Frances Diaz (BA University of Arizona) teaches lower-school language arts. Before coming to Imago Dei, she advocated for 20 years in Guatemala women’s and children’s health and taught Spanish in Chicago for five years. “Audre Lorde stated that ‘Without community, there is no liberation,’ and that is why I was drawn to this school – its value of community and making lasting change for the students and families.”
Sheldon Curry (BA Baylor University) teaches music at Imago Dei. He was born and raised in West Texas and has worked in the music business his entire career. He has slightly over 350 church music titles published with more coming. Sheldon has taught music from kindergarten through high school in both public and private schools.
Betsy Emery (BA Colgate, MEd Lesley College/Shady Hill School) teaches 7th and 8th grade language arts. After teaching at IDMS’ sister school, Bement School in MA, she now finds herself at Imago Dei. Ms. Emery is grateful to be a part of the Imago Dei community, where she is able to pursue her passion for teaching in a collaborative environment.
Susan Gamble (BFA University of Arizona, MFA University of California, Long Beach) teaches 5th and 6th grade Art. Susan is an award-winning artist, a social activist, and the force behind Santa Theresa Tileworks for more than 30 years. Her iconic mosaic installations, which can be found across Tucson and the US, are synonymous with Southern Arizona style.
Elaine Garcia (BS Boston University) teaches lower-school math. She is originally from New England and has a degree in Health Sciences. Her diverse musical background includes musical theater, directing a youth choir, and playing in a blues rock band. She is also a certified fitness instructor teaching aerobics at several health clubs in the Tucson area.
Kateri Raglow (BS, M.Ed Northern Arizona University) teaches upper school science. She has taught science here in Tucson as well as in Bolivia and Colombia. She is passionate about helping her students develop their innate curiosity about the world into critical thinking, creativity, and inquiry. She loves time spent outdoors, music, books, travel, food, and anything creative.
Sean Raglow (BS University of Arizona) teaches lower school science. He studied mathematics and physics at the U of A and spends much of his time tinkering with electronics. He hopes to inspire a creative and hands-on approach to science. He is also passionate about music, plays several instruments, and will be helping with some of Imago Dei’s musical endeavors.
Jesus Salinas (FCFM Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo Leon) is our Technology Coordinator, and teaches tech skills. He has years of experience in the implementation and development of computer systems. He loves traveling and hiking, and is very passionate about learning. He is the proud parent of an Imago Dei graduate.
Susan Sloan (BS, MA University of Arizona) teaches Physical Education and is part of our dynamic Graduate Support team. Ms. Sloan retired after 20 years of teaching PE and 10 years as a high school associate principal.
Aiyana Smith (BA, MS, University of Rochester) teaches upper school math. She went to college to study chemistry, hoping to be a high school chemistry teacher. But after working with 1st graders as a literacy coach, she fell in love with younger students, and got her M.S. in Elementary Education. After working in Rochester as an elementary teacher, she moved with her husband to Tucson where she taught 2nd and 3rd grade until landing at Imago Dei. Math and science are her passion – working here is a dream come true!
Natalie Taylor (BA University of Arizona) teaches lower-school history and writing across all four grades. Natalie began at Imago Dei as a Development Associate but, inspired by the transformation of students at our school, stepped into the classroom in 2011.
Iesha Whitfield-Walker (BA University of Arizona, MA University of Phoenix) teaches history to our 7th and 8th graders. With 13 years of teaching experience in public schools, she believes that the intimate setting at Imago Dei offers her new opportunities to show her commitment to and appreciation of young scholars.