Our Staff
All staff resumes are available for review at the front office.
Administration / Front Office
Hello! My name is Tera Nelson, and I am excited to be the new Principal at the Maricopa K-5 campus and help support our scholars. I am married to my best friend, and we have three kids: 22, 19, 17. We also have a husky who keeps us very busy. I love reading, kayaking, hiking, and spending time with my family. I have a master’s degree in education, a master’s degree in educational leadership, and I am currently pursuing my doctoral degree in educational leadership. My dissertation is on trauma-informed strategies for teachers. I have taught kindergarten for 10 years, college for 1 year, 2nd and 4th grade for 1 year and have been an assistant principal for the last 2 years. My leadership philosophy is that supported teachers can support scholars to the best of their ability. I also believe in preserving student dignity. Scholars feel embarrassment and shame the same way we do when we make mistakes so I am always mindful of how I would like to be corrected when I make a mistake. Lastly, I am so grateful to be joining such an amazing team! I look forward to getting to know all of you!
My name is Joe Durling, and I am excited for my new role as Vice Principal. I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and made it my mission to escape the frigid winters. Now, I bask like a lizard in the 117-degree Phoenix heat.
I earned an associate degree from the College of DuPage, then studied at Northern Illinois University for my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English Education. I am certified as a secondary English instructor and as an elementary Montessori teacher. I taught and served as the Vice Principal at a Montessori elementary school for eight years and worked as an adjunct English professor for two years.
I have completed the coursework toward a doctorate in education through Illinois State University, where I worked as an assistant editor for an academic journal, a supervisor of student teachers, and a research assistant using eye-tracking technology to study how children develop as readers. My main focus as an educator and researcher has been how lesson design and assessment models influence motivation within the classroom.
Outside of school, I can be found climbing rocks, playing ultimate, woodworking, backpacking, or taking pictures while traveling internationally. I love reading, and my time spent listening to audiobooks through the Audible app is measured in months.
Hello! My name is Melissa Wiehl, and I am excited to be the new registrar at the Maricopa K-5 campus and help support our scholars. I am a dedicated professional with over 30 years of enriching experience in the field of education and leadership. My career journey began with a strong educational foundation, where I studied Early Childhood Education, Child Psychology, and Elementary Education. This academic background has been instrumental in shaping my approach to teaching and leadership. I have two adult sons and four grandbabies. Outside of my professional endeavors I enjoy sharing my faith, tips on moving through fear, conversations that pull us together instead of apart, spending valuable time with family, friends, and our dog Harley. A few things I love: hiking, the ocean, the holiday season, movies, and laughing.
My favorite quote is: “To live is so startling it leaves little time for anything else.”-Emily Dickinson
Kindergarten
Hi! I’m Renee Espindola. My husband, Chris and I have a beautifully blended family, 3 boys and 3 girls, which keeps us very busy. I absolutely love being a mom and enjoy spending time with my family, most! Playing board games, family movie night, holiday activities, big family get-togethers and traveling are just some of my favorite things to do as a family. I grew up on the shores of Lake Michigan, so I also enjoy anything that has to do with the water. I love swimming, boating, kayaking, tubing, and/or walking the beach/boardwalk. I also love all things Disney and enjoy visiting Disney World as often as I can.
I graduated from Central Michigan University with a B.S. in Psychology with a strong focus in Elementary Education. I have been teaching Kindergarten for 8 years and am so excited to continue my Kindergarten journey at Heritage Elementary. My mission for teaching is to provide a safe, loving, rich-learning environment where all students can grow and thrive.
Hello! My name is Annilee Jacobs and I am excited to be joining the Heritage Academy family as a kindergarten teacher! I am a mom of three and a grandma to two little ones (ages 5 and 2). This means my life is full of laughter, learning, love, and a little crazy. I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, working jigsaw puzzles, learning Russian, and watching movies. I also love cowboy boots and buffaloes.
