Our Staff.
Email: sam.allen@heritageacademyaz.com
I was born and raised in Mesa, and I received my BA in History from Brigham Young University. As a fluent Portuguese speaker, I’ve seen firsthand how Latin can help with learning languages, as well as many other areas like science and law. Aside from teaching, I enjoy baseball, reading, and photography.
Email: salston@heritageacademyaz.com
Website: CLICK HERE for Syllabus, Best Practices, Calendar, etc.
Hi! I am Sandra Alston and I LOVE our youth! I have over 30 years of teaching. My family is incredibly supportive and champions every ounce of energy spent in efforts to lift, serve, and bless others. In 1992, I received my Bachelor of Music Education with emphasis in String Pedagogy from Arizona State University. My Master degree (completed at Northern Arizona University) is in Early Childhood Education, with an emphasis in Curriculum and Assessment. It is with great enthusiasm that I embrace the art of teaching both Orchestra and Class Piano here at Heritage Academy. My goal is to increase every scholar’s love for music, and help ensure they reach for the best that is within themselves as we grow both cognitively and aesthetically together. Many former scholars have gone on to make music a part of their professional life and EVERY scholar I’ve ever worked with has added to my world of happiness, refinement, and musical satisfaction. Music indeed offers us the opportunity to become the best version of ourselves we could possibly be, if we so choose to let it. Welcome to Heritage!
Email: lavona.babb@heritageacademyaz.com
Website: CLICK HERE for Google Classroom, Distinction information, etc.
I have a Bachelor of Science degree from Arizona State University and a Master in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. I have taught Chemistry for the last several years and have been involved with Heritage Academy from the beginning. I have eight kids that have all attended Heritage and I am super excited to be working at a school that I have a great passion for. I love to garden, sew and go to the beach.
Brandon Bernard currently serves as the Director of Special Education at Heritage Academy. He brings a wealth of experience to this role, having dedicated his career to supporting scholars with diverse learning needs.
Email: kblau@heritageacademyaz.com
Website: CLICK HERE for Syllabus, Calendars, etc.
Hi my name is Kerwin Blau, and I have been involved with music one way or another all my life. I have been a student of music for over 40 years and I have taught music and band for over 20 years. I was born and raised here in Mesa. I graduated from Gilbert High School and attended MCC and received my degree from ASU. My wife and I have been married for over 25 years and we have four children. Music has been such an important part of my life, and I have always wanted to be the kind of music teacher for my kids that I wish I would have had when I was a child. I have been fortunate to see music and the arts flourish here in the valley and I am excited to be a part of that. I also enjoy Scouting, reading, cooking, outdoor activities and being with my family. I am asked quite frequently what my favorite type of music is, and in all honesty I have to say it’s usually the type that I am listening to, or performing at the moment. I like to have fun and play games and sports of all kinds.
Email: bob.brow@heritageacademyaz.com
Email: jburrell@heritageacademyaz.com
Website: CLICK HERE for Science with Mr. Burrell: Syllabus, Calendar, etc.
My name is Jeff Burrell. I have been a teacher for many years; math, science, critical thinking, piano, problem-solving and some other odds and ends. I have lived in Mesa, Arizona almost my entire life. I was born here, went to school here, got married here, went to school some more, got a job here, and am still in school here (just on a different side of the desk, now). My wife and I have been married for over 30 years. We have three children and love to spend time with them. I earned an Associate’s Degree from Mesa Community College in General Studies. I went on to finish a Bachelor’s Degree at Arizona State University in Secondary Education, with a minor/double-major in Mathematics. I am highly qualified to teach Mathematics and Physics in high school and college. I earned my Master’s Degree in Teaching and Learning (with an emphasis in Technology Integration) from Nova Southeastern University. When I am not teaching, I love to go on walks with my wife, take pictures of the sky, play games with my family, play and listen to music, make things with my LEGO collection, and solve puzzles. I enjoy teaching because I get to help others discover truth. I am grateful to have played a a part in training heroes at Heritage Academy since 1996.
