SCHS District Leadership Team

The district leadership team is always here to help and serve you. If you have a question, please feel free to contact us at anytime.

Meet Our District Team

Carolyn Erdelji

Carolyn Erdelji
Administrator for Academic Services
Biography

About Carolyn Erdelji

Carolyn Erdelji is the Administrator for Academic Services. She has 24 years of experience in education and received her master’s degree in educational administration from Grand Canyon University in 2017. She also holds a master’s degree in elementary education from Northern Arizona University and a bachelor’s degree in education from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania.

Mrs. Erdelji has taught a variety of grade levels in both the elementary and middle school setting. Most recently, she served as a middle school student advisor. Throughout her career, she has helped plan and deliver a variety of professional development for both parents and staff. She has successfully completed many trainings including Conscious Discipline, PBIS, Building Trauma-Sensitive Classrooms, and Self-Harm/Suicide Prevention. She has served her schools in many capacities by being a member of several district and school committees including Conscious Discipline, school leadership teams, teacher mentor team, curriculum and standard alignment teams, and attended the Arizona School Administrators’ Summer Leadership conference. She is proud to have been a contributor to an A+ school as a lead editor and worked on a school review team with AdvancED (now Cognia).

One of Mrs. Erdelji’s favorite inspirational quotes is by Mr. Stephen Hawking, “However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at."

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John Sands

John Sands
Administrator for Innovation and Technology
Biography

About John Sands

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Samantha Thompson

Samantha Thompson
Administrator for Leadership and Accountability
Biography

About Samantha Thompson

Samantha Thompson serves as the Administrator for Leadership and Accountability and Student Choice High School’s representative for the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools. She brings a wealth of experience spanning over 22 years in the field of education. In her current role, she provides support to principals across all Student Choice locations. Samantha holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Northern Arizona University and a master’s degree in administration and supervision from the University of Phoenix. 

Samantha’s dedication to professional growth is evident through her completion of the National Principal Supervisory Academy by the Center for Educational Leadership in partnership with the School Superintendents Association, where she focused on mentorship and principal supervision. Her diverse background includes roles as a classroom teacher, ELL coordinator, instructional coach, AdvancED (Cognia) evaluator, and principal. Currently, she serves as a district administrator contributing to overall educational systems. 

Samantha has been an influential figure in education, presenting at national and state conferences such as the National Alternative Education Association (NAEA) and the Arizona Charter Conference. Her expertise extends to committee involvement, curriculum development, state standards, data analysis, extracurricular programs, and college and career readiness. She has undertaken various professional development programs, including training in areas such as Principal Law, Kagan Engagement Structures, Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Conscious Discipline, and AdvancED (Cognia). 

Her commitment to excellence has been recognized through her leadership of an exemplary model school recognized by NAEA and contributions to an A+ school. Additionally, she received the Westside Impact Teacher of the Year award. 

Samantha’s guiding philosophy echoes Maya Angelou’s wisdom, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” 

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Amy Freeman

Amy Freeman
Head of School - Adult Diploma Program
Biography

About Amy Freeman

Amy's educational philosophy is based on her uncompromising belief that all students can learn given a positive learning environment, strong and knowledgeable leadership, and a committed, student-focused team. Amy joined Student Choice High School (SCHS) as the principal of the Glendale campus in 2019, following 20 years of experience in school administration, instructional coaching, classroom teaching, and curriculum writing and alignment for school districts, state departments, and national publishers. After two years, Amy accepted a position as administrator for quality programs at the SCHS district office overseeing specialized student supports such as the mentoring, social work, EL, and McKinney Vento programs before launching Student Choice's adult diploma program in 2023.

In addition to her work with adult students at Student Choice, she is an adjunct faculty member and instructional designer at Rio Salado College in the teacher certification department, supporting adult learners in their quest to become impactful, certified teachers.

Amy received her bachelor's degree in education from the State University of New York College at Cortland. Over the years, she has earned additional credentials, including a master's degree from Northern Arizona University specializing in educational counseling, an Arizona reading endorsement, Arizona k–12 principal and school counseling certificates, and a k–12 CTE teaching certificate in business and marketing.

Amy's educational experiences have allowed her to collaborate with diverse groups of people and increase student achievement and well-being. Amy is thrilled to continue to build on her experiences with Student Choice High School. Her passion is supporting students in powering through challenges, removing obstacles, and finding pathways to success. As she partners with students, she always remembers Moliere's words when he said, "The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it."

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Jaime Aldridge

Jaime Aldridge
Instructional Specialist
Biography

About Jaime Aldridge

Jaime Aldridge joined Student Choice High School in 2019 and is the district’s math instructional specialist. She has 22 years of experience in education, received her master’s degree in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University, and also holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Arizona. Jaime has enjoyed teaching middle school through post-graduate students, she has served on curriculum and assessment development teams, and she has a strong belief in every student’s capacity to learn and enjoy math.

