MEET THE TEAM
Dr. Carol Lippert holds the following degrees: Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Secondary Education, a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, and a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership. Carol has 30 years of experience in the field of education. She is employed with Grand Canyon Education as the Assistance Vice President for K12 Outreach and Support. In this role, she extends outreach to K12 districts and schools through high quality professional development and student engagement opportunities. Previously, she held the position of Associate Superintendent for the High Academic Standards for Students Division at the Arizona Department of Education. She has also served as the Principal of an inner-city high school. Under her leadership, the school was recognized as an A+ School, a Silver Medal School, an All Subjects Higher Performing School, and one of the Top Schools in the USA. Prior to obtaining the principalship, Carol held various Assistant Principal positions and taught science. In 2006, Carol was awarded the National Association for Secondary School Principals Assistant Principal of the Year for the State of Arizona.
Dr. Cori Araza has been a classroom instructor for seventeen years in the areas of Computer Information Systems, Spanish and ESL at the secondary and community college levels. She has lived in Mexico and Spain and brings her global connections and vast technology background to the classroom. She led two robust student technology leadership programs at Paradise Valley High School serving over 1800 students and staff called GenYES and the STEM Internship. Under such programs she helped to build two Makerspaces on campus and transformed the library into the Technology Media Space equipped with VR app development, 3D Printing and active coding technologies. In addition, these student driven programs continue to provide educators throughout the district with quality professional development in technology throughout the school year. In the World Language teaching arena, she has presented to the AZ Language Association as the technology showcase instructor and has earned awards in language instruction with educational technology. She earned Google Certified Educator status in 2013 and has won recognition for Makerspace Development through the AZ Science Center. She is a Jedi Mentor for the Chief Science Officer Program and has earned the STEM Distinguished educator award through this program in 2016. Cori is currently the Senior Project Director of STEM Outreach for GCU’s K12 Educational Development department.
Marni Landry is the Project Director of STEM Outreach for GCU’s K12 Educational Development department and an adjunct professor in the GCU College of Education. Marni’s areas of professional development expertise include: Project Based Learning, STEM Integration, Science Standards Alignment, and Differentiation. She is a regular presenter at professional conferences including the National Science Teaching Assoc. (NSTA), AZ Science Teachers Assoc., Natl. Assoc. of Biology Teachers, AZ Assoc. of Gifted Teachers, AZ Assoc. of Teachers of Mathematics, and the AZ Dept. of Ed. Teachers Institute. Marni has been recognized in the field of teaching by multiple institutions: Arizona Tech Council Teacher of the Year, IEEE Pre-College Teacher of the Year, Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, Nobel Top Ten Educator of the Year, Army Educational Outreach National All-Star, and the Arizona Science Teachers Association High School Science Teacher of the Year. Before joining the team she taught at Paradise Valley High School where she wrote the curriculum for and taught research and molecular biology courses in the Center for Research, Engineering, Science, and Technology program and was an adjunct professor with the UofA teaching Molecular Cell Biology.
Carolyn Mann has been an educator for over 24 years. She has taught at the elementary school level as well as Jr. High. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Education with a Minor in Child Development from San Diego State University. Carolyn later went on to get a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an Emphasis in Reading from Grand Canyon University. In addition to being a classroom teacher, Carolyn spent three years working as a district literacy coach. In this position, she worked with teachers to develop and implement appropriate interventions to meet the needs of individual students. Carolyn has led several professional development sessions for both teachers and administrators focusing on reading strategies, interventions, and assessments. Before joining the GCU team, Carolyn worked as a professional development consultant for a publishing company. Carolyn enjoys spending time with her 4 children and going on new adventures.
Cecelia Bosma has shared her passion for teaching and learning for 15 years both in Christian and public education working with students in K-8 classrooms. While earning a Master’s degree in Education in Biology with an emphasis on inquiry learning and conservation, Cecelia took on the position of Middle School Science Teacher. She worked in STEM and outdoor education where she developed and delivered hands-on outdoor experiential learning to elementary students throughout the greater Phoenix area. Through her work at a local nonprofit Cecelia supported educators with professional development and coaching. During Covid she returned to the classroom at a local public school and had the opportunity to inspire some amazing 8th grade students. Cecelia loves to hike and exercise and whenever time allows she is off exploring a new peak or the bottom of the Grand Canyon with family and friends. Learning is an adventure.
Melanie Schneider is a seasoned educator with over 19 years of experience in education. Currently serving as the K12 Professional Development Manager at Canyon Professional Development, Melanie’s dedication to unlocking student and teacher potential has propelled her successful career. Her expertise lies in designing inclusive curriculum tailored to diverse learner needs, fostering growth and development for all students. With a focus on structured literacy, Melanie excels in crafting comprehensive literacy programs and collaborating closely with teachers to implement effective strategies. She facilitates customized professional development sessions, empowering educators and administrators to refine instructional practices and adapt to evolving student needs. Melanie’s collaborative approach has fostered a culture of continuous improvement, leading to enhanced student outcomes and a nurturing learning environment.
Jaron Tubbs is a K12 Educational Development Coordinator with Canyon Professional Development. Jaron is a GCU alumnus having earned his undergrad and master’s in leadership with an emphasis in homeland Security and emergency management here on our Phoenix campus. Jaron has extensive experience in customer service, academic support, and event coordination.
Lauren Sheveland
Iris Teta
Hannah Romero-Reyes is a Special Events Coordinator for the K12 Educational Development Department. She coordinates special events, including, requesting facilities and working with the marketing team, the K12 Educational Development department, and internal and external partners.
With over 15 years of non-profit board leadership management, Beth Simek is an experienced event coordinator and public speaker. She has presented numerous professional development workshops on family engagement, diversity and inclusion, nonprofit board management and event coordination. She is currently an Events Coordinator for Canyon Professional Development. She fully supports our Thunder Vision program ensuring that our middle school visitors enjoy their time on our campus.