
Lakin Prep Teachers & Staff
We’ve worked hard to bring you the best administrators, teachers, and staff possible, and we are excited for you to meet them. They care about our mission and vision and are looking forward to bringing great things to pass. Please feel free to contact them; communication is the key to success.
Administration
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Durazo Dr. NicoleDr. Nicole Durazo Principal durazo.nicole@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown: Stockton, California
Hobbies: Reading, traveling, spending time with family
Favorite Subject: Math and Science
Message: Why you are excited to be at Lakin? Why you became an educator? Why do you love the grade level/subject you teach?
I am excited to be at Lakin to leave a legacy as we build a safe, positive learning environment focused on an inquiry-based approach, world-mindedness, and biliteracy.
Office Support
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Bojorquez StephanieStephanie Bojorquez Administrative Secretary bojorquez.stephanie@littletonaz.orgBiography
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Martinez DeniseDenise Martinez Office Support Specialist Sr. martinez.denise@littletonaz.orgBiography
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Bojorquez StephanieStephanie Bojorquez Administrative Secretary bojorquez.stephanie@littletonaz.orgBiography
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Martinez DeniseDenise Martinez Office Support Specialist Sr. martinez.denise@littletonaz.orgBiography
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Bojorquez StephanieStephanie Bojorquez Administrative Secretary bojorquez.stephanie@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Hobbies: Traveling, shopping, and spending time with my family.
Favorite Subject: Math
Message: Why you are excited to be at Lakin? What inspired you to work at a school?
I am so excited to be a part of the Lion Pride family. I look forward to meeting all of our lions, parents, and community. Vamos Leones!
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Hedges DianeDiane Hedges Librarian hedges.diane@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown: Hoquiam, Washington
Hobbies: Travel, visiting museums, and reading.
Favorite Subject: Science
Message: Why you are excited to be at Lakin? What inspired you to work at a school?
I like being a part of a team that starts with a dream and then builds it into a wonderful reality! As a child, I enjoyed hearing and reading stories, I want to share that joy with our students.
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Martinez DeniseDenise Martinez Office Support Specialist Sr. martinez.denise@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
South Phoenix, AZHobbies
All things Disney, baking, traveling, UTV trail riding, going to the casino, and trips with family.Favorite Subject
MathWhy you are excited to be at Lakin? What inspired you to work at a school?
I'm so excited to be a part of the Lion pride family. I look forward to meeting the Lakin Prep families, community partners, and students.
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Ricci PamelaPamela Ricci Nurse ricci.pamela@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Born in Porterville. Grew up in Tulare. Last lived in AtascaderoHobbies
I like visit national parks, camp, and go to music festivals. I love to garden and play with my grandchildren.Favorite Subject
Football and hikingWhy you are excited to be at Lakin? What inspired you to work at a school?
I am excited to help start a new school, meet new teachers, and students.
Related Services
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Bowden ToniToni Bowden Social Worker bowden.toni@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Hobbies: Exercise, basketball, pets
Favorite Subject: PE and Art
Message: Why you are excited to be at Lakin? What inspired you to work at a school?
I am excited and honored to be at Lakin! I look forward to providing students with an intentional space to have their voices heard. Our students and their families are key members of our community as future world leaders, and I am honored to be able to assist in building an amazing community at Lakin Prep Academy. I will support students to the very best of my ability! Go Lions!
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Clouse CarlaCarla Clouse Reading Interventionist / Resource clouse.carla@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown: Tucson, Arizona
Hobbies: Singing, piano, gardening, family and friends
Favorite Subject: Math, Music
Message: Why you are excited to be at Lakin? Why you became an educator? Why do you love the grade level/subject you teach?
I am excited to be at Lakin! I am happy to meet new people and collaborate with them. I totally enjoy working with my resource and reading students. Every day I learn something new from them and about them. I like teaching my students how to become independent learners and enjoy watching not only their progress but their increasing eagerness to read, write, and do math.
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Kalle SallarSallar Kalle Psychologist kalle.sallar@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown: Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
Hobbies: Reading, hiking, golfing, working out, traveling, and trying out new restaurants.
Favorite Subject: History
Message: Why you are excited to be at Lakin? What inspired you to work at a school?
I am inspired to make a difference in a child's life by advocating for their needs. I am also here as a resource to guide, assist, and problem-solve with teachers, staff, students, and parents whenever needed.
