Ms. Lentz grew up in Phoenix and studied at Tulane University in New Orleans. After graduating, she earned her teaching certification through the University of New Orleans and went on to begin her career in New Orleans Public Schools. Ms. Lentz continued her work at St. Martin’s Episcopal School in Metairie, Louisiana, where she received the J. Gordon and Lou Ann Reishe Outstanding Teacher Award and had the opportunity to pursue further education in Teacher Leadership. Ms. Lentz joined the faculty at North Phoenix Prep in 2018, where she was delighted to again be working with middle school students. In 2022, Ms. Lentz completed her Masters of Business Administration with an emphasis in Leadership through Grand Canyon University. Outside of school, Ms. Lentz enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her growing family.

Michelle Jensen is a native of Phoenix, Arizona. She has a bachelor’s degree in special education from Arizona State University West and a Master’s degree in Special Education from Grand Canyon University as well as numerous administration certification classes.  She worked for Peoria Unified School District for 12 years in numerous positions, including the Dean of Students for special education students grades 9-12, and oversaw a high school truancy program for 5 years.

Sarah Schripsema has served the North Phoenix Prep community for many years in many capacities. She received a bachelor’s degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology and a master’s degree in Teaching and Teacher Education from the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona. She has taught Chemistry, Biology, Life Science, and Humane Letters. She has served as our Dean of Students, working with students and teachers to solve disciplinary issues in the classroom and on campus. This year she is teaching 10th-grade Humane Letters and acting as support and coach to several of our teachers. She teaches leadership skills to 9^th and 10th-grade Lanistae, who collectively manage our Gladiator Familia Program. Ms. Schripsema is always excited to help students learn through experiences and mistakes in a safe, supportive, and loving environment.

Mr. Black teaches high school art and is the Dean of Student Leadership.  He proudly joined North Phoenix Preparatory Academy in 2015. Having grown up in Phoenix, Mr. Black attended the University of Arizona for his undergraduate degree.  Following this, he attended the University of Delaware for a master’s degree in fine art.  After graduate school, Mr. Black moved to Oregon and worked as an art professor at Willamette University, dividing his time between teaching and acting as the exhibition designer for the Hallie Ford Museum of Art. In 2005, he returned to his home state of Arizona and accepted a position as one of the founding teachers at Chandler Preparatory Academy. In addition to teaching, Mr. Black is also a respected professional artist.  He is married to Marla Black and has a son named, Liam.

Joanie Faust is an Arizona native, graduating from Xavier College Preparatory and the University of Arizona where she received her BA in Creative Writing. She spent nearly ten years as a writer, editor, and content director for several Phoenix-based magazines and marketing agencies.

The opportunity to be thrown into a classroom during a pandemic was apparently too good to pass up, so she gave teaching a try. She quickly discovered that teaching is the best job in the world and has loved it ever since. Mrs. Faust has now found a home at NPX as a 7th grade Literature & Composition teacher and Middle School Dean.

When she’s not in a classroom, Mrs. Faust can be found with her husband and two young sons, both of whom attend Archway North Phoenix. Go Argonauts and Gladiators!

I was born in Phoenix. I married and have two children. I served in the United States Army and deployed twice. I graduated Cum Laud from Arizona State University with a degree in Philosophy. I am in my 7th year with Great Hearts.

Dane Poulson is a graduate from Arizona State University with an undergraduate degree in Liberal Arts. Prior to beginning with Great Hearts, he tutored students in math and science as well as mentored junior high and high school students in his local community. While doing this, he discovered a love for teaching and walking alongside students to help them grow.

Dane is an Arizona native and loves camping, fishing, and hiking when the weather is right. He and his wife have been married for 8 years and have three young boys and two dogs to show for it. In his spare time, he enjoys reading, playing with his kids, and playing table-top role-playing games with his friends.

