Meet our Staff
Melinda Erspamer
Social Worker
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Mrs. Melinda Erspamer proudly serves as Student Support for Leading Edge Academy, a role pivotal in guiding students through their social and emotional journeys. Drawing from her rich background in social work and advocacy, Melinda possesses a keen understanding of students’ needs, approaching them holistically to ensure their well-being.
In 2022, Melinda, along with her husband and daughter, embraced a new chapter by relocating from Colorado Springs to Arizona. The move has been a refreshing change, and the family is thrilled to immerse themselves in the vibrant Arizona community. Melinda brings to Leading Edge Academy not only her passion but also her academic prowess, holding a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Her diverse experience spans various advocacy roles, working closely with youth and families in schools, social services, and community outreach. This work with young individuals and their families fuels her passion, reinforcing her dedication to the students she serves.!
Blue Anderson
Principal
Office Staff
Dawn Romero
Business Specialist
Amy Verkest
Business Specialist
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Amy was born and raised in Oregon. She graduated from Oregon State University with a Master’s Degree in Teaching Physical Education. She taught PE for 18 years before moving to Arizona in 2017. Amy has been happily married for 19 years and has three children, all who attend Leading Edge Academy. Amy began her time at Leading Edge Academy over the summer and is very grateful for the opportunity to work in the Mountain View Campus as a Business Specialist.
Teachers
Mariam Barth
Data Coach
Foreign Language
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Ms. Mariam Barth has been teaching for 23 years, including 18 years online. This is her fourth year with LEAO. She received her undergraduate business degree (with a minor in Spanish) from the University of Alberta, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and her master’s in Finance from Upper Iowa University. Ms. Barth loves teaching because she enjoys building relationships and making solid connections with her students, which is one of the most rewarding parts of her job. Additionally, she enjoys empowering her students to help them become global citizens. To aid in preparing the next generation to take charge of the world is powerful.
Ms. Barth resides in Queen Creek, AZ with her husband Tony. Ms. Barth enjoys decorating, hiking, spending time with family and traveling; she and her sister own a travel company. As of today, she has traveled to 37 countries and counting. Ms. Barth is the mother of three grown sons. She is also the grandmother of three young girls. Emmy (5), Autumn (3), and Odette (1).
Charmayne Bodkin
7-12 History/Social Studies
CTE
Secondary PLC Lead
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Charmayne Bodkin has embarked on her 11th year in education and fifth at Leading Edge Academy after completing the Career Switcher Program through Shenandoah University. It has been one of the best decisions she has ever made, allowing her to pursue the career of her dreams. After college, Ms. Bodkin began a career in retail management followed by a stint in banking. She stayed home for a few years to raise her children. Ms. Bodkin’s youngest child was diagnosed with autism at the age of two and due to this, she had to learn all she could about education to be the best advocate for her son. This was a blessing in disguise that led Ms. Bodkin to her future career and passion…teaching! She believes that all children can learn and must be given every opportunity possible to be successful. Ms. Bodkin teaches middle and high school social studies and CTE electives. She is also LEAO's secondary PLC and MTSS lead.
Maria Mendoza
Elementary K-6
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Maria Mendoza is entering her 16th year teaching for Leading Edge Academy. She started teaching at the East Mesa campus in 2009 and transitioned to online in 2020. She has her M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State University. Go Sun Devils! Mrs. Mendoza has a passion for helping all children reach their potential and loves to challenge students to be curious and take chances when learning!
Ms. Mendoza resides in the Austin, TX area with her husband, Stephen, six year old son, Luca, and 13 year young lab mix, Hurley. In her free time, she loves traveling, baking, reading, hiking, and spending time with her family.
Shelley Spurgeon
7-12 Science
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Ms. Shelley Spurgeon comes to online with twenty years of science instruction and curriculum design experience. Ms. Spurgeon is both highly qualified in and has previously taught all of LEAO’s 7-12th science course offerings. Ms. Spurgeon has taught both on level and advanced/college level science courses in public school districts and in home school environments, and was named teacher of the year in 2019 at Northlake School District.
In her free time, Ms. Spurgeon loves to travel, cook, and to spend time with the people she loves along with her little dog, Orion. She is a lifelong learner and is always taking a class to learn something new. She is learning French at the moment. She has lived in Germany and has traveled extensively in Europe and all across the United States in her RV. She loves teaching science and helping students to understand that science is in everything we do in our lives. She is a firm believer that science is FUN!