Teachers
Kindergarten
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Montano LauraLaura Montano Kindergarten montano.laura@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown: Goodyear, AZ
Hobbies: Trying new and exotic snacks, road trips with friends and family, Bingo!!!, collecting miniatures, or anything butterflies!!
Favorite Subject: Mathematics, Reading, Science, and the Arts
Message: Why you are excited to be at Lakin? Why you became an educator? Why do you love the grade level/subject you teach?
I am excited to be a Lakin lion and to watch my students grow in this learning garden we call Kinder! Becoming a teacher was always my passion, and I am beyond blessed for all the memories made within and outside the classroom over the years. I am thankful for class parents and families for all of their support and love for their Lion ? cub in learning and growing.
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Salvador Roca AnaAna Salvador Roca Kindergarten salvadorroca.ana@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown: Valencia
Hobbies: Traveling, hiking, cooking, theatre lessons, crafts
Favorite Subject: Math
Message: Why you are excited to be at Lakin? Why you became an educator? Why do you love the grade level/subject you teach?
I feel very fortunate to be part of Lakin's staff, and to have the opportunity to see how a school is born and to be able to be a part of them, together with the great personal and human qualities of my colleagues, makes me feel extremely blessed. Being a teacher allows you to sow the seeds of the future, to be able to transmit the best of yourself to future citizens. It is a great responsibility. My vocation has always been as a kindergarten teacher. I like the way of working, the innocence of the children, their naivety... I love to see that children always see the world with children's eyes: no taboos, no stereotypes... they are genuine.
First Grade
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Martinez Zabala Carlos MariaCarlos Maria Martinez Zabala 1st Grade zabala.carlos@littletonaz.orgBiography
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Martinez Zabala Carlos MariaCarlos Maria Martinez Zabala 1st Grade zabala.carlos@littletonaz.orgBiography
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Martinez Zabala Carlos MariaCarlos Maria Martinez Zabala 1st Grade zabala.carlos@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown: Cartagena España
Hobbies: Doing sports, reading, and traveling
Favorite Subject: Math
Message: Why you are excited to be at Lakin? Why you became an educator? Why do you love the grade level/subject you teach?
So excited to be in the United States working in a brand-new school like this. So glad to be part of Lakin. Vamos Leones!
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Paul RebeccaRebecca Paul 1st Grade paul.rebecca@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown: Salem, Missouri
Hobbies: Reading, photography
Favorite Subject: English
Message: Why you are excited to be at Lakin? Why you became an educator? Why do you love the grade level/subject you teach?
I became a teacher because I needed someone at school who believed in me as a kid - now I get to be that person for my students! I am excited to join the first-grade team at Lakin because I get to help students build their reading foundations for their school careers. Lakin is an amazing school because our students get a high-quality education in both English and Spanish, and I am excited to see how much we grow and achieve as a team.
Second Grade
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Rodriguez GloriaGloria Rodriguez 2nd Grade rodriguez.gloria@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown: Goodyear, Arizona
Hobbies: play volleyball and work out at the gym
Favorite Subject: Writing
Message: Why you are excited to be at Lakin? Why you became an educator? Why do you love the grade level/subject you teach?
I do love the dual language program, and I'm so happy to be a part of it. I started tutoring with middle school kids and fell in love with the idea of teaching and making such a difference to kids. I have taught mostly in third grade most of my years, and it's nice to have a change and do second grade. This would be my third year teaching second grade, and I do like it. I enjoy teaching the writing part on my side since we are a dual language school.
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Torrero Piazza MartaMarta Torrero Piazza 2nd Grade torreropiazza.marta@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown: Sevilla
Hobbies: Doing sports, reading, painting, going to the theater, and languages in general
Message: Why you are excited to be at Lakin? Why you became an educator? Why do you love the grade level/subject you teach?: I'm excited to be at Lakin because I am learning more than ever. I became a teacher thanks to my English teacher, Carmen. She was an inspiration for me, a model. I love teaching in general, it doesn't matter what subject. Second grade is my favorite grade, absolutely. I love children's curiosity and how they react to learning new things.
Third Grade
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Perez Jimenez GloriaGloria Perez Jimenez 3rd GradeAdditional information
Hometown: Louisville, Colorado
Hobbies: The Arts, traveling, and reading
Favorite Subject: Social Studies
Message: Why you are excited to be at Lakin? Why you became an educator? Why do you love the grade level/subject you teach?
