where she obtained an undergraduate degree in Science. It wasn’t until she spent a semester in Botswana completing her biology and public health minors that she realized that education was the true cornerstone of her interests. While teaching at a Botswanan preschool for children affected by HIV/AIDS, she saw the true impacts that education can have. Eager to integrate her belief in the power of science with her newfound love of education, she joined Teach for America & taught high school biology while simultaneously earning her Master's in Instructional Practice (summa cum laude). Tesla recently decided to pursue her dream of becoming a geneticist and is starting a Master’s program at the University of Washington this year. Tesla remains part of the JGS family as she continues her work as a College & Career Counselor from afar.

• tesla.theoryn@jonesgordon.org

Amanda Burke, BAE

FLEX Generalist; Wilson® Dyslexia Therapist; Middle & High School Math Teacher

With JGS since its inception; with On-Track Tutoring since 2008

Amanda has been an indispensable part of On-Track Tutoring and the Jones-Gordon teams since 2008. As a JGS teacher since the school began in 2010, Amanda truly knows the “ins and outs” of working with students who learn differently! An ASU grad, Amanda has taught students in all grades and of varying abilities. An amazing math teacher, Amanda excels at teaching middle and high school math classes for students who need a hands-on approach. On the FLEX Team, Amanda is a trained reading interventionist, holding the highest (Level II) certification from Wilson®. She excels at helping struggling readers become confident in their reading abilities. A former PE teacher & cheer coach, Amanda also launched our cheerleading program in 2015 & co-coached our Track and Field teams to victory in 2020 and 2021!

• amanda.burke@jonesgordon.org

Lisa Duran, BS

Reading Interventionist; Wilson® Reading System Instructor; Lindamood-Bell trained

With OTT/JGS since 2013

A gifted Reading Specialist, Lisa rejoins the JGS FLEX Team this year after a short hiatus away from JGS. Lisa has been teaching literacy skills for over a decade. She is a trained practitioner of all of the well-known Lindamood-Bell programs (LiPS®, Seeing Stars®, Talkies®, Visualizing and Verbalizing®, & On Cloud Nine®) and is also Wilson® certified. Although she has been an On-Track tutor with us continually since 2013, we are happy to have her back on campus this year!

• lisa.duran@jonesgordon.org

Sarah Guidry, BS, SLPA

Speech Services; FLEX Teacher

With JGS since 2018

Sarah graduated cum laude from Arizona State University with a Speech and Hearing Science degree and a Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant license. She has always known her career would involve children! Sarah has experience working with a diverse population of students of all ages and she values making meaningful connections with them. She is trained in several Lindamood-Bell programs as well as the Wilson Reading System® which she implements in small intervention groups at JGS. Sarah also integrates Social Thinking’s WeThinkers and Superflex® curricula into the foundations and lower school classrooms as part of her (and Jones-Gordon's) commitment to teaching the “whole child.”

• sarah.guidry@jonesgordon.org

Sara Kilstrom, BS, MS

Wilson Reading System® Teacher; Barton® Certified

With JGS since 2021

A dynamic, experienced dyslexia specialist, Sara holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from NAU and a master’s degree in elementary education with an emphasis in reading, also from NAU. Sara has enjoyed a lengthy career as a teacher and reading specialist in both the public and private sectors. She has also been an adjunct professor at ASU, teaching elementary education classes to aspiring teachers. Most recently, Sara has been a full-time dyslexia tutor, utilizing Barton and Lindamood-Bell programs. She is delighted to make her way back to the school setting!

• sara.kilstrom@jonesgordon.org

Sandee Levine, BS, MA

Wilson® Dyslexia Practitioner; Middle School Math & ELA Teacher

With JGS since 2015

After obtaining a bachelor’s in marketing from the University of Arizona (Go Wildcats!), Sandee worked in commercial real estate. Five years later, she realized that she wanted to work with children & help them to be as impassioned about learning as she is! She went on to earn her post-baccalaureate and master’s degrees in Curriculum & Instruction from Chapman University. Sandee has now been an educator for over 20 years. Prior to joining JGS, as a public school math specialist, Sandee helped improve the skills of students labeled “at-risk.” She has also created & conducted seminars for other teachers to help them discover new and innovative ways to reach students. At JGS, Sandee is the Assistive Technology Director, using her life-long skills of integrated programs to make learning accessible for all students. Additionally, Sandee teaches a middle school math class and spends the rest of her day as a FLEX teacher. Sandee is currently completing her Level II Wilson® Certification­—a “dream come true” for this dedicated teacher!

