Teachers
Archway Classical Academy | Veritas - Teachers
Hi! My name is Cecilia Obernuefemann and I was born in Louisiana but have lived here for most of my life. This is my 3rd year at Archway Veritas and am so excited to be teaching kindergarten this year. I enjoy cooking, baking, taking walks and spending time with family.
My name is Henry Schreiber, and I will be teaching 1st grade in 1A. I’m from Scottsdale, Arizona, and I received my degree in Elementary Education from the University of Arizona. In my free time, I love going to the movies, going on vacations, and hanging out with my family.
Miss Lauren Lumia is ecstatic about being the lead teacher in 1C for a third year. She was raised in Southern California, but moved to Arizona to finish her degree at Northern Arizona University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. Though this is her third year as the 1C lead, she has over a decade of childcare experience under her belt. When she’s not teaching, Miss Lumia is probably baking, reading, doing pilates, going to church, and spending time with her loved ones (including her beloved cat, Louie).
This is Mrs. Kain’s 10th year teaching. She has two grown daughters and a son who is a Senior at Brophy College Prep. She will be married 30 years in April and loves living in Arizona. She and her family lived in Chicago for 20 years and relocated to Phoenix 8 years ago. Mrs. Kain loves traveling and baking.
Allison is thrilled to serve as a lead teacher in 2nd grade. She is married to Erik and together they have six sons. Allison and her family have been a part of the Archway Veritas community since 2011; all six of her boys have attended 2nd grade (and beyond) here! Archway Veritas is like a second home for their family and Allison is thrilled to have the opportunity to serve in the classroom. Outside of school, Allison loves cooking and spending time with her family and their adorably dopey dog, Roland.
Hello, my name is Rebecca Rockmaker. This is my third year at Archway Veritas and fifth year as a third-grade lead teacher. Before Veritas, I worked as a third-grade teacher in the Creighton School District at Kennedy at Loma Linda. I am a native Arizonan! I am originally from Ahwatukee where I went to Desert Vista High School. I attended Arizona State University where I earned a BAE in Elementary Education. I love spending time with my family and friends, doing aerial, reading, singing in choir, and doing puzzles.
My name is Emma Richardson and I am the lead teacher in 3B. I was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. I graduated from the University of Arizona in 2023 with a Public Health degree. Teaching is where I have found my passion and I am excited to be starting my 2nd year as a lead. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, trying new restaurants, and doing hot pilates.
Hello, my name is Ms. Meyers and I absolutely love fourth grade! I am honored to be the lead teacher in 4A this year. I earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University and began my career in finance before deciding to follow my true passion—teaching. My teaching journey began in high school math where I developed a deep love for education and the formation of young hearts. In addition to being an educator, I’m also a Veritas parent, with children in 8th, 6th, 5th, and 2nd grade. The Veritas community is near and dear to me and my family, and I am truly grateful to be a part of your journey this year.
Mrs. Clark has a rich background in teaching, beginning with the successful pursuit of owning a yoga studio and being a master yoga teacher for several years, until the birth of her son. Realizing her passion for education-she became an assistant teacher while earning her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Her enthusiasm for fostering the child’s curiosity and love of learning led her to Great Hearts and the awareness that their motto, “To cultivate the minds and hearts of students through the pursuit of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty,” was in perfect harmony with her own. Outside of her academic endeavors, Mrs. Clark is an outdoor enthusiast and early riser- walking or bicycling daily while the sun rises. Deeply committed to personal growth and the family, Mrs. Clark can often be found reading, engaged in rich discussions with her husband and son, and actively participating in her community.
I graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology in May of 2025. I am eager to use my understanding of the brain and childhood development to inform my interactions with students. In my free time I enjoy moving my body, especially with friends and loved ones.
I have been teaching for over 20 years and truly enjoy being in the classroom and seeing scholars grow not only academically but in virtue, wonder and into well-rounded people. I have four children who have all attended Great Hearts. In my free time I love spending time with my family and doing things outdoors.
Teacher Assistants
Archway Classical Academy | Veritas - Teaching Assistants
Mrs. Atkinson is excited to join the kindergarten team as a teaching assistant. She is married and has six children, five boys and one girl. She earned a BS in Elementary Education and has a total of 19 years of teaching experience. With her family, she loves to camp, hike, go on bike rides and travel to new places.
Hi, my name is Isabella Olvera! I was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. I graduated from Grand Canyon University with my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in April of 2025. I completed my student teaching at Archway Veritas and this will be my fifth year here. I love dancing, traveling, photography, and spending time with family and friends!
Miss Fernandez is excited to begin her third year at Archway! She is currently pursuing her degree in Elementary Education as a full-time college student. Born in Texas and raised in Arizona, Miss Fernandez is passionate about creating meaningful relationships with her students and strives to ensure each child feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed both academically and personally. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, trying new recipes, and exploring new restaurants. Miss Fernandez looks forward to partnering with families to create a positive, engaging, and memorable school year for every student!
Maureen Haley has been part of the community since 2011. Maureen is married to Bill, and their children have attended both Veritas Prep and Archway Veritas. She is excited to serve as a first grade TA. Outside of school she loves baking and spending time with her family.
Ms. Potts is an Arizona native who spent several years in California completing her college education, working as a stylist, and contributing to art installations at a local gallery. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education to further strengthen her commitment to teaching. She is an avid reader who enjoys discovering new authors and revisiting classic works, and her love of music has led her to build a thoughtfully curated vinyl library that reflects a wide range of genres and eras. Her appreciation for the arts also extends into her weekends, which she often spends visiting exhibitions, attending gallery openings, and engaging with the vibrant creative community in her area.