An Arizona native, Mrs. Sheila Conner received her Bachelor’s Degree in Women’s Studies from Arizona State University. Her experience in higher education includes several years as Admissions Counselor and Student Life Coordinator at Arizona State University. Most recently, she served as Registrar for Archway North Phoenix for three years. Sheila is an avid reader of philosophy, mythology, and science fiction and enjoys yoga and hiking the Phoenix mountains. Her twin daughters started their educational journey at Archway North Phoenix in Kindergarten and are entering 7th grade this fall as Gladiators. Ms. Conner will join Ms. Martin in the college counseling department. 

Ms. Burch grew up in Nebraska and completed her degree at the University of Utah.  She taught secondary Mathematics and Psychology for 15 years in Las Vegas, NV where she also enjoyed coaching, teacher mentoring, and earning a Master’s degree in Education at the University of Phoenix.  In 2011, Ms. Burch and family moved to Phoenix. Ms. Burch taught yoga to cancer and chronic pain patients, built a group medical visit program and eventually became a manager then owner of the medical practice.  After 12 years, Ms. Burch shifted course back into education, starting at the Great Hearts front desk in the fall of 2023 where her two daughters attend school.  When Ms. Burch isn’t on a big adventure such as petting whales in the Baja or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, she is reading, dancing, crafting, volunteering or spending time outdoors.

Coach Page began serving as the Athletic Director for Great Hearts North Phoenix since 2016-2017 school year. He is passionate about seeing young men and women grow as individuals, students, and athletes as they participate in the NPX Athletics Program. Prior to taking this job, he was working and lived overseas for 17 years – seven years in Turkey and ten years in the United Arab Emirates. He married, Jean, his awesome wife, in 1989, and they have three grown children – Joseph II (who is married to Caylee), Stefanie, and Sam. In his spare time, Coach Page enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, and . . . you guessed it – watching sports

Ms. Curtis is originally from Ogden Utah.  Her background includes fifteen years of experience in retail management and operations; working in various fields as a key part of the management team overseeing high-level HR duties, such as attracting talent and setting training standards and hiring procedures. She was also in charge of analyzing and improving organizational processes and working to improve quality, productivity, and efficiency.  Jackie joined the development team as the Academy Giving Manager at North Phoenix in February 2018; enjoying the interactions she has with the students, parents, and faculty, and she loves serving the Great Hearts North Phoenix community.  When she is not at work, Jackie enjoys spending time with her family. They have a daughter that graduated with the class of 2020, and their son is in 2^nd grade at ANP (the future class of 2033 at NPX).

Angie’s story is one of unwavering passion, infectious energy, and a captivating coolness that leaves an indelible mark on all who encounter her. Her genuine love for her job, remarkable team spirit, and innate ability to infuse life with a touch of excitement make her an exceptional individual. Angie’s journey serves as an inspiration, reminding us all of the transformative power of combining a fun-loving spirit with a dedication to excellence.

She’s married and has two amazing children who make her life even more incredible!

Angie’s story is one of unwavering passion, infectious energy, and a captivating coolness that leaves an indelible mark on all who encounter her. Her genuine love for her job, remarkable team spirit, and innate ability to infuse life with a touch of excitement make her an exceptional individual. Angie’s journey serves as an inspiration, reminding us all of the transformative power of combining a fun-loving spirit with a dedication to excellence.

She’s married and has two amazing children who make her life even more incredible!

I am excited and honored to return to the North Phoenix Prep family as School Counselor. I grew up in the Chicago area with my parents and twin brother. My parents both taught 1st grade for 35 years! Now we all live in Phoenix. My 6-year-old son Kai loves living down the street from his 6-year-old cousin Everett.  We are outside in this amazing weather as much as possible riding bikes, checking out new parks, and swimming! I was a School Counselor for the first 15 years of my career, and I have been in Admin for the last few years as an Assistant Principal. I am so happy to be back to my passion for School Counseling where I can have a positive impact on all students. I enjoy helping students become better problem solvers, manage their emotions, and evolve into the best versions of themselves. I look forward to this new school year and connecting with staff, students, and families!