Email: jeremy.coffin@heritageacademyaz.com
A graduate of the school of Hard Knocks; I grew up around construction, agriculture, and education. I have my Master Machinists Certificate and Journeyman Electricians Certificates, as well as various others, most relating to the fields of manufacturing and alternative energy. Outside of construction, I have worked for years in Emergency Medicine and Healthcare Security. I served in the Navy, and had the opportunity to serve my country and interact with many different countries and cultures. I enjoy helping people learn new skills, and build confidence in themselves and their capabilities. I’m proud to be a part of the Heritage team!
Email: gconnelly@heritageacademyaz.com
Website: CLICK HERE for Syllabus, Calendar, etc.
I love teaching at Heritage and spending time with all of the fun and creative students who attend here. I have a bachelor’s in Film and Television and a Master’s of Business Administration from BYU. I also have Minors in Music and Spanish. After graduating with my bachelor’s I began my first career working 10 years in live television. Highlights include NBA playoffs, Major League Soccer and the Paralympic Games in London. I also use my business degree to run an accounting firm. Teaching at Heritage has been a special opportunity for me to exercise my creative passion while helping to inspire students to create wonderful things. When I’m not doing accounting or teaching I love to spend time with my beautiful wife and 6 children (3 of whom are at Heritage!).
Email: heidi.connelly@heritageacademyaz.com
Welcome to Heritage! I love it here and hope you do, too! I grew up in Mesa, but I moved away to go to school. I earned my Bachelor’s in Social Work from BYU, got married, and we started our family in Utah. After several years we moved back to the land of the scorching summers. I have been a part of the Heritage family ever since. When I’m not at school I enjoy sewing projects, camping, and going on adventures with my husband and six children.
Email: wayne.dent@heritageacademyaz.com
I was born and raised in Glens Falls, New York. I moved to Arizona with my wife in 2020. I received my BA in History from Southern New Hampshire University and afterward earned a MS for Teachers from SUNY Plattsburgh and an MA in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Apologetics and History from Liberty University. I completed my studies and earned my PhD of History at Liberty University. I have over five years of teaching experience and will be upholding the rigorous demands of Heritage Academy while teaching American history to our wonderful scholars.
Email: n.drury@heritageacademyaz.com
I was raised right here in Mesa, Arizona and attended Mesa Public Schools throughout my grade school years. In 2018 I graduated with Honors from Grand Canyon University. I have a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Special Education with a Structured English Immersion endorsement. I am currently attending Mount Mary University to earn my Master of Arts in Education degree. I have taught special education for over 6 years, both in a self-contained setting and in a resource setting. When I am not working I enjoy sewing, hand embroidery, running, and reading!
Email: mhale@heritageacademyaz.com
I earned my bachelor’s in Journalism and Communication from Boise State University and a master’s in English also from Boise State. During graduate school and after graduation, I taught Freshman Writing (ENG 101 and ENG 102) at Boise State for four years. After moving to Mesa with my family, I also taught composition classes at Mesa Community College. In addition to teaching at the college level, I also taught grades 1-5 at Pathfinder Academy here in Mesa. Despite the stacks of essays that accumulate on my desk, I truly enjoy teaching students to write because understanding and harnessing the “power of the pen” can change their lives. When I’m not grading essays, I enjoy vacationing in Idaho with my husband and three sons.
Email: g.hamilton@heritageacademyaz.com
After 28 years of college teaching, I am excited to work with the Heritage
Academy music scholars as we explore the wonderful orchestral literature! I
am a graduate of Oberlin College and received my Doctor of Musical Arts from
the University of Kansas. Some of my memorable moments in music have been playing in the Baltimore and Houston orchestras, teaching for three years in the South Island (Te Waipounamu) of New Zealand, and being invited to teach and perform in the Lugano Project, a program serving poor and disadvantaged children in Buenos Aires.
