Our Staff
As educators, we are in it for the kids. At Tuscano Elementary, we are fortunate to have a team of professionals who are truly passionate about teaching and helping children to grow and flourish. Please contact your child’s teacher to discuss any questions or concerns.
Administration
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Diehl DarrenDarren Diehl T.O.S.A Send message » 623-707-2313
Education
BA Elementary Education - Kings CollegeExperience
Substitute teacher - three years; personal care assistant for high school student - one year; K–2 ED aid - one year; seventh-grade learning support inclusion - one year; fifth-grade Tuscano Elementary teacher - seven yearsWhy I Teach
The reason I teach is because I truly want to make a difference in children's lives. I feel that every student is capable of being successful, and I find great joy in teaching students how to bring that greatness out of themselves. Teaching for me is helping to change the world one student at a time.
Front Office
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Preschool
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Covarrubias PaolaPaola Covarrubias Preschool Teacher Send message »
Education
BA in accountingExperience
I began my preschool career as a parent volunteer in 2014 when my oldest son was a Head Start student. I began working as an assistant in a few daycare centers and as instructional assistant in preschool here at Tuscano. This is my first year as a lead teacher.Why I Teach
I teach because it is my passion to share knowledge and inspire others, and I'm also learning something every day. I like to help children learn new things every day.
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Lewis VilmaVilma Lewis Preschool Lead Teacher Send message » 623-707-2345
Education
I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in family and human development from Arizona State University.Experience
I have taught preschool for seven years now at Tuscano.Why I Teach
I love working with the little ones and seeing their progress day by day. Every day is a new adventure with them! I truly believe that every child can succeed and that teaching is one of my passions.
Kindergarten
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Babalcon DoreenDoreen Babalcon Kindergarten Send message » 623-707-2319
Education
I graduated with bachelor's degree in elementary education and also completed academic units in master of arts in education, major in educational management, and master of arts in education, major in preschool education.Experience
I have been in the field of teaching for 10 years. This is my first year teaching here in Tuscano as a fifth grade teacher.Why I Teach
I love teaching, and I am passionate about my work. I want to create an environment of warmth and care while using my experience and expertise to help children nurture their natural skills in learning and socializing so they can maximize their talents and abilities.
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Hernandez Mary CathyMary Cathy Hernandez Kindergarten Send message » 623-707-2322
Education
I have a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.Experience
Ten years of experience in the education field. This is my third year teaching kindergarten at Tuscano Elementary School.Why I Teach
I love teaching here because I love to see all my students learn and grow. I am always excited and ready to welcome all my students to a positive learning environment to facilitate the academic, personal, social, and intellectual development of each student. I love working with this age group, and I like to encourage all my students to become life-long learners.
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Wagner KarenKaren Wagner Kindergarten Send message » 623-707-2342
Education
BS - Bemidji State University, Bemidji, MinnesotaExperience
While this is my first year in third grade, I have taught for many years. I started out teaching Head Start and later moved up to kindergarten. I have also taught first and second grades.Why I Teach
I so much admired my own kindergarten teacher (yes, I remember her!) that I decided I would also become a kindergarten teacher! As I went through school, it became harder for me—I struggled. But I always had teachers who were willing to take the time to help me out. This stayed with me; what a great influence they had on me. I still love learning! And it brings me joy to pass that kind of positive influence on to the young students who I'm lucky to meet.
First Grade
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Abarca YorlinYorlin Abarca First Grade Send message » 623-707-2321
Education
Bachelor's of arts in education with a major in teaching English, and a bachelor's of science in teaching.Experience
21 yearsWhy I Teach
Teaching, bringing knowledge to people, and supporting students to achieve their goals. I want to help them progress according to their own capability and I want to show them how much value and potential they have to succeed. We could also share and exchange culture and experience.
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Andrade DulceDulce Andrade First Grade Send message » 623-707-2334
Education
I have a bachelor's degree in teaching at Autonomous University of Baja California.Experience
I've been teaching first grade for the past two years, and this is my first-year teaching at Tuscano.Why I Teach
Being a teacher is one of the best things in my life. I love being around the little ones, hearing their amazing stories, and always learning something from them. I can't wait to have an amazing school year!
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Guillen JosieJosie Guillen First Grade Send message » 623-707-2347
Education
BA Elementary Education and Early ChildhoodExperience
I have worked in the Fowler School District for 25 years. I started as a teaching assistant (SFA tutor) at Sunridge. I also worked as an ESL tester for a few years at Sunridge, Tuscano, and Suncayon. I taught third grade for half a year at Sunridge. Now I'm teaching third grade at Tuscano Elementary School.Why I Teach
I teach because there is excitement and joy and suspense in the journey. The one and only compensation is to make a permanent difference in the life of a child. I have found that my students also teach me about different cultures, abilities, and perspectives. I have discovered that they are actually my teachers, and I'm the student. There is nothing better than having one of my students realize they are stronger and more resilient than they ever thought possible. For those reasons, and many more, I teach.
