Leadership
Leadership
Dr. Stephanie Musser, Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Stephanie Musser is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Candeo Schools. Under her leadership, Candeo has emerged as one of the top performing elementary schools in the state, having earned the highest rankings from the Arizona Department of Education each year since inception. She is relentless in her vision and resolute in her commitment to deliver a world-class education for children.
Stephanie earned her Doctorate of Education in Leadership and Innovation from Arizona State University. She also holds a Master’s degree in Education with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Brigham Young University. Stephanie’s certifications in education include teaching (K-8), with specialized endorsements in Gifted Education (K-12), Early Childhood Education, and Structured English Immersion.
Dr. Musser’s experience in public education began in 1993. Since 1997, her focus has been on charter schools. Prior to developing Candeo, she served in various teaching, administrative, and consulting capacities. Her work spanned across the Phoenix valley as she successfully helped schools strengthen their achievement profiles, secure necessary resources, and build operational integrity. Early in her professional career, she wrote and managed various state and federal grants for education, as well as provided statewide training in Gifted Education through the Maricopa County Consortium for Gifted Education. Dr. Musser has also served on State evaluation committees for grant selection, and has written, amended, and evaluated charters for schools seeking state board approval. In 2022, she was a panelist participant at the National Core Knowledge Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.
Stephanie is a member of the Arizona Charter Schools Association and the Arizona Management Society for Ethical Leadership.
Stephanie earned her Doctorate of Education in Leadership and Innovation from Arizona State University. She also holds a Master’s degree in Education with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Brigham Young University. Stephanie’s certifications in education include teaching (K-8), with specialized endorsements in Gifted Education (K-12), Early Childhood Education, and Structured English Immersion.
Dr. Musser’s experience in public education began in 1993. Since 1997, her focus has been on charter schools. Prior to developing Candeo, she served in various teaching, administrative, and consulting capacities. Her work spanned across the Phoenix valley as she successfully helped schools strengthen their achievement profiles, secure necessary resources, and build operational integrity. Early in her professional career, she wrote and managed various state and federal grants for education, as well as provided statewide training in Gifted Education through the Maricopa County Consortium for Gifted Education. Dr. Musser has also served on State evaluation committees for grant selection, and has written, amended, and evaluated charters for schools seeking state board approval. In 2022, she was a panelist participant at the National Core Knowledge Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.
Stephanie is a member of the Arizona Charter Schools Association and the Arizona Management Society for Ethical Leadership.
Kimberley Marchisotto, Director of Curriculum & Instruction
Kimberley Marchisotto holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University, A Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education form Arizona State University. Kimberley is also a graduate of the National Institute for School Leadership, the leading provider of high-quality, research-based leadership development programs for school leaders. Kimberley’s certifications include a Standard Principal Certificate in Arizona, as well as teaching (K-8), with specialized endorsements in Structured English Immersion, and Gifted Education. In 2017, she was awarded the Leadership Gold Fellowship by Team CFA.
Mrs. Marchisotto has 25 years of experience in education in the state of Arizona including 19 years in the classroom teaching sixth grade and second grade, and six years in instructional leadership as an Assistant Principal, Principal, and School Director. She has also trained schools across the United States in the Core Knowledge curriculum, and served as an evaluator for schools applying to become Schools of Distinction.
Mrs. Marchisotto has 25 years of experience in education in the state of Arizona including 19 years in the classroom teaching sixth grade and second grade, and six years in instructional leadership as an Assistant Principal, Principal, and School Director. She has also trained schools across the United States in the Core Knowledge curriculum, and served as an evaluator for schools applying to become Schools of Distinction.
Dan Davenport, Head of School, Candeo Peoria
Dan Davenport earned his Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Psychology with minors in both mathematics and physics from Grand Canyon University. He currently holds a standard teaching certification in secondary education. His 21 years of teaching experience includes 13 years of teaching mathematics and physics at the high school level and nine years of teaching mathematics and science at Candeo Peoria. Mr. Davenport served as Assistant Head of School at Candeo Peoria during the 2022-2023 school year.
In 2004, Mr. Davenport was selected as the Walmart/Phi Delta Kappa State Teacher of the year. In 2003, he was named Glendale High School’s Teacher of the Year, and was named Moon Valley High School’s Teacher of the Month in 2012.
