GPS School Psychs
Together We Shine!
Congratulations, we've made it to May!
I hope your caffeinated beverage of choice is stocked and ready for the final month of the
2022-23 school year!
May 17th- End-of-the-Year Psych Social (more details to come!)
~MEET OUR NEWEST PSYCH MADELINE~
Get To Know Some More of Our Awesome Psychs!
NICKI SERIO
Val Vista Lakes
Birthday: April 3
I have two little girls, Isabelle (10) and Lilia (3). I grew up in Mississippi, and I enjoy taking my girls there to visit family as often as possible. We are big Disney fans and take a lot of trips to visit Mickey Mouse and princesses. During the week when I'm not being a school psych or mom, I love to dance! I've been dancing since I was little and still take a couple of dance classes each week.
HAYDEN MADETZKE
Patterson Elementary/Mesquite Junior
Birthday: June 8
ALYSSA FROIO
Birthday: February 6
I'm Alyssa Froio and I am currently the psych at Highland Park Elementary four days a week and I help out at Augusta Ranch one day a week. This is my fourth year with GPS and ninth year as a psych. I am from a small town in Missouri called Tipton. I attended the University of Missouri-Columbia for both undergrad and grad school. I ventured out to Arizona for my internship and landed in Lake Havasu City of all places! I eventually made my way down to Phoenix and met my husband of three years. We are expecting our first baby in September (a baby girl!). I'm an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan (the reigning Super Bowl Champs for those who have forgotten). I also love the St. Louis Cardinals, Phx Suns and of course my Mizzou Tigers. When I'm not school psyching, I enjoy hiking, barre classes and hanging out with my fur babies. My favorite part of being a school psych is that no day is the same and I can go to the bathroom anytime I want (a new-found pregnancy perk)! I also love that GPS values their psychs and that I have a nice office with a window.
SARAH RICE
AASP Treasurer
Birthday: July 18
My name is Sarah Rice and I am the school psychologist at Oak Tree Elementary. This is my third year in Gilbert Public Schools and eighth year as a school psychologist. I am an Arizona native who grew-up in Mesa! I attended both ASU and University of Arizona. When I’m not ‘school psyching,' I spend a lot of time with my dog, a golden retriever named Chance! I also enjoy any and all sports (especially the Phoenix Suns), traveling, game nights, and spending time with my family and friends. My favorite thing about being a school psychologist is being able to work with students to support their academic, social/emotional and behavior needs. I love being able to educate families, teachers, and even students on all aspects of their education.
STEVE BOYLE
Highland High School
Birthday: July 25
* 32 years as a school psych
* Originally from Champaign, IL, married to Carla, met in college. Carla is a guidance counselor in Mesa also in her 32nd year. Have a daughter, Kate 26, a linguist who lives in Missoula, MT and works at the university.
* Hobbies include: Hot yoga, endurance mountain biking, golf, and adventure motorcycling (planning a long trip for the summer)
*Favorite thing about being a school psych: Doing what's good for kids and summer vacations
TAMMY CALLISON
I truly cannot believe that I am retiring from Gilbert Public Schools! I started my career in education as a kindergarten teacher and went back to school to become a school psychologist after working with the school psych at my school to support a child in my classroom. I wanted to know what they knew. I have been a school psychologist for 27 years with 24 of those in GPS. My husband is also in education as a high school teacher and wrestling coach. We are planning on moving out of state to continue our careers and earn a 2nd pension. We are not ready to slow down yet! Gilbert Public Schools has been a wonderful district to be a part of as both an employee and a parent. I know I will miss it!
SHERI WOODY
I have been a school psychologist since 1993. I have worked with Baltimore City Public Schools (Maryland), Durham Public Schools (North Carolina), Creighton Elementary District (Phoenix), and - since 2006- Gilbert Public Schools. It’s been quite a journey and I’ve seen many changes throughout the years. This job no longer resembles the career that I excitedly embarked on when leaving graduate school and I am looking forward to the next chapter of my life. I am planning to work as a forensic genetic genealogist and assist with criminal/cold cases and missing person cases. In addition to this amazing opportunity, I know I will have more time for my family, including my two terrific grandsons. I am lucky to have a supportive husband as well as two amazing grown sons and a wonderful daughter-in-law, all who live close by and see often. In June, my husband and I will be heading for a nice long vacation in Jamaica, which seems like a pretty good way to celebrate all the good things I have in my life. As I reflect on my career as a school psych, I know I will miss the very special people I worked with along the way. Memories are a great reflection of life so always pay attention to the best parts of what’s around you and don’t miss those good times with people who make you feel happy. Some days are way harder than others, but do your best to surround yourself with those who you admire and make you feel valued. Best of luck to all of you!
A MESSAGE FROM MATT
As the year draws to a close, I want to thank you all for the hard work you have put in over the last 10 months. This has been yet another challenging year and you have all risen to that challenge.
I also want to take a moment to recognize three school psychologists who were nominated by their campuses for the GPS Support Staff of the Year Award. Kristie Waldron was nominated by Meridian Elementary, Hayden Madetzke by Patterson Elementary and Cara Golda by Sonoma Ranch Elementary. Congratulations to the three of you for this well-deserved recognition.
Finally, three of our colleagues will be leaving us at the end of the school year. Sheri Woody is retiring for real this time. Tammy Callison is retiring, but she and Bob are pursuing other opportunities. Noreen Roman is joining the team in Paradise Valley (and getting married on the way). Together, the three of them represent over 60 years of service to the district and we wish them all well in the future.
I hope you all are able to have a positive end to the 2022-2023 school year. Less than 4 weeks left! Take some time to relax and recharge this summer. Have a wonderful break!
Important Dates
- May 3, 10, 17 & 24 Open Lab Building D
- May 25 Last day for students
- May 31 Last day of contract 22-23
- July 17 First day of contract 23-24