I am so happy to be the third-grade teacher at Lakin Prep Academy this year. It's always exciting to be part of a new staff at a brand-new school. We want to set a strong positive foundation for future LPA students. In addition, teaching third grade has always been my favorite grade to teach, because it's a year where students can show much academic growth, confidence, and independence to prepare for further learning. As an educator, I want to ensure my students go on with excellent academic learning and life skills for future success in the real world. Hopefully, to become "caring, confident world-minded people" who make an impact in their community. Vamos Leones!
Fourth Grade
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Vliek RachelRachel Vliek 4th Grade vliek.rachel@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown: Kalamazoo, MI
Hobbies: Arts & Crafts, Cooking, YouTube
Favorite Subject: Science
Message: Why you are excited to be at Lakin? Why you became an educator? Why do you love the grade level/subject you teach?
I am excited to be at Lakin because it is a brand-new beautiful school. I have always enjoyed children and teaching them, so becoming a teacher was natural to me. I love fourth grade because this is the age where their personalities start to shine through. They are old enough to learn and young enough to know they don't it all.
Fifth Grade
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Wilson MarrissaMarrissa Wilson 5th GradeAdditional information
Hometown: Goodyear, Arizona
Hobbies: Dance, Crochet, Learning
Favorite Subject: English Language Arts
Message: Why you are excited to be at Lakin? Why you became an educator? Why do you love the grade level/subject you teach?
My teaching journey began with preschool students in 2020. I started teaching a month before the pandemic, so I've had quite the experience. I love teaching because I'm certain that it is my purpose in this life. I am excited to be at Lakin Prep because of our incredible staff, new facilities, and our goal to become an International Baccalaureate school. When I was in high school, I participated in IB, and it was incredibly impactful to my learning. I'm looking forward to seeing the students at Lakin Prep be impacted positively by this world-minded and rigorous program.
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Barnes KelseyKelsey Barnes 5th Grade barnes.kelsey@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown: El Paso, Texas
Hobbies: Softball, crafting and binge watching tv
Favorite Subject: Math
Message: Why you are excited to be at Lakin? Why you became an educator? Why do you love the grade level/subject you teach?
I am excited to be at Lakin because this staff makes coming to work every day enjoyable, and the students here are outstanding and kind. I love teaching fifth-grade math and science because we have fun and learn a lot! I became a teacher because I love to help others, and I get to do that every day!
Special Areas
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Latu GianinaGianina Latu Music latu.gianina@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown: New Port Richey, Florida
Hobbies: Gardening, Community Engagement
Favorite Subject: Music
Message: Why you are excited to be at Lakin? Why you became an educator? Why do you love the grade level/subject you teach?
I'm excited to be at Lakin because of the world-embracing education we will provide as an IB dual-language school! I became a music educator to create opportunities for children to explore and learn about the world around them through music.
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Parker TerriTerri Parker Art TeacherAdditional information
Hometown: Sarasota, Florida
Hobbies: Art, Graphic Design, Makerspace, Gallery Exhibits, my online Print on Demand Shops, Film/TV Production, Animation, Theater, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Ecology, STREAM, singing, flowers, animals, movies & TV, amusement parks/Disney. The more upside-down roller coasters, the better.
Favorite Subject: All forms of Art
Message: Why you are excited to be at Lakin? Why you became an educator? Why do you love the grade level/subject you teach?
Because you're so open to new ideas & ways of self-expression. New school, new Art room! New friends. Because I love working with people of all ages. My younger students are especially awesome because they're so open to new ideas & willing to discover their own inner sparks of talent, creativity, & exploration.
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Thornton KellenKellen Thornton PE thornton.kellen@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Hobbies: Family Gatherings, Basketball, Xbox
Favorite Subject: PE
Message: Why you are excited to be at Lakin? Why you became an educator? Why do you love the grade level/subject you teach?
I'm proud to be a Lakin Lion because of its strong emphasis on student academic success, a supportive staff, and the innovative teaching methods. I became an educator to be able to help foster and guide young inspiring minds. Teaching has given me the opportunity to make a positive impact on students' lives, share my knowledge, and shape the next generation. Seeing students actively engage in physical activities, while promoting their well-being, and witnessing their progress in terms of physical skills and personal growth are reasons I'm a physical education teacher. PE teachers also give you the opportunity to instill lifelong healthy habits in students and be a positive influence on their overall wellness journey. Go Lions!!