Second Grade
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Quintero BriannaBrianna Quintero Second Grade Send message » 623-707-2325
Education
I have a bachelor's in elementary education from Grand Canyon University.Experience
I was a student teacher at Tuscano and I began my teaching career in 2020. This is my fourth year teaching.Why I Teach
I love Tuscano because of the people around me, the students, and the staff. My colleagues make me feel so welcomed, and they are always willing to lend a helping hand, or an ear. For my students past and present, it is amazing to watch them grow academically and as individuals. Being a part of their learning experience and lives is wonderful. My overall goal as an educator is to guide students and make them want to continue their academic journey.
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Zimmerman TeresaTeresa Zimmerman Second Grade Send message » 623-707-2333
Experience
In my 25 years of teaching I have taught first, second, third, and fifth grades. I am from St. Louis, Missouri. I moved to Phoenix seven years ago and have four adult children and two cats named Hamlet and Romeo.Why I Teach
Second grade is my favorite to teach. I love working with the Tuscano family because of how caring, kind, and involved they are in our students.
Third Grade
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Diehl ElizabethElizabeth Diehl Second Grade Send message » 623-707-2348
Education
I have my bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from SUNY Cortland in New York state.Experience
This will be my tenth year at Tuscano and also my tenth year teaching kindergarten!Why I Teach
Teaching is not just a job for me; it is a passion. I truly love teaching my students and seeing them grow. The progress, not only academically but also socially and emotionally, that they make from August to May is incredible. Our students make every day in the classroom a special one. I am married to Mr. Diehl who also works here at Tuscano. We have two adorable puppies named Olaf and Yardley.
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Duran AdrianaAdriana Duran Third Grade Send message » 623-707-2329
Education
Bachelors in education.Experience
21 years experience.Why I Teach
I love to transit my knowledge to my students using different strategies. Having fun is the most important thing in my classroom. If you have fun, you will learn forever.
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Duarte LaumaryLaumary Duarte Third Grade Send message » 623-707-2327
Education
BA in elementary educationExperience
I have been in education for three years. I was a teacher's assistant and substitute for two years. This is my first year as a classroom teacher.Why I Teach
While I was working at the Boys and Girls Club, I had the opportunity to take a student aside to help her with a difficult math concept that she was having trouble understanding. When I was able to show her a different way to approach the problem, she “got it.” The excitement that came with her “got it” made me feel like I can do so much more than just helping our students during their homework time. I teach because kids deserve a safe place to learn and grow and make mistakes. Kids are natural learners who are just waiting for someone to realize their potential. I am so happy to spend each day with my students!
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Gontarz MartaMarta Gontarz Third Grade Send message » 623-707-2331
Education
BA Elementary Education, MA Administration, endorsements ESL, Early ChildhoodExperience
In 2001, I began teaching in the Fowler District. I started at Fowler Elementary then switched to Sunridge Elementary where I worked for three years. When Tuscano Elementary opened up in 2005, I decided to transfer here and have been here ever since. I have taught the second and third grades.Why I Teach
My story of teaching began when I was 13. My sister-in-law, who taught first grade, invited me to come and help in her classroom. I absolutely enjoyed the experience. One of my goals in teaching is to make a positive impact on students and share their successes. Helping students prepare for their future and letting students know they can achieve anything they want is important to me. Being with students in school allows me to inspire my students.
Fourth Grade
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Aguilar ChristineChristine Aguilar Fourth Grade
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Aguilar ChristineChristine Aguilar Fourth Grade
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Allen NanetteNanette Allen Fourth Grade Send message » 623-707-2332
Experience
I have had the opportunity to teach from kindergarten to eighth grade. Each grade is exciting to teach. This is my second year teaching fourth grade here at Tuscano.Why I Teach
I love the opportunity to be in the classroom with so many future leaders of the world. I hope to inspire and empower these young students to be lifelong learners and to always try to do their best. I appreciate the vision that Tuscano School has for these students and this community. It is a joy to come to work with the creative challenge to touch the future.