Email: stacy.harmsen@heritageacademyaz.com
I hold a master’s degree in English from Arizona State University and a bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University. I have over 15 years of experience in various roles in education. I have taught Middle School through College English and, most recently, collaborated with the Mary Lou Fulton Teaching College at ASU to develop innovative learning modalities. I have contributed and co-authored over 20 published long-form content lessons in both English and History. I am married with five grown children and enjoy spending time with my family and traveling with my husband.
Email: rebecca.henr@heritageacademyaz.com
Bonjour! I have been speaking and studying French for over 30 years and absolutely love sharing my passion with my students! I have a BA in French from the University of Utah and a MA in French Linguistics from Arizona State University and have been teaching at both the college and high school level ever since. I love to travel and have spent time in many countries, including France, where I travel every year. I also love to read, cook, listen to music, take photographs, and spend time with my four kids.
Email: e.hesse@heritageacademyaz.com
I grew up in rainy Portland, OR where I was a standout basketball player all the way through high school. My basketball career continued at Clackamas Community College, and is also where I learned how to be a good student through organization. My education continued at the University of Oregon where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism.
One year after graduating I discovered my passion teaching basketball to individuals and small groups in sunny San Diego, CA for ABA in Motion. Naturally, I sought out coaching when I relocated to the dry heat of Phoenix, AZ spending one season as the Associate Head Coach of the Paragon Science Academy Open Division team.
Currently, I teach dedication, discipline, and determination through basketball while supporting scholar academic success as the SPED Instructional Aide at Heritage Academy Mesa.
Email: keith.idso@heritageacademyaz.com
I earned my BS in Agriculture and MS in Agronomy & Plant Genetics from the University of Arizona. I then ventured north and received my Doctorate in Botany at ASU. Several years later, I attended the University of Phoenix where I completed a post-bac program in education to become a certified teacher at both the elementary and secondary school levels. My secondary school certification carries endorsements in general science, biology, and chemistry.
As an educator, I have served as an adjunct faculty member at ASU, CGCC, and SMCC where I taught various courses in botany and biology. I also taught 5th grade for 15 years on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, before moving on to teach biology and chemistry at their high school for the next nine years. After 24 years of service, I decided to leave the Indian community to establish my new career as an educator at Heritage Academy. On a personal note, I love country swing dancing, rockhounding, and eating tacos down south in Rocky Point.
Email: ejewell@heritageacademyaz.com
Website: CLICK HERE for Syllabus, Calendar, etc.
Email: a.johnson@heritageacademyaz.com
My name is Ashley Johnson. I have lived in Arizona my entire life, most of it has been in Mesa, but I consider Snowflake my hometown since that is where I grew up and graduated from High School. After graduation, I attended ASU and earned my Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education and promptly switched gears to become a full-time, homeschooling mom to 5 children.
We spent the early homeschooling years in Mesa, with my daughters attending Eagleridge before our family moved from Mesa back to the mountains, in Show Low, where we eventually decided to enroll our kids in public school and I switched gears back to teaching. I taught one semester of Jr. High Choir and was a substitute teacher for another year before our family moved back to Mesa so my husband could pursue his higher education. Since moving back to Mesa, I taught at Mountain View High School where I learned and grew in many ways.
I am so thrilled to be privileged to be part of the Heritage Family teaching Algebra II! Since first stepping foot on campus after being hired to observe, my feelings have matched those of Annie, from the original “Annie” musical, when she sang “I think I’m gonna like it here”! I am looking forward to building new relationships and helping support our scholars in their learning journeys!
Email: peyton.jones@heritageacademyaz.com
Email: ckenney@heritageacademyaz.com
I have been teaching Ballroom Dance at Heritage Academy since January of 2007. I was first introduced to Ballroom Dance while attending college at Brigham Young University where I got my BA in Family Science. I am a former competitive Ballroom Dancer and have been involved with other dance projects such as various musical theater productions in school and the community, “cotillion” style classes at the Mesa Country Club, choreography for Jr. Miss Pageants, Dance Festivals, and the Gilbert Temple Cultural Celebration. I also teach Pilates here at Heritage Academy. As an LMT, Health Coach, former powerlifter, bodybuilder and aerobics instructor, I am enthusiastic about health and fitness. Additionally, I am a mother to four and grandmother to thirteen. My younger two children are Heritage Academy alumni. Besides dance and fitness, I also enjoy reading and travel, and have spent some time living abroad.
