Meet The Team

Meghan Griffin | Executive Director

Email Address: mgriffin@gcpaaz.org

Meghan is a long-standing educator passionate about a whole-child educational approach that encompasses academics, social-emotional stability, and respect for all cultures and walks of life. She began her career as a 3rd-grade teacher in 2008, working in a traditional classroom setting. Over time, she transitioned to teaching middle school, where her commitment to education deepened. Since 2015, Meghan has served as a school administrator with K12 and holds a master’s degree in teaching.

Meghan is dedicated to helping students pursue their passions and discover their unique talents. She believes in creating an environment where students feel empowered to explore their interests and achieve their personal best. At GCPA, she is excited to support students and families, fostering a nurturing and inclusive space where both students and staff can thrive and find their excellence!

Malece Marston | Operations Specialist

Email Address: mmarston@gcpaaz.org

With 25 years in the healthcare industry, Malece dedicated her career to helping patients with their various needs. In 2023, she began a new chapter at K12 Stride as a Community Education Specialist, and this year, she transitioned to GCPA as the Operations Specialist. Malece loves working with students and their families, providing support and resources to ensure their success. 

Jessica Cox | Grades K–2 Teacher

Email Address: jcox@gcpaaz.org

My Name is Ms. Jessica. I am a true Floridian! I love to fish and be anywhere on the water. I have been teaching for 13 years, with a passion for science! I love exercising, traveling and making new friends.

Andrea Ordonez | Grades 3–5 Teacher

Email Address: aordonez@gcpaaz.org

Andrea joined Stride to pursue her passion for online education. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master’s in STEM Education. As an educator, Andrea has a true passion for helping each child progress in all areas of their development – academic, social, emotional, language, and motor. She always strives to create a positive, fun environment for her community of learners. Her goal is to create an academically engaging learning experience that fosters creativity, curiosity, and kindness in her students.

Lexi Richardson | K-6 Special Education Teacher

Email Address: lrichardson@gcpaaz.org

I am very excited to be joining GCPA! This will be my sixth year as a special educator.

I completed my Bachelors of Arts and Masters of Education degree from the University of Washington. I also earned my Doctorate of Education in Applied Learning Sciences from the University of Miami in 2023. I was a competitive All-Star Cheerleader and rode on the Florida Atlantic University Equestrian Team. I have taught as an elementary special educator in Alaska as well as virtually. I am certified in K-12th Grade Special Education and K-8 General Education.

I believe that all students are capable of success! I am passionate about education and differentiating instruction to ensure all students are receiving high quality instruction helping them reach their true potential.

Christine Zinzeris | Middle School Science Teacher

Email Address: czinzeris@gcpaaz.org

Ms. Zinzeris believes that teaching science is a gateway for students to explore and understand the fascinating world around them. Her enthusiasm for the subject inspires her students to ask questions and appreciate that science is everywhere. When she’s not teaching, she loves to unwind by cooking delicious meals, traveling to new destinations, and watching cooking shows.

Juliann Lavigne | Middle School Math Teacher

Email Address: jlavigne@gcpaaz.org

Mrs. Lavigne graduated with her bachelors in middle school education in El Paso, Texas. Since then, she has taught math in multiple states including Texas and California, and is excited to dive into the virtual world of teaching with Stride! Initially wanting to teach science, Mrs. Lavigne quickly found that her true passion was teaching math. Since her discovery, she brings her excitement for math into the classroom to not only help students grow their confidence in math but show them that math truly is fun! 

Erin Hendrix | Middle School English Teacher

Email Address: ehendrix@gcpaaz.org

With over 20 years of experience, Erin Hendrix is a dedicated educator focused on meeting students where they are while preparing them for what’s next. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Utah, and she began her career working with English Language Learners, earning an ELL endorsement to better support diverse learning needs. Erin has taught in public, parochial, and private schools, bringing a warm and thoughtful approach to each classroom. She is passionate about fostering a love for reading and writing, ensuring every student feels confident and equipped for the future.

Lexi Richardson | K-6 Special Education Teacher

Email Address: lrichardson@gcpaaz.org

Learn more about Dr. Richardson in the Elementary School Team section.

Cynthia McCallum | 7-12 Grade Special Education Teacher

Email Address: cmccallum@gcpaaz.org

Cynthia has experience as a Special Educator with all levels Kindergarten-12th grade as well as post-secondary. She specializes in inclusion and holds two graduate degrees specializing in inclusive teaching and learning. She has joined GCPA because virtual teaching and learning provides the unique opportunity for both individualized instruction and inclusion that virtual learning affords. Her philosophy revolves around relationship-based learning. She has vast experience in Special Education compliance and DEI programs and clubs. In her free time, she loves to read and escape to nature.

Sage Norrie | High School Science Teacher

Email Address: snorrie@gcpaaz.org

Sage joined Stride in August of 2022 to pursue his passion for online science education. He earned a B.S. and an M.S. in Molecular Biology from the University of South Florida (Tampa, FL). As an educator, Sage has a true passion for helping each child progress in all of the science courses. He always strives to create a positive, fun environment for his community of learners. He can’t wait to be a part of this exciting adventure with you!

Jeremy Ryan | High School Social Studies Teacher

Email Address: jryan@gcpaaz.org

Mr. Ryan loves to laugh. Whether it’s watching cartoons, the thrill of visiting a new place, cracking dad jokes to his wife and boys, or making an incredible play in a videogame, if it makes him and others smile then he’s there. An educator for life, Mr. Ryan’s passion is teaching about world culture, historical events, and fitness while geeking out about pop culture.

Emily Wendt | High School English Teacher

Email Address: ewendt@gcpaaz.org

Emily joins GCPA with 17 years of English teaching experience at the high school and community college levels. She graduated from the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign) with a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts & Sciences and a minor in Secondary Education. She then attained a Master’s in English Literature from Old Dominion University (Norfolk, VA). Emily brings her passion for literature and writing into the classroom to motivate students to challenge themselves while having fun and to excel as critical readers and writers. Outside of the classroom, Emily loves seeking out new experiences with nature, history, and culture. She is excited to embark on an adventure in virtual education at GCPA!

Hafsa Arif | High School Math Teacher

Email address: harif@gcpaaz.org

Ms. Arif brings over four years of dedicated teaching experience in high school mathematics to our school community. As a seasoned educator, she has not only inspired countless students but also served as a valued content lead within her institution. With a background in chemical engineering, Ms. Arif brings a unique perspective to her math classes, emphasizing real-world applications and problem-solving skills. Beyond the classroom, she’s a passionate traveler who relishes experiencing different cultures and, as a loving parent, enjoys spending quality outdoor time with her toddler. Ms. Arif embodies the spirit of lifelong learning and looks forward to empowering our students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.

Cynthia McCallum | 7-12 Grade Special Education Teacher

Email Address: cmccallum@gcpaaz.org

Learn more about Dr. McCallum in the Middle School Team section.