Katie boasts a 14-year tenure in the education sector, having earned her education degree with a focus on science and math from GCU. Over a span of 6 years in various schools, she studied a number of subjects inlcuding: Math, Science, History, English, Performing Arts, and music. Beyond her academic pursuits, Katie has a strong musical background, learning piano at the age of 5, and the violin when she was 12. In her personal life, Katie is married to Andre, who is her co-founder. After they had their daughter, Elisha, they created Arise AZ, evolving over a span of 5 years. Katie is thrilled to be able to share her love of learning and music with her students!

Taylor Simpson grew up dancing in Southern California and began teaching dance at age 16. In the Spring of 2020, she graduated from Belhaven University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Medicine and Exercise Science and a Certificate in Ballet and Modern Technique and Performance. She is a bun-head at heart, with a love for contemporary, lyrical, and modern techniques. Dance has always been her creative outlet AND her worship outlet. She continues to pursue dance because there is something so sacred about worship through movement. Dance has given her such a sweet form of communion with the Lord — utilizing body, mind, and spirit. She is so thankful for the role that dance has played in her own relationship with Jesus and hope to instill that in the hearts of her students. Her website is edendancecollective.com

Growing up in Pinetop, AZ, Andre pursued his education at Arizona State University right here in the Valley of the Sun, graduating in 2008. Beyond his teaching career, Andre's life journey is a colorful tapestry of talents and passions. As a child, he explored his creativity in sports, music, and art, taking music lessons, participating in art classes, and competing in various sports. Additionally, he played the piano and saxophone as a student and took up the guitar at the age of 18. He also ventured into drumming and spent two decades playing both guitar and drums with church groups on worship teams. His artistic side shines brightly as well. While he always had a love for art classes in school, Andre didn't fully embrace art education until three years ago when he picked up a paintbrush and discovered how to combine his drawing skills with painting. Now, for a year, he has been teaching art to eager students of all ages. A true creative at heart, Andre is passionate about sharing his skills and knowledge with students who share a desire to learn more about sports, music, and art. He's looking forward to welcoming new students into his classes!

Ingrid Corbin is a retired teacher, having taught for 35 years in the lower grades.  The majority of her teaching has been in Christian schools and she has loved every minute!! Right now she's enjoying the one on one with children, that tutoring provides.

Scot is a piano teacher here at Arise AZ. She has been teaching for about 3 years and has her Bachelors in Science for Business Management. She says becoming a teacher was a God sent opportunity that she didn’t know she wanted. She loves music and teaching, and it was the right time for her. She loves seeing the kids she teaches make progress and take pride in their accomplishments and hard work.”

Jaeden Nagai is currently a student at GCU, studying nutritional sciences and hoping to go off to culinary school afterwards! She was trained in classical piano for 9 years and altogether she has been playing for 12 years. She loves working with students and helping them develop a passion for piano!