Sports Life

At San Tan Charter School, we recognize the importance of academic excellence while staying true to our belief of developing the entire student through programs, sports, and the thrill of competition.

San Tan Charter School understands the value and benefits of physical exercise across the academic day.

Our Elementary students have P.E. every day. While P.E. becomes an elective course starting in Middle School.

PE & Health

San Tan Charter School utilizes the Dynamic Physical Education program developed by Robert Pangrazzi from Arizona State. It is one of the most utilized curriculums in schools today. This program was selected to provide a comprehensive curriculum, which emphasizes fitness and healthy lifestyles.

Students learn to trust their own initiative and abilities, take responsibility for their work, and become self-motivated learners. By gaining respect for themselves, others, and the environment, children develop the desire and ability to continue learning throughout their lives.

Athletic Clubs and Team Sports

San Tan Charter School provides opportunities within Athletic Clubs and Team Sports. Intermural, Junior High, and High School sports are available for students in 5^th – 12^th grades.

Recognized as State Champions across numerous Division 1 and Division 2 sports, we have three sports seasons: Fall, Winter, and Spring.

Fall Sports: Flag Football, Girls Volleyball, Cheer, Color Guard, Co-Ed Swim
Winter Sports: Boy’s Basketball, Girl’s Softball, Cheer, Color Guard
Spring Sports: Co-Ed Soccer, Boy’s Baseball, Girl’s Basketball, Co-Ed Golf

We are continually evolving our athletic offerings to meet the interests of our students.

Go Roadrunners!

My “Why” Story

Janie Tomasek

K-12 Electives Teacher – PE/Art

Both of my parents were teachers, my mom P.E. and my dad Science teacher. They created my passion for teaching when I was little, and so I knew growing up how much they touch the lives of their students. It all started when I was little playing Art Teacher, I would pass out construction paper and want them to draw a picture, then my love for art continued in school but always having that imagination. I have always had the loved for art: I was in every art class offered in High school and became a teacher’s aid my senior year. I played sports all my life since both my parents played volleyball I fell in love with that sport, so at age 11 I started playing for an Elite volleyball Club in Illinois. I played 7 years in club and then went on to college to play volleyball. As the love for art I graduated at Elmhurst College with a Bachelors in Fine Arts. I am for sure an athlete, so teaching students how to stay healthy and fit and learn basic of sports is so exciting to see. This is my Third year teaching with PE and Art. This year I get to traveling to the other Campus to teach art for High Schoolers. Can’t wait to start this year and bring joy to your son/daughter.

Natassia DeWyke

Lower Elementary Montessori Teacher

As a child, my choice of play would lead one to believe that I was destined to be a teacher. However, my artist heart led me to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography. While I have no regrets about this choice, another itch in my heart guided me to pursue Montessori education and it is as if it was always meant to be!

After making the decision to go back to school and pursue a different career, the stars seemed to align and confirm that Montessori is my true calling. The stars continued to align when I met Dr. and Mrs. Sippel who so tenderly welcomed me to San Tan, first as an assistant in the new Montessori Elementary classroom, then as the lead for the past six years. Even while on maternity leave last year, I continued to be part of this wonderful community I hold so dear. It has been an honor to be a part of this growing program and I look forward to seeing what our future holds!

Kelly Beard

Infant Teacher

I have chosen to pursue and become a part of STCS Montessori because I feel very aligned with the Montessori method and am happy to be giving back to the staff and their families whom are welcoming my own children into their classrooms. I believe education is one of the most important elements of growing up and working alongside an amazing team of individuals whom all have a common goal is something to be proud of. And proud I am!

Shannon Yocklin

Gifted 4th Grade Teacher

Raised by a teacher and coming from a family of people involved in community involvement and service, teaching was a natural progression for me. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education in 2006 and started teaching in elementary positions.

This will be my 12th year teaching and my third at San Tan. I really love teaching upper elementary and refining skills and seeing the lightbulb moments when students are able to connect all of their previous learning.

Marty Stevens

School Nurse

I have been a part of the San Tan family from the beginning when it was just a dream. It has been amazing to see it grow from the rooms in a church to the two campuses of today. I love being around all the kiddos and helping them through their days with a band-aid, ice pack, and sometimes with only an extra hug.

Fancy Simister

Montessori Assistant (1st-3rd)

I have a passion working with children and helping to support and encourage them in their educational
journey. After a long career in fashion and managing a hair salon, my move to Arizona sparked an interest to make a career change. I volunteered throughout my children’s time in school and loved it. I had wanted to be a teacher when I was younger but life came along and I switched courses. My last two years of being in the classroom have brought great joy and I have loved helping the children to grow socially as well as academically.

