Every year, Gilbert Public Schools likes to honor the hardworking staff members who help our students excel in and out of the classroom. The success of our district would not be possible without the dedication and commitment of our employees to our GPS family. On March 31, 2022, the district will host our annual Employee of the Year celebration. It’s a time to pause, reflect, and recognize the notable achievements in all employee classifications - Teacher, Support Staff, and Administrators.
The nominees who were chosen by GPS schools and departments are highly effective in their role, inspire excellence in our students, have respect for our community, and continuously model leadership for those around them. This celebratory event acknowledges the contributions they make to provide the highest quality learning and working environment for our students, staff, and community.
Colleagues and loved ones will celebrate the nominees at the Employee of the Year ceremony next month. It will be held at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Phoenix-Gilbert. A total of nine semi-finalists were chosen from the incredibly accomplished group of nominees to represent administrators, support staff, and teachers. The three finalists, one from each category, will be selected on March 31.
Congratulations to all 45 GPS employees who were nominated this year! A special thank you to Sun Valley Builders, all of our sponsors, and the Highland High School Strolling Strings Orchestra.
Support Staff of the Year Nominees
Tatia Power, Ashland Ranch Elementary
Karen Gomez, Burk Elementary
Maria Rivard, Finley Farms Elementary
Lori Bustamante, Gilbert Elementary
Judy Clark, Harris Elementary
Vanessa Chrzan-Patel, Neely Traditional Academy
David Jimenez, Oak Tree Elementary
Laura Robinson, Playa Del Rey Elementary
Danny Contreras, Quartz Hill Elementary
Susan Palma, Settlers Point Elementary
Marlyn Batoon, Spectrum Elementary
Robin Anderson, Gilbert Classical Academy
Leticia Pineda, Mesquite Junior High
Marc Demicco, South Valley Junior High
Maria Deniz, Gilbert High
Valerie Nettgen, Mesquite High
Camille Recher, Professional Growth and Development
Stacey Baleme, Office Of Talent Management
Teacher of the Year Nominees
Lizbedt Yellon, Boulder Creek Elementary
Kirsten Taylor,Canyon Rim Elementary
Stephanie Grimmer, Carol Rae Ranch Elementary
Traci Trillo, Greenfield Elementary
Kristin Melton, Highland Park Elementary
Rebecca Caffall, Meridian Elementary
Sarah Wallace, Patterson Elementary
Lisa Nothnagel, Pioneer Elementary
Brenda Hardy, Sonoma Ranch Elementary
Ann Maldonado, Superstition Springs Elementary
Janet Miller, Towne Meadows Elementary
Monica Beus, Val Vista Lakes Elementary
Lisa Knapp, Desert Ridge Junior High
Jennifer Parsons, Greenfield Junior High
Suzanne Brown, Canyon Valley High
Stephanie Campbell, Desert Ridge High
William McPherson, Highland High
Audrey Jost, GPS Global Academy
Support Staff Semifinalists
Amy Daly, Islands Elementary
Jacee Iannarelli, Campo Verde High School
Tyler Newman, Community Education
Teacher Semifinalists
Janelle Clower, Augusta Ranch Elementary
Sue Bunda, Highland Junior High
Robyn Gift, Special Education
Administrator Semifinalists
Jen Frost, Health Services
Dawn Koberstein, Mesquite Elementary
Barbara Torrey, Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
