Tony Cruz brings to Great Hearts Roosevelt over 15 years of leadership experience within for-profit and non-profit sectors, including the past seven years within the Great Hearts network. Mr. Cruz holds a B.A in Theatre and a Masters in Biblical and Theological Studies, with an emphasis on Critical Interpretations of Texts in Hebrew and Greek. He recently moved to the West Valley with his family and looks forward to serving the families of Great Hearts Roosevelt in Buckeye.

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Education from Greenville University, where I built strong foundations in educational practices. This is my 20th year in education and my 10th year with Great Hearts. I joined Roosevelt Prep 4 years ago, and I have the privilege of teaching middle school math and supporting students during a pivotal stage in their academic growth.  My call to teaching comes from a deep desire to make a lasting impact in students’ lives, helping them develop confidence, perseverance, and a genuine love of learning. I am passionate about equipping  students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills that extend far beyond the classroom. I strive to make math meaningful and engaging, helping students see both its beauty and its real-world relevance  This year, I am excited to step into the role of Academic Dean, where I look forward to supporting both students and teachers in achieving excellence. I am eager to contribute to a strong school culture, collaborate with colleagues, and help ensure that all students are challenged, supported, and set up for success.

My name is Kelsey Nichols and I hold a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Grand Canyon University. I am so excited to share my love of Biology and the ordered universe with students. Having always been the student who asked “why” over and over and wanted to understand the details of scientific concepts or cellular processes, I look forward to exploring those answers alongside the 9th graders this year. From photosynthesis and cellular respiration to human body systems, we will answer so many “why” and “how” questions and grow in our wonder at the complexity of living things.

I am a proud mother of three daughters with a professional background in education, healthcare, and administration. I currently serve as the Registrar at Great Hearts Roosevelt and am slowly pursuing my education in social work, with hopes of someday working in a school or healthcare setting. As a parent, I value classical education and the Great Hearts mission because I want the best education for my own children. I truly love the Great Hearts Roosevelt community and enjoy supporting our students and families. Outside of work, I love spending time and creating memories with my daughters.

Dr. Carter is a twenty-year veteran in special education, holding a Master’s degree in Exceptional Student Learning and a Doctorate in Instructional Leadership. Her passion is using precise measurement systems to improve student performance. In high school, she recognized her love of teaching children when she volunteered to assist with fine motor skill development in the local Kindergarten classroom. After a twenty-five-year diversion into the family business, where she earned her MBA at ASU, she returned to special education as a state-certified resource teacher. Dr. Carter has worked in public schools and charter schools across the Valley and owned a Precision Teaching Learning Center. Great Hearts Roosevelt Prep has given her a new home where she can build a team that shares her passions and is committed to delivering a classical liberal arts education to children of all abilities.

My name is Hayley Lorking-Thomas and I am a 24-year-old educator with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Special Education from Grand Canyon University. For the past three years, I have worked as a special education teacher, supporting students with diverse learning needs and helping them reach their full potential. My passion for education comes from a genuine love of working with children and guiding their academic and personal growth. I am especially drawn to special education because it serves an often-underserved community of incredible students whose determination and enthusiasm for learning inspire me every day.

Nor Jhon earned a Bachelor of Secondary Education majoring in Mathematics and completed 42 units toward a Master of Arts in Mathematics Education. He taught mathematics in the Philippines for eight years before joining the ESS department in the United States as a J-1 teacher, where he provides math support to students with special needs. He is passionate about teaching mathematics and enjoys helping students build confidence, strengthen their problem-solving skills, and achieve success.

I’m Mr. Delkeskamp. My passion for education began in the Southern California woods as a camp counselor teaching outdoor science, where I fell in love with the spark in a child’s eyes when discovering a new truth. I later taught PE while earning my Bachelor’s in Education. Realizing the corporate world lacked the , I transitioned early to teach Special Education at Great Hearts while finishing my Master’s (Spring 2027). Teaching is my passion because I truly believe every student is exceptional!

