Staff Bios

Cara Brewer

My name is Cara Brewer and this is my 7th year of teaching. I graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2004 with a degree in Elementary Education. I’m a highly qualified teacher with a certificate in SEI (Structured English Immersion).

I taught fourth grade for four years and kindergarten for three years. In 2008, I moved to Phoenix and taught kindergarten at Western Valley Elementary School for one year. This is my third year teaching kindergarten at Carden.

In my spare time I like to go hiking, rock climbing, tubing, camping, watch movies, exercise and read books. This year I look forward to working with you and your child in reaching his/her full potential.

Daniela Behm

My name is Daniela Behm. I am a fourth grade teacher at Carden. I was born here in Arizona and when I was 7, my family and I moved to Michigan. I graduated High School in Michigan, then my family and I moved back to Arizona. I then went to pursue my dreams of becoming a teacher. I went to Glendale Community College to get my Associates Degree. Before I graduated from GCC I was accepted into the Arizona State University teacher program. I graduated top of my class with a Bachelors in Elementary Education. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I am an animal lover and I can never have enough animals around me. My hobbies include anything to do with arts and crafts, photography, and reading. I am very excited to be a teacher and I am looking forward to many years at Carden.

Deilani Ferguson

The love for science and different cultures has always been a part of who I am. I started off my life journey in Hawaii and lived all over, including but not limited to; Japan, Guam, California, Oregon, Arkansas and Arizona. Through the moving and traveling I obtained a BA in Biology. I worked in the medical field for 10 years, working with Phoenix Children’s Hospital and special needs patients. While working with surgery patients through the day I obtained my post-Baccalaureate in secondary education in the evening. Teaching high school was fun, but I love my Carden kids!

Although some would say my life revolves around science, I do have a life outside of science. I am a bit of a thrill seeker, scuba diving, bungee jumping and skydiving to name a few. I am also drawn to theater and arts as I was involved in Community Theater for 18 years and played the drums for 8 years. Sports you say… yes I love sports playing in and attending games. Baseball is my favorite… and I have been known to be a bit competitive. Traveling with my family is where I send most of my past time admittedly it is usually science related, and almost always involves a beach. During my travels I like to obtain any information I can to share with my students. I hope to help your student reach and exceed their learning goals, and help to add to their overall growth.

Dustin Adams

I hold bachelors in Finance from the University of Arizona and Associates in Hospitality & Restaurant Management from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Scottsdale.  Professionally I have worked for the University of Arizona Foundation as an Assistant Director of a program that raised $5.8 million in the 3 years I was in charge. During my time at Le Cordon Bleu of Scottsdale I worked as a Student Manager of their fine dining restaurant, L’Ecole.   From there I went on to do my externship as the first ever student to be a Restaurant General Manager for both their restaurants L’Ecole and L’Académie Bistro. 

My personal interests for the longest time have been in nutrition and sports. Nutritionally I do a lot of research on how food can positively affect humans emotionally and physically.  I have always been involved with sports through coaching and even a brief time as a local ABC news sports intern/producer.   This brings me to my current professional career as a National School Lunch Program Coordinator and Athletic Director for Carden Traditional Schools.  I have a real passion for helping our students through providing a nutritional lunch program and preparing our student athletes to compete at a high school level once they leave Carden.  Working for Carden Traditional schools is a truly rewarding experience and one I continue to enjoy.

Elizabeth Arellano

Since I first embarked on my educational journey to become a teacher, I knew that I wanted to be a Kindergarten teacher. I am delighted and honored to be have reached this dream at Carden. This year marks my 4th year teaching Kindergarten here at Carden. I believe that every child is capable of greatness and it is my pleasure and privilege to help each student discover his and her greatness. Before becoming a Kindergarten teacher I taught Pre-Kindergarten in California for 4 years and taught one year of Special Needs Preschool in the Dysart Unified School district. I have a degree in Child and Adolescent Studies and graduated from California State University at Fullerton in 2004. I am devoted to educating and supporting the mental, physical, emotional and social growth of your children.

Emily Flathers

Emily Flathers is a teacher, performer, and composer raised in a Minnesota home full of hymns and classical music. After terrorizing Iowa’s Luther College with piano and violin, she came out to Arizona State for grad school and never left! Now a state-certified music educator, Emily has passed through two levels each of Orff Schulwerk and Kodály music methodology training and is now in the middle of her eighth year teaching music to close to 600 K-8 students at the Carden Traditional School of Surprise, AZ. This past fall Emily joined the teaching staff of Art and Sol Performing Arts Program as a vocal director for their production of “Once Upon a Mattress” running in January 2012.

