Meet the faculty & staff at awakening seed school
Who Will Teach My Child?
Awakening Seed teachers are experienced, highly trained education professionals who care about the well-being of future generations. They’re compassionate educators striving in a spirit of cooperation to perfect their craft and bring excellence to all learning experiences.
University professors select Awakening Seed as an observation site because of the school’s unique teaching and learning approach. Awakening Seed is the choice of many Arizona State University, Rio Salado College, and South Mountain Community College students for internships or their student teaching experience.
Administration
Danielle Dueppen | Executive Director
About Danielle: This is Danielle’s eleventh year in administration at the Seed and her eighth as executive director. Prior to being part of administration, she was an assistant in the Toddler 1s and PreK, the lead teacher in the Preschool 2.5/3s, and the lead in the 3rd/4th grade class. She is thrilled to be part of a school where children learn rich academic content as well as how to be compassionate citizens of the world.
Education: Originally from Pittsburgh, Danielle graduated from Allegheny College with a degree in psychology and elementary education. Danielle finished her master’s degree in educational leadership through Northern Arizona State University in May 2013. She is a certified principal and holds a K-8 teaching certificate with an endorsement in early childhood education.
Free time: Danielle’s husband, Eric, is a school district administrator, and they have two children, Madeleine and Connor. Outside of school, Danielle enjoys staying active with her family.
Mary Glover | Founding Director/Co-founder
About Mary: Mary is the founding director of Awakening Seed School. She and Anne Sager established the school in 1977 when Mary’s two daughters, Sarah and Astraea, were young, and she has been teaching and directing at the school ever since. Mary has taught preschool through 5th grade, and is now the founding director. All five of her grandchildren attended the Seed, and her great-granddaughter is now a student in the Kindergarten class.
Education: Mary has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with an emphasis on early childhood education, and a master’s degree in elementary education from ASU. She is also a certified yoga instructor. Mary has published numerous articles and books, including Making School by Hand, A Garden of Poets, and Surprising Destinations.
Free time: Outside of school, Mary enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, writing poetry, reading, creating art, and practicing yoga. Keep up to date on Mary’s thoughts by reading her blog posts.
Debbie Moody | Office Manager
Sarah Balluff | Business Manager
About Sarah: Sarah has been a part of Awakening Seed since the start, and attended the Seed through 5th grade. Sarah inspired Awakening Seed to open up enrollment to toddlers and helped shape the program it is today. Eleven years ago, Sarah “retired” from teaching to further her education. She works as the school’s business manager while continuing with her other life goals. Sarah is familiar with many aspects of the day-to-day events of Awakening Seed and is always happy and willing to answer questions or make you feel at home.
Education: Sarah is an Awakening Seed Alum as well as a graduate of Tempe High School. She went on to receive her CDA from Central Arizona College, with a focus on Infant/Toddler Development. She loves learning, and has continued her education by enrolling in courses at MCC, such as Ceramics, Biology and Mathematics.
Free time: Sarah quilts, crafts, and creates. She and her husband enjoy traveling, off-roading and being outdoors. They live in Mesa with their granddaughter, Ellie.
Stephanie Peyton | Resource/Logistics Manager
About Stephanie: Stephanie has worked at the Seed for 23 years and has been the resource coordinator for fifteen years. She also has a wide range of experience teaching almost all of our grade levels. Stephanie has done extensive work with special needs children, especially those with autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and visual impairment. She has presented her classroom model at several conferences sponsored by the Arizona Department of Education and works with the Seed teachers to support classroom management and work modifications for students with special needs. She has taught special education classes at ASU for pre-service teachers. She also serves on the board for the Foundation for Blind Children. More recently Stephanie has taken on more administrative responsibilities around the school, include staff scheduling, subbing coverage, and support of maintenance and facilities projects.
Education: Stephanie has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in education focusing on curriculum and instruction. She is an Arizona certified teacher.
Free time: Stephanie and her husband, Justin, have three daughters. Sarah Beth, their oldest, is a junior at Coronado High School, and Hillary is in 7th grade at Ingleside Middle School. Their youngest, Catherine, is the last of the Peytons remaining at the Seed in the 4th grade class.