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Norma Sanchez

Norma Sanchez
Data and Assessment Analyst Coordinator
Biography

About Norma Sanchez

Norma Sanchez is the data and assessment analysis coordinator and has over 25 years of experience in the education field. She received her master’s degree in educational administration and supervision from Arizona State University, her bachelor’s degree of science in elementary education from Northern Arizona University, and holds the Arizona State Principal Certificate.

Mrs. Sanchez’s extensive knowledge and education spans across multiple areas in the education field, such as principal; assistant-principal; faculty supervisor; assessment coordinator; reading interventionist; instructional coach; and classroom teacher in the states of Hawaii, Texas, and Arizona. She holds endorsements in bilingual education K–12; structured English immersion (SEI) K–8; and reading specialist K–12.

Mrs. Sanchez's exemplary leadership skills, expertise in data analysis, efficient use of systems, and effective creation and implementation of new curriculums were essential in turning various failing schools into highly achieving schools. Her command of targeted instruction and closing academic gaps led to be chosen to present at the Teacher Advanced Program (TAP) National Conference. Mrs. Sanchez is a trained leader in Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS) and has effectively implemented PBIS in multiple schools. She has completed various trainings with the System for Teacher Advancement Program (TAP); National Institute of Excellence (NIET); Qualified Evaluator Training; Downey Walk-Throughs and Reflective Inquiry; Cognitive Coaching; WestEd Formative Assessment by Margaret Heritage; and Training CBAM (Concerns Based Adopted Model). Among her greatest accomplishments are Teacher of the Year nominee, Special Area Teacher of the Year nominee, contributions to “A” awarded schools, and creating successful partnerships amongst schools, communities, and colleges.

Mrs. Sanchez’ most admired quote is by Sydney J. Harris: “The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.”

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Yesenia Barkley

Yesenia Barkley
Social Worker
Biography

About Yesenia Barkley

Yesenia Barkley joined Student Choice High School in 2023, and is the district social worker. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Liberty University in social work and her master’s degree in social work from Howard University. She is a member of the School Social Work Association of Arizona and in her role, she supports students and staff at all Student Choice locations. Yesenia is passionate about education and social justice. She has developed and evaluated curriculums providing emotional support counseling in school-based settings and at Durango Juvenile Detention Center. She enjoys implementing strengths-based and solution-focused approaches to support student success and well-being.

Miss Barkley’s favorite quote is by Tyler Knott Gregson, “Promise me you will not spend so much time treading water and trying to keep your head above the waves that you forget, truly forget, how much you have always loved to swim”. 

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Ciara Sandoval

Ciara Sandoval
Enrollment Specialist Coordinator in Administrative Support
Biography

About Ciara Sandoval

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Sarah Wade

Sarah Wade
Principal - Surprise Campus
Location
Biography

About Sarah Wade

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Gerardo Huerta

Gerardo Huerta
Principal - San Luis Learning Center
Location
Biography

About Gerardo Huerta

Gerardo Huerta is the principal at our SCHS Yuma Campus and has been in education for 10 years. He earned his bachelor’s degree in secondary education with an emphasis in English from Arizona State University in 2014. He then earned his master’s degree in educational administration and leadership from Grand Canyon University in 2020. Born and raised in San Luis, Arizona, Gerardo left college to become an educator and returned to his hometown to educate future generations as an English and AVID teacher at San Luis High School. With his passion for teaching and emphasis on relational capacity, he quickly established himself as one of the leading educators in Yuma County by earning First Year Teacher of the Year during his first year of teaching in 2015 and becoming a finalist for the Yuma County High School Teacher of the Year in 2017. Mr. Huerta has also been heavily involved in many other endeavors such as becoming an AVID Certified Trainer where he provided professional development on effective and innovative teaching strategies. He also served as a data and technology coach, where he implemented his expertise in educational technology implementation to develop an engaging and rigorous 21st-century-driven curriculum.

One of Principal Huerta’s favorite quotes is, “Do not stand begging for that which you have the power to earn."-Miguel de Cervantes

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Tala Zelaya

Tala Zelaya
Principal - South Phoenix - Kroc Center
Location
Biography

About Tala Zelaya

Tala Zelaya is the principal at our SCHS South Phoenix - Kroc Campus location and has been in education for 15 years. She earned her bachelor’s and master's degrees from Northern Arizona University. Tala has experience teaching multiple grade levels. She has been a student advisor and a district instructional specialist. She has contributed her talents towards developing and leading professional development to district leaders, parents, community, and staff. She has been involved in a variety of committees working with Conscious Discipline, and she has completed various trainings for Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS), self-harm, and suicide prevention. Among her greatest achievements are contributions to receiving the Westside Impact Teacher of the Year in 2016, the Golden Gator Award two years in a row from Xavier High School, and the Litchfield Elementary School District’s Pride Award.

