Celebrating People Building Excellence

"Love Our Alumni Edition"

There are moments in our lives as educators that remind us this work is more than a profession – it is truly a calling. This is one of those moments. In this special edition, we celebrate something truly powerful: former students who have returned to serve alongside us as educators and staff. Our alumni are now our colleagues- and that is a legacy worth celebrating.

When students choose to return, it speaks volumes. It reflects a culture where people felt seen, supported, and inspired. It tells the story of a system of schools that don’t just educate, but shape lives. Our alumni bring with them the impact of classrooms where someone believed in them- and now that same belief is being carried to the next generations through them.

This celebration also honors you, the educators and leaders that made it possible. Alumni who return are not an accident; they are the result of teachers and mentors who built cultures of belonging, purpose, and possibility. Because of you, students not only graduated, but stayed connected. They came back. They chose to build their careers here within our Imagine Southwest group family where their stories began.

So today, we celebrate the students who became colleagues and the educators who made the full circle possible. This is the power of a strong school culture- one that grows beyond the student years into lifelong connection, commitment and impact. 

Imagine Avondale Alumni

Mrs. Mirea Bonilla returned to Imagine Avondale as a highly effective and knowledgeable EL teacher whose dedication to her students is evident in everything she does. She has a genuine heart for teaching and consistently meets the diverse needs of all learners with care and intentionality. Resourceful and innovative, she goes above and beyond to ensure her students are supported, engaged, and continually growing academically and personally.

Imagine Avondale Alumni

Jazmine Page serves Imagine Avondale as an ESS para and supports students both in small groups and in pushes in classrooms as well. She does an amazing job helping students of all grade levels and is an asset to not only the ESS team, but our entire campus. We appreciate all she brings to our students at Imagine Avondale.

Imagine Avondale Alumni

Alexis Garcia serves Imagine Avondale as an ESS para. She not only is dedicated to our students, but is a team player and is willing to help in all areas needed. She is team member we can all count on. We appreciate her dedication to our campus and our students. She is a vital part of our Imagine Avondale Family.

Imagine Bell Canyon Alumni

Trinity Hubbard has returned to Imagine Bell Canyon joining our staff. We love Trinity Hubbard because she is a true go-getter who always jumps in with a smile and a willing heart. She leads with kindness and the best intentions, consistently putting our students and fellow staff members first. Her positivity, dedication, and genuine care make our school a better place every day.

Imagine Buckeye Alumni

Mackenzzie Grahn was a student with us at Imagine East Mesa and Imagine Prep Superstition. She is a passionate and fun educator at our Imagine Buckeye campus whose infectious personality lights up our campus, and her hard work is truly admirable. She goes above and beyond as a STUCO sponsor, club sponsor, PTA start-up supporter, and math task force member, and her commitment is unmatched—she did not miss a single day of work last year and is proudly carrying that same torch this year.

Imagine Coolidge El and

Imagine Prep Coolidge Alumni

Jackie is our technology teacher at Imagine Coolidge Elementary. Jackie Fierro is dedicated and committed to supporting all students and ensuring that all students are successful in her class. She goes above and beyond to build relationships with students and staff. She is always willing to help others, is kind, considerate and positive every day.

Imagine Prep Coolidge Alumni

Amanda Santillanes: Amanda returns to Imagine Prep Coolidge as a paraprofessional with a focus on small group pullouts, Amanda gives back to the school that helped shape her. Through compassion and connection, she builds strong relationships that positively impact students every day.

Imagine Prep Coolidge Alumni

Vanessa Hernandez: As a former student, Vanessa now serves as an educator, coach, and contributor to extracurricular programs both before and after school. Her dedication to mentoring students and sharing specialized expertise strengthens our school culture and supports student success. Her impact can be seen in increasing STAR scores in the grade levels that she works with.

Imagine Prep Coolidge Alumni

Isaiah Gomez: Isaiah has returned to Imagine Prep Coolidge as a PE teacher and basketball coach, bringing energy, leadership, and school pride back to the gym. Through athletics and extracurricular involvement, he inspires students to build teamwork, discipline, and confidence both on and off the court.

Imagine Prep Coolidge Alumni

Ansley Walker: Ansley has come full circle, returning to Imagine Prep Coolidge as an educator, coach, and leader in extracurricular activities. Her commitment to student growth, both academically and beyond the classroom, exemplifies the strength and heart of our school community.