My name is Miss Carter and I am starting my third year at Archway. I am an Arizona native, and completed a French Language degree at ASU! Outside of school, I love to go to the gym, dance, and read as much as possible!
My name is Heather Shaw and this is my third year at Archway Veritas working as a third grade TA. I am also an Archway parent to a 2nd and 5th grader. I love building relationships with students and their families. In my free time I enjoy gardening, bike riding , reading, cooking and spending time with my lovely friends and family.
Miss Loy is currently studying Elementary Education at ASU, and will graduate in December of 2026! She has been at Archway Veritas for one year, where she served as a TA in second grade. This year she is joining the 3rd grade team. Outside the classroom Miss Loy enjoys going for hikes, reading, and spending time with her loved ones.
Miss Padilla has been a Teaching Assistant at Archway Veritas for two years. She is currently pursing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, going to the movies, and reading.
Sarah is beginning her fifth year at ACV, where she has served as both a teaching assistant in kindergarten, third grade, and now fifth grade. She especially loves building relationships with students and creating a classroom where they feel known, encouraged, and cared for. Sarah is currently pursing her bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education. Her love for working with children extends well beyond the classroom. She has been a nanny for the same family for more than 12 years and considers it one of the most meaningful roles in her life.Arts, Language, and Physical Health
Archway Classical Academy | Veritas - Arts, Language, and Physical Health
I have dedicated my career to working with children, and helping them discover the joy of movement through physical education. As a former collegiate soccer, cross-country, and track athlete, I remain passionate about running and maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle, and I enjoy sharing that passion with my students each day. My goal is to develop not only students physical skills, but also their character by teaching them to always try their best, play safely, show kindness, and demonstrate good sportsmanship. I strive to inspire each child to build confidence, embrace an active lifestyle, and develop healthy habits, and love for movement that will last a lifetime.
Maggie Medcalf has had a passion for art and classical education since being in a Great Books program in college. She enjoys helping students explore different art mediums and learn from the Masters, including her favorite artist, Henri Matisse. She has lived in the Phoenix area for a little more than twenty years and loves spending time with her husband and children.
Leadership
Archway Classical Academy | Veritas - Leadership
Mrs. Vandenberg is delighted to begin her second year at Archway Veritas. Mrs. Vandenberg has a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education from the University of Arizona and has a Masters degree in Educational Leadership from Arizona State University. In her free time, Mrs. Vandenberg enjoys spending time with friends and family and her two dogs, JMo and Stella.
Ms. Mandy retired in January 2023 after 23 yrs at a non-profit. She soon realized retirement was not for her – she would rather be working, productive and helpful. She enjoys spending time with her family and reading.
Mrs. Canter’s days are filled cheerleading ACV and VPA’s giving campaigns and her evenings are filled with shuffling three active kids to their extracurricular activities! Somewhere in between she finds time to enjoy cooking, walking her beloved golden retriever Charlie, family movie nights, and squeezing in some needlepointing!Exceptional Student Services
ESS@archwayveritas.org
I am so excited to be able to return to Archway Traditional Academy for my second year. Being a Native New Yorker, I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and Special Education, with a concentration in Psychology and Mathematics, from the State University of New York at Geneseo. I also obtained a Master’s Degree in Behavioral and Learning Challenges from Buffalo State College. I am passionate about teaching and being a lifelong learning. Outside of my professional responsibilities, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, exercising, reading and most recently – Pickleball.
Originally from the UK, Ms. Stigall has been living in the United States for almost 20 years. She has lived in 3 countries and now calls Phoenix home. Ms. Stigall is is in her 4th year of teaching at Archway. In her free time she loves going on adventures with her kids and friends!
Miss Hahn is entering her third year at Archway Veritas and has seven years of experience working as a respite provider through the state, supporting children with special needs. She graduated from Chandler Preparatory Academy in 2020 and went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Dallas in May 2024. Outside of the classroom, Miss Hahn enjoys spending time with family and friends, working out, and reading.
I’m a caring and dedicated educator who enjoys supporting students and creating a positive, encouraging environment where they can feel confident and successful. Outside of work, I love spending time with family, cooking and baking, reading, watching movies, and going on walks with my dog. I’m also a big fan of matcha, and discovering new experiences. I value kindness, genuine connections, and making the most out of every moment.Student Support
Archway Classical Academy Veritas | Student Support
My name is Heather Brierley and I was born and raised in Arizona. I love helping students find their voice and build confidence through communication. Being a school speech pathologist assistant allows me to make a meaningful difference every day. Outside of work, I enjoy spending my free time outdoors and appreciate the opportunity to connect with nature.
This is Paige’s second year serving Archway Veritas as the School Counselor. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology as well as her Master of Arts in Counseling and Psychology in Education through the University of South Dakota. Shortly after graduating, she moved from South Dakota to Phoenix and began her journey at Archway Veritas. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with friends.
I grew up here in the valley but have traveled the world, spending time in Europe and living in Devon, England for a year. I got my masters in Early Childhood education and have worked with Great Hearts for 14 years. I live with my husband and daughter in North Phoenix and we have a hamster Nikki and Yorkie puppy named Doug.
I have been a school nurse for about 6 years, this will be my second year at ACV. I am a mom of 3 kiddos, one of them is a 1st grade scholar at Archway Veritas. I love spending time at home with my family, hiking, baking, swimming, and taking care of our chickens.