Bill Glover | Maintenance Support
About Bill: Bill has a strong background in business and management, and operated his own business for over 50 years. Among his many positions, Bill was the Arizona logistics coordinator for Hands Across America. Prior to becoming the business and facilities manager at the Seed, Bill was in the construction business and took the position at the Seed “for a couple of weeks until we found someone” in 1986. He handled the finances and maintenance until a few years ago when he retired from the business manager part of his job. He currently supports the school through a variety of maintenance tasks. Bill has played a significant part in the Seed’s growth and expansion, and continues to see that the Seed is a safe and inviting place for the children and staff. He enjoys helping out with projects that make learning fun and exciting for the students and teachers.
Free time: Bill loves spending time with his four granddaughters and grandson, great-granddaughter, and his two daughters, and wife, Mary.
Lead Teachers
Ashley Ruiz | Early 3s Lead Teacher, After School
About Ashley: This is Ashley’s ninth year working at the Seed. She has always found joy and laughter when it comes to engaging with children. She was very young when she learned how to take care of children and their needs in education. Since then, she’s come to learn that there is no greater feeling than to see the impact you have on the kids with whom you have grow close. Ashley is very excited for her new position as the lead teacher in the Early 3s class, as well as help out at the front desk after school.
Emily Cleveland | Toddler 2s Lead Teacher
About Emily: Emily has lived in Tempe her whole life. She discovered her passion for becoming a teacher by interning as a teenager for many years at the Seed summer art camp. As an intern, she could not wait until she was able to become a teacher.
Education: Emily graduated from Tempe Preparatory Academy in the spring of 2016 and in spring of 2021 completed her associates degree in early childhood development at Mesa Community College. She will continue workin on her bachelors degree at Northern Arizona University. She is thrilled to be leading the Toddler 2s again this year!
Free time: In her free time Emily enjoys hanging out with her friends, spending time with family, going on bike rides, and hiking.
Sarah La Benz | PreK Lead Teacher
Free time: Sarah enjoys board games, crochet, science & astronomy, puzzles, a good book, daydreaming about traveling, and being with close friends. And of course, being with family.
Erin Kelly | Preschool 3s Lead Teacher
About Erin: Erin is the mom of two grown children, Briana and Brendan. She has lived in south Scottsdale since she was nine years old. Her mom, sister, and brother all live within five minutes and her kids went to the same high school as she attended. Erin always knew she would work with kids, and once she observed a preschool class, she was certain that was the right path. She has always had a special love for teaching the 2s, but has taught every age of preschool at some point.
Education: Erin started taking early childhood courses at Scottsdale Community College right out of high school, took a break while her kids were young, and finished her associates degree once they were both in school. She has taken many extra training courses to continue her learning, as well as teaching some parent education classes. Erin is so excited to continue her adventures here as the lead Preschool 3s teacher. With her close to thirty years in the field, she was drawn to Awakening Seed because the school shares so many values.
Free Time: Erin enjoys shopping, movies, sleeping in, family time, and definitely the company of her little dog, Nala.
Deb Hopkins | Preschool 4s Lead Teacher
This is Deb’s 19th year at the Seed, and her 17th as lead teacher in the Preschool 4s class. Her career at the Seed began the winter of 2004 when she was persuaded to assist in Mary Glover’s 4th/5th grade class. Her life at the Seed began when her children were young. Her son Hayden (age 23) and daughter Hannah (age 25), both proud Seed graduates, first attended the toddler class at age two, have worked at the Seed as summer interns and, her daughter Hannah was hired as an after school staff member in 2017. In her former life, Deb worked as curator for many years at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art where she planned, organized and curated exhibitions and wrote about art and contemporary artists such as James Turrell, Wolfgang Laib and others. Deb’s art background influences her multi-disciplinary approach to teaching, at times turning the classroom into an immersive experience. Over the years, the preschoolers have delved into an array of subjects including the Middle Ages, food and culture of the world, the Ice Age, the Amazon rainforest, space, and dinosaurs. The Seed is her family’s second home.
Education: Deb earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from the University of Arizona and has taught paper-making, book binding and photography to children and adults.
Free time: Deb has a passion for cooking, gardening, art, photography and yoga. She’s slowly learning how to play the guitar!
