SMMS Staff
At Santa Maria Middle School, our caring, compassionate, highly qualified teachers and our experienced support staff are committed to providing an outstanding middle school experience for your child and to helping our students achieve to the best of their ability.
Administration
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Sanchez AmeliaAmelia Sanchez Principal Send message » 623-707-1100
Education
BS Elementary Education, Grand Canyon UniversityExperience
Ten years in education. Westside Impact 2024–2025 Fowler Administrator of the Year. I taught sixth grade ELA for four years and have worked with middle school students for nine years.Why I Teach
This is what I love to do. This is my passion. I enjoy building and establishing positive relationships with our students and guiding them to achieve their goals.
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Lamb RyanRyan Lamb Assistant Principal Send message » 623-707-1100
To begin, my name is Ryan Lamb. I was born and raised here in Arizona, more specifically Mesa. I have lived in a 10 mile radius my whole life and now share my life with my wife, Qingmeng, who I have been married to for 14 years. We share two children together, Raiden and Skye. I have been a part of education for the past 26 years in various roles. Some of the roles I have held are a fourth grade teacher, a second grade teacher along with being a kindergarten teacher. After my time in elementary; I switched to middle school where I taught English language arts, science, and social studies. Furthermore, I then got into administration as an assistant principal in 2021 and am continuing this journey today at Santa Maria Middle School.
Next, my goal for this school year is to do my due diligence in getting to know the students, guide them through the easy, medium, and tough times, but to provide them with tools that they can use moving forward. I believe that all students should learn and grow from their experiences in and out of the classroom. Also, to succeed at guiding the students, we will need to work together as a team, which includes the student, parents, and teachers, to ensure that we are giving the students the tools that will help them into the future. Lastly, I am proud to be a part of the Bulldog family and will due my best to get to know you all, but when you see me, please stop me and say hi.
Office Staff
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Hernandez RachelRachel Hernandez Lunch Monitor
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Hernandez RachelRachel Hernandez Lunch Monitor
Sixth Grade
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Appiah JohnsonJohnson Appiah Send message » 623-707-1132
Education
BSc. Biological Science EducationExperience
Professional Science teacher since 2013.Why I Teach
Teaching gives me a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. It provides the opportunity to nurture and provide guidance for young ones to fully develop their potential and realize their dreams. I am always delighted to help students to achieve their goals, become independent, and develop critical thinking skills to solve numerous problems in our society.
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Banuelos LoryLory Banuelos Language Arts Send message » 623-707-1125
Education
BS in Psychology - GCU, Secondary Education - GCUExperience
I began teaching in 2020 (during the pandemic) but have been in the district since 2014. Westside Impact 2024–2025 Santa Maria Teacher of the Year.Why I Teach
I knew I wanted to work with kids but never knew what route my life would take. I have been working at Santa Maria for many years before I saw myself in a teaching position. I love to read and want to nurture and encourage that with my students. I also want to create a space of safety and creativity for the kids and a place where I can encourage them to be themselves.
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Caro EdwardEdward Caro Social Studies Send message » 623-707-1123
Education
BA Education - University of ArizonaExperience
10 years, nine with FESDWhy I Teach
I teach because I care about the students in our community. I want to inspire and give our students hope in my classroom. I want our students to learn that education is the key to improving the possibilities for the future. As the world becomes smaller through technology, I feel that it's important for the younger generation to become familiar with the world around them. I would like students to realize that the world, albeit different in many parts, is full of wonder and generosity that should be discovered with an open mind and heart.
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Cuaton RowenaRowena Cuaton Math Send message »
Education
Bachelor in Elementary Education - Specialization in Math (Capitol University)
Master of Instructional Leadership - 18 units (University of Southeastern Philippines)
Master of Arts in Educational Administration - Complete Academic Requirements (Cagayan de Oro College PHINMA Education Network)Experience
17 yearsWhy do I teach?
I teach because I believe education is a powerful tool that can transform lives and create pathways to new opportunities. As a math teacher, I see my role not just as someone who imparts formulas and procedures, but as someone who helps students develop logical thinking, problem-solving skills, and confidence in their ability to tackle challenges. Math often intimidates students, but I find purpose in helping them shift from fear to understanding and from confusion to clarity. I strive to create a learning environment where every student feels valued, supported, and capable of success.
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Gonzales IsmaelIsmael Gonzales Math Send message » 623-707-1124
Education
MA TeachingExperience
10+ YearsWhy I Teach
I teach so that students will not need me. My ultimate goal is to create self motivated and lifelong learners. I want my students to use all the resources and tools available to them and have the awareness to know what they do not know and learn it. Gone should be the days when the student thinks that the teacher is the only way to learn but one of many.
