Our Faculty & Staff
Director
Mrs. Meeks is the Director and Founder of Highlands Latin School Phoenix Valley. She earned her degree in Hospital Administration and Advanced Patient Care from Grand Canyon University, where she first felt a strong call to serve others with both excellence and compassion.
She believes that every vocation is a divine appointment, uniquely shaped by the spiritual gifts God bestows on each of us. Viewing her work as kingdom service fills her days with deep purpose and joy. Known for her calm wisdom and contagious gratitude, Mrs. Meeks often reminds others that faithful stewardship—done quietly and well—is a form of worship.
You may be surprised to know that Mrs. Meeks walks close to five miles a day, using that time for prayer and reflection. She is most proud of her husband, Ernie, and their five children, whose lives continue to inspire her as she shepherds the HLSPV community with humility and joy.
Assistant Director
Mrs. Baker serves as Assistant to the Director at Highlands Latin School Phoenix Valley, where she brings order, insight, and a deep love for language to her role. She studied English Linguistics with a Certificate in Classical Studies and a minor in French at both Arizona State University and the University of Arizona and is currently pursuing graduate work in International Security.
Her academic training, paired with her faith, allows her to see beauty in structure—whether in a well-turned phrase or a well-run office. She approaches her work as a form of service to God and to the families she supports, finding joy in small details done with care.
You may be surprised to know that Mrs. Baker owned a baking business in Seattle. Above all, she is most proud of her relationship with Christ, her devoted husband, and their four sons, who bring laughter and purpose to every season of her life.
Her academic training, paired with her faith, allows her to see beauty in structure—whether in a well-turned phrase or a well-run office. She approaches her work as a form of service to God and to the families she supports, finding joy in small details done with care.
You may be surprised to know that Mrs. Baker owned a baking business in Seattle. Above all, she is most proud of her relationship with Christ, her devoted husband, and their four sons, who bring laughter and purpose to every season of her life.
Communications Director & Simply Classical Teacher
Daniyela joined Highlands Latin School Phoenix Valley with a love for classical education shaped by her studies in early childhood and music education at American River College and by homeschooling her own three boys for five years. This year, she launched HLSPV’s Simply Classical program, serving students with special needs. She carries a deep conviction that every child deserves a beautiful, life-giving education filled with truth, goodness, and beauty.
In addition to her teaching role, she supports faculty, substitutes in classrooms, and assists with school communications. Her faith in Christ anchors her work and inspires her to bring beauty and creativity into daily life. With a background in professional photography and entrepreneurship, she also enjoys styling, creating beauty in everyday spaces, and capturing meaningful moments. In her free time Daniyela delights in baking sourdough, hiking and exploring trails with her sons, and making music as a family. She is most proud of embracing new challenges with joy and of guiding her children to grow as faithful young men of character.
Grammar School Director
& 7th Grade Teacher
Mrs. van Leeuwen is one of the founding faculty members of Highlands Latin School Phoenix Valley and now serves as Grammar School Director and Seventh Grade Teacher. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Arizona State University and a Master of Arts in Humanities from California State University.
Known for her love of learning and lively classroom discussions, Mrs. van Leeuwen delights in cultivating wonder and curiosity in her students. Nothing brings her greater joy than hearing thoughtful conversation spark during a lesson.
A devoted advocate for the Oxford comma, she also loves to travel, read, and bake in her free time. Mrs. van Leeuwen is most proud of her own children—and, second to that, the many students she has had the joy of teaching and guiding throughout the years.
Primary School Director
& 2nd Grade Teacher
Mrs. Szager is in her third year on staff at Highlands Latin School Phoenix Valley, serving as both Second Grade Teacher and Primary School Director. She holds degrees in Business and Early Childhood Development from Wichita State University.
Driven by a deep passion to reach every learner, Mrs. Szager delights in crafting lessons that meet children where they are and help them flourish academically, socially, and spiritually. She believes that each child is uniquely designed by God and that education should nurture both the mind and the heart. Her classroom is marked by joy, structure, and the gentle rhythms of encouragement and grace.
You may be surprised to know that Mrs. Szager grew up on a farm—a childhood that instilled in her a love of hard work, resourcefulness, and gratitude for simple beauty. She is a devoted wife and mother of two and a faithful believer in Christ, whose love for the Lord shapes her heart for education and her care for each child entrusted to her classroom.