Evelyn Marquez

I graduated from Arizona State University in 2008 with a B.A. in Elementary Education. I am currently attending Northern Arizona University for my Masters in school intervention. I plan on graduating with my Masters degree by the end of 2013.
I have been teaching elementary school for three years. Before coming to Carden, I taught at a private Catholic school in Glendale Arizona. I have taught one year of 6thgrade and I have been teaching 3rd grade for two years now and I really enjoy it!
When I am not teaching I am busy planning my wedding which will be this May. I also enjoy hiking and going to the movies and vacationing on my free time.

Heather Dummar

My name is Heather Dummar and I currently teach 2nd grade at Carden Traditional School. I am a graduate of Northern Arizona University where I graduated in 2010 summa cum laude with my bachelor’s degree in Elementary education with an emphasis in English as Second Language.
I moved to Arizona in 2004 from Wisconsin. When I’m not teaching I enjoy spending time with my wonderful husband Matt, and our hyper active miniature pinscher, Duke. I also enjoy sewing and can spend many hours with a good book or my Kindle.

Jackie Di Domizio

I have been in both the education and social service field for quite some time now. I earned two associate degrees in Social Work, B.A.E. in Special Education (certifications in MR, LD, ED, and Driver’s/Safety Education), Master’s in Secondary Education. I have worked in group home settings, as a special education teaching assistant, have taught every grade from K-12, and have taught in full-inclusion, resource and self-contained settings, as well at a private school setting for students with severe autism. Prior to coming to Carden Traditional Schools of Surprise & Glendale, I held the position of Special Education Coordinator for several other full inclusion model Charter schools in the valley.
I also have my home certified for habilitation, attendant and respite care. I am blissfully married with three lively children of my own ages 21, 16 and 11. The eldest of which has Asperger’s Syndrome. I am also raising my two nephews ages 18, and 17, and one of my son’s best friends age 16. Yes, we have quite the house full.

Jill Melgard

I am originally from the Pacific Northwest and have had the fortunate opportunity to study French in Grenoble, France before graduating from Seattle University’s Matteo Ricci College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities and a French Minor .
I have a Post Graduate Certificate in Mental Health Treatment from the University of Washington and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education from Sunderland University, United Kingdom.
I have recently relocated to Arizona, from Dubai, U.A.E. to be closer to family. My son is studying at University and my daughter is in Grade 4. I have been teaching at the elementary level for twelve years.

JoAnna Wisniewska

My name is Ms. Wisniewska and I am honored to be your first grade teacher. I am an Arizona State University graduate, Summa Cum Laude, with a BA in Early Childhood Education. This is my second year teaching first grade at Carden. I really enjoy the Carden community and its strong emphasis on family relationships.

I was born and raised in Poland. After moving to the United States with my immediate family I had many opportunities to go back to Europe to visit my remaining family. Because of that I have developed a love for travel and gaining new life experiences.

The theme for my class this year is “Setting the Stage for Success.” I believe every child has the potential to be a super star and I am so excited to be in charge of creating a stimulating learning environment and providing your child with learning opportunities that will help them shine.

Kelly Axelson

My name is Kelly Axelson and this is my 4th year teaching 4th grade at Carden. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from Sonoma State University, and I earned my Master’s degree in Education from the University of Phoenix. I love teaching 4th grade – the material we get to cover and the age of the students makes coming to work every day a joy.

I have been married to Pete for almost 12 years now. We have two children, Abigail (in 2nd grade) and Noah (in kindergarten.) My children attend Carden, I love being able to bring them to work with me each day. I am originally from Sacramento, California and I went to college in the San Francisco Bay area. San Francisco is my favorite city! My family lived for almost 3 years in Omaha, Nebraska – I do not miss the snow! We are very happy living in Surprise.

Kristina Brilhante

My name is Kristina Brilhante. I attended California State University of Northridge (CSUN) graduating with a major in Child Development. After graduating I began working at a law firm for two years while taking courses to complete my teaching certificate.
I have been teaching elementary school for nine years. The first three years I taught 2nd grade at a private school in California. I then moved to Arizona and began teaching 3rd grade here at Carden.