• sandee.levine@jonesgordon.org

Tiffany Nelson, BAE

FLEX Generalist; Wilson Reading System® Teacher

With JGS since 2021

Tiffany is an experienced educator with over 12 years as a dyslexia interventionist. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from ASU (go Sun Devils!). Before becoming part of the JGS FLEX team, Tiffany worked as a language therapist at the Wellington Alexander Center where she collaborated with a team of educators, speech-language pathologists, and occupational therapists to help students reach various language-based goals. Compassionate and empathetic, she excels working with students one-on-one and in small groups, and is particularly effective with supporting students' development in reading, spelling, comprehension, writing, and verbal language skills. Tiffany's creativity, organizational skills, and passion for learning make her an ideal role model for JGS students.

• tiffany.nelson@jonesgordon.org

Lauren Nolan, BS, M.Ed.

Wilson® Dyslexia Therapist; Lower School ELA Teacher

With JGS since 2014

Lauren holds her master’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from ASU and has received her Wilson Language® Level II certification (the highest certificate issued by Wilson). Prior to joining our team, she spent two years teaching in a small, Special Education private school, and spent six years before that in the banking industry. A strong believer in using positive reinforcement to foster students’ internal motivation and confidence, Lauren welcomes her students to see her classroom as a safe and supportive place where they can overcome hard things. Firm but gentle and always kind, it’s amazing what Lauren’s students have been able to achieve here at JGS!

• lauren.nolan@jonesgordon.org

Jennifer Palmer, BA, M.Ed.

Reading Interventionist; Wilson Reading System® Teacher; Motor Cognition Squared (MC2®), Lindamood-Bell, and Barton® Certified

With JGS since 2021

Jen is a highly respected interventionist and educator in the Valley and a long-term colleague and friend of JGS Head of School, Dana. Jen brings decades of experience working with students of all abilities to the JGS FLEX Program. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education from UofA and a master’s of education in elementary education with a reading specialist endorsement from NAU. A highly qualified teacher, Jen has taught students of all ages in both the public and private sectors; she is a learning coach, dyslexia tutor, parent guide, and educational consultant. She is credited with developing the Academic Resources for Kids (ARK) program at Christ Lutheran School. Additionally, Jen is the published author of a book inspired by her family called, “A Pearl in Progress: A Mother’s Journey Through the Grit of Transformation.” She is excited to join the JGS team and share her experiences with other parents of children who learn differently.

• jennifer.palmer@jonesgordon.org

Rose Waage, BA, M.Ed.

Wilson Reading System® Teacher

With JGS since 2021

A cherished veteran teacher in the Valley and long-term colleague of JGS Foundations teacher, Kate Wilkes, Rose has spent more than 25 years in the field of education, specializing in individualized instruction. Her immense talents in the areas of assessment and instructional design will serve her well as a JGS FLEX teacher. Trained in several multisensory reading programs, including Wilson®, S.M.I.L.A®, and Jolly Phonics®, Rose is looking forward to focusing on intervention at JGS. Rose holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Family Studies from ASU, a Master’s of Education (also from ASU), and certification in Language Arts from Simultaneous Multisensory Institute for Language Arts in Memphis, Tennessee.

• rose.waage@jonesgordon.org

Melissa Wiegand, BS, M.Ed., CALT, C-SLDS, WDT, WCT

Wilson® Dyslexia Therapist; Wilson® Credentialed Trainer; Wilson® Program Director; IDA Dyslexia Therapist

With JGS since 2014

At Ohio University, Melissa earned a bachelor’s degree summa cum laude in Elementary Ed., Special Ed., & Reading. She attended ASU to earn a master’s in Curriculum & Instruction (emphasis in Reading) and became a Structured Literacy/Dyslexia Specialist (SLDS). Prior to joining the JGS team, she was a special education teacher for PVUSD & a private tutor for nearly two decades. She is Wilson Language® Level II certified; has received training in Texas Scottish Rite Hospital’s dyslexia reading intervention, called Take Flight; and has been trained in Lindamood-Bell’s Visualizing and Verbalizing®. Most recently, Melissa earned her certification as a Wilson Language® Trainer and has been instrumental in assisting with our Wilson Partner School programming. A big fan of the musical Wicked, her favorite lyrics, “I think I’ll try defying gravity, and you can’t pull me down!” speak volumes about Melissa’s character as a role model. She empowers students to “defy gravity” every day!