Principal Zelaya’s most admired quote is by Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

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Karen Williams

Karen Williams
Principal - Glendale Campus
Location
Biography

About Karen Williams

Karen Williams is the principal at our Student Choice High School (SCHS) Glendale location and has been in education for 32 years. She earned a master’s degree in elementary education from Northern Arizona University along with her principal certification from Brandman University. She received her bachelor's degree in elementary education at Arizona State University. Over the course of her career, Karen has been a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and assistant principal. Prior to joining the SCHS team, Karen served as the principal of a west valley middle school for seven years.

Among Karen's accomplishments are receiving the A+ Exemplary School Award during her tenure as principal. She also served on the Association of School Administrators during which time she planned and attended several leadership conferences. Karen is a certified trainer for Kagan Cooperative Learning, Thinking Maps, Write from the Beginning, and Conscious Discipline. She has also been trained on Building Trauma Sensitive Classrooms, Suicide and Self Harm Prevention, Professional Learning Communities, and Response to Intervention (RTI).

Karen is a servant leader who is dedicated to supporting students in their educational pursuits and preparing them for a successful future. 

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Sandra Flood

Sandra Flood
Principal - Peoria Campus
Location
Biography

About Sandra Flood

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Shayne Sotelo

Shayne Sotelo
Principal - Maryvale Campus
Location
Biography

About Shayne Sotelo

Angela Butler is the principal at our SCHS Maryvale location and has been in education for 19 years. She has a master’s degree in school guidance counseling with an emphasis in group counseling and art therapy from Ottawa University. She received her bachelors in elementary education with an emphasis in mathematics. Angela most recently has been an instructional specialist, she has experience teaching multiple grade levels prior to this position. She has contributed her talents towards developing and leading professional development to district leaders, parents, community, and staff. Professionally, she has been involved in a variety of committees working with Kagan Cooperative Learning, Standards Mapping, and Professional Learning Communities. One of her proudest accomplishments was being asked to present at Arizona School Administrators Conference on Professional Learning Communities, Data and Best Practices. Principal Butler’s most admired quote is by C.S Lewis, “The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts.”

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Kimberly Fernandez

Kimberly Fernandez
Principal - Tempe Campus
Location
Biography

About Kimberly Fernandez

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Lisa Meiers

Lisa Meiers
Principal - Maricopa Campus
Location
Biography

About Lisa Meiers

Lisa Meiers is the principal of Student Choice High School, Maricopa campus. She has earned a bachelor’s in science degree in chemical engineering and in secondary education mathematics and chemistry. Ms. Meiers also has a master’s degree in educational administration and supervision where she graduated at the top of her master’s degree cohort.

During her decades in high school education, Ms. Meiers has contributed to the profession in numerous ways. She has been a mentor to both first year teachers and to teachers from the Philippines. She has led professional learning communities, advance placement vertical alignment teams, and new hire orientations. Her experience in curriculum and development include working as a district common assessment writer, district book adoption committee member, grader of benchmark tests, and member of a pacing guide team. Ms. Meiers has had extensive training in blended learning classrooms, Kagan strategies, action research, and is certified in English as a second language. Her most significant distinction is having received a Fulbright teacher exchange position.

Ms. Meiers’s goal as principal of Student Choice High School, Maricopa is to work every day to support her students’ desire to graduate from high school and to prepare them for the opportunities that a diploma brings.

A quote that resonates with Ms. Meiers is by Eleanor Roosevelt, “In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.”


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Tim Morrison

Tim Morrison
Principal - Yuma Campus
Location
Biography

About Tim Morrison

Tim Morrison is the principal at our SCHS Yuma Campus and has been in education for 16 years. He earned his bachelor’s degree in K–12 Physical Education and Health from Canisius College in Buffalo, New York, in 2008. He then earned his master’s degree in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University in 2019. Upon graduation from college, Tim began his career at San Luis High School where he served as a teacher of physical training and education professions while also holding the positions of instructional leader and instructional coach at certain points in his stay. He taught at San Luis High School for 10 years until he accepted the position of assistant principal at Gila Ridge and then Yuma High School. Mr. Morrison has also been very active in extracurricular activities at his other schools through coaching where he was the boys varsity basketball coach at San Luis for seven seasons and most recently girls varsity basketball coach at Kofa for two seasons. In addition, Mr. Morrison’s education professions competitors can boast of numerous state champions, multiple national placers, and one national champion under his tutelage. Mr. Morrison is also an AVID certified trainer and a certified tutor for ACT training through Horizon, and looks forward to helping students achieve to their full potential.

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