While teaching at Carden, I coached cheerleading for two years and was on the Fall Festival committee for 5 years. I have also been the Gifted Cluster teacher for the last three years. This has been a great experience working with the students and parents.
I have been married for ten years and have two beautiful daughters (ages 4 and 2). The girls are very active and enjoy outside activities such as swimming, bike riding, hiking up at the White Tanks, or heading to the park. Our family also travels to and from California to visit family and friends as much as possible.

Leanne Styring

My name is Leanne Styring and I have been teaching for three years and I am a graduate of Arizona State University. I am highly qualified to teach in grades K-8, as well as middle school mathematics. Over the years I have learned that high expectations and goals are necessary for academic success. One of my favorite quotes is, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams and live the life you imagined”. I try to live my life by this quote, and I truly believe that my students can accomplish anything they set out to do.
I am very passionate about teaching, and I hold high expectations for each and every student. My goal every day is to challenge my students and create a fun and safe learning environment. Learning has to be enjoyable in order for it to be successful!

Lynda Steagall

Although I am a native of California, I spent most of my life in the Cleveland, Ohio area. I have been back on the west coast for 5 year with no plans on returning to the snowy, cold east.

From an early age math has been my passion, which is why I chose to teach it. After my two children were born I returned to school and attended Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, Ohio, which is most well known for its education department. Somehow, with the responsibility of raising two small children, I managed to maintain an academic scholarship for my five years there and graduated Cum Laude. I took a few years away from the classroom (as a student) and went back to school where I received my masters in education from Marygrove College in Detroit, Michigan. I have been teaching math for 15 years and am looking forward to a productive and fulfilling career here at Carden as the MYP math teacher.

Mark Hirsch

I am a native of Phoenix, Arizona. Prior to coming to Carden in 2010, I graduated from Arizona State with a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education with a specialization in History. While in college I had the opportunity to intern in a variety of schools around the Phoenix area. I am Highly Qualified to teach both Middle School Social Studies and Language Arts. I have done volunteer work with the Phoenix Public Library system and the Boys and Girls Club.

Rachel Parks

My name is Rachel Parks. I grew up in Glendale, attended school in the DVUSD, and  graduated from Mountain Ridge High School.  After starting college as a Nursing major, I quickly realized my love for working with children while working in an after school program. I changed my major after one semester and here I am. I graduated from ASU with my Bachelor’s in Elementary Education in 2008. I have also worked as an Instructional Assistant in a kindergarten classroom, a Developmental Screener with ALLC, a tutor, and a nanny. I have been teaching 3rd grade at Carden for the past 4 years. I have been married for 3 years and have a one year old daughter named Brylee. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my husband, playing with my daughter, watching movies, reading, doing crafts, and shopping.

Rebekah Pun

My name is Rebekah Pun and I have been teaching at Carden Traditional School since 2009. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies-Teacher Education and graduated Magna Cum Laude from The Master’s College in 2006. I went on to complete my 5th year credential program and student taught in 2nd and 4th/5th grades in Southern California. I hold my Standard Elementary Teaching Certificate with Structured English Emersion endorsement in Arizona and am titled “Highly Qualified”. Teaching is my passion and I love to impart a joy of learning to my students.

Sally Datria

I began my career teaching preschool in 1989. After the birth of my first child in 1995 I took several years off to stay home and be a mom and then a series of circumstances led me to home school my oldest. This opened up an opportunity to use my teaching skills in a different way. I began teaching classes to all ages of students in our home school co-op. I taught Literature, Arizona History, Theater and, my favorite, art classes to students in Kindergarten all the way through Middle School! During this time I had three more children and moved from California to Arizona. I ended up getting a job as a long term sub in a fourth grade classroom in 2005, quite by accident.

I taught fourth grade for five and a half years until I came to Carden to teach fifth grade. I ended up teaching Middle School Language Arts instead, something I never thought in a million years I would do, and found that I love it!! In 2009 I was named Charter School Teacher of the Year, a title I am very proud of, not because I am such a great teacher but because I am surrounded by a community of teachers who love what they do and have shared their gifts and talents with me and made me what I am…I was just the one who got noticed (probably because I’m so loud, and a little bit crazy). Young people are my passion and teaching them to think critically, read critically and write critically so that they can discover their passion is my goal.

