Class of 2025: GPS Starts New Year with Celebration of 25-Year Employees

Gilbert Public Schools is celebrating some of its most dedicated employees! On the morning of January 14, 2025, GPS will welcome all employees who have worked in the district for 25 years as of this year, to a celebratory breakfast hosted by Superintendent Dr. Shane McCord. These individuals, spanning diverse roles within the district, exemplify the heart and soul of GPS. Their passion for education, unwavering commitment, and dedication to student success have left a lasting mark on our community. Here are some of the stories of GPS Family members who have reached the incredible 25-year milestone.

Kevin Bennett, Director of Bands, Highland High School

Kevin Bennett, Director of Bands at Highland High School, has dedicated 26 years to shaping the musical landscape of Gilbert Public Schools. Reflecting on his journey, Bennett emphasizes the importance of the band program, describing it as a 'home away from home' for students. “We have a lot of students who come into our music programs and it transforms into a family,” he explains. Bennet finds immense satisfaction in witnessing the growth of his students, both musically and personally. “I can show my students that the impossible is possible. That, as long as you complete certain steps, you can accomplish things you never thought you could.”

Kevin Bennett acknowledges the crucial role of district support in the success of his programs. “GPS has been very supportive of performing arts,” he says. This support, coupled with the dedication of his staff and the unwavering support of the Highland High School community, has enabled Bennett to create a thriving program where students can excel both musically and personally.  He believes that “music education is about more than just creating musicians; it's about creating well-rounded individuals who are successful in all aspects of life."
 

Kelly Kelley, Reading Coach/Reading Specialist, Superstition Springs Elementary

For Kelly Kelley, the path to becoming a teacher began in childhood. “I knew from the time I was little that I wanted to be a teacher,” she recalls. “I would spend my own money at the teacher supply store!” This early passion led her to Gilbert Public Schools in 1998, where she began her career in Arizona teaching first grade at Burk Elementary. After teaching multiple different grades at Burk, Kelley became a Reading Coach and eventually landed her current role as a Reading Specialist at Superstition Springs Elementary.

Kelly Kelley describes GPS as a 'family,' emphasizing the strong sense of community and support she has experienced throughout her 26-year career. “GPS has this draw, and it's a great place to work. They look out for their own and try to help you grow as much as you help others grow,” she added. This sense of community is evident in her dedication to providing her students with a quality education on a daily basis. 'I love seeing people learn, so my goal is to help them love to learn,” she said. “When they love to learn, they’ll continue to pursue it even after they’ve left my classroom.”

Kelley is a lifelong learner herself, constantly seeking new ways to improve her teaching and support student success. “Being able to take what I learn in my professional development, add to it, and apply it with the teachers and the students is a wonderful feeling. I can't stop teaching yet because I just feel like I have too much to offer to continue helping people with.”

Karla Kuhlemeyer, Adapted PE Teacher

In her 26th year at Gilbert Public Schools, Karla Kuhlemeyer is in her 22nd year as an Adaptive PE Teacher. Reflecting on the changes across the district throughout those 26 years, Karla says, “When I first started, there were only two of us and we each had to cover 17 schools. Now I cover 8 schools, so it’s clear that GPS has invested in its special education programs.”

Witnessing the growth of special education programs within GPS has been a rewarding aspect of Karla’s career. “The development of Unified PE programs at our junior and high schools has been a remarkable achievement,” she shares. These programs, which integrate students with and without special needs, have enriched her teaching experience and created a more inclusive learning environment for all.

Karla adds, “I'm incredibly proud to have been a part of this journey. GPS has consistently provided me with opportunities to grow and learn, and I've always felt supported by my colleagues and administrators. It's truly a family here, and I'm grateful for the chance to make a positive impact on the lives of our students."

Kelly Westerberg, Counselor, South Valley Junior High

Kelly Westerberg's journey with Gilbert Public Schools began in 1999, a path she describes as "falling into" after a rewarding experience as a substitute teacher.  "Subbing was intended to be just a ‘placeholder’ while I weighed my graduate school options, but I quickly found that I loved being in the classroom!" she recalls. This discovery led her to pursue a career in education, ultimately joining the Greenfield Junior High School faculty as a 7th/8th-grade Social Studies teacher. In 2005, she transitioned to the role of school counselor at South Valley Junior High, where she continues to guide students on their academic and personal journeys.