Drawing on her experience in early intervention support, Emily brings a strong foundation in Applied Behavior Analysis therapy, with special training in Discrete Trial Training and the Early Start Denver Model. She is passionate about helping children grow academically, socially, and emotionally through thoughtful, individualized support. Emily believes every child is uniquely capable of learning and is committed to nurturing curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning while helping each student reach their highest potential. She is honored to support students as they develop the skills and character needed to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

My name is Mrs. Maldonado. I am originally from the Midwest, but moved to Texas to attend Howard Payne University. I graduated with a BA in Psychology and Literature. I then received my post-bacc Elementary Education Certification from Abilene Christian University. I started my
career in Fort Worth, Texas and spent 17 years teaching pre-k and second grade. My youngest son began at Great Hearts and I loved not only what he was learning, but how he was learning it. I began my own Great Hearts journey as the EL Coordinator in Arlington, Texas before moving to Arizona. I am thrilled to serve Roosevelt scholars who are also English Learners, my fellow prep teachers, and to be a part of the Great Hearts community as an educator and parent.

My name is Melissa McAllister, and I’m honored to be returning to Prep as the College Counselor. This is my sixth year at Great Hearts and my fifth year with Roosevelt. I’ve enjoyed and learned a great deal since starting as a fifth-grade lead teacher, then transitioning to teaching 7^th and 8^th-grade Ancient and Medieval History, and finally 10^th-grade Humane Letters. Choosing to step out of full-time classroom teaching was daunting at first; however, as I’ve continued to work alongside our wonderful high school students and families, I’ve found fulfillment in supporting young adults into the next stage of their lives. With our first senior class upon us, I’m eagerly awaiting all the first/last days, application deadlines, acceptance celebrations, decision day, and many other special events. The road to graduation will have joy, excitement, nerves, and tears, and I can’t wait to savor every moment.

I earned my Master of Social Work from Arizona State University in 2023. This is my second school year at Roosevelt and this year, I have the privilege of serving as the counselor for students in Kindergarten through 12th grade. I truly love working with children of all ages and developmental stages, building meaningful relationships as they learn, grow, and discover who they are. I believe every child is capable of excellence, and sometimes they simply need a little extra support as they navigate the challenges of childhood and adolescence. It is an honor to encourage, advocate for, and walk alongside students, helping them build confidence, resilience, and the skills they need to thrive both in school and beyond.

I earned a bachelor’s degree from Taylor University and have spent nearly three decades serving the community as a police officer and now Athletic Director.  I believe athletics is one of the best classrooms for developing character, leadership, perseverance, and teamwork.  I am passionate about creating opportunities for students to grow through competition while learning lessons that extend beyond the playing field and prepare them for success in life.

Joseph Baroni earned his B.S. and M.S. Degrees in Mathematics from Northern Illinois University before completing a second M.S. in Mathematics at the University of Iowa. As a third-generation teacher, his love for mathematics and its enduring beauty naturally drew him to the classroom. He enjoys guiding students as they encounter the elegance, order, and wonder found within mathematical thought. As a mathematics teacher at Great Hearts Roosevelt Prep, he seeks to cultivate both intellectual virtue and a lasting appreciation for mathematics as one of the great achievements of the human mind.

James Besso teaches 9th and 10th grade Humane Letters. He joined Roosevelt Prep in October of 2025 after eight years of teaching English at Early College High School in Roswell, New Mexico. Mr. Besso grew up in the idyllic Cache Valley of northern Utah where he enjoyed skateboarding, snowboarding, painting, and reading great literature. He had the great fortune of living and studying in Germany as an exchange student in high school and college. Mr. Besso earned BAs in philosophy and German from Utah State University and an MA in liberal arts from St. John’s College in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Mr. Besso is passionate about the careful reading and reflection of great books as the basis of a classical, liberal arts education combined withcollaborative learning through probing questions and seminar discussion. A sample of his favorite great books are Euclid’s Elements, Plato’s Symposium, Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Borges’s short stories, Rawls’s A Theory of Justice, Simic’s poetry, and Cervantes’s Don Quixote.

“Learning is one of life’s greatest adventures, and there are no limits to how much we can learn. Watching my students learn and grow reminds me of my own journey of continual development through curiosity, reading, music and a strong connection with nature. I’ve always been fascinated by the forces that shape our universe and this intricate interconnected web of life. That sense of wonder fuels my enthusiasm for teaching Physical Science every day. By working together, my students and I create a classroom where curiosity thrives, questions are celebrated, and science becomes an exciting adventure for everyone.”

