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Emily Klein Alice – President
Theo (6th Grade) & Addelyn (3nd Grade)
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Emily and her husband Brandon have two children at Rancho, Theo and Addelyn. Their family first started Rancho in 2016, with Theo as a Mini-Mustang and Addelyn soon to follow.
Emily has served as a room parent for eight years. She has enjoyed supporting her teachers, working alongside fellow parents and getting to know Rancho’s fabulous students. From January 2022-May 2023, Emily served as the Lower School Parent/Teacher Liaison. Last year Emily served as the Lower School Vice President.
In addition to being a mom, Emily graduated from Arizona State University with both her undergraduate and Juris Doctorate. She has practiced both federal and state law in Arizona as well as led a legal academic practice as a law professor, legal guest lecturer and has created legal curricula for various educational institutions nationally. Emily loves to travel, entertain with her loved ones, and spend summers in Flagstaff.
Emily is eager for the year ahead and grateful to be able to work with such an exceptional community of parents and teachers.
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Alicia DiDonato - Vice President
Everett (3rd grade) & Isaac (Kinder)
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This will be the DiDonato family’s fourth year at Rancho Solano. Time flies! Alicia has enjoyed serving as Room Rep for Everett and Isaac’s classes and on the PTO in past years. It has been a pleasure to come together with other parents and teachers to help enrich the school experience for our families, staff, and students. Originally from Florida, Alicia moved to Texas to study Psychology at Southern Methodist University (also the Mustangs) and then Arizona to pursue her doctoral degree in Family and Human Development at ASU. After graduate school, Alicia worked in research and evaluation in a variety of academic and corporate settings. Outside of work and school, Alicia enjoys wining and dining, keeping active, exploring new places, and analyzing reality TV personalities. Alicia has held several leadership roles in various volunteer organizations. In this role with PTO, she looks forward to continuing to uphold the pillars of Rancho Solano, advance the goals of the school, support our teachers and staff, and foster rewarding connections within our community.
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Celena Hallstead - Room Rep Liaison
Harrison (2nd), Kallan (K), Isla (PK3)
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Celena and her husband Jonathan have three children attending Rancho this year. Harrison, Kallan, and Isla. This will be their second year as a Rancho family. They are very excited to add Kallan and Isla as new mighty Mustangs!
Celena is from Roseville, CA and earned her B.A. in English and Communications from Concordia University in Irvine, CA. After college, realizing her true passion was culinary arts, Celena attended Le Cordon Bleu in Los Angeles earning her Grand Diplôme®, and the title Chef. She has appeared on several Food Network shows including Cupcake Wars and Halloween Wars. Transitioning from Hollywood, Celena started her own business of meal prepping for athletes and business professionals.
Three children later, Celena has retired her chef's hat and become a mac and cheese and chicken nugget connoisseur. She loves spending time with her family, coming up with creative cookie recipes, and enjoying a fun date night. She currently sits on various Orange County, CA boards, and enjoys fundraising for their causes. Before joining Rancho’s PTO, Celena served as a room rep for each of her children. She also served on PTO fundraising committees at their previous school. Her goal this year as Room Rep Liaison is to continue to build community between students, parents, and teachers alike. And to have lots of fun doing it.
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Ryan Svendsen - Treasurer
Siena (4th)
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Ryan and his wife, Courtney, have one daughter, Siena, who is in 4th grade and has attended Rancho since Pre-K 4.
Ryan was born and raised in Arizona, only having left Phoenix to attend school at the University of Arizona in Tucson. He graduated with a degree in Accounting, achieved his CPA license and worked at two large public accounting firms before joining the corporate accounting world. Currently, he serves as Senior Vice President of Finance at Arizona College of Nursing.
Ryan and his family enjoy outdoor activities, traveling, and spending time with friends and family in Arizona. They also spend part of the year living in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica.
Ryan is excited for his first year as Treasurer and looks forward to advancing the goals of the PTO while also overseeing and upholding all its fiscal responsibilities.
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Tara Capps – Secretary
Maddox (3rd)
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Brandon and Tara Capps have three children, with one, Maddox, entering the third grade this year. This year marks their fourth as part of the Rancho Solano Community. Tara has been an active participant in the school, having served as the room representative for Maddox's first-grade class and regularly volunteering at school events, parties, and field trips.
The Capps family relocated to Arizona in 2017 from Kansas City in search of a change of scenery and have enjoyed their new environment. Tara graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science in 2006 and later earned a Master's Degree in Public Administration, specializing in Political Theory. During her graduate studies, she worked on Capitol Hill but ultimately chose to move back to the Midwest and start a family.
Currently, Tara is the founder of a special needs advocacy practice that assists low income families throughout the valley. Her heart lies with advocacy and volunteering.