Mrs. Brogan was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois.
She worked at Integrys for 15 years, a gas utility company located in Chicago. Integrys relocated her to Chandler, AZ, as an Office Manager to set-up, manage and maintain the new Power Generation office in Tempe, AZ. In 2005, she graduated with honors from the University of Phoenix, with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Business Management. She officially moved to Arizona in 2016. She started at North Phoenix Preparatory Academy in June 2019.  She is married and has children who attend NPX. She enjoys yoga, watching documentaries, and is an avid foodie. She welcomes and appreciates delicious food, tasty snacks and refreshing beverages dropped off at the Prep Front Desk!

Mrs. Sokolis was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, where she completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at The Ohio State University. She currently lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband, two Great Hearts Scholars, aggressively cuddly pit bull, and her chickens.

Mrs. Sokolis comes to Great Hearts with over a decade of experience in Talent Acquisition, Human Resources, Process Management, and Leadership. Her life’s goal is to have a positive impact and to help connect and develop anyone who wants to grow. She is ecstatic to be a part of Great Hearts where she can continue to follow her passion.

Mrs. Porter graduated  from ASU with a Bachelors of Science in Family & Human Development, and Masters of Art in Criminal Justice which led her to become a social worker for 5 years. Then she received her Masters of Science in Family & Human Development from ASU which led her into teaching. She taught high school History and English classes for 5 years. Additionally, she runs a food truck business with her husband; he is the chef, and she is the baker. She loves writing and spending time with her family. 

Mrs Royce was born in Zambia and raised in England. She attended Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth I College in Leicester,  and received her BSc in Psychology from the University of Northampton in 2013. After several years working in Psychology and mental health services, she relocated to Arizona.

Mrs Royce was a Behavioral Therapist before she discovered her passion for teaching and joined the NPX community in 2022.

Outside of work, Mrs Royce enjoys travelling, music, reading, health and fitness, and spending time with her family and friends.

Bio Forthcoming

Joanie Faust is an Arizona native, graduating from Xavier College Preparatory and the University of Arizona where she received her BA in Creative Writing. She spent nearly ten years as a writer, editor, and content director for several Phoenix-based magazines and marketing agencies.

The opportunity to be thrown into a classroom during a pandemic was apparently too good to pass up, so she gave teaching a try. She quickly discovered that teaching is the best job in the world and has loved it ever since. Mrs. Faust has now found a home at NPX as a 7th grade Literature & Composition teacher and Middle School Dean.

When she’s not in a classroom, Mrs. Faust can be found with her husband and two young sons, both of whom attend Archway North Phoenix. Go Argonauts and Gladiators!

Michelle Jensen is a native of Phoenix, Arizona. She has a bachelor’s degree in special education from Arizona State University West and a Master’s degree in Special Education from Grand Canyon University as well as numerous administration certification classes.  She worked for Peoria Unified School District for 12 years in numerous positions, including the Dean of Students for special education students grades 9-12, and oversaw a high school truancy program for 5 years.

Mr. Buckworth attended Wesley College in Dover, Delaware, where he majored in Criminal Justice and minored in Psychology. Mr. B has been an educator for the past 4 years and has been specializing in Counseling/Mentoring students’ grades K-8.

Originally from Delaware, Mr. B has broken the record for the 500M at Wesley College his Freshman year. He enjoys writing music, playing basketball and spending time with his wife and 2 daughters. Mr. B is always looking for ways to excel, he will be going back to school to receive his Master’s

Ms. Ivona Sladkova, originally from Slovakia, completed her master’s degree in Computer Science at Slovak Technical University in Bratislava, Slovakia. After moving to Scottsdale, Arizona, she began her career as a programmer with a local software development company. After several years as a software engineer, she shifted her focus to raising her three children. Last year, Ms. Sladkova joined NPX as a member of the ESS team. This year, in addition to her role as ESSA, she will also be teaching 12th-grade Logic and Coding.

In her free time, Ms. Sladkova enjoys traveling, photography, and spending time with her family and friends