Having worked her entire adult life in public education and at GPS, Westerberg views her role as more than just a job; it is a "profound privilege" and a "calling that requires heart, dedication, and purpose." Furthermore, Westerberg believes that schools are "more than just places of learning—they are intentional spaces, created to foster curiosity, creativity, and transformation." She emphasizes the importance of educators as "guides, mentors, and facilitators of self-discovery, growth, and connection." She concludes, "It’s been an honor to work alongside such dedicated educators, staff, and families over the years."

In addition to Kevin Bennett, Kelly Kelley, Karla Kuhlemeyer, and Kelly Westerberg, 43 other GPS employees reached their 25-year milestone working at the district this year. The employees being honored at the 25-year celebratory breakfast include:

• Angela Nicole Sarlo, Teacher, Boulder Creek Elementary
• Stephanie Marie Schmitz, Teacher, Canyon Rim Elementary
• Scott Glover, Teacher, Carol Rae Ranch Elementary
• Lynnea Bahm, Coordinator, GPS Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
• Rod Huston, Director, Community Education
• Tammy Cather, Attendance Specialist, Desert Ridge High
• David Dickerson, Teacher, Desert Ridge High
• Merrit Rae Osborn, Teacher, Finley Farms Elementary
• Brendan Keyes, Teacher, Gilbert High
• Serena Ohl, Teacher, Gilbert High
• Kerry Ryckmen, Counselor, Gilbert High
• Stephanie Kay Bowers, Teacher, Greenfield Junior High
• Brandi Louise McMahan, Counselor, Highland High
• Holly Christina Morris, Teacher, Highland High
• Curtis Willems, Teacher, Highland High
• Renae Cruz, Dean of Students, Highland Park Elementary and Meridian Elementary
• Tammy Lynn Fultz, Teacher, Meridian Elementary
• Christopher Stroud, Principal, Meridian Elementary
• Chrisa Florio, Teacher, Mesquite High
• Lisa Heigl, Paraprofessional, Mesquite High
• Colleen Swanson, Teacher, Mesquite High
• Sheri Giannetta, Teacher, Neely Traditional Academy
• Matthew Hanson, Teacher, Neely Traditional Academy
• Huong Wang, Nutrition Services Worker, GPS Nutrition Services
• Toni Adams, Teacher, Pioneer Elementary
• Gina Kelly, Teacher, Pioneer Elementary
• Kristen Klaahsen, Teacher, Pioneer Elementary
• Baltazar Francisco, Custodian, Playa Del Rey Elementary
• Helen White, Teacher, Quartz Hill Elementary
• Susan Marie Terrill, Teacher, Settler’s Point Elementary
• Sonia Michelle Epstein, Teacher, Sonoma Ranch Elementary
• Tamara Nicole Noel, South Valley Junior High
• Robyn Gift, Instructional Specialist, GPS Special Education
• Emily Haskell, Administrative Assistant, GPS Special Education
• Lisa Schureman-Beard, Coordinator, GPS Special Education
• Jesse Jaurigue Camacho, Teacher, Superstition Spring Elementary
• Heather Levario, Teacher, Superstition Spring Elementary
• Jennifer Diane Anunson, Help Desk Specialist, GPS Technology Services
• Sharon Crandall, Teacher, Towne Meadows Elementary
• Mireya Badillo, Bus Monitor, GPS Transportation
• Tami Hardy, Teacher, Val Vista Lakes Elementary
• Tammy Pellegrino, Teacher, Val Vista Lakes Elementary
• Jennifer Leslie Walker, Teacher, Val Vista Lakes Elementary

Gilbert Public Schools thanks each of its valued employees and celebrates those who have been a member of the GPS Family for 25 years. Their dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to our students is truly inspiring. To learn more about working at GPS, including open positions and information regarding the upcoming job fair, visit GilbertSchools.net/Jobs.