Gilbert Elementary

Jennifer Lucas

Jennifer Lucas has been in education for 15 years. She graduated from ASU with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education, SEI endorsement and a specialization in math. She continued her educational journey and graduated from GCU with a Master’s in Educational Administration. She has several years of educational experience as a mentor teacher, instructional coach, dean and assistant principal. She has been married over 20 years and has 3 beautiful daughters who are very active in sports and theater.

Patrick Jackson

Gina Strasser

Mrs. Gina Strasser has been working as an Administrative Assistant II for more than 26 years and has always worked in schools. She enjoys interacting with students and getting to know them. She loves antiquing and even has her own antique booth. She also enjoys reading, cooking and traveling. She has been married to her husband Bill for 16 years, has a 32 year old daughter and is a grandma to two cats, one who is blind.

Tabatha Queen

Tabatha Queen went to college for Early Childhood Development and Computer Programming. She worked closely with mentally and physically challenged children for 12 years in NC. She is certified in CPR, as well as other medical certifications. She taught preschool after moving to AZ and worked as an IA (paraprofessional) for 4 years at LEA Gilbert campus with varying grades 2nd-6th. This year she changed gears a little and is currently working as the admin/receptionist for the Gilbert Campus, Jr High office.

Melisa Brown

Laura Reinhardt

Dawn Romero

Bonnie McCalley

Mrs. Bonnie McCalley is married with 4 adult children. She is an almost native of Arizona and received her elementary and special education degrees from Northern Arizona University. Bonnie has been teaching children for over 20 years and believes all children have the ability to learn; some just need different techniques to reach their individual learning style.

Karen Deadrick

Ashley Rounds

Ashley grew up in California and graduated from LIFE Bible College (now LIFE Pacific University) with a theology degree and an emphasis in Christian Teaching before getting married and moving to Washington state in 2003. Her and her husband have two children, ages 13 & 15. Their family moved to Arizona in 2021 and this is her first year as a teacher (’22-’23). Before becoming a Kindergarten teacher, she and her husband pastored a small church in WA. She has also been a children’s, youth, and women’s pastor, as well as a paraeducator at different points in her life.

Sheyanna Castle

Lora Cannegieter

Mrs. Lora Cannegieter is a 2nd grade teacher at Leading Edge Academy Gilbert Elementary. She has been teaching since 2010 and has taught 1st-4th grades. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Kennesaw State University in 2007. She went on to complete a Master’s Degree in Education from Walden University in 2016. When not teaching, Mrs. Cannegieter likes to spend time with her family, travel, and read.

Anna Sawyer

Anna Sawyer graduated from CSU Fresno with a BA in education and attended Chapman University as a graduate completing her studies in education. She taught two years in California and took some time off to raise her two daughters. She began teaching again in 2016 in Yuma AZ and then moved to South Carolina in 2018 where she continued to teach. Recently her husband has retired from the the military and they now live in Gilbert where she is excited to be a part of the Leading Edge family.

Amanda Steib

Mrs. Amanda Steib has been teaching at Leading Edge Academy since 2012 and has been teaching since 2006. She received her B.A. degree from Northern Arizona University. As a native Arizonan it was very hard learning to live with the snow while she was at college!  When not at school she keeps very busy spending time with her 4 dogs, cat, two daughters, and husband!

Connie Tinkam

Mrs. Connie Tinkam loves teaching and stretching children so that they reach their highest potential. She enjoys teaching project-based lessons and literature studies. She has over 16 years of teaching experience, holds an Arizona teaching certificate, and is Spalding certified. Connie has been teaching at Leading Edge Academy since 2012. She is married with children. She was formerly a missionary in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Her heroes are Jesus Christ, Corrie Tenboom, and Deitrich Bonhoeffer. Her hobbies include reading, DIY projects, and frugal shopping. Her favorite movie is Lord of the Rings and favorite TV show is Stargate SG1…but she loves any SciFi!

Chantel Thompson

John Kimani

Stacy White

Dallas Jandreau

Mrs. Dallas Jandreau graduated from A.S.U with a B.A. in the Multilingual Multicultural program in Elementary Education. She has taught kindergarten at Monte Vista Elementary in the Creighton School District, was a substitute teacher in all grades K-7 in the Creighton school district, and taught pre-k at Totspot Preschool . She was hired at Leading Edge in December 2015.  Mrs. Jandreau loves the culture here at Leading Edge Academy and looks forward to helping your child become the best learner they can be, while building character within. While not at school, Mrs. Jandreau loves spending time with her husband and twin boys. She also enjoys polynesian dancing and camping with her family.

Daniel Whitney

Ray Peters

Madelin Boatright

My name is Ms. Boatright, and I’m excited to begin my first full year at GEC. I started my teaching journey by leading a forestry crew at the base of the North Cascades, and now I teach both Spanish and Environmental Science. I attended La Universidad de Salamanca in Spain and earned my degree from Northern Arizona University, where I double majored in Spanish and Environmental Science & Sustainability Studies. In addition to teaching, I host Crochet Club on Wednesdays after school, where students can earn service hours by donating to local hospitals and charities—hope to see you there!

Madison Zijicek

Now in her third year at GEC, Madison brings a deep passion for the arts and performance into her teaching, supporting students in exploring their talents across multiple disciplines. A proud alumni of GEC (Class of 2018), she continued her education at CGCC (2016–2018) and Arizona State University (2018–2021), building a strong foundation in both academic and performing arts circles.
At GEC, she teaches Performing Arts, Dance, Vocal Ensemble, and Theater Production, and proudly directs the annual school Musical—bringing together creativity, teamwork, and community in a spectacular showcase each year. Beyond her classroom and rehearsal space, she contributes as a co-lead for the Arizona State Seal of Arts Proficiency, helping expand arts recognition and opportunities across the state.
When she’s not teaching or choreographing, she’s typically spending time with her son, Jaxon, curled up with a good book, cheering on live theater, or running her competitive dance studio, Rebels Academy of Dance.

Katie Bradley

Micah Garcia

Mr. Garcia is in his second year teaching electives at GEC, but he has been part of the Leading Edge Academy family for 11 years. His signature class, Art of Duct Tape, blends creativity, craftsmanship, and problem-solving. This gives students a fun and unique way to express themselves.

Married for 26 years, Mr. Garcia is the proud father of three boys, all of whom attended GEC. Outside the classroom, he is an avid comic book collector and a skilled duct tape artist, often creating impressive and detailed works from the versatile material.

Logan Smith

Daisy Cruz