Email: renata.luzh@heritageacademyaz.com
Website: CLICK HERE for Syllabus, Calendar, etc.
I am a native of Brazil have a passion for languages. I earned my Bachelor in Education from ASU with emphasis on Secondary Education in Spanish. I also have completed a Master in Education through NAU with emphasis in Higher Education. I have over a decade of classroom experience and enjoy inspiring young minds in reaching across borders and building communities. I have served humanitarian missions in Mexico helping to build houses with AMOR international and taken students to Costa Rica as well as Puerto Rico to explore the many wonderful Spanish-speaking countries. In my free time, I love to travel with family and be creative with all sorts of arts & crafts.
Email: fred.martinez@heritageacademyaz.com
I joined Heritage in 2019 as the Athletic Director. I have a great love for athletics and how sports can build character in our youth. I have been coaching football since 1985. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration form California State University Los Angeles.
Email: emay@heritageacademyaz.com
Website: CLICK HERE for Syllabus, Calendar, etc.
I have a Master of Fine Arts in Dance, Graduate Certificate in Dance Teaching Artist Praxis and K-12 Teaching Certificate from Arizona State University. Originally, from Orem, Utah, I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance with an emphasis in Ballet and a Bachelor of Science in Dance Education from Utah Valley University. My recent work, Mi Firma; It Started with a Choice, was performed in the Emerging Artist II concert at the Margaret Gisolo Dance Studio. This work is the result of my thesis research that included a community art project at an orphanage in Mexico. My scholarly research was presented at the World Dance Alliance conference 2015 and National Dance Education Organization conference 2015. During my graduate career, I have cultivated my entrepreneurial and video art skills. I helped organize and produce S.A.M., a successful student art market that connected artists with their local communities. As a Teacher of Record at ASU, I have taught Jazz, Ballet, Modern, Yoga/Pilates and the online course Dance, Culture and Global Context. I find great joy in dancing and moving with others. I am forever grateful for the love and support of my husband and children.
Email: erin.mcdo@heritageacademyaz.com
I graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education, followed by a Master’s in English Education. Prior to joining the Heritage Team, I taught 9th-12th grade English in Downtown Phoenix. I look forward to another year here at Heritage Academy!
My husband and I live in Mesa with our two young sons and dog. The days I come to school are typically less demanding than the ones where I am home with two toddlers! Heritage scholars are truly a delight to teach.
Email: h.mckendrick@heritageacademyaz.com
Hello!
Although I was born in Colorado, I was raised under the sunny skies of Arizona. I attended Gilbert Public Schools throughout my grade school years and began my college journey at Mesa Community College, where I was a member of the track and field team. After earning my Associate’s Degree, I transferred to Brigham Young University and obtained a Bachelor’s in Special Education with an emphasis in severe disabilities. During my time at BYU, I also competed in various track and field events as an unattached athlete.
After graduating, I returned to Arizona and started my teaching career at a local high school. In 2022, I pursued a Master’s Degree in Special Education with an emphasis in Autism Spectrum Disorders from Arizona State University. When I’m not working or coaching, I enjoy running or cheering on the Phoenix Suns and San Francisco 49ers! I am excited to be a part of Heritage and look forward to learning from all the scholars and their families!
Email: a.meissbach@heritageacademyaz.com
Born and raised in Lawrence, Kansas, I relocated to Arizona in the summer of 2023. A Kansas State University alumna, I graduated in 2018 with two Bachelor of Arts degrees one in History and one in Modern Languages—French. I obtained my Master of Arts in Teaching with a focus on Secondary Social Studies Education in 2020. I am currently in the process of completing a Graduate Certificate in History from Grand Canyon University.