I have an Associate’s degree in Liberal Arts, two Bachelor degrees in History and Russian with Cultural Intensive Emphasis, and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. This year will be my 8th year teaching kindergarten and my 10th year in general education. I also bring experience from homeschooling my children, leading Girl Scouts, coordinating international exchange students, and working with children and youth at church.
While I enjoy teaching, my greatest priority is building strong, caring relationships with my students. I believe children learn best when they know they are loved, valued, and believed in. My classroom is a place where every child belongs, both in our learning community and in my heart. From that foundation of care and encouragement, growth and learning will naturally follow. I look forward to a great year together!
Hello! My name is Alexia Miller, and I am excited to be one of the Kindergarten teachers at the Maricopa K-5 campus. I love to travel, go to concerts, and spend time with my family. I have a master’s degree in early childhood education. I have taught kindergarten for 3 years and 1st grade for 1 year. I love to make my students feel like they belong in a classroom family. We all deserve to have a place of belonging where we can grow to be amazing little humans. I also believe that mistakes are something everyone can learn from and teach my students that it’s okay to make them. Keeping families informed and having that open communication is important to me. I look forward to meeting everyone and starting the new school year!
My name is Jessica Ward and I am delighted to be a Kindergarten teacher at the Maricopa K-5 Heritage Elementary campus. I am married to a caring and wonderful husband. We have three kids, ages 8, 12, and 13. As a family we love to play games, go on road trips to Montana, cruises, movie nights, and hang out together. I enjoy crocheting, painting, and hand knitting. I graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a minor in early childhood. I have taught kindergarten for 9 years and 2nd grade for 2 years. I excited to work with the students and their families and look forward to getting to know everyone.
First Grade
Hi, I’m Amanda Butcher, and I am excited to be joining Heritage and teaching 1st grade this year. I have an amazing fiancé and two wonderful little boys, ages five and six months. I also have three fur babies, two dogs and a cat—who keep our home full of energy and love. In my free time, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends by playing games, going on walks, riding bikes, laughing a lot, and making lasting memories together.
I have over 13 years of experience in education. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from ASU in 2011. I have taught 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade. I have a passion for creating a positive, engaging classroom where students feel safe, supported, and excited to learn.
I look forward to partnering with families to support each child’s growth and success throughout the school year.
Yee-Haw, we are ready for first grade!My name is Kristen Cardon and I am excited to be
teaching first grade at Heritage Elementary. I have been teaching for 13 years. I have a Bachelors Degree from ASU in Elementary and Special education. At home I have my high school sweetheart; and our six children Kyle age 13, Kaden age 12, and Katelynn age 10, and Kora age 7, Kenslie age 5, and Kacie age 4. We also have two dogs named Parker and Sweetie. We also have 8 rabbits. We love to do everything outdoors! We are a very busy family with church, sports, and 4-H activities. I grew up on a small farm here in Maricopa, before it was a city. You may notice that my roots have come out in my classroom.My
mission is to facilitate the profound academic and social transformation of first grade by nurturing a love for discovery, fostering resilience in the face of challenges, and ensuring
every student experiences the joy of measurable progress. I hope to provide a supportive
foundation where individual growth is championed and ‘light bulb moments’ are the
standard. I am committed to guiding students through their most transformative year,
turning their initial sparks of curiosity into a lasting flame for learning. I can’t wait to meet you and share first grade with you.
Hi, I’m Shelley Carroll and I’m excited to join the 1st grade team at Heritage Academy Elementary in Maricopa.
Born and raised in Arizona, we have been in Maricopa for over 10 years and love it here. I’m the mom of 5 kids, 4 boys and a girl who are all grown up. After 31 years of marriage, we are navigating the next phase of life as empty nesters. I love to travel and have been to nearly every state in the US and am excited to add Hawaii to that list this summer. Seeing new places and having exciting adventures is my favorite thing to do as we explore the planet we live on. I have taught in Maricopa for 3 years covering 1st, 6th, 9th, and 12th grade, but my heart will always be in 1st grade. I’m excited to share my love of knowledge with our scholars. I earned my bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University and have experience working with Boy Scouts of America for many years. My philosophy is to make learning fun, understand the why, and connect it to what we already know as we expand our knowledge, in life and in the classroom. I am grateful to have the opportunity to join the Heritage family and look forward to sharing this adventure in learning with my scholars!
