Renee Travers
Principal, Nogales High School

Ms. Travers was born and raised in Nogales, Arizona, and graduated from Nogales High School in 1996. She started her career in education as a teacher’s aide after high school as she continued with her education to become a teacher, which led her to receive her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Liberal Arts from Prescott College. She was a math and science teacher and a volleyball and track coach. Ms. Travers then continued her journey into administration, graduating from Grand Canyon University in 2007 with a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. She was an assistant administrator and athletic director before becoming principal at Pena Blanca Elementary.

After three years, she relocated to NUSD and became an assistant principal at Nogales High School from 2013 to 2021. After 20 years in the school system, Ms. Travers pursued a new opportunity with the City of Nogales Parks and Recreation Department and became the new Director in 2021. In her 3 years at the city, she worked closely with the community to incorporate new programs and activities. Now, understanding that education and community are her passion, she returns to Nogales High School as Principal.

“My community and its children are my passion. I am a parent of an NUSD student and a product of the NUSD school system. I believe that it takes a village to raise a child, and NUSD has a very strong village that I am proud to be part of. My path led me away from education, but not from my community, which now has brought me back home. Once an Apache, always an Apache!”

Manuel Carrillo
Assistant Principal, Nogales High School 

Manuel Carrillo has over 22 years of leadership and management experience in business, K-12, and higher education. He has served as Dean of Students, Asst. Principal and Principal during his career in public education. He is also an adjunct faculty member for Pima Community College. He teaches Education, Business, Management, and developmental math courses.

Manuel O. Carrillo is a graduate of Northern Arizona University, where he received a Master’s in Educational Leadership, and the University of Arizona, where he received a Bachelor’s and a Master’s in Business Administration. 

Manuel has coordinated district-wide Title III programs and emergency procedures. He has experience writing, implementing, and managing grants. Under his tenure as principal, his school received the “Healthier U.S. School Challenge” gold medal awarded by the United States Department of Agriculture. He also was instrumental in leading his school to achieve the highest growth in the school district for the 2013-2014 school year. During the early stages of his career, he acquired international management experience working with a multinational retail company.

Manuel is a lifelong learner who believes in continuous gradual improvements in the personal and professional fields.

Michael Inzunza
Assistant Principal, Nogales High School

Mr. Inzunza has over 20 years of experience in the education and human services field. He began his career in education in 2002 at NHS as a Transition Specialist. He then joined the AZ State Rehabilitation Services Administration for several years. In 2012, he returned to NUSD #1 at Pierson High School, where he served as a CTE business and digital printing instructor, print shop coordinator, SkillsUSA and FBLA advisor, STUCO sponsor, and music program sponsor.

Mr. Inzunza comes to NHS highly motivated to serve students, families, and teachers to promote the school’s mission, vision, and positive school culture. He believes that every child, regardless of their background, is capable of achieving high academic outcomes.

A Nogales native, he is dedicated to the community and is continuously involved in community service work on both sides of the border. Mr. Inzunza earned his bachelor’s degree in Literacy, Learning, and Leadership from the University of Arizona and his master’s degree in Educational Administration from the Grand Canyon University.

Eric Sowle
Athletic Director, Nogales High School

Mr. Sowle graduated from The University of Nevada – Las Vegas in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Athletic Training. Afterward, he began providing Athletic Training services through Azalea Orthopedics in Tyler, Texas, and Sports Medicine instruction at Palestine-Westwood in Palestine, Texas. He served as the Head Athletic Trainer and Sports Medicine Instructor at Westwood ISD for 2 years. During that time, Mr. Sowle earned his NSCA Strength & Conditioning Specialist and AHA BLS/First Aid/AED Instructor Certifications. In 2017, Mr. Sowle moved to Tucson, AZ, and accepted a position with Arizona Sports Care, LLC. As an Athletic Trainer with Arizona Sports Care, Mr. Sowle provided Athletic Training services for various schools and events in Southern Arizona, including Nogales High School Athletics.

Mr. Sowle quickly became the Nogales High School Full-Time Athletic Trainer and Sports Medicine Instructor in January 2018. In August 2019, Mr. Sowle served an additional role as the school’s Athletic Coordinator before becoming the school’s full-time Athletic Director the following year.
Mr. Sowle recently finished obtaining his Master’s in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University in March of 2021.

Jigar Mehta
Principal, Pierson High School

Mr. Jigar Mehta, newly appointed principal of Pierson High School and NUSD online, believes that education is the most potent tool for transforming the world and is committed to equipping every student with the skills necessary to succeed in an ever-changing world.