• melissa.wiegand@jonesgordon.org

Reid Blakey

Recreation Coordinator; PE and STEM/Film Instructor; Athletic Co-Director

With JGS since 2020

Before joining the JGS team, Reid spent his career as a recreation leader for the City of Scottsdale where he was in charge of events, aftercare, athletics, and summer programs. At JGS, Reid uses his recreation leadership skills as the Athletic Co-Director (with Kris Shen). Additionally, Reid teaches Foundations, Lower and Middle School PE/Movement; Middle School STEM; and High School Film and Broadcast Technology courses. He also plans and executes school-wide events and supports StuGo (Student Government) to inspire school spirit and spread the JGS culture of kindness. A popular figure across campus, Reid works with students in every grade level. JGS kids love his enthusiastic, positive attitude!

• reid.blakey@jonesgordon.org

Shawna DeLaura

Cooking Instructor; FLEX Instructor & Executive Function Coach

With JGS since 2013

Shawna shines working directly with students—whether that’s while she’s leading cooking specials classes for lower and middle school kids, teaching cooking electives classes for high school students, or helping individual students with study skills and organization or academics. Shawna has a passion for everything creative; we wouldn’t be surprised if she were bestowed with the title of "the next Martha Stewart!" Beyond her creative skill set, Shawna has an inherent ability to bond with students of all ages. Shawna is often the "go-to" person when a student is having a bad day and can be counted on to be a voice of love, logic, and reason.

• shawna.delaura@jonesgordon.org

Nikki Hendricks, BA

American Sign Language (ASL) Instructor

New to JGS staff this year

Nikki is mom to 5 young children, 3 of whom are students in our Foundations and Lower School classes! An aficionado of "doodles, babies, coffee, yoga, and sign language," Nikki shares her love of communicating through ASL with our students.

Nikki earned degrees in Communications/PR from Purdue University and in ASL Interpreting from IUPUI (Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis), and has put both to good use working in the communications and marketing field and as an ASL Interpreter. Her experience in education includes working at the Indiana School for the Deaf Elementary School and as an Educational Interpreter in a middle school and at the college level. Additionally, Nikki taught preschool and Pre-K for 3 years here in Arizona.

We are also lucky to have Nikki spearheading our parent group's efforts: This is her second year as the JGPO (Jones-Gordon Parent Organization) President. When not in JGS classrooms or fulfilling her JGPO duties, Nikki enjoys spending time with her family, creating adventures with her children, and traveling.

Cady Maharaj, BS, M.Ed.

Physical Education Teacher; Lower School STEM Teacher

With JGS since 2018

Cady—energetic, nurturing, and imaginative—is a graduate of Utah State University who returned home to Phoenix to pursue her love of coaching. She was the Head Women's Tennis Coach at Glendale Community College and then at Arizona Christian University before she became a Physical Education teacher for preschool through 8th-grade students at another local private school, where she taught and coached for five years. A member of the Positive Coaching Alliance and Arizona Health and Physical Education Association, Cady focuses on developing students' Physical Literacy and teaching them to move with competence and confidence. In December of 2022, while still working at JGS full-time, Cady completed her master’s program in Elementary Education at Grand Canyon University. (Go Cady, and Go Lopes!)

• cady.maharaj@jonesgordon.org

Art Specialists

In addition to having art projects integrated across the curriculum, JGS students participate in art classes on a regular basis through the 8th grade. We are fortunate that JGS staff members who perform other roles also have the creativity, talent, capability, experience, and know-how to be able to teach our kids the importance of artistic and self-expression!

