Prior to joining North Phoenix Prep as Headmaster, Ms. Jacobson served as Head of Middle School, Assistant Headmaster, and Dean of Students at Arete Preparatory Academy in Gilbert. Ms. Jacobson taught middle and high school for eight years as well as college laboratory classes for two years. She earned her Master’s degree in Biology and a Bachelor’s degree in developmental and cellular biology. Ms. Jacobson is passionate about child development and volunteers as a labor doula in her free time. Ms. Jacobson has two boys, a first grader and a preschooler, and enjoys spending time outdoors and cooking with her family.

Ms. Stone grew up in Phoenix and attended college at the University of Colorado in Boulder. While her bachelor’s degree in Psychology did not lead her to a career in the field, it has shaped her heart and mind throughout her 20 year journey in the Education field.  Ms. Stone has a Master’s degree in Education and a Master’s degree in Special Education. Prior to joining Great Hearts in 2016, her experiences include teaching 5th grade Mathematics in Los Angeles and as a Special Teacher in a self-contained classroom serving students with Autism. For 3 years, Ms. Stone served as the Exceptional Student Services Coordinator at North Phoenix Prep. This school year will mark her 2nd year as Assistant Headmaster. When she is not serving the NPX community, Ms. Stone enjoys spending her free time loving and caring for her 6-year old son, cooking, bike riding, and playing golf.

Michelle Jensen is a native from 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 from 12 years in numerous positions, including the Dean of Students for special education students grade 9-12 and oversaw a high school truancy program for 5 years.

Mr. Black proudly joined North Phoenix Preparatory Academy in 2015. His teaching career began in 1996 in graduate school. Following which, Mr. Black moved to Oregon where he 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 watercolor artist whose work is collected on a national level. Mr. Black is happily married and also enjoys hiking, tennis, and golf.

Sarah Schripsema 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 for ten years in Chemistry, Biology, Life Science, and Humane Letters. Eight of those years have been served in Great Hearts, where her children also attend. She is currently our Dean of Students, working with students and teachers to solve disciplinary issues in the classroom and on campus. She also runs our Gladiator Familia Program with the help of a cohort of amazing student leaders. Ms. Schripsema is always excited to help students learn through their mistakes in a safe and loving environment.

Tier Martin graduated from Saint Louis University with a Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration and has over ten years of  experience within the realm of access and persistence in higher education. Her work experience includes working for three universities as an Adjunct Instructor, Academic and Finance Advisor, and as a Scholar Support & Community Outreach Coach for a non-profit in Saint Louis, MO.  While there, she helped first generation students eliminate the educational gap and built partnerships with many colleges and universities. Ms. Martin loves to travel, cook, and enjoys being outdoors. She is an avid reader, loves to dance, and enjoys social environments that allows her to support her friends and family, which is probably how she got into advising in the first place. She is happily married to her sweetheart and they have two lovely children.

Michelle Elmer is in her second year in the ESS department with North Phoenix Prep, having completed her first year as an assistant in the ESS classroom. She has a BS degree in Journalism, and for almost 20 years, co-owned a corporate identity/web design business in Washington state while raising four children. She moved to Arizona five years ago, with three of her kids, leaving one behind to finish school at Washington State and get married. Previous to North Phoenix Prep, she spent three years at a public PreK through 8th grade school in Anthem, working as a Before/Aftercare Instructional Assistant with Community Education and as a Pre-K Instructional Assistant. She is currently completing the Teacher in Residence program and going to school to acquire Special Education training. This program also allows her to teach students receiving ESS resource help while completing her education. Michelle enjoys reading (whenever possible), writing and trips home to Washington.