Mr. Mehta holds a Bachelor's in Mathematics and a Master's in Educational Leadership and Administration. Mr. Mehta began his journey as a teacher and has since taken on various roles in leadership, such as instructional coach and test administrator, throughout his career. He has conducted numerous seminars and training sessions, equipping over 800 teachers with innovative teaching methodologies and educational technology skills. 

Mr. Mehta is the recipient of various awards and recognition. In 2017, he was awarded the distinguished titles of Nogales High School Teacher of the Year, Jackie Scott Ambassador of Excellence, and Santa Cruz County Teacher of the Year, which is a testament to his unwavering commitment to his profession. ASU-Helios Decision Center for Educational Excellence recently recognized him for his contributions to STEM education, and he is a member of the ASU Impact Corps inaugural cohort.

Apart from being passionate about education, Mr. Mehta also cherishes spending time with his family. He indulges in cooking, reading, and taking leisurely walks with his wife and relishes playing with his daughter.

Frank Gilvin
Principal, Wade Carpenter Middle School

Frank Gilvin is excited to be the principal of Wade Carpenter Middle School.  Mr. Gilvin received his undergraduate degree from Morehead State University in 1996 and his graduate degree from the University of Phoenix in 2009.  He has a passion for student learning and believes in all students.  As principal, Mr. Gilvin will strive to meet the educational, social, and emotional needs of the students at Wade Carpenter.

Mr. Gilvin has been in education for the last fifteen years, having taught physical education and science courses.  He began administrative work at a charter school in Tucson.  He has served in administrative roles, including athletic director and principal.  In his last position, Mr. Gilvin was a curriculum service provider for the Tucson Unified School District.  Being able to assist and serve as an instructional coach for teachers has helped shape his leadership style as he believes in building teacher leaders.  

Mr. Gilvin is committed to providing a safe and rigorous learning environment that enables students to be critical thinkers and problem solvers.  These are skills necessary for students to transition to high school and beyond.  He is proud to be part of the Nogales Unified School District and to serve at Wade Carpenter Middle School.

Viridiana Villa
Assistant Principal, Wade Carpenter Middle School 

I'm very excited to be serving our Wade Carpenter Middle School Community as the new assistant principal.  I have served NUSD #1 for the past 18 years in different roles. I began working for the district as a library aide at Nogales High School,  then went to Bracker Elementary School as a Computer Tech. In 2012, I started my teaching career at A. J. Mitchell Elementary School and was there until June 2022. 

I earned my Bachelor of Science from the University of Arizona in 2012 and my Masters in Administration from Grand Canyon University in 2016. 

I was born and raised in Nogales,  Arizona.  I'm proud to say I'm a product of this community and our school district, and I am very humbled to be serving my community.  I believe that I can support all learners,  build relationships with our students and families, and help our students be the best version of themselves.

I am the proud mom of two children who also attended and graduated from NUSD #1. I like to travel with my husband and my children, making life-long memories.

Christopher Miranda
Principal, Desert Shadows Middle School

Mr. Christopher Miranda is the proud principal of Desert Shadows Middle School. Mr. Miranda has served NUSD #1 for 15 years in several educational roles. He began his career in 2004 as a computer technician for Desert Shadows Middle School. For eight years he taught Computer Maintenance, Network Technologies, Business Management, and Administrative Services in Career Technical Education (CTE) at Pierson Vocational High School. Additionally, he taught Computer Information Systems (CIS), and Business (BUS) courses at Cochise College. In the summer of 2015, he returned to Desert Shadows as an assistant principal; a position he held for 4 years.

Mr. Miranda earned a Bachelor of Science in 2007 in Information Technology and a Master’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Technology Management (MBA/TM) in 2010 from the University of Phoenix. He pursued further studies in education, as he enrolled at the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University and completed the Educational Leadership program in 2014.

Mr. Miranda believes that all students can and must be academically successful.  To fulfill this goal the school must provide quality learning opportunities, excellent educators, and thoroughly active parental involvement.  He strives to provide a safe learning environment so all students learn to their fullest potential. His mission is to lead Desert Shadow Middle School to be recognized as an “A” school.

Christina Dang
Assistant Principal, Desert Shadows Middle School

Ms. Dang is excited to join Desert Shadows Middle School as the new Assistant Principal. She is eager to learn more about the history and culture and work together as a team to keep the school successful. Ms. Dang believes in students having a growth mindset and learning from their mistakes. Each day is a new day and students can start over by making good choices. 

