Mentors

Dawn Koberstein, our school's proud principal, also serves as the mentor for PA eighth graders during the 2020 -2021 school year. When she's not at school she enjoys traveling, reading and spending time with her family. She has a special love of sea stars.

Wendy Norburg joins Mesquite Elementary as the Dean for the 22-23 academic year. She will also serve as a mentor for Performance Academy students. She has been a part of Gilbert Public Schools for twenty-three years as a teacher and an instructional coach. She is looking forward to working with the Performance Academy teachers to help our students continue to grow and be challenged as learners!

Patty Failla joins Mesquite Elementary as an academic coach for the 22-23 school year. She comes to Mesquite from teaching 8th grade English at Highland Junior High, but her roots are firmly planted in elementary. Patty is committed to student learning and success. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her husband, their two daughters, and their dogs.

Andy Gonzalez is Mesquite's music teacher and a professional musician. He teaches music classes, sponsors the Producers' Club and serves as a mentor for PA students. For more information about Mr. Gonzalez, click here.

Mrs. Pardy, PE Teacher & Mentor

Morgan Pardy, our school's PE teacher, also serves as a mentor for students in the program. During the 2020 - 2021 school year she is working with some of the program's sixth graders.

Ardus Sturdevant, the school librarian, is the designated mentor for many of the program's seventh grade students.

Brittany Blanckaert has years of teaching experience having worked in sixth grade and resource classrooms. This year she is a mentor to some of the program's eighth grade students. She has a daughter and loves Disney.