Second Grade
Hi! My name is Melissa Thomas, and I am excited to join the team at the Maricopa K-5 campus. My husband and I have 5 children, ages 20, 13, 9, 7, and 5. We love spending time together playing board games, watching our beloved Georgia Bulldogs football (Go Dawgs!), and watching our children participate in the activities they love. I have bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. I have many years of teaching experience, in grades pre-k through 4th grade, with the last 2 years in 2nd grade. As a teacher, my goal is to instill a love of learning in students that will last a lifetime. I want them to know I am always rooting for them to be their best, in all areas of life. Finally, I am thrilled to join the team, and I look forward to working together as we begin our new school!
Hello, My name is Cherise Trask. I am one of the 2nd grade teachers at our new Heritage Academy K-5 campus here in Maricopa. I have been in education for about 11 years with the majority being in early childhood.
I have 3 children of my own- 17, 12, and 10. I truly enjoy helping children reach their potential and have many years in leadership roles through coaching – cheer and soccer, youth leadership in our church, and running a Girl Scout Troop.
During my free-time, I love to spend time with my family. We love to go camping, hiking, and play board games. I also love to write music and poetry.
My personal belief in regards to teaching is building a relationship with students. When you show students that you truly care how they are feeling and doing, they will do their very best to meet your expectations. I have students, many years later, sharing their milestones and
happiest/proudest moments with me!
I am so very excited to start this journey with Heritage, and I hope for many years to come!
Third Grade
Hi. My name is Stephanie Arturet and I am so excited to be on the inaugural third grade team for the Maricopa Heritage Academy K-5! I am an Arizona native and have been teaching since 2002, when I graduated from Northern Arizona University. My husband and I have two kids: Amelia (12) and Andres (15) and two dogs: Toby Toberson and Mr. Duke. Outside of school, you can usually find me watching movies at home with my family, crafting with friends, hanging out in the pool when it’s warm enough, or curled up on the couch with a good book.
I believe that a positive, kind classroom environment is one of the keys to learning. I
strive to foster such an environment and firmly believe in the Golden Rule: treat others the way you want to be treated. When we work together in an environment in which that is practiced, scholars can thrive! My biggest passion when it comes to education is reading. As a life long avid reader, my goal is to model for my scholars that not only is reading important, but it’s FUN! It’s something to be enjoyed, not something we only do because we have to. One of my favorite parts of teaching is helping scholars discover their own love for reading and finding the stories that spark their interest. I am thrilled to work with and get to know the amazing staff and families
on our campus!
Hi! My name is April Hardy and I am excited to join the 3rd grade team at the new Heritage Academy Elementary campus in Maricopa. I am married to an amazing man and we have 5 children that are 18, 17, 15, 9, and 8. Sometimes I count my 5 year old black Labrador Retriever too. We love the outdoors, traveling, and a couple of our favorite spots include Yellowstone, New Orleans, and Jamaica. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree from Arizona State University. Go SunDevils! I have taught in Maricopa Unified School District for many years, spending the majority of my time at Pima Butte Elementary. Where I have grown to love watching little minds explore, learn, celebrate small victories, and master difficult concepts. It fills me with so much joy! I anticipate a lot of great things to happen for scholars at our new Heritage campus!! I count myself very blessed to be joining such an amazing team!!
Hi y’all! My name is Brittney Hilton, and I am excited to be a member of the third grade team this coming school year at Maricopa Heritage Academy K-5. I have two cats and a rottweiler. I enjoy reading, building Legos, attending concerts, experimenting with new recipes, and spending time
with my family. I earned my Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in
Language Arts from Brigham Young University- Idaho. I have taught third grade for three years.