Mindy Bender-Webster | Social-Emotional Lead Teacher
About Mindy: Mindy, a native Arizonan, has always had a passion for working with children. At fifteen, she was an assistant teacher at her family’s dance studio and by eighteen was teaching and choreographing for her own dance classes. In 2003, as a senior at Mountain Pointe High School, she volunteered her afternoons working in classrooms at an elementary school. Over the next few years Mindy continued her hands-on training as a classroom assistant at The Chrysalis Academy, a private school for children with autism. In 2009, she became a certified yoga instructor and in 2010 started her journey at the Seed teaching physical education. She has since been the toddler after school lead, assistant in the Toddler 2s, Preschool 2.5/3s and PreK lead teacher, and steps into a new position this year as the Seed’s Social-Emotional Teacher.
Education: Mindy holds a Child Development Associate credential through the Care Courses program.
Free Time: In her free time Mindy likes to spend time with her husband Alex and sons Easton and Remy.
Kerri Tornow | Kindergarten Lead Teacher
About Kerri: Kerri, who grew up in Michigan, is the Kindergarten teacher. She has been part of the Seed staff since 1984. That’s 40 years of teaching academics and art to young children. Kerri enjoys children’s art and literature. Her focus is on providing a safe, happy classroom environment in which young children can explore their world and influence their own learning with rich oral expression, creative opportunities, purposeful experiences and strong social connections to their peers and teachers.
Education: Kerri graduated from ASU with a degree in art education and has an Arizona elementary certification with an early childhood endorsement.
Kerri is married to Roger. They have two sons, Andrew (34) and Aaron (30). Andrew is a graphic designer, and is happily married to his lovely wife, Nicole. Aaron has a degree in kinesiology and now works in medical sales. Both boys started their educations as Seed preschoolers and graduated from ASU. Kerri enjoys crafting, collaging, camping, hiking and kayaking with her family. She also adores her beagle, Dunkin. Kerri and Roger cherish spending as much time as possible with their two grandsons, Carter and Cole. Kerri loves her role as Nana.
Gabryella Behnke | 1st-2nd Grade Lead Teacher
About Gabryella: Gabryella is an Arizona native who grew up camping in the pines or at the lake most weekends. She always knew she wanted to be a teacher but felt that she finally found her true passion once she discovered the Seed. She feels fortunate to have found a school that provides such rich learning opportunities, both inside and outside the classroom. She finds joy in working with children, watching them learn and grow. She is inspired by their honest and open minds that are full of infinite creativity and possibility. She looks forward to continuing work and play alongside children throughout their learning experiences.
Education: Gabryella graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and an early childhood endorsement. She holds an Arizona teaching certificate and also has an SEI endorsement. She joined the Seed staff in 2017 as a teaching assistant, then assumed the lead position with the Early 3s in January 2018, before becoming the lead teacher for the 1st/2nd grade class.
Free Time: Gabryella enjoys traveling, camping, being outside, reading, and spending time with loved ones. She and her husband, Justin, love taking their two dogs on outdoor adventures, going on road trips over the summers, and having game nights with family and friends.
Bianca Lopez | 2nd-4th Lead Teacher
About Bianca: Bianca was born in California and raised in Arizona. She grew up in Tempe with her mom, dad, two sisters, and brother. She is the oldest of four. As a child she was quiet, enjoyed collecting stickers, and loved creating crafts with her mother in the hot Arizona summers. Bianca lives in Mesa with her husband, Shayne and their six-year-old son Zion and are looking forward to the birth of their daughter in November 2024.
This is Bianca’s sixth year as lead teacher, first in the Early 3s class and now with the 3rd-4th graders. She worked in a public school setting for twelve years. She first discovered the Seed as an intern from Northern Arizona University, and interned in the Preschool 4s class. She fell in love with the Seed almost instantly.
Education: Bianca graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2018. She has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a certification for early childhood education.
Free time: On the weekend you can find Bianca trying new recipes, creating another Pinterest craft project, and decorating her planner.
Fiona Harpole | 1st-2nd Grade Lead Teacher
About Fiona: Fiona is from Boise, Idaho and moved to Arizona in 2018. She has always had a passion for working with children and is honored to be a part of the Awakening Seed community. She is overjoyed to have found a school that fosters curiosity, creativity, and self expression within its students. Fiona has a passion for outdoor education and believes that our Earth is the best classroom. She loves working alongside children and is incredibly grateful to continue to do so in the coming years at the Seed. Fiona will be co-leading the 1st-2nd grade class this year.