Tara is actively involved in her children's education and enjoys various activities, including hiking, yoga, pilates, participating in church activities, traveling, and spending time at the beach.
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Jennifer Gray - Fundraising/Grant Liaison
Grayson (2nd) and Declan (PreK4)
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Jen and her husband Justin, have two children: Grayson (2nd grade at Rancho) and Declan (PreK4 at Rancho). This will be our third year as part of the Rancho family!
Jen is from Palo Alto, CA and graduated from Colgate University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Theatre. After college, she returned home to become a senior marketing executive in San Francisco for several Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) startups. Over the next 13 years, she led go-to-market efforts for several high-growth B2B and B2C companies – that is until she was stolen away by marriage to Arizona almost 10 years ago. Since then, Jen has
focused on growth of a different kind, the kind with diapers! However, she’s still managed to consult for various tech startups and maintain several leadership and volunteer positions for non-profits such as the Junior League of Phoenix, Support My Club, the Boys & Girls Club and more.
Before joining Rancho’s PTO ecosystem as the Fundraising and Grant Chair, Jen has served on multiple PTO committees and as a Room Parent for our former school, Pinnacle Presbyterian Preschool. Jen is a people person, constantly putting her theatre degree and improv comedy experience to good use, but she also loves spending time with her family, traveling, hiking, yoga and she is on a never-ending search for the perfect squid ink pasta (let her know if you find
one)!
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Cindy Runels - Communications Liaison
Connor (Kinder) & Henry (3rd)
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Cindy and her husband, Dave, have two children at Rancho, Henry (3rd) and Connor (K). This is their 5th year at Rancho. Cindy served as a room rep followed by secretary of the PTO and this will be her 3rd year as the communications liaison. She has enjoyed getting to meet the many wonderful families of Rancho through this role as well as contributing to a culture of support for our students, staff and parents.
Cindy is a registered nurse who practiced at hospital bedside for 7 years followed by case management and utilization review for insurance.
They have 2 giant dogs, 2 cats and 2 guinea pigs. As a family, they enjoy getting outside, swimming, hiking and visiting new places and family. Cindy enjoys volunteering for animal rescues, a good book and travel adventures. She looks forward to continuing the collaboration of the PTO, staff and families to make 2024-2025 an amazing year!
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A SPECIAL THANK YOU
TO OUR SUB-COMMITTEE CHAIRS
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Ashley Turco
Luca (Kinder) & Landry (PK4)
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Hello, I'm Ashley Turco. Alongside my husband, we've enjoyed 12 years of marriage, establishing our home in Scottsdale after moving from Florida three years ago. Our family is centered around our two wonderful boys who have been at Rancho now for three years; Luca, eagerly awaiting kindergarten, and Landry, entering into PK-4
Originally from Naples, FL, my career in real estate spanned over a decade where I managed a successful firm, specializing in residential sales, home design, and property flipping. Outside of work, I've dedicated much of my life to charitable endeavors.
Aside from being a devoted mother, I actively serve as a room representative for our children at Rancho Solano, supporting their educational journey in this nurturing community. Meanwhile, my husband contributes his expertise to Scottsdale's luxury real estate market. Each summer, our family tradition is to unwind and explore California.
Scottsdale has truly become our cherished home, offering a strong sense of community and belonging. Witnessing our children's happiness and success brings us immense joy, and we credit Rancho Solano for preparing them well for the future.
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Cindy Spear
Ryker & Blake (2nd)
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Cindy and her husband Scott Spear have two children whom are twins Ryker & Blake (both will be in 2nd grade). They have been a Rancho family member for 3yrs, starting in Pre-K4.
Cindy is from Yellowknife, Canada and her husband Scott is from Iowa. Cindy graduated from Wash U Medical school with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Psychology; and a Masters Degree in Therapy. After practicing over 10years, she opened up her own multi -facility Physical Therapy Company. Selling after the twins were born; she currently decided to stay home, as a stay at home mom to her amazing twins and husband! She currently maintains many volunteer positions with various non-profits organizations around the US. Also assisting in starting a non-profit years prior, the CHAD program; which helps under- privileged young boys have role models and have opportunities to go to college.
Cindy is excited and grateful to be able to volunteer at Rancho, and she looks forward to this next year!
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Elena Shaw
Chloe (2nd)
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Hello! My name is Elena Shaw. My daughter Chloe is in 2nd grade at Rancho Solano and we have a boy due September 12th (future Mustang!). I was born and raised in Arizona only leaving for a few years to live in LA & NYC where I met my husband Devon. We currently live in Scottsdale. I just closed my small business, Cricket + Ruby, and am looking forward to soaking in time with our baby and Chloe. I'm an entrepreneur at heart so I'm sure it won't be long until another business is born. We enjoy time with friends & family, traveling, bike rides on the greenbelt and finding the best new spots to eat.
