Meet the Arizona K12 Center Team

Donnie holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona and a master’s degree from Grand Canyon University. Between teaching second grade in Amphitheater Public Schools in Tucson and third grade in the Cartwright School District in Phoenix, he has 12 years of classroom experience. In 2012, he achieved National Board Certification and successfully maintained his certificate in 2022. In 2017, he was named a semi-finalist for the Arizona Educational Foundation's Arizona Teacher of the Year. Donnie began serving Arizona teachers as a professional learning director at the Arizona K12 Center in the fall of 2017.

Ask me about my interest in: the history of Marvel’s X-Men.

Jordan is a former Lumberjack from Northern Arizona University, with a bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant management and a minor in business. She has been in the hospitality and events industry for the past five years, previously working at luxury brand hotels focused on exceptional customer service and group experiences. Jordan values organizational processes, vendor partnerships and creating lasting impressions for participants.

Her favorite teacher growing up was: fifth-grade teacher and student government leader, Mr. Collins.

Kristin earned her bachelor's degree in art history from the University of Arizona and began her career working in an art gallery and studio. She quickly realized her knack for never-ending logistical list-making and transitioned into event coordination, producing both weddings and fundraising events. Eventually, Kristin found her way to the Arizona K12 Center where she recently celebrated 10 years of service. Dedicated to supporting the educators who shape our future, Kristin prides herself on providing high-quality professional development and creating engaging experiences. Most recently, Kristin has merged her love for design and passion for serving Arizona's educators in her role as marketing manager.

Ask me about my interest in: floral design and sourdough

Kathleen joined the Arizona K12 Center in 2020, supporting district programs across Arizona in building sustainable systems of support with district leadership and instructional mentors. She provides mentorship and professional development, and co-designs systems for teacher retention and long-term success. Kathleen holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona, a master’s in curriculum and instruction from Grand Canyon University, and maintains her National Board Certification in Early to Middle Childhood Literacy Language Arts. Before joining the Arizona K12 Center, Kathleen spent 13 years as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and district mentor.

Kendall has worked for the Arizona K12 Center since 2015, first as an event coordinator and now as the Arizona Teachers Academy program director. In 2023, she received her master’s degree from Northern Arizona University in educational psychology. She has a love for public education and the special roles educators play in society.

Ask me about my interest in: Your hobby! Let’s talk crafts, reading, gardening, woodworking, cooking, and beyond.

Paula Watkins, NBCT, M.Ed., spent 21 years as a teacher before becoming a program director at the Arizona K12 Center. Her work centers teacher leadership with one goal in mind: to improve the experiences for students across Arizona by supporting and uplifting the voices of teacher leaders. She earned National Board Certification in Literacy: Reading-Language Arts Early and Middle Childhood in 2019. Paula holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Grand Canyon University and two master’s degrees from Northern Arizona University, one in bilingual and multicultural education and another in education technology with an emphasis in adult learning and training. Her passion for instructional design drives her work developing learning opportunities for adult learners.

A place I would like to visit again is: Ireland

Marlys holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and began her career as a crime reporter in northern Indiana before transitioning to the education beat for a daily newspaper. With a career focused on education communications and marketing, Marlys has worked with a variety of education institutions and community groups in both the Midwest and Arizona, including four years in the Maricopa County School Superintendent's Office. She has also been published in a variety of food and agriculture publications. In 2021, Marlys earned her master's degree in professional writing from Northern Arizona University.

My favorite teacher growing up was: My first-grade teacher, Ms. Sutter, who rewarded us with a lot of candy but also helped me become a thriving reader.