My educational philosophy is that we are all lifelong learners and I strive to model my passion for learning in the classroom. It is my hope to instill not only a love for learning but also reading
with the hope that every student feels encouraged to embrace their own journey of curiosity and growth. I look forward to meeting you and helping students grow this year!
Fourth Grade
Hi! My name is Mrs. Bratek, and I am so excited to be a 4th grade teacher at Heritage. I am married to my best friend and have three kids: 9, 3 and 1. We love trips to Disney, playing outdoors and attending our kiddos’ sports games. I have a Masters in Elementary Education and have taught 4th and 5th grades. I love math, and helping children find their confidence in academics and writhing themselves. I strive to make learning fun and engaging for all students pulling on their interests and hobbies.
My name is Cori Colby, and I am excited to join the inaugural staff at Heritage Academy Maricopa Elementary as a fourth-grade teacher. I taught fifth grade for the past three years in a traditional setting, and am a strong believer in the traditional approach to education. Teaching is my second career, and I truly love it.
I hold a BA in Communications and an Arizona Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education. I’m passionate about helping students grow both academically and as respectful, responsible individuals. It is my hope to instill in all of my students a lifelong love of learning.
I’ve been married for 21 years and have three children, ages 13, 17, and 18, all of whom are (or have been) Heritage Heroes. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family, paddleboarding, Disneyland, and Diet Coke.
Hello! My name is Ashley Cole, and I’m excited to join the new Maricopa K–5 campus as part of the 4th grade team! I live here in Maricopa with my husband and our three pets — Lilo, Stitch, and Nani — who keep life busy and full of laughter. I’m originally from Michigan and earned my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Integrated Science from Eastern Michigan University in 2015.
This will be my eleventh-year teaching, and I still love creating classrooms that are warm, structured, and full of learning — spaces where students feel safe, supported, and confident to take on new challenges. I believe strong relationships are the foundation of learning and helping each child grow into their best self is my favorite part of teaching.
I can’t wait to meet my students and families for a year full of growth, learning, and memorable moments!
Hello! My name is Lori Shaw, and I am thoroughly thrilled to become your 4th Grade Teacher at the Maricopa K-5 campus! I have my bachelor’s degree in education and my master’s degree in administration. The 2026-2027 school year will be my 37th year in Education in which I have served students and their families in a variety of roles: Teacher (3rd-6th grades), Assistant Principal, Principal, RTI Coordinator, and work in higher education. I missed working with children so much, I left the role of Administrator and am elated to be back in the classroom. I have a son, Eric, and daughter-in-law, Amanda who reside in the Chicago area with my 2 rescue grand fur babies, Lola and Goose. My teaching philosophy is to make sure that I am teaching the “whole” child with my classroom management being fair and consistent. My goal is to make sure that the family and I keep in constant communication so that we can work together in doing what is best for your child(ren). I love to read historical fiction, crochet, needlepoint, and cross-stitch. My favorite food is sushi! I love to hang out at home with my rescue dog, Gino! He is a chihuahua, but a little overweight due to all the love I provide for him. I am extremely blessed and overjoyed to be working with your children to be successful now and in the future!
Fifth Grade
I am excited to join the staff as a 5th Grade Teacher and to be part of the opening team for our new K–5 elementary school. I hold dual certification in K–8 Elementary Education and Mild/Moderate Disabilities and earned my degree from Northern Arizona University. I bring eight years of classroom experience teaching upper elementary grades, specifically grades 4 through 6, and I am passionate about supporting diverse learners through inclusive and engaging instruction.
Originally from Northwest Indiana, I have made this community my home for more than ten years. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy crocheting, camping, hiking, and traveling. I am also a proud parent of two adult children and share my home with my black Labrador, Ruby.
I look forward to collaborating with colleagues, building strong relationships with students and families, and contributing positively to our school community.
