Phone: 623-935-4690 ext. 104

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Ms. Melanie DeYager

Ms. DeYager has been teaching at Trinity since 2003. She grew up in the suburb of Lansing, Illinois near the windy city of Chicago. She has one son, Nicolaas, who was adopted from South Korea. He is a true joy to her! Ms. DeYager's Grandma and Mother have now passed on to be with their Heavenly Father. Both of them were teachers, and were very influential in her life. They left a legacy that no matter what happens in life, God has a plan for you. She continues to strive to pass this message on to each child.
 
Ms. DeYager has been teaching in the Early Childhood field since 1992. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education with concentrations in Biology, Theology, Physical Education and Special Education from Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Illinois. 
 
Visit Ms. DeYager's website: www.trinitynewthinking.org/cubs

Phone: 623-935-4690 ext. 102

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Mrs. Darla Healey

Mrs. Healey believes that God led her to work at Trinity Lutheran School. She began as a teacher’s assistant in 1997, and started her teaching career in 2000. Mrs. Healey feels that teaching at Trinity is one of the greatest blessings God has given her. She has had the honor of teaching all the children in numerous families. The hugs, hellos, and smiles from current and former students always brighten her days. Mrs. Healey teaches PreK classes. Mrs. Healey has an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Glendale Community College. She also has an Early Childhood Certificate of Lutheran Teaching from Concordia University.
 
Mrs. Healey has been married to her husband, Steve, since 1981, and they have an adult daughter named Ashley.  She been a member of Trinity Lutheran Church since 1989. Her favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 41:10:  So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  This verse reminds her that God is with her all the time and will help her and give her the strength to go through life's challenges.
 
Visit Mrs. Healey's website: www.trinitynewthinking.org/healey

Phone: 623-935-4690 ext. 110

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Mrs. Marisa Hill

Mrs. Hill has been teaching at Trinity since 2015 and loves being part of the Trinity family! Marisa was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, IL. She and her husband moved to Arizona in 2015 with their 2 daughters. Both girls attend Trinity and are thriving. Mrs. Hill has a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work. She always knew that she wanted teach and has implemented her expertise in working with families to her classroom. Mrs. Hill has worked with children ranging from 1 years old up to 10. She especially loves working with 2 and 3 year olds. She loves watching them learn and discover new things each day. In her free time, Mrs. Hill loves to spend time with her family exploring everything Arizona has to offer.

Website: www.trinitynewthinking.org/hill

 

Phone: 623-935-4690 ext. 107

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Mrs. Missy Kruse

Mrs. Missy Kruse was born and raised in a small rural community in Wisconsin. Both of her parents were teachers. As soon as she was tall enough, she remembers writing on the chalkboard in her father's classroom. Mrs. Kruse knew even at that young age that she wanted to teach. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and Special Education in 2002. Missy eagerly left the cold weather and snow and moved to Arizona where she enjoyed teaching Developmental Preschool. She met her husband and took a break from teaching shortly after they were married when God led them to adoption. They now have three amazing children who all attend Trinity Lutheran School. The Kruses became part of the Trinity Lutheran School family 12 years ago when their oldest began preschool. Mrs. Kruse is honored to be a member incredible staff of Trinity Lutheran School!

 Website: www.trinitynewthinking.org/kruse

Phone: 623-935-4690 ext. 108

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Mrs. Amy Melara

Mrs. Melara has been teaching at Trinity since 2012. She was born and raised in Orange County, California. She began teaching preschool in 1999. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Child Development from California State University, Fullerton in 2004. Amy moved to Arizona in 2007. She and her husband, Jason, have two daughters, Ryan and Samantha. Both of their daughters attended Trinity Lutheran School. Mrs. Melara has her Master Teacher Credential from the State of California. Her favorite age to work with is the two year olds, and she loves watching them learn and grow. In her free time, Mrs. Melara enjoys drinking coffee and spending time with her family.

Website: www.trinitynewthinking.org/melara

Phone: 623-935-4690 ext. 112

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Mrs. Marlaina Mitchell

Mrs. Mitchell has been teaching at Trinity since 2003 and has been blessed with a number of roles. She has shared God's love within the 2, 3, and 4 year old programs, Kindergarten asistant, volunteering in 3rd grade, and the school library. Mrs. Mitchell believes it is a blessing and privilege to work with such dedicated teachers and to aid children in their academic growth. She feels it is an honor to teach children about God and His infinite love for us. Mrs. Mitchell and her husband, Shaun, have two sons. Gavin and Brenden both attended Trinity Lutheran School since preschool. The Mitchell family has been active within Trinity Lutheran Church since 2001, where Mrs. Mitchell is a vocalist in the Praise Band and a member of the Handbell Choir. Mr. & Mrs. Mitchell both serve as Jr. Youth Counselors.
 
Mrs. Mitchell completed her Early Childhood Certification of Lutheran Teaching from Irvine Concordia University in 2005.  
 

Phone: 623-935-4690 ext. 101

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Mrs. Sandy Valdez

Mrs. Valdez was born and raised in Arizona and has been teaching at Trinity since 2012. She has worked with each age group in our Early Childhood Program and will teach a three year old preschool class for the 2021-2022 school year. She has been married to her high school sweetheart, Ted, since 1999. They have three children, Xavier, Brandon, and Mariah, and also have two fur babies. Mrs. Valdez knew at a young age that she wanted to work with children and feels that there is nothing more inspiring than to see the face of a child who has mastered a new skill. Her mission is to instill the love of Jesus and learning within each child she teaches and is dedicated and committed to her family, students and Jesus. When she isn’t in the classroom, Mrs. Valdez loves spending time with her family, traveling and crafting.

Visit Mrs. Valdez's website: www.trinitynewthinking.org/valdez