Imagine Prep Coolidge Alumni

Emily Smith: Emily has returned to Imagine Prep Coolidge as an ESS paraprofessional, bringing both dedication and heart to her work with students. Her ability to build relationships creates a supportive environment where students feel seen, valued, and empowered to succeed.

Imagine Prep Coolidge Alumni

Aaliyah Clayton: As a former student, Aaliyah understands the heart of our Imagine Prep Coolidge and now gives back as a teacher and mentor for our Senior class. Her passion, expertise, and dedication continue to inspire the next generation as they graduate from our campus and find their pathway to success.

Imagine Desert West Alumni

Leila Graves returns to Imagine Desert West as our middle school Art Teacher & Student Council Sponsor: She is rooted in a strong love for our community, committed to nurturing growth and developing our students into future leaders.

Imagine Desert West Alumni

DeAndra Payan serves Imagine Desert West as our middle school Math Teacher & Volleyball Coach: She brings a love of mathematics and a dedication to helping students grow confident and successful in the subject. She is passionate about coaching and uses it as an opportunity to shape confident leaders among our young men and women.

Imagine Prep Surprise Alumni

Damien Luna was a student at Imagine Prep Surprise and now serves Imagine Desert West as our middle school Physical Education Teacher & Athletic Director: He has a deep love for sports and for showing students that they are more than their mistakes—that they can grow, achieve great things, and use sports as a safe, positive outlet

Imagine East Mesa Alumni

Cayla Sandford is a new kindergarten teacher at Imagine East Mesa this year and she has easily become a big part of our kinder team. She is committed to her students and her team. She has high expectations for her students and loves them so much! Her shared values are among the best!

Imagine East Mesa Alumni

Fernando Portillo has been a part of Imagine East Mesa since day 1! This year he has taken on the new role of 6th and 7th grade science teacher. Our Academic Coach enjoys supporting him as much as he did as his 1st grade teacher 20 years ago. He is so committed to his students and is such a positive burst of energy every day.

Imagine East Mesa and Imagine Prep Superstition Alumni

Tristan Neuenschwander returned to Imagine East Mesa as part of our dedicated before and after care staff. Tristan is a go-getter and will do anything asked of her. She works hard every day and her willingness to support any aspect of IEM is unmatched!

Imagine East Mesa and Imagine Prep Superstition Alumni

Instructional Aide & B&A Assistant Director - Avery Lopez serves as an instructional aid and Before and Aftercare Assistant Director at Imagine East Mesa. Avery is the man behind much of the art at IEM and he does that for fun! He is so helpful in any area that is needed and can accomplish all of it. The kids love him and we are so thankful for all he does for IEM!

Imagine East Mesa and Imagine Prep Superstition Alumni

Jasmine Puga serves as an in house substitute teacher at Imagine East Mesa. She loves the students and knows the ins and outs of nearly every role on campus. She is so reliable and willing to do anything asked of her. The students love having Ms. Jasmine as their sub!

Imagine East Mesa and Imagine Prep Superstition Alumni

Rachelle Matthews has been with Imagine Prep Superstition for over 6 years! She is from the 2018 graduating class. Rachelle wears many hats. Not only does she teach Digital Media to middle and high schoolers, she is the fine arts department lead, as well as head volleyball coach. Rachelle really showcases the ‘Integrity’ part of shared values with her ability to hold high expectations with her students and athletes and do it with fidelity. 

Imagine East Mesa and Imagine Prep Superstition Alumni

Pre-Kindergarten Aide - Leah is a joy in our PreK class! She has so much fun engaging with students and being such an incredible support to the classroom teacher. Her laughter and patience in tough situations is so appreciated!

Imagine Cortez Park Alumni

Kinder Paraprofessional- Abigail is going into her second year as a para. She has grown and learned alot. She can handle any challenge she faces. She has subbed when the teacher has been out and the students don't skip a beat. She commands a great presence in the classroom. All her students love her and trust her.

Imagine Rosefield & Imagine Prep Surprise Alumni

Eva Maria serves as a paraprofessional in our Exceptional Student Services department at Imagine Rosefield. She is essential to the success of our program. Her patience and integrity are key components of her professional demeanor that make her special, and she is incredibly responsive to feedback working toward continuous professional growth.

Imagine Prep Superstition Alumni

Arlene Frausto graduated from the ImaginePrep Superstition in 2019 and now serves as one of our high school math teachers. Arlene has been a great addition to the math department with the relationships she has built with staff and students. She always has a positive attitude and is willing to go the extra mile. Arlene really showcases the ‘Justice’ part of shared values. She provides her students with what they need to be successful in her class.