I served as a room rep last year and am looking forward to helping the PTO as Chair of all things Teacher Appreciation.
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Jenny Shorr
Jacob (9th), Ben (6th), Adam (4th)
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Jenny, Dan and their three boys, Jacob (9th), Ben (6th) and Adam (4th), joined Rancho Solano in 2020. Prior to joining Rancho, Jenny held positions on an SUSD PTO Board. Since joining Rancho, Jenny has served on the Parent Advisory Committee for the last two years. She is also a strong supporter of several local, non-profit organizations. Student Appreciation will be her first PTO position at Rancho.
Jenny is a top producing residential real estate agent at Local Luxury / Christie's International Real Estate, and primarily focuses on the Phoenix, Scottsdale and Paradise Valley Markets. She loves the outdoors and is an avid hiker and road biker.
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Kaitlin Griffin
Brayden (3rd), Avery (1st), Everett (PK2)
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Kaitlin and her husband Ian have three boys, Brayden (3rd grade), Avery (1st grade) and Everett (PreK2 at CASY Preschool). This will be their 4th year at Rancho.
Kaitlin graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Tourism Development and Management with certificates in Convention Sales and Meeting Planning and Special Events Management. She worked in the events industry up until she became a mom. She loves spending time with her friends and family, traveling, and outdoor activities.
Kaitlin served as a room rep parent last year and is honored to be a part of the Rancho PTO subcommittee. She is looking forward to an amazing year.
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Katie Ganz
Jack (3rd)
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Katie and her husband, Eric, have had their son, Jack, at Rancho since he started Kindergarten in 2021.
Katie immediately became an active member of the Rancho community by working as Room Rep and volunteering as much as possible, including helping with the PTO.
Meeting other Rancho families and knowing many students, parents, teachers, and administrators in this amazing community is important to her.
Katie graduated from the Univ. of Arizona with her Doctorate in Pharmacy - but don't worry, if you are an ASU fan, she and her husband are a house-divided, as he got his degree from ASU.
She enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family. Her family has a new puppy named Daisy.
She is looking forward to her roles within the PTO this year and cannot believe her son will be in 3rd grade!
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Lianne Ronzio
Tripp (4th) & Callen (1st)
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Lianne and her husband, Chris, have two boys at Rancho, Tripp and Callen. They began their journey at Rancho in 2021, when her oldest was in 1st Grade.
Lianne has served as a Room Rep since her first year at the school, she loved using it as a way to meet families when moving to a new school, and loved feeling connected to the students, teachers and campus community.
Born and raised in Boston, MA, Lianne and her husband moved to Arizona in 2009 for a change of scenery, and really, weather. They planned to stay for a few years and move back East but they love it here and have never turned back. Lianne graduated from Endicott College in Beverly, MA with a Bachelor of Arts in health and human services, child psychology, and sociology. She has worked a variety of jobs nannying, teaching, working with pediatric oncology patients, she just has to be doing something with children!
Lianne has played the role of Mom to her two boys since Tripp was born, and loves that that role allows her to volunteer her time at their school! She is also a substitute teacher at Rancho. If you don't see her on campus, chances are she is at a Phoenix Suns game. Her family are huge Suns/NBA fans, are very active and love to be outdoors, travel and spend as much time as possible at their house in Flagstaff! She is looking forward to taking on a more active role in the PTO this year!
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Tamara Gisselbaek
Sloane (5th)
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Tamara Gisselbaek and her family have enjoyed being a part of the Rancho Solano community for the last 2 years. Before relocating to Arizona, they previously split time between Kansas City and Edinburgh, Scotland. Tamara enjoys traveling, hiking and skiing with her husband Mads and their daughters Keira (16) and Sloane (10). Sloane is in 5th grade at Rancho Solano.
Tamara’s background includes a master’s degree in public relations, a career in sales, and various school volunteer positions such as room mom and being a member of the PAC committee. She looks forward to contributing to the PTO!
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Lindsay Powers
Paige (2nd), Taylor (K), Elle (PK3)
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Hello, my name is Lindsay Powers, and our family is entering our third year as part of the Rancho Solano community. My husband Greg and I are proud parents to three daughters: Paige in 2nd grade, Taylor in Kindergarten, and Elle in Pre-K3. We also have a beloved 14-year-old Beagle named Blair. Originally from the Central Coast of California, I studied Economics and Urban Studies and Planning at the University of California, San Diego. For the past 20 years, I have worked in the field of Medical Sales. We made the move from San Diego to Arizona in 2017, and since then, we have enjoyed playing tennis together as a family, attending swim meets, and watching our daughters dance. I was a room parent last year and am excited to continue in that role this year. I am eager to bring more enthusiasm and community spirit to our school as the Chair for Community Spirit.
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Questions regarding the Greenway PTO Committee can be emailed to PTOLowerSchool@ranchosolano.com.
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