Hello! My name is Richelle Hanks, and I feel extremely grateful to be able to join this wonderful Heritage Maricopa K-5 campus on the 5th grade team. I am married to an amazing man, and we will be celebrating 30 years of marriage this spring. We are blessed to have three kids: 27,23, and 21. When not teaching, you’ll find me either reading or hanging out with my twin sister. I have a bachelor’s degree in human development from Brigham Young University. I have taught third grade for 9 years and 5th grade for one. I love teaching and I want the children that I teach to come to school excited to learn and to know that they are capable of great things. I hope to instill in them a desire to be lifelong learners. I also believe that each child needs to feel supported and successful in their educational journey. This is going to be a fantastic school year!
My name is Rex Lundy, and I will be teaching 5th grade and coaching soccer. I am married with one daughter still at home who is 11 going on 18. During my free time, and to unwind, I like to play and take part in sporting events. During the summers I can be found at the golf course or pickleball courts. I also enjoy the arts with my family, museums, concerts and ballet. We enjoy our pets, 3 dogs and anything that wanders into our yard. I have been teaching PE at Pima Butte Elementary for the last three years after a 20+ year career in finance and wealth management and look forward to taking that experience into the classroom. I have a B.A. in Finance as well as an MBA in finance. My experience with the disabled community has given me the desire to pursue a second master’s in Special Ed, and move into that department when I finish. I look forward to joining the Heritage team and look forward to getting to know this new family.
Hello! I am happy to be introducing myself as one of the new 5th grade teachers at Heritage K-5 campus in Maricopa. My name is Nicole Wade and I have been a resident of Maricopa since 2014. My husband and I have two amazing teenagers that keep us busy with sports, and a fur baby that loves snuggles and belly rubs! I have been in the school setting since 2019 and teaching since 2021. 5th grade has been my favorite grade to teach and I am looking forward to not only helping out scholars learn academically, but helping shape them into responsible and productive middle schoolers!
Enrichment
Hello! My name is Brigette Brown, and I am excited to be teaching K5 Resource at the Maricopa K-5 campus and to help support our scholars. I recently graduated from ASU with a degree in Special Education. I have been a resource paraprofessional at the Heritage Gateway K8 campus since it opened in July 2022. Previous to that I was a Resource Paraprofessional in Gilbert Public Schools.I was married to my best friend for 23 years and lost him last year to liver cancer. We have 4 children: 23, 21, 20, 17. We also have two crazy dogs. I enjoy watching reality tv, going on road trips and spending time with my family. We are originally from the East Coast (Virginia and West Virginia) but have been in AZ for the last 10 years.I am grateful to be joining such an amazing team! I look forward to getting to know all of you!
🎵 Welcome to Music!
“Hi everyone! I’m Victoria Garza, and I am so excited to join the Heritage family as your new K–5 Music Teacher. My musical journey began as a young girl who always sang and wanted to be like Selena!
I’ve been sharing that joy ever since.
In my classroom, music is a universal language used to build confidence and community. Whether we are learning through sound and
movement or preparing for concert season, my goal is for every student to leave feeling like a successful creator in a safe and engaging environment.
A Little More About Me:
•Background: I’m originally from Tucson Az and studied Education at Wayland Baptist University where I also got my Masters in Organizaronal Management. This is my 8th year teaching music and
wouldn’t have it any other way! My favorite instrument is vocals however I have learned to love the clarinet as well!
• Personal Life: When I’m not teaching, you can find me reading a good book or spending time with my daughter. We have a dog at home named Sadie who loves all the belly rubs!
• Fun Fact: I am a huge Disney and Harry Potter fanatic,I love the color yellow and sunflowers!
I can’t wait to start making beautiful melodies with our amazing students. See you in the music room!
Hello! My name is Lindsey Hodgson, and I am excited to serve as the computer teacher at the Heritage Maricopa K–5 campus. I enjoy using technology as a meaningful tool to enhance student learning and engagement. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Ottawa University and bring nine years of teaching experience across multiple grade levels. Over the past few years, I have also had the pleasure of working as a substitute teacher within the Maricopa community. I believe every child has unique gifts, and I truly enjoy learning how they think and grow. My husband and I live in Maricopa with our two wonderful children, ages 7 and 10. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family, exploring the outdoors, serving in the community and church, and traveling. I look forward to a fantastic year of learning and growth together!
