My Bio

I am a 3rd generation Arizona native and was inspired to work with children from an early age. Growing up in an industrious family of 8 and being an Aunt to over 25 nieces and nephews has influenced me toward a life of service. After graduating from a small liberal arts high school in Scottsdale, Arizona I traveled to Ohio to begin my undergraduate degree in nursing. My goal was to be an excellent pediatric nurse. After my second round of clinicals I decided I needed more experience with healthy children to accomplish this goal. I moved back to Arizona and while working full time as a preschool/kindergarten teacher at a private school I finished my undergraduate degree in elementary education and AMI Montessori teacher training. Upon graduation I worked in local public and charter schools while working toward my master’s degree in educational leadership. Incorporating the child centered beauty and depth of the Montessori philosophy into my work as a public elementary school teacher, K-8 Reading Coach, and K-12 Title I Director was rewarding.

Desiring to fulfill a personal dream to open a school of my own in order to have more influence in creating a child centered thriving school environment conducive to learning I co-founded a small school in Gilbert, Arizona in 2005 with my husband Kris when our first son was entering Kindergarten. San Tan Montessori opened its doors with almost 40 students as a preschool through Kindergarten private school and expanded through 4^th grade before the elementary school was converted into a charter school in 2008, which was the beginning foundation of San Tan Charter School’s currently thriving K-12 charter school. I have worn many hats over the years to support the success of our private Montessori preschool and charter school including teaching, grant writing, and administration.

I am married to a wonderful man and dedicated father Dr. Kristofer Sippel. We live in Gilbert, Arizona. We are blessed with six children.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

-Margaret Mead
US anthropologist & popularizer of anthropology (1901 – 1978)

Birthday: October 11^th

These are A Few Of My Favorite Things…..

Color(s): Red and Blue
Flower(s): Gladiolas
Healthy Snack(s): Apple (Organic Gala), Guacamole and Salsa
“Junk Food” Treat(s): Healthy homemade treats made with love and natural ingredients
Drink(s): Perrier “fizzy lifting drinks” with low sugar and flavor
Scent(s): Vanilla. Lavender, Rose
Family/Summer Activity: Snuggling, Family Meal time
Game(s): Clue, Life, Uno, Gin Rummy, Sequence
Sit-Down Restaurant(s): Carrabas, Blue Wasabi
Fast Food Restaurant(s): Chipotle
Place(s) to Receive a Gift Card: Target, Dillards, Macy’s
Animal(s): N/A
Most used school/office supply: Pens, Markers
What I would really like is: Smiles, Hugs, Love, Connection
Heroes: Jesus, My Boys, Saints, My Beloved Husband
Hobbies: Love being out in nature, the quiet, spending time with family and friends, going out for date night