STAFF

Rachel began teaching dance while at the Phoenix Dance Academy. She graduated from NAU in 2004 with a B.S. in Elementary Education. Rachel is Certified with the Royal Academy of Dance and Acrobatic Arts. 

Rachel has been teaching the love of dance for over 25 years and founded Liberty Performing Arts in Cottonwood in 2013. Rachel had a vision to start a performing arts charter school many years ago and began the application process in 2017. She was awarded the charter for Liberty Leadership Academy in 2019. 

Truly Blakely has worked with preschool age children for over 20 years. She has also worked in schools in many different capacities such as teacher, secretary, and admin assistant. After being a stay at home mom and in home childcare provider for 8 years Truly is ready to start a new adventure at Liberty Leadership Academy. 

 During her 17-year tenure coaching cheer and dance at Mingus Union high school and Cottonwood middle school, Michelle discovered her passion for teaching. Over the past decade, she has dedicated herself to working with children of all ages, from primary to middle school. Her experience has been incredibly rewarding.

Now, Michelle eagerly anticipate many more fulfilling years of teaching at Liberty Leadership Academy. Her commitment to shaping young minds and fostering a love for learning remains strong, and she looks forward to making a positive impact on the lives of her students.

 Passionate about teaching, Nicci has dedicated the past 12 years to working with students from pre-K to eighth grade. Within the Cottonwood Oak Creek school district, she has taken on various roles, including conducting hearing and vision screenings, serving as a health aide, and delivering impactful lessons in the classroom. Witnessing her students' growth fills her with excitement and fulfillment, and she eagerly anticipate embarking on another fruitful year at Liberty Leadership Academy. 

 Beth firmly believes that learning begins at home and continues in the classroom. 

In her professional journey, Beth has worked with two Christian preschools in her past, but since August 2021, she has found fulfillment at Liberty Leadership Academy (LLA). Delighted to return to LLA for another year, Beth eagerly looks forward to supporting and enriching the education of all the Liberty Leaders in any way she can.

  Shelly Wilcoxson has worked with preschool age-8th grade students for 20 years in many different settings. Miss Shelly has an Associates Degree in Graphic Design and is finishing up her Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education. We are excited to have Miss Shelly on the Liberty Leadership Academy team!

  I have lived in the Verde Valley since 1975, graduating from Mingus Union High School in Cottonwood in 1980 and from NAU in 1995.  Yes I took a few years off to get married (to my High School sweetheart, 42 years ago in July!!) and start a family, but I always knew that teaching was in my heart! I have been a classroom teacher for 15 years and have spent 5 years as a school Administrator.  My goal is to make each year an amazing adventure, where my students learn more about themselves and our amazing world! Life in my classroom is rarely dull and I love creating life-long learners!

  Vanessa is a loving mother, sister, daughter and friend. She was born and raised in Southern California and in 2016 moved to Cottonwood, Arizona with her family. She grew up in love with creativity and the arts and all the ways to express it including creative writing, theater, musical theater, photography, animation design and interior design. Vanessa completed her Associates of Arts Degree at Yavapai College in 2020 where she found her interest in America Sign Language. Alongside her daughter, they learned the beautiful language together. She hopes to continue expressing her love for the arts, music and ASL by sharing what she has learned with the students at Liberty Leadership Academy.  

 Paige is a loving Wife and Mother. She has homeschooled her children for 8 years before accepting a position at Liberty Leadership Academy. Paige has also filled the role of a Sunday School Teacher and Coordinator for the past 3 years. She enjoys the opportunity to interact with children from the community in the school setting.