LEADERSHIP TEAM
IVETTE RODRIGUEZ
Ivette Rodriguez, Executive Director for Phoenix International Academy, has dedicated her career to serving the South Mountain community in Phoenix, Arizona. She began her time there as a bilingual teacher in 2002, at Davis School, where she became the Assistant Principal. Ivette then transitioned to Chavez School where she led a school turnaround and worked with the community to transform the school culture to one where student leadership and input are the focus. Ivette finished her time at Roosevelt as the Assistant Superintendent for Academics, where she supported school leaders in building strong community relationships and improving student outcomes.
Education Experience: 22 years
Executive Director
AMANDA VAN DUSEN
Amanda began her teaching career in 2008 in the South Mountain community in Phoenix, Arizona. She has served in a variety of school positions ranging from classroom teacher to instructional coach and teacher trainer, and now feels like she is exactly where she’s meant to be - a Learning Community Leader and Restorative Practices Facilitator at Phoenix International Academy. Amanda has a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction in Secondary Education with a focus on Reading from Grand Canyon University, and a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Boston University. She feels best when her students know they belong to their school community, and she works hard to build meaningful, happy relationships with every kid at PIA. When she’s at home she spends most of her time chasing her two children (and sometimes husband) around the backyard, trying new recipes, and going for walks at South Mountain.
Education Experience: 15 years
Assistant Director
FELICIA SPARKES
Digital Media Director +
Restorative Practices Facilitator
Felicia Sparkes began her teaching career in 2009 in the South Mountain community in Phoenix, Arizona. She has served the community for over 10 years as a teacher, Reading Coach, and District Literacy Specialist. As a Reading Coach and Literacy Specialist, Felicia led district and school-level professional development for teachers, provided coaching and support around literacy instruction, and facilitated conversations regarding data and root-cause analysis. Felicia has a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a Reading Endorsement and a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Arizona State University.
Education Experience: 14 years
TYLAR RODRIGUEZ
Science Specialist +
Restorative Practices Facilitator
Tylar moved to Phoenix after teaching in New Mexico for the last nine years. After teaching 3 years at Navajo Pine in Navajo, NM, Tylar moved to Albuquerque to teach at the Native American Community Academy. While there, Tylar had the pleasure to serve students in a variety of roles including teacher, advisor, athletic director, coach, and most recently, a member of the Land-based Healing and Learning Team. Tylar is extremely passionate about science and the intersection of Land-based learning, sustainability, and restorative practices in the science classroom. Parents can expect Tylar to work hard to develop strong relationships with their students and take time to develop curriculum that reflects their interests and local place.
Beside being a teacher, Tylar loves being a new father and husband and getting outside to hike, bike, and run. Tylar is excited to join the PIA community and serve its students and families.
Education Experience: 9 years
K-2 LEARNING COMMUNITY
ERIKA KANARVOGEL
Erika moved to Tempe, Arizona in 2018, after teaching in Mexico 21 years. She graduated as a Marine Biologist, but discovered her teaching passion, earning a bachelors degree in English Language teacher to young learners.
She has a great deal of commitment, leadership in class, providing support and understanding, and always caring about the social emotional needs of her students.
When she isn’t working, she loves family and traveling.
Education Experience: 22 years
Kindergarten Educator
MAYRA
Kindergarten Classroom Assistant
LORETTA LYKEN
1st Grade Educator +
Sustainable Garden Director
Loretta was born and raised in Southern California and recently moved to Phoenix, Arizona. She graduated from California State University, Long Beach where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. During her professional career working in a variety of family-centered environments she has been able to build strong community relationships, foster safe and brave spaces for all students all while guiding and nurturing students to meet their academic, and social needs. She has had the pleasure to serve students in a variety of roles as an advisor, mentor, and director.
Besides being a teacher, Loretta loves cut flower gardening and serving in local community gardens. Loretta is overjoyed to join Phoenix International Academy and to center the student experience through support and guidance.
Education Experience: 2 years
DEIJON WILLIAMS
Deijon was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Master's Degree in Special Education from Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. Deijon has been teaching for 5 years. She also owns a tutoring company that focuses on Early Childhood skills. She loves starting her day with a large Latte and a 4am gym session. In her free time you will find her reading fantasy books, outside with her dog piglet or spending time with her fiance.
Education Experience: 5 years
2nd Grade Educator
3-8 LEARNING COMMUNITY
GABBY ARCINIEGA
Gabriela Arciniega was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. She is the middle child of three girls. Gabby is bilingual, speaking Spanish and English. She has a 6 month old kitty named Sage.
Gabby graduated with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. For the past 5 years she has worked as a preschool aid and for an after school program. She enjoys coffee, traveling, watching movies, reading and dancing!
Education Experience: 1 Year
Educator
NATSUKI JALLORINA
Natsuki was born and raised in Japan where she studied Developmental Psychology and Education for her Bachelor's Degree. She also earned her Master's Degree in Community Development from the University of the Philippines. She started her teaching career in an English-Japanese bilingual international school in Japan as a grade 4 and 6 classroom teacher. She moved to Helsinki, Finland, and continued teaching as a personal teaching assistant in an international school there. She is excited about moving to Phoenix and joining the PIA community. She is also a mom of a 2-year-old daughter and a wife to a Filipino husband.
Education Experience: 6 years
Educator
THAYNA OLIPHANT
Thayna was born and raised in Brazil where she studied Early Childhood Education (or Pedagogy as it's called there) for her Bachelor's degree. She also completed a specialization course on Neuropsychopedagogy to learn more about how the brain works during the learning process.