Imagine Cortez Park Alumni

Interventionist/ Teacher- Nancy has been our ace up our sleeve. She is willing to teach any grade level. The previous two years we had to have Nancy cover 2nd and 1st grade for the entire year. She is very skilled and has a knack for getting the job done.

Imagine Cortez Park Alumni

2nd grade teacher- Ms. Espinoza is a very passionate teacher that brings strategies of differentiation that she utilized as an ESS Teacher at IDW. She is a natural leader and has provided experience of the PCT model for her team.

Imagine Cortez Park Alumni



2nd grade teacher- Ms. Farinas is in her first year of teaching. She is a very caring teacher for her students. Bringing new strategies she implements to keep her students engaged.

Imagine Cortez Park Alumni



Paraprofessional- Genesis is new to our campus this year but has proven to be a vital utility player on campus. She started assisting first grade, then provided support for a student with behavior issues, and now she serves as a 5th grade teacher. She is dedicated and uses every opportunity as a learning opportunity.

Imagine Cortez Park Alumni

IHealth Aide - Ms. Stefany is always willing to help wherever she is needed. As our nurse she is there for our students and they love her, but as a member of our team she is always willing to lend a helping hand. She is very artistic and we utilize her strength as she creates engaging flyers for our events.

Imagine North Texas Alumni


Valerie is a second grade teacher in the Primary Years Programme. She consistently goes above and beyond in her role, demonstrating exceptional dedication and professionalism in all that she does. Her instruction is thoughtful and effective, and she creates a warm, welcoming classroom where students feel valued and supported. Through her genuine kindness and intentional relationship-building, she has cultivated a truly beautiful classroom community.

Imagine North Texas Alumni



As a recent graduation of IIA-NT, Mia attended IIA-NT from 6th grade through the Diploma Programme, graduating with the Class of 2025. She rejoined our campus only two short months ago as a coach for Track & Field. Her desire to share her same great experience as a student athlete on our campus to others has made her an incredible asset. Her energy and creativity in assisting students to succeed is appreciated and celebrated.

Imagine Surprise Prep & Imagine Rosefield Alumni

We love having Jazmine Walker, last year’s IPS Teacher of the Year, on our team because she leads with both excellence and heart. She sets a high standard for instruction while also coaching our high school and middle school cheer and dance teams, pouring extra time and energy into our scholars beyond the classroom. Additionally, she serves as our Math Content Lead and spends an incredible amount of time providing support and intervention to each of our MS/HS math teachers. Her commitment, positivity, and embodiment of our Scholar Values is exactly what we need and makes our campus a better place for students, staff, and parents. 

Imagine Surprise Prep & Imagine Rosefield Alumni


We truly appreciate having Joshua Morgan on our campus as our long-term middle school math substitute since November. He not only supports our scholars with consistency and dedication in the classroom, but also gives additional time to assist with building maintenance, always willing to help wherever needed. We are especially excited that he is finishing the steps to become a Highly Qualified Teacher, and we look forward to having him continuing with us next year as a full-time middle school math teacher.

Imagine Surprise Prep & Imagine Rosefield Alumni

We appreciate having Kayleigh Barnes on our campus as a MS English teacher because, even in her first year, she has already shown a remarkable ability to connect with students and build meaningful relationships. Her dedication to understanding and supporting each student helps create a classroom environment where students feel seen, valued, and inspired to grow. Kayleigh’s commitment reflects our Scholar Values by modeling care, perseverance, and a passion for helping every student succeed.

Imagine Surprise Prep & Imagine Rosefield Alumni


We love having Mariyah Hunt on our campus serving as a paraprofessional and working directly with students who are at risk, because she leads with compassion, patience, and unwavering belief in every student’s potential. In addition to her daily support in the classroom, she pours into our students as a MS/HS Dance Coach and as the facilitator of our FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) club, creating spaces for connection, growth, and encouragement. She truly embodies our Scholar Values by modeling leadership, integrity, and a heart for service in all that she does.

Imagine Surprise Prep & Imagine Rosefield Alumni

We truly appreciate having Jourden Hunt on our campus as a MS Social Studies teacher because she brings energy, leadership, and a deep commitment to our students each day. In addition to her work in the classroom, she serves as a HS/MS Cheer and Dance Coach and has successfully restarted our Travel Club, creating meaningful opportunities for students to grow beyond academics. Her dedication reflects our Scholar Values by modeling leadership, perseverance, and a commitment to helping students expand their horizons.