Student Achievement Coach
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Wasbotten ElliotElliot Wasbotten Student Achievement Coach wasbotten.elliot@littletonaz.orgBiography
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Wasbotten ElliotElliot Wasbotten Student Achievement Coach wasbotten.elliot@littletonaz.orgBiography
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Wasbotten ElliotElliot Wasbotten Student Achievement Coach wasbotten.elliot@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown: Hudson, Ohio
Hobbies: Music, Hanging out with my family and friends, road trips, and trying new foods!
Favorite Subject: American Sign Language!
Message: Why you are excited to be at Lakin? Why you became an educator? Why do you love the grade level/subject you teach?
I am excited to be a Lakin Lion! I am a firm believer that all children have the ability to learn, but all children do not learn the same way. I believe that we as educators must always continue to grow in our own practices so that we can provide the best learning experiences for all of our kids. Go Lions!
School Support
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Oblea AracelyAracely Oblea Paraprofessional - Early Childhood oblea.aracely@littletonaz.orgBiography
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Soriano VladimirVladimir Soriano Paraprofessional - Resource soriano.vladimir@littletonaz.orgBiography
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Thompson JenniferJennifer Thompson Dynamic Digital Communicator/Gradebook Tech thompson.jennifer@littletonaz.orgBiography
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Oblea AracelyAracely Oblea Paraprofessional - Early Childhood oblea.aracely@littletonaz.orgBiography
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Soriano VladimirVladimir Soriano Paraprofessional - Resource soriano.vladimir@littletonaz.orgBiography
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Thompson JenniferJennifer Thompson Dynamic Digital Communicator/Gradebook Tech thompson.jennifer@littletonaz.orgBiography
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Hernandez Luis AngelLuis Angel Hernandez Permanent SubstituteAdditional information
Hometown
Phoenix, ArizonaHobbies
Gardening and JoggingFavorite Subject
Reading and writingWhy you are excited to be at Lakin? What inspired you to work at a school?
I am excited to be at Lakin because I am happy to work with every grade as a substitute and getting to know everyone! The close knit environment is pleasant. What inspired me to work at a school is when I began doing community service in high school. I went to 1st and 2nd grade classrooms to help, and I enjoyed being in the room.
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Oblea AracelyAracely Oblea Paraprofessional - Early Childhood oblea.aracely@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown: Palm Springs, California
Hobbies: Crafts and spending time with family
Favorite Subject: Reading
Message: Why you are excited to be at Lakin? What inspired you to work at a school?
Excited to be here and have the opportunity to see students grow and learn.
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Soriano VladimirVladimir Soriano Paraprofessional - Resource soriano.vladimir@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Anaheim, CAHobbies
Playing video games, watching anime, and reading.Favorite Subject
HistoryMessage
I'm excited to be at Lakin because it gives me a chance to learn and grow alongside a brand-new school!
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Thompson JenniferJennifer Thompson Dynamic Digital Communicator/Gradebook Tech thompson.jennifer@littletonaz.orgAdditional information
Hometown
Peoria, AZHobbies
Spending time with family, roller skating, bowling, and cookingFavorite Subject
Science!Message: Why you are excited to be at Lakin? What inspired you to work at a school?
I am excited to work with and support all of the amazing teachers at Lakin, as well as document all of the wonderful things happening at the school through our social media. I became an educator because I had amazing educators that inspired me (including both of my parents!). I love teaching teachers in all grade levels because I love seeing the transfer of the skills taught into their classrooms.
Custodial Staff
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Aguilar Cruz MartinMartin Aguilar Cruz Lead CustodianAdditional information
Hometown: Mexico
Hobbies: Read and hiking
Favorite Subject: Social Sciences
Message: Why you are excited to be at Lakin? What inspired you to work at a school?
I like new challenges, and is close to my home. I like to keep the school clean and safe for students and the community.
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Soriano KamilahKamilah Soriano Night CustodianAdditional information
Hometown: Mexico
Hobbies: painting
Favorite Subject: Art
Message: Why you are excited to be at Lakin? What inspired you to work at a school?
I like the work environment.
“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.”
B.B. King