Erica Sibley

2nd Grade Teacher

I was born and raised in Southern California and moved to Arizona in the beginning of January 2021. I attended Chapman University and graduated with a degree in the Bachelor of Arts – Theater and a Minor in Leadership. From there, I followed a path into event planning and hospitality, where I really focused on creating strong relationships with clients.

I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher, but it wasn’t until my daughter was born and Covid hit that I really got to follow through with that dream. When I was laid off due to Covid and events in the hotel being required to cancel, I worked diligently to earn my teaching credential and apply for jobs. I was ecstatic when I got the call that my passion and dream was going to become a reality. I absolutely love working with children and thrilled to work with 2nd grade students. Teaching is where my heart is and I’m so excited to begin my 3^rd year at this amazing school.

Stefany D Gustafson

5th Grade Math and Science

This is my 10th year at San Tan Charter. I love the philosophy of the school and the opportunity to be true to myself and what kind of a teacher I want to be.

I worked in real estate and taught piano lessons from my home for many years while my kids were little. I went back to school 11 years ago and received my Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education. I have been a long term substitute in the Gilbert school district, Intermediate Resource aide, 6th-8th teacher at San Tan Learning Center, 5th grade teacher, Jr High Math and now headed back to my favorite grade 5th. I love my students and teaching.

In my time of substitute teaching and being an aide, I realized that I don’t fit into the typical district teacher mold. I have chosen to stay at San Tan because they have recognized, embraced, and valued that about me.

Kristin Vega

6th Grade Gifted Teacher

I am originally from NorthWest Indiana, just outside of Chicago. I grew up there until I was 18 when I left to attend Arizona State University, where I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. Later, I attended Walden University where I receive My Master’s Degree in Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment as well as my Educational Specialist in Administration. I taught 2nd grade my first year out of college and then moved to 6th grade in a middle school setting for the next 8 years. In 2013, I decided to take a break from teaching in order to stay home and love on my daughters (ages 6 and 8 who will be joining me at STCS). I’m returning to the classroom extremely excited and ready to meet all of our students and our families!

Shannon Yocklin

Gifted 4th Grade Teacher

Raised by a teacher and coming from a family of people involved in community involvement and service, teaching was a natural progression for me. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education in 2006 and started teaching in elementary positions.

This will be my 12th year teaching and my third at San Tan. I really love teaching upper elementary and refining skills and seeing the lightbulb moments when students are able to connect all of their previous learning.

Barbara Cowled

Gifted 6th Grade Math & Science Teacher

I went into teaching in 2002 until I had my oldest son and decided to stay home to raise my children. I started a business in 2007 and ran it until 2018 when my youngest son told me I needed to do what I loved. He was correct so I came back to teaching. I am so happy my 16-year-old was able to teach me an important life lesson. I feel that every person, especially kids, have something to teach us throughout our lives and hopefully I can teach them a few things along the way!

Erica Sibley

2nd Grade Teacher

I was born and raised in Southern California and recently moved to Arizona in the beginning of January 2021. I attended Chapman University and graduated with a degree in the Bachelor of Arts – Theater and a Minor in Leadership. From there, I followed a path into event planning and hospitality, where I really focused on creating strong relationships with clients.

I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher, but it wasn’t until my daughter was born and Covid hit that I really got to follow through with that dream. When I was laid off due to Covid and events in the hotel being required to cancel, I worked diligently to earn my teaching credential and apply for jobs. I was ecstatic when I got the call that my passion and dream was going to become a reality. I absolutely love working with children and thrilled to work with 2nd grade students. Teaching is where my heart is and I’m so excited to begin my 2^nd year at this amazing school.

Barbara Cowled

Gifted 6th Grade Math & Science Teacher

I went into teaching in 2002 until I had my oldest son and decided to stay home to raise my children. I started a business in 2007 and ran it until 2018 when my youngest son told me I needed to do what I loved. He was correct so I came back to teaching. I am so happy my 16-year-old was able to teach me an important life lesson. I feel that every person, especially kids, have something to teach us throughout our lives and hopefully I can teach them a few things along the way!

Natassia DeWyke

Lower Elementary Montessori Teacher

As a child, my choice of play would lead one to believe that I was destined to be a teacher. However, my artist heart led me to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography. While I have no regrets about this choice, another itch in my heart guided me to pursue Montessori education and it is as if it was always meant to be!