Foundations and Lower School art classes are led by Foundations team member Ashley Cunningham, and Middle School teacher Samantha Clark instructs Middle School art. (High School art is taught by Administrator, Shari Schwartz, who holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree).

Samantha De Palo, BA, M.Ed.

Director of Outreach & High School English Teacher

With JGS since 2012

Sam first joined the Jones-Gordon family as an instructor for On-Track Tutoring and Academy (prior to the school’s name change) while she attended Barrett, the Honors College at ASU. She graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in Spanish Linguistics and a B.A. in English Literature and was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to teach English at a university outside Mexico City. While in Mexico, she also acted as a volunteer research collaborator and an instructional coach for a Nahuatl-Spanish bilingual school. Upon her return, Sam joined Teach For America. She spent the following two years teaching math at a large public high school in an inclusion classroom with English Language Learners and Special Education students. During this time, she graduated summa cum laude with her Master’s of Education in Secondary Mathematics, spearheaded a district-wide Collaborative STEM Initiative, and was honored by the district as a Teacher of Distinction for student growth (twice!). More recently, Sam was honored as an appointee of the Barrett Campaign Cabinet as well as the Barrett Alumni Council at her alma mater. In July 2020, she was awarded a scholarship to pursue a post-graduate certificate in Learning Differences and Neurodiversity with a Specialization in Executive Function at Landmark College (ranked #1 Most Innovative College and #1 Best Teaching College by U.S. News & World Report).

After six years as JGS’s High School Director and Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Sam now serves as the Director of Outreach & teaches High School English.

• samantha.depalo@jonesgordon.org

Jeanine deRozieres, AAS

Health Services

With JGS since 2015

Jeanine is patient, kind, skilled, and has a great sense of humor: perfect qualities to care for our kids, especially when they’re in need of TLC! Because of this, students have an instant connection with her and feel comfortable going to her if they aren’t feeling well or just need someone to talk to. She has more than a decade of experience in working with children as a practical nurse (licensed in Florida), paraprofessional, and mom to 3 amazing boys. She is certified for hearing and vision screening and also holds a certificate in trauma nursing. Additionally, Jeanine is one of our fantastic Track and Field coaches who’ve led our teams to victory in 2020 and 2021!

• jeanine.derozieres@jonesgordon.org

Tracie Glover Hawxhurst, BA

Director of Admissions and Enrichment Programming

With JGS since 2017

Tracie holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Albion College in Michigan and spent a year abroad at Oxford University where she studied English Literature and Art History. After working for thirteen years at a local independent school where she experienced all aspects of school administration, Tracie knows that education is her true calling. As Jones-Gordon's Director of Admissions and Enrichment Programming, she continues to help our school and student community behind the scenes.

• tracie.glover@jonesgordon.org

Kim Hogan

Office Manager & HR Director; Director of Tutoring Services

With JGS since 2015

An experienced Human Resources specialist, Kim runs the offices of both JGS and On-Track Tutoring. A mother of four, Kim spent many years volunteering in her children’s schools and helping to run a large summer camp here in the Valley. At The Jones-Gordon School, Kim combines her talent for business management with her love of children and education in order to help keep everything running smoothly. We couldn’t do it without her!

• kim.hogan@jonesgordon.org

Emily Hsu, BAE, MTESOL

College & Career Tranistion Program Director; Development Coordinator

New to JGS this school year

Emily joined our Admin Team this past summer. We couldn’t be more excited for all that Emily brings to our team, students, and families. With ASU's Barrett, The Honors College, since 2010, Emily has enjoyed a fulfilling career as a Program Manager in admissions and recruitment. Her experiences will serve her well as she transitions into her positions as the JGS College & Career Transition Program Director and Development Coordinator. In her short time with us, Emily has already made a big impact here at JGS. We're looking forward to what's next!

• emily.hsu@jonesgordon.org

Tara Prewitt

Facilities Management

With JGS since 2018

Dubbed our schoolwide “Queen of Organization” thanks to her impeccable organizational skills, Tara tackles every room, every cabinet, every project with gusto and makes everything “fit” while ensuring logical systems are in place for keeping it that way! During the summer months, Tara works tirelessly on campus improvements and beautification. She is also responsible for keeping our facilities running smoothly, managing our vendors, ordering supplies, and making sure we have everything we need. We couldn’t be more grateful for Tara's attention to detail!

