Faculty & Staff
Faculty Staff
Core Academics & Labs
Jacqueline Gilleland
English & History
Being a non-traditional learner I have conquered many feats, but only with the support of true and dedicated teachers, a blessing that I now get to pass on. As a distinguished Political Science graduate with minors in History and Rhetorical Composition from Chapman University, I am thrilled to be working with students in new and creative ways so we can all fall in love with learning again. I’m energetic and passionate about teaching not what to think or believe but how to logically come to conclusions for yourself and I strive to center the curriculum around the students’ unique interests and needs. History and English class may just become the most exciting adventure yet… get your minds ready!
Barbara Clark
History & Spanish
I was born and raised in Mesa, Arizona but I have also lived in TX, UT, CA, and the Dominican Republic. I am a certified teacher with bachelor's degrees in Secondary Education as well as Spanish Linguistics. This will be my 6th year as a teacher and I love it. I really enjoy teaching Spanish, Social Studies, and how to enter adult life. I love the outdoors, dancing, and quality time with my daughter.
Tracy Alexander
Math and ESS
Growing up, I was surrounded by amazing teachers and coaches. They helped instill in me love for good books, passion for learning, and joy in service. I have tried to raise my family with the same ideals. My favorite teachers and coaches helped me feel special and made excellence a priority in and out of the classroom. I believe that creating a positive environment is crucial for learning to take place and strive for my classroom to always be a place of peace. I love my family, the beach, traveling, and all things outdoors. I am excited to help my students cultivate a love of learning and to be a part of the EVHS team!
Jason Abney
English
Hello everyone, this is Mr. Abney! I was born in Mesa, Arizona and graduated from Mesa High many, many moons ago! I have four grown children, two little wiener dogs and an angry tom cat named Bennett! Other than living in Southern France for a few years, I have always called Arizona my home. I graduated from Ottawa University with a bachelor's degree in English literature. It wasn't until I came to East Valley High School that I was able to put my degree to work. I have enjoyed my tenure here at East Valley the past four years, and I am looking forward to an exciting, new year!
Morgan Hutchison
English, Reading and Writing
Though my name is Morgan Hutchison, everyone calls me Hutch. I have been teaching for the last 16 years. I have three amazing sons; Mathew - 22 and serving for the Navy, Nathan - 19 is serving in the Marines, and Ryan - 12 just started Junior High. I also have one RAD husband. We love the outdoors, whether it’s poolside, bbqs, camping, fishing, or riding bikes. Watching and playing sports is one of my greatest passions. “Teamwork makes the dream work!” I can’t wait to start the next school year with you!
Brenda Janda
Online Program
I'm proud to be a teacher at East Valley High School, where I get to share my passion for learning every day with incredible students. Outside the classroom, my favorite thing to do is go sailing with my husband. I also love reading, spending time at the beach, building with Legos, and enjoying every moment I can with my family and grandkids. Teaching is more than a job—it's a joy, and I'm grateful to be part of such a supportive school community.
Alison Troyanek
PE, Life Skills and Personal Finance
I'm a Navy veteran and first-year teacher excited to begin this new journey in education. I'm passionate about helping students grow both inside and outside the classroom. My goal is to give them the tools they need to succeed in the real world, build confidence, and develop lifelong healthy habits. I'm proud to bring my background in service and discipline into a space where I can inspire and support the next generation. “Teamwork makes the dream work!” I can’t wait to start the next school year with you!
Faculty Staff
Fine Arts
Joseph Strode
Performing Arts
I am the drama, dance, and music director here at East Valley. I graduated from University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) with a Bachelors of Fine Art in Musical Theatre. For the past four years I have been performing for Hale Centre Theatre, as well as Directing and choreographing in the East Valley. I’m very excited to be continuing on this year!
Kim Waskiewicz
Art
I’ve been teaching art for 17 years and this will be my 10th year teaching at East Valley High School in Mesa, AZ, where I was born and raised. I am passionate about art education and strive to teach my students to think creatively, which in turn is to see what is possible in everything! I love being outside in nature, hiking and on my paddleboard, taking photos that I will bring back to inspire my paintings and drawings. I love to travel and have been to see many works of art throughout Europe and I’m always plotting a return. There is so much beauty in the world and I long to see as much of it as possible!
Mark Arendse
Music
I am the leader of the pack in the areas of Guitar, Percussion and Rock Band at East Valley High School. We have, over the last decade, developed a unique music program at our school, where the focus has been on contemporary music and the result has been some unforgettable performances and concerts. I graduated from the University South Africa with a degree in performing arts. I have taught and performed on various continents. Since 2014 I have been at EVHS and I am happy to call Mesa, this school and it’s wonderful students, my home.