I began teaching in Shawnee, Kansas, in the fall of 2020. For three years, I taught 7th-grade Pathways, a cross-curricular, 21st-century skill-based course, in addition to coaching and teaching dance. Moving to Arizona and joining the Heritage Faculty allowed me to pursue my lifelong dream of teaching history. I’ve carried around the pocket-sized U.S. Constitution given to me by my high school history teacher (who inspired me to teach) for over a decade! I love history and our junior high scholars!
Outside of history and education, I love spending time with my family, fiancé, and two sweet pups. I am a certified Barre3 instructor, an avid reader, and a traveler. I enjoy hiking, listening to music, and getting outside in the sunshine as much as possible!
Email: tmoore@heritageacademyaz.com
Hello my name is Dr. Travis Moore. I have the opportunity to teach ninth grade history and personal finance. I love school and I love learning. I have a bachelors in Business/Finance from the University of Phoenix, a Masters in Teaching from the University of Southern California, a Doctorate in Education Curriculum/Instruction from the University of Phoenix and 27 graduate credits in World War II studies from Arizona State University. Heritage is an amazing place and I am fortunate to be amongst great people. My children graduated from Heritage and I understand the impact a great school can have on a child’s life. I enjoy teaching and helping scholars learn. My teaching philosophy is experiential learning. In my classes, scholars learn by doing. We try to be hands-on whenever possible.
Email: j.mortensen@heritageacademyaz.com
My name is Josh Mortensen, and I was born and raised here in Mesa. I am a Heritage alumnus, so it is my pleasure to return as a teacher and share my passion for education and math with the incoming 7th grade scholars! I am currently wrapping up my bachelor’s degree from ASU in Healthy Lifestyles and Fitness Science, and once I graduate, I will be using my new-found free time to do what I love: write music, read, and spend time with my beautiful wife.
Email: geniel.oakes@heritageacademyaz.com
I am so excited to be teaching junior high science at Heritage Academy! I have loved science my entire life and enjoy watching students develop that same excitement for science as we explore and experiment throughout the year. My Bachelor degree is Biology education grades 5-12, and my Master’s degree is Geoscience education grades 5-12. I have been able to teach high school Biology, 8th grade science, and now 7th grade science. Science Rocks!
Email: aparker@heritageacademyaz.com
Email: eparker@heritageacademyaz.com
I earned a B.A. in Mathematics Education at ASU and my Masters of Education degree in curriculum & instruction through GCU. I have been teaching at Heritage for over 10 years now with a few prior years at other schools. Geometry and Calculus are both classes that force scholars to shift the way they perceive mathematics and demands growth and development in their problem solving and critical thinking skills. It truly is a pleasure to teach and interact with these wonderful young men and women and to help them to challenge themselves to grow intellectually as well as personally.
Email: tamar.patc@heritageacademyaz.com
I have lived in Mesa, AZ since my husband and I moved here in 1994, and now consider AZ home. I was raised within the creative circles of the arts as the daughter of a Montana fine artist: Zak Zakovi. I obtained my degree in Technical Writing and Graphic Design (English & Art from Utah State University). I have worked in the graphic arts designing and producing all kinds of publications. I’ve designed and created/published hard and soft cover books.
Graphic Design became a part-time endeavor during our 3 children’s formative years, and this allowed 19 years of involvement in Mesa Public Schools teaching and organizing the Art Masterpiece and Literacy programs at O’Connor Elementary, our neighborhood elementary school. I went on to substitute teach throughout Mesa for MPS and the Learning Foundation for Performing Arts in Gilbert, AZ and have held several professional positions within MPS.
I’m thrilled to share my love and respect for the arts with my scholars. We will learn together!