I recently moved to Phoenix for the fantastic opportunity of teaching at Great Hearts, a community whose commitment to classical education deeply resonates with me.  My appreciation for classical education developed during my undergraduate studies at Biola University where I attended the Torrey Honors Institute, a great books program. I am so excited to teach and share my passion of literature with students. My goal is to see students excited and inspired by the texts we read, and take another step forward in their journey during their 6^th grade year.

Hello! I am Mr. De La Rosa. I received my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering at the University of Texas at El Paso. I have spent 5 years researching the design, manufacturing and testing of next-generation solar cells. This will be my third year of instructing the beauty of science, and am ecstatic to be at Roosevelt Prep for this historic 2026-2027 school year! I look forward to sharing the art of Life Science and Chemistry to the young men and women in this year’s 6th and 10th grade. Let’s get to work, Aces!!!

My name is Cesar Diaz Anino, and I am honored to teach Spanish at Great Hearts Roosevelt Prep. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies with an emphasis in Organizational Communication from Northern Arizona University, a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from Liberty University, and a Master of Science in Education from UTEL University. Teaching is my calling because I am passionate about helping students develop academically, personally, and in character. As a native Spanish speaker born in Honduras, I enjoy sharing the beauty of the Spanish language and the richness of Hispanic cultures while inspiring students to become confident, virtuous, curious, and lifelong learners who pursue excellence.

After growing up in Boston, I completed a joint BA/MA in 2013 at UChicago, majoring in Classics and Humanities. From there, I received a Classics PhD in 2019 from Stanford with a focus on Greek and Latin literature. I have presented and published on a variety of ancient topics and have a book forthcoming on Greek poetry for Olympic victors. Language is my passion, and language is all about sharing and communicating. It excites me that Great Hearts places a genuine emphasis on early exposure to Latin, and it is my goal to get students excited too!

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Joshua Gibbs is from Lexington Kentucky and comes to Great Hearts Roosevelt after serving more than twenty years in the United States Army. While serving he worked as an Intelligence Analyst for the National Intelligence Agency. In addition, He taught at the United States Army Intelligence Center of Excellence in Fort Huachuca Arizona as an Advance Leadership Course Instructor. As a Service Member, he was given the chance to travel to 48 of the 50 states and 5 different countries and train on many multi-million-dollar equipment. Some hobbies of his include fishing, shooting, camping, and reading. His love for the outdoors is almost as strong as his love for learning. He has a degree from Western Governors University for Education in Middle Grades Science. He is married to the love of his life Renee, and has two children, Shea and Kaydence

Julia Giron graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2021, where she received her bachelor’s degree in art education. She developed a wide range of art skills in her education – oil painting, ceramics, printmaking, and sculpture. She has excitement for the visual arts and strives to bring encouragement and artistic growth to young artists. She started teaching in Peoria at a large public school before finding her calling at Great Hearts Roosevelt Prep. She enjoys the extensive curriculum and the exceptional school culture.

Dr. Lucca Green is returning this year to teach 8th grade Latin.  He has a Bachelor’s degree in (Ancient) History from Michigan State, a Master’s in Ancient History from the University of Arizona, and a Doctorate in Classical Studies (Philology) from the University of Michigan.  His doctorate was conferred after defending an ethnographic dissertation on the god Hermes and his statues called Herms, focusing on their destruction in 415 BCE as an act of antiwar dissent.  Dr. Green, who in scholarly circles is an “intertemporal interdisciplinary anthropologist”, first learned Latin in his undergrad as a tool for his intellectual studies.  He has also studied in German, Italian, and French since scholars have been thinking and writing about Classical Greek cultures for over two millennia.

Hello, my name is Joshua Guthrie! I have been teaching for two years, one of which was spent teaching in Fukui, Japan. For me, being a teacher means equipping people with tools to be curious, to understand life and all its subjects. Middle school me passionately hated literature because I didn’t know how to understand it; I couldn’t find something to enjoy during the reading process. So, my calling and goal as an educator is to enable students in this formative time to discover that they can find that something they enjoy about literature just as I did.