• tara.prewitt@jonesgordon.org

Jeff Pedler

Facilities & Custodial Services

With JGS since 2019

Jeff joined JGS after having spent years as the facilities person on our campus when it belonged to another school. Since joining our team, we all wonder how we ever lived without him, because we are pretty sure there is absolutely nothing that he can’t do or fix! Besides being the handiest and hardest-working person on campus, Jeff helps take care of our kids AND our critters! In the springtime, Jeff co-teaches a woodshop class with Kris Shen, and, together, they’ve taught our kids some amazing skills that they will have for a lifetime. We love Jeff’s sweet disposition, willingness to help anywhere he is needed, but most of all, we love his dedication and unwavering support of our wonderful students!

• jeff.pedler@jonesgordon.org

Michaela Sands, BSW, MSW

Specials & RULER Education Director

With JGS since 2015

Michaela joined our expanding team in 2015 and immediately became a valued member of our staff. She holds an undergraduate degree in Social Work from NAU and a Master’s Degree from the University of Washington, also in Social Work (with an emphasis on Children, Youth, and Families). Her graduate internship in a public school classroom provided the opportunity to focus on social skills training and culture development, individualized to student needs. Having this experience and specialized training in school-based environments, Michaela has brought a wealth of information and energy to our school, including Yale University’s RULER Approach as a foundation for our emotional intelligence programming. She has been a catalyst in defining our core values and implementing schoolwide instruction that aligns with the JGS culture of kindness. Michaela teaches “to empower students to be their best selves, achieve self-sufficiency, and to be proud members of the community.”

• michaela.sands@jonesgordon.org

Shari Schwartz, BFA

Director of Marketing & Communications; Community Service & Givebacks Coordinator; Art Educator

With JGS since its inception; with On-Track Tutoring since 2006

Shari joined the On-Track Tutoring team in 2006 and has since been invaluable in helping facilitate the growth of HES and JGS, sharing Dana’s passion for education and kids (especially those who don’t necessarily fit into “typical” molds!). A graduate of the U of A’s visual communications program, Shari has extensive experience not only in marketing, graphic design, and communications, but also has a background in small business management and development, human resources, and working with nonprofits. She has spent much of her personal and professional life working with kids in various capacities, from being a camp counselor to teaching art, to tutoring students in literacy, to being a mom! At JGS, Shari enjoys her time with the students teaching high school visual arts classes and supporting StuGo’s community service efforts. In addition to those responsibilities, Shari helps care for the JGS critters—you’re as likely to find her in Icarus's iguana cage as anywhere else on campus!

• shari.schwartz@jonesgordon.org

Jessica Wilhelmsen, BA

Director of School Operations; Finance Manager

With JGS since 2012

Jessica is the “behind-the-scenes machine” who makes everything happen at The Jones-Gordon School. She runs the JGS and On-Track finance offices and ensures that all of the operations of the school administration and business run smoothly. An ASU graduate with a bachelor’s degree (magna cum laude) in Psychology with an emphasis on Child and Family Development, as well as an interest in School Psychology, Jessica spent several years volunteering and working in the nonprofit world, focusing on the social and emotional development of youth. Her work at JGS has been across all departments because there truly isn’t anything that Jessica can’t do! She brings a plethora of skills and insight to our school and is a driving force behind our community and infrastructure.

• jessica.wilhelmsen@jonesgordon.org

Dana Wolman, BAE

Registrar; Front Desk Administrator; Wilson® Reading System Teacher

With JGS since 2020

When meeting Dana in the front office or speaking with her on the phone, people can't help but feel she is positivity and enthusiasm personified! An ASU graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Education, Dana taught 1st grade and later became a stay-at-home mom (to two now young adults) and active school volunteer for 15 years. Before becoming part of the JGS team, Dana worked for more than six years at a local private school as the Administrative Assistant and Admissions Coordinator. It was there that she discovered a passion for supporting the “difference makers” in the lives of children who learn differently and their families. In addition to her other responsibilities, Dana is excited to get back to her teaching roots as she continues her Wilson® Reading System certification this year.

• dana.wolman@jonesgordon.org