Email: gphelps@heritageacademyaz.com
Website: Mr. Phelps Latin Syllabus, Calendar, etc
I have been here at Heritage for several years and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I received both my BS degree in Elementary Education and my Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. I have a SEI certification and am licensed by the state of Arizona to teach 7th and 8th grade. When I have free time I enjoy being with my wife and 6 children. I enjoy playing most sports and like to watch college football games. I also like to read and study about American history, and Theology, and Languages.
Email: julie.pineda@heritageacademyaz.com
I was raised in Flagstaff, attended the University of Arizona earning a BS in Education, and taught high school math for 8 years in Arizona before moving with my husband and children to the Midwest. We lived in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Illinois and there I taught math for a total of 9 more years after my kids were grown. I love teaching math, but I also have a great appreciation for sports, the arts, and anything else that my students (or my own kids) are passionate about. I enjoy seeing my students get excited about learning new things and working hard to master a new skill or concept. My favorite math class is Statistics because it is so applicable to our lives and it allows me the opportunity to talk to my students about a wide variety of topics. My husband and I have a blended family with 6 children that are scattered all across the country, but no grandkids yet! In my time off I enjoy going to visit my family, bike riding, walking, swimming, paddleboarding, hiking, musicals, museums, reading historical fiction, studying religion, and exploring new places. Someday I want to learn how to bake artisan breads, how to play la crosse, and how to do my own maintenance on my car. I am a very curious person and I think life is all about asking questions and learning new things. I teach Pre-Calculus, Statistics and College Math.
Email: jportilla@heritageacademyaz.com
Website: CLICK HERE for Syllabus, Calendar, etc.
I was born in Mexico and raised in Texas, I began playing football during my junior year in high school. After overhearing a coach say that I would never amount to anything, I took the personal challenge to prove my coach wrong, and became the first Mexican-born NFL player to ever play in the Super Bowl (Super Bowl XXXIII with the Atlanta Falcons). I played college football for Ricks College and the University of Arizona, where I earned a degree in Visual Communications. I teach art, weight training, PE, football, and basketball. I have instructed the offensive and defensive line at the Heritage Academy Football Camp since 2010, and have been on the football team’s coaching staff since 2012, helping to create a heritage of winning, with state championships in 2010-2016. I became the head coach in 2017, leading my team to their 9th state championship appearance in 2018. I was voted CAA Football Coach of the Year after leading my team to an undefeated season and state championship victory in 2019.
Email: e.purtell@heritageacademyaz.com
I am so excited to be a part of the Heritage team. I am native to Arizona. I have a BA in Education from University of Arizona, and a MA from Northern Arizona University. I started teaching in Chandler Unified way back in 1991. I have been married for over 30 years to my husband Dan and have four wonderful children. I have taught grades 6-12 for all of my career and have developed a deep love for History and Literature. I have had the privilege to travel the World, and this has strengthened my belief in the gift that the Constitution of the United States really is. It is my quest to share this love with my students.
Email: abigail.radc@heritageacademyaz.com
Hello, I am Abigail Radcliffe and I teach 10th grade English. I have earned a BA in Communication with minors in Writing and Peace and Justice Studies from Marian University and an MFA in Creative Writing from Butler University. My immediate background is in preschool and elementary education, so I am very much looking forward to teaching a more advanced and rigorous curriculum to our high schoolers. Aside from teaching, I enjoy training for and racing in half marathons and full marathons, writing poetry, and reading.
Email: creese@heritageacademyaz.com
I was born and raised in Mesa, AZ. I graduated from Red Mountain High School in Mesa. I attended Mesa Community College for my associate’s degree. I received my bachelor’s degree in Business Communications from Arizona State University. Recently, I completed my Masters’ in Secondary Education from Grand Canyon University (Go Lopes!) I have always had a passion for math, statistics, and coaching. Heritage Academy gave me an opportunity to accomplish all of that! I enjoy coaching football, basketball, and baseball. I love seeing the kids grow both in the classroom and on the field! Heritage Academy is an outstanding school and I would not want to teach anywhere else. When I am not teaching or coaching, I am at the gym! Working out is my escape! I love spending time with my wife and amazing kids. We love exploring the great outdoors! Family, school, and sports are my life.
