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OUR TEACHERS

At Strong Foundations, we believe in the power of hiring exceptional educators with extensive classroom experience. Our team consists of state-certified teachers who are dedicated to providing a high-quality education and fostering a nurturing environment for every student.

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Mrs. Neal 

Owner/Teacher

Mrs. Neal holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology from Arizona State University and brings over 20 years of teaching experience in Preschool, Kindergarten, and First Grade. She is a state-certified Reading Specialist and also holds an Arizona Early Childhood Teaching Certificate along with an ESL endorsement. Her passion for early education and literacy development is at the heart of her teaching philosophy.

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Mrs. Bradley 

PreK Teacher

Mrs. Bradley brings 19 years of teaching experience with a strong focus on early childhood education. She holds a Master’s Degree in School Counseling and has taught students from Preschool through Third Grade. A state-certified Reading Specialist and Spalding Certified Teacher, Mrs. Bradley is dedicated to building strong foundational skills and nurturing the whole child.

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Mrs. Zellers

PreK Teacher

Mrs. Zellers holds a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University and brings over 19 years of teaching experience. She specializes in both special education and early childhood education and has taught a wide range of grade levels including Resource, Preschool, Pre-K, First Grade, and Second Grade. Her diverse background reflects her commitment to meeting the unique needs of every learner.

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Mrs. Kucenski 

PreK Teacher

Mrs. Kucenski began her teaching career in 2018 teaching English online and has since gained valuable experience in early childhood education. For the past 4 years, she has taught Pre-K and earned her Elementary Teaching Certification. Mrs. K believes every child is capable of greatness and is passionate about helping her students achieve their goals.

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Mrs. Green

PreK Teacher

Mrs. Green holds a degree in Family and Human Development from Arizona State University and brings 8 years of teaching experience focused on early childhood education. She has worked with children of all ages as an Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Pre-K, and Kindergarten teacher. Mrs. Green values each learner as an individual and tailors her approach to support every child's unique strengths. She believes that strong relationships are the foundation for helping students grow and thrive.

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Mrs. Gillespie

PreK Teacher Assistant

Mrs. Gillespie brings 20 years of experience as both an aide and instructor, with a strong background in early childhood and special education. She has extensive training and has worked with children in a variety of settings—including one-on-one support, small group instruction, and full classroom teaching. Mrs. Gillespie is passionate about creating inclusive learning environments where every child can succeed.

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Mrs. Lesko

Preschool Teacher 

Mrs. Lesko holds a Master’s Degree in Special Education with dual certification in General Education from Arizona State University. She has seven years of teaching experience across high school and elementary special education, as well as preschool. Before becoming a teacher, Mrs. Lesko worked as a board-certified music therapist, supporting children with special needs through the power of music. Her diverse background enriches her teaching approach and fosters a supportive, inclusive learning environment.

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Mrs. Rathjen

Preschool Teacher 

Mrs. Rathjen has over 16 years of teaching in both classroom and online settings. Originally from Columbia, South Carolina, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Clemson University. After moving to Arizona, she taught First Grade for five years while simultaneously earning her Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Mrs. Rathjen also holds an Arizona Early Childhood Teaching Certificate and ESL endorsement. She is passionate about supporting young learners and helping them thrive in diverse learning environments.

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Mrs. Pal

Preschool Teacher Assistant

Mrs. Pal holds a Master’s Degree in Geoinformatics from the University of Pune. After more than five years in the corporate world, she discovered her passion for education and transitioned into a role as an assistant teacher. Mrs. Pal is an adaptable and dedicated educator who is committed to supporting young learners as they grow, achieve their potential, and build a strong foundation for future success.

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