Our 2026/2027 Team

This is my 23rd year at GEM! My husband and I graduated from Allen, and I received my BFA from the University of North Texas. We have been married for 24 years and have 3 children (22, 20, 18). Our oldest is married, attends Collin and works full time; our middle is at the Air Force Academy in CO, and our youngest is a senior at Princeton HS. They are all pretty amazing - and they are all GEM alumni! 🙂Our family loves spending time together, hosting Life Group, and serving the community through Grace and GEM. I'm really looking forward to the 26-27 school year! Fun Fact: I played soccer in Europe for 2 weeks!

This is my first year at GEM and I’m loving it!  This is an amazing team with a great wealth of knowledge and experience and a sincere love for the students and families.  My husband of 30 years and I have been a part of the Grace Church family since 1998. We sent our children to GEM Express decades ago and we now have grand daughters who are preschool age!

This year marks my 16th at GEM, where I began my journey in the classroom for the first three years before joining the Admin Team—now serving in my 13th year in that role. My husband and I are blessed with three amazing sons and a beautiful daughter-in-law and have called Allen home since 2004. I cherish time spent with family and friends, and I’m grateful to be part of such an incredible team here at GEM.

This is my 15th year teaching at GEM, and I love being a part of such an amazing school!  I have a master’s degree in Elementary Education from Lesley University and have taught kindergarten, first, second and third grade. Teaching is my passion and one of my gifts from God.  I am originally from Vermont, lived in Boston (Go Sox!), and have called Texas home for twenty years! My husband, Michael and I have been married for 22 years and are blessed to have a wonderful daughter, Kaitlyn (18). She will be a Freshman at Butler University pursing a degree in Elementary Education. Last, but not least, I can’t forget to mention our sweet dog, Cinnamon! Fun trivia fact: My second grade class from Boston is featured in PBS’ “Curious George Sees the Light” learning segment and you can still catch it in reruns! I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, going on walks, reading, and going to the movies. I am excited to partner alongside you for your child’s growth in mind, body and spirit!

Hi! My name is Suzanna Atarbekyan, and this is my third year at GEM. I’m so excited to be part of the kindergarten team again this year! I have two wonderful children, Smbat and Abigail.

When I’m not teaching, I’m the owner of Suzanna’s Sweets, where I create custom cakes and cookies. I also enjoy baking, taking long walks, and spending time with my family.

I love working with young children and am passionate about creating a classroom where every child feels safe, loved, and excited to learn. I can’t wait for a wonderful school year!

This is my 5th year at GEM! I’ve been married to my husband for 23 years, and we are blessed with an amazing son (13) who definitely keeps us on our toes! When I’m not at GEM, I stay busy with my son and helping care for my mother. Working at GEM has been such a rewarding experience filled with personal growth and lots of smiles. It is truly a joy to work with the children and watch them grow, learn, and discover new things each day. I’m so grateful to be part of the GEM family!

This is my 9th year at GEM (21 years of teaching!) and I absolutely love this sweet place! I've been married to my husband, Ro, for 21 years. We have 3 children, Laela (18), Dhillon (15), & Olivea (13) and rescue dog, Bailee (6). My oldest is a freshman at The University of Nebraska, so we are excited to cheer on the Huskers this year. Our kids are all involved in sports and activities, which certainly keeps me moving!  Spending time with family and friends is my absolute favorite pastime, but I also enjoy thrifting and party planning. I am excited to be part of an amazing ministry and look forward to a great year with fabulous 4/5 year olds & their families!

This is my 6th year teaching the fours at GEM Express. I earned my Bachelor of Social Work from Texas State University. Before becoming a teacher (and before having children of my own!), I worked with children and adults with special needs in Collin County. My husband, Michael, and I have been married for 28 years, and we have four amazing children—Zane, Eli, Bella, and Jude. This year has been especially exciting because we became grandparents! Our sweet grandson, Lane, has brought so much joy to our family. When I'm not in the classroom, you'll usually find me cheering on my kids at their activities—or driving my youngest wherever he needs to go!

