Instructors
Mrs. Maria Casillas
If you had asked me 20 years ago where I would be today, I never would have guessed correctly. But that’s what I love so much about seeking God’s will for my life. What He has in store for me is always so much more fulfilling than the plans I set out for myself. I grew up in the Midwest where I met and married my college sweetheart and began a career in counseling after studying Psychology (BA) and Counseling (MA). A short time later, I became “Mom” to our firstborn daughter and moved to Arizona when she was just one year old. Since 2005, we’ve lived in the West Valley and have enjoyed growing our family and seeking ways to build community.
We now have 4 incredible daughters who continue to teach and challenge me on a daily basis. As a family, we love hanging out by the pool, watching movies, going to church, and playing cards & board games. Other activities I enjoy include reading, puzzles, cross-stitching, podcasting, coaching, and traveling. My absolute favorite place to visit is any ocean - I love listening to the sound of crashing waves.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring “Personal Finance” to life for students at the middle- and high-school levels. As a personal finance coach for over 10 years, I have seen the rippling effects that the lack of this subject being taught has had on individuals, families, and society at large. My goal is to equip students with a foundational understanding of how money works, provide opportunities for practical application, and engage in meaningful conversations about how students can use this information to become faithful stewards of God’s provisions in their lives.
Mrs. Jennifer Desalvo Watson
My name is Jennifer Watson. I met my husband, Robert, 23 years ago at the Arizona State Fair and we have two amazing kids, Blake and Brooke. I am beyond excited to be a part of United Collective this year. I will be one of the Math instructors for your middle school students.
I graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelors of Science in Marketing and Logistics. I've spent the majority of my career focused on the financial, analytical and strategic side of Marketing. I have built and mentored my analytic teams to be empowered, autonomous thought-leaders as I am of the mindset that you lift yourself up when you selflessly lift others to reach their potential.
I walked away from my corporate career five years ago when personal family matters, that included my two autistic children, required my full attention, dedication and flexibility.
During my hiatus, I have spent my time working part-time as a respite provider for Air Force families, being highly involved in Cub Scouts as my kid's den leader and the Pack treasurer and involved in the West Valley/Goodyear delegation of Special Olympics for the last 2 years. Most recently, I have been serving as a private math tutor with Smart Cactus through which I have rediscovered my love of math and believe I have found my passion and calling.
For fun, I enjoy making memories as a family--camping by a campfire under the stars, riding and exploring our beautiful desert in our UTV and family game night. I also love listening to audio books, my new-found hobby of crocheting and jamming out to 80's music.
I am truly grateful to Our Lord for having crossed paths with Kristen Sylvester and her amazing organization. From both a personal and professional standpoint, I am honored for this opportunity and the trust you afford me to foster, mentor and inspire your children. My goal is not only to teach math, but do so in such a manner that is an extention of your family and spiritual values.
Mrs. Amanda Hanback
My name is Amanda, and have been with my husband Scott for almost 23 years. Together, we have a
daughter, Catherine, who is about to turn 12. We are a Christian family and can be found serving at our
church any chance we get. My lifelong involvement in childcare began early. as my sister and I were
latchkey kids, with me being responsible for getting us to school and taking care of her until our parents
returned home. This early responsibility evolved into babysitting and nanny Jobs during my teenage
years and into adulthood.
After Catherine was born, I studied to become a lactation consultant but ultimately chose to be a stay-
at-home mom. When Catherine started kindergarten, we quickly realized that public school was not the
right fit for us, leading to the beginning of our homeschooling journey.
Homeschooling has been the biggest blessing to our family, allowing me to cherish Catherine's
childhood and tailor her education to her strengths. Through this experience, l've discovered there are
many different ways to teach children, which has deepened my love for teaching.
I have been homeschooling for nearly seven years and actively teaching in the homeschool community
for four years. My teaching experiences span co-ops, classes in my home, local libraries, and
neighborhood parks, both in Arizona and Texas. I am looking forward to teaching the Eloquent
Expressions class. I think it’s very important for students to learn how to articulate their thoughts,
clearly and confidently. Preparing for debates teaches students how to research topics thoroughly, how
to analyze various perspectives, construct logical arguments and anticipate counter arguments,
enhancing their critical thinking skills. Speaking in front of others helps students overcome fear and gain
confidence in their abilities, they learn how to persuade others effectively, a skill that is useful in many
aspects of life from everyday interactions to leadership rolls.
Debating different sides of an issue helps students understand and appreciate diverse viewpoints, fostering empathy and open mindedness.
The skills gained in speech and debate often translate to improved performance in other academic
areas, such as writing, reading, comprehension and analytical thinking. Overall speech and debate
provides a strong foundation for personal and academic growth, preparing students for future success.
Mrs. Sandy Macklin
Hi! My name is Sandy and I am your Health and Fitness Instructor. I love adventure and trying new things. I love running, especially when it involves a trail. I've completed several half marathons and 5k/10k races over the years, my favorite race being the Monument Valley Half Marathon.
I have backpacked to Supai, in the Grand Canyon four times, one of which was a prerequisite for my husband to marry me. And many other adventures in Zion, Yosemite, on the Kern River, and beyond. My biggest adventure though is being the Mama to my 7 amazing high energy kiddos who keep me young!
Fitness hasn't always been important to me, however, over the years I realized that challenging my body and pushing myself did so much more for me than just making me physically fit. Nearly every lesson in life can be learned in the gym 
Being physically fit builds confidence and empowers people to succeed in all areas of life and THAT is what I want for those people that join my class.
Mrs. Keli Price
I have taught for four decades as a homeschool mom, co-op leader, classroom instructor in Colorado and Arizona charter schools, and in Colorado community colleges.
I have been employed as a nurse for Mayo Clinic, hospice companies, and has served as a medical missionary and teacher in Togo and Zambia, Africa.
I have taught the Apologia curriculum for Biology and Chemistry since its inception and is a big fan of the way Apologia sets the students up for academic rigor and success.
I was chosen by Intel Corporation for two years in a row for Inspirational High School Teacher at the Colorado Science and Engineering Fair.
Mrs. Joanna Rudderman
I grew up in a small, one square mile town, in central New Jersey. I have a B.S in Mathematics from the University of Pittsburgh and a M.S in Mathematics Education from Hood College in Frederick, MD. My teaching career started at a boarding school in Western Maryland. After 5 years, I took the plunge and taught internationally.
I taught in Abu Dhabi, UAE where I met my husband playing slow pitch softball and then taught in Israel at the American International School. When my husband had the opportunity to work in Alaska, I left the warm Mediterranean beaches of Tel Aviv to experience the cold winters in the North Pole. We recently moved to Arizona to be closer to family and explore the Southwest. With my experience, I understand that education is not only a subject matter but also a social, physical, and emotional journey for students.
I love traveling, hiking, kayaking, camping, snowshoeing and exploring new places around the US & the world with my family. I am excited to share my enthusiasm about mathematics within the United Collective Community, while helping students become lifelong learners.