Stories that Connect

For Director of Marketing & Communications, Stefanie Contreras, connection starts with people who care deeply about each other and the work they do together. In her experience, some of the strongest bonds begin in unexpected ways.

What began as professional relationships grew into lasting friendships that continue well beyond the work day and, sometimes, even at K-pop concerts. Connection created something deeper than teamwork. It built a support system and a sense of belonging that fuel Stefanie’s passion, strengthen her purpose and make ASU Prep feel like home.

A sense of peace swept over Junius during his job interview at ASU Prep. Walking through the doors and around the campus, he saw people from different backgrounds smiling, connecting and creating something together.

Now, he fully understands why it felt so special then and has ever since. It’s what happens when leaders trust people to chase big ideas, innovate and feel empowered by knowing their voices matter.

For Junius, connection comes down to making positive deposits in people’s lives and leaving every interaction a little better than you found it.

Marylin Monroy sees growth as something that happens together through encouragement, opportunity and people who help you see what you’re capable of. Throughout her time as a teacher at ASU Prep Phoenix, she’s found new opportunities and mentorship that have helped her continue learning while expanding her impact.

She feels the same encouragement she gives students reflected back in the school community and caring people around her, creating a culture where people cheer each other on and feel empowered to keep growing.

That encouragement gave her the confidence to step into the Transformational Teacher Leader role, where she now supports fellow educators while continuing to learn from the hardworking people around her.

Read more about Marylin’s role as a Transformational Teacher Leader.

Dannette Gastelo believes every student deserves people they can turn to and help them feel seen, heard and supported.

That same philosophy shapes the relationships she builds with colleagues who have become close friends and the way she approaches her work. Through shared experiences, professional growth and showing up when it matters most, her connections at ASU Prep became unshakable, creating a community where people lift each other up and rise to greatness together.

Dr. Toya Abrams has spent her career helping students and educators, but leadership was never about moving further away from the classroom. It was about creating a greater impact.

As the principal at ASU Prep Digital Middle School, she found a culture that invests in people and believes relationships matter. For her, connection means understanding where someone has been, recognizing where they want to go and helping them get there. And having as much fun as possible while doing it.

Some changes appear on report cards. Others show up in the moments only family members notice first. For David, it was seeing Azat excited to go to school again. For Azat, it was discovering a learning environment that adjusted to who he was rather than asking him to fit into a single mold.

What began as a search for the right school became something transformative: more confidence, close friendships and the belief that opportunities are limitless when you feel understood and free to choose your own path.

Read more about how personalized learning, flexibility and support helped Azat discover a path that works for him.