Education: Fiona graduated from NAU in December 2022, after student teaching in the 1st/2nd grade classroom for her final semester. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in studio art, and currently holds an Arizona teaching certificate.
Hobbies: Fiona enjoys skiing, rock climbing, hiking and camping with her friends and family. She also enjoys creating art, particularly ceramics, in her free time. Fiona aspires to stay curious throughout her life, and to foster a love for learning within her students.
Assistant Teachers
Denyse Carrillo | Toddler 1s Assistant Teacher, After School Toddler Lead
Alex Zapien | Toddler 1s Assistant Teacher, After School
Anyssa Saenz | Toddler 2s Assistant Teacher, After School
About Anyssa: Anyssa is a native of Arizona. One fun fact about her is that she grew up on one of the small farms down the street from the Seed. She is also a Seed alum. She has been fortunate to remain close friends with families from the Seed and they have become like a second family to her. Anyssa loves children and loves to spend time watching and playing with her baby cousins.
Education: Anyssa loves learning. She graduated from Moutain Pointe High in 2021, and then continued her education by becoming a licensed yoga instructor.
Free time: Her hobbies are practicing and teaching yoga, helping her grandparents with their animals, carefully tending her plant babies, roller skating, spending time with her doggies, and exploring Arizona and its beautiful sights (she especially loves Sedona and the Rim country). Anyssa is happiest when she is spending time and making memories with her family and friends.
Saki Nabeshima | PreK Assistant Teacher
About Saki: Saki was born and raised in Kumamoto, Japan. Her childhood memories are filled with nature play surrounded by rice fields, flowing rivers, and green mountains. She spends summers in rainy Japan visiting her family and being an aunt to four nieces who all call her “Saki-neichan),” which means “Big Sister Saki.”
Saki came into the world of early childhood education during her internship at a transitional housing program, offering music and movement classes for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in 2005. Saki has enjoyed the supporting role of an assistant teacher for the three and four years olds at the Seed since 2012. Saki is thrilled to be teaming up with Sarah La Benz again and working side by side with all the families to celebrate the children’s play and learning in PreK this year!
Education: Saki received her master’s degree in theology from Valparaiso University in 2005 and her bachelor’s degree in music from Hastings College in 2002. She has received extensive training in early childhood music education from Musikgarten, 95-hour children’s yoga teacher training, and 200-hr yoga teacher training from Desert Song Healing Arts Center.
Free time: Saki finds balance in life through yoga and Qi Gong, playing in a guitar ensemble, and spending quality time with her husband, David.
Cylie Krenkel | Preschool 3s Assistant Teacher
About Cylie: Cylie is the second oldest of nine kids, six boys and three girls. Cylie has worked with children as a daycare assistant, a nanny, and as a teacher’s assistant in a special needs classroom. This is Cylie’s eigth year at the Seed, serving as the assistant in Kindergarten, Preschool 4s, and after school staff member. Cylie served as the interim after school director during summers 2017 and 2018, and was the after school coordinator from 2017-2023. She is looking forward to assisting in the Preschool 3s class full time again this year. She is a hands-on learner who is always willing to take on anything new. She enjoys teaching children as well as learning from them.
Education: Cylie is a 2013 graduate of Fairfax High School in Laveen and has attended classes at South Mountain Community College.
Free Time: In her free time Cylie enjoys camping, hiking, fishing, and spending time with family and her husband, Josh, and daughter, Kelsea. She is happy that her daughter Kelsea is now a full time Seed in the Early 3s class.
Lilian Treacy | Preschool 4s Assistant Teacher, After School
About Lilian: Lilian was born in Pennsylvania and moved to Arizona when she was four. She began kindergarten at the Seed and stayed here until 3rd grade. She is still friends with many of her Seed friends and is very excited to be back as an assistant teacher in the Preschool 4s class.
Education: Lilian graduated from Corona del Sol High School in 2016. In 2021 she completed her bachelors degree in Creative Writing at Arizona State University. She is currently persuing her masters in Library and Information Sciences at The University of Arizona.
Free Time: Lilian loves to write, and can always be found reading a book. She also likes to hike, paint, and spend time with her dogs, Naya and Millie.
