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.

Click here to read the principal's letter.

Dr. 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 mentor, master teacher, professional development coordinator and administrator. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Middle Childhood Education from Bowling State University and a master's degree in Elementary Education from Arizona State University. She earned her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University.