This is my first year at GEM and I am blessed to be a part of the 4s Team! I grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I received my B.A. from Oklahoma State University and my M.A. from the University of Kansas in Speech-Language Pathology. I’ve had the privilege of working with children for over 30 years. I am a single mom, and I am blessed to have a son, Brycen (10). He just entered intermediate school which is quite a hit with all the added independence. He loves watching and playing sports so you might see us around town at football and baseball games! I love serving others, being with family and friends, and baking! God has been so gracious to our family! I am thrilled to be able to participate in this sweet ministry and serve the families of GEM!

I am blessed to say this is my 10th year serving at GEM and my 7th year in the fours. My husband, Mark, and I have been married 20 years and have two sons, Jacob and Joshua. We also have an 11 year-old yellow Lab named Barley. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading a good book (especially during a thunderstorm), and planning our next adventure. My newest hobbies include diamond art and making stickers with my Cricut.

I received my BS in Child and Family Development from the University of Missouri in Columbia. I have taught in Developmental Day Care and a variety of preschool settings over the years. This is my 20th year at GEM and I feel very blessed to be a part of such a great school!  My husband, Mike, and I have been married for 38 years and have 3 children. Our twin daughters, Hillary and Megan, are married and have blessed us with 5 grandchildren. Our 3 local grandchildren are all GEM graduates.  Our son, Michael (our Native Born Texan), was married this summer and lives in Frisco.  We moved from St. Louis, MO. to Texas in 1997 and currently live in Princeton.

This is my 15th year at GEM, my 12th year as a teacher, and before that I was an assistant in the 3s class for three years. My husband, Matt, and I have three wonderful children. My daughter Genevieve, is a Senior at OSU, and enjoying college life. My other daughter Camryn, is a sophomore at UNT, and is an active commissioned artist. My son Dade (16), is a Sophomore at Lovejoy High School this year. I stay active attending his multiple club and school sports. All three of my children are GEM graduates. I feel blessed to be a part of the GEM team again this year!

This is my 10th year teaching at GEM. Through the years I have been blessed to serve GEM as a parent, a teacher, and as a member of the GEM Board. I am super excited to be teaching the Tues/Wed/Thurs 3's class again this year! It is such a privilege to be a part of these foundational years of early childhood. My husband, Chad, and I have been married for 33 years. We have 4 daughters, Mykaela (28), Moriah (26), Marissa (22), and Marlee (16) – all who are alumni of GEM. In my rare spare time, I enjoy reading, watching football, and crafting.

This is my fifth year at GEM and I teach MWF 3s and assist in the T/TH 2s. I was born and raised in southern California. I left the coast to attend The University of Oklahoma where I earned a BA in Letters, a MA in History, and a MA in Library and Information Studies. My husband James and I have been married for 18 years and we live in Lucas with our two kids (both GEM graduates).  I love sports, reading, traveling, and all things Disney! I'm blessed to be a part of this amazing GEM family!

This is my 10th year at GEM Express. I am excited to be assisting in Mrs. Jones class, Mrs Stephens class and Mrs. Stewart’s class in the 3’s this year.  I will also be teaching 4’s and Kinder in the Friday Enrichment Class.  I have been married to my husband David for 32 years and we have 3 adult sons.  I was an Early Intervention Specialist for 12 years before having my twin boys in 2005.  I first came to GEM Express in 2008.  I taught 3’s, PE, 18 months, and 2’s before I left GEM to work in special education.  I was a life skills assistant as well as an assistant in the preschool program in Allen ISD.  I went back to school in 2018 and got a Masters in Early Childhood/Early Childhood Special Education in 2020.  I subbed in Allen and Lovejoy and taught blended Pre-K in Plano before returning to GEM in 2021.  Since returning to GEM, I have taught 4’s, served as learning support teacher, assisted in Kindergarten and 2’s, and been a substitute in a variety of roles.  I’m looking forward to another great year!