Benjamin Ferguson
Martial Arts & Science
I am a decorated Navy veteran and graduated from ASU with a Bachelors of Science in Sociology. I am owner of Tao Martial Arts and hold Black Belt ranks in Tang Soo Do & Hapkido. I love to teach and pass on knowledge every day.
Faculty Staff
Administration
John Baker
Principal
I was born and raised in San Jose, California, but I have spent the past 28 years in the Chandler/Gilbert area. I have been married for almost 33 years and have 6 children. I proudly served this country as a United States Marine, and then served my community as a Phoenix Police Officer. I just felt there was more I could do by impacting youth at an earlier age. I then decided to go back to school to get my degree in education from Northern Arizona University. After earning my bachelor’s degree in education, and with a few years of teaching under my belt, I earned my Master’s degree in leadership, along with my Principal Certification, from Northern Arizona University. I spent a few years as an elementary teacher, teaching both the 5th and 6th grades. I spent four years teaching math at Benjamin Franklin High School, serving as the math department head, and helping out with HS administration. I then was blessed to return to the elementary school and was an administrator there for 2 years. This will be my 7th year with East Valley High School. I love being a part of the East Valley High School family and am excited for what the future holds.
Linda Okonowski
ESS Director
It wasn't until I was in college, working on my Biology degree, that I had an interest in teaching. Science is one of those subjects that can be very boring or very fun and interesting when being taught. I wanted to make sure my love of science came across to others as a fun and interesting topic, and what better way than to teach. At that point I extended my degree to include Elementary Education. Having some amazing teachers, and role models, in my college classes, I continued my teaching education to include special education and eventually to become an administrator. After teaching different grade levels and holding a variety of administrative positions, I realized my heart is really in the field of special education. I was offered a position at East Valley High School as a Special Education Director, where I immediately felt at home. I love the small, family feeling and how all of the staff promotes excellence in all students. Watching the students succeed brings joy to my heart. I am fortunate that in my role as a Special Education Director I am part of the administration working with all staff and students. I also get to ensure that all students receive the opportunity to learn and succeed. Personally I am blessed to be in my 30th year of marriage with three wonderful, successful grown children, 4 amazing grandchildren and 3 loveable dogs.
Tiffany Nielsen
Front Office Manager
My husband and I have three adult daughters and seven grandchildren this coming September. We love traveling! I have worked in the education field since 2004. I love being a part of a wonderful staff, and seeing our awesome student community each day here at EVHS. I look forward to another fantastic year!
Jill Allen
Leadership and Academic Advisor
This is my 5th year at East Valley High School. As a leadership instructor. I love helping students see their potential and and rise above their fears of public speaking. I look forward to helping my students plan school events and activities for this upcoming school year.
Pat Baker
Data and Testing Coordinator
My name is Patricia Baker and I will be working with teachers and students as the data testing coordinator. I have worked in the administrative field for more than 25 years and after retiring from the Idaho National Laboratory, I started substitute teaching, working in the district office and as a school secretary. I have worked at East Valley High School as the front desk receptionist, then as a substitute teacher and office assistant for Kathy Tolman, the School Director, after moving to Arizona 4 years ago. I enjoy being around the students and sharing their excitement as they grow and excel. I am very excited to work with the staff and students this year in this new capacity.
Izzy Marshall
Assistant Principal
I am entering my third year as Assistant Principal and am excited to continue supporting both students and staff in their academic and personal growth. In addition to my leadership role, I am also teaching Geometry this year and look forward to engaging students in critical thinking and problem-solving. I'm passionate about education and student development, and I'm committed to creating a positive learning environment where every student can thrive. I find great joy in watching students transform over the school year—growing in confidence, character, and capability.
Cathy Lindblom
Registrar
I am starting my 5th year here at EVHS. I love getting to know the families and students here at East Valley High. My favorite part of my job is watching students who are credit deficient get caught up and seeing them meet their goal of graduating! Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my kids and three granddaughters. I enjoy doing crafts and getting into a good book. When I’m not reading or working on a project, you might find me watching Dateline, enjoying a beach day, or playing games - both digital and board!
Principal
John Baker
jbaker@evhigh.com
Assistant Principal
Izzy Marshall
imarshall@evhigh.com
Registrar
Cathy Lindblom
clindblom@evhigh.com
Directors
Executive Director
Kathy Tolman
ktolman@evhigh.com
ESS Director & Teacher
Linda Okonowski
lokonowski@evhigh.com