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Irby JaniceJanice Irby Science Send message » 623-707-1131
Education
MA Elementary Education
Science, ESL, Reading, and Middle School EndorsementsExperience
Over thirty years teaching here at SMMS!Why I Teach
Children today are living in a world of new and ever changing possibilities. I teach so I can help kids develop into adults who not only function and contribute to our society, but who thrive and lead the next generation as well. The influences children have are not always conducive and supportive of education. Making sure school is a fun, safe, and a positive experience frees up young minds to wonder and discover the mysteries of life, which helps them grow and learn. I teach because I enjoy being with young people and helping them find the wonder in our world.
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Jelani KamilaKamila Jelani Social Studies Send message » 623-707-1130
Education
BA History, MEd Secondary EducationExperience
I have 6+ years teaching middle school.Why I Teach
I teach social studies because I want to help the next generation become culturally aware citizens. I care about our students and want to create a positive space for them to feel safe and secure while at school. I want to teach our students to be mindful and aware of how their actions influence and impact others.
Seventh Grade
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Cordova NoahNoah Cordova Math Send message » 623-707-1068
Experience
I began teaching in 2021 after graduating from NAU. I taught at an alternative high school for two years while in Flagstaff. This is my second year teaching at Santa Maria Middle School.Why I Teach
From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a teacher just like my mom. My issue, however, was that I loved both English and math. Given that math was the subject hated most by students, I felt that I had the opportunity to change this mindset by becoming a math teacher. I felt it was my responsibility to spread my love for the subject upon others and to show them that math isn't that bad.
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Nance HelenHelen Nance Science Send message » 623-707-1077
Education
BS in Elementary Education
Minor in Library Science and Reading
Endorsement in ESL
Masters in Educational Administration and SupervisionExperience
35+ years in education
22+ at Santa Maria Middle SchoolWhy I Teach
There's no place like middle school. Every day is a new adventure in the classroom with students who still like to act like younger children and at the same time want their adult-like independence. Spending the day with middle schoolers involves building relationships in quirky ways, having light-bulb moments of learning amid epic failures in trial and error. They wear their emotions on their sleeve and appreciate supportive adult guidance. They love to derail a lesson to be silly for a bit and can be serious when that's what we need to be. Watching middle school students' growth in three years - physically, academically, and socially - reminds me of the tremendous growth from birth to age three. Don't blink or you'll miss something really special. There's nothing quite like it, and I wouldn't trade working in middle school for any other level, not even on the days when they make me a little crazy. It's been my home for over 22 years, and I love it.
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Orton NicoleNicole Orton Language Arts Send message » 623-707-1078
Education
BA Elementary EducationExperience
10 years in seventh grade at SMMSWhy I Teach
I choose to teach because as a child I struggled in elementary school, and I had a few teachers who worked with me by going above and beyond their job title to assist me. I feel like I owe it to the future to teach my students in a way those teachers taught me because their patience allowed me to become a successful student.
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DePuy CharlieCharlie DePuy Science Send message » 623-707-1079
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Biology, Arizona State UniversityExperience:
5 years experience as the Curator of Reptiles/ Programming Director at Butterfly Wonderland. 10+ years Tennis/ Pickleball Coach at Lifetime Fitness.Why I teach:
Teaching is something that feels very natural to me. I find myself enjoying seeing young people succeed to meet a goal. As a coach, I appreciate the struggle of defeat, being the motivation leading to the overjoy of victory, which is the mindset I bring into my classroom. Growth is the key for both teaching and coaching, and I enjoy providing an enthusiastic and positive environment to cultivate that growth in our students.
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Hutcheson TristanTristan Hutcheson Math Send message » 623-707-1074
Education
BA Elementary Education - Arizona State UniversityExperience
I started my teaching career as an aide on the playground. I then moved into many different roles around the school I worked at, from running the computer lab to working in the classroom. After graduating college, I started as a sixth grade teacher for one year. I then came to Santa Maria Middle School where I taught seventh grade math for seven years. I've most recently been teaching eighth grade math for and Digital Media. I love doing new things and taking on new challenges every year.Why I Teach
Teaching always presents me with something new to learn or master. I'm always finding ways to improve as a teacher and new challenges to take on. Every year is a different experience with its own rewards and its own challenges.
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Jimenez JuanJuan Jimenez Social Studies Send message » 623-707-1094
Education
MA Special EducationExperience
This is my tenth year of teaching.Why I Teach
My goal in teaching is to lead our students into a more academic-friendly mindset. I enjoy sharing my subject knowledge and continuing the flow of information to the next generation. It's important it instill in our students the idea that learning is a cycle that repeats and must be continued.
