Dr. Stephanie Musser is the Founder and CEO of Candeo Schools, Inc., a classical charter school organization in Arizona. Its flagship campus, Candeo Peoria, is Arizona’s only licensed Hillsdale College Curriculum School and a National School of Distinction recognized by the Core Knowledge Foundation. Since opening, Candeo has consistently ranked among the state’s highest-performing schools, earning top ratings from the Arizona Department of Education.

With more than 30 years in education, Stephanie has devoted her career to advancing excellence in charter schools through teaching, leadership, consulting, and state-level service. Before establishing Candeo, she worked throughout the Phoenix Valley, supporting schools in strengthening academic achievement, securing resources, and developing organizational integrity. She has also contributed to state initiatives in grant development, charter evaluation, and educator training.

Stephanie earned her Doctorate in Leadership and Innovation from Arizona State University, a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Brigham Young University. Her credentials also include K–8 teaching certification with endorsements in Gifted Education, Early Childhood Education, and Structured English Immersion.

Stephanie Garrett serves as Head of School at Candeo Peoria, where she is dedicated to advancing the school's mission of cultivating wisdom and virtue through a rigorous classical education. Having served the Candeo community in a variety of roles, including teacher, enrollment manager, substitute, volunteer, and parent, Mrs. Garrett brings a deep understanding of the school's culture, traditions, and commitment to human flourishing.

Mrs. Garrett began her educational career as a full-time substitute teacher before joining the faculty as an eighth-grade literature and logic teacher. Her passion for classical education is grounded in the conviction that students are capable of pursuing what is true, good, and beautiful and that education should form both the mind and character.

Before entering education, Mrs. Garrett built a successful career at Charles Schwab, where she held leadership positions in compliance, compensation, and client advocacy. Her background in organizational leadership, data analysis, and strategic planning continues to inform her work in school administration.

Mrs. Garrett earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from San Diego State University, graduating summa cum laude. She is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Educational Leadership to further strengthen her ability to serve students, families, and faculty.

Amanda Hatch has dedicated the past decade to classical education, serving students from preschool through high school in a variety of teaching and leadership roles. At Candeo, she has most recently served as a reading interventionist, K–4th Literacy Department Chair, and third-grade teacher.

Amanda earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Hillsdale College and is deeply committed to the mission of classical education. She is passionate about cultivating truth, goodness, and beauty in the hearts and minds of students, equipping them to lead meaningful, virtuous, and flourishing lives. Throughout her career, she has sought to inspire wonder, foster a love of learning, and help students develop both intellectual and moral excellence.

As Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Amanda is committed to providing Candeo students with a rich and rigorous educational experience. She works to ensure that the curriculum reflects the highest standards of classical education by thoughtfully selecting outstanding literature, proven instructional resources, and time-tested curricula that support student growth and achievement.

Amanda is currently pursuing a Master's Degree of Classical Education Leadership at Hillsdale College. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she enjoys exploring the outdoors with her son, family, and dogs.