Hello! My name is Allyson Harms. I am beyond thrilled to be the 3rd – 5th grade special education teacher for the new K-5 campus! I have three adult daughters, two grandsons, three granddaughters, a snake named Yoshi, and a sulcata tortoise named Monte. I am an avid reader of anything and everything. I also love to hike and travel to interesting places where I can do more hiking! I began my teaching journey in 1999, and I truly cannot imagine doing anything else. I earned my Montessori teaching certificate through the Center for Guided Montessori Studies in March 2019, which certified me to teach 1st–6th graders in a Montessori environment. I also hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in special education from Arizona State University. Most recently, I completed coursework through Rio Salado College to earn my state special education certificate, allowing me to support students with learning disabilities in grades K–12. My personal philosophy on teaching is meeting students where they are and helping them grow through individualized support and meaningful connection. I also believe that each child learns best when they feel seen, heard, and valued. I can’t wait to partner with Heritage families and support students in their educational pursuits.
Hi! My name is Sandye Noble, and I will be the Reading Specialist for the Maricopa K-5 Campus. I have one daughter, Luna, who is 25 years old, and I have four dogs, a rat terrier, a terrier mix, and two chihuahuas. If I’m not at school, I am crafting my heart out. I love to crochet, sew, cross stitch, make soap, and explore new crafting skills. I have a Master’s degree in Elementary Education with a K-8 Reading Endorsement. I have taught 3rd grade for 5 years, 1st grade for 4 years, and have been a Reading Specialist for 2 years. My teaching philosophy is that if a student’s needs are met, they will engage and be able to learn. I’m so happy and grateful to be a part of this new team!
Hi! I’m Maddi Olderbak!
I’m thrilled to be joining this amazing school community. I am married to my wonderful husband, and together we are raising two energetic boys and two dogs who keep life busy and fun. Outside of school, I love spending time with my family, staying active, and enjoying all things sports.
With 13 years of experience in education, I earned my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and my master’s degree in Educational Leadership. I have taught 1st grade,4th grade, was an assistant principal/tosa, and gifted teacher. I genuinely love working with kids and helping the grow academically, socially, and personally.
I am passionate about being a positive leader and a supportive teammate. I am excited to bring my experience and enthusiasm into this new chapter. I can’t wait to connect with students, families, and staff!
Hello, my name is Peter Santacasa, and I am excited to be the new Physical Education teacher at the Maricopa K–5 campus. I was born and raised in Arizona, where my love for athletics and competition began early. As a young athlete, I became an Arizona State Champion in golf, an achievement that propelled me toward a lifelong commitment to sports, fitness, and mentoring youth.
I went on to attend High Point University in North Carolina, competing on a golf scholarship and earning Big South Conference honors during my collegiate career. After graduating, I spent more than 25 years as a professional golfer, competing on the Canadian, South American, and Asian Tours. Alongside my playing career, I founded and operated my own junior golf instruction school for over 20 years, coaching and developing young golfers from kindergarten through high school. This experience deepened my belief in the power of positive coaching, structured skill-building, and long-term athlete development.
I have also had the privilege of serving as a Big Brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Valley, further reinforcing my dedication to supporting and guiding young people. Over the past five years, I have been a Physical Education teacher, working with students from kindergarten through 12th grade. During that time, I also served as both a golf coach and cross country coach, helping student-athletes grow physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Teaching is truly my passion. I believe that Physical Education is the foundation for teamwork, a healthy mind, and a healthy body. My goal is to create an environment where students learn the value of movement, collaboration, confidence, and lifelong fitness. I strive to empower every child to see their potential and discover joy in staying active.
In my free time, I enjoy golfing, weightlifting, cooking, traveling, and spending meaningful time with my friends and family. I am grateful to be joining such an amazing team, and I look forward to helping our students grow, learn, and build lasting habits for wellness and success.