In March 2014, a group of Avondale-Goodyear community members gathered to create a vision for a non-profit foundation to support the Avondale Elementary School District. This group included parents, business owners, former and current employees, government officials, and graduates of the District. They held a common desire to empower the students and staff of the District by providing opportunities for scholarships and honoring the excellent work of the staff in preparing students for the future. The vision came to life as “Creating Opportunities, Celebrating Excellence.” They saw the possibility of a non-profit foundation to be a catalyst for post-secondary learning by fostering student aspirations, leveraging partnerships throughout the community and providing support for the staff who directly impact the students everyday. This vision and mission provided the framework for the development of the Avondale-Goodyear Education Foundation. The Foundation became a reality with its first Board of Directors meeting on April 16, 2015.
Thank you to our sponsors:
Dr. Janet Beason President
Dr. Beason is an educator with degrees from Ohio State and Arizona State Universities. During her 50 years as an educator, she has taught in Caribou, ME; Izmir, Turkey; Omaha, NB; Evanston, IL; and Marysville, CA. Dr. Beason worked in the Avondale School District for 30 years as a teacher, computer coordinator, principal and assistant superintendent. Currently in her retirement, she supervises student teachers for Rio Salado College.
“I am excited to be part of the Avondale-Goodyear Education Foundation. The school district feels like family and home to me. It is a privilege to be part of this board and work as a catalyst for post-secondary learning for our graduates and to honor our hard-working and dedicated teachers.”
Carrie Chopra President Elect
Carrie Chopra is the Business/Office Manager of A plus Dental. She manages the operations and visits K-8 classrooms to teach children the importance of dental hygiene. She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Southwest Texas State University and a Masters in Library Science from University of Houston/Clear Lake, Previously, she taught in Texas, Missouri, and Arizona. Her career in Arizona was with the Avondale Elementary School District as a librarian and computer science teacher. She has lived in Goodyear for 22 years and has three children.
“Believing in the importance of education and the opportunities it can provide, serving on the Avondale-Goodyear Education Board has allowed me to stay connected with the students and staff of the Avondale District to create positive, lasting change in their lives.”
Quay Bolton-Lattari Treasurer
Quay Bolton-Lattari is the Executive Director of Business Services for Agua Fria Union High School District. She has a Bachelor of Science Accountancy degree. She has much experience in the field of school finance, business management, human resources, and all aspects of school business. She is an active part of the West Valley communities personally and professionally.
“As a Board member of the Foundation, it provides me the opportunity to help students attain a higher level of education and open the possibilities for them to have a career they may not have thought possible.”
Dr. Cathy Stafford Secretary
Dr. Stafford is the recently retired Avondale Elementary School District Superintendent with over 34 years experience as an Arizona educator. She has deep roots in the West Valley, residing in Goodyear, Arizona. She is Co-Founder of 2Wisdom’s Way, LLC, providing professional consulting and development as well as educational and personal coaching. She is also the Director of Wisdom’s Way School. She holds B.A, M.A. and Ed.D degrees from Arizona State University.
“I am dedicated to helping students achieve their post-secondary dreams and honoring the excellent work of the Avondale Elementary School District staff. Serving on the Avondale-Goodyear Education Foundation Board gives me the opportunity to create partnerships providing support for AESD students and staff. Come join me in our Foundation’s good work for the AESD learning community.”
Liz Gonzalez Board Member
Liz Gonzalez, Ed.S., is a passionate advocate and trailblazer in the field of Career and Technical Education (CTE). With an infectious and dedicated youth advocacy spirit, she also holds a wealth of experience where she proudly champions the cause of diversity, equity, and inclusion leadership and CTE landscapes.
At the heart of Liz Gonzalez’s work is a commitment to advocating for marginalized youth. Her scholarly research pursuits focus on pioneering CTE policies that break new ground in fostering inclusivity and providing equal opportunities for all students. A powerful advocate for youth leadership, Ms. Gonzalez amplifies the voices of our future diverse student leaders, ensuring they have a seat at the table and opportunities to thrive in serving their community.
“As a proud mom of a Wildflower Accelerated Wildcat it was destined that my son continues the Wildcat Legacy, since mom is a University of Arizona graduate herself. Frequently, I boldly boast that my son has access to a private education at a public cost, as every student there has the opportunity to succeed. As a community member, educator, and mother bear with a sprinkle of dragon, the magic is in the eyes of the children that I see walk proudly into the school as children of hope and walk out as scholars, and even as a mom, the Leader in him, makes all of us, The Leader in Me, as we are stronger together.”
Sydney Cyrus Board Member
Sydney Cyrus is the Marketing Director at CHASSE Building Team. With over 10 years of marketing experience, Cyrus graduated from Arizona State University with a BS in Visual Communication. As the prior Creative Director for 1MISSION, an International Nonprofit, Cyrus brings a wealth of knowledge surrounding graphic design, web design, and marketing. As an Arizona Native, giving back to Arizona schools is super important to her and loves putting her extra time and effort in the education system that got her to where she is today!
“I feel very lucky to work alongside the Avondale-Goodyear Education Foundation board members to create opportunities for students and celebrate the AESD staff. Being a community partner, I get to see the dedication from everyone I’ve met from the District and the Foundation and the time and effort they put forth for AESD students!”
Ilana Dawson Board Member
Ilana Dawson has been serving the Avondale Elementary School District for 12 years as a teacher, mentor, and administrator. During her time in the district, she has spearheaded initiatives that advance student achievement, responsibility, citizenship, and education beyond the classroom. She has earned a B.A. in Elementary Education from Arizona State University, an M.A. in Educational Technology from Northern Arizona University, and an M.A. in Education Leadership from Western Governor’s University. She is currently working as the Assistant Principal at Copper Trails School within the Avondale Elementary School District.
“Becoming a member of the Avondale-Goodyear Education Foundation has provided me with an amazing opportunity to serve my community in a way I have never before. I am extremely grateful to be able to work with the foundation to honor the dedicated staff members within the district, as well as, help our students achieve their pursuit of becoming lifelong learners.”
Wayne Deffenbaugh Board Member
Wayne Deffenbaugh worked for the Avondale Elementary School District for 18 years serving as the Principal and Assistant Principal of Desert Thunder School. He recently retired after 30 years in education as a teacher, assistant principal and principal. He is currently the Safety and Wellness Administrator for the Avondale Elementary School District. Wayne is a third generation Arizonan and has called Goodyear and Avondale home for the last 23 years.
Dr. Kelly Olson Stewart Board Member
Dr. Kelly Olson Stewart is an experienced educator with a rich background spanning K–12 and higher education. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor and Department Head at the University of Arizona Global Campus. Deeply committed to her community, Dr. Stewart has twice worked for Avondale Elementary School District and continues to champion educational excellence and innovation. A Goodyear resident for the past twenty years, she and her husband have raised their two children in the community they proudly call home. Dr. Stewart holds a B.A. in Elementary Education with a Reading Specialization from Indiana University, an M.A. in Elementary Education with a Technology Specialization, and an Ed.D. in Leadership and Innovation from Arizona State University.
“I am grateful to be part of the Avondale-Goodyear Education Foundation’s proud legacy of care and service. It’s inspiring to join such dynamic leaders who are building a vibrant community and expanding opportunities to shine light and hope for others.”