Email: meloney.roge@heritageacademyaz.com
I’m an Arizona Native. Arizona has been my home my entire life with a brief exception when I attended school in Utah. My husband and I have enjoyed raising our three children here. Some of our favorite places to go in Arizona involve camping in the White Mountains, hiking in Sedona and skiing in Flagstaff. I also enjoy curling up with a book, watching international dramas on Netflix, playing the piano, yoga and shopping! After many years of staying home raising my children, I am excited to be at Heritage Academy helping out at the front desk.
Email: robin.rost@heritageacademyaz.com
I am a vocalist, violinist, pianist and music educator/director. I obtained a Master’s degree in Vocal Performance/Pedagogy from Arizona State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois where I majored in choral and orchestral studies. Additional education took me to Salzburg College in Austria where I furthered my studies in opera. Previously, I was the Director of Choral Music at Gilbert High School where my choirs earned several accolades, including performances at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City. I have been on the adjunct faculty for Grand Canyon University, Mesa Community College and Chandler Gilbert Community College and currently teach voice, violin and piano in my home studio. In addition to teaching, I have performed several leading roles including Antonia in Tales of Hoffman, Abigail in Lizzie Borden, Miss Silverpeal in The Impresario, Domina in A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, as well as other community theatre productions. I was also the solo lead performer for the Andre Kole World of Illusion Show, which allowed me to perform over 500 shows throughout the US and abroad. Lastly, as Miss Arizona 1992, I spoke and performed professionally in Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Philippines and around the state of Arizona.
Email: jscott@heritageacademyaz.com
Website: CLICK HERE for Syllabus, Calendar, etc.
Before coming to Heritage, I worked as a Dietary Consultant and Corporate Trainer for 15 years. I have spent the majority of my life in teaching or training, and when the time came for a change in my career, teaching Biology was the natural fit for my education, talents, and skills. My Bachelor’s degree is in Nutrition, and I received my Master’s Degree in Science Education-Biology from WGU. I have been teaching at Heritage since 2010. I recently began a new adventure by working towards a PhD in Psychology-integration of technology and learning. I have earned enough credits to begin teaching psychology here at Heritage. Students and staff alike are excited about this new class. Watching my students discover new ideas and push themselves physically and mentally to get the most out of their education is one of my greatest rewards as a teacher.
Most of my free time used to be spent carving, crafting, gardening, hiking, and spending time with my family. Now most of my free time is spent preparing my doctoral dissertation. My out-of-class activities usually enrich my classes.
Email: eseaman@heritageacademyaz.com
Website: CLICK HERE FOR Ms. Seamans’ Welcome
Hello! My name is Eve Seaman and I have the special opportunity to serve as the Assistant Principal here at Heritage Academy in Mesa. I have been in the field of education for 14+ years the last several have been here at Heritage. I received my Bachelors degree from ASU in Special Education and later earned my Masters degree from NAU in Educational Leadership, Principal k-12. I was born and raised in Mesa and have had many opportunities to travel to various locations on this beautiful planet. In addition to having a Dad who is a Marine, the opportunity to travel has strengthen my love and appreciation for this country. I love America! It is a privilege to work with amazing teacher’s and wonderful scholars. I look forward to having a wonderful year!
Email: jsherman@heritageacademyaz.com
Website: CLICK HERE for Syllabus, Calendar, etc.
I earned my Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in English from Arizona State University. After college I worked for 15 years in the corporate world as a technical writer and a copywriter for a software company. Since transitioning to a career in education in 2016, I’ve taught 9th grade English at Heritage Academy. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, hiking, and seeing if I can persuade my husband and twin daughters to make dinner.
