Instructors' Profiles

Mrs. Christina Bernardino

I have been an educator in the district since 1994 and have taught Spanish levels 1 through AP Spanish 10. I was an IB teacher and the IB Coordinator at North Canyon High School and I coached the Varsity Basketball team there for 15 years. I earned my Bachelor's Degree of Secondary Education in Spanish and my Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. I am a graduate of the PV District and so are my children. My current hobbies include vegetable gardening, reading and listening to books, and late night T.V. watching. It is important to me that my classes are a safe space for all my students. I am happy and proud to be part of the PVOnline community.

Mrs. Joyce Bertilson

Phone: (602) 449-3623

I am an Arizona native and have been teaching with PVSchools since 1984. Prior to teaching for PVOnline, I was the choir director at North Canyon High School. I have also taught music and computers at the middle and elementary levels and am currently teaching music, finance, and computer science courses for PVOnline. I also present workshops across the state focusing on technology in the classroom. I earned a Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Education degree from NAU. In my spare time, I enjoy volunteering in the community, playing golf, traveling with my family, crocheting, baking, and anything techie. I am also a professional pianist and play for a variety of musical events throughout the valley. I am excited to help our PVO students have a successful online journey.

Mrs. Andrea Bostick

Phone: (602) 449-2335

Before joining the PVOnline staff in 2008, I taught English at Pinnacle High School. In my free time, I enjoy reading and exploring Arizona with my husband and two children.

Ms. Jamie Collins

Phone: (602) 449-2373

I have taught in PV Schools since 2007 and currently teach English for grades 7-12. I have been with PVOnline since its inception in 2009 working on the development and implementation of online courses that facilitate 21st Century learning. I am a native of Chicago, and a graduate of Columbia College. I completed my accreditation work at National Louis University in Illinois and Ottawa University here in AZ. I enjoy classic literature, am a published author, and enjoy spending my free time with my Chihuahua. I believe that all students are capable of achieving their own personal best, if given the chance. “A teacher’s job is to meet students where they are on their journey – and to not just demonstrate ideas, but to inspire success.”

Mr. Karl Johnson

Phone: (602) 449-2450

I have been teaching in PVUSD since 1986. I earned my B.S. in Education and Masters in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. I currently teach AP US History, AP US Government and AP Macroeconomics for PVOnline. Outside of the classroom, I have been a reader for the AP US History exam and have presented numerous workshops on Effective Strategies in Social Studies, Technology in the Classroom, and Teaching to the Multiple-Intelligences of Students.

Mr. Marty Kelley

Phone: (602) 449-2336

I was born in from Cleveland, Ohio (Go Buckeyes, Browns, Indians, and Cavs!). I moved to Arizona in 2011 and graduated from ASU with a degree in K-12 Physical Education. I've been teaching in the Paradise Valley District for five years with four different schools including PVOnline. I am also a certified fitness trainer and work with many young adults in achieving their healthy goals.

Mrs. Suzanne Kirchner

Phone: (602) 449-2338

I was born in Bogota, Colombia but had the great opportunity to grow up on Long Island, New York. I always participated in sports and music: such as soccer, lacrosse, violin, clarinet, trombone, and choir but made sure to stay focused on my academics. I attended The University of Arizona and received a bachelor's degree in Secondary Education in Mathematics and Spanish. I also participated in the Pride of Arizona Marching Band in the Color Guard during my first two years. I completed my master's degree in Educational Leadership through Northern Arizona University.

I began teaching in PVSchools in 2007 and currently teach math for PVOnline. I am married and have a cat named Cougar. In 2012 we welcomed our son, Michael, into our family. He is quite adorable and definitely keeps us busy. I enjoy teaching Zumba classes, love chocolate, and I am a huge Yankees fan!

Mrs. Deanna Labella

Phone: (602) 449-2450

I was born in Florida and raised in Flushing, New York. I received my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Queens College. I have taught kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, and 3rd - 6th grade gifted reading and math. Having teaching experience from kindergarten through upper elementary will really help me challenge your child to reach for the stars this year. I am married and have one son. We enjoy spending time with family and friends near and far. Teaching has always been my passion. I try instilling a love of learning in my students so they become lifelong learners. I enjoy seeing that spark, that smile, and sense of pride a student feels when he or she accomplishes a difficult task or learns a new skill. I am looking forward to working with you to make this a successful and amazing year for your child.

Mrs. Carol Leonhardt

Phone: (602) 449-2450

My husband and I moved here from Missouri right after college and I earned my Masters in Natural Science degree from Arizona State University. I enjoy hiking, gardening, bicycling and spending time with my family and friends. Reading is a big part of my life, everything from Science news to Fiction. I spent over 30 years teaching at Horizon High School and have been with PVOnline for the past several years teaching Science.

Ms. Hedy McGee

Phone: (602) 449-2450

I received my B.F.A from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia. I worked in the professional art field for over 20 years before becoming an Art educator. I received my M.Ed from Arizona State University. I have been teaching with PVSchools since 2011 and have had the pleasure to have taught Visual Arts to a wide variety of students in K-12 classrooms. I currently teach PVConnect and PVOnline Art.

Mrs. Christine McNeal

Phone: (602) 449-2314

I graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in Social Sciences/Secondary Education. Soon after graduating from college I completed the requirements for Elementary Ed certification, followed by a Master’s degree in Elementary Education and then coursework for an endorsement in Gifted Education. Since 1993 I have taught in several different schools in the PV District as a homeroom teacher and a Gifted Specialist. I am currently the Psychology and middle school Social Studies teacher. In my free time I love to travel, exercise, read, and spend as much time with my husband and two adult daughters as possible.