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Repal CleoCleo Repal Language Arts Send message » 623-707-1076
Education:
Bachelor in Elementary Education Major in General Education (Philippine Normal University-National Center for Teacher Education)Experience:
I have been in the profession for more than 6 years.Why do I teach?
Teaching is my passion. It's the fire within me that drives me to educate, inspire, and guide young minds to become the best versions of themselves. As a teacher, I find immense fulfillment in knowing that I have a crucial role in helping them achieve their full potential, one step at a time.
Eighth Grade
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Serra-Labrador Ma. Albina A.Ma. Albina A. Serra-Labrador Language Arts Send message » 623-707-1072Biography
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Serra-Labrador Ma. Albina A.Ma. Albina A. Serra-Labrador Language Arts Send message » 623-707-1072Biography
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Boladas AngelicaAngelica Boladas Science Send message » 623-707-1092
Education
BS Elementary Education, Xavier University Ateneo de CagayanExperience
I started teaching in 2010, and currently in my fifteenth year of teaching.Why I Teach
I teach because it brings joy to know that others learn from me. It gives a sense of fulfillment when they apply in real life the knowledge they acquired in school. With that, it reminds me of the crucial role that teachers play in society as persons responsible for molding the minds of learners to create a better world as they grow. For me, nothing beats the noble feeling of having changed someone positively and helped them reach their potential one day at a time.
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Serra-Labrador Ma. Albina A.Ma. Albina A. Serra-Labrador Language Arts Send message » 623-707-1072
Education
Bachelor of Secondary Education (Philippine Normal University-National Center for Teacher Education)
MA in Social Studies (University of St. La Salle)
MA in Sociology-CAR (Silliman University)Experience
I have been in the profession for more than a decade teaching in middle school up to college.Why do I teach?
I have always believed that education is the great equalizer. Hence, I teach. Providing students the opportunity to hone their skills and character is equivalent to ensuring that they will be the best version of themselves and of course, functional citizens of the country.
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Lugod MhadelleMhadelle Lugod Science Send message »
Education
BS Chemistry for Teachers
MM in Educational Management
Registered Chemical TechnicianExperience
Sixteen years in education. I taught seventh to tenth grade chemistry and integrated science for twelve years and have worked with sixth to twelfth grade Inupiaq students- integrated science and math, at the Northwest Arctic Circle in Alaska for four years. This year marks my seventeenth year, and first year in SMMS. 🥳Why I Teach
It is my passion for learning and sharing knowledge. I am glad to be of service to students and the school community.
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Diaz Vazquez JuanJuan Diaz Vazquez Math Send message » 623-707-1063
Education
I graduated from the Pedagogical University of El Salvador in 2015 with a bachelor's degree in mathematics.Experience
I have three years of experience teaching in my home country, where I taught math from 4th to 9th grade. This is my second year teaching in the United States.Why I teach
I am an international teacher from El Salvador. I decided to come to the United States because it has always been one of my dreams, and I want to share that dream with my students.
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Willow CalebCaleb Willow Language Arts Send message » 623-707-1070
Education
Bachelor of English - ASUExperience
Began teaching in 2019
Certified Yoga Instructor, 2012Why I Teach
Caleb Willow comes from a long line of educators and has been with Santa Maria since 2019 (pre-pandemic). He believes that all his students are valuable for the continued success of our society. A firm believer in peer-to-peer mediation, he manages his classroom by holding students accountable for their actions and expects that their conflicts with each other can be resolved if they learn how to communicate, apologize, and work together for future successes. Mr. Willow has managed small businesses before entering the education field, and he feels that his real-world experiences and his interactions with people from all walks of life has prepared him for working with the young adults in his classroom. He is excited to be teaching tomorrow's future.
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Yanez KarenKaren Yanez Math Send message » 623-707-1064
Education
BA - Arizona State UniversityExperience
Four years teaching, three years at SMMSWhy I Teach
I choose to teach to try to make a difference for younger generations in mathematics and try to help them gain the math skills they need in life.
Educational Resource Teachers
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Barngrover AngelaAngela Barngrover SMMS Substitute Send message »
Education
Business Administration
Masters in Secondary EducationExperience
I have twenty-five years experience in education.Why I Teach
My journey began as a volunteer in a Catholic high school I attended that had an outreach for adults in my community who were illiterate. That lit a spark in me. That, and the Catholic Nun teacher I encountered there, changed the trajectory of my life. She took the time to identify and unlock my potential. I have been committed to reaching students in a wide variety of contexts and as a way to give back.