Karysa Horst | 3rd-4th Grade Assistant Teacher, Toddler After School Lead
About Karysa: Karysa is an Arizona native. She has extensive experience working with children from diverse backgrounds and age groups. In her previous position, she was an art teacher responsible for instructing students ranging from kindergarten to 9th grade. In addition, She has experience working as a substitute teacher and paraprofessional. In 2019, she worked at the Seed in the Toddler 1s room until the pandemic hit, and was the PreK assistant during the 2023-2024 school year. She is passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of the young minds she engages with and looks forward to helping students reach their full potential. This year she will be the 3rd-4th grade assistant.
Education: Karysa graduated from Arizona State University in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies. She’s currently enrolled in Arizona Teachers of Tomorrow program to obtain a Standard Arizona Teaching Certificate. Her ultimate career objective is to establish a nonprofit organization focused on assisting those in need, particularly in third-world countries and dogs.
Free time: She loves spending time with her three dogs (Olivia, Nala, and Milo), or any furry friend for that matter, as she is a huge animal lover. She also enjoys embarking on adventures, playing board games, and spending quality time with friends/family.
Peyton Gibbons | Kindergarten Classroom Assistant
About Peyton: Peyton is joining us from Southern California where she grew up! Ten years ago she decided to attend the University of Arizona and never went back to California. She graduated from the U of A with a degree in Elementary Education. Since then, she taught for five years, as a 5th grade and 2nd grade teacher, before coming to the Seed. Peyton has always wanted to teach at the Kindergarten level, and she is now in her fourth year as the assistant and substitute lead teacher in the kindergarten class. She couldn’t be more excited!
Bryce Gerrich | PE, Classroom Support Assistant Teacher, After School
Madeleine Dueppen | After School Assistant Teacher
About Madeleine: Madeleine is an assistant teacher supporting all classrooms as needed. She grew up at the Seed, at first as a student, then intern, and now staff member. Madeleine has a passion for early childhood development.
Education: Madeleine is currently a senior at Corona del Sol High School and earned her associates degree in early childhood education in May 2024. She also received her seal of biliteracy in English and Spanish in 2023. Madeleine will graduate from high school in May 2025.
Free time: Madeleine loves spending time with friends and family in her free time. She also enjoys lots of physical activity, such as running and lifting weights. Outside of the Seed, Madeleine is a nanny/babysitter and works in the lab preschool on her high school campus.
Emily Samora | 1st-2nd Assistant Teacher
About Emily: Emily is a Seed alumni who started in the one’s class, graduated in 4th grade, interned, and went straight into working here after graduation. She took a small break to branch out and expand her skills but missed the liveliness that each school year brings and decided to return. Emily just got married and is loving newlywed life. She has the most handsome fur baby, Angus the cat, and another creature child, Asparagus, the crested gecko.
Education: Emily was a 2017 graduate of Primavera High School.
Free time: In her free time, Emily loves to play trivia with her friends, do arts and crafts, and hang out with her niece Ellie, who also attends the Seed.
Jadyn Tarin | Classroom Assistant, After School
About Jadyn: Jadyn was born and raised in Arizona. She has always loved taking care of children alongside her mom, and one day hopes to have children of her own. She comes from a big family and has five siblings. Jadyn is a nurturing, gentle person who finds new ways to be creative and make life exciting.
Education: Jadyn attended Betty H. Fairfax until her junior year, then switched to online school during the pandemic to continue her education. She graduated from Phoenix Digital Academy in 2023.
Free time: In her free time Jadyn likes exploring new places, foods, and activities with friends and family. She also like to hang out with her fur baby Butters, expanding his knowledge of the outside world.
Julian Jacobs | After School Assistant Teacher
About Julian: Julian moved from upstate New York to Phoenix three years ago, braced for the desert heat. For five years, he worked as a summer lifeguard, supervising children of various ages. This is Julian’s fourth year as an assistant teacher and he is excited to get to know all the students in his capacity as the Seed’s floating sub and working in the after school program.
Education: Julian is a graduate from Oberlin College and Conservatory in Ohio where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and Bachelor of Music in Jazz Drums Performance.
Free Time: Julian enjoys running, skiing, and traveling, and is always on a quest for the best coffee shop in Phoenix.