Ms. Dang received her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Arizona in 2010 and joined the Sahuarita School District, teaching 5th, 2nd, and 4th grade classes. In 2018 she earned her Masters from Grand Canyon University in Principal Leadership. While teaching, she served as principal designee, instructional coach, yearbook coordinator, student council representative, and Girls on the Run coach, as well as working on committees to help build school and community relationships.

Ms. Dang is an Arizona native, being born in Tucson, raised in Sahuarita, and only living out of the state for 6 years in Texas as a child. She is a proud mom of one son (age 20) who is currently serving in the United States Navy, as an Aviation Electrician specializing in working on helicopters. She enjoys living near her family and taking her dog for play dates with her parents, traveling, kayaking, crafting reading, and spending time with friends.

Saralee Burkett
Principal, Lincoln Elementary School

Ms. Burkett received her undergraduate degree from the University of Phoenix in 2012 and her Master's in Special Education in 2019. She is working toward her doctorate as a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership at Grand Canyon University. She remains a staunch supporter of public education. Before becoming a principal, she ran a special education program in the Marana Unified School District at Coyote Trail Elementary, where she developed her passion for leadership.

Ms. Burkett stated her goal is to develop a strong relationship with the families, staff, and students at Lincoln with a strong focus on academic and 21st-century skills needed for students to be college and career-ready. Ms. Burkett strives to support all learners and believes that promoting inclusion and equity in education is an endeavor worth fighting for.

Ms. Burkett enjoys spending time with her fiance and children, She loves exploring local hotspots across Arizona and abroad. Her hobbies are reading, baking, and crafting.

My mission is to support all students, staff, and families at Lincoln through a positive attitude using the FISH philosophy, dedicated effort, and collaborative spirit ensuring student academic success and social-emotional wellness.

Vision: To make Lincoln the elementary school of choice that all families vie to send their students to in southern Arizona.

I promise to do my best to Be There for you, Play at school, and make Lincoln a place where all staff and students want to come to work and school each day.

Mariebeth Silva
Principal, Mary L. Welty Elementary School 

Ms. Silva transitioned from the private sector into education and has developed the required skill set and qualifications for the position of principal. She has an extensive background in child development and curriculum and instruction. She has served at NUSD for over 13 years, nine of which have been as Assistant Principal at Wade Carpenter Middle School. Before her leadership assignment, she taught Middle Grades Language Arts.

Ms. Silva has grown and developed as an instructional leader and has enjoyed building strong relationships with students, staff, and parents and will continue to do so at Mary L. Welty.

Ms. Silva is a Nogales native and a product of NUSD. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Master's in Secondary Education from the University of Arizona. Her experience within the school environment includes budget implementation, school improvement planning, personnel management, professional development, and coaching, as well as student discipline, mediation, and safety. Ms. Silva hopes to inspire generations of lifelong learners and educators to help our students achieve academic and social excellence. Since she is already part of the NUSD community, Ms. Silva will continue to lead the school community with dedication and commitment to fostering continued academic excellence at this A+ school.

Christina Valdez
Principal, Challenger Elementary School

Ms. Christina Valdez is the newly appointed principal at Challenger Elementary School and has dedicated her career to the life of service to others.  As a leader, she strives to bring out the best in students, teachers, and staff and create leaders among leaders.  Ms. Valdez believes in providing high-quality education while building meaningful relationships with students, staff, and students' hearts before you can capture their minds.

Ms. Valdez holds a bachelor of arts in journalism with a minor in business from the University of Arizona, a master's in elementary education from the University of Phoenix, and a principal certificate from Northern Arizona.  Ms. Valdez began her career as a reporter for the Tucson Citizen newspaper and USA Today in Virginia.  Wanting to make a difference in the lives of young people, Ms. Valdez changed careers and became an elementary teacher with a focus on educating second language learners.  As a teacher and administrator in Tucson for the past 14 years, she has worked in turnaround schools and, as part of the leadership team, has been successful in students reaching high academic success.  Ms. Valdez is excited about her new role as principal and believes that the Challenger community is a special place that has amazing parent and community support.  She is enthusiastic about continuing the rich traditions of Challenger, including that of becoming a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence once again! 

Freddie Villalon
Principal, Coronado Elementary School

Mr. Freddie Villalon was raised in a small farming community in Tolleson, Arizona. Some of his foundational memories are of working in the fields with his family and waiting anxiously for his favorite burritos de huevos con machaca de “mi amá.” His elders always instilled the importance of family and working to achieve their goals, but always with a humble spirit. 

Mr. Villalon’s experience in the educational setting started as a groundskeeper. Eventually, he became an elementary teacher after graduating with a B.A. in Elementary Education from Arizona State University. Later, he earned a Master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University in Educational Leadership. Since then, he has served as a school leader for the past 26 years.