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Comandini LindseyLindsey Comandini Reading Interventionist Send message » 623-707-1066
Education
BA English Education - University of Arizona, MA Curriculum & Instruction - Arizona State UniversityExperience
I have twenty-four years teaching experience.Why I Teach
I teach to make a positive impact on young students' lives. I want to help young people find educational success as well as personal, later in life. I grew up in the Fowler Elementary School District, attending both Sunridge and Fowler, so I definitely wanted to teach in this district and make a difference.
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Padilla LisaLisa Padilla Math Interventionist Send message » 623-707-1087
Education
BA Education, MS Education, National Board Certified TeacherExperience
I have twenty-one years teaching experience.Why I Teach
When my son was born with special needs, I felt like I needed a career change. I wanted a profession where I was making a difference in the world. I feel that teaching is the most important job anyone can have. My hope is that I can positively impact every student that comes through my room.
Exploratory
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Contreras ReneeRenee Contreras PE Send message » 623-707-1099
Education
Texas A&M International UniversityExperience
Three yearsWhy I Teach
I teach because I want to positively impact students' lives by helping them reach their fullest potential both inside and outside of the classroom. Since high school, I knew I wanted to be a PE teacher because of my passion for sports, and I wanted to be able to help shape the lives of others just like many of my past teachers have done for me.
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Harrison JayJay Harrison PE Send message » 623-707-1099
Education
MPE in Physical Education - Arizona State University
BA in Marketing with Minors in Portuguese and Economics - Utah State UniversityExperience
10 yearsWhy I Teach
Since I was a child, I loved going outside and playing sports with family and friends. That passion grew in high school and college by taking all the PE/weightlifting classes I could take and participating in competitive sports for the following reasons: for enjoyment, to get in shape, and to find respite from the difficulties of life, school, and work. Now that I am an educator, I want to help my students to understand and excel by participating in daily physical activity.
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Yanez XavierXavier Yanez Band Send message » 623-707-1096
Education
BA Music EducationExperience
20 yearsWhy I Teach
I teach because I care about children and because I want the world to be a better place. I teach to inspire, encourage, and motivate through music. It may be a cliché, but it's at the heart of why so many music educators brave the negative press—to make a difference.
Special Education
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Gillespie BarbaraBarbara Gillespie Special Services ELA Teacher Send message » 623-707-1128Biography
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Gillespie BarbaraBarbara Gillespie Special Services ELA Teacher Send message » 623-707-1128Biography
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Bourgeois-Horne NicoleNicole Bourgeois-Horne Self-Contained Send message » 623-707-1121
Education
BA Special Education, EdM Instructional Technology, National Board Certified in Exceptional NeedsExperience
I have thirty-two years of teaching experience.Why I Teach
I teach because I understand the importance of an education, and I understand that education comes in all forms. A classroom that addresses all student needs is a successful teaching strategy and a win-win scenario for our learners. I know that student achievement has to include not only the school but the community as whole, and I enjoy being a part of the solution that includes education.
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Gillespie BarbaraBarbara Gillespie Special Services ELA Teacher Send message » 623-707-1128
Education
BA Elementary Education, Northern Arizona University
MA Curriculum and Instruction, Northern Arizona University
MA Educational Psychology, Argosy University
MA Special Education, Arizona State UniversityExperience
I raised four children and hung out with twelve grandchildren, plus their friends. I spent thirteen years as a full-time general education teacher for grades one through eight. I taught both math and ELA in middle school before. I was endorsed for middle school ELA. I worked for thirteen years as a substitute teacher for grades kindergarten through twelve. I’ve been a special education teacher since January 2020 (the weird era). I operated a self-contained classroom, as well as resource room before, for middle grades. Four of the general education years were on the Apache reservation, and five were on the Navajo reservation, so I received free ELL coursework. Sometimes I tried a Spanish word here or there. I was an administrator for one year.Why I Teach
It’s my brother’s fault. They were going to kick him out of school if he didn’t learn to read, so I helped him out. Teaching is what I would be bopping around doing anyway, for people of all ages, so I may as well do it for a living. I actually wanted to be a social worker originally, but I see how much education levels the playing field for those with disadvantaged beginnings, so I teach. If you see me telling a student a story “from my life”, I may have adjusted which parts I left in, to suit the social lesson I see is needed. I plan to publish such stories, should I ever retire, so they can live on after me.
Custodial Staff
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Cafeteria Staff
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Larios MaricelaMaricela Larios Cafeteria Manager
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Flores ElsiraElsira Flores Food Services
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Nunez AraselyArasely Nunez Food Services
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Trujillo ClaudiaClaudia Trujillo Food Services
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Larios MaricelaMaricela Larios Cafeteria Manager
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Flores ElsiraElsira Flores Food Services
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Nunez AraselyArasely Nunez Food Services
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Trujillo ClaudiaClaudia Trujillo Food Services