After making the decision to go back to school and pursue a different career, the stars seemed to align and confirm that Montessori is my true calling. The stars continued to align when I met Dr. and Mrs. Sippel who so tenderly welcomed me to San Tan, first as an assistant in the new Montessori Elementary classroom, then as the lead for the past six years. Even while on maternity leave last year, I continued to be part of this wonderful community I hold so dear. It has been an honor to be a part of this growing program and I look forward to seeing what our future holds!

Gini (Virginia) Sterling

6th Grade ELA & SS Teacher

I come from a family of teachers – I knew I’d be a teacher when I was in kindergarten. I used to sit on my kitchen counter and “teach” the square tiles which I pretended were desks. My little brother was a model student!

I grew up in Cave Creek and attended Arizona State University, where I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a minor in French. Later, I received my Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education with my Reading Endorsement from Northern Arizona University.

2021-2022 will be my 13^th year in education and my fourth year at San Tan. I started teaching in downtown Phoenix, 3^rd grade and then many years teaching 1^st grade. I spent a year and a half as a TOSA, supporting all K-5 teachers and staff, and then taught 7^th grade English. I was a teacher mentor for 7 years and enjoyed advising high school yearbook as well as National Junior Honor Society. I’ve taught 5^th and 6^th grade here at San Tan and am excited to stay in 6^th grade and help prepare our students for junior high! I love reading and writing and can’t wait to help my students dive into ancient world history.

Carol Berhost

Montessori 1st-3rd Grade Teacher

I have wanted to be a teacher since I was five years old. I was on that path when I decided to take a year break from college. During that time, I found a job with a great company in the corporate world. I started making much more money than a teacher would. As a Corporate Training Manager I felt I had somewhat satisfied my dream of being a teacher. I quit that job to start a family and with three boys attending STCS I volunteered multiple times a week and served on every committee I could. During this time, I realized what incredible people work at STCS. When offered a job here, I jumped at the chance and I am blessed to be able to spend time with amazing children and work toward fulfilling my dream of being a teacher.

Brandon Lindemulder

Recker PE Coach

I chose to teach Physical Education because I love teaching and coaching sports as well as teaching students’ different exercises and ways to maintain physically active and healthy. It is so rewarding watching my students get better and succeed after working so hard at certain skills and concepts. I graduated from Dordt University in 2013 with my Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education.

I have taught Physical Education for 7 years and I can’t wait to get started at San Tan Charter School-Recker Campus.

Melinda Hatch

Montessori Assistant (1st – 3rd)

I have a passion working with children and love making differences in their lives by inspiring and motivating them with positive learning experiences.

Being a part of San Tan Charter School has been an honor and a blessing to my life. I always love being an inspiration to the children.

Sports Life

PE & Health

Athletic Clubs and Team Sports

K-12 Electives Teacher – PE/Art

Lower Elementary Montessori Teacher

Infant Teacher

Gifted 4th Grade Teacher

School Nurse

Montessori Assistant (1st-3rd)

2nd Grade Teacher

5th Grade Math and Science

6th Grade Gifted Teacher

Gifted 4th Grade Teacher

Gifted 6th Grade Math & Science Teacher

2nd Grade Teacher

Gifted 6th Grade Math & Science Teacher

Lower Elementary Montessori Teacher

6th Grade ELA & SS Teacher

Montessori 1st-3rd Grade Teacher

Recker PE Coach

Montessori Assistant (1st – 3rd)

SCHEDULE A TOUR OR CONTACT US

Recker Campus (Pre K – 6th)

3959 E Elliot Road, Gilbert, AZ 85234

Phone: 480-222-0811

Fax: 480-471-5990

Email: Email Us

Power Campus (7th – 12th)

3232 S Power Road, Gilbert, AZ 85234

Phone: 480-222-0811

Fax: 480-809-6467

Email: Email Us

SCHEDULE A TOUR OR CONTACT US

Recker Campus (Pre K – 6th)

3959 E Elliot Road, Gilbert, AZ 85234

Phone: 480-222-0811

Fax: 480-471-5990

Email: Email Us

Power Campus (7th – 12th)

3232 S Power Road, Gilbert, AZ 85234

Phone: 480-222-0811

Fax: 480-809-6467

Email: Email Us

SCHEDULE A TOUR
OR CONTACT US

SCHEDULE A TOUR
OR CONTACT US