Our Teachers & Staff

We are a school built by gifted-trained teachers who specialize in building environments where curious children can flourish. The Head of School selects our teachers based on their ability to not only show mastery of gifted pedagogy but also genuinely care for their children’s educational/intellectual progress and growth.

Our teachers and staff come from the school system and know what works and how learning should be. The system we are creating takes what we have learned but frees our educators form rigid systems and bureaucratic structures that many times take the enjoyment out of education (both for the teacher and the student).

We find the best teachers and support them. Our teachers are professionals who know how to support gifted and curious learners. They have the experience and passion to make a difference in the lives of children, and we empower them to do what is best for our children. We have hand selected our staff because they are who we would want to educate our children.

Our teachers share one, multi-age teaching position. This allows us to meet the needs of the children, and allows our children to work with different adults who have various passions, experiences, and leadership styles.

Mrs. Joy Lorenzen, M.Ed

Teacher

Focus Areas & Schedule – TBA

Mrs. Joy Lorenzen is a certified gifted educator in both Arizona and California. She resides in Arizona with her husband, 1 year old son, and their 2 dogs. She has been in the education field for over nine years. Most recently, she was the Gifted Specialist for a Title 1 School in the Deer Valley Unified School District where she provided enrichment to all gifted students K-8. She also has taught 1st grade, 3rd grade, and the 4th grade gifted cluster class. She holds both a Masters in Education, Gifted Education from Grand Canyon University as well as a Masters in Education from Arizona State University. Throughout her elementary, middle, and high school years, she was pulled out for gifted classes. She also participated in math one grade level ahead starting in 6th grade. As a gifted child herself, she understands the importance of providing an appropriate, engaging curriculum for gifted students.

Credentials –

  • M.Ed, Elementary Education
  • M.Ed, Gifted Education
  • Certified Educator in Arizona & California
  • Full Gifted Endorsement, State of Arizona
  • Specialist Instruction Credential, Gifted Education, State of California

Mrs. Krista Gibson, M.Ed

Teacher

Focus Areas & Schedule – TBA

Krista is the proud mom of 3 neurodivergent daughters, aged 24, 20, & 17. She has been married to Robert for 25 years and they have built their own little zoo, which includes 3 cats, 4 dogs, and 2 horses! Krista’s journey into gifted education started at home with their three daughters, which changed her professional trajectory. Krista was a nursing student when she switched her degree to gifted education after she met a patient and knew she had to affect change in the lives of young people. She graduated Cum Laude from Arizona State University in 2011 and has been in gifted education, in some capacity, since. Most recently, Krista worked in the Deer Valley USD as a gifted specialist, accelerated math specialist and STEM/STEAM specialist. Krista is passionate about infusing STEM, Arts Integration, and project-based learning into her classroom.  As a gifted human herself, Krista understands the quirks, intensities and needs of the gifted brain. Having three daughters at home who are also identified has helped Krista understand the depth and complexity of the gifted child.

Credentials –

  • M.Ed. Curriculum & Instruction with a Focus on Gifted Education
  • Certified Educator in Arizona and Washington
  • Full Gifted Endorsement, States of Arizona and Washington
  • Highly Qualified in K-8 English Language Arts

Mrs. Tammy Turcott, M.Ed

Teacher

Focus Areas & Schedule – TBA

Tammy Turcott is a certified gifted educator in Arizona. She’s been in the education field for over 30 years. She is a proud mom of 3 adult gifted children and resides in Cave Creek with her dog. She attended Texas A & M University and the University of North Texas and holds bachelors and masters degrees. Hiking, kayaking, camping, growing flowers, playing card games, and having fun with friends and family are all favorite activities. Tammy is also a CASA volunteer for the Arizona Supreme Court who helps teens in the foster care system throughout Maricopa County.

Credentials –

  • B.S. Elementary Education/Early Childhood Education Emphasis
  • M.S. Elementary Education
  • Certified Educator in Arizona
  • Full Gifted Endorsement, State of Arizona
  • CASA volunteer in Maricopa County/Arizona Supreme Court

Adam C. Laningham, M.Ed

Head of School & Founder

Adam Laningham, author of Gifted Children & How Trauma Impacts Them, and the Gifted & Struggling Series, has over 20 years of experience in the field of education. Adam was recognized as the Arizona Gifted Teacher of the Year, he has taught at several schools in multiple grade levels, created and facilitated numerous gifted programs, and served as a district manager coordinating programs for over 6000 gifted students.

Adam has served on the Board of Directors for the Arizona Association for Gifted & Talented, is currently the President Elect of SENG – Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted, he is a founding member of Callisto (supporting gifted foster youth), and an advisor for CogAT Riverside Insights. As founder and owner of Bright Child AZ and The Gifted Collective, Adam is an international speaker, consultant, and gifted advocate.

Credentials –

  • Currently obtaining Twice Exceptional Education Program Certificate, Bridges Graduate School
  • Full Gifted Endorsement, Ottawa University
  • Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, Northern Arizona University
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education, Arizona State University
  • Arizona Teaching Certificate & Endorsements
    • Principal Certificate
    • Elementary and Secondary Education Certificates
    • Additional Endorsements in Gifted K-12 and Middle School Education
    • Highly Qualified in History, Social Studies, and Mathematics