Specials Teachers
Bryce Gerrich | PE, Classroom Support Assistant Teacher, After School
Jay Cleveland | Music Teacher
About Jay: This is Jay’s sixteenth year teaching music at the Seed. Jay hopes to share with students his knowledge of music, as well as his love of music and guide them in their use of music in their everyday lives.
Education: Jay graduated from Maryville University in St. Louis, Missouri, with degrees in music therapy and music education in 1992. Jay completed his music therapy internship at the Children’s Center for Neurodevelopmental Studies, a school for children with autism and other spectrum disorders.
Free time: When he isn’t working, Jay enjoys reading and spending time with his family, including his wife, Christine, and kids, Emily and Jack. Outside of the classroom, he teaches guitar and other music lessons.
Diane Hughes | Spanish Teacher
About Diane: Diane is returning for her eighteenth year as the Spanish teacher at Awakening Seed. She has two children who are both Seed graduates!
Education: Diane has a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and Spanish, a minor in Latin-American studies and a post-baccalaureate certificate in elementary education, all from ASU.
Free time: When she isn’t at school, Diane enjoys spending time with her family.
After School
Denyse Carrillo | Toddler 1s Assistant Teacher, After School Toddler Lead
Alex Zapien | Toddler 1s Assistant Teacher, After School
Anyssa Saenz | Toddler 2s Assistant Teacher, After School
About Anyssa: Anyssa is a native of Arizona. One fun fact about her is that she grew up on one of the small farms down the street from the Seed. She is also a Seed alum. She has been fortunate to remain close friends with families from the Seed and they have become like a second family to her. Anyssa loves children and loves to spend time watching and playing with her baby cousins.
Education: Anyssa loves learning. She graduated from Moutain Pointe High in 2021, and then continued her education by becoming a licensed yoga instructor.
Free time: Her hobbies are practicing and teaching yoga, helping her grandparents with their animals, carefully tending her plant babies, roller skating, spending time with her doggies, and exploring Arizona and its beautiful sights (she especially loves Sedona and the Rim country). Anyssa is happiest when she is spending time and making memories with her family and friends.
Cylie Krenkel | Preschool 3s Assistant Teacher
About Cylie: Cylie is the second oldest of nine kids, six boys and three girls. Cylie has worked with children as a daycare assistant, a nanny, and as a teacher’s assistant in a special needs classroom. This is Cylie’s eigth year at the Seed, serving as the assistant in Kindergarten, Preschool 4s, and after school staff member. Cylie served as the interim after school director during summers 2017 and 2018, and was the after school coordinator from 2017-2023. She is looking forward to assisting in the Preschool 3s class full time again this year. She is a hands-on learner who is always willing to take on anything new. She enjoys teaching children as well as learning from them.
Education: Cylie is a 2013 graduate of Fairfax High School in Laveen and has attended classes at South Mountain Community College.
Free Time: In her free time Cylie enjoys camping, hiking, fishing, and spending time with family and her husband, Josh, and daughter, Kelsea. She is happy that her daughter Kelsea is now a full time Seed in the Early 3s class.
Lilian Treacy | Preschool 4s Assistant Teacher, After School
About Lilian: Lilian was born in Pennsylvania and moved to Arizona when she was four. She began kindergarten at the Seed and stayed here until 3rd grade. She is still friends with many of her Seed friends and is very excited to be back as an assistant teacher in the Preschool 4s class.
Education: Lilian graduated from Corona del Sol High School in 2016. In 2021 she completed her bachelors degree in Creative Writing at Arizona State University. She is currently persuing her masters in Library and Information Sciences at The University of Arizona.
Free Time: Lilian loves to write, and can always be found reading a book. She also likes to hike, paint, and spend time with her dogs, Naya and Millie.
Karysa Horst | 3rd-4th Grade Assistant Teacher, Toddler After School Lead
About Karysa: Karysa is an Arizona native. She has extensive experience working with children from diverse backgrounds and age groups. In her previous position, she was an art teacher responsible for instructing students ranging from kindergarten to 9th grade. In addition, She has experience working as a substitute teacher and paraprofessional. In 2019, she worked at the Seed in the Toddler 1s room until the pandemic hit, and was the PreK assistant during the 2023-2024 school year. She is passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of the young minds she engages with and looks forward to helping students reach their full potential. This year she will be the 3rd-4th grade assistant.