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Lemle DebraDebra Lemle Fourth Grade Send message » 623-707-2318
Education
I am currently working on a master's degree in education.Experience
I have been working in the education system for ten years. I was a reading interventionist; I was an emergency teacher substitute for kindergarten through fifth grade; I was a long-term teacher substitute for kindergarten through fifth grade; and for the past two years I have been teaching fourth grade.Why I Teach
Why do I teach or love what I do? First of all, I love to give to my community. I love to serve where I live. I enjoy working with kids; shaping their minds, helping them to grow in knowledge, helping children become better citizens, helping children with any type of struggles emotional, social, or educational. I love to teach because I am a firm believer that children need someone who cares, someone who supports them in any way possible.
Fifth Grade
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Morales DanielaDaniela Morales Fifth Grade Send message » 623-707-2320
Education
I have a bachelor's degree in teaching at Autonomous University of Baja California.Experience
I am currently teaching fifth grade at Tuscano Elementary.Why I Teach
I absolutely enjoy teaching, interacting with students, trying to make an impact in their lives, and most importantly, learning from each and every one of them. My main goal is to help them believe they can accomplish anything they set their minds to.
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Schilling Ann MarieAnn Marie Schilling Fifth Grade Send message » 623-707-2349
Education
BA Kâ8th Education (Early Childhood) - ASU, MA Curriculum and Instruction - Grand Canyon CollegeExperience
23 years teaching: kindergarten, PE, music, second grade, third grade, third/fourth/fifth combo classWhy I Teach
I teach because it's my passion in life. I teach because being a teacher is a major part of who I am. I teach to mold the minds of children so they will know how to become anyone they want to be. I teach so children can achieve their dreams. I teach because I want each child to know they are special and important. I teach because learning to read and write will change a child's life. I teach because I'm changing the world.
Special Area Teachers
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Jordan MonicaMonica Jordan Art Send message » 623-707-2338
Education
I graduated from Arizona State University with cum laude honors, along with a bachelor's degree in fine arts.Experience
I have been working for five-and-a-half years now as an elementary art teacher. I have also worked with individuals with special needs and mental illness, as well as senior citizens.Why I Teach
I was raised in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Through the years, I am known for being a humanitarian. I enjoy working with students to find their talents through the arts.
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Thomas RickRick Thomas Music Send message » 623-707-2351
Education
Graduated from ASU, NAU, and Bible College in Seattle.Experience
30+ years as a music teacher in Arizona and the northwest. I am going on ten years at Tuscano!Why I Teach
I enjoy working with a great staff, and I love the kids like they are my own!
Special Education
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Perry StephanieStephanie Perry Special Education Self-Contained 3-5 Send message » 623-707-2339Biography
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Perry StephanieStephanie Perry Special Education Self-Contained 3-5 Send message » 623-707-2339Biography
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Caloca PattyPatty Caloca Instructional Assistant Send message »
Education
I am a SPED assistant in Ms. Perry's class.Experience
This is my first year at Tuscano Elementary School.Why I Teach
I love having the opportunity to work with amazing students and staff. I enjoy watching the students grow and achieve their goals every day. I also love being able to help them with their daily struggles.
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Czoka AndreaAndrea Czoka Special Education Self-Contained K-2 Send message » 623-707-2350
Education
BS Special Education, MA Special EducationExperience
16 YearsWhy I Teach
I love to watch students grow academically and socially. It truly is amazing to see their development throughout the school year—not just in their academics, but with social interaction with their peers. One of my passions in teaching is advocating for students as well as teaching them to advocate for themselves. I believe this a very important skill needed to become a successful, functioning member of society.
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Mejia DeniseDenise Mejia Instructional Assistant Send message »
Education
High school graduate/collegeExperience
I worked in the retail business for four year; I was a full-time mom for 15 years; I have two months experience as a SPED assistant.Why I Teach
I enjoy working with kids and at the same time I love learning more about them. I also love teaching because I see myself learning more about different ways to handle all kinds of opportunities with special kids, and at the same time, grow as a professional.
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Perry StephanieStephanie Perry Special Education Self-Contained 3-5 Send message » 623-707-2339
Education
BA Special Education K–12, BA Elementary Education K–6Experience
I went back to school after my older son started school. I was not sure what I wanted to do. I tried a class for elementary education and I loved it. I started at Estrella Mountain Community College, and after I received my associate's degree, I transferred to ASU in the I-Teach program. It was an accelerated program. I was supposed to finish in a year and a half. I ended up pregnant with my younger son. I changed to the regular program and was able to finish in two years.Why I Teach
This my third year teaching in special education. I like working with students in a small group. I enjoy working with a team to help a student overcome a struggle. My favorite groups are my social groups. We practice how to recognize our feelings and how to calm down when we are upset. We also practice how to accept the word "no" and to get along with others.
Support Staff
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