Toya Abrams, Ph.D.

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.

At ASU Prep Pilgrim Rest, Tianna Griffin sees connection in the everyday moments between students, including the classmates who encourage each other, share different perspectives and create a space where everyone feels valued.

That same sense of belonging extends throughout the school community. Tianna loves the mutual respect she sees between leaders and teachers, teachers and students and everyone who plays a role in helping children succeed.

After years of advocating for a more personalized, student-centered approach to education, she says she finally found a place where those beliefs are shared and put into practice every day.

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.

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.

Some relationships start at work and stay there. Others become something much bigger.

For Anabel Fernandez, what began as a shared commitment to helping students and families grew into friendships rooted in trust, support and a belief that the best work happens when people grow together and support each other. Those relationships didn’t just strengthen her work at ASU Prep. They changed her life.

Read more about Anabel’s passion for education as a first-generation college graduate and how that experience helps her guide thousands of students along their own educational path.