Education: Karysa graduated from Arizona State University in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies. She’s currently enrolled in Arizona Teachers of Tomorrow program to obtain a Standard Arizona Teaching Certificate. Her ultimate career objective is to establish a nonprofit organization focused on assisting those in need, particularly in third-world countries and dogs.
Free time: She loves spending time with her three dogs (Olivia, Nala, and Milo), or any furry friend for that matter, as she is a huge animal lover. She also enjoys embarking on adventures, playing board games, and spending quality time with friends/family.
Bryce Gerrich | PE, Classroom Support Assistant Teacher, After School
Hannah Laugharn | After School Coordinator
About Hannah: Hannah graduated from Horizon Honors High School in 2017. She attended the Seed from the age of two through fifth grade, and interned in the Preschool 4s class for many years after she left. Hannah worked in the after school program at Horizon for a year and a half, and started subbing and working in the Seed’s after school program in 2017. This is Hannah’s second year as the after school coordinator. Awakening Seed has taught her to be kind and compassionate, and she is still friends with many of her Seed classmates.
Education: Hannah is working on a bachelor’s degree in behavioral health services at Northern Arizona University.
Free time: Hannah likes to spend time with friends, making art, and cooking.
Madeleine Dueppen | After School Assistant Teacher
About Madeleine: Madeleine is an assistant teacher supporting all classrooms as needed. She grew up at the Seed, at first as a student, then intern, and now staff member. Madeleine has a passion for early childhood development.
Education: Madeleine is currently a senior at Corona del Sol High School and earned her associates degree in early childhood education in May 2024. She also received her seal of biliteracy in English and Spanish in 2023. Madeleine will graduate from high school in May 2025.
Free time: Madeleine loves spending time with friends and family in her free time. She also enjoys lots of physical activity, such as running and lifting weights. Outside of the Seed, Madeleine is a nanny/babysitter and works in the lab preschool on her high school campus.
Ashley Ruiz | Early 3s Lead Teacher, After School
About Ashley: This is Ashley’s ninth year working at the Seed. She has always found joy and laughter when it comes to engaging with children. She was very young when she learned how to take care of children and their needs in education. Since then, she’s come to learn that there is no greater feeling than to see the impact you have on the kids with whom you have grow close. Ashley is very excited for her new position as the lead teacher in the Early 3s class, as well as help out at the front desk after school.
Jadyn Tarin | Classroom Assistant, After School
About Jadyn: Jadyn was born and raised in Arizona. She has always loved taking care of children alongside her mom, and one day hopes to have children of her own. She comes from a big family and has five siblings. Jadyn is a nurturing, gentle person who finds new ways to be creative and make life exciting.
Education: Jadyn attended Betty H. Fairfax until her junior year, then switched to online school during the pandemic to continue her education. She graduated from Phoenix Digital Academy in 2023.
Free time: In her free time Jadyn likes exploring new places, foods, and activities with friends and family. She also like to hang out with her fur baby Butters, expanding his knowledge of the outside world.
Julian Jacobs | After School Assistant Teacher
About Julian: Julian moved from upstate New York to Phoenix three years ago, braced for the desert heat. For five years, he worked as a summer lifeguard, supervising children of various ages. This is Julian’s fourth year as an assistant teacher and he is excited to get to know all the students in his capacity as the Seed’s floating sub and working in the after school program.
Education: Julian is a graduate from Oberlin College and Conservatory in Ohio where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and Bachelor of Music in Jazz Drums Performance.
Free Time: Julian enjoys running, skiing, and traveling, and is always on a quest for the best coffee shop in Phoenix.
Arthur Clayton | After School Assistant
About Arthur: Arthur was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. He moved to Arizona after his family was forced out by Hurricane Katrina. He brought with him the beautiful culture and background that is now shared with his family. This is Arthur’s third year assisting at the Seed and also has two children who attend. He looks forward to building community with the students and their families.
Education: Arthur graduated with his diploma from Mountain Pointe High School. He is highly certified in multiple areas as well.
Free Time: Arthur is passionate about watching The New Orleans Saints play football on Sunday’s, enjoying spending time with his two children and fiancé, Ashley.