Rodrigo Gutiérrez

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Dr. Rodrigo Gutiérrez taught middle and high school mathematics before becoming a teacher educator. His professional interests lie at the intersection of teacher development, mathematics education, and teaching for social justice, paying particular attention to Latinx and emergent bilinguals. Previously, Rodrigo was a fellow with the Center for the Mathematics Education of Latinas/os (CEMELA) at the University of Arizona, where he examined the implementation of Critical Mathematics in an urban high school’s precalculus course. He came to the CRR after six years as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Center for Mathematics Education at the University of Maryland, where his focus was on professional development to improve mathematics instruction for English learners (ELLs). In 2022, Rodrigo was a national awardee for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM).

rodrigog@arizona.edu

Gretchen Stickney

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Gretchen Stickney is an experienced educational leader with a deep commitment to community building and cultivating strong relationships with staff, mathematics teachers, and all stakeholders. She has taught middle and high school math in diverse school settings across the country and brings 29 years of classroom and instructional leadership experience to her work. A 2016 University of Arizona Teacher of the Year Finalist, Gretchen has also served as a New Teacher Induction (NTI) coach for the CRR for the past four years. She is known for creating inclusive, high-impact learning environments grounded in mutual respect and collaboration. Her professional passion begins with an unwavering belief in the potential of every learner—she assumes confidence first, then works to ensure that all students are challenged at a high level, including multilingual learners, neurodivergent students, and those with advanced academic needs. A lifelong learner herself, Gretchen brings both empathy and high expectations to every space she leads. Though not originally from Tucson, she has proudly made it her home for the past 12 years, continuing her mission to expand educational opportunity and excellence.  

gstickney@arizona.edu 

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Michael Perkins

Michael Perkins is a Programs Coordinator for the Center for Recruitment and Retention of Mathematics Teachers. He is a University of Arizona graduate and then earned a Masters Degree in Teaching and Teacher Education. He was a classroom teacher at the elementary school, the junior high, and the high school and was also a Mathematics Specialist for a School District. Michael is also a head coach for a local High School Women's Basketball program. When not at work, Michael and his wife are playing games and completing puzzles with their two boys.

mkperkin@arizona.edu

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Ariel Beggs

abeggs@arizona.edu

 Shanna Ellen Gray 

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Shanna Gray works as an outreach coach and professional development facilitator. Before joining the team at the CRR, Shanna was a math teacher for 15 years in Tucson-area public schools. She enjoys connecting teachers with new, research-based teaching strategies and helping them to embrace these changes in their classrooms. In addition, she is devoted to helping teachers confront math anxiety by helping their students to build a positive math/learner identity, educating teachers about trauma-informed practices with their students, and building teacher capacity in SEL instruction.

shannagray@arizona.edu 

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Agi Post 

Agi Post is the Elementary Program Coordinator for the Center for Recruitment and Retention of Mathematics Teachers. She is a 2020 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) Awardee in Elementary Mathematics with 20 years of teaching experience. She has a long-standing passion for learning and teaching math. Her involvement with the Center for Recruitment and Retention of Mathematics Teachers (CRR) has been transformative, helping her teach students in a way that fosters lasting enjoyment and understanding of math. As one of the first IMPACTS teacher leaders, Agi has enjoyed leading workshops and mentoring new teacher leaders. She values the chance to collaborate with other teachers and is always ready to provide ideas and resources for both student learning and professional development.

agipost@arizona.edu

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Melissa Gomez

Melissa Gomez is a dedicated bicultural, bilingual Latina professional with over a decade of experience in the non-profit sector. A University of Arizona graduate, she furthered her studies in Public Administration at the University of Southern California. Melissa is passionate about grant writing and securing funding for authentic programs that meaningfully impact her community. Her career reflects a deep commitment to creating genuine, purpose-driven initiatives that foster community development and empowerment. Currently, Melissa serves as the Grants and Contracts Specialist for the CRR, In this role, she will contribute to grant writing and development for the CRR’s programs and events.

gomezm@arizona.edu

Angel Estrella

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Angel Estrella is the Admin for student workers in the Center for Recruitment and Retention of Mathematics Teachers as well as the Saturday workshop planner; he also serves AmeriCorps for Mathematics Tutoring. Angel directs and instructs those working Saturday workshops to ensure that all people are satisfied while doing their job. Angel also covers tasks that may need assisting and maintains smooth sailing at the CRR. Angel is currently a Freshman at the University of Arizona pursuing a double major in Mathematics and Optical Engineering while attending the Franke Honors Program. He hopes to apply these degrees to the future of teaching math, and the shifting world towards utilization of light and energy.

Jayde Vaughan

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Jayde Vaughan supports data management and workshop operations at the Center for Recruitment and Retention of Mathematics Teachers. She works with data collection, cleaning, and SQL queries to improve reporting and internal systems. Jayde also assists with CRR workshops by managing event logistics and online participant engagement. She is a freshman at the University of Arizona aspiring to pursue a degree in Management Information Systems.

Kristina Mountz

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Kristina Mountz is the student worker behind marketing at the Center for Recruitment and Retention of Mathematics Teachers. From emails to fliers, Kristina contributes to the CRR's mission by spreading information and knowledge about all upcoming CRR events. She is currently a freshman at the University of Arizona and pursuing a degree in biosystems engineering which she hopes to apply to a career in sustainability once she graduates.

Desiree Nguyen

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Desiree Nguyen is the student worker behind social media and events coordination at the Center for Recruitment and Retention of Mathematics Teachers (CRR). From creating engaging posts and graphics to assisting with workshops and community events, Desiree helps advance the CRR’s mission by connecting educators, students, and community members through meaningful communication and outreach. She is currently a senior at the University of Arizona majoring in Neuroscience & Cognitive Science, Psychological Science, and Molecular & Cellular Biology, and is continuing into the Accelerated Master’s Program in Molecular & Cellular Biology in Dr. Sutphin's Lab until Fall 2026. Desiree hopes to apply her experience in science communication and community engagement toward a future career in medicine and biosciences research.