Sandi Antone

My name is Sandi Antone and I am in my 7th year of teaching. I graduated from ASU West in 2005 with a degree in Elementary Education. I taught for three years in the Paradise Valley School District. During my time there I taught kindergarten for two years and second grade for one year. In 2008 my husband and I moved to Indiana and I taught ESL for one semester and kindergarten for one semester, then we moved back to Arizona in May 2009. This is my third year teaching kindergarten at Carden. I live with my husband Ryan, our twin daughters Alexis and Ryleigh, and our two dogs Milo and Sadie. They keep us very busy! In my spare time I like to go hiking in Sedona, watch movies and read books. I am looking forward to working with your child, and you, this year and helping him/her to achieve his/her full potential.

Scott Wright

My name is Scott Wright and I teach 6th grade Science, Social Studies, and Math. I am a graduate of the University of Arizona with a B.S. in Consumer Science. I also received a post bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate in Elementary Education from Rio Salado College.

I have been married to my wife for 5 years and we just recently had our first child, a beautiful baby girl named Zoey!

When I am not teaching, my wife and I enjoy hiking, tennis, walks in the park, and of course spending time with our daughter.

There is no better job than teaching. Each and every day is different and exciting! I am lucky to have such a rewarding job that I enjoy so much. My students are a constant source of amazement for me, I love watching them learn and grow! I feel it is important that parents are a part of their child’s education and I welcome the opportunity to work as partners with parents. As partners in your child’s education, we can collaborate to help your child succeed!

Sharon Kaplan

My name is Sharon Kaplan and this is my 7th year at Carden. This year I am the Title 1 Coach and have the pleasure of working with all of the students. I am from El Paso, Texas. I have a BS in Family Studies from the University of Arizona and a Masters of Education from Lesley College. I live in Surprise with my husband, Jonathan and kids, Jonah and Jessica. We have 3 dogs. I enjoy reading, playing with my kids, and playing the cello. I feel lucky to work with young children, and truly enjoy seeing them develop.

Shannon Estillore

Shannon Estillore grew up in Tucson, AZ. She graduated with Bachelor in Science in Elementary Education from the University of Arizona. This is her 2nd year teaching kindergarten at Carden. She has a passion for working with underprivileged children and families.

Stefani Oliverio

My name is Stefani Oliverio and I have been teaching at Carden Traditional School since August 2010. I am a graduate of Southwestern Bible College with a B.S. in Elementary Education. I have my certificate in elementary education with an endorsement in Structured English Emersion. When I am not teaching, I enjoy traveling with my husband, Robert. We will often take road trips around the state to visit different historical landmarks.

Timothy Shippy

Graduated from Edinboro University of PA. 1993 with a BS in Education- Major- Health & Physical Education
Was a Member of the Varsity Football Team as a Player and 2 years as a Student Coach.
Was a Graduate Assistant Football Coach at Defiance University for 1 year and 1 year at Central Florida University.
I have 17 years teaching Experience in both NY and AZ.
I also have over 15 years Coaching Football, Track and Lacrosse.

Wendy Ramirez

This is my fourth year working with Carden Traditional. I substituted K-8th for 3 years prior to teaching full time. Last year I taught the Spanish class and had a blast doing so! I am ecstatic to be teaching Spanish again this year. Teaching a foreign language is both exciting and fun for me. The most rewarding part is listening to students speak Spanish!

I was born in the beautiful country of Honduras. I have been living in the United States since I was five years old. Before moving to Arizona I lived in California. I am a proud graduate of California State University, Fullerton. I have lived in Arizona for 7 years with my lovely 13 year old daughter Bernadette. I spend most of my summers outside of Arizona, visiting family and friends. One of my favorite things to do, other than eat, is to travel. I’ve had the privilege of traveling to several countries and look forward to visiting many more.

Wendy Severance

I was born July 14, 1968 in Flint, Michigan.  I have lived in Arizona, continuously, since 1979 (I also lived here in 1973 & 1974). I am the oldest of three girls.  I met and married my husband Kevin in 1993.  My son, Rory, was born in 1994 and now he’s getting ready to graduate high school in May.  Three years later, in February of 1997 my daughter Tara was born.  I stayed home with my kids when they were little and didn’t complete college until I was 34.  I have a bachelor’s degree in history and my post-bacc. in elementary education.  This is my sixth year teaching, the first three I taught 2nd grade and I have taught 4th grade the last three.  I have my ELL endorsement and also I am qualified to teach middle school social studies.