East Mesa

Jon Hutman

Brooke Wattelet

Ms Wattelet is an adventurous soul with a deep passion for hiking, camping, and staying active in nature. When she’s not exploring the great outdoors, she loves getting lost in a captivating book or cherishing precious moments with her beloved family. For nearly 4 years, Ms Wattelet has been an essential part of Leading Edge Academy East Mesa, contributing as an administrative assistant. Being part of a vibrant community and supporting its growth has been a rewarding journey and she can’t wait for more years to come.

Virginia Flores

Virginia Flores has had the privilege of being an educator for an incredible 19 years. Throughout her career, she’s had the honor of making a positive impact on the lives of many students, helping them on their educational journeys. Beyond her work, her heart belongs to her amazing family, which includes her loving husband and their six wonderful children. Family is everything to Virginia, and she cherishes every moment spent together, creating precious memories that will last a lifetime. When not in the classroom or with her family, you’ll often find her on the softball field. Whether pitching or playing in the outfield, Virginia is fueled by her passion for the game and the camaraderie of her teammates. Another passion is crafting. Whether it’s sewing, painting, or any other form of artistic expression, she finds immense joy in bringing her creative ideas to life.

Laura Reinhardt

Dawn Romero

Marie McKissick

Ms. M. was born and raised in Central Illinois and has called Arizona home for the past 25 years. She has three busy children and multiple pets. When she gets the opportunity, she enjoys traveling, theme parks, and binge watching various genres of movies and shows. Ms. M. started her post-secondary education at Illinois Central College followed by Illinois State University, then completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Special Education, with a concentration in Emotional Disabilities, at Prescott College. She has taught a variety of subject matters as a resource teacher and co-teacher.  She started working with people with disabilities when she was 16 years old and has been working in special education for the past 24 years. She joined LEA East Mesa in October 2022.

Melinda Erspamer

Mrs. Melinda Erspamer proudly serves as Student Support for Leading Edge Academy, a role pivotal in guiding students through their social and emotional journeys. Drawing from her rich background in social work and advocacy, Melinda possesses a keen understanding of students’ needs, approaching them holistically to ensure their well-being.

In 2022, Melinda, along with her husband and daughter, embraced a new chapter by relocating from Colorado Springs to Arizona. The move has been a refreshing change, and the family is thrilled to immerse themselves in the vibrant Arizona community. Melinda brings to Leading Edge Academy not only her passion but also her academic prowess, holding a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Her diverse experience spans various advocacy roles, working closely with youth and families in schools, social services, and community outreach. This work with young individuals and their families fuels her passion, reinforcing her dedication to the students she serves.

Kristi Kramer

Mrs. Kramer is a native to Arizona. She has been in the field of Education for almost 20 years. She has taught Pre K, Kindergarten, and 1st grade. Mrs. Kramer graduated from Ottawa University in 2009 with a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education and Grand Canyon University in 2018 with a Masters in Reading. In her free time Mrs. Kramer loves spending time with her husband and kids.

Crystal Givens

Mrs. Givens was born in Huntington Beach California and moved to Arizona when she was 13.  Mrs. Givens teaching degree is from NAU.  She has been a teacher for over 20+ years. She has taught pre-school, Kindergarten – 3rd grade. Most of her teaching experience has been in 1st grade. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband, 3 biological and 2 bonus children. She enjoys camping, kayaking, and swimming.  When she has time alone she enjoys reading a good book and snuggling with her dogs.

Morgan Lucas

Cynthia Reeves-Somogyi

Sarah Whitney

Sarah Whitney has worked with students of all ages for the past 14 years ranging from birth to 12 years old. She received her Bachelors in Elementary Education from Grand Canyon University in 2018. Since then she has worked for Leading Edge Academy, and loves every minute she has with her wonderful students. Sarah is a mother to 3 boys herself and is married to her high school sweetheart. Sarah believes her students inspire her everyday and that she is blessed to work with such an amazing staff at the East Mesa Campus.

Addley Read

Edward Collins

Mr. Collins is stepping into his role as a fifth-grade teacher for the 2023/2024 school year at Leading Edge Academy. While this is his inaugural year at the academy, he brings with him a rich teaching legacy spanning two decades. His experience encompasses roles in both the public school system and a charter school in Phoenix. Mr. Collins is fervently looking forward to the academic journey ahead with his fifth graders. Together, they will delve into U.S. History, unravel the mysteries of environmental and space science, master fraction and volume concepts, craft compelling descriptive and expository essays, and foster a tight-knit learning community. Outside the classroom, Mr. Collins cherishes moments with his family, indulges in golf, immerses himself in adventure novels, and is an avid football enthusiast. He holds a vision of academic excellence and personal development for all his students in the coming year.

Mindy Nelson

Ms. Mindy Nelson is originally from Miami, Florida where she was born and raised. She moved to Arizona in 2009 and loves it! She currently lives in Gilbert with her very large Boerboel named Dembe. She graduated from Florida State University and remains an avid Seminoles fan. Mrs. Nelson has been teaching for over 25 years and has taught every grade (with the exception of first) kindergarten up to tenth grade. She loves photography and is a big gamer nerd playing Dungeons and Dragons in her spare time.

Rebecca Estrada

Denise Carlson

Mrs. Denise Carlson proudly serves as the K-10 music teacher at East Mesa, bringing with her a rich tapestry of experiences spanning three decades. Hailing from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where she was born, raised, and educated, Mrs. Carlson embarked on her teaching journey in her hometown. Her path then led her to Las Vegas for three years before she settled in Arizona, drawn by the warmth of family. Over the years, she has enriched students with her musical expertise at three distinct schools in Arizona.

Outside the classroom, Mrs. Carlson has a penchant for cruises, engrossing reads, and reality TV shows—with “Big Brother,” “Survivor,” and “Amazing Race” topping her list. Her musical journey extends beyond teaching; she has graced various churches as an organist for over 35 years. The piano holds a special place in her heart, serving as both her favorite instrument and a source of relaxation. When she’s not immersed in music, Mrs. Carlson delights in the theatrical performances at Gammage Auditorium. Above all, she eagerly anticipates witnessing the musical evolution of her students each year.

Elizabeth Carder

Jordan Foltz

Mr. Foltz is enjoying his second year as a teacher at LEAM. A 2010 graduate of Liberty University he has taught in a classroom setting for a little over 4 years, the rest of the time being spent experientially teaching on challenge courses on the East Coast. In his free time Mr. Foltz enjoys hiking, biking, paddle boarding and most importantly any sport that involves a disc.

Daisy Cruz

Ian Whitney