About

At Spark Community Schools, we believe all children should have access to a quality education because a strong understanding of reading, writing, math, science, and social studies can lead to a successful and productive future.

Spark Community Schools offer small classroom sizes where students get to know one another and their instructors in a safe and supportive environment. Children learn with children who are older and younger than they are because we believe kids learn best when they interact with students of different ages and abilities. They learn to be leaders and they learn to collaborate – just like in the work world.

We value and celebrate our students’ uniqueness, and with one adult teaching approximately 13 students, kids get the attention, love, and support they need to succeed in a fun and caring community that ignites a love of learning.

Elijah Costales-Chevalier, Middle School Teacher

Location: one•n•ten, Phoenix

Elijah Costales-Chevalier is a certified educator with 13 years of experience facilitating youth leadership and learning for grades Pre K – 12.

He received a BSEd in Secondary Education – Biology with a minor in Women and Gender Studies from Northern Arizona University. His science teaching placements have spanned across the valley, from Chandler to Maryvale. Elijah has over a decade of experience implementing and sharing trauma-informed practices through non-profit work to combat risk factors for youth across Tempe and Phoenix. He is also the youth programming coordinator at Beth El Phoenix.

Elijah continues to expand content areas and is currently in his second year as a 4th/5th grade foreign language teacher. A native Phoenician, he takes great pride in giving back to the communities that have upheld him. In his free time, Elijah enjoys reading non-fiction, traveling with his wife and cuddling his three cats.

Jimmy Parchment-Chavez, K-3 Teacher

Location: Child Crisis Arizona, Mesa

Jimmy Parchment-Chavez, MBA, has over 20 years of Learning and Development experience. This has included facilitating, creating and implementing curriculum, as well as creating teaching tools for complex material. He is proficient in teaching to all learning styles and has been recognized as a facilitator that creates a welcoming and supportive environment. With a philosophy that we should never stop asking questions, Jimmy encourages his learners to be inquisitive and to think outside of the box-tapping into each learner’s creativity to reinforce learning. He has received certifications in Learning Theory, DEI and AI Technology.

In his free time, Jimmy enjoys time with his Partner and little pup, Chloe. They love to travel internationally, and to experience local cultures. Jimmy is a lifelong learner, so you might find him taking new courses, reading up on a particular topic, or learning a new language. He has been active in his community for over 20 years, advocating for healthcare access and equal rights. Jimmy also enjoys singing, voice-over work, acting and most things outdoors.

Jimmy is excited to bring his extensive experience to Spark Schools and can’t wait to meet each of his students for the 2024-2025 school year!

Kimberlee Ready, High School Teacher

Location: one•n•ten, Phoenix

Hi Spark Community! I am so excited to partner with you and your children on their educational journey. I have a background teaching Math, Art, and Design at the Middle and High School levels at an International Baccalaureate and Montessori school. I am certified in Mathematics and Visual/Performing Arts. My teaching philosophy revolves around student led inquiry and project based learning within a real world context. I myself have a passion for learning new things. Before teaching I was an independent art teacher and an entrepreneur!

I have done everything from curating design and dine pop-up events, being a personal chef, owning a wellness company, and selling my art in boutiques! I have a Masters in Architecture and was also an architect for several years. I moved to Arizona from Hawaii in 2020 with my son who is currently 5 years old. In Hawaii I was part of a paddling team, surfed, hiked, and rode my bike as much as possible! I have a great love for the outdoors. Arizona summers in the Valley are challenging, but I have come to love what I affectionately call “The land of the Cacti”. I look forward to getting to know everyone as our journey together begins!

Jennifer Kasten, Teachers’ Assistant

Location: one•n•ten, Phoenix

Jennifer grew up in Tucson graduating from the University of Arizona where she met her husband Mike. Together they have 3 sons – Joshua, Ryan and Nate who currently live in the Phoenix area and they share a close relationship. Jennifer’s early work experience includes before and after school programs then she started on a career in medical sales and management. Wanting to increase her corporate experience she also focused on adult education, training, curriculum, classroom and team building. A life long learner, Jennifer believes that making learning engaging, interactive and fun is the key to success whether it is with children or adults.

Excited to join the Spark team, Jennifer started volunteering during the first year. The school’s dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion is a vision and belief that is paramount to Jennifer.

Middle and High School can be a very challenging time for kids, parents and families. Jennifer looks forward to her new chapter working with the Spark Community team, students and families.

Darla Baquedano, Director of Education

Darla’s 25-year educational journey began as a classroom teacher and evolved into coaching as a master teacher, serving in leadership roles as an Assistant Principal, and Principal of PK-8 schools in Phoenix, AZ.

Currently, Darla serves as the Director of Education Services for Spark Community Schools. Fluent in Spanish with specialized endorsements in bilingual/multicultural education and early childhood literacy, her lifelong dedication to education began when, on her first day of kindergarten, she declared her ambition to become a teacher–a dream she relentlessly pursued. Holding a Master’s in Education Administration from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University, her expertise is a fusion of passion and formal training in specialized fields.