Email: cymany.skou@heritageacademyaz.com
I am Cymany Skouson and it is a privilege to work with the outstanding faculty at Heritage and serve the amazing student scholars. I teach junior high fitness, keyboarding, and FACS. I am also the head coach for cross country and am proud of our boys who were State Champions in 2020. I also assist with coaching our track team. I love running and have competed in half marathons, 10k’s and 5k’s all over the country. My husband and I have been married for over 29 years and have been blessed with 5 children. I believe you are never too old to learn so after raising all of my children, I have completed my bachelors degree from Brigham Young University Idaho and look forward to many new adventures ahead.
Email: jsmith@heritageacademyaz.com
I am passionate about this subject and this age group. In fact, it was in my own eighth grade English class where an influential teacher showed me how to love the power of words and of a story well told. For this reason, I am thrilled to help my students come to enjoy stories and feel a sense of pride in their writing abilities. I graduated from Brigham Young University, Provo with a B.A. in English, Computers & Humanities minor.
Email: carrie.stron@heritageacademyaz.com
Welcome to Strong Science!! I LOVE SCIENCE! I graduated from Brigham Young University with my BS degree in Middle School Science. I also graduated from Northern Arizona State University with my MA as a Reading Specialist. These degrees combine two of my favorite things– science and reading! I have taught 4th grade and I have been a reading interventionist. However, most of my professional career has been teaching 7-8th grade science. I grew up in Maine and migrated to Arizona 30+ yrs ago. I have 4 children and 8 grandchildren. They are my favorite people in the whole world! I love to do anything outdoors. I love to hike, garden, paddle board, play sports, travel, and engage in nature in all its splendor.
Email: j.thomas@heritageacademyaz.com
I am excited to be teaching Martial arts at Heritage Academy! I have been doing martial arts for over fifteen years and teaching it for over five years. I have competed in Boxing, MMA, Muay Thai, Judo and Jiu jitsu matches/ tournaments. I have coached fighters, people looking for a fun way to stay in shape and self defense for kids and adults.
Email: 
Email: Lori.town@heritageacademyaz.com
I am a graduate of Arizona State University with a Bachelors in Musical Theatre. I have had the privilege of directing 40+ musicals at Mesa Community College and several plays and musicals for other venues such as Hale Centre Theatre in Gilbert Arizona. Additionally, I have been on the adjunct faculty of Mesa Community College teaching musical theatre performance, voice class, and private voice. I was previously on the staff of The Phoenix Center for the Arts as manager of the Phoenix Children’s Chorus and oversaw youth arts programming. I’m proud to have created the Phoenix Center Youth Theatre program for The City of Phoenix. I am excited to bring my years of experience to the students of Heritage Academy and hope to inspire creativity and instill in them a love for theater and the arts.
Email: hudall@heritageacademyaz.com
I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Brigham Young University and a Masters Degree in Secondary Education from Arizona State University. I love working with the amazing staff and wonderful scholars at Heritage. My favorite teaching days consist of exploring literature, writing, and learning with my students. My favorite principal days consist of observing our amazing teachers, connecting with the scholars (teenagers make me smile), and listening to our parents. When I’m not devouring a book, I spend time traveling, eating chocolate chip cookies, hiking, and playing games with my family.
Email: scott.well@heritageacademyaz.com
I grew up in Kirtland, New Mexico. I took a BA in Korean and Linguistics from Brigham Young University and afterward earned both my MA and PhD in Asian Studies from the University of British Columbia. After completing my PhD, I received a Korea Foundation postdoctoral fellowship to teach and conduct research at Arizona State University. I have over a decade of experience teaching university courses on historical, literary, and philological topics. My wife and I are the proud parents of three children–two daughters and a son.
Email: cwest@heritageacademyaz.com
I received my B.A. in English from Valdosta State University, M.Ed. from University of Georgia, MLS from Florida State University. I grew up in a military family, and had the opportunity to live in a number of different states and countries before choosing Arizona as my home. My family and I enjoy outdoor activities including camping and fishing. I have taught high school, was a Librarian at ASU, owned my own business, taught dual enrollment English at Heritage. I am currently the Registrar and look forward to meeting all of your “paperwork” needs.
Email: kimberly.wils@heritageacademyaz.com