This page is dedicated to the parents and teachers who invest their time and talents in bringing this co-op to life– cooperatively. We have lead teachers and assistant teachers at our co-op.
Pauline Abello, Headmistress and Teacher
Founder and Headmistress of Excelsior – established 2019
B.A. in Political Science and Christian Studies (emphasis in Biblical Languages- Greek and Hebrew), Grand Canyon University, 2005, Summa Cum Laude
Pauline is a passionate our sharing Jesus with the world and raising her children up to know Jesus and serve them all the days of their lives. For her, Excelsior is a not a business but a calling and a ministry, to come alongside parents and help raise up the next generation of children to know the Lord, to walk in truth and virtue, to think critically, defend the faith, and share the love of Jesus.
She has been married for since 2005 and she and her husband homeschool their 7 children classically, using Memoria Press curriculum. They are both born again Christians and attend Scottsdale Bible Church.
Derek Abello, Science Teacher, and PE Coach
Currently substitute science teacher but has taught our High School Biology, Chemistry, Physics Teacher, 8th grade Physical Science, and PE.
B.S. Life Sciences (Pre-Med) ASU, 2004
Derek is married to Pauline and they homeschool their 7 children. Derek owns his own businesses Abello Bees and DerekAbello SEO. Before he became a full time entrepreneur he taught High School Biology and Honors Biology at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, then they moved to Arizona and he taught Health and PE at a K-8 elementary school. He became a paramedic and full time fireman and was 1 of only 13 firefighters hired in the entire state of AZ in 2009, just after the economy crashed.
But the Lord was working to answer a prayer they had been praying for so long– to build a business together. The Lord would provide an income so they could be together as a family instead of Derek away at the fire station all the time. And also, He would use Derek to do a great work and help save the bees. So despite all worldly “reason” and “wisdom,” he followed the calling and left his secure job to start his Phoenix bee removal company. The Lord grew his company so that he could share the income with other homeschooling beekeepers and homeschooling work-at-home mothers. Together they have saved millions of bees!
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Caitlin C. – Teacher, Assistant Director
Caitlin is a mom of 4. A homeschool graduate herself she is an accomplished professional fitness teacher. She also is a wealth of knowledge of all things healthy and organic, from gardening, to gluten free cooking, and sourcing the highest quality nutritious foods.
Leeann D. – Teacher
Leeann is a mom of 5. She received her degree in New York. She is an actress and co-owner of an acting studio in Phoenix. She leads our preschool class, as well as assists with Prima Latina and 2nd grade Spelling. She is exceptionally musically talented and also teaches the primary grades music class.
Alexander Y. – Teacher
Alexander is a homeschool graduate the eldest of 11 children, his father a Baptist pastor of a family integrated church where he attends. He is newly married and owns his own business teaching dyslexic children. He himself overcame his own dyslexia and now helps others. He has a passion for the classics and humanities. He has taught Christian Studies I, Latina Christiana, Grammar, Composition, Traditional Logic I and II, Horatius at the Bridge, and upper level history and literature. He currently teaches Christian Studies II, Grammar I, Latina Christiana II, Medieval History, Church History, and High School literature.
Bridget E. – teacher
Bridget has such a sweet and kind disposition. She has four children. She has been homeschooling for many years, her oldest being in high school. She loves arts and crafts. She brings her creativity and loving heart to our kindergarten class and preschool.
Annette L. – Teacher
Annette has four children and loves the Lord. She has four children and serves in many of our classes.
Nadine S. – Teacher
Nadine loves composition and poetry, she and her husband are business owners and cattle ranchers. She teaches in our third and sixth grade classes.
Aaryn M. – Teacher
Aaryn loves composition, science, and latin! She is an artisan bread baker, mom of 3 active boys, and a homeschool graduate herself.
Anya A. – Preschool Teacher and Fourth Form Latin Teacher
Anya has taken our preschool class to soaring new heights! The children learn through play and are engaged and have a beautiful experience every day at co-op. Anya also brings her Latin expertise to our highest level of grammar. She is a homeschool graduate herself and a Family Studies Major at Arizona Christian University.
Duffy G. – Teacher
Duffy brings a wealth of expertise to Excelsior. With two masters degrees and previously teaching at Oxford University in England, she is a gem!
Esther J. – Teacher
Esther is a mom of 4, teaches Latin and Classical Studies.
Stephanie F. – Teacher
Stephanie is a mom of 3, Directors of Woman’s Ministry at her church and teaches Bible and Theology for us at Excelsior with excellence!
Melissa I. – Teacher
Mother of two boys, and professional counselor, she has homeschooled for 12 years.
Stacy S. – Teacher
Mom of two, she has a background in Speech Therapy. She brings excellence to our first and second grade classes!
Gretchen T. – Teacher
Mom of 7, she has been homeschooling for over 20 years! She is an expert in composition and Shakespeare. She teaches Bible and literature.
Kelly P. – Teacher
Kelly, mom of 2, formerly an editor of a magazine, she now uses her expertise to teach composition and manage our newsletter.
Laura Z. – Teacher
Laura, mom of 3, has a degree in Literature and teaches literature for our upper school students. She also is a student at Phoenix Seminary and teaches Bible.
Lindsey T. – Teacher
Mom of 4 and with her gentle and kind personality help in our preschool and science classes.
Jodi D. – Teacher
Mom of 4, with a degree in Art, she brings creativity and life to our classes! She teaches classical studies and geography.
Ashlea A. – Teacher
Artist extraordinaire! Mom of 6, she teaches our math games and Junior Kindergarten.
Sarah D. – Teacher
Sarah is a professional teacher that used to teach in the public school system before homeschooling. She is a mom of 3 and teaches in our primary grades as well as is the lead art teacher.
Candice F. – Second Grade Teacher
Sara M. – Teacher
Amy M. – Preschool Teacher
Sarah S. – Geography Teacher
Bethany G. – Teacher
Bethany is a mom of 4, homeschool graduate herself. She is an expert in Latin and Science and Geography and teaches Second Form Latin and Physical Science.
Elizabeth R. – Bible and Third Form LatinTeacher
Kirstin S. – Teacher