Mr. Deffenbaugh is an Arizona native who has been an educator for more than 27 years. He has served as a teacher at the elementary and middle school levels and has been an administrator for more than 15 years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a masters degree in educational leadership both from Northern Arizona University.

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Anna Carino has been with the Avondale Elementary School District for the entirety of her 14 year educational career.  She began as a teacher at Desert Star and has also served as a menor, master teacher, professional development coordinator and administrator. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Middle Childhood Education from Bowling State University and a masters degree in Elementary Education from Arizona State University. She is currently finishing her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University.