Gila Crossing Community School

Family and Child Education

Home Based

Families with Children who are prenatal to 5 years old receive a visit in their home every week or two. Home-based educators respect parents and other caregivers, and help them to be the first and most important teachers for their children. Each visit includes: age-specific information about parenting issues, family well-being, child development, and an educational activity between the parent and the child that is often adapted to emphasize the local culture and language.

Home-based parents are invited to a group meeting at least once a month. They hear speakers on topics related to family well-being, development-centered parenting, parent-child interaction, make books and toys for their children that often include the local culture and language, participate in parent-child activities, get to know the school-based FACE staff, and learn to feel good about being a part of the school.

Center Based

The educational program for the 3 to 5 year old children focuses on literacy development, particularly pre-reading skills, like letter identification, the sound and letter connections, vocabulary development and learning to love books, stories and language. Children also learn to work together, make wise choices, solve problems, follow directions, and many other skills that will help them to be good students. The native culture and language are essential components of the learning environment, teaching practices and curriculum.

While the children are receiving their educational services, the parents are busy working toward their own learning goals in several areas: education, employment, and personal and family life. Parents often want more knowledge of their culture and language so they can share this knowledge with their children. They also want to learn how to use computers for their careers or to obtain a job, so technology skills are a major focus in the classroom.

Amiee Mestaz
FACE Adult Instructor

My name is Amiee Mestaz.  I am the Adult Education/Parent Engagement Teacher and Coordinator for the Gila Crossing Community School FACE (Family and Child Education) Program.   I am grateful to be a part of FACE and to work at Gila Crossing Community School.   I have been in education for over 20 years, mainly in Adult Education and Family Literacy.  

I am originally from California.  I grew up in a small town near Sequoia National Park.  I come from a large close-knit family.   I have lived in Arizona since 1994 when I came for graduate school.  I love being in nature, reading, doing yoga, and experimenting in the kitchen.  Although, it doesn’t always turn out well.  I live with my partner, Alberto, and our 3 cats in Phoenix.  

I believe that Family Literacy can change the lives of the families that participate in the program.  In fact, I’ve seen it happen many times!  I can’t wait to work with you and your family! 

If you have any questions or would like more information please email me at amiee.mestaz@gccseagles.org or call 520-550-4834

Erika Franco
FACE Preschool Co-Teacher

My name is Erika Franco and I am the Co-Teacher for the FACE Program. This is my 5th year here at Gila Crossing. I have been working in the early childhood education for the past 17 years on the Gila River Reservation. I am honored to be teaching young children and supporting families. I received my AAS in Early Childhood Education, Preschool certificate and CDA from CAC. I am currently enrolled at GCU.

I was born in Mexico, grew up in California and reside in the Maricopa county. I love Mexican food; however, I like to try new things. I like to spend my time with my family, cooking, sewing, crafting, my two chihuahua and traveling.

Denise Sanchez

FACE Preschool Co-Teacher

My name is Denise Sanchez and I am the Co-Teacher for the FACE Program. This is my 3rd year here at Gila Crossing. I have been working in the early childhood education field for 20 years in Preschools/childcare. I enjoy working with children and their families. Providing resources and support. I am still learning new things every year and hope to obtain more knowledge and schooling.

I was a parent in the FACE program with my son. In this program I received my driver’s license and paraprofessional certificate. My son and I enjoy outings and staying home with our 3 cats. 

Lacy Guerra
FACE Parent Educator

Hello, My Name is Lacy Guerra Rodriguez-Infante, I’m a FACE Parent Educator with the FACE Program, and have been for many years now.

I started off as a FACE Adult student myself, not all of us get the luxury of completing school when we want to and continuing onto college, but with the FACE Program, it made it possible for me to not only complete my GED but also complete my Paraprofessional Certificate begin college courses and start my first step into early education as a Kindergarten Teacher Assistant at Gila Crossing Community School.

Now years later I get to be apart of that journey of helping others achieve their goals and supporting parents and caregivers become their child’s most important teacher.

A little about myself, I am a tribal member from the Gila River Indian Community, I grew up in District 7 and I am Pii pash/Akimel O’odham/Klamath, Spaniard and all kinds of other things.

I’m happily married to my husband Rudy and have 3 teenagers Ayden (17) Izaac (16) and Lily (13). We have 1 cat named Isis and 2 Birds Pikachu and Peachrie

On my spare time you can usually find me at your local Starbucks, when I’m not there I’m usually finding time to read, paint, crafting, or trying to desperately beat my kids on video games.

I would love to share more but overall, I enjoy working with the families of our community and love being a supporter in their journey to their personal goals and success, I look forward to talking and working with you all.

Tamara Guerra

FACE Parent Educator

Hello my name is Tamara Guerra,  I am a tribal member of the beautiful community and reside in District 7. I have been serving Gila Crossing Community School for 18 years. This is my 6th year in the position of Family and Child Education ( FACE)as a Parent Educator. This role has truly been a blessing to continue to serve my community. I started in the FACE program as a student/parent and now encourage other members of the community to engage and seek the benefits of the FACE program for their children.

As a FACE Family Enrichment Parent Educator, I still learn and grow with the families I serve. I am committed to being part of the community and share the knowledge that the FACE and Parents As Teachers program offers our families.

If you would like more information about the services we provide please contact myself or one of the other ladies in the Program.

tamara.guerra@gccseagles.org