Leading Edge Academy Flagstaff
Grades K-8

Call: 928.535.2410 Or Visit:
3400 E Lockett Rd | Flagstaff, AZ 86004

Now Enrolling K-8

Teacher & Staff Bios

Principal

Steve Butcher

Administrative Assistant

Samantha Anderson

Suzanne Herron
Business Specialist

Suzanne Herron

Specials Teacher

Tana Excell

Kindergarten & 1st Grade Teacher

Emma Schrader

2nd & 3rd Grade Teacher

Lela Galea

4th & 5th Grade Teacher

Alina Santamaria

Middle School ELA & Social Studies Teacher

Libby Hayes

Middle School Math & Science Teacher

Kelly Phillips

Principal

Steve Butcher

Administrative Assistant

Samantha Anderson

Samantha moved from Mesa, Arizona to Flagstaff in August of 2019 to attend Northern Arizona University. She is currently studying Criminology at Northern Arizona University with a minor in Education. Samantha recently began working at Leading Edge Academy and has grown to love the new Flagstaff Campus! She is happily married and has a big cat named Bear!

Business Specialist

Suzanne Herron

Specials Teacher

Tana Excell

Kindergarten & 1st Grade Teacher

Emma Schrader

Ms. Schrader is so excited to be apart of Leading Edge Academy. She graduated from Northern Arizona University with a major in Early Childhood Education and Special Education.  Ms. Schrader grew up in Sedona and when she is not in school, she enjoys reading, painting, or exploring Flagstaff. Ms. Schrader can’t wait to meet her students and start the school year!

2nd & 3rd Grade Teacher

Lela Galea

Mrs. Lela Galea grew up wanting to be a teacher as her Father and Grandparents were teachers. She graduated from CSU Stanislaus in 2005 with a degree in Liberal Studies (Elementary Education). She taught grades 1st through 4th grade at Heritage Elementary in Williams. She also taught 4th and 2nd grade at the PEAK School in Flagstaff. Mrs. Lela Galea lives with her husband and children in Flagstaff. She enjoys hiking with her family, Zumba and painting. She is so excited to teach at Leading Edge Academy and is looking forward to a wonderful school year!

4th & 5th Grade Teacher

Alina Santamaria

Mrs. Alina Santamaria graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelors of Science in Education and a Minor in Studio Art. She is originally from Anchorage, Alaska before she moved to Flagstaff to begin her education. She now lives in Flagstaff full time with her husband.  In her free time she enjoys hiking and being outdoors.

Middle School ELA & Social Studies Teacher

Libby Hayes

Ms. Libby Hayes graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2021 with her Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education. Ms. Hayes worked as a long term substitute and paraprofessional in 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade after graduating. She then worked as a 3rd and 4th grade classroom teacher. She is a long time resident of Flagstaff who enjoys everything the town has to offer. In her spare time, she likes to cook, hike, and play with her dog.

Middle School Math & Science Teacher

Kelly Phillips

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