Her first time stepping into a classroom was as an intern in 2014 where she worked in an immersive bilingual environment - which she fell in love with given her interest in learning languages.
Thayna moved back to Arizona in 2021 after living here from 2016-2018 and then going back to Brazil to finish her degree.
She is married to her husband Kolby and they have two wonderful cats: Jorge (who moved from Brazil with her!) and Alfredo.
When she's not working, she loves reading, watching funny shows, baking and traveling!
Education Experience: 8 years
Educator
MARY JACKSON
Mary Jackson, an Arizona native, started her teaching career in 2016 across various charter schools in the Phoenix area. Mary graduated from Concordia University - Nebraska with a Bachelor of Science in Education, specializing in middle level mathematics and science. For the last couple of years, Mary worked to source and provide schools and districts across Arizona with substitute teaching staff. Missing the classroom and connection with students and their families, she is excited to be reigniting her passion for education at PIA. Mary is passionate about shaping young minds and fostering a love for learning! What to expect in Mary’s classroom: engaging lessons that spark curiosity, inclusive and supportive learning environment, emphasis on critical thinking and creativity and a commitment to student success and growth! Outside of the classroom, Mary loves a strong iced coffee, playing with her dachshund Lincoln and spending time with family (hopefully by the pool!)
Education Experience: 8 years
Educator
DIVERSE LEARNERS
NIKKI TRAPP
Nikki was raised in southern California and eventually moved to northern California to obtain her degree in Psychology with a minor in Child Development. In 2013, she moved to Arizona and obtained a masters degree in Special Education in MID/MOD from Grand Canyon University. During her years of teaching, Nikki has worked with students in all levels of education; preschool, K-8 and high school; working with a wide range of students with special needs. Teaching and being a positive influence on children and youth is her passion.
She has two children of her own; an 8th grade girl and a son who is transitioning into Kinder this year. At home, she enjoys cooking/baking and playing card/board games. She is constantly listening to music and enjoys podcasts, reading and creative journaling. She is also a gym junkie and makes sure to prioritize working out in her everyday routine.
Education Experience: 10 years
Diverse Learners Coordinator
SAMEERAH BALDWIN
Sameerah is a certified special education teacher and believes that every child should have a positive learning environment. Growing up in a family of educators it was already in the universe that her passion would be to serve the community, my community of south Phoenix for almost 15 years. Sameerah received a B.A. in Education from Arizona State University, specific to elementary and special education. Currently she’s pursuing a M.A. in Mental Health Counseling from Grand Canyon State University.
As a consultant teacher for the special education department, I managed projects, built stronger relationships with the private day schools, facilitated training for teachers and administrators, attended training and workshops to better develop my teacher tool box, and became a certified trainer for Non-violent Crisis Prevention training through Crisis Prevention Intervention.
Having a passion for helping children grow up to be their best selves is my ultimate goal. You can expect high energy, solutions, and a high level of care.
Education Experience: 15 years
Diverse Learners Specialist
STUDENT SERVICES
YAJAIRA ARRIAGA
Yajaira has worked in the South Mountain Community as a reading interventionist, instructional assistant, special education analyst and administrative assistant among other roles for over 15 years. She is currently working towards her national certification for Spanish translations.
On a personal note, she is a wife, mother of two children and a grandmother of an amazing little girl.
Office Manager
ALEX LUNA
Alex is a bilingual, Mexican-American who was born and raised in Phoenix, AZ. He graduated from Phoenix College with an Associates in Science in 2019.
Alex started at PIA during COVID closures in 2020, delivering meals to our families to ensure they never went without food and has worked with us ever since! He’s a foodie, likes to thrift, go to the gym, and enjoys attending music festivals!
Paraprofessional + Electives Supervisor
JUWAN MURPHY
Hey guys my name is Juwan Murphy born and raised here in Phoenix, Arizona. Teaching and inspiring youth has been a passion of mine for over 10 years. In that time I have worked with the City Of Phoenix at multiple neighborhood parks and community centers with kids of all ages, and even taking on the role of youth counselor. Whether it was teaching, coaching, or just being the ears and voice they sometimes needed during challenging moments in life. These many hats I wear drive me to leave a bigger impact and inspire children on different levels. My goal here at PIA is the same, to be the extra support your child may need and leave an positive impact on them that will assist them in achieving success on their educational journey. Supporting them in anyway possible assisting in making their dreams come true, and showing them how great they are !“The highest human act is to inspire”
Paraprofessional
TYLER WOOD
Transportation +
Skateboarding Instructor
I’m Tyler Wood. I professionally teach skateboarding to young athletes. I’ve been teaching skateboarding for 6 years. I’ve coached skateboarding at all levels from beginner, intermediate to advanced. I originally started teaching skateboarding to beginners ages 3-10 back in early 2017 at an indoor facility called Kids That Rip in Mesa, Arizona. I’ve learned the core values of being a skateboard coach from the AZPX Local Professional skateboarder and skateboard coach Rich Zuccarello. I continued my coaching journey over at Kids That Rip, Scottsdale from 2019-2022. As of late 2021 I have been coaching privately over at Phoenix international Academy to grades 3-8 as well as coaching privately 1 on 1 at local skateparks. Skateboarding has been a passion of mine since I turned 12. My mother Joan Wood was a Semi-professional skateboarder for cowtown skateboards in the 1990s. Learning from other professionals and local legends has really paved a way in my career path and has taught me how to better myself, mind, balance, and life. Don’t be scared and shred on - Tyler