Mr. Brent Hall is a recent graduate from Brigham Young University with a B.S. in Mathematics. He feels driven to teach by a desire to foster curiosity and rigorous critical thinking in students, and guide people in discovering their own analytical potential. His deep passion for mathematics and science stems from a lifelong love of simply learning about new things that function within an ordered system. Mr. Hall is eager to inspire sixth graders with a love for learning, logical reasoning, and scientific inquiry in the classroom this year.

I graduated in 2022 from Franciscan University with a B.A. in History & Philosophy. My focuses were Late Antiquity and the Byzantine Empire. I am fortunate to be able to cover these subjects considerably in our 8th grade Medieval Course and integrate my experience with Latin in exploring the transition from the classical world to the medieval. I enjoy guiding students in the reading and analysis of primary source texts which extend their vocabulary, cultural knowledge, and critical thinking skills. A constant hope in my teaching is to let the continuity of the West’s past reveal itself through individual inquiry and discovery. 

My name is Mayaince Hogan, and I am a graduate of Grand Canyon University with a degree in Music Education. I was called to teaching through the influence of inspiring educators who demonstrated the profound impact that mentorship and learning can have on students. Music has always been a meaningful part of my life, and I am passionate about sharing that love with others. I look forward to helping students grow in confidence, creativity, and musicianship while fostering a classroom environment centered on excellence, joy, and a lifelong love of learning!

My name is Brian, and I am a proud representative of Chennai, India, my hometown. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics from Arizona State University West Valley. My calling as a teacher is to cultivate confidence, resilience, and a “can-do” mindset in every student I teach. I love teaching Pre-Algebra because it reveals the beauty of mathematics as a language for understanding the world. Seeing students discover patterns, solve problems creatively, and gain confidence in their abilities is what makes teaching so rewarding to me.

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Education from Greenville University, where I built strong foundations in educational practices. This is my 20th year in education and my 10th year with Great Hearts. I joined Roosevelt Prep 4 years ago, and I have the privilege of teaching middle school math and supporting students during a pivotal stage in their academic growth.  My call to teaching comes from a deep desire to make a lasting impact in students’ lives, helping them develop confidence, perseverance, and a genuine love of learning. I am passionate about equipping  students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills that extend far beyond the classroom. I strive to make math meaningful and engaging, helping students see both its beauty and its real-world relevance  This year, I am excited to step into the role of Academic Dean, where I look forward to supporting both students and teachers in achieving excellence. I am eager to contribute to a strong school culture, collaborate with colleagues, and help ensure that all students are challenged, supported, and set up for success.

Mr. Kiser developed a love for natural sciences and mathematics and the arts at an early age. After initial studies in pre-med and biochemistry, his focus shifted to physics and chemistry, graduating from Caltech in engineering and applied sciences, with additional Ph.D. graduate studies in Materials Science and Solid State Physics. 

He went on to a 27-year career in Regional and Corporate Director roles in laboratory-related technical operations and regulatory compliance, providing analytical testing support and consulting services for a wide range of private entities, state, and federal agencies for prevention and/or resolution of public health-related incidents.

Post retirement, Mr. Kiser moved to Phoenix, AZ. Recognizing his desire to continue to engage intellectually with the mathematics and sciences, he began seeking education-related opportunities, and eventually discovered Great Hearts Academies.

Now entering his 11^th year at with Great Hearts and 4^th year at Roosevelt Prep, he has provided instruction in mathematics from Pre-Algebra through Calculus II, all of the high school sciences, and supported the development of both mathematics and science curriculum for Great Hearts. In addition to teaching both Calculus I and II, and Physics I and II this year, he also sponsors the Mathematics Club, assists with the school-wide annual participation in the American Mathematics competitions, and supports his colleagues as the Master Teacher and Instructional Coach for High School Mathematics and Sciences.

Eli Landau holds a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from Sarah Lawrence College and a master’s degree in philosophy from Tulane University . He was drawn to teaching by a desire to share knowledge while supporting students in their intellectual and personal growth. He especially values helping students encounter challenging ideas, develop thoughtful questions, and grow in their appreciation of great works. This year, Mr. Landau is excited to teach 6th Grade Latin, 9th Grade Poetry, and 12th Grade Humane Letters, exploring the richness of language, literature, and philosophy alongside his students.

