Mrs. Harris
Kindergarten | 1st Grade
Mrs. Harris came to Carden, first, as a parent in 2013. All three of her boys have graduated from Carden and continued their education journeys. She joined the Carden staff in 2016 as the playground monitor and Office aide and moved into the position of the Kindergarten/First Grade Teacher. Mrs. Harris holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in family studies and has her Early Childhood Certification.
Ms. Nichols
Second Grade | Third Grade
Ms. Nichols holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Science, K-12 Teaching Certification from University of Arizona. She joined Carden of Tucson Staff in 1999 as the Health Science, Physical Education, Art Teacher, and PTO member. In 2003, Ms. Nichols began an extensive journey in Health Sciences, Therapeutic Massage Certification, Language Arts, and Structured English Immersion Training. Returning in 2010 to Carden as Kindergarten Assistant and Substitute Teacher K-8. She has been a primary teacher since 2011. Currently Ms. Nichols is teaching a 2nd and 3rd grade combination class. She thrives in teaching Math and Language Arts. Her gift is motivating others to pursue their dreams!
Mr. Wesner
4th Grade | 5th Grade Homeroom, 4th – 8th Science
Bio: Mr. Wesner completed a Teacher Preparation Program at Pima Community College and holds a Bachelor of Arts and Letters from Northern Arizona University. He has been in the teaching field for many years around Tucson, and has enjoyed getting to work in a personalized classroom at Carden. He enjoys all things plants and has a passion for teaching students about the scientific world around us.
Ms. Gaddis
Middle School Homeroom, 4th – 8th ELA
Bio: Ms. Gaddis recently joined Carden and has been a wonderful addition to the team. She graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor of Science, Secondary Education with focuses on Literature and Creative Writing. She loves her 3 cats, reading, coloring and video games. She strives to be a lifelong learner and is always ready to ask the difficult questions.
Mrs. Martinez
4th – 8th Math
Bio: Mrs. Martinez is a Carden of Tucson graduate. She is passionate in helping students learn to enjoy math class and understanding the materials. Mrs. Martinez has always had a love for math and now she shares that love with her students.
Coach Stock
PE
Coach Stock joined us in 2023. She is currently attending school online through Brigham Young University-Idaho, where she is working on her degree in Applied Health. She hopes to one day travel and participate in humanitarian work. Coach loves her family of six and all the various activities they are involved in. She has loved her time here and seeing the students being active and learning new skills. Coach Stock is always striving to be her best and uses every interaction with those around her as an opportunity to grow and improve.
Mr. Claridge
Music
Bio: Mr. Claridge attended Brigham Young University where he earned a master’s degree in dance. He performed and toured with BYU’s Ballroom Dance Company, Dancers’ Company and Theater Ballet. After graduation, Mr. Claridge became the director of the modern dance program at Rick’s College (BYU Idaho). He was the director and choreographer of Extravadance touring company for 10 years. He has taught students around the country for many years including jazz, modern dance and contemporary.
He also loves to direct choirs and put together musical productions of all kinds.