Mr. Villalon is proud and privileged to be part of the Francisco Vasquez de Coronado Familia. This A+ school has received both state and national recognition for educating the whole child. This amazing Coronado team works closely and collaboratively with parents to educate the whole child. Francisco Vasquez de Coronado Elementary is a true reflection of what education is meant to be for all. 

Mr. Villalon truly believes that one educator, one parent, one team member, or even one caring individual can shape a child and one child can change the world. Please join our family at Francisco Vasquez de Coronado Elementary, and let us change the world . . . one child at a time.

Gabriel Wong
Principal, A.J. Mitchell Elementary School

Mr. Gabriel Wong is the proud principal of AJ Mitchell Elementary School. Since taking the helm in the summer of 2021, Mr. Wong has described this opportunity as one of the greatest honors of his life to serve as principal of AJ Mitchell Elementary School, and he is always excited to see our students and school soar and reach new heights. Mr. Wong believes in transformational leadership, working with our school teams to lead by example and strive toward a shared vision with the community we serve. He believes in creating positive relationships, fostering collaboration, respecting diversity and culture, and that all students deserve safe schools that provide high-quality instruction and great opportunities for success today and in the future.

He was born and raised in Yuma, Arizona, in a humble migrant farming family, and is a graduate of Yuma High School. In 2004, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve and relocated to Tucson to pursue studies at the University of Arizona, focusing on Political Science and Business Administration. While at the university, he twice paused his studies to take year-long leaves of absence for active-duty military service and overseas deployment. He earned his bachelor’s degree in August 2009. 

Mr. Wong began his career in education sixteen years ago in Tucson at Nosotros Academy, where he taught from 2009-2012. He went on to earn his Master of Educational Leadership in Higher Education & Community College from Northern Arizona University in May of 2012. He began working for Tucson Unified in the summer of 2012 and served in various teaching and leadership roles until 2019. During his tenure at Tucson Unified, Mr. Wong earned his graduate certificate in Principalship from Northern Arizona University in August 2015.

In 2019, Mr. Wong accepted the position of assistant principal at Mountain Rose Academy High School, where he collaborated with the administrative team to successfully restructure school protocols and programs and implement accountability and academic goals, leading to increased enrollment and a reduced dropout rate. Before his current role at AJ Mitchell Elementary, Mr. Wong served as assistant principal at McCartney Ranch Elementary in Casa Grande, AZ, where he played a key role in guiding the school through the challenges of an unprecedented pandemic year while ensuring the continuity of services for students and families. He also served as the school's testing coordinator, EL coordinator, 504 coordinator, and instructional technology lead.

Mr. Wong has been happily married for 18 years to the love of his life, Alica; they met at the UofA library during their undergraduate studies. His initial inspiration for working in public schools came from Alicia, a trained anthropologist who later pursued a career as a high school teacher. Together, they are the proud parents of three young sons. When their busy schedules align and allow, the Wong family tries to spend their breaks from school in Mexico, staying connected with family and friends, and taking in the beautiful cultures.

Joshua Payne
Principal, Robert M. Bracker Elementary School

Mr. Joshua Payne is a proud father of three wonderful children and has been married to the love of his life Carmen for 15 years. He is honored and excited to be the Principal at Robert M. Bracker Elementary School. This will be Mr. Payne's third year as the proud Bracker principal. Mr. Payne brings energy and a passion for academic excellence to the school community. Mr. Payne previously held the position at Desert Shadows Middle School as the Assistant Principal and is now in his sixth year as a proud Nogales Unified School District administrator.

Mr. Payne was born at Little Company of Mary in Torrance, California, and was raised in San Diego, California. In 1992, he came to the Old Pueblo (Tucson, Arizona), where he has lived happily ever since. He graduated from the newly constructed Catalina Foothills High School in 1997 and immediately became a passionate Spanish language major at the University of Arizona.

After graduation, Mr. Payne began his teaching career in 2003, working for Sunnyside Unified School District. His passion for learning and growing has earned him multiple degrees. He graduated from Pima Community College in Secondary Education, from Rio Salado with degrees in Public Assistance, and Special Education Cross Categorical, a Master of Education degree from Plymouth State University, and earned a Principal Certification from Lamar University.

Mr. Payne has also worked in private special education with Menta of Chicago, Illinois, and the Tucson Unified School District, as a Spanish teacher, Language Arts Teacher, Special Education Coordinator, Athletics Coach, Learning Supports Coordinator, Summer Hub Coordinator, Intern Special Education Director, and Multi-Tiered Supports Facilitator at several district schools.