Ms. Michaels was born and raised in Sacramento, California. She studied the Liberal Arts at St. John’s College in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she focused on philosophy, the history of mathematics and sciences, modern literature, and Ancient Greek tragedy.
She desires to spend her life learning how to ask good questions and have good conversations, and she is a firm believer in the power of seminar. She walked the Camino Frances and traveled mostly by car to each of the 50 United States because she thinks the best way to traverse broad distances, physically and intellectually, is slowly, adventurously, and close to the ground.
In addition to reading and thinking about the Great Books, Ms. Michaels loves to run, hike, camp, swim, dance, and spend time with her people. She also has a particular love of mischievous dogs.

“Live with your century, but do not be its creature. Serve your contemporaries but give them what they need, not what they praise.” (Friedrich Schiller, 1795). The human story is one of struggle, of taking two steps forward and one step back, of enlightenment and regression, all guided by ideals that give that struggle meaning and a life worth making. This story is the inheritance of every child. It is theirs to take up and continue with their time in the sun. My humble calling is to guide students as they take their first steps in this story and as they make its ideals the responsibility of their own lives. Studying Latin teaches our students how to read and to write, not just in Latin but in English or any language. Studying economics teaches our students how cooperating in a division of labor moves all of us from scarcity to abundance. And giving form to these studies, the Humane Letters inscribe civilization’s deepest ideals, and the stories showing them, in the hearts of our students. To prepare for this calling, I studied at the University of Chicago and the University of Leipzig.

My name is Kelsey Nichols and I hold a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Grand Canyon University. I am so excited to share my love of Biology and the ordered universe with students. Having always been the student who asked “why” over and over and wanted to understand the details of scientific concepts or cellular processes, I look forward to exploring those answers alongside the 9th graders this year. From photosynthesis and cellular respiration to human body systems, we will answer so many “why” and “how” questions and grow in our wonder at the complexity of living things.

Brittany Reed is in her third year at Roosevelt Prep, where she teaches 6th Grade Music and High School Drama. She earned her BFA in Theatre Arts from Southern Utah University and went on to perform and teach K–12 students through the Utah Shakespeare Festival’s Education Department. After spending nine years in California working in the entertainment industry, Ms. Reed returned to her home state of Arizona to share her passion for the arts. She loves helping students build confidence, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for music and theatre.

Kayla Riggs is a graduate of the University of Arizona, where she earned a B.A. in Political Science and a B.S. in Leadership and Learning Innovation. Ms. Riggs’s passion for teaching began at an early age and continues to shape her classroom, where she strives to help every student learn and grow. As the 8th Grade Literature and Composition teacher, she enjoys helping students strengthen their writing and grammar skills while exploring themes of heroism and humanity through classical literature.

My passion for teaching is rooted in a deep belief that education cultivated both the intellect and the character.  I began my undergraduate studies in chemistry at Howard University, where I developed a deep appreciation for logical reasoning, scientific inquiry, and the pursuit of truth.  Over the past 24 years, I have taught mathematics and science, as well as computer programming in private, public, and boarding schools, as well as internationally in Morocco.  These experiences have enriched my perspective and strengthened my commitment to serving student from diverse backgrounds.  I believe mathematics reveal the beauty of order and truth, and I am dedicated to cultivating wonder, virtue, and disciplined thinking in the classroom.  

I earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of South Alabama. My journey as an educator has included several years of teaching middle and high school students, along with a few rewarding years of homeschooling. These experiences have deepened my love for helping students grow in confidence, curiosity, and character. Teaching is more than a profession to me—it’s a calling to inspire young people to ask thoughtful questions, think critically, and develop a lifelong love of learning. I am especially excited to teach 7th Grade Ancient History because I love bringing the stories of the ancient world to life and helping students discover how the past continues to shape our world today.

My name is Lacie Zaragoza, and I have been a lover of art for as long as I can remember. In middle school, I had an art teacher who exuded a passion for the studio. She taught me that art holds the power for expression but requires constant practice and attention to technique. 

It was in her class that I developed a passion for the creation of beauty. It was also in this class that I considered becoming a teacher myself, a calling that has remained with me ever since.

This passion led me to attend Utah State University, where I studied art history. Today, it is my privilege to share my passion with the students of Great Hearts Roosevelt and guide them on their own paths toward excellence.