6th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Lanting teaches Sixth Grade and holds both a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing from Northern Arizona University. She brings intellectual depth and spiritual conviction to her classroom, guiding students to think critically and pursue truth through the lens of faith.
She believes that the Christian worldview stands up to even the most rigorous academic scrutiny and delights in helping students discover that faith is both logical and beautiful. Her classroom is marked by lively discussion, literature, and grace-filled learning.
Outside of school, Mrs. Lanting adores the performing arts and is often involved in local theater productions. She is most proud of her husband and two boys, and of the full, joyful life God has given their family.
4th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Kocho is beginning her first year as a faculty member at Highlands Latin School Phoenix Valley, where she will serve as the 4th Grade Teacher. She holds a degree in Secondary Mathematics Education from Arizona State University.
Mrs. Kocho finds great joy in the opportunity to utilize her talents to teach, love, and nurture children, recognizing them as individuals made in the image of God. She anticipates a reciprocal learning experience, believing she will learn as much, if not more, from her students as they learn from her. She lives by the principle that "They won’t care how much you know until they know how much you care."
You may be surprised to learn that Mrs. Kocho is Assyrian, a member of an ancient people with a rich history spanning millennia. Despite enduring significant persecution for their faith, the Assyrian people continue to thrive. She is a speaker of Assyrian, a modern iteration of the Aramaic language.
Mrs. Kocho cherishes the life God has bestowed upon her, particularly her roles as a devoted wife to her husband, Victor, and a loving mother to their four children: Odette, Emmanuel, Edessa, and Daniel.
3rd Grade Teacher
Mrs. Napoletano teaches Third Grade and holds a degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood from Arizona Christian University. Before joining HLSPV, she served as a missionary teacher in Mexico for three years, an experience that shaped her love for both education and the gospel.
Her classroom radiates warmth, creativity, and joy. She loves watching her students grow in curiosity and faith and finds great meaning in integrating truth, beauty, and goodness into every lesson.
You may be surprised to learn that Mrs. Napoletano has cared for a ball python, a bearded dragon, and an African sulcata tortoise! She is most proud of her years of service in Mexico and the countless students she’s been privileged to guide toward a love of learning and of God.
1st Grade Teacher
Ms. Spoon is a dedicated first-grade teacher whose calm enthusiasm and gentle leadership create a nurturing space for her students to thrive. She earned her degree in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University and brings both skill and heart to her teaching.
Her educational philosophy centers on inspiring a lifelong love of learning in her students—cultivating curiosity, confidence, and a sense of wonder in each lesson. Ms. Spoon is intentional about building strong foundations in reading and language while nurturing character and joy within the classroom.
Outside of school, Ms. Spoon enjoys spending time outdoors and especially loves paddleboarding, which allows her to slow down and connect with God’s creation. You may be surprised to learn that she often finds her best teaching ideas while on the water! Her greatest joy in life is her 8-year-old son, who continually reminds her of the beauty of childlike wonder and the gift of motherhood.
Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Stoeber brings warmth, discipline, and delight to the Kindergarten classroom. Before joining HLSPV, she built an accomplished 40-year career as a Legal Administrator, Paralegal, and Medical Assistant. She studied business and law office management at Phoenix College and was an active member of the Association of Legal Administrators.
After retiring from her administrative work, Mrs. Stoeber discovered her love for early childhood education and joined HLSPV, where she now pours her experience and heart into teaching. She delights in seeing her students grow both academically and personally and treasures the laughter that fills her classroom.
You may be surprised to learn that Mrs. Stoeber once flew in a Red Baron biplane, performing acrobatic maneuvers high above the desert! She credits her parents for her strong work ethic and is most proud of passing on that legacy of perseverance and joy to her students.
Cosette Virkler
Simply Classical Teacher's Assistant
Coty brings genuine care and energy to her role as Teacher's Assistant in the Simply Classical Program at HLSPV. She loves making a real difference in students' lives through education and has a gift for building meaningful relationships.
A surprising thing about Coty is her strength in math. She also loves learning American Sign Language and teaches it to our Simply Classical and Jr. K students.
Coty is most proud of her relationships with the people she loves and her faith in God.