Mrs. Carola Montana

Phone: (602) 449-2450

I am a native Spanish speaker born and raised in Viña del Mar, Chile. After receiving my Bachelor's in Engineering in Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, I moved to Arizona and decided to make another big change in my life and follow my desire of becoming an educator. I have been part of PVSchools since 2003 and have enjoyed every day in the classroom. I have taught middle school Science since 2007. I love teaching online and I am committed to providing high quality instruction online and in person.

Mrs. Jennifer Moore

Phone: (602) 449-2378

I have been with PVSchools for more than 40 years - 12 years as a student and 30 years as a teacher. I have taught at both the elementary and middle school levels. I received a bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona, a master's degree in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University, and a master's program in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. In my spare time, I enjoy exercising and relaxing with a good book.

Ms. Melissa Paganini

Phone: (602) 449-2450

Email:

I been teaching English for the past 20+ years. My motto is, “Curiosity is my compass.” I began my teaching career as an ESL teacher in Spain and then in Argentina because I am a life-long learner of the Spanish language and diverse global cultures. My passion turned into a Master’s degree in Teaching and Learning with Technology from Ashford University, and shortly after started facilitating online classes for the University of Phoenix.

I have been in PVSchools since 2017, and currently teach dual enrollment English via Rio Salado College with Horizon High School and PVOnline.

In my free time I practice and teach yoga and mindfulness, travel, garden, cook, snowboard, and most of all enjoy doing all this with my family and pets.

Mr. Trent Peelle

Phone: (602) 449-2450

I have taught in PVSchools for over 20 years. I also attended and graduated from Indian Bend Elementary, Shea Middle, and Shadow Mountain High. I earned bachelor's and master’s degrees in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University. Outside of school I enjoy running, hiking/camping, traveling, and spending time with my family and friends.

Mrs. Becky Rausch

Phone: (602) 449-2450

I am the 3rd & 4th grade teacher for PVOnline. I have been teaching for over 40, and spent 26 years in WA state before moving to AZ to teach. I grew up as a farmer's daughter in Walla Walla, WA. I have 10 siblings (6 brothers and 4 sisters) and many nieces and nephews. I am married to my amazing husband, Aron and we have 3 beautiful daughters and 3 fabulous grandchildren. I love spending time with my family hiking, camping, playing games, traveling, watching sporting events, and discovering new adventures. I am also a devout Seahawk fan - Go Hawks!

Mrs. Cara Rosenstein

Phone: (602) 449-2339

I have been teaching in the district for over 12 years and I am a PVSchools alumni myself (Go Matadors!). I have my BAE in Secondary Math Education from Arizona State University and my MA in Mathematics Education from Western Governors University. I love teaching online, and I am proud of the work we do here at PVOnline. My husband and I have 3 young boys. In my spare time, I love to go to my boys' baseball and football games, read, hike, spend time in northern AZ, and enjoy time with family and friends.

Mrs. Jessy Rosson

Phone: (602) 449-2450

I have been teaching science in the district since 2015. Although teaching is a second career for me, I have always wanted to work with kids and teach them about the world we live in. When I'm not teaching, I spend my time as a student in graduate school. Otherwise, you'll find me at the gym, on a beach somewhere, or doing something goofy with my family!

Ms. Judith Shemer

Phone: (602) 449-2450

I received my Bachelor of Arts from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a master's in History from Bar-Ilan University in Ramat Gan, Israel. I currently teach World History for PVOnline.

Mrs. Hong Shen

Phone: (602) 449-2450

I earned my Master of Education in Educational Technology, specializing in Computer-Based Instructional Design, from Arizona State University. I also earned my Bachelor of Arts in English and Secondary Education from Shanghai Normal University, China. Before joining PVSchools, I worked as an instructional designer and technical trainer in the semiconductor industry in Tempe for three years. I started teaching Mandarin Chinese in 2015. I also taught ESL language arts for seven years in the district and EFL in Shanghai, China.

Mrs. Julie Snyder

Phone: (602) 449-2377

I earned a BA in Mathematics from Hillsdale College in Michigan and a MS in Educational Administration from Carin University in Pennsylvania. I have been in education for 20+ years both as a teacher and an administrator. Part of my career was spent in Germany working at an international boarding school. Committed to provide quality online courses, I take an active part in the development/redesign of the PVOnline courses. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, hiking, and spending time with family.

Mrs. Hatty Swart

Phone: (602) 449-2450

I received my bachelor's degree in Political Science from Arizona State University, and my master's in education, Teacher Leadership, from Northcentral University. I began teaching in PV in 2007 where I have taught both middle and high school Social Studies, as well as PVOnline Summer School courses. Outside of teaching I enjoy spending time with my three little children, traveling and exploring the outdoors, and a good Netflix binge.

Mr. Chris Vaughn

Phone: (602) 449-2351

I received a B.A. in History from Arizona State University, a B.S. in Information Technology, as well as an MBA and M.Ed. I am certified in History, Economics, American Government/Political Science, and Career & Technical Education (Business & Marketing). I have taught online education for several years and currently teach Social Studies online. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy mixed martial arts, college football, reading, tech stuff, movies, and hanging out with friends and family.