This is my 12th year at GEM and my 8th year as the 2s team lead. I love being in the classroom and have such a heart for the littles as they begin their journey in education. My husband, Brett, and I have lived in Allen for 30 years and we have 3 amazing kids, Emily, Kaylee, and Ethan. When I am not at GEM I enjoy spending time with friends and fun game nights! You can also find me cheering for my son, Ethan, as he participates in rec. sports with his fraternity at UNT. Kaylee is a senior at UTD graduating in December and Emily completed her master’s degree in May and will be getting married in November! In my spare time I volunteer for the non-profit Amazing Little Hearts and support the Allen High School Marching Band. I feel very blessed to have been a part of the GEM team for so many years!

This is my fifth year in the 2s Team at GEM. I have also been an assistant in the Friday Enrichment class, but the 2s are my sweet spot! The littles are such a joy to teach! And I'm humbled to be a part of their first pre-school experience. Texas has been my home for most of my life but I am originally from Honduras and speak fluent Spanish.  My husband, Ray and I have been married for 34 years and are blessed with a married daughter-Maya and son-in-love-Chris and our son Ethan who is a GEM Alumni and he recently got engaged to his sweetheart Carli.. We’ve been attending Grace church since God brought us to GEM in 2006. I love working and serving the Lord and our community at Grace church. Ray and I are leaders in the Big Tots room on Sundays. And I serve as an  AWANA leader on Wednesday nights. I love working at GEM where we teach in a loving, nurturing and God honoring environment.

I am a graduate of the University of North Texas, where I met my husband Lee. We have been married for 32 years and have three children. Dylan is our oldest and just got engaged; our daughter Morgan got married this summer, and Jessie is a sophomore at the University of Oklahoma. We spend our free time fishing at the lake, playing with our dogs and traveling! This is my 16th year teaching P.E. at GEM, and I have coached the Soccer Express program here for several years. I love being a part of this great community and am thankful for all the children I am blessed to teach.

This is my 4th year at GEM and my 2nd year teaching Music and Spanish. I have lived in Allen over 20 years with my husband Scott. We have two adult daughters, Emily (25) teaches 2nd grade in Stillwater, OK and Hailey (23) is a student at Tarleton State in College Station. Emily is recently engaged and we are in the beginning stages of wedding planning! I enjoy working out at HotWorx and Reformed Pilates. When I’m not at work or working out, I am at home chilling with my dog, Phoebe, reading or planning my next trip.

I married a New Jersey boy and we celebrated our 40th anniversary this year. We raised 2 boys and 2 girls in Allen, Texas. They have blessed us with a son-in-law, two daughters-in-law and 2 grandbabies so far! I’ve loved working at GEM since 2005. I am thrilled to be teaching all the kids Sensational Science and the Bible in Chapel each week. I also assist in Kindergarten!   I love to travel, including visiting out of state kids. I also like to eat out, walk at the park, play pickle ball, hike and go to the movies with my husband.

Blessed to be serving my 11th year as the GEM Resource Assistant. This opportunity allows support of teachers, assistants, and other staff so they are able to spend their time and talents teaching or aiding the students. My husband, Rocky, and I have a daughter, Ransom, a son, Zackary and daughter in law, Vanessa, which have blessed us with Alexandria, 5 and Gideon, 3.

I am delighted to be teaching at GEM this year! I am originally from Illinois and have had the pleasure of teaching High School Mathematics for 6 six years. Before taking this opportunity, I was a stay-at-home mom to my two wonderful daughters. My oldest, Payton, attended GEM and we loved everything about it. When my youngest started at GEM I started working here! This is my second year at GEM. I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact GEM has on our children. Outside of teaching, I enjoy quality family time,  playing games, shopping, arts and crafts, and spending time outside.ere