Administration & Staff

I was born in East Chicago, IN. I moved to Kentucky when I was five and was raised there. I moved to Alabama in 2006 and then to Arizona in 2013. I attended Eastern Kentucky University and majored in environmental health science. I have a master's degree from Liberty University in middle school education.

I have been working at A+ since it first opened up in 2020. I have had many jobs before working at A+. The only teaching position was at Leading Edge Academy in Maricopa, AZ, as a middle school science teacher.

Mrs. Kari Charves is a dedicated middle school teacher at A+ Charter School, bringing a unique background in criminal justice and geography to the classroom. Originally from Oregon, she earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and community crime prevention with a minor in geography from Western Oregon University.

Before transitioning into education, Mrs. Charves spent 10 years working in youth corrections, as well as parole and probation in Oregon. Her real-world experience provides students with valuable insights into law, justice, and social systems, enriching their learning with practical applications and engaging discussions.

Since joining A+ Charter School last year, Mrs. Charves has been passionate about fostering critical thinking, curiosity, and real-world connections in her students. She is committed to creating an engaging and supportive learning environment where students can grow academically and personally.

I was born in Phoenix, Arizona. I lived in Texas through elementary school but then moved back to Arizona and have been here ever since. I graduated from Grand Canyon University in 2004. I had a double major: one in secondary education, and the other in mathematics education.

The 2023–2024 school year was my first year working for A+. Previously, I taught at an alternative high school for Gilbert Public Schools for 15 years. Before I worked there, I started my teaching career for Leading Edge Academy way back in 2003. I also worked for Combs High School, Coolidge High School, and a couple of other charter schools in between.

Born and raised on a small dairy farm in upstate New York, Mr. Dye received varsity letters in four sports and was a drum major in high school. He traveled south to graduate with a BA in history from the University of North Carolina at Asheville in 2002.

Mr. Dye worked as a varsity football coach in eastern North Carolina for 10 years before receiving his teaching certification from Elizabeth City State University. He then moved west to Arizona, working for eight years at Leading Edge Academy in Maricopa, where he was instrumental in building the athletic program and was named District’s Secondary Teacher of the Year in 2018 by his peers. Mr. Dye has been with A+ Charter School since it opened in 2020.

“I enjoy working with young people to give them the tools they need to be successful and achieve their goals as they become valuable members of our community. Our project-based curriculum allows my students to explore history on a more meaningful level.” - Jason Dye

My name is Christiana Holguin, and I was born and raised in Arizona. I went to Villanova University in Pennsylvania, where I earned my BA in sociology and psychology. 

The 2024–2025 school year was my first year at A+ Charter, and I'm having a wonderful time teaching English and psychology. Prior to this, I was a teacher's aide and kindergarten teacher at Leading Edge Academy.

I am Ms. Holman, one of the junior high teachers with a focus of integrated humanities (English and social studies) This is my second year here at A+ Charter School, with 14 years total in education. I have a master’s degree in elementary education from Grand Canyon University. In addition to a master’s degree in educational administration.

My passion is to teach your child and provide them with the learning experience to last a lifetime. In most of my free time, you can find me lesson planning. I am always trying to come up with fun, engaging, and educational innovated activities to coincide with the curriculum that I teach. Otherwise, you can find me with my family—crafting, cleaning, hiking, and supporting their extracurricular activities: golf, football, basketball, volleyball, student council, etc. I love food! Just to name a few: pizza, ice cream, smoothies, coffee, and teas. I look forward to a great year!

I'm from a rural area of Woodinville, Washington, about a half hour from Seattle. I grew up with few neighbors and many trees. I graduated from Washington State University in 2014 and earned a Bachelor's of Science in neuroscience. The 2024–2025 school year marked my fifth year at A+, and I've been teaching chemistry and environmental science for the majority of those years. I also taught middle school science at Leading Edge Academy Maricopa for four years.

I was born in Cleveland, Ohio and moved to Arizona when I was very young. After I graduated high school, I attended college with a major in graphic design.

I started at A Plus in 2023, making this my second year here at the school.

Before coming to teach at A Plus, I worked in Child Watch at CopperSky for five years. I attended to the different groups of kids, from age 18 months to 12 years old, that would come in to hang out. Helping with homework, running art, fitness, and gaming programs, and making sure they had a safe environment to play.

Rebecca Rushton was born and raised in Arizona and has taught at A+ Charter since 2022. She holds a Master of Arts in mathematics education (secondary) from Western Governors University and a master’s in business administration from Walden University.

Before transitioning into education, Rebecca ran her own business for eight years. Before that, she worked at Walden University as an Academic Advisor, mentoring students in EdD, PhD in education, and PhD in business programs. Her diverse background gives her a unique perspective in the classroom, where she fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills in her students.

Outside of teaching, Rebecca enjoys puzzles, reading, running, and lifting weights. She is always eager to expand her knowledge and inspire her students to stay curious, ask questions, and explore the world around them.

With over 40 years of teaching experience, I have dedicated my career to inspiring curiosity and fostering a love for learning in students. The majority of my teaching journey has been focused on STEM education, with 23 years spent as a middle school science teacher. More recently, I have enjoyed teaching high school biology and ecology, where I guide students in exploring the natural world and connecting scientific concepts to real-life applications.

I was raised in Iowa and have taught in Iowa, Kansas, Wisconsin, and now Arizona. I earned my undergraduate degree in elementary education with an emphasis in science from Luther College in Iowa and my master's degree in curriculum development from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

As an inquirer at heart, I am passionate about providing my students with meaningful educational experiences and encouraging them to synthesize ideas through hands-on exploration and discovery. For the past five years at A+, I have had the privilege of developing my instructional coaching skills. This role allows me to support both teachers and students in mastering project-based learning techniques, a cornerstone of our school’s innovative approach to education.

When I’m not working, I cherish time spent with my family, reading, traveling, or immersing myself in the great outdoors. One of my happiest places is in the water—swimming or snorkeling, where I can connect with nature and recharge.

My name is Don Vaughan, and I am from Gilbert. I received my bachelor of arts from Arizona State University in history.

The 202–/2025 school year is my first year at A+ Charter School. I previously taught 4th and 5th grade at Leading Edge Academy.

When I am not in a classroom, I seek every opportunity to get out and enjoy our wonderful Arizona sun, either on a mountain bike, hiking, or exploring trails via 4x4.

I'm a high school English teacher with a B.A. in English education and a M.Ed. in secondary education. I grew up in Spokane Valley, Washington, and I moved to Arizona after I graduated from Washington State University. I have been teaching English language arts since 2014, first at the middle school level and then high school.

As an avid reader from a young age, I believe deeply in the power of words to open our eyes, expand our minds, and change our lives. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my son, connecting with nature (a dead giveaway for my Pacific Northwest roots), and experimenting with TikTok recipes in the kitchen.

I am a native of Detroit, MI. Graduated from Clintondale High school. A+ Charter exemplifies the meaning of “Stronger Together”. I have been teaching for three years, and it feels like family here. I teach band, drumline, vocals, and serve as a substitute when needed. I have 40+ years of experience as a musician and 20+ years as a music producer and composer. I thank A+ for allowing me to pass on my knowledge and passion—music!