In 2004, Mr. Davenport was selected as the Walmart/Phi Delta Kappa State Teacher of the year. In 2003, he was named Glendale High School’s Teacher of the Year, and was named Moon Valley High School’s Teacher of the Month in 2012.
Marla De La Cruz, Head of School, Candeo North Scottsdale
Mrs. Marla De La Cruz brings over two decades of experience in education to her role as Head of School at Candeo North Scottsdale. Mrs. De La Cruz's journey in education began after a successful tenure as the Director of Marketing for a prominent restaurant company, where she decided to follow her true calling and transition into teaching.
Mrs. De La Cruz graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Arizona State University. Her dedication to the field led her to pursue further endorsements in Early Childhood Education and Structured English Immersion (SEI), enhancing her ability to meet the diverse needs of students.
Mrs. De La Cruz taught in the Deer Valley School District for seven years. She taught in various Title I schools, serving as both a classroom teacher and a literacy mentor. In 2011, Mrs. De La Cruz joined the founding team of Candeo. This decision marked the beginning of her deep connection to the school's mission and philosophy. Over the years, she held multiple roles within Candeo, including Kindergarten and First-grade Teacher, Grade-level Delegate, Literacy Lead, Instructional Coach, and Associate Dean. Her multifaceted experience allowed her to contribute significantly to the school's initial growth and development.
In 2021, Mrs. De La Cruz chose to diversify her expertise by joining a prestigious private school, where she taught second grade and kindergarten before being appointed as Principal. In this leadership role, Mrs. De La Cruz adeptly managed behaviors, coached teachers, and fostered a strong sense of community among students, parents, and staff.
Despite her success in the private school setting, Mrs. De La Cruz’s heart remained with the curriculum and philosophy of Candeo. Thus, she eagerly accepted the opportunity to return to her educational home. With her wealth of experience, unwavering dedication, and passion for classical education, Mrs. De La Cruz is poised to lead Candeo towards continued excellence and innovation, ensuring that every student receives a robust and enriching educational experience.
Mrs. De La Cruz graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Arizona State University. Her dedication to the field led her to pursue further endorsements in Early Childhood Education and Structured English Immersion (SEI), enhancing her ability to meet the diverse needs of students.
Mrs. De La Cruz taught in the Deer Valley School District for seven years. She taught in various Title I schools, serving as both a classroom teacher and a literacy mentor. In 2011, Mrs. De La Cruz joined the founding team of Candeo. This decision marked the beginning of her deep connection to the school's mission and philosophy. Over the years, she held multiple roles within Candeo, including Kindergarten and First-grade Teacher, Grade-level Delegate, Literacy Lead, Instructional Coach, and Associate Dean. Her multifaceted experience allowed her to contribute significantly to the school's initial growth and development.
In 2021, Mrs. De La Cruz chose to diversify her expertise by joining a prestigious private school, where she taught second grade and kindergarten before being appointed as Principal. In this leadership role, Mrs. De La Cruz adeptly managed behaviors, coached teachers, and fostered a strong sense of community among students, parents, and staff.
Despite her success in the private school setting, Mrs. De La Cruz’s heart remained with the curriculum and philosophy of Candeo. Thus, she eagerly accepted the opportunity to return to her educational home. With her wealth of experience, unwavering dedication, and passion for classical education, Mrs. De La Cruz is poised to lead Candeo towards continued excellence and innovation, ensuring that every student receives a robust and enriching educational experience.
Dr. Allison Gillen, Dean of Academics, Candeo Peoria
Dr. Allison Gillen earned her Doctorate of Education in Leadership and Organizational Change from Baylor University with honors in 2023. Allison's research focuses on School Climate within charter school education. She also holds a Master's Degree in Elementary Education and a Bachelor's Degree in International Studies from Fordham University located in New York City. Allison started her career in education in 2017 and taught two years in the Bronx, New York in first and third grades and four years in first and fourth grades in Denver, Colorado. Her teaching experience includes four years in a Core Knowledge School. Allison was awarded Teacher of the Year in 2018. Allison has served in many roles during her time in education including as a mentor teacher to new and first-year teachers.
Pursuant to ARS 14-183 (F.) employee’s educational and teaching background and experience in a particular academic content subject area is available for inspection upon request of parents and guardians of